Massachusetts Towns and Counties History ************************************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL DATA Relating to COUNTIES, CITIES AND TOWNS IN MASSACHUSETTS. Prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Division of Public Records. Boston Wright, Potter Printing Company, State Printers, 32 Derne Street. 1920. In colonial and provincial times in Massachusetts groups of individuals with- in clearly defined areas, not strong enough to become a town, were often esta- blished by law as townships and districts, without certain town privileges, as the power of choosing Representatives, etc. Chapter 3 of the Acts of 1775, Section 3, passed August 23, 1775, declared that "every corporate body in this colony which in the act for the incorporation there-of, is said and declared to be made a district, and has, by such act, granted to it, or is declared to be vested with, the rights, powers, privi- leges or immunities of a town, with the exception above mentioned of choosing and sending a Representative the the Great and General Court or assembly, shall henceforth be, and shall be holden, taken and intended to be, a town to all in- tents and purposes whatsoever." (Provincial Laws, Volume V, p.420.). Since that time there have been no districts or townships in the State. New towns set off from one or more towns are duly incorporated by law and their bounds fixed. Towns and cities may, of course, establish certain lines within their own areas as town and city limits, using the words in contradistinction to "country" or "outskirts", for the regulation of water, light, or police service. These lines, however would not properly be considered the corporate bounds of the town. "Towns - became in effect, municipal or quasi-corporations, without any formal act of incorporation." (122 Mass. p.349) March 23, 1786. "The inhabitants of every town within this goverment are hereby declaired to be a body politic and corporate." (Acts 1785, Chapter 75). November 4, 1835. "All places now incorporated as districts, except the district of Marshpee, in the county of Barnstable, shall have all the powers and privileges, and be subject to all the duties to which towns are entitled by the provisions of this Chapter. (R.S. Chap. 15, Sect. 9). The asterisk (*) following a date signifies that it is "Old Style" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Insert: Old and New style dating and Day of the week When the Pope Gregory revised the calendar in 1582, a certain number of days were omitted from the calendar at a particular time, resulting in two separate styles of dating. England persisted in using the "Old Style" until 1752, because of religious differences. The Old Style also often dated the beginning of the year from March 25 rather than January 1, but for the sake of simplicity this area of the site uses ecclesiastical years (which begin on January 1st). A document dated March 8, 1735, Old Style may actually be in 1736, and you should calculate accordingly. Sometimes documents will note the difference by recording a split year, e.g. "1735/6." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ p.3 Here is a more detailed description of the transition year in England: 1752. The area called "Convert Old Style to New Style" converts the old style date to a new style date and returns an answer. The area called "Convert New Style to Old Style" converts the new style date to an old style date and enters it in "Old style" fields. You must enter an integer greater than zero for the year. You can also calculate the day of the week for both old and new style dates. Remember that these forms assume that the year begins on January 1st - not on March 25th. If you have an old style document dated before March 25th, you may have to subtract 1 from the year. p.4 Many of the doings of the Court are given in different volumes of the early records under different dates, usually, however, in the same year. The earl- iest date is given in these tables. The dates that appear in the column head- ed "First mentioned in the Records of the State," etc., are those under which the several names as there given, first appear in the records of the Colonies, Province or State, although settlements under the same or different names might have been earlier made. The names of cities are printed in small capitals; of extinct cities, towns and districts are in italics. Under the provisions of Chapter 101, Resolves of the May session of the General Court, 1794, it was provided that as an accurate map of the Commonwealth would tend to facilitate and promote such information and improvements as would be favorable to its growth and prosperity, the several towns and districts were required to cause to be taken accurate plans of their respective towns or dis- tricts, upon a scale of 200 rods to an inch, to be lodged in the Secretary's office. District of Maine. These plans were duly filed with the exception of Chelsea, and are to be found in the Secretary's office, Division of Archives, Town Plans 1794, volumes 1 to 16. By Chapter 24, Resolves of 1797 - May Session, these plans were used as a basis for maps of Massachusetts proper and the District of Maine, which were published and distributed in 1801. By Chapter 50, Resolves of 1829, March 1, 1830, it was required that the City of Boston and the several towns and districts in the Commonwealth, cause to be made accurate plans of their respective towns or districts, on a scale of 100 rods to an inch, upon a minute and accurate survey, to be lodged in the Secret- ary's office. These in turn were filed, with the exception of Carver, Chelsea, Littleton, Nantucket, New Bedford and Plympton, and are to be found in the Secretary's Office, Division of Archives, Town Plans, 1830, Volume 1 to 15. The tables that follow were prepared in their present form by the late Robert T. Swan, Esq., Commissioner of Public Records, and were continued by his succ- essor, the late Henry E. Woods, Esq. BARNSTABLE COUNTY - INCORPORATED JUNE 2, 1685. Cities & Towns First mentioned in Records of State, or therein recorded as Established or Incorporated. From what Established or Incorp- orated, Changes of Boundary, In- corporation as a City, Extinction etc., according to Records of the State. Barnstable March 5, 1638. Common land. June 17, 1641 bounds between Barnstable & Yarmouth established. March 2, 1652 bounds between Barnstable & Sandwich to be established. March 11, 1658, Barn- stable and Yarmouth agreed upon bounds. June 3, 1662, additional lands granted to Barnstable. June 10, 1662, bounds between Barnstable and Sandwich to be established. Oct. 29*, 1672, bounds between Barnstable and Sandwich established. Jan. 22, 1795, bounds between Barnstable and the District of Mashpee established. March 28, 1894, bounds between Barn- stable & Mashpee established. April 24, 1916 bounds between Barnstable and Mashpee established and part of Sandwich was annexed. Bourne. April 2, 1884. A part of Sandwich. April 14, 1897 bounds between Bourne & Wareham esta blished. Brewster Feb. 19, 1803. A part of Harwich. June 21, 1811, part of Harwich annexed. April 25, 1848, part annexed to Harwich. Feb. 20, 1861, bounds between Brewster & Orleans established. Chatham. June 11, *1712. District of Manamoit. April 14, 1862 bounds between Chatham & Orleans and Chatham & Harwich established. Dennis. June 19, 1793. A part of Yarmouth. Eastham. June 7* 1651. Name was changed from Nawsett. Mar. 5* 1678. Eastham & purchasers on both sides to settle the bounds. June 16, 1763, a part established as the District of Wellfleet. July 14, 1772, a part of Harwich annexed. March 3, 1797, part of Eastham esta- blished as Orleans. March 9, 1839, a part annexed to Orleans. April 26, 1847, part annexed to Wellfleet. March 23, 1867, bounds between East- ham & Orleans established and part of each town annexed to the other town. May 6, 1887, bounds between tidewaters of Eastham & Wellfleet established. p.6 BARNSTABLE COUNTY, CONTINUED. CITIES AND TOWNS First mentioned in From what established or incorp- Records of the State, orated, Change of Boundary, In- or therein recorded as corporation as a City, Extinction, as Established etc., according to Records of the or Incorporated. State. BARNSTABLE COUNTY continued. Falmouth Sept. 14,* 1694. Name changed from Suckanesset though not recorded. Nov. 28, 1735 bounds between Falmouth & lands of the proprietors of Mashpee con- firmed. March 17, 1841, a tract of land formerly in the plantation of Mashpee annexed. March 19, 1880, bounds between Falmouth and Sand- wich established. June 18, 1885, bounds between Falmouth & Mashpee established. Harwich Sept. 14,* 1694. Tract of land known as Satuckett. July 14, 1772, part annexed to Eastham. Feb 19, 1803, a part established as Brewster. June 21, 1811, a part annexed to Brewster. April 25, 1848, a part of Brewster annexed. April 4m 1862 bounds be- tween Harwich and Orleans esta- blished. April 14, 1862 bounds be- tween Harwich & Chatham establish- ed. Marshpee, District of. March 31, 1834. Plantation of Marshpee, Mar. 17, 1841. A tract of land formerly in the plantation of Marshpee, annex- to Falmouth. April 1, 1859, part annexed to Sandwich, March 13, 1870, district of Marshpee abol- ished and Town of Marshpee esta- blished. Mashpee, District of. June 14, 1763. Common land called Mashpee. Act of June 14, 1763 revived, to be in force until July 1, 1770. Nov. 15, 1770, the act again revived, to be in force until the end of the session of the General Court, next after November 1, 1775. Feb. 9, 1776, the act to continue in force until the end of the session next, Nov. 1, 1779. Nov. 25, 1779, the act again continued until Nov. 1, 1785. June 13, 1788, the above act repealed and three "Guardians to the Proprietors" appointed, the act now passed to be in force for ten years. Jan. 22, 1795, bounds between the district of Mashpee & Barnstable established. March 7, 1797, the act of June 13, 1788, made perpetual until repealed by the Legislature. Feb. 26, 1811, part of the "plantation of Marsh- pee" (sic) annexed to Sandwich. Mashpee May 28, 1870 District of Marshpee. March 19, 1872 part of Sandwich re-annexed. June 18, 1885, bounds between Mashpee & Falmouth established. May 27, 1887, bounds between Mash- pee and Sandwich established and part of Sandwich annexed. March 28, 1894, bounds between Mashpee and Barnstable established. April 20, 1905, bounds between Mashpee and Sandwich established and part of Sandwich annexed. April 24, 1916, bounds between Mashpee and Barnstable established. p.7 BARNSTABLE COUNTY, continued. Cities and Towns. First mentioned in From what established or Incorp- Records of the State, orated, Change of Boundary, In- or therein recorded as corporation as a City, extinct- established or Incorp- ion, etc., according to Records orated. of the State. Nawsett. 1643. Common land. Mar. 3* 1645, cer- tain common lands, "lying be- sea and sea" granted to those who go to dwell at "Nossett." June 2*, 1646, established as a township. June 7* 1651, name changed to Eastham. Orleans March 3, 1797. Part of Eastham. March 9, 1839, part of Eastham annexed. Feb. 20, 1861, bound between Orleans & Brewster established. April 4, 1862, bounds between Orleans & Harwich established. April 14, 1862, bounds between Orleans & Chatham established. March 23, 1867, bounds between Orleans & Eastham established & part of each annexed to the other town. Provincetown. June 14.* 1727. Precinct of Cape Cod. June 12, 1813, part of Truro annexed & bounds between the towns esta- blished. March 2, 1829, part of Truro annexed and bounds again established. March 30, 1836, part of Truro annexed. Sandwich. March 6,* 1638. Common land called "Sanditch." March 2,* 1652, bounds between Sandwich and Barnstable to be established. June 10,* 1662, bounds between Sandwich & Barns- stable to be established Jan. 19 1663, ordered to be entered on the records of the Court. Oct. 29, 1672, bounds between Sand- wich & Barnstable established. July 7,* 1681, bounds between Sandwich & Suckanesset estab- lished. October 28, 1684, bounds established. Nov. 28, 1735, bounds between Sandwich & lands of the proprietors of Mashpee confirmed. Feb. 26, 1811, part of the "plantation of Marshpee" (sic) annexed. April 1, 1859, part of the district of Marsh- pee annexed. March 13, 1860, part of the district of Marsh- pee annexed. March 19, 1872, part re-annexed to Mashpee. March 19, 1880, bounds between Sandwich & Falmouth established. April 2, 1884 part established as Bourne. May 27, 1887 bounds between Sandwich & Mashpee esta- blished & Mashpee established & part annexed to Mashpee. April 20, 1905, bounds between Sand- wich & Mashpee established & part annexed to Mashpee. April 24, 1916, part annexed to Barn- stable. Suckanesset. June 7,* 1670. Bounds mentioned. July 7,* 1681 bounds between Suckanesset & Sandwich established. June 4,* 1686, made a township with privileges of a town. Name changed to Falmouth, though not recorded. p.8 BARNSTABLE COUNTY Concluded. Cities & Towns. First mentioned in From what Established or Incorp- Records of the State, ated, Change of Boundary, Incor- or therein recorded as porated as a City, Extinction, Established or Incorp- etc., according to Records of orated. the State. Truro. July 16,* 1709. Common land called Pawmett. Oct. 21, 1714 bounds between Truro & the Province Lands established. June 12, 1813, part annexed to Provincetown and bounds between the towns established. March 2, 1829 part annexed to Province- town & bounds again established. March 30, 1836, part annexed to Provincetown. Feb. 22, 1837, bounds between Truro & Wellfleet established. Wellfleet. June 16, 1763. Part of Eastham established as the District of Wellfleet. Aug. 23, 1775, the District was made a Town by general act. Feb. 22, 1837, bounds between Wellfleet and Truro established. April 26, 1847, part of Eastham annexed. May 6, 1887, bounds between the tidewaters of Wellfleet & East- ham established. Yarmouth. January 7,* 1639. Common land called Mattacheeset. June 17,* 1641, bounds between Yarmouth and Barnstable esta- blished. March 11,* 1658, Yar- mouth & Barnstable agreed upon bounds. June 19, 1793, part of Yarmouth established as Dennis. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BERKSHIRE COUNTY, INCORPORATED APRIL 21, 1761. Adams. October 15, 1778. The plantation called East Hoosuck. April 10, 1780, the plantation called New Providence annexed. March 14, 1793, part in- cluded in the new town of Cheshire April 16, 1878, part established as North Adams. Alford. February 16, 1773. Part of Great Barrington and certain common lands established as the District of Alford. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by general act. Feb. 11, 1779, part of Great Barrington annexed. February 6, 1790, bounds between Alford and Egremont esta- blished. February 18, 1819, part of Great Barrington annexed. March 17, 1847, part of West Stockbridge annexed. Becket June 21, 1765. The new plantation called Number Four. March 12, 1783 part included in the new town of Middlefield. Feb. 3, 1798, certain common lands lying between Becket, Blandford, Chester and Loudon annexed. March 1, 1810, a part of Loudon annexed. Bethlehem, District of. June 24, 1789. The north eleven thousand acres. June 19, 1809, district of Bethle- hem and the town of Loudon united as the town of Loudon. March 1, 1810 act of June 19, 1809 took effect. p.9 BERKSHIRE COUNTY, Cont'd. Cities & Towns. First mentioned in From what established or Incor- Records of the State, porated, Change of Boundary, In- or therein recorded as corporation as a City, Extinction Established or Incorpor- etc., according to Records of the ated. State. Boston Corner, District of. April 14, 1838. Common land. March 12, 1847, bounds between the distrcit of Boston Corner and Mount Washing- ton established. May 14, 1853, ceded to the State of New York. Cheshire. March 14, 1793. Parts of Adams, Lanesborough, Windsor & the district of New Ashford. Feb. 26, 1794, part re-annexed to Windsor. Feb. 6, 1798, part of the district of New Ashford annexed. May 28, 1912, bounds between Cheshire and New Ashford established. Clarksburg. March 2, 1798. Common land. May 2, 1848, part annexed to Florida. May 20, 1852, a part of Florida annex- ed. April 10, 1913, bounds be- tween Clarksburg & Florida established. Dalton. March 20, 1784. The new plantation of Ashuelot Equivalent. Feb. 28, 1795, part of Windsor Annexed. Feb. 23, 1796, part of Windosr annexed. June 21, 1804, part included in the new town of Hinsdale. Egremont. February 13. 1760. Common land established as the district of Egremont. Aug. 23, 1775 the district made a town by general act. Feb 6, 1790, bounds between Egremont & Alford esta- blished. Feb 22, 1790 part of Sheffield annexed. June 17, 1817, bounds between Egremont & Mount Washington established and part of each town annexed to the other town. Feb 16, 1824, part of Shef- field annexed. June 4, 1860, bounds between Egremont & Sheff- ield established. Florida. June 15, 1805. Barnardstone's Grant & part of Bullock's Grant. May 2, 1848, part of Clarksburg annexed. May 20, 1852, part annexed to Clarks- burg. April 10, 1913, bounds be- tween Florida & Clarksburg estab- lished. Gageborough. July 4, 1771. The new plantation called Number Four. October 16, 1778, part of the plantation called Number Five annexed, and the town of Gage- borough, together with this an- nexed tract of land, to be a town by the name of Windsor. Great Barrington June 30, 1761. Part of Sheffield. Feb. 16, 1773 included in the new district of Alford. Feb. 16, 1773, lands ad- joining annexed. October 21, 1777 part included in the new town of Lee. Feb. 11, 1779, part annexed to Alford. Feb. 18, 1819, part annexed to Alford. Hancock. July 2, 1776. The plantation called Jerico. June 26, 1798, part annexed to the district of New Ashford. May 20, 1851, bounds between Hancock and New Ashford established. p.10 BERKSHIRE COUNTY continued. Cities & Towns. First mentioned in the From what established or incor- Records of the State, or porated, change of Boundary, as established or incorp- Incorporation as a City, Extinct orated. ion, etc., according to Records of the State. Hinsdale. June 21, 1804. Parts of Partridgefield & Dalton. Feb. 28, 1912, bounds between Hinsdale and Peru esta- blished. Lanesborough. June 21, 1765. The plantation of New Framing- ham. March 14, 1793, part in- cluded in the new town of Chesh- ire. Lanesborough. June 21, 1765. The plantation of New Framing- ham. March 14, 1793, part in- cluded in the new town of Chesh- ire. Lee. October 21, 1777. Parts of Great Barrington & Washington, the Glass Works Grant. March 7, 1806, bounds between Lee and Lenox estab- lished. March 7, 1806, part of Washington annexed and line between Lee and Washington esta- lished. February 7, 1820, bounds between Lee and Lenox esta- blished. Lenox. February 26, 1767. Part of Richmont. Nov. 20, 1770 land adjoining annexed. April 25, 1772, certain estates set off from Lenox to Richmont. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by general act. Feb. 18, 1802, part of Washington annex- ed. March 7, 1806, bounds be- tween Lenox & Lee established. February 7, 1820, bounds between Lenox and Lee established. Loudon. February 27, 1773. Common land called Tyringham, equivalent. June 19, 1809, Lou- don and the district of Bethle- hem united as the town of Loudon March 1, 1810, the act of June 19, 1809, took effect and part was annexed to Becket. June 13, 1810, name changed to Otis. Monterey. April 12, 1847. Part of Tyringham. May 24, 1851, part of New Marlborough annexed. April 24, 1875, the act of April 24, 1875, accepted by the town. June 1, 1875, the act of April 24, 1875, took effect. Mount Washington. June 21, 1779. The plantation called Tauconn- nuck Mountain. June 17, 1817, bounds between Mount Washing- ton and Egremont established and part of each town annexed to the other town. March 12, 1847, bounds between Mount Washington and the district of Boston Corner established. New Ashford. February 26, 1781. Land called New Ashford, lying between Adams, Hancock, Lanes- borough and Williamstown, esta- blished as the district of New Ashford. March 14, 1793, a part of the district of New Ashford included in the new town of Cheshire. February 6, 1798, a part of the district of New Ashford annexed to Cheshire. June 26, 1798, a part of Han- cock annexed to the district of New Ashford. p.11 BERKSHIRE COUNTY continued. CITIES AND TOWNS FIRST MENTIONED IN FROM WHAT ESTABLISHED OR RECORDS OF THE STATE. INCORPORATED, CHANGE OF BOUNDARY, INCORPORATION OF CITY, ETC. New Ashford, cont'd February 26, 1781. Nov. 4, 1835, the district made a town by Chapter 15 of the Revised Statutes. May 20, 1851, bounds between New Ash- ford and Hancock established. May 28, 1912, bounds between New Ashford and Cheshire esta- blished. New Marlborough. June 15, 1759. The plantation called New Marl- borough established as the dis- trick of New Marlborough. