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

1710-1728.] COL. JOHN STODDARD. 167
called John Stoddard Esq., but that was after he became
by common consent "Squire Stoddard" to all the village
people.
Representative, and In 1716, lie was first cliosen representative
other Duties. to the General Court. He was seventeen
times re-elected to that position, and was
serving in it when his death occurred. When a candidate,
he suffered defeat on some occasions owing to local feuds.
In 17*^2", he was selectman, representative, and moderator
of town-meetings in Northampton, besides being engaged
in government work at the extreme western limit of the
Province. Oftener than any of his contemporaries was he
chosen moderator of town-meetings, probably being elected
to that office whenever present. In twenty-two different
years, from 1716 to his death, he was called to preside over
the deliberations of the citizens of Northampton in townmeeting
assembled.
Town Clerk. Greatly interested in the third and permanent
settlement of Northfield, though never
a resident of that place, he was for eight years, from 1715
to 1723, annually chosen its town clerk. In recognition of
his services in this capacity he was granted one hundred
acres of land in that town, in 1710.
couueiii.n-. Hc was a member of " His Majesty's Coun-
cil for the Province of Massachusetts,'" in
1724, 1727, and 1728. On account of his peculiar sentiments^
considerable opposition was developed against him,
and he failed of an election on several occasions. Rather
than continue the fight, he declined being longer a candidate
for that office, contenting himself with a seat in the
House of Deputies, when the people saw fit to elect him.
In only nine of the twenty years of life that remained to
him, did the citizens of Northampton permit him to be
absent from that body.
1
" He had been several years member of the council, but being in favor of the
prerogative, generally met -with great opposition, and having been divers times left
out, he at length declined being any longer the subject of contention, and chose a
seat in the house, his town thinking it a favor that he would represent them."
Hutchinson, vol. 2, p. 386.
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