History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

CHAPTER XV.
PROGRESS IN EVERY DIRECTION.
The Records Con- DuRiNG the next few yeai's the history of
tain the History. ^}^q town is to be fouiid maiiily "iipoii tho
record book of its meetings, and much that
had a beneficial effect upon the subsequent prosperity of
the place was inscribed thereon. The development of its
industries was fostered and protected by wholesome enact-
ments, and many jDrimary and formative laws and regula-
tions, that have given strength to the community and permanence
to its institutions, were then adopted. A brief
statement of the most important business transacted in
them indicates progress in every direction.
Weights and Meas- James Bridgmau was the first person in
ures. Town towu choscu " Clcrk of the Markets," or
to buy Powder. Sealer of Weights and Measures. This occurred
in 1659, before the municipality had
provided proper implements for such a purpose. Five years
later the town was indicted for not having obtained standard
weights and measures from the proper authorities.
About this time, and probably in consequence of this action
by the court, all weights and measures were directed to be
delivered to the Clerk of the Markets. At the same time a
town brand was also decided upon. The device was to be
'' MH," and the town ordered "y' Lt. Wilton speake to Me-
dad Pumry to make one." Towns were obliged by law to
keep a stock of powder on hand, and it was voted "that
the barrel of powder shalbe opened and supply all the souldiers
that want powder in the Towne, provided they bring
3 pecks of wheat for a pound of powder." This was in
accordance with a law of 1641, which provided that every
one should buy powder, paying in grain.