History of Bridgewater p. 67

EARLY SETTLEMENT OF BRIDGEWATER.

[Thanks to Betty White for transcribing the History section]

	it was laid out when removed from the place where the great bridge was at Jones' River, (at Kingston.)

1717.—	The town gave Mr. Allen (minister) liberty to make use of the pine trees on the stated common on Bayley's Plain for drawing of turpentine.

1737.—	The town voted their consent that the north should become a distinct town, agreeably to their petition; and on November 29, 1738, they also voted their consent that the south and east precincts might also each become distinct towns; but these votes were never attempted to be carried into effect only as it regarded the north, who, although they petitioned originally to become a town, were indulged so far only as to be incorporated into a precinct.

1757.—	Voted to choose five selectmen: hitherto they had chosen but three, one from the west, one from the south, and one from the east; ever after they chose one from each of the five parishes, east, west, north, south, and Titicut.

1767.—	Several of the neutral French were supported and provided for in this town for several years previous; and this year Joseph Latham was paid 21s.4d., for carrying them to Plymouth; (for transportation probably.)

1664.—	IT is ordered by the feofees, and agreed upon by the town, that every man shall have a convenient highway to his meadow lands.

"	They whom it doth concern may have a way through the spruce swamp.

1667.—	There was a highway left by individuals between Nathaniel Hayward's six acre lot, and Thomas Snell's ten acre lot, upon the east side of Goodman Bacon's on the plain, and a piece of common land between the lots in form like a gusset.