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

134 SPRINGFIELD, 1 636-1886.
The fence question, which, from the first settlement in this valley,
was a constant source of trouble, came under the eye of the County
Court, and it is interesting to note how the judges handled a matter
that was the despair of local legislators. We quote from the records
of the Hampshire County Court, held at Springfield, in September,
1664. It is to be remembered that Pynchon was a member of the
court, and upon the jur^'-list were Eobert Ashley, John Dumbleton
(who had been a servant of a Mr. Whiting, at Hartford, and had
lived awhile at Windsor before coming to Springfield), and Rice
Bodortha :
—
John Dumbleton & Thomas Miller of Springfield were presented by the Jury
to this Courte for y^' breach of a law of this Jurisdiction for not attending their
office for viewing the fences on the West side of the River at Springfeild
This Courte Freeth John Dumbleton for that he pleadeth y' he would have
attended it but could not gett his partner to joyne wth him in ye service but
Thomas Miller was fyned in y*^ summe of 2s to y^ use of y