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by general act. June 19, 1795, part of Sheffield annex- ed. Feb. 11, 1812, part annex- ed to Tyringham. Feb 11, 1812, part annexed to Tyringham. May 24, 1851, a part annexed to Monterey. April 19, 1871, a part of Sheffield annexed & bounds established. North Adams. April 16, 1878. Part of Adams. March 22, 1895, North Adams incorporated as a city. April 8, 1895 act of in- corporation accepted by the Town. April 26, 1900, bounds between North Adams & Williams- town established and part of Williamstown annexed. Otis. June 13, 1810. Name changed from Loudon. April 9, 1838, a part of the common lands called East, eleven thousand acres annexed. Partridgefield. July 4, 1771. The new plantation called Number Two. March 12, 1783, a part included in the new town of Middlefield. June 21, 1804, a part included in the new town of Hinsdale. June 19, 1806, name was changed to Peru. Peru. June 19, 1806. Name changed from Partridge- field. Feb. 28, 1912, bounds between Peru & Hinsdale esta- blished. Pittsfield. April 21, 1761. The plantation called Pontoo- suck. June 5, 1889, Pitts- field incorporated as a city. February 11, 1890, act of in- corporation accepted by the town. Richmond. March 3, 1785. Name changed from Richmont. March 27, 1834, bounds between Richmond & West Stockbridge established. Richmont. June 21, 1765. The new plantation called Yokum Town, and Mount Ephraim. Feb. 26, 1767, a part established as the district of Lenox. April 24 1772, certain estates set off from Lenox to Richmont. Mar. 3, 1785, name changed to Richmond. Sandisfield. March 6, 1762. The new plantation called Number Three. Feb. 10, 1819, the district of Southfield and the town of Sandisfield united as the town of Sandisfield. p.12 BERKSHIRE COUNTY continued. Sandisfield March 6, 1762 A part of the common lands, called East Eleven thousand acres annexed. May 4, 1853, bounds between Sandisfield & Tolland established. May 15, 1855, bounds between Sandis- field & Tolland established. April 24, 1875 a part annexed to Monterey. May 19, 1875, Act of April 24, 1875 accept- ed by Monterey. June 1, 1875, Act of April 24, 1875, took effect. Savoy. February 20, 1797. Common Land. Sheffield June 22,* 1733. Part of the lower plantation called Housstannick. June 19, 1753, common land lying west annexed. Jan. 21, 1760 certain estates annexed to the upper parish. June 30, 1761 a part established as Great Barring- ton. Feb. 22, 1790 a part annexed to Egremont. June 19, 1795, a part annexed to New Marlborough. Feb. 7, 1798, a part annexed to New Marlbor- ough. Feb. 16, 1824, a part annexed to Egremont. June 4, 1869, bounds between Sheffield and Egremont established. April 19, 1871 a part annexed to New Marlborough and bounds esta- blished. Southfield, District of, June 19, 1797. The South eleven thousand acres Feb. 8, 1819, district of of Southfield, and town of Sandisfield united as the town of Sandisfield. Stockbridge. June 22,* 1739. The plantation called Indian Town. March 9, 1774. A part established as the district of West Stockbridge. June 17, 1774 bounds between Stockbridge and West Stockbridge established. March 2, 1829, a part annexed to West Stockbridge. February 6th, 1830, the act of May 2, 1829 perfected. Tyringham. March 6, 1762. The new plantation called No. One. February 27, 1811, a part annexed to New Marlborough. February 11, 1812, a part of New Marlborough annexed. April 12, 1847, a part established as Monterey. Washington. April 12, 1777. The plantation called Hartwood and several contiguous grants. October 21, 1777, part included in the new town of Lee. March 12, 1783, a part included in the new town of Middlefield. Jan. 31, 1795, a part annexed to Lenox. Feb. 18, 1802, a part annexed to Lenox. March 7, 1806 a part annexed to Lee, and line between Washington and Lee was established. West Stockbridge. March 9, 1774. A part of Stockbridge establish ed as the district of West Stockbridge. June 17, 1774, bounds between West Stockbridge and Stockbridge established. August 23, 1775, p.13 BERKKSHIRE COUNTY. West Stockbridge (continued) Mar. 9, 1774. the district made a town by general act. March 2, 1793, a gore of common land annexed. March 2, 1829, a part of Stock- bridge annexed. February 6, 1830, the Act of March 2, 1829, perfected. March 27, 1834, bounds between West Stockbridge and Richmond established. March 17th, 1847, a part annexed to Alford. Williamstown. June 21, 1765. The plantation called West Hoosuck. April 9, 1838, certain unincorporated lands annexed. April 25, 1900, bounds between Williamstown and North Adams established and a part annexed to North Adams. Windsor. October 16, 1778. The town of Gageborough and certain annexed lands. March 14, 1793, a part included in the new town oof Cheshire. Feb. 26, 1794, a part of Cheshire re-annexed. Feb. 28, 1795, a part annexed to Dalton. Feb. 23, 1796, a part annexed to Dalton. BRISTOL COUNTY. Incorporated June 2, 1685. Acushnet. February 13, 1860. A part of Fairhaven. April 9, 1875, a part annexed to New Bedford. Attleboro. October 19,* 1694. A part of Rehoboth, called The North Purchase, to be called Attleborough. September 10,* 1697, bounds between Attle- borough and Rehoboth establish- ed. June 26,* 1710, "the mile and a half restored," to Attle- borough. Feb. 18, 1830, bounds between Attleborough & Wrenth- and established and a part annexed to Wrentham. June 14, 1887, a part established as North Attleboro. July 30, 1887, the act of June 14, 1887 was accepted by the town. March 6, 1888, the acceptance of the Act by the town, confirmed. June 17 1914, Attleborough incorporated as the City of Attleboro. Nov. 3rd, 1914, act of incorporation accepted by the town. Berkley. April 18,* 1735. Parts of Dighton and Taunton. Feb. 26, 1799, a part of Dighton annexed. Feb. 6, 1810, certain lands in Berkley be- longing to Taunton annexed. March 3, 1842, certain lands in Berkley belonging to Taunton annexed. April 12, 1879, Act of April 1, 1879, accepted by the town. Dartmouth. October 5,* 1652. Common Land. June 8,* 1664, the tract of land called Acushena, Ponagansett, and Coaksett, established as Dartmouth. June 3,*1668, bounds established. February 23, p.14 BRISTOL COUNTY, continued. 1787, a part established as New Bedford. July 2, 1787, a part established as Westport. Feb. 25, 1793, a part annexed to Westport. Feb. 28, 1795, a part annexed to Westport. March 4, 1805, a part annexed to West- port. Feb. 20, 1828 bounds be- tween Dartmouth and Westport established Feb. 19, 1831. Bounds between Dartmouth and Newbedford established. March 20, 1845, a part annexed to New Bedford. May 3, 1888, a part annexed to New Bedford. Dighton. May 30,* 1712. Part of Taunton. April 18,* 1735, a part included in the new town of Berkley. March 2,* 1743, bounds reported by a Committee. Jan. 8,* 1745, bounds established. Feb. 26, 1799, a part annexed to Berk- ley. June 9, 1814, a part est- ablished as Wellington. Feb. 12, 1824, bounds between Dighton and Wellington esta- blished and part* annexed to Wellington. Feb. 22, 1826, Dighton & Wellington united as the town of Dighton if the Act is accepted previous to March 1st, 1826. February 26, 1826, Act accepted by Dighton. April 4th, 1854, a part annexed to Somerset. Easton. December 21.* 1725 Part of the land in Norton called the Taunton North Pur- chase. Fairhaven. February 22, 1812. A part of New Bedford. June 15, 1815, part of Freetown annexed. April 9, 1836, part of Rochest- er annexed & and bounds esta- blished. Feb. 13, 1860, a part established as Achusnet. Fall River. February 26, 1803. A part of Freetown. June 18, 1804, name changed to Troy. April 12, 1854, Fall River incorporated as a city. April 22, 1854, act of incorporation accepted by the town. April 10, 1861, certain lands on the east side of Mount Hope Bay annexed by the change of the bounds of Massachusetts & Rhode Island. June 14, 1894, bounds between Fall River and Westport located and defined. Freetown. July __, 1683. Common land called Freemen's land. June 17,* 1700, bounds between Freetown & Tiverton established. Feb. 26, 1803 a part established as Fall River. June 15, 1815, a part annexed to Fairhaven. Mansfield. April 26, 1770. A part of Norton made the dis- trict of Mansfield. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by general Act. New Bedford. February 23, 1787. A part of Dartmouth. Feb. 22, 1812, a part established as Fairhaven. Feb. 19, 1831, bounds between Dartmouth & New p.15 BRISTOL COUNTY continued. New Bedford, cont'd Feb. 23, 1787. Bedford established. March 20, 1845, part of Dartmouth annexed. March 9, 1847, New Bedford in- corporated as a city. March 18, 1847, act of incorporation accepted by the town. April 9, 1875, part of Acushnet annexed. May 3, 1888, a part of Dart- mouth annexed. North Attleborough. June 14, 1887. A part of Attleborough. July 30, 1887, accepted by the town of Attleborough. March 6, 1888 the acceptance of the act by the town confirmed. Norton. March 17,* 1710. A part of Taunton called the North Purchase. June 12,* 1711, a bill to perfect the grant is passed. Dec. 21, 1725, a part of Stoughton annexed. April 20, 1770, a part established as the district of Mansfield. Raynham. April 2,* 1731. A part of Taunton. Feb. 27, 1866 bounds between Raynham & Taunton established. Rehoboth. June 4,* 1645. Common land called Seacunck. June 6,* 1649, bounds to be est- ablished. March 5,* 1668, a part included in the new town of Swansea. June 3,* 1668, certain common lands annexed.August 11,* 1670, bounds between Rehoboth & Swansea established. July 5,* 1671, the land called the North Purchase granted to Rehoboth. July 7,* 1682, bounds establish- ed. October 19,* 1694, a part called the North Purchase esta- blished as Attleborough. Sept. 10,* 1697, bounds between Reho- both and Attleborough esta- blished. June 26,* 1710, "the mile and a half" set off to Attleborough. Dec. 23,* 1735, a gore of land is annexed. Feb. 27th, 1812, a part established as Seekonk. Seekonk. February 26, 1812. A part of Rehoboth. April 10, 1861, a part of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and certain lands over which Seekonk may have claimed jurisdiction lying east of a conventional line, to be deter- mined by the U.S. Supreme Court, after the entry of the decree of said Court, to be part of See- Konk. January 29, 1862, a muni- cipal district by the name of East Seekonk, to consist of the territory named in the Act of April 10, 1861, established. Said district to cease "so soon as the proper officers of the future town of Seekonk shall have been elected & qualified. Somerset. February 20, 1790. A part of Swansea called Shewa- met Purchase. April 4, 1854 part of Dighton annexed. p.16 BRISTOL COUNTY - Concluded. Swansea. March 5,* 1668. The township of Wannamoisett, (a part of Rehoboth) and places adjacent. July 5,* 1669, a neck of land called Papasquash Neck, excepting 100 acres, annexed. Aug. 11, 1670, bounds between Swansea and Rehoboth establish- ed. Nov. 1,* 1679, bounds be- tween Swansea and Mount Hope to be established. Feb. 20, 1790, a part established as Somerset. March 1, 1900, name established as Swansea. Taunton. March 3,* 1639. Common land called Cohannett. March 3,* 1640, land at Assonet granted to Taunton. June 19,* 1640, bounds established. Oct. 29,* 1672, certain lands granted to Taunton. July __, 1682, land called Assonet Neck annexed. March 17,* 1710, the North Pre- cinct of Taunton granted to be a town by the name of Norton. June 12,* 1711, a Bill to per- fect the Grant passed. May 30,* 1712, a bill to perfect the Grant passed. May 30,* 1712, a part established as Dighton. April 2,* 1731, a part esta- blished as Raynham. April 18,* 1735, a part included in the new town of Berkley. Feb. 6, 1810, certain lands in Berkley belonging to Taunton, annexed to Berkley. March 3, 1842, certain lands in Berkley belonging to Taunton annexed to Berkley. May 11, 1864, Taunton incorporated as a city. June 6, 1864, act of incorporation accepted by the town. Feb. 27, 1866, bounds be- tween Taunton & Raynham esta- blished. June 1, 1867, bounds between Taunton & Lakeville established. April 1, 1879, a part annexed to Berkley. April 12, 1879, act of April 1, 1879, accepted by Berkely. Troy. June 18, 1804. Name changed from Fall River. Feb. 12, 1834, name changed to to Fall River. Wellington. June 9, 1814. A part of Dighton. Feb. 12, 1824 bounds between Dighton & Well- ington established and a part of Dighton annexed. Feb. 22, 1826, Wellington and Dighton united as the town of Dighton. June 16, 1827, Wellington re- vived to exist one year. Westport. July 2, 1787. A part of Dartmouth. Feb. 25, 1793, a part of Dartmouth annex- ed. Feb. 28, 1795, a part of Dartmouth annexed. March 4, 1805 a part of Dartmouth annexed. Feb. 20, 1828, bounds between Westport and Dartmouth establish ed. April 10, 1861, certain lands lying east and south of a after the entry of a decree of the U.S. Supreme Court, concern- the Rhode Island boundary, to be a part of Westport. June 14, 1894, bounds between Westport & Fall River, located and defined. p.17 COUNTY OF DUKES COUNTY, INCORPORATED JUNE 22, 1695. Chilmark September 14,* 1694 Common land. Oct. 30,* 1714, "the Manour of Tisbury, common- ly called Chilmark," to have all the powers of a town. Nov. 30,* 1716 "all the lands of Martha's Vineyard lying to the westward of the said town" of Chilmark annexed to it, "together with an Island called No Mans Land,"... provided that it extend not to, or take in any part of the Gay Head Rock." May 28, 1856 bounds between Chilmark and the lands of the Indians of Gay Head, as established May 9, 1855, con- firmed. March 17, 1864, part of Chilmark known as the Elizabeth Islands established as Gosnold. Feb. 27, 1882, bounds between Chilmark and Tisbury establish- ed. March 25, 1896, bounds be- tween Chilmark and Gay Head to be determined. April 29, 1897, bounds between Chilmark and Gay head established. Cottage City. February 17, 1880. A part of Edgartown. Jan. 25, 1907, name is changed to Oak Bluffs. Edgartown. July 8,* 1671. Name changed from Great Harbour. Feb. 5, 1830, bounds between Edgartown and Tisbury establish- ed. April 23, 1862, bounds be- tween Edgartown and Tisbury est= ablished. Feb. 17, 1880, a part established as Cottage City. Gay Head. May 28, 1856. Indian lands. April 30, 1870, the district of Gay Head made the town of Gay Head. March 26, 1896, bounds between Gay Head and Chilmark to be determined. April 29, 1897, bounds between Gay Head and Chilmark establish- ed. Gosnold. May 17, 1864. A part of Chilmark known as the Elizabeth Islands. Great Harbour. July 8,* 1671. Common land. Named changed to Edgartown. Middletowne. July 8,* 1671. Common land. Name changed to Tisbury. Oak Bluffs. January 25, 1907. Name changed from Cottage City. Tisbury. July 8,* 1671. Name changed from Middletown. Nov. 8,* 1709 bounds established April 23, 1862, bounds between Tisbury and Edgartown establish- ed. Feb. 27, 1882, bounds be- tween Tisbury and Chilmark esta- blished. April 28, 1892, a part established as West Tisbury. West Tisbury. April 28, 1892. A part of Tisbury. p.18 ESSEX COUNTY, INCORPORATED MAY 10, 1643. cITIES & TOWNS. First mentioned in Records From what Established or In- of the State, or therein re- corporated. Change of Bound- corded as Established or In- ary, Incorporation as a City, corporated. Extinction, etc., according to Records of the State. Amesbury. May 27,* 1668. Name changed from Salisbury- new-town, May 12,* 1675 just and full bounds allowed to Amesbury. March 16, 1884, a part of Salisbury called "Little Salisbury" annexed. April 11, 1876, a part esta- blished as Merrimac. June 16, 1886, part of Salisbury annex- ed. July 1, 1886, act of June 16, 1886 took effect. Andover. May 6,* 1646. Common land called Cochicawick May 26,* 1658, bounds between Andover & Billerica establish- ed. May 9,* 1678, bounds be- tween Andover and "Wills Hill" established. June 20,* 1728, a part included in the new town of Middleton. April 17, 1847, a part included in the new town of Lawrence. April 7, 1855, a part established as North Andover. Feb. 4, 1879, a part annexed to Lawrence. May 21, 1903, bounds between Andover and Tewksbury esta- blished. April 22, 1904, bounds between Andover & North Reading established. Beverly. November 7,* 1668. A part of Salem called Bass River. May 28,* 1679, bounds between Beverly & Wenham esta- blished. Sept. 11, 1753, part of Salem annexed. April 27, 1857, a part annexed to Dan- vers. March 23, 1894, Beverly incorporated as a city. May 1, 1894, act of incorporation accepted by the town. Boxford. September 14,* 1694. Part of Rowley. Feb. 25,* 1701 bounds between Boxford & Tops- field established. Nov. 19,* 1707 bounds between Boxford & Topsfield established. June 20,* 1728, a part included in the new town of Middletown. June 10, 1808, a part of Row- ley annexed. June 18, 1825, bounds between Boxford & Row- ley established. March 8, 1846 a part of Ipswich annexed. March 21, 1856, a part annexed to Groveland. April 15, 1897, a part of Boxford annexed to Georgetown. March 12, 1904, bounds between Boxford and North Andover established. March 12, 1904, bounds be- tween Boxford & Rowley esta- blished. April 22, 1904, bounds between Boxford and Middletown established. April 22, 1904, bounds between Box- ford and Georgetown establish- ed. Bradford. October 13,* 1675. A part of Rowley called Merri- mak or Rowley Village. Feb. 24 1701, agreed bounds between Bradford and Rowley confirmed. March 8, 1850, a part establ- ished as Groveland. May 4, 1896 annexed to Haverhill if the act is accepted by both places. Nov. 3, 1896, the act accepted by both. Jan. 4, 1897 the act took effect. p.19 ESSEX COUNTY, cont'd. Danvers. January 28,* 1752. The village & Middle Parishes in Salem, established as the district of Danvers. June 16, 1757, the district made a town (Act disallowed by the Privy Council, Aug. 10, 1759.) Aug. 23, 1775 the district made a town by general act. March 17, 1840 bounds between Danvers & Salem established. May 18, 1855, a part established as South Danvers. May 31, 1856 bounds between Danvers and South Danvers established. April 27, 1857, part of= Bever- ly annexed. Essex. February 15, 1819. A part of Ipswich. April 19, 1892, boundary lies in the tide-water between Essex and Gloucester and Essex and Ips- wich established. March 12, 1904, bounds between Essex & Hamilton established. Georgetown. April 21, 1838. A part of Rowley. April 15, 1897, a part of Boxford annex- ed. April 22, 1904, bounds be- tween Georgetown & Boxford established. Gloucester. May 18,* 1642. Common land called "Cape Anne" May 15,* 1672, bounds between Gloucester & Manchester esta- blished. Feb. 27, 1840 a part established as Rockport. April 28, 1873, Gloucester incorpora ted as a city. May 15, 1873 an act of incorporation accepted by the town. April 19, 1892, boundary lines in tide-water between Gloucester & Essex and Ipswich established. May 6, 1902, bounds between Gloucest- er and Manchester to be esta- blished. Aug. 25, 1903, bounds as established confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court. Groveland. March 8, 1850. Part of Groveland. March 21, 1856, a part of Boxford annex- ed. April 22, 1904, bounds be- tween Groveland & West Newbury established. Hamilton. June 21, 1793. A part of Ipswich called the Parish of Ipswich-Hamlet. June 5, 1896, bounds between Hamil- ton and Ipswich established & a part of each town annexed to the other town. March 12, 1904 bounds between Hamilton & Ips- wich established. March 12, 1904. Bounds between Hamilton and Essex established. May 1, 1905, bounds between Hamilton and Wenham established. Haverhill. June 2,* 1641. Common land called Pantucket. Bounds between "Pantucket, alias Haverhill" and Salisbury established. May 10,* 1643, Haverhill is named as in one of the four shires establish- ed. May 23, 1650, an island in the Merrimack River is granted to Haverhill, unless some per- son prove a P.20 ESSEX COUNTY, continued. Haverhill, cont'd. June 2, 1641. clear title to it within three years. Oct. 14, 1651, bounds established. Oct. 19, 1654, bounds between Haverhill and Salisbury established. May 18* 1664, bounds between Haver- hill and "lands of Major Gen'l Dennison established." May 15, 1667, bounds between Haverhill and Salisbury-new-town esta- blished. May 12,* 1675, bounds established. Dec. 8,* 1725, a part included in the new town of Methuen. March 10, 1869, Haverhill incorporated as a city. May 15, 1869, act of incorporation accepted by the town. May 4, 1896, Brad- annexed if the act is accept- ed by both places. Nov. 3, 1896, the act accepted by both January 4, 1897, the act took effect. Ipswich. August 5,* 1634. Common land called "Aggawam." May 20,* 1642 bounds between Ipswich, Cape Ann & Jeffrey's Creek established. Oct. 18,* 1648, a part called the Vill- age at the New Meadows named "Toppesfield." May 4,* 1649, two-fifths of Plum Island is granted to Ipswich. Feb. 28,* 1694, bounds between Ipswich and Topsfield established. Feb. 16, 1774, a part annexed to Topsfield. Nov. 29, 1785, a part annexed to Rowley. June 21, 1793, a part established as Hamilton. Feb. 15, 1819 a part established as Essex. Mar 7, 1846, a part annexed to Box ford. April 19, 1892, bound- ary lines in tide-water be- tween Ipswich & Essex, and Ipswich and Gloucester, esta- blished. June 5, 1896, bounds between Ipswich & Hamilton established & a part of each town annexed to the other town March 12, 1904, bounds between Ipswich & Hamilton established March 19, 1904, bounds between Ipswich & Rowley established. Lawrence. April 17, 1847. Parts of Andover & Methuen. March 21, 1853, Lawrence is incorporated as a city. March 29, 1853, an act of incorpora- tion is accepted by the town. April 4, 1854, a part of Meth- uen annexed. Feb. 4, 1879, parts of Andover & North And- over annexed. Lynn. November 20,* 1637. The first Saugus. March 13,* 1639, land granted to Lynn. March 13,* 1639, bounds be- tween Lynn and Salem esta- blished. May 29,* 1644, a part established as Reading. July 3rd, 1782, a part established as the district of Lynnfield. Feb. 17, 1815, a part esta- blished as Saugus. April 10, 1850, Lynn is incorporated as a city. April 19, 1850, act of incorporation accepted by the town. May 21, 1852, a part is established as Swampscott. Mar 29, 1853, a part established as Nahant. p.21 COMMONWEALTH OF MASS., COUNTIES, CITIES & TOWNS. continued. Lynnfield. July 3, 1782. A part of Lynn is established as the district of Lynnfield. Feb. 28, 1814, the district is made a town. April 10, 1854, bounds between Lynnfield & Reading established, May 27, 1857, bounds between Lynnfield and North Reading established and part of each town annexed to the other town, provided the act is accepted by both towns. November 3, 1857, Act accepted by Lynnfield. (accepted by North Reading January 7, 1858. April 2, 1870, bounds between Lynnfield & Wakefield esbablish ed. May 17, 1901, bounds be- tween Lynnfield & Saugus esta- blished. May 2, 1905, bounds between Lynnfield & Reading established. Manchester. May 14,* 1645. A part of Salem called "Jeff- ryes Creeke." May 15,* 1672, bounds between Manchester and Gloucester established. May 6, 1902, bounds between Manchester and Gloucester, to be estab- lished. August 25, 1903, bounds as established confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court. Marblehead. July 2,* 1633. A part of Salem called Marble Harbor. May 6,* 1635, a planta- tion is established at Marble- head. May 2,* 1649, Marblehead established as a town. Merrimac. April 11, 1876. A part of Amesbury. Methuen. December 8,* 1725. A part of Haverhill and certain common lands. April 17, 1847, a part included in the new town of Lawrence. April 4, 1854, a part annexed to Lawrence. April 17, 1917, Methuen incorporated as a city. November 6, 1917, an act of incorporation accepted by the town. Middleton. June 20,* 1728. Parts of Andover, Boxford, Salem & Topsfield. April 22, 1904, bounds between Middle- ton and North Andover esta- blished. April 22, 1904, bounds between Middleton & Boxford established. Nahant. March 29, 1853. A part of Lynn, Mass. Newbury. May 6,* 1635. The plantation called Wessacucon. May 4, 1649, two- thirds of Plum Island granted to Newbury. May 14,* 1656, bounds between Newbury & Rowl- ey established. Jan. 28, 1764, a part established as Newbury- port. Feb 18, 1819, a part is established as Parsons. April 17, 1851, a part annexed to Newburyport. March 27, 1905, bounds between Newbury & Rowley established. Newburyport. January 28, 1764. A part of Newbury. April 17, 1851, Newburyport incorpora- ted as a city. June 3, 1851, an act of incorporation accept- ed by the town. p.22 ESSEX COUNTY - continued. North Andover. April 7, 1855. A part of Andover. Feb 4, 1879 a part annexed to Lawrence. March 12, 1904, bounds between North Andover and Boxford is established. March 12, 1904, bounds between North Andover & North Reading established. April 22, 1904, bounds between North Andover & Middletown are established. Parsons. February 18, 1819. A part of Newbury. June 14, 1820, the name changed to West Newbury. Peabody. April 13, 1868. Name is changed from South Dan- vers. April 30, 1868, the Act accepted by the town. March 27, 1882, a part annexed to Salem. May 8, 1916, Peabody incorpor- ated as a city. November 7, 1916, an acto of Incorporation is accepted by the town. Rockport. February 27, 1840. A part of Gloucester. PLUM ISLAND. Rowley. September 4,* 1639. "Mr. Ezechi Rogers Plantation." May 4,* 1649, one-fifth of Plum Island is granted to Rowley. May 14,* 1656, bounds between Rowley and Newbury established. October 13,* 1675, a part is established as Bradford. August 12,* 1685, bounds between Row- ley and the village (afterwards Topsfield) established 1694. A part established as Boxford. February 24,* 1701, agreed bounds between Rowley & Brad- ford confirmed. Nov. 29, 1785, a part of Ipswich annexed. June 10, 1808, a part annexed to Boxford. June 18, 1825, bounds between Rowley & Boxford are established. April 21, 1838, a part established as Georgetown. March 12, 1904, bounds between Rowley & Boxford established. March 19, 1904, bounds between Rowley & Ipswich established. March 27, 1905, bounds between Rowley & Newbury established. Salem. August 23,* 1630. Common Land. March 4,* 1635, bounds between Salem & Saugus, (now Lynn), and Salem & Marble Harbor to be established. March 13,* 1639, bounds between Salem and Lynn established. Sept. 7,* 1643, a part called Enon is established as Wenham. May 14,* 1645, a part called "Jeffryes Creeke" established as Manchest er. May 2,* 1649, a part is established as Marblehead. Oct. 19th,* 1658, bounds between Salem & Topsfield is establish- ed. October 16,* 1660, "Certain Islands known by the name of "the Miserys" and Bakers is granted to Salem." May 29,* 1664, bounds between Salem & Topsfield established. Oct. 14, 1668, a part called Bass River is established as Beverly. June 20,* 1728, a part included in the new town of Middleton. Jan. 28, 1752, a part established p.23 ESSEX COUNTY - continued. Salem, Massachusetts Incorporated August 23, 1630. as the Districe of Danvers. September 11, 1753, a part is annexed to Beverly. March 23, 1836, Salem incorporated as a city. April 4, 1836, an act of incorporation is accept- ed by the town. March 17, 1840, bounds between Salem & Danvers are established. April 30, 1856 bounds between Salem & South Danvers established and a part of each place is annexed to the other place. April 3, 1867, a part is annexed to Swampscott. March 27, 1882, a part of Pea- body is annexed. Salisbury. October 7,* 1640. Common land called Colechester. June 2,* 1641, bounds between Salisbury and "Pantucket, alias Haverell" established. Oct 19.* 1654 bounds between Salisbury and Haverhill established. May 27,* 1668, a part established as Amesbury. March 15, 1844, annexed to Amesbury, June 16, 1886, a part annexed to Ames- bury. July 1, 1886, act of June 16, 1886, took effect. Salisbury-New-Town. May 23,* 1666. Granted the privileges of a town. May 15,* 1667, bounds be- tween Salisbury-new-town and Haverhill established. May 28,* 1668, "Salisbury newtown...may be named Emesbury." Saugus. July 5,* 1631. The plantation of Saugus. Mar. 4,* 1635 bounds between Saugus and Salem, and between Marble Harbor to be established. Nov. 20,* 1637, name changed to Lynn. Saugus. February 17, 1815. Part of Lynn. Feb 22, 1814, a part of Chelsea annexed. May 17 1901, bounds between Saugus & Lynnfield established. South Danvers. May 18, 1855. A part of Danvers. April 30, 1856, bounds between South Danvers & Salem established & a part of each place annexed to the other place. May 31, 1856 bounds between South Dan- vers and Salem annexed to the other place. May 31, 1856, bounds between South Danvers and Danvers established. April 13, 1868 name changed to Pea- body. April 30, 1868 name of Peabody accepted by the town. Swampscott. May 21, 1852. A part of Lynn. April 3, 1867, a part of Salem annexed. Topsfield. Oct. 18,* 1648. A part of Ipswich called the Village at New Meadows. Oct 18, 1650, Topsfield established as a town. Oct. 19,* 1658 bounds between Topsfield and Salem established. May 29,* 1664, bounds between Topsfield & Salem established. Feb. 28,* 1664, bounds between Topsfield and Salem established. Feb. 28, 1694, bounds between Topsfield and Ipswich established. Feb. 25,* 1701, bounds between Tops- field and Boxford established. Nov. 19,* 1707, bounds between p.24 ESSEX COUNTY - concluded. Topsfield, continued. October 18,* 1648. Topsfield & Boxford establish- ed June 20,* 1728. A part in- cluded in the new town of Middleton. Feb. 16, 1774, a part of Ipswich annexed. Wenham. September 7,* 1643. Part of Salem called Enon. May 28,* 1679, bounds between Wen- ham and Beverly and "the Vill- age" established. May 1, 1905, bounds between Wenham and Ham- ilton established. West Newbury. June 14, 1820. Name changed from Parsons. April 22, 1904, bounds between West Newbury and Groveland established. FRANKLIN COUNTY, INCORPORATED JUNE 24, 1811. Ashfield. June 21, 1765. Name changed from Huntstown. Bernardston. March 6, 1762. The new plantation called Falltown. Dec. 2, 1779, a part annexed to Colrain. March 12, 1784, a part established as the district of Leyden. April 14, 1838, part of Greenfield annex- ed, if this act is accepted by Bernardston. June 7, 1886, act of May 7, 1886 is accepted. Buckland. April 14, 1779. The plantation called No-Town, and a part of Charlemont. April 14, 1838 of Conway annexed. Charlemont. June 21, 1765. The new plantation called Charlemont. Feb 4, 1774, three thousand acres of land annexed to Charlemont. April 14, 1779, a part included in the new town of Buckland. Feb. 14, 1785, a part included in the new town of Heath. March 19, 1793, a certain common lands between Charlemont and North River is annexed. April 2, 1838, a part of the common lands called Zoar is annexed. Colrain. June 30, 1761. The new plantation called Col- rain. April 22, 1772 grant to Colrain. Dec. 2, 1779 a part of Bernardston is annexed. April 24, 1911, bounds between Colrain and Leyden established. Conway. June 17, 1767. A part of Deerfield established as the District of Conway. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by general act. Feb. 19, 1781, a part of Shelburne annexed. Feb. 9, 1785, a part annexed to Goshen. June 17, 1791, a part of Deerfield is annexed. June 21, 1811, a part of Deerfield is annexed and bounds between Conway & Whately established. April 14, 1838, a part annexed to Buckland. p.25 FRANKLIN COUNTY, continued. Deerfield. Oct. 22,* 1677. Common land. Oct. 1678, the en- couraging of the rebuilding of the plantation of Deerfield provided for. May 31,* 1712, additional grant to Deerfield. June 7,* 1712, bounds to extend "Nine miles from the River into the Western Woods." Nov. 19,* 1717, a plat of seven miles square granted Deerfield con- firmed. August 3,* 1741, a plat of Deerfield, including addi- tional grant, confirmed. June 9th, 1753, part established as the district of Greenfield. June 15, 1764, report on west- erly bounds of Deerfield, in- cluding bounds of Deerfield & Huntstown, confirmed. June 17, 1767, a part established as the District of Conway. June 21, 1768, a part established as the district of Shelburne. June 17, 1791, a part annexed to Conway. March 5, 1810, a part annexed to Whately. June 21, 1811, a part annexed to Conway and bounds established. May 2, 1896 a part annexed to Green- field. Erving. April 17, 1838. The common land called Erving's Grant. Feb. 27, 1841, bounds between Erving and Orange esta- blished. Feb. 10, 1860, a part of Northfield called Hack's Grant annexed. Gill. September 28, 1793. A part of Greenfield. Feb 28, 1795, a part of Northfield is annexed. March 14, 1805, the island called Great Island is annexed after April 1, 1805. Greenfield. June 9, 1753. A part of Deerfield established as the district of Greenfield. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Sept. 28, 1793, a part estab- lished as Gill. April 14, 1838, a part annexed to Bernardston. May 2, 1896, a part of Deer- field annexed. Hawley. February 6, 1792. The plantation called No. Seven Mar. 9, 1793, a part of planta- Number Seven, accidentally omitted in the bounds, is ann- exed. June 21, 1803,a part is annexed to the district of plainfield. Heath. February 14, 1785. A part of Charlemont and common lands called Green & Walker's land. EPHRAIM HUNT. Huntstown. January 19,* 1736. Plat of township granted com= pany under command of Ephraim Hunt is confirmed. June 15, 1764, a report on westerly bounds of Deerfield, including the bounds of Deerfield and Huntstown confirmed. June 18, 1765, a plan of Huntstown is confirmed. June 21, 1765 the name changed to Ashfield. Leverett. March 5, 1774. A part of Sunderland. p.26 FRANKLIN COUNTY, continued. Leyden. March 12, 1784. A part of Bernardston esta- blished as the district of Leyden. February 23, 1809, the district made a town. May 7, 1886, a part is annexed to Bernardston, if the act is accepted by Bernardston. June 7, 1886, the act is accepted by Bernardston. April 24, 1911, the bounds between Leyden & Colrain established. Monroe. February 21, 1822. A part of Rowe and a gore of Common land. Montague. January 25, 1754. A part of Sunderland establish- ed as the District of Montague. August 23, 1775, the District is made a town by General Act. Feb. 28, 1803, a part is annex- to Wendell. Town of Prescott. New Salem. June 15, 1753. The township of New Salem with the additional grant, made to said township established as the District of New Salem. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. January 28 1822, a part included in the new town of Prescott. Feb. 20, 1824, a part of Shutesbury is annexed. Feb. 5, 1830, a part annexed to Athol, March 16, 1837 - a part is annexed to Orange and a part to Athol. April 27, 1911, bounds between New Salem and Prescott estab- lished. (Quabbin Reservoir) Northfield. February 22,* 1714. Upon petition of inhabitants of the "plantation at Squa- keag, formerly called North- field" the Grant for a planta- tion was "revived" the "town to be called Northfield." June 10, 1715, the order of Feb. 22,* 1714, continued for three yrs. Dec. 6,* 1720, the committee for the plantation continued for two years. June 15,* 1723, Northfield to enjoy all the privileges of a Town. June 29, 1773, two tracts of land lying south of Northfield annexed. Feb. 28, 1795, a part annexed to Gill. Feb. 10, 1860, a part called Hack's Grant annexed to Erving. Orange. October 15, 1783. Parts of Athol, Royalston, Warwick and certain common lands called Ervingshire, made the district of Orange. Feb. 24, 1810, the district made a town. Feb. 7, 1816, a part annexed to Athol. Mar. 16, 1837, a part of the common lands called Erving's Grant is annexed. March 16, 1837, a part of New Salem is annexed. Feb. 27, 1841, bounds between Orange & Erving established. Rowe. February 9, 1785. The common lands called Myri- field & lands adjoining. Feb. 21, 1822, part of Rowe and certain common lands estab- lished as Monroe. April 2, 1838, a part of common lands called Zoar, annexed. p.27 Franklin County - Concluded. Shelburne. June 21, 1768. A part of Deerfield establish- ed as the district of Shel- burne. Aug. 23, 1775, the dis- trict made a town by general act. Feb. 19, 1781 a part is annexed to Conway. March 19, 1793, certain common lands be- tween Shelburne & North River annexed. Shutesbury. June 30, 1761. The plantation called Road- town. May 8, 1781, a part in- cluded in the new town of Wendell. Feb. 20, 1824, a part annexed to New Salem. Sunderland. Nov. 12,* 1718. Common land. Aug. 28,* 1729, land granted to Sunderland. January 2,* 1740, bounds be- tween Sunderland & Hadley est- ablished. Jan. 25, 1754 a part established as the District of Montague. March 5, 1774,= a part established as Leverett. Warwick. February 17, 1763. The plantation called Roxbury Canada, with sundry farms ly- ing therein, and certain com- mon lands. October 15, 1783 a part included in the new town of Orange. Wendell. May 8, 1781. A part of Shutesbury and a part of the common land called Ervingshire. Feb. 28, 1803, a part of Montague and a gore of common land annexed. Whately. April 24, 1771. A part of Hatfield. March 5, 1810, a part of Deerfield ann- exed. June 21, 1811, bounds between Whately and Conway established. Feb. 2, 1849, bounds between Whately and Williamburg established. HAMPDEN COUNTY. Incorporated February 25, 1812. Agawam. May 17, 1855. A part of West Springield. Blandford. April 10,* 1741. Suffield equivalent lands, commonly called Glasgow. Feb. 22, 1809, bounds between Bland ford and Russell & Blandford & Chester, established. June 13, 1810, bounds between Bland- ford and Chester established. May 25, 1853, a part annexed to Norwich. Brimfield. June 10,* 1714. Common land. Dec. 24,* 1731, the town established. Jan. 16, 1742, a part included in the new town of Western. April 23, 1760, part annexed to Palmer. April 28, 1760, a part esta- blished as the district of Monson. Sept. 18, 1762, a part established as the district of South Brimfield. Feb. 7, 1763, bounds definitely established. p.28 HAMPDEN COUNTY - Continued. Chester. February 21, 1783. Name changed from Murrayfield. March 12, 1783, a part in- cluded in the new town of Middlefield. June 21, 1799, a part annexed to Worthington. Feb. 22, 1809, bounds between Chester & Blandford establish- ed. June 13, 1810, bounds be- tween Chester & Blandford esta blished. May 25, 1853, a part annexed to Norwich. Chicopee. April 29, 1848. A part of Springfield. April 18, 1890, Chicopee incorpora- ted as a city. May 6, 1890, act of incorporation accepted by the town. East Longmeadow. May 19, 1894. A part of Longmeadow. July 1, 1894, Act took effect. Granville. January 25, 1754. The plantation of Bedford established as the district of Granville. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 14, 1810, a part established as Tolland. Hampden. March 28, 1878. A part of Wilbraham. Holland. July 5, 1783. A part of South Brimfield, established as the district of Holland. Feb. 8, 1796, bounds between the district of Holland and South Brimfield established. Nov. 4, 1835, the district made a town by the provisions of chapter 15 of the Revised Statutes. Holyoke. March 14, 1850. a part of West Springfield. April 7, 1873, Holyoke incor- porated as a city. May 29, 1873, an act of incorporation accepted by the town. June 9, 1909, a part of Northampton annexed. Longmeadow. October 13, 1783. A part of Springfield called Longmeadow. Nov. 16, 1787, certain common lands called the Gore annexed. June 2, 1890 a part annexed to Springfield. July 1, 1894, a part of Long- meadow established as East Longmeadow. Ludlow. February 28, 1774. A part of Springfield called Stony Hill, established as the District of Ludlow. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 5, 1830, bounds between Ludlow and Springfield established. Monson. April 28, 1760. A part of Brimfield establish- ed as the district of Monson. February 7, 1763, bounds de- finitely established. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Feb. 8, 1828, bounds between Monson & Palmer established. Montgomery. November 28, 1780. Parts of Westfield, Norwich, and Southampton. Feb. 25, 1792 a part included in the new town of Russell. Mar. 6, 1792 parts of Norwich & South- hampton annexed. June 3, 1914, bounds between Montgomery & Russell established. p.29 HAMPDEN COUNTY, continued. From what Established, or Incorporated, Change of Boundary, Incorporation as a City, Extinction, etc., according to Records of the State of Massachusetts. Murrayfield. October 31, 1765. The new plantation called Murrayfield. June 29, 1773, a part established as the district of Norwich. May 8, 1781, a part annexed to Nor- wich. Feb. 21, 1783, name is changed to Chester. Palmer. January 30,* 1752. The plantation called The Elbows, established as the district of Palmer. April 23, 1760, a part of Brimfield ann- exed. Feb. 7, 1763, bounds definitely established. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Feb. 8, 1828, bounds between Palmer & Monson, established. Feb. 7, 1831, a part of Western is annexed. Apr. 29, 1910, bounds between Palmer & Ware esta- blished. Russell. February 25, 1792. Parts of Westfield and Mont- gomery. Feb. 22, 1809, bounds between Blandford & Russell established. June 3, 1914, bounds between Russell & Mont- gomery established. South Brimfield. September 18, 1762. A part of Brimfield establish- ed as the district of South Brimfield. Feb. 21, 1766, the district divided into two parishes, the east & west. Aug 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. July 5, 1783, the east parish of South Brimfield established as the district of Holland. Feb. 8, 1796, bounds between South Brimfield and the district of Holland established. Feb. 20, 1828, name changed to Wales. Southwick. November 7, 1770. A part of Westfield establish- ed as the district of South- wick. Aug. 23, 1775, the dis- trict made a town by General Act. Oct. 6, 1779, a part of Westfield is annexed. March 20, 1837, bounds between South wick & Westfield established. Springfield. June 2,* 1641. Common land called Agawam. Nov. 11,* 1647, "Woronoko" to be a part of Springfield. March, 1648, certain common lands annexed. May 19,* 1669, a part called Woronoake esta- as Westfield. May 31,* 1670, the bounds between Springfield and Westfield established. May 17,* 1684, bounds established. June 4,* 1685, bounds between Springfield and Northampton established. Jan. 9,* 1740, bounds between Springfield & Suffield established. June 3,* 1743, bounds between Spring- field & Suffield established. June 15, 1763, a part establ- ished as Wilbraham. Feb. 23, 1774, a part established as West Springfield. Feb. 28, 1774, a part called Stony Hill established as Ludlow. Oct. 13 1783, a part established as Longmeadow. p.30 HAMPDEN COUNTY - Concluded. Springfield, continued. June 2,* 1641. June 11, 1799, a part annexed to Wilbraham. June 5, 1830, bounds between Springfield & Ludlow established. April 29, 1848, a part established as Chicopee. April 12, 1852, Springfield incorporated as a City. April 21, 1852, Act of Incorporation accepted by the town. June 2, 1890, a part of Longmeadow is annexed. Tolland. June 14, 1810. A part of Granville. May 4, 1853, bounds between Tolland & Sandisfield established. May 15, 1855, bounds between Toll- and & Sandisfield established. Wales. February 20, 1828. Name is changed from South Brimfield. Westfield. May 19,* 1669. A part of Springfield called Woronoake. May 31,* 1670, bounds between Westfield & Springfield established. June 4,* 1701, a strip of common land divided between Westfield and Northampton. Feb. 23,* 1713, land granted to West- field. November 7, 1770, a part established as the dis- trict of Southwick. Oct. 6, 1779, a part annexed to South- wick. Nov. 28, 1780, a part included in the new town of Montgomery. Feb. 25, 1792, a part included in the new town of Russell. March 3, 1802 a part annexed to West Spring- field. March 20, 1837, bounds between Westfield & Southwick established. June 3, 1914, Westfield is incorporated as a city. November 3, 1914, act of incorporation is rejected by the town. West Springfield. February 23, 1774. A part of Springfield. March 3, 1802, a part of Westfield annexed. March 14, 1850, a part established as Holyoke. May 17, 1855, a part establish ed as Agawam. Wilbraham. June 15, 1763. A part of Springfield. June 11 1799, a part of Springfield called The Elbows is annexed. March 28, 1878, a part of Wilbraham established as Hamp- den. HAMPSHIRE COUNTY. Incorporated May 7, 1662. Amherst. February 13, 1759. A part of Hadley established as the district of Amherst. August 23, 1775, the district is made a town by General Act. Jan. 15, 1789, a part of Hadley is annexed. Feb. 28, 1811, a part of Hadley is annexed. Feb. 18, 1812, a part of Hadley is annexed. Feb. 17, 1814, a part of Hadley is annexed. March 1, 1815, bounds between Amherst and Hadley established and a part of each town is annexed to the other town. p.31 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY - Continued. Belchertown. June 30, 1761. The plantation called Cold Spring. Feb. 27, 1765, a part annexed to Greenwich. June 22 1771, a part annexed to Green wich. June 21, 1787, a part annexed to Greenwich. June 16, 1788, a part annexed to Pelham. Feb. 15, 1817, a part included in the new town of Enfield. Chesterfield. June 11, 1762. The new plantation called New Hingham. Jan. 31, 1763, cert- ain common lands annexed. May 14, 1781, a part of Chester- field & the plantation called Chesterfield Gore, establish- ed as Goshen. June 8, 1789, a part of Goshen annexed. Feb. 22, 1794, a part of Norwich is annexed. June 24, 1795, bounds between Chesterfield & Williamsburg established. Feb 7, 1797, bounds between Chesterfield & Williamsburg established. Feb. 16, 1810, bounds between Chesterfield, Goshen & Williamsburg esta- blished. Cummington. June 23, 1779. A part of the plantation called Number Five. March 16, 1785, a part established as the district of Plainfield. March 21, 1788, certain comm- on lands called Murrayfield Grant and Minot's Grant, and a gore of 2,200 acres annex- ed. Feb. 4, 1794, a part annexed to Plainfield. Easthampton. June 17, 1785. Parts of Northampton and Southampton established as the district of Easthampton. Feb. 1, 1828, bounds between Easthampton & Southampton esta- blished. Mar. 13, 1841, a part of Southampton annexed. April 4, 1850, a part of Southampton annexed. Feb. 21, 1862, bounds between Easthampton and South- hampton established. March 12, 1872, bounds between Easthamp- ton and Westhampton establish- ed. April 21, 1914, bounds be- tween Easthampton & Northampton established. Enfield. February 15, 1816. Parts of Belchertown & Green- wich. June 12, 1818, bounds be- tween Enfield & Greenwich esta- blished and part of each town annexed to the other town. May 26, 1910, bounds between En- field & Greenwich established. Goshen. May 14, 1781. A part of Chesterfield and the plantation called Chesterfield Gore. Feb. 9, 1785, a part of Conway annexed. June 8, 1789, a part annexed to Chesterfield. June 24, 1795, bounds between Goshen & Williamsburg estab- lished. Feb. 16, 1810, bounds between Goshen, Chesterfield & Williamsburg established. p.32 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY - Continued. Granby. June 11, 1768. A part of South Hadley. June 28 1781, bounds between Granby & South Hadley established. March 9, 1792, a part of South Hadley annexed. June 12, 1824, bounds between Granby & South Hadley established. June 20, 1826, bounds between Granby & South Hadley established. June 16, 1827, bounds between Granby & South Hadley established. QUABIN. Greenwich. April 20, 1754. The plantation called Quabin. June 9, 1756, bounds between Greenwich & Hardwick establish- ed. Feb. 1, 1765, a part of Hardwick annexed. Feb. 27, 1765 a part of Belchertown annexed. June 22, 1771, a part of Belch- ertown annexed. June 21, 1787, a part of Belchertown annexed. February 18, 1801, a part in- cluded in the new town of Dana. June 19, 1811, bounds between Greenwich and Dana established. Feb. 15, 1816, a part included in the new town of Enfield. June 12, 1818, bounds between Greenwich and Enfield establish ed and part of each town annex- ed to the other town. May 26, 1910, bound between Greenwich and Enfield established. May 4, 1911, bounds between Greenwich and Dana established. HADLEY. May 22,* 1661. The new plantation near North- ampton. Oct. 21,* 1663, bounds established. May 18,* 1664, certain common lands granted to Hadley. May 31*, 1670, a part established as Hatfield. May 16,* 1683, certain common lands granted to Hadley. Nov. 25,* 1715, certain common lands granted to Hadley. Jan. 2,* 1740, bounds between Hadley & Sunderland established. April 12, 1753, a part made the dis- trict of South Hadley. Feb. 13, 1759, a part made the district of Amherst. Jan 15, 1789, a part annexed to Amherst. Feb. 28, 1811, a part annexed to Amherst. Feb. 18, 1812, a part annexed to Amherst. Feb. 17, 1814, a part annexed to Amherst March 1, 1815, bounds between Hadley & Amherst established & part of each town annexed to the other town. April 15, 1850, a part annexed to Northampton. Hatfield. May 31,* 1670. A part of Hadley. Oct. 11,* 1672, bounds established. Nov. 26,* 1695, certain common lands annexed. Nov. 12,* 1720, bounds between Hatfield & Northampton established. April 24, 1771 a part included in the new dis- trict of Williamsburg. March 14, 1845, bounds between Hat- field and Williamsburg esta- blished and p.33 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY - Continued. Hatfield - continued. May 31,* 1670. a part of each town annexed to the other town. March 19, 1846, bounds between Hatfield & Williamsburg established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. Huntington. March 9, 1855. Name changed from Norwich. PRESCOTT'S GRANT. Middlefield. March 12, 1783. Parts of Becket, Chester, Part- ridgefield, Washington & Worth- ington, and the common lands called Prescott's Grant. Northampton. May 14,* 1656. Common land called Nonotuck. June 4,* 1685, bounds between Northampton and Springfield established. June 4,* 1701, a strip of common land divided between Northampton & Westfield Nov. 12,* 1720, bounds between Northampton & Hatfield esta- blished. Jan. 5, 1753, a part established as Southampton. Sept. 29, 1778, a part esta- blished as Westhampton. Sept. 29, 1778, a part annexed to Southampton. June 17, 1785, a part included in the new dist- rict of Easthampton. April 15, 1850, a part of Hadley annexed. March 12, 1872, bounds between Northampton & Westhampton esta- blished. June 23, 1883, North- ampton incorporated as a city. Sept. 5, 1883, act of incorpora tion accepted by the town. June 9, 1909, a part annexed to Holyoke. April 21, 1914, bounds between Northampton & East- hampton established. Norwich. June 29, 1773. A part of Murrayfield esta- blished as the district of Norwich. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Nov. 28, 1780, a part in- cluded in the new town of Mont- gomery. May 8, 1781, a part of Murrayfield annexed. March 6, 1792, a part annexed to Mont- gomery. Feb. 22, 1794, a part annexed to Chesterfield. May 25, 1853, parts of Blandford & Chester annexed. March 9, 1855, name changed to Huntington. New town of Prescott. Pelham. January 15,* 1743. Common land called New Lisburne. June 16, 1788, a part of Belch- ertown annexed. Jan. 28, 1822, a part included in the new town of Prescott. Plainfield. March 16, 1785. A part of Cummington established as the district of Plainfield. Feb 4, 1794, a part of Cummington annexed to the district of Plain- field. June 21, 1803, a part of Hawley annexed to the district of Plainfield. June 21, 1803, a part of Hawley annexed to the district of Plainfield. June 15, 1807, the district made a town. PRESCOTT. PRESCOTT. January 28, 1822. Parts of Pelham and New Salem. April 27, 1911, bounds between PRESCOTT and New Salem establish- ed. p.34 Hampshire County - continued. Southampton. January 5, 1753. A part of Northampton established as the district of Southampton. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Sept 29, 1778, a part of Northampton annex- ed. Nov. 28, 1780, a part included in the new town of Montgomery. June 17, 1785, a part included in the new district of Easthampton. March 6, 1792, a part annexed to Montgomery. Feb. 1, 1828, bounds between Southampton & Easthampton established. March 13, 1841, a part annexed to Easthampton. April 4, 1850, a part annexed to East- hampton. Feb. 21, 1862, bounds be- tween Southampton and Easthampton established. Mar. 12, 1872, bounds between Southampton & Westhampton established. South Hadley. April 12, 1753. A part of Hadley established as the district of South Hadley. June 11, 1768, a part of the district established as Granby. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 28, 1781 bounds between South Hadley & Granby esta blished. March 9, 1792, a part is annexed to Granby. June 12, 1824, bounds between South Hadley and Granby established. June 20, 1826, bounds between South Hadley and Granby established. June 16, 1827 bounds between South Hadley and Granby established. WARE Nov. 25, 1761. Parts of Brookfield, Palmer, and Western and cetain common lands, all forming Ware-River Parish, established as the district of Ware. Aug. 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Feb. 8, 1823, parts of Brookfield & Western annexed. April 29, 1910, bounds between Ware & Palmer esta- blished. Westhampton. September 29, 1778. A part of Northampton. March 12, 1872, bounds between Westhampton and Easthampton, Northampton & Southampton established. Williamsburg. April 24, 1771. A part of Hatfield and certain common lands adjoining established as the district of Williamsburg. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 24, 1795, bounds between Williamsburg and Chesterfield and Goshen esta- blished. Feb. 7, 1797, bounds be- tween Williamsburg and Chester- field and Goshen established. Feb. 16, 1810, bounds between Williams- burg, Chesterfield & Goshen esta- blished. March 14, 1845, bounds between Williamsburg & Hatfield established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. March 19, 1846, bounds p.35 Hampshire County, concluded. Williamsburg - concluded. between Williamsburg & Hatfield established & part of each town annexed to the other town. Feb.2, 1849, bounds between Williams- burg and Whately established. Worthington. June 30, 1768. The new plantation called Number Three. March 12, 1783, a part in- cluded in the new town of Middle- field. June 21, 1799, a part of Chester annexed. MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS Incorporated May 10, 1643. Acton. July 3,* 1735. A part of Concord with Simon Willard's farms. December 11,* 1747, bounds between Acton and Concord established. April 28, 1780, a part included in the 2nd district of Carlisle. Arlington. April 13, 1867. Name changed from West Cambridge. Apr. 30, 1867, the act took effect Mar. 16, 1910, bounds between Arlington & Somerville established May 5, 1911, bounds between Arling ton and Cambridge established, if accepted by the Selectmen & City Council. May 22, 1911, bounds are accepted by the Selectmen of Arlington & May 31, 1911, bounds accepted by city council of Cam- bridge. Ashby. March 6, 1767 Parts of Ashburnham, Fitch- burg & Townsend. Nov. 16, 1792, a part of Ashburnham is annexed. March 3, 1829, a part of Fitchburg annexed. Ashland. March 16, 1846. Parts of Framingham, Hollis- ton and Hopkinton. April 28, 1853, a part to be annexed to Hopkinton when a certain sum is paid by Hopkinton. May 2, 1853, the Act took place. AYER. February 14, 1871. Parts of Groton & Shirley. Bedford. September 23,* 1729. Parts of Billerica & Concord. Feb. 26, 1767, a part of Billerica annexed. June 9, 1768, a part of Lexington annexed. Belmont. March 18, 1859. Parts of Waltham, Watertown, and West Cambridge. Jan. 31, 1861, bounds between Belmont and West Cambridge establish- ed. Feb. 25, 1862, a part of Cambridge annexed and bounds established. April 19, 1880, a part annexed to Cambridge. April 28, 1891, bounds be- tween Belmont & Cambridge established and part of each place annexed to the other place. May 23, 1903, bounds between Belmont & Watertown established. p.36 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. COUNTIES, CITIES & TOWNS OF MIDDLESEX, MASS. continued. Belmont - continued. Feb. 16, 1906, bounds between Belmont and Cambridge re- adjusted. April 29, 1911, bounds between Belmont & Watertown established. Billerica. May 29,* 1655. Common Land. May 14*, 1656, eight thousand acres of comm- on land granted to Billerica. May 15,* 1657, certain lands granted to Billerica. May 26* 1658, bounds between Bill- erica and Andover establish- ed. May 22,* 1661, four thou- sand acres of land granted to Billerica. Oct. 10,* 1666, bounds between Billerica and Woburn established. Oct. 12,* 1669, bounds between Billeri- ca and Woburn established. June 27,* 1701, bounds be- tween Billerica & Chelmsford and Concord established. Sept 23,* 1729, a part included in the new town of Bedford. June 13,* 1733, a part annexed to Wilmington. Dec. 17,* 1734, a part established as Tewks- bury. Dec. 27,* 1737, bounds between Billerica & Wilming- ton established. June 28,* 1741, bounds between Biller- ica and Woburn established. Feb. 26, 1767, a part annex- ed to Bedford. April 28, 1780 part included in the second district of Carlisle. Boxborough. February 25, 1782. Parts of Harvard, Littleton, and Stow, established as the district of Boxborough. Feb. 20, 1794, bounds between Box- borough and Littleton esta- blished. Nov. 4, 1835, the district made a town by Chap. 15 of the Revised Statutes. April 30, 1890, bounds be- tween Boxborough & Littleton established. June 14, 1906, bounds between Boxborough & the town of Harvard establish- ed. June 15, 1906, bounds be- tween Boxborough & Littleton established. Brighton. February 24, 1807. A part of Cambridge. Jan. 27, 1816, part of Cambridge, an- nexed. May 21, 1873, Brighton annexed to Boston, if the act is accepted by both places. Oct. 7, 1873, the Act is accepted by both. Jan. 5, 1874, the Act took effect. Burlington. February 28, 1799. A part of Woburn. Jan. 20, 1800, a part annexed to Lex- ington. Cambridge. September 8,* 1636. The town of Newe Towne. May 2,* 1638, named is changed to Cambridge. March 13,* 1639, bounds between Cambridge & Watertown established. Oct 7* 1641, bounds between Cambridge and Boston established. Nov. 12,* 1659, one thousand acres of land granted to Cambridge. Oct. 19,* 1664, the grant is renewed. March p.37 Counties, Cities & Towns of Middlesex County. Cambridge, continued. September 8,* 1636. 20th, 1713, a part establish- ed as Lexington. April 19, 1754, bounds between Cambridge and Watertown established. June 4, 1755, a part annexed to Waltham. April 18, 1761, a part of Charlestown annexed March 6, 1802, a part of Char- estown annexed. Feb 24, 1807, a part established as Bright- on. Feb. 27, 1807, a part est- as West Cambridge. Jan 27, 1816, a part annexed to Brigh- ton. Feb. 12, 1818, a part of Charlestown annexed. June 17, 1820, a part of Charlestown is annexed. March 17, 1846, Cambridge is incorporated as a city. March 30, 1846, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. April 27, 1855, a part of Watertown annexed. April 30, 1856, the bounds between Cambridge & Somerville established and a part of each place annexed to the other place. Feb. 25, 1862, parts of Belmont & West Cambridge annexed. Parts annexed to Belmont & West Cambridge & bounds established. April 29, 1862, bounds between Cambridge and Somerville established and part of each place annexed to the other place. April 19, 1880, a part of Belmont annex- ed. March 10, 1885, a part of Watertown is annexed. April 28, 1891, bounds between Cam- bridge & Belmont established and part of each place annex- ed to the other place. Mar. 9, 1898, bounds between Cambridge and Watertown established & part of each place annexed to the other. March 29, 1898, bounds between Cambridge & Boston established. Feb. 16, 1906, bounds between Cambridge and Belmont re-adjusted. Mar. 29, 1910, bounds between Cambridge & Boston establish- ed. May 5, 1911, bounds be- tween Cambridge & Arlington established, if accepted by the City Council & the Select- men. May 22, 1911, bounds are accepted by the Selectmen of Arlington, and May 31, 1911, the bounds accepted by the City Council of Cambridge. Carlisle, District of. April 19, 1754. A part of Concord. Oct. 6, 1756, the district is annexed to Concord. Carlisle. April 28, 1780. Parts of Acton, Billerica, Chelmsford, and Concord, esta- blished as the District of Carlisle. Sept. 12, 1780, a part of the District of Car- lisle is annexed to Concord. March 1, 1783, a part of the district of Carlisle is annex ed to Chelmsford. Feb. 18, 1805, the District is made a town. Feb. 17, 1865, a part of Chelmsford is annexed to Car- lisle and bounds are establish- ed. May 23, 1903, bounds be- tween Carlisle & Concord esta- blished. p.38 MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. First mentioned in Records of the State Or therein recorded as Established or Incorpora- ted. Charlestown. August 23,* 1630. Common land. March 6,* 1632, bounds between Charlestown & Newe Towne established. July 8,* 1635, bounds between Charlestown and Boston esta- blished. Mar. 3,* 1636, bounds established "eight miles into the country from their Meeting House." March 28,* 1636, bounds between Charlestown & Boston established. Oct 28,* 1636, Lovel's Island is granted to Charlestown, provided they employ it for fishing. May 13,* 1640, certain common lands are granted to Charlestown. Oct. 7,* 1640, certain common lands are granted to Charlestown. Sept. 27,* 1642, a part is established as Woburn. October 27,* 1648, Lovel's Island granted to Charlestown provided "half the timber and firewood shall be- long to the garrison at the castle." May 2,* 1649, a part established as Malden. Nov. 12,* 1659, one thousand acres of land granted to Charlestown. Oct. 21,* 1663, certain common lands are granted to Charlestown. Oct. 19,* 1664, the grant made Nov. 12,* 1659 is renewed. Dec. 17,* 1725, a part established as Stoneham. June 7,* 1726, a part annexed to Malden. April 19, 1754, a part annexed to Medford. April 18, 1761, a part annexed to Cambridge. March 6, 1802, a part is annexed to Cambridge. June 21, 1811, a part of Medford is annexed. Feb. 12, 1818, a part is annexed to Cambridge. June 17, 1820, a part annexed to Cambridge. Feb. 25, 1842, a part annexed to West Cambridge. March 3, 1842, a part is established as Somer- ville. Feb. 22, 1847, Charles- town is incorporated as a city. March 10, 1847, the Act of In- corporation is accepted by the town. May 14, 1873, Charlestown annexed to Boston, if the act is accepted by both cities. Oct. 7, 1873, Act is accepted by both cities. Jan. 5, 1874, the Act took effect. Chelmsford. May 29,* 1655. Common land. May 14,* 1656 land granted to Chelmsford. p.39 MIDDLESESX COUNTY continued. Concord. September 3,* 1635. A plantation at Musketequid. Aug. 20,* 1638, bounds between Concord, Dedham, & Watertown established. May 13,* 1651, bounds between Concord & Water- town established. June 27,* 1701, bounds between Concord & Billerica established. April 12* 1717, bounds between Concord & Stow established. Nov. 23,* 1725, a part annexed to Little- ton. Sept 23,* 1729, a part in- cluded in the new town of Bed- ford. July 3,* 1735, a part in- cluded in the new town of Acton. Dec. 11,* 1747, bounds between Concord & Acton, established. April 19, 1754, a part included in the new town of Lincoln. April 19, 1754, a part made the first district of Carlisle. Oct 6, 1756, the first district of Carlisle was annexed. April 28, 1780, a part included in the second district of Carlisle. Sept. 12, 1780, a part of the district of Carlisle annexed. May 23, 1903, bounds between Concord & Carlisle established. Dracut. February 26,* 1702. Common land. Feb. 28, 1851, a part annexed to Lowell. May 18, 1874, a part annexed to Lowell. June 23, 1874, the Act was accepted by Lowell. Aug 1, 1874 the Act took effect. April 1, 1879, a part annexed to Lowell. Dunstable. October 13,* 1680. Common land. Jan. 4,* 1733, a part established as Nottingham, New Hampshire. July 4,* 1735, a part included in the new town of Litchfield, N.H. June 8,* 1747, a part of Groton annexed. June 8,* 1747, a part of Nott- ingham was annexed. Jan. 6,* 1752, a part annexed to Groton. June 7, 1753, a part of Groton annexed. June 14, 1754 a part of Nottingham annexed. April 24, 1755, apart of Chelmsford annex- ed. June 22, 1789, a part esta- blished as the district of Tyngs- borough. March 3, 1792, a part annexed to the district of Tyngs- borough. Feb. 25, 1793, a part of Groton annexed. Jan. 26, 1796, a part of Groton annexed. Jan. 26, 1796, a part of Groton is annexed. Jan. 29, 1798, bounds between Dunstable & the district of Tyngsborough established. June 18, 1803, a part of Groton is annexed. June 10, 1814, bounds between Dunstable and Tyngs- borough established. Feb. 15, 1820, bounds between Dunstable and Groton established. East Sudbury. April 10, 1780. A part of Sudbury. March 11, 1835, name was changed to Way- land. Everett. March 9, 1870. A part of Malden. April 20, 1875, a part annexed to Medford. June 11, 1892, Everett was in- corporated as a city. July 19, 1892, Act of Incorporation was accepted by the town. p.40 MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. Framingham. October 13,* 1675. Common land. June 25,* 1700, the plantation of Framingham esta- blished as Framingham. July 5,* 1700, certain common lands were annexed. July 11,* 1700, a part of Sherborn annexed. June 30,* 1701, bounds between Framingham and Sudbury established. June 16,* 1710, bounds between Fram- ingham and Sherborn established. March 7, 1786, a part annexed to Southborough. Feb. 23, 1791, a part annexed to Marlborough. Feb. 11, 1833, a part of Hollis- ton annexed. March 16, 1846, a part included in the new town of Ashland. April 22, 1871, a part of Natick annexed. GROTON. May 23,*1655. The plantation of Petapawag. June 14,* 1715, bounds between Groton and Nashoba established. Sept. 10,* 1730, a part annexed Westford. to Westford. June 29* 1732, a part included in the new town of Harvard. Jan. 4,* 1739, a part annexed to Littleton. Feb. 27,* 1743, bounds between Groton and Littleton established. June 8,* 1747, a part annexed to Dunstable. Jan. 6,* 1752, a part of Dunstable annexed. Jan. 5, 1753, a part established as the district of Shirley. April 17, 1753, a part established as the district of Pepperell. June 7, 1753, a part annexed to Dun- stable. Feb. 25, 1793, a part again annexed to Dunstable. Jan. 26, 1796, a part annexed to Dun- stable. Feb. 6, 1798, a part annexed to Shirley. Feb. 3, 1803 a part of Pepperell annexed. June 18, 1803, a part annexed to Dun- stable. Feb. 15, 1820, bounds between Groton & Dunstable esta blished. May 18, 1857, a part annexed to Pepperell. Feb. 14, 1871, a part included in the new town of Ayer. INSERT - HISTORY OF GROTON. Petapawayg - Groton. The original petition for the plantation or town of Groton, is not found, or any record of it; but the following copies of records and documents in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, show the names of some of the petitioners and the purport of their petition. "At a General Court held at Boston the 23 of the 5th mo. 1655. "There being a petition preferred by Mr. Dean Winthrop, Mr. Thomas Hinckley and divers others for a plantation upon the river that runs from Nashua into Merrimack, called Petapawag and another from some of the inhabitants of Concord for a plantation in the same place, to both of which the court returned this answer, "That the Court thinks meet to grant the petitioners eight miles square in the place desired to make a plantation, which hence- forth shall be called Groaten, formerly known by the name of Petapawag and that Mr. Danforth of Cambridge, with such others as he shall associate to himself, shall and p.12 First Selectmen of Groton. hereby is desired to lay it out with all convenient speed, that so no en- couragement may be wanting to the petitioners for the speedy procuring of a godly minister amongst them, provided that none shall enjoy any right or portion of that land by gift, from the Selectmen of that place, but such as shall build hourses on their lots so given them within eighteen months from the time of said town's laying out, or town's grant to such persons and for the present Mr. Dean(e) Winthrop, Mr. John Tinker, Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Dolar Davis, William Martin, Matthew Harrington, John Witt and Timothy Cooper are appointed the Selectmen for the said Town of Groton for two years from the time it is laid out, to lay out and dispose of particular lots, not exceeding twenty acres to each house lot and to order the prudential affairs of the place, at the end of which time, other Selectmen shall be chosen and appointed in their rooms, the said Selectmen of Groton giving Mr. Dan- forth such satisfaction for his service and pains, as they and he shall agree." "Boston 16 3 mo. 1656 "To the Right Worthy Deputy Governor and Magistrates of this Honored Court "The humble petition of certein the intended Inhabitants of Groten "Humbly sheweth "That yor Peticon having obteined theire Requeste of a Plantacon from this honor'd Court, they have made Entranc thereuppon and do Resolve by the Gracious Assistants of the Lord to proceed in the same (though the greatest Number of Peticoners for the Grant have declyned the work) yet because of the Remoteness of the place, p.13 considering how heavy and slowe it is like to be Carried an end and with what Charge and difficulties it will be Attended yor Peticoners humble Requests are "1 That they be not nominated or included in the Country taxesuntil the full end of three years from these prints (in which time they Account theire expenc will be great to the building a house, procureing and maintaining of a minister etc, with all other nessossary Town Charges; they being but few at present left to Carry on the whole worke) and at the end of the term, shall be redy by gods help to yeald the Rates according to their Number & abilities & what shall be imposed uppon them. "2 That they may have libertie to make Choyce of an other then Mr. Danford for the Laying out their town bounds because of his desire to be excused by reason of his urgent ocations otherwise, & that they be not strictly tyed to a square forme in their Line Laying Out. "So shall yor Peticoners be indoridged in this great work, and shall as, duty bindes pray for yor happiness and thankfully Best yor humble servants Dean Winthropp Dolor Davis Will. Martin Jno. Tinker Richard Smith Robert Blood Jno Lakin Amose Richenson The following is a copy of the answer to the above petition. "At a Great and General Court held at Boston the 14th day of May, 1656. "In Ans. to this Peticon wee Conceive it needfull that the Town of Groten be freed from Rates for three years from the time of their Grant as is desired. "2d That they may imploy any othjer known Artist in the room of Mr. Danforth as need shall be. "3d That the forme of the Towne may a little varie from A due Square According to the Disrecon of the Comitte. "21 3d mo. (56) "Daniel Gookin Joseph Hills John Wiswell "The Deputyes approve of the returne of the Comittee in answer to this petitio & desire the Consent of or hone'rd magists. hereto "William Torrey, Clerke. "Consented to by the magists "Edward Rawson Secretary"[indorsed for filing:] Grotens Peticon [Entrd & Xs secured p4 8 ] 1656" p.14 After the grant of the township, and before any considerable number of settlements were made in it there seems to have been some improper manage- ment by the proprietors, or grantees, which hindered and delayed its settle- ment, as appears by the following petition of John Tinker, one of the grantees, and the proceedings of the General Court thereon. Petition of John Tinker "Boston To the Honored Gen'rll Court Assembled at Boston 8 mo 1659 The Humble Petition of Jn Tinker Humbly Sheweth that That With unfained Respect to the good and welfare of Church and Common- wealth yor Petitioner hath endeavored to answer the expectation and desires of this honored Court and the whole Countrey In erecting settling and carying an end the afaires of Groaton (Groton), Granted and intendedby this honored Court for a plantation, which, notwith- standing (all in vaine) it Continueth unpeopled and so like to re- maine unless by this honored Court some wise and Juditious Comitte be impowered to order and dispose of all things there about, after which no doubt it will goe on and prosper, which is the humble de- sire and Request of yor Petitioner that soe it may be, and yor Petitioner be admitted and appoynted faithfully to declare unto and informe the said Comitte, of 1. what hath already been done. 2. What are the the Grounds and Reasons wherefore it Remaineth at the stay it doeth,being so much desired by so many and such Considerable persons as it is, and p.15 3. what he concidereth needful to the further Confirm- ing what is done according to Right to every person & Cause, and the setleing such due order as may incoridg (encourage) the Carying on of all things to a prosperous effect unto which yor Petitioner shall redyly address himselfe, as willing to submit to the good pleasure of this Hon'rd Court & such Authorized by them for such due satisfacon for all his care time cost & paines in and about the said plantation as shall be thought meete and humbly begging the good favor of God to Rest uppon you shall ever Remaine to the honor'd Court and Country. Your humble servant, Jn. Tinker. "21. (8) 59. "The Committee having received this petition, do judge, 1st. that it will be very convenient, that a Committee of three, or more, meet persons be nominated and empowered to examine the particulars therein mentioned, and make return of what they find to the Court of elections. "We, whose names are subscribed, being appointed and empowered by the General Court in October, 1659, for the examination of the proceedings about Groton plantation, and the entanglements, that have obstructed the planting thereof, we having taken pains to travel to the said place and examine the record of former proceedings in that place, as also the capacity of the place for the entertaining of a meet number of persons, that may carry on the affairs of a town, do apprehend (according to what information we have had) that the place will afford a comfortable accommodation for sixty families at least, that may subsist in a way of husbandry; and for such families as be there already planted, which are not above four or five, p.16 we do not find, tht their interest in such land as they claim is legal and just, nor yet consistent with the Court's ends in their grant of said plantation. And for the further encouragement of such as now have a desire, and do present themselves as willing to plant themselves in that place, we crave leave humbly to present our poor apprehensions to this honored Court as followeth: "That the old planters and their assigns, whose names are: John Tinker Richard Smith William Martin Richard Blood Robert Blood John Lakin that they retain and keep as their propriety (of such lands as they now claim an interest in) each of them only ten acres of meadow, twenty acres for the houselot, ten acres of intervale and ten acres of other upland, and that the same be set out by a committee, so as may not unequally prejudice, such as are, or may be their neighbors. "2nd. That these lands and meadows be so divided as may accommodate at least sixty families; and for that end that the first division of lands be made in the following manner, viz. such as have one hundred and fifty pounds estate, to be allowed equally with the old planters above, and that none exceed; and that none have less than ten acres for their homelot and five acres of meadow, two and a half acres of intervale, and two and a half of other land for their planting in their first division; and that none be admitted to have grants of lots there, but on conditions following, viz. 1. That they go up with their families, within two years after their grants on penalty of p.17 forfeiting their grants again to the town, and so many twenty shillings, as they had acres granted them for their house lots, and that the like injunctions be put upon those above named as old planters. 2. That all town charges, both civil and ecclesiastical, be levied according to ech man's grant in this first division of lands, for seven years next ensuing, excepting only such, whose stocks of cattle shall exceed one hundred and fifty pounds estate. footnote: Of the grantees here and heretofore mentioned, the names only of William Martin Richard Blood Robert Blood appear in any of the town records as inhabitants; whence it is inferred, that the others named never came to reside here. Dean Winthrop was son of Gov. John Winthrop of Massachusetts and lived in Boston. John Tinker lived in Lancaster and was town clerk there. Dolar Davis was of Cambridge and died in Barnstable. Of Richard Smith and Amos Richenson nothing is known. Farmer names a Richard Smith of Sudbury and Amos Richardson, a tailor in Boston, who were probably the persons above named. "3. That the power of admission of inhabitants and regulating the affairs of the said place, be referred to a Committee of meet persons, empowered by this Court thereto, until the plantation be in some good measure (at least) filled with inhabitants, and be enabled regularly and peaceably to carry on the same themselves. "4. That this honored Court be pleased to grant them immunities of all common and ordinary country charges, not exceeding a single rate, or a rate and an half, per annum for three years next ensuing. "5. That in granting of lots, children have their due consideration with estates, their parents giving security to defray their charges of the place, as is before provided. Thomas Danforth Edward Johnson Ephriam Child. "The Court approves of, and do confirm the return of the Committee, and do hereby order and empower the aforesaid Committee for the ends abovementioned until meet men shall be found amongst such as shall inhabit there, and be approved of by a County Court." The above copies are from the records of the General Court under date of May 22, 1661. The records of the Town show that "meet men" were found amongst the inhabitants in December 1662, when Deacon James Parker, John Lawrence, William Martin, Richard Blood and James Fiske were chosen Select- men. The record is in the handwriting of Richard Sawtell, who was town clerk for several years. p.18 It is impossible at this time to know precisely what were the proceedings of the grantees, and what were the "entanglements" which so obstructed and hindered the planting of Groton; but from the tenor of John Tinker's petition and the committee's report thereon, the plain inference is, that the Proprietor's had included more lands in their lots than they were justly entitled to, or had proceeded unfairly and illegally in setting them out, and had not admitted others to come in upon equitable terms, by which con- duct they had forfeited their rights in the grant. The names of Richard Smith and others mentioned in the report do not appear in an enviable light. John Tinker alone seems to be the champion of justice and equity. There are certain hereditaments in law called heir-looms, which are said to descend with the land. If any one imagines at the present day, that he can discern the disposition of Richard Smith and others in any of the present proprietors of that soil, which was the cause of thos hindrances and "entanglements" let him be assured, that some of the present freeholders of Groton inherit the spirit of good John Tinker. It appears by the following document, that the survey of the town ordered in 1665, was not completed till the year 1668. "Whereas the Plantation of Groton, containing by grant the proportion of eight miles square, was begun to be laid out by Ensign Noyes, and he dying before he had finished his work, it is now finished, whose limits and bounds are as followeth: "It began on the east side of Nashua River, a little below Nissitisit Hills, at the short turning of the river, bounded by a pine tree with "G", and so running p.19 two miles in a direct line to Buck meadow, which pertains to Boston farms and so is bounded by Boston farms, Billerica land and Edward Cowell's farm until you come to Massapoag pond, which is full of small islands, from thence it is bounded by Chelmsford and Nashobah lines, until you come to the most southerly corner of this plantation; and from thence it runs west- northwest five miles and a half and sixty four poles, which again reacheth to Nashua River; thence the former west-northwest line is continued one mile on the west side of the river; and then it runs one third of a point easterly of north-and by east, nine miles and one quarter; from thence it runneth four miles due east, which closeth the work to the river again, to the first pine tree below the Nissitisit hills, where we began. It is bounded by the farms and plantations as aforesaid, and by the wilderness elsewhere; all which lines are run and very sufficiently bounded by marked trees and pillars of stones. The figure or manner of the lying of it is more fully demonstrated by this plot taken of the same. [Signed] By Jonathan Danforth, April, 1668." These boundary lines and plot referred to, include the whole of what is now Groton, nearly the whole of Pepperell and Shirley, large portions of Littleton and Dunstable and smaller portions of Harvard, Westford and Nashua, New Hampshire. (Caleb Butler - 1848) If the aforementioned committee of the General Court included in their estimation of the capacity of the place for subsistence by husbandry, those parts only, which had been planted by the Indians, and needed but little culture to render them productive, and the meadows, which then spontaneously produced fodder for cattle, their judgment may not have been very erroneous; but if they included the whole of the territory as surveyed, and made their estmation of its prospective capability of productiveness, p.20 their forsight cannot be very highly appreciated. In the latter case their estimation was one family to each square mile, or six hundred and forty acres. There are now probably ten times the number of families estimated by the committee living upon the above described and bounded territory and subsisting principally by husbandry. Should our wisest and most intelligent men at this time undertake to predict what would be the productiveness, inhabitancy or any other condition of Groton two centuries hence, they might judge as erroneously as did Thomas Danforth, Edward Johnson and Ephraim Child, nearly two centuries ago. After the distressing war, waged by the Indians under King Philip in the years 1675 and 1676 against the English settlements in New England, had been closed, the proprietors of Groton seem to have thought, that their title to the plantation from King James & King Charles of England, through the Council of Plymouth and the General Court of Massachusetts, was not complete; and they thereupon undertook to strengthen it by grant from the aborigines. This would give them a title by ancient possession, their former titles being by right of discovery. Indians - Tom Dublitt The following copies will show the proceedings of the inhabitants in this matter. Instructions to a Committee, chosen 23d of 10th month, 1683 "John Page, John Parish, Ensign Lawrence. "As you are chosen a committee for and in behalf of the town, you are de- sired for to prove the right and title we have to our township by all the legal testimony, which can be procured, when the town is sent to by any authority; and if any Indians can prove a legal title to the remainder of our township, you have power to buy it at as easy a lay as you can, and make it asgood as may be in behalf of p.21 the town; and you shall have reasonable satisfaction for your pains. "In the name of the Selectmen - Jonathan Morse, Clerk." At a town meeting 14th, 11th Mo. 1683/4 the above named committee presented their account of expenses in procuring a deed from certain Indians; but it is so defaced as not to be wholly legible. The town voted to put the deed on record, a copy of which follows: Indian Deed "To all people, to whom these presents shall come, know ye that we, John, Tom Dublitt and his wife, and their eldest son, Little James Fox, alias Gasumbitt, Mr. Jacob, alias Patatuck, all of Weymessett and Thomas Waban of Natick, all of them Indians and inhabitants as aforesaid, and within the Massachusetts Colony in New England, for and in consideration of the full and just sum of twenty and eight pounds, ten shillings, to us well and truly paid and security given to them according to law by Corporal John Page, Ensign Nathaniel Lawrence and John Parish all of the Town of Groton, which is to the full satisfaction and content of the aforesaid Indians, and thereof and every part thereof do acquit, release, and dis- charge the said John Page, Nathaniel Lawrence and John Parish and their heirs and administrators forever, by these presents, have granted, bargained and sold, aliened, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents do fully, freely, clearly and absolutely grant, bargain and sell, alien, enfeof and confirm to the now inhabitants of the town of Groton, aforesaid, and to their heirs and associates forever, all and every part of that tract of land, which is called Groton Plantation, according to the full extent of the bounds thereof, on both sides of the Nashua River as it is grante to them by the Honorable General Court of the Massachusetts Colony. To have and to hold the above p.22 said tract of land, with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same appertaining, or in any way belonging to them the said inhabitants of the town of Groton, and to their heirs and associates forever. And they the said Mr. John, Tom Dublitt and his wife, and their son, the eldest of them, Little James Fox, and Jacob Patatuck, and Thomas Waban, for themselves, their heirs and administrators, do covenant, promise and grant, to and with the aforesaid John Page, Nathaniel Lawrence, and John Parish (as trustees for and in the behalf of the whole inhabitants of the aforesaid town of Groton) and with their heirs and assigns forever, that they the said Mr. John, Tom Dublitt and his wife and their eldest son, Little James Fox, alias Gasumbitt, and Jacob Patatuck and Thomas Waban, and each of them are the true and proper owners of the above said tract of land, as to all manner of Indian title, that either is or may be conceived to be. And that they have good right, full power and lawful authority, the premises to grant, bargain and confirm to them the said inhabitants of Groton and to their heirs, associates and assigns forever. And that they the said inhabitants of the town of Groton, their heirs, associates and assigns forever shall and may at all times and from time to time forever hereafter quietly and peaceably have, hold, enjoy, and possess the said whole tract of land or plantation, with all the privileges, profits and commodities of the same, without the lawful let, hindrance, eviction, expulsion, suit, molestation or denial of them the said Mr. John, Tom Dublitt and his wife, and their eldest son, Little James Fox, Jacob, alias Patatuck, and Thomas Waban, their heirs or executors, administrators or assigns of them or either of them or of any other person or persons whatsoever, whether Indians or English, claiming or having any right, title or interest therein or thereunto, by, from or under, them or either of them (as to Indian title of land) or by any other lawful ways or means whatsoever. p.23 "In witness whereof the said Mr. John, Indian, Tom Dublitt and his wife, and their eldest son, Little James Fox, Jacob, alias Patatuck and Thomas Waban, have affixed their hands and seals hereunto this tenth day of January in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and eighty three-four, and in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord, King Charles the 2nd. Read, signed and delivered in the presence of us: Thomas Hinchman John Fiske Jona. Danforth, Sen'r. Samuel Brown James Rumbly Marsh (Names, marks, and seals of the Grantors) "Pompequoosit, alias Mr. John Thomas Reepamimp, alias Dublitt Sarah, his wife Gasumbitt, alias Little James Fox Patatuck, alias Jacob Indians of Weymesset and Thomas Waban of Natick, acknowledged the within written instrument to be their act and deed, January 11th, 1683/4 - before Peter Buckley, Assist." At the last mentioned town meeting, "Voted, that these public charges concerning the purchase of our Indian title shall be levied upon our first grants; and they shall pay, in whose hands they are found; that if any person do refuse to pay for the purchase of this Indian title of our township, their names are to be entered into the town book." It appears by records of the payments of several proprietors for this purchase that the proportion was eight shillings and four pence to a ten acre right. Other persons besides the committee chosen by the town, appear to have obtained a title from Indians, for at a p.24 town meeting June 8th, 1702, the town voted to give Robert Robbins three acres of meadow and ten acres of upland near his meadow; and to the heirs of Peleg Lawrence, deceased, three acres of meadow and ten acres of upland near the same, upon condition that they, Robert Robbins and the heirs of Peleg Lawrence, "do deliver that Indian title, that they now have, to the Town." Holliston. December 3,* 1724. A part of Sherborn. Dec. 22,* 1744, bounds between Holliston and Hopkinton established. April 28, 1781, a part of Hop- kinton annexed. March 3, 1829, a part of Medway annexed and bounds established. Feb. 11, 1833, a part annexed to Fram- ingham. March 27, 1835, a part annexed to Milford and bounds between Holliston, Hopkinton, and Milford established. March 16, 1846, a part included in the new town of Ashland. April 1, 1859, bounds between Holli= ston and Milford established. Hopkinton. December 13,* 1715. Certain common lands and the plantation called Moguncoy. June 14,* 1735, a part in- cluded in the new town of Upton. Dec. 22,* 1744, bounds between Hopkinton and Hollis- ton established. April 28, 1781 a part annexed to Holliston. March 8, 1808, a part annexed to Upton. March 27, 1835, a part of Milford annexed, a part annexed to p.41 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Hopkinton, continued. December 13,* 1715. Milford, and bounds between Hopkinton, Holliston & Milford established. March 15, 1846, a part included in the new town of Ashland. April 28, 1853, a part of Ashland to be annexed when a certain sum is paid by Hopkin- ton. May 2, 1853, three hundred dollars paid by Hopkinton and the Act in effect. May 16, 1907 bounds between Hopkinton & Mil- ford established. May 16, 1907, bounds between Hopkinton & Upton established. Hudson. March 19, 1866. Parts of Marlborough & Stow. March 20, 1868, a part of Bolton annexed. May 1, 1905, bounds between Hudson & Berlin established. May 24, 1905, bounds between Hudson & Stow established. Lexington. March 20,* 1713. The north precinct in Cambridge. April 19, 1754, a part included in the new town of Lincoln. June 9, 1768, a part annexed to Bed- ford. Jan. 20, 1800, a part of Burlington annexed. Feb. 28, 1853, bounds between Lexington and Lincoln established. April 4, 1895, bounds between Lexing- ton and Waltham located and defined. Lincoln. April 19, 1754. Parts of Concord, Lexington & Weston. Feb. 28, 1853, bounds between Lincoln and Lexington established. Littleton. December 3,* 1715. Common land. June 14,* 1715, bounds between Nashoba and Groton established. Nov. 23,* 1725, parts of Chelmsford & Concord annexed. Jan. 4,* 1739, a part of Groton annexed. Feb. 27,* 1743, bounds betweeen Littleton & Groton established. Feb. 25, 1783, a part included in the new district of Boxbor- ough. Feb. 20, 1794, bounds be- tween Littleton & Boxborough established. April 30, 1800, bounds between Littleton & Box- borough established. June 14, 1906, bounds between Littleton and Harvard established. June 15, 1906, bounds between Little ton & Boxborough established. Lowell. March 1, 1826. A part of Chelmsford. March 29, 1834, a part of Tewksbury annexed. April 1, 1836, Lowell is incor- porated as a city. April 11, 1836, an act of incorporation is accepted by the town. Feb. 28, 1851, a part of Dracut is annexed. May 18, 1874, parts of Chelmsford and Dracut annexed. June 5, 1874, a part of Tewks- bury is annexed. June 23, 1874 the Act of May 18, 1874 accept- ed by Lowell. August 1, 1874, the Act took effect. April 1, 1879, a part of Dracut is annex- ed. May 17, 1888, a part of Tewksbury annexed. April 30, 1906, a part of Tewksbury annex- ed. p.42 MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. MALDEN. May 2,* 1649. A part of Charlestown called Mystic Side. June 7,* 1726, a part of Charlestown annexed. June 3,* 1727, a part annexed to Reading. Dec. 21,* 1734, a part of Malden annexed to Stone- ham. Dec. 18, 1753, bounds be- tween Malden & Reading esta- blished. June 10, 1817, a part annexed to Medford. May 3, 1850 a part established as Melrose. March 9, 1870, a part establish- ed as Everett. April 20, 1877, a part of Medford annexed. Feb. 20, 1878, bounds between Malden and Medford established. March 31, 1881, Malden incorporated as a city. June 9, 1881, act of incorporation accepted by the town. June 10, 1910, bounds be- tween Malden & Medford esta- blished and a part of Medford annexed. March 22, 1917, bounds between Malden & Medford chang- ed and established. Marlborough. May 31,* 1660. Common land. May 15,* 1667, plat of Marlborrow confirmed. July 2,* 1700, certain common lands granted to Marlborough. Nov. 16,* 1716, a tract of land called Agaganquamasset confirm- ed to Marlborough. Oct. 25,* 1717, Alcock's Farms granted to Marlborough. Nov. 18,* 1717, a part established as Westborough. July 6,* 1727, a part establish- ed as Southborough. July 11, 1783, bounds between Marlbor- ough and Stow established. March 16, 1784, a part included in the new district of Berlin. Feb. 23, 1791, a part of Framingham annex- ed. June 20, 1807, a part is annexed to Northborough and bounds established. Feb. 11, 1829, a part annexed to Bolton. March 16, 1838, bounds between Marlborough & Bolton establish- ed. March 24, 1843, a part of Southborough annexed. March 19, 1866, a part included in the new town of Hudson. May 23, 1890, Marlborough incorporated as a city. July 14, 1890, act of in- corporation accepted by the town. May 16, 1901, bounds between Marlborough and Southborough established. May 1, 1905, bounds between Marlborough & Berlin established. Maynard. April 19, 1871. Parts of Sudbury and Stow. Medford. September 28,* 1630 Common land. April 19, 1754, a part of Charlestown annexed to Medford. June 21, 1811, a part annexed to Charlestown. June 10, 1817, a part of Malden is annexed. April 30, 1850, a part included in the new town of Winchester. April 20, 1875, a part of Everett annexed. April 20, 1877, a part annexed to Malden. Feb. 20, 1878 bounds p.43 MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. Medford - continued. September 28,*1630 between Medford & Malden esta- blished. May 31, 1892, Medford Incorporated as a city. Oct. 6, 1892, act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. June 10, 1910, bounds between Medford & Malden established and a part annexed to Malden. March 22, 1917, bounds between Medford & Malden changed and established. Melrose. May 3, 1850 A part of Malden. March 15, 1853, a part of Stoneham annexed. March 27, 1895, bounds between Melrose and Stoneham located and defined. March 18, 1899, Melrose incorpor- ated as a city. May 8, 1899 Act of Incorporation accepted by the town. May 9, 1906, bounds between Melrose and Wakefield changed & established. Natick. October 14,* 1651. The Indian plantation of Natick is mentioned. May 31,* 1660 bounds of the plantation established. April 16,* 1679, exchange of land made with Sherborn. May 30,* 1679, the exchange of land with Sherborn is ratified by the General Court. Oct. 18,* 1701, bounds between Natick & Dedham established. Feb. 25,* 1744, a part of Needham is annexed. Feb. 23, 1762, the parish of Natick as the district of Natick. Feb. 19, 1781, the district of Natick is made a town. June 22, 1797, bounds between Natick & Needham establish- ed and a part of each town annexed to the other town. Feb. 7, 1820, a part of Sherborn annexed. April 26, 1850, bounds between Natick & Way- land established. April 22, 1871, a part annexed to Framingham. Insert: John Sassamon (Mr. Hubbard says Sausaman) was the son of a Wampanoag Indian who with his wife and family lived in Dorchester. They had been taught by Mr. Eliot and pro- fessed the Christian faith. The son John was the pupil of Mr. Eliot from his early youth and was made a teacher among the Christian Indians at Natick. Mr. Hubbard says that "upon some misdemeanor" there, he went to the Wampanoags where he became the secretary and interpreter of the chief, to whom he was a most valuable assistant and trusted adviser. He was soon prevailed upon by Mr. Eliot to return to Natick, where he became a preacher, while still preserving friendly relations with Philip and his tribe. In 1672/3 he was at Namasket as preacher among the Indians, whose chief was Tuspaquin, whose daughter Sassamon had married. While here he discovered that a plot was in process, extending among many tribes to exterminate or drive away the English settlers from the country. This plot Sassamon disclosed to the authorities at Plymouth and afterwards the story was told to the Massachusetts authorities; and Philip was summon- ed to answer to the charge. Source: King Philips' War by Bodge (full transcription sent on request) Newton. December 15,* 1691. The town of Cambridge Village, some times called Little Cambridge. June 21, 1803, an island in the Charles River is annexed. April 23, 1838, a part annexed to Roxbury. April 16, 1849, a part annexed to Waltham. June 2, 1873, Newton incorporated as a city. Oct. 13, 1873, Act of Incor- poration is accepted by the town. May 29, 1874, bounds between Newton & Boston is established. May 5, 1875, a part of Boston is annexed. June 23, 1875, the act accepted by Newton. July 1, 1875, the Act took effect. March 29, 1898, bounds between Newton & Boston established. May 13, 1898, bounds be- tween Newton and Boston established. March 28, 1907, bounds between Newton and Brookline established. Newtowne. July 26,* 1631. Common land. March 6,* 1632, bounds between "Charles-Towne & Newtowne" established. April 7,* 1635, bounds between p.44 MIDDLESEX COUNTY - continued. Newtowne - continued. July 26,* 1631. Newtowne and Watertown, and between Newtowne & Roxbury established. May 2,* 1638, named is changed to Cam- bridge. North Reading. May 22, 1853. A part of Reading. May 27, 1857, bounds between North Reading & Lynnfield established and a part of each town annexed to the other town provided the Act is accepted by both towns. January 7, 1858, the Act accepted by North Reading. Accepted by Lynnfield, Nov. 3, 1857. March 12, 1904, bounds between North Reading & North Andover established. April 22, 1904, bounds between North Reading & Andover established. Pepperell. April 12, 1753. The 2nd Precinct of Groton, made the district of "Pepperell." August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Feb. 3, 1803, a part is annexed to Groton. May 18, 1857, a part of Groton is annexed. Reading. May 29,* 1644. A part of Lynn. May 29,* 1644, bounds between Reading & Woburn established. October 14,* 1651, land granted to Reading. June 3,* 1727, a part of Malden annexed. Sept. 25,* 1730, a part included in the new town of Wilmington. Dec. 21,* 1734, a part is annexed to Stoneham. April 5,* 1751, bounds between Reading & Stone- ham is established. Dec. 18, 1753, bounds between Reading & Malden esta- blished. Feb. 25, 1812, the First or South Parish of Reading established as South Reading. June 16, 1813, a part of South Reading is annexed. Mar. 22, 1853, a part is established as North Reading. April 10, 1854, bounds between Reading and Lynnfield esta- blished. May 2, 1905, bounds between Reading & Lynnfield established. Sherborn. October 7,* 1674. Common land. April 16,* 1679, ex- change of land made with the planta- tion of Natick, May 30,* 1679. The exchange ratified by the General Court. May 17,* 1684, the Grant of Oct. 7,* 1674, and the name Sher- borne then given, confirmed. July 11,* 1700, a part is annexed to Framingham. June 16,* 1710, bounds between Sherborn & Framingham esta- blished. Dec. 3,* 1724, a part is established as Holliston. March 3, 1792, bounds between Sherburne & Medway established. Feb. 7, 1820 a part is annexed to Natick. May 3, 1852, the name of the town of Sher- burne is changed to Sherborn. p.45 MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. Shirley. January 5, 1753. A part of Groton is established as the district of Shirley. Jan. 25, 1765, certain land known as Stow Leg is annexed. August 23, 1775, the district of Shirley is made a town by General Act. Feb. 6, 1798, a part of Groton is annexed to Shirley. March 3, 1846, the bounds between Shirley & Lunenburg are established. April 25, 1848, the bounds between Shirley & Lunenburg established. February 14, 1871, a part included in the new town of Ayer. Somerville. March 3, 1842. A part of Charlestown. April 30, 1856 bounds between Somerville & Cambridge established and a part of each place annexed to the other place. April 29, 1862, bounds between Somerville and Cambridge established and part of each place annexed to the other place. April 14, 1871, Somerville incorporated as a city. April 27, 1871, the Act of Incorporation accepted by the town. May 4, 1891, bounds between Somer- ville and Boston established. March 16, 1910, bounds between Somerville and Arlington established. South Reading. February 25, 1812. A part of Reading. June 16, 1813 a part annexed to Reading. April 5, 1856, a part of Stoneham annexed. Feb. 25, 1868, names is changed to Wakefield. June 30, 1868, the Act took effect. Stoneham. December 17,* 1725. A part of Charlestown. Dec. 21,* 1734, a part of Malden annexed. Dec. 21,* 1734, a part of Reading Annex- ed. April 5,* 1751, bounds between Stoneham & Reading established. March 15, 1853, a part annexed to Melrose. April 5, 1856 a part annex- ed to South Reading. March 13, 1889, a part annexed to Wakefield. March 27, 1895, bounds between Stoneham & Melrose located and defined. April 20, 1895, a part of Woburn annexed to Stoneham. Stow. May 16,* 1683. The plantation between Concord and Lancaster was called Pompositticut. April 12,* 1717, the bounds between Stow and Concord was established. Dec. 29,* 1730, a part of Sudbury annexed. June 29,* 1732, a part in- cluded in the new town of Harvard. Feb. 25, 1783, a part included in the new town of Boxborough. July 11, 1783, bounds between Stow and Marl- borough established. March 19, 1866, a part included in the new town of Hudson. April 19, 1871, a part in- cluded in the new town of Maynard. May 24, 1905, bounds between Stow and Hudson established. p.46 MIDDLESEX COUNTY - continued. Sudbury. September 4,* 1639. The new plantation by Concord. May 13,* 1640, land granted to Sudbury. May 2,* 1649, land granted to Sud- bury. May 13,* 1651, bounds between Sudbury and Watertown established. June 13,* 1701, bounds between Sud- bury and Framingham established. June 9,* 1721, certain farms annex- ed. Dec. 29,* 1730, a part annexed to Stow. April 10, 1780, a part established as East Sudbury. April 19, 1871, a part included in the new town of Maynard. Tewksbury. December 17,* 1734. A part of Billerica. March 29, 1834 a part annexed to Lowell. June 5, 1874, a part annexed to Lowell. May 17, 1888, a part annexed to Lowell. May 21, 1903, bounds be- tween Tewksbury and Andover esta- blished. April 30, 1906, a part annexed to Lowell. Townsend. June 29, 1732. The north part of Turkey Hill. March 6, 1767, a part included in the new town of Ashby. Insert. TURKEY HILL. Lunenburg Mass......settled in 1719......by families from all over Massachusetts Bay Colony........many later migrated to NH and Vermont. The original name of Luneburg was "Turkey Hill" The settlers and lots granted to : John Fletcher of Concord [Mass] Nathaniel Harris of Needham moses Smith of Needham Roberd Harris of Need ham Abraham Woodward of Brookline Aron Smith of Needham Ephraim Sautle of Groton Mr Whittemore for his son Nathaniel, of Concord Jonthan Hubard of Concord Joseph Hubbard of Concord Daniel Davis of Concord Jonathan Hartwell of Concord William Keene of Concord Elias Barron of Concord Ensign John Warrin for his son,John of Marlborough Jonathan child of ________ Jacob Fullam of Weston John Whitny of Watertown William Wood of Concord Lieut Jones for his son,Josiah of Weston Eleazer Green of Groton Ephriam Peirce for his son,Ephriam of Groton Nathaniel Holden of Groton Zachariah Sautle for his son,David of Groton William Whitney for his son William of Groton Isaac Stone of Groton Nathaniel Woods of Groton nathaniel Woods, jr of Groton Nathan Haward of Concord [Hayward] Edward Emerson for his son Edward, of Newbury John Calfe of Boston Thomas Hale for his son,Joshua of Newberry Daniel Thirston for his son,Jonathan of Newbery [Thurston] phillip Goodridge of Newbery Jonathan Poore of Newbery Willliam Blount for his son David of Andover Henry Chandler [ JR] of Andover Thomas Pearly for Phillip Amey of Boxford Jer. Perly for John Amey of Boxford Jonathan Woodman for his son,Stephen of Bradford Thomas Tailer of Reading [Taylor] Nathaniel Stow for his son Nathaniel of Reading Walter Bees of Lancaster William Wheeler of Concord Peter Harwood of Concord for his son Nathaniel Thomas Wooly of Concord Samuel Hartwell for his son Isaac , Concord Joseph Ball for his son Joseph , Watertown John Haskings..watertown [Haskins/Hoskins] Ebenezer Chadwick...Weston Joseph Allen for his son...Weston Jonathan Boyden for his son Josiah.......Groton Benjamin Prescot.....Groton Phinehas Parker....Groton Thomas Tarbul.....Groton [tarball ] Joseph Gilson for his son Jonas.....Groton William Laurance ....Groton [Lawrence] James Goold ......Salem Samuel Page of Turkey Hills and Samuel Page for his son Joseph [Paige/Page] Capt James Richardson of Wooburn [Woburn] Capt James Richardson for his son William.....Wooburn Jonathan Whitny of Concord Isaac Whitny of Concord Shadrik Whitny of COncord Thomas Kenbal, jr [Kimball/Kimbell] William Clark of Boston Jonthan Shiply of Groton John Burrill...Groton Jonthan Dows...Groton Jer Allen......Groton Nathaniel Whitny jr of Weston Edward Hartwell of Lancaster Amos Brown of Stow James Burbeen Phinehas Richardson ------------------------ Tyngsborough. June 22, 1789. A part of Dunstable established as the Districe of Tyngsborough. March 3, 1792, a part of Dunstable annexed to the district of Tyngs- borough. Jan. 29, 1798, a part of Dunstable annexed to the District of Tyngsborough and bounds esta- blished. Feb. 23, 1809, the dis- trict made a town. June 10, 1814, bounds between Tyngsborough and Dunstable established. Wakefield. February 25, 1868. Name changed from South Reading. June 30, 1868, the Act took effect. April 2, 1870, bounds between Wake- field and Lynnfield established. March 13, 1889, a part of Stone- ham annexed. May 9, 1906, bounds between Wakefield and Melrose was changed and established. Waltham. January 4,* 1738. A part of Watertown. June 4, 1755, a part of Cambridge annexed. June 25, 1766, bounds between Waltham & Weston established. April 16, 1849, a part of Newton annexed. March 18, 1859, a part included in the new town of Belmont. June 2, 1884, Wal- tham incorporated as a city. July 16, 1884, Act of Incorporation was accepted by the town. April 4, 1895, the bounds between Waltham & Lexing- ton located and defined. WATERTOWN. September 7,* 1630. "The town upon the Charles River." Sept. 25,* 1634, a part of Newtowne to revert to Watertown, "If Mr. Hooker & his congregation shall re- move hence." April 7,* 1635. p.47 Middlesex County, con'd. bounds between Watertown & New Towne established. Aug. 20,* 1638, bounds between Watertown, Concord & Dedham established. March 13,* 1639, bounds between Watertown & Cambridge esta- blished. May 22,* 1639, bounds be- tween Watertown & Dedham establish- ed. May 13,* 1651, bounds between Watertown & Sudbury established. March 13,* 1651, bounds between Watertown & Concord established. Jan. 1,* 1712, a part established as Weston. Jan 4,* 1738, a part established as Waltham. April 19, 1754, bounds between Watertown and Cambridge established. April 27, 1855, a part annexed to Cambridge. March 18, 1859, a part included in new town of Belmont. March 10, 1885, a part is annexed to Cambridge. Mar. 9, 1898, bounds between Watertown & Cambridge established & a part of each place is annexed to the other. May 23, 1903, bounds between Water- town and Belmont established. April 29, 1911, bounds between Watertown and Belmont established. Insert - Records of the First Church of Watertown. Record of the First Parish In Watertown, Massachusetts, Compiled by Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, Minister of the First Parish. WATERTOWN. 1861. Mount Auburn: Printed at the Memorial Office. p.5 HISTORICAL SKETCH. A company of early emigrants from England, whose principal leaders were Sir Richard Saltonstall, Rev. George Phillips and Elder Richard Browne, came to Watertown as settlers in 1630. The town was incorporated after the manner of that day, by a colonial enactment, Sept. 17, 1630. The First Parish (now the Unitarian Society) was established the same year, and its affairs were then identified with those of the town. Watertown was so called from its abundance of water in the river, and the springs and ponds in its then limits. It originally included in its boundaries what now are the towns of Waltham, Weston, Belmont and a portion of territory since forming a part of Lincoln and Cambridge, Mass., besides what is today the town of Watertown. There were also the "Watertown farms," or lands given by the colonial legislature to this town in Princeton, near Wachusett mountain. It will be seen that our town has been largely shorn of its original possessions, and much circumscribed in territory. The Church in this Parish, which word was then synonymous with that of township, was organ- ized July 28, 1630, and is the most ancient in the colony of Massachusetts Bay, except one - the First Church of Salem, Mass. It was the only Church in Watertown for 61 years. Rev. George Philips became its pastor on the day of its organization. He had previously been settled in England. He was extremely liberal and charitable in his theological opinions, and the earliest advocate of strict Congregationalism and Independency in the Colony. Indeed, until the arrival of Reverend John Cotton from England, he stood, in this re- spect, alone among the clergy in New England. He also, in advising the town to resist a colonial tax, was the earliest asserter, in colonial affairs, of the doctrine that "taxation without representation is tyranny," the ground-principle, many years subse- quently, of our American Revolutionary struggle. Mr. Phillips died July 1, 1644. The Church also fully sympathized with its pastor in liberal p.6 RECORD OF THE FIRST PARISH IN WATERTOWN, MASS. views and love for strict independency. It was the first church which adopted thorough Congregationalism and entire independency of other churches and human authority as its basis, and for a long time stood alone in their advocacy; it was regarded as somewhat heretical in ecclesiastical matters then, though its Congregational system is now preva- lent throughout New England as the method of church government. Some of the earlier mem- bers of the church were distinguished for their liberality of views, and tolerant spirit. Among these, Honorable Richard Saltsonstall, who, after his return to England, wrote a letter to the magistrates of this colony in favor of toleration, and Elder Richard Browne, who averred that even the Romish churches, in spite of many errors, were never- the-less churches of Christ, were preeminent. The Parish and its ministers were also uni- formly in favor of civil freedom, so that the town of Watertown, then identical with the Parish of Watertown, was selected as a place of refuge for the General Court during the Revolutionary struggle. Reverend Mr. Phillips was sole minister of the church and parish until December 19, 1639, when Reverend John Knowles was ordained by the church as a colleague pastor with Rev. Mr. Phillips. Mr. Knowles had never been settled elsewhere. It was an early custom to have two ministers of each church, one as Pastor, the other as teacher, but this distinction was never observed in this parish. Mr. Knowles was set apart to the work of the minis- try by the action of his own church and parish only; no ministerial council was called, nor were the neighborhing churches and ministers asked to assist, or even notified. This is in conformity to the principles of strict Congregationalism, though it caused some complain by other ministers at the time. The right of each congregation to ordain or install its own ministers, wholly by itself, is clear and unquestionable, the expedi- ency in a separate consideration. Mr. Knowles continued colleague pastor till the death Mr. Phillips, and for some years subsequent, but in 1650, he returned to England, where he died April 10, 1685. He also was a strict Congregationalist, and esteemed in his day, too liberal in ecclesiastical matters. REVEREND JOHN SHERMAN. Rev. John Sherman became colleague with Mr. Knowles in 1647 and remained Pastor after Mr. Knowles returned to England, until his decease, August 8, 1685. He was a good and a just man, and of marked intellectual ability, as had been his predecessors. These three pastors were the sole ministers of Watertown for the first 55 years after its settlement. Reverend John Bailey was installed as Mr. Sherman's successor, October 6, 1686. This was the first installation in Massachusetts. It differs from ordination by the ommission of the practice of P.7 WATERTOWN. "laying on of hands." Mr. Bailey took the ground and strenuously maintained it, his Church assenting, that having been once ordained, consecration anew to the work of the ministry was unnecessary, and seemingly called in question the validity of the original act. Reverend Thomas Bailey, his brother, was also employed as his colleague, until his (Thomas's) death, January 21, 1689. It does not appear from the church records that he was ever ordained or installed over the church, though he was one of its regular pastors, for fourteen months In 1692, Reverend John Bailey left Watertown and returned to Boston, and became there the assistant minister of the First Church. His change of residence and pastorship was doubt- less occasioned by his depression of spirits, owing to the death of his beloved wife and of his brother, which led him to feel that change of scene and labor was absolutely re- quisite. No dissatisfaction between him and his people is anywhere mentioned, and we have his private journal, as well as official records. He died December 12, 1697. REVEREND HENRY GIBBS. Insert: Prescott Memorial p.63 Mercy Prescott b. Feb. 5, 1755 dau. of Benjamin Prescott & wife, Rebecca Minot, Salem, Mass. Mercy Prescott m. Oct 29, 1781, Henry Gibbs of Salem, son of the Rev. Henry Gibbs of Watertown, Mass. and settled at Salem after grad. from Harvard Coll. in 1766. Four p.95 Rev. Henry Gibbs and Mercy Prescott had issue: 1. Henry Gibbs Jr. b. May 17, 1783, died Dec 14, 1791. 2. William Gibbs b. Feb 17, 1785 m. Setp 24, 1812, his cousin, Mercy Barrett b. Sept 13, 1783; died Feb 7, 1837; res. at Salem, Concord and Lexington. 3. Maria Gibbs b. Nov 3, 1787; died Nov 17, 1791. 4. Josiah Williard Gibbs b. April 30, 1790; grad. Yale Coll. 1809, was for many years a professor at Yale Coll. He m. Sept 30, 1830, Maery Anna Van Cleve b. 1807; d. 1855 aged 48 yrs leaving 5 children. Professor Gibbs died at New Haven, CT., Mar 25,1861. 5. Henry Gibbs b. Sept 20, 1793; m. Sept 20, 1827, Ann Evans of Philadelphia. He died at Philadelphia May 25, 1855. FIRST PARISH CHURCH, WATERTOWN. Rev. Henry Gibbs was invited to be assistant pastor with Mr. Bailey in 1691. He accepted the call and entered at once upon his duties, but was not ordained or ista= lled until Oct 6, 1697. He continued Pastor until his death, October 21, 1723. Rev. Seth Storer was ordained July 22, 1724. He died November 27, 1774, aged 72, after a useful ministry of over fifty years. After his death, Reverend Dr. Cooper of Brattle St. Church, Boston, resided in this town for some time, Boston being in the possession of the British. He supplied this pulpit during his temporary residence here, and it was not until April 29, 1778, that any successor to Mr. Storer was found. On that day, the Rev. Daniel Adams was ordained. His ministry was of short duration, for he was stricken down by the fatal hand of death the same year and died September 16, 1778, after a ministry of less than six months. Reverend Richard Rosewell Eliot was ordained pastor of this church, June 21, 1780. He died October 21, 1818, aged 66 after a ministry of 38 years. As all these Christian ministers have now gone to their long home, it is proper to add that all were of irreproachable moral and religious character, and most of them were men of distinguished mental ability and pastoral gifts. Reverend Converse Francis, D.D. was ordained pastor of the First Church and Parish in Watertown, June 23, 1819. After 23 years pastorate, he resigned June 21, 1842, in order to accept the important professorship of Pulpit and Pastoral Care in the Divinity School of Harvard University. His farewell discourse was preached August 21, 1842. Reverend John Weiss, Jr. was ordained October 25, 1843. He p.8 THE FIRST PARISH CHURCH OF WATERTOWN. resigned October 3, 1845 but resumed his pastorate on invitation of the Parish in 1846, and continued in the work of the ministry here, until his resignation in November, 1847. Rev. Hasbrouck Davis was ordained March 28, 1849. He resigned May 11, 1853. Rev. George Bradford was ordained November 6, 1856. He died February 17, 1859 after a brief but useful ministry. Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, formerly pastor of the New North Church, Boston, became pastor of the First Parish, Watertown, Mass., March 1, 1860. Following the precedents of former pastors in the parish, and by his own express desire, there was no formal installation- service by a council from abroad, but he preached discourses, defining the mutual duties of pastor and people, on the first Sunday in March, at which time his letter of accept- ance of their call, was read to the parish and congregation. There have, of course, been several houses of worship for the First Parish of Watertown. The first meeting house of the parish was probably built soon after the settlement of the town, as in the earliest town records, in 1635, a vote of £80 is ordered for the charge of the new meeting-house, plainly implying that there had been another, and older one, previous to that date. It was probably a very humble affair, and fit only a few years occupation in the infant state of the settlement. We are satisfied that the first two meeting-houses were built upon a rising knoll of ground belonging to the old Coolidge estate, on the main road, near Mr. George Frazar's house. The oldest parsonage house is now the residence of Joshua Coolidge, Jr. The principal part of the earliest settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts, lived in the part of the town near Mount Auburn, early called Sweet Auburn, nearly all of which was originally comprised in the territory of Watertown. The second meeting house, probably the first of any pretension, was erected at a very early date, and was doubtless quite humble in its architectural character. As early as 1654, a new meeting-house was ordered by the town, but owing to a fierce contention about its site, it was not built and occupied until November, 1656. It stood near, or upon the old site, in the vicinity of the ancient burial ground. After an exciting controversy about location, another meeting-house was built for the parish and subsquently accepted, February 4, 1696. It had probably been occupied before that time, as a Town Meeting was held "in the new meeting-house," December 20, 1695. It stood at the crossing of Lexington and Benefit Streets, at a place called frequently the "Four Corners." The building of this Church led to a parish division and the formation of a society, over which Mr. Angier was pastor, and which subsequently became the first society in Waltham, Mass. But it is not to our present purpose to follow the history of any other parish than our own. The parish records p.9 WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS. remaining with our church and society, and the minister employed by the town, (Mr. Gibbs), as colleague with Reverend Mr. Bailey, continuing to minister to this parish, and being ordained over it, are facts decisive as to the question whether this, or the Waltham parish, is the original Society in Watertown. January 14, 1723, it was voted to build a church on Meeting-House Hill, then called School-House Hill, and a church was accordingly erected there. In 1754, after renewed controversies, a church was erected, on land givedn for the purpose, on Mount Auburn Street, near the new burying-ground in this town, but before its entire completion, May, 1754, it was burn to the ground by an incendiary. Another church was built on the same spot, and completed, February, 1755. September 7, 1836. A church, on the spot where our present one stands, was completed and dedicated. On the day of dedication, the bell for the church, was broken in the raising. The edifice itself was destroyed by fire July 21, 1841. The fire broke out, not in the church, but in a barn in the rear of the Spring Hotel, and in less than an hour the church was in ashes, making the second church belonging to this parish thus lost; one en- tirely new, and the second only a few years old. The Orthodox church, during the present year (1861) makes the third thus destroyed in town. Our present church was dedicated August 3, 1842. In the foregoing historical sketch, I have consulted Reverend Dr. Francis' Historical Sketch, published 1830, Bond's History of Watertown. Mr. De F. Safford's lecture and the parish records. Many points are involved in obscurity, and the authorities do not always coincide respecting dates, in which cases I have sought to decide according to the weight of evidence and the latest research. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Record of the First Parish In Watertown, Massachusetts, Compiled by Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, Minister of the First Parish. WATERTOWN. 1861. Mount Auburn: Printed at the Memorial Office. PART II. p.10. LIST OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 1856. (Alphabetically Arranged) MALES. Ivers J. Austin Arad Bailey Charles J. Barry Charles Bemis Tyler Bigelow Morton W. Brown George Frazer Hiram Hosmer Daniel Learned Daniel F. Learned Elisha Livermore Samuel Richardson Thomas Livermore Sumner Sargent Asa Stone Nathaniel R. Whitney p.11 FEMALES. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Austin Mrs. Harriet E. Attwill Mrs. Joan Bailey. Mrs. Frances Barnard Miss Sarah A. Barnard. Mrs. Sarah Barrett. Miss Sarah W. Barrett. Mrs. Anne V. Bemis. Mrs. Mary Bird. Mrs. Mary Brigham. Mrs. Susan Brigham. Mrs. Susannah Bright. Mrs. Mry Broad. Mrs. Ann Brown. Mrs. Rachel Carlton. Miss Sarah G. Clarke. Mrs. L. F. Chenery. Mrs. Sally Chenery. Miss Sarah Cook. Mrs. Ruth Dana. Mrs. Lydia B. Farmer. Mrs. Caroline C. Harrington. Mrs. Lydia Harrington. Mrs. Jane Holden. Mrs. Emily Horn. Mrs. Margaret V. Kendall. Mrs. Eleanor Learned. Mrs. Lucy Learned. Miss Lucy A. Learned. Miss Helen A. Learned. Miss Mary Elizabeth Learned. Mrs. Sarah S. Lincoln. Miss Hannah Livermore. Miss Eliza Livermore. Mrs. Sarah Livermore. Mrs. Hannah Livermore. Miss Maria Livermore. Mrs. Sarah May. Mrs. Jane Meacham. Mrs. Jane Anne Meacham. Mrs. Mary Richardson. Mrs. Roxey Robinson. Mrs. Sarah Robbins. Miss Lois Robbins. Mrs. Lucy Rogers. Miss Caroline A. Rogers. Mrs. Roxanna Russell. Miss Elizabeth Sanger. Miss Martha Sanger. Mrs. Mary A. Sargent. Miss Lydia Sprague. Mrs. Mary A. Sherman. Miss Sarah Stearns. Mrs. Abigail S. Stone. Mrs. Mary Stone. Miss Nancy Swift. Mrs. Lucy Thaxter. Mrs. Lucy Titcomb. Miss Abby B. Vose. Mrs. Rebecca Whiting. Miss Addie Whiting. Mrs. Sally Whitney. Mrs. Ruth Whitney. Mrs. Martha G. Whitney. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth MIDDLESEX COUNTY cont'd. Wayland. March 11, 1835. Name changed from East Sudbury. April 26, 1850, the bounds between Wayland & Natick established. West Cambridge. February 27, 1808. A part of Cambridge. Feb. 25, 1842, a part of Charlestown annexed. April 30, 1850, a part included in the new town of Winchester. March 18, 1859, a part included in the new town of Belmont. Jan. 31, 1861, bounds be- tween West Cambridge and Belmont is established. Feb. 25, 1862, a part of Cambridge annexed. April 13, 1867, town's name changed to Arlington. April 20, 1867, the Act took effect. Westford. September 23,* 1729. A part of Chelmsford. Sept. 10,* 1730, a part of Groton is annexed. MIDDLESEX COUNTY, continued. Weston. January 1,* 1713. The West precinct of Watertown. April 19, 1754, a part included in the new town of Lincoln. June 25, 1766, bounds between Weston & Waltham established. Wilmington. September 25,* 1730. Parts of Reading & Woburn. June 13,* 1757, bounds between Wilmington & Billerica established. Winchester. April 30, 1850. Parts of Medford, West Cambridge & Woburn. May 12, 1873, a part is annex- ed to Woburn. p.48 MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Concluded. Woburn. September 27,* 1642. Charlestown Village. May 29,* 1644, bounds between Woburn & Reading esta- blished. Oct 19,* 1664, two thousand acres of land granted to Woburn. Oct. 10, 1666, bounds between Woburn & Billerica established. Oct. 12,* 1669, bounds between Woburn & Billerica esat- blished. Sept 25,* 1730, a part in- cluded in the new town of Wilmington. July 28,* 1741, bounds between Woburn and Billerica established. Feb. 28, 1799, a part established as Burlington. April 30, 1850, a part included in the new town of Winchester. May 12, 1873, a part of Winchester annexed. May 18, 1888, Woburn is incorporated as a city. May 29, 1888, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. April 20, 1895, a part of Woburn is annexed to Stone- ham. End. Middlesex County, Mass. NORFOLK COUNTY, INCORPORATED MARCH 26, 1793. Avon. February 21, 1888. A part of Stoughton. April 16, 1889, parts of Holbrook & Randolph annex- ed. Bellingham. November 27,* 1719. Parts of Dedham, Mendon & Wrentham. April 11,* 1735, bounds between Bell- ingham & Wrentham established. March 7, 1872, bounds between Bellingham & Mendon established. Braintree. May 13, 1640. Land belonging to Boston called Mount Woollaston. May 30,* 1712, Blue Hill lands divided between Braintree and Milton. Feb 22, 1792, a part included in the new town of Quincy. March 9, 1793, a part established as Randolph. June 22, 1811, certain estates in Braintree re-annexed to Randolph. April 24, 1856, a part is annexed to Quincy. March 11, 1903, bounds between Braintree & Holbrook established. p. 49. Norfolk County - Continued. Towns first mentioned in Records of the State of Massachusetts, or therein recorded as Established or Incorporated. Brookline. November 13,* 1705. A part of Boston called Muddy River. February 22, 1825, bounds between Brookline and Boston confirmed. Feb. 24, 1844, a part of Roxbury is annex- ed. June 18, 1870, a part is annexed to Boston. Nov. 4, 1870, the Act is accepted by Boston. April 27, 1872, bounds between Brookline and Boston established. May 8, 1874, a part is annexed to Boston. May 27, 1890, bounds between Brookline & Boston are established. April 13, 1894, bounds between Brookline and Boston esta- blished. March 28, 1907, bounds be- Brookline & Newton established. Canton. February 23, 1797. A part of Stoughton. March 31, 1847, a part annexed to Stoughton. March 24, 1899, bounds between Canton & Sharon established. Cohasset. April 26, 1770. A part of Hingham established as the District of Cohasset. Aug. 23, 1775, the district is made a town by Gener- al Act. June 14, 1823, a part of Scit- uate is annexed. March 20, 1840, bounds between Cohasset and Scituate estab- lished & a part of each town annexed to the other town. April 30, 1897, bounds between Cohasset, Hingham & Scituate established. Dedham. September 8,* 1636. Common land. May 16,* 1638, bounds be- tween Dedham and Roxbury established. May 17,* 1638, bounds between Dedham and Dorchester established. August 20,* 1638, bounds between Dedham, Concord & Watertown established. May 22,* 1639, bounds between Dedham & Watertown esta- blished. October 17,* 1649, land is granted for a village. May 22,* 1650, a part is established as Medfield. Oct. 14,* 1651, bounds are confirmed. May 12,* 1675, bounds between Dedham & Rox- bury established. October 18,* 1701, bounds between Dedham and Natick esta- blished. Nov. 5,* 1711, a part esta- blished as Needham. August 22,* 1812, bounds between Dedham and Needham esta- blished. November 3,* 1714, bounds be- tween Dedham & Needham established. Nov. 27,* 1719, a part included in the new town of Bellingham. Dec. 10,* 1724, a part is established as Walpole. April 25,* 1733, a part of Stoughton annexed. Dec. 10,* 1737, a part of Stoughton is annexed. Dec. 11,* 1788, bounds between Dedham & Stough= ton established. June 7* 1739, a part is annexed to Dorchester. June 17, 1780, a part of Stoughton is annexed. July 7, 1784, a part is esta- blished as the district of Dover. March 7, 1791, bounds between Dedham & Dover established. June 21, 1811, a part is re-annexed to Walpole. June p.50 NORFOLK COUNTY - Continued. Dedham - Continued. September 8,* 1636. 17, 1831, a part is annexed to Dor- chester. April 21, 1852, a part is annexed to West Roxbury upon payment of $400 by West Roxbury. April 30, 1852, the Act accepted by West Rox- bury. April 30, 1852, a part annexed to Walpole. July 4, 1853, $400 paid by West Roxbury to Dedham, and Act of April 21, 1852 in effect. April 22 1868, a part included in the new town of Hyde Park. May 1, 1868, bounds fixed in the Act of April 22, 1868 changed. Feb. 23, 1872, a part in- cluded in the new town of Norwood. April 2, 1897, a part establishes as Westwood. Dorchester. September 7,* 1630. Common land called Mattapan. March 4,* 1635, Thompson's Island is granted to Dorchester. March 28,* 1636, bounds established. May 17,* 1638, bounds be- tween Dorchester & Dedham established. June 2,* 1641, "Squantums Neck and Mennens Moone" annexed. November 12,* 1659, one thousand acres of common land granted to Dorchester. May 7,* 1662, a part is established at Milton. December 22,* 1726, a part is established as Stoughton. June 7,* 1739, a part of Dedham annexed. Feb. 22, 1792, a part is annexed to Quincy. March 6, 1804, a part annexed to Boston. Feb. 10, 1814, a part annexed to Quincy. Feb. 12, 1819, a part annexed to Quincy. Feb. 21, 1820, bounds between Dorchester & Quincy established. June 17, 1831, a part of Dedham annexed. March 25, 1834, Thompson's Island set off and annexed to Boston. May 2, 1855, a part annexed to Quincy. May 21, 1855, a part annexed to Boston. April 22, 1868, a part in- cluded in the new town of Hyde Park. May 1, 1868, act of April 22, 1868, amended & bounds changed. June 4, 1869 Dorchester annexed to Boston if this act is accepted by both places. June 22, 1869, Act accepted by both. Jan. 3, 1870, Act took affect. Insert: Thompson's Island Subect: Thompson's Island - Boston Harbor named for David Thompson, a Scotchman of London, England The following spring in 1623 they determined to establish colonies, and one David Thompson, a Scotchman, a resident of London, and Edward and Willia= m Hilton, two brothers, with a sufficient number of men to carry on the business of catching and curing fish, arrived. The Hilton brothers located at Dover Neck in Dover; Thompson and his party established themselves at Ordiornes Point, the same place discovered by Champlain some nineteen years before. David Thompson was probably the first white settler, and his son John the first white child born in New Hampshire. Thompson left New Hampshire about 1624 and settled upon an island in Boston Harbor, and the same is still known as Thompson's Island. Source: History of Goffstown, N.H. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/nh/county/hillsborough/goffstown/book/chap3.html Dover. July 7, 1784. A part of Dedham established as the district of Dover. March 7, 1791, bounds between the district of Dover and Dedham established. March 31, 1836, the district made a town. May 2, 1836, the Act accepted by the district. Feb. 27, 1872, bounds between Dover & Wal- pole established. May 27, 1903, bounds between Dover & Medfield established. March 12, 1904, bounds between Dover & Walpole established. Foxborough. June 10, 1778. Parts of Stoughton, Stoughtonham, Walpole and Wrentham. March 12, 1793, parts of Sharon & Stoughton annexed and p.51 NORFOLK COUNTY - Continued. Foxborough, continued. June 10, 1778. bounds established. Feb. 3, 1819, bounds between Foxborough & Wrentham established. Feb. 7, 1831, a part of Wrentham annexed. Jan 30, 1833, bounds between Foxborough and Sharon established & part of each town annexed to the other town. March 27, 1833, a part annexed to Walpole. March 28, 1834, a part annexed to Walpole. Feb. 28, 1850, a part of Sharon annexed. May 23, 1903, bounds between Foxborough & Norfolk,. and Walpole established. Franklin. March 2, 1778. A part of Wrentham. June 25, 1792, a part of Medway annexed. Nov. 13, 1792, bounds between Franklin & Medway established. Feb. 23, 1832, bounds between Franklin & Bellingham and Medway established. March 13, 1839, bounds between Franklin & Med- way established and a part annexed to Medway. Feb. 23, 1870, a part included in the new town of Norfolk. Holbrook. February 29, 1872. A part of Randolph. April 16, 1889, a part annexed to Avon. March 11, 1903, bounds between Holbrook & Braintree established. Hyde Park. April 22, 1868. Parts of Dedham, Dorchester & Milton. May 1, 1868, the act amended & bounds changed. April 1, 1898, bounds between Hyde Park and Boston established. May 14, 1911 (amended June 22, 1911) annex- ed to Boston, if the Act is accepted by both places. November 7, 1911, the Act is accepted by both places. November 7, 1911, the Act accepted by both, and took effect. Medfield. May 22,* 1650. A part of Dedham. May 22,* 1651, Med- field granted the privileges of a Town. May 28,* 1659, land granted to Med- field. October 24,* 1713, a part esta- blished as Medway. May 27, 1903, bounds between Medfield and Dover, Norfolk & Walpole established. Medway. October 24, * 1713. A part of Medfield. November 28,* 1749, a part of Wrentham annexed. March 3, 1792, bounds between Meday and Sherborn established. June 25, 1792, bounds be- tween Medway & Franklin established. March 3, 1829, bounds between Medway and Holliston established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. February 23, 1832, bounds between Med- way and Franklin established. March 13, 1839, a part of Franklin annexed and bounds established. Feb. 23, 1870, a part included in the new town of Norfolk. February 24, 1885, a part established as Millis. p.52 NORFOLK COUNTY - continued. Millis. February 24, 1885. A part of Medway. Milton. May 7,* 1662. A part of Dorchester called Uncataquissett. May 30* 1712, Blue Hills lands divided be- tween Milton and Braintree. April 23, 1868, a part included in the new town of Hyde Park. May 1, 1868, the Act amended and the bounds established. April 16, 1885, bounds between Milton and Quincy established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. Needham. November 6,* 1711. A part of Dedham. August 22,* 1712, bounds between Needham & Dedham established. Nov. 3,* 1714 bounds between Needham & Dedham established. Feb. 25,* 1744, a part is annexed to Natick. June 22, 1797, bounds between Needham and Natick established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. April 6, 1881, a part established as Wellesley. Norfolk. February 23, 1870. Parts of Franklin, Medway & Walpole, and Wrentham. April 19, 1871, bounds between Norfolk and Wrentham established. May 23, 1903, bounds between Norfolk and Foxbor- ough established. May 27, 1903, bounds be- tween Norfolk and Medfield established. Norwood. February 23, 1872. Parts of Dedham & Walpole. Plainville. April 4, 1905. A part of Wrentham. Quincy. February 22, 1792. A part of Braintree established as Quincy and part of that part of Dorchester called "Squantum and the Farms" annexed. Feb. 12, 1819, a part of Dorchester is annexed. Feb. 21, 1820, bounds between Quincy and Dorchester established, and part of Squantum annexed. May 2, 1855, a part of Squantum is annexed. April 24, 1856, a part of Braintree is annexed. April 16, 1885, bounds between Quincy and Milton establish- ed and a part of each town annexed to the other town. May 17, 1888, Quincy is Incorporated as a city. June 11, 1888, Act of Incorporation is accept- ed by the town. Randolph. March 9, 1793. A part of Braintree. June 22, 1811, certain estates in Braintree re-annex- ed. March 21, 1861, bounds between Rand- olph and Abington established. Feb. 29, 1872, a part established as Holbrook. April 16, 1889, a part is annexed to Avon. Roxbury. September 28,* 1630. Common land. March 4,* 1633, bounds be- tween Roxbury and Boston established. April 7,* 1735, bounds between Roxbury p.53 NORFOLK COUNTY - continued. Roxbury, continued. September 28,* 1630. and Newe Towne established. May 25,* 1636, certain lands granted to Roxbury. March 2,* 1638, certain lands granted to Roxbury. May 16,* 1638, bounds be- tween Roxbury and Dedham established. October 7,* 1641, bounds between Rox- bury and Boston established. October 16,* 1660, certain lands granted to Roxbury. May 12,* 1675, bounds between Roxbury and Dedham established. March 16, 1836, bounds between Roxbury and Boston established. April 19, 1837, bounds between Roxbury & Boston esta- blished. April 23, 1838, a part of Newton annexed. Feb. 24, 1844 a part annexed to Brookline. March 12, 1846, Roxbury is Incorporated as a city. March 25, 1846, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. May 3, 1850, a part is annexed to Boston and bounds between Roxbury and Boston established. May 24, 1851, a part established as West Roxbury. April 3, 1860 a part annexed to Boston and