Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1886. 131
111 y'" Backer seate of j"^ Gallery on y"^ North side at y^ upp end of it — James
Taylor ; John Horton ; Hugh Mackey ;
Wm
Morgan :
In y*^ South side at y^' upp end of y"^ Backer seate — Jonath Ball; Saiul Ball;
Jos. Harmon ; Nathanell Sikes ; Tho: Thomson :
In y** Backer Seate (a break) the Pillars on the North side ^— John Hitchcock;
Jo Clarke ; Jon Lombard ; Sam Bliss :
On the South — Jos Thomas; Tho Stebbins ;
Jos Bedortha.
Those of the present generation having ancestors in this congrega-
tion, and being curious to learn their social importance, can entertain
themselves by stiid^'ing the above list ; and, if the family vanity is
not flattered by ancestral assignments to "• y*" Backer seate," let it be
remembered that the good people of that day were themselves often
quite as nnich disturbed at the way they were ranked. This trouble
became so serious in 1666 that the selectmen Avere compelled to interfere
; many having refused to sit where they were assigned, and hav-
ing acted " with a high hand," it was ordered : —
Whosoever of tliis towneshii) shall not fro tyme to tyme in respect of their
sitting in y*^' meeting house submit y'"selves to the ordering of y*^ Select men &
Deacons or such as are impowered to seate & order psons in y^ meeting house :
All such Persons as shall refuse or neglect to attend unto order as aforsd shall
forfeite as is hereafter expressed viz : Hee or She that shall not take his or her
seate ordered y'" from Tyme to tyme But shall on y« days or Tymes of Gods
Publike worship Goe into & abide in any other seate appointed for some other
Such disorderly pson or psons for y'^' first offence shall forfeit Three shillings
foure pence toy"^' Towne Treasury, w