History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

HISTORY OF AMESBURY. 229
reported that it was attended with so much difficulty that it be
referred to the next annual meeting. Mr. Whittier had leave in
1747 to set up a brick-yard there, and had no doubt done so,
making more or less bricks every year, as the large excavation
shows, and now wishes to build on the ground. The final result
is not known.
For the first time the selectmen were required to make out
a list of jurors and lay it before the town for acceptance. From
this list the meeting selected such names as were thought best
for the Superior Court, and placed them in a box. Another
selection was made for the Inferior Court, and placed in a
second box. These boxes were locked, and when a juror was
wanted the clerk took them to town meeting and one of the
selectmen drew out, as wanted, one or more.
The small pox made its appearance in town, causing very gen-
eral alarm among the people. Precautionary measures were
taken by providing two pest-houses, one at the west end and
one at the east end of the town. Widow Sarah Currier's house
was taken at the West parish, and Daniel Martin's at the East
parish. Ichabod March was chosen special constable at the
west end and Eliphalet Martin at the east end, " to take good
care and see to the people that have the small pox and to
press nurses necessary for the help and support of those sick,
if need be, and to remove them into houses that the town have
provided for that purpose."
Daniel Martin lived on a "little knowl" near Martin's bridge,
and probably the Widow Currier lived in some retired spot in
the West parish.
The selectmen were ordered to take care of "idle persons"
and not allow them to "squander away their estate."
A committee was chosen to devise some plan for the management
of the poor, and report at the next annual meeting.
Dec. 1 6th. A town meeting was held, and after choosing
David Merrill, moderator, adjourned " to y e Widow Esther Colby,
Innholder in Amesbury." This was a famous resort, and busi -
ness always seemed to go better after being refreshed by some
of the widow's excellent flip. On this occasion ^16 were added
to the sum raised for town expenses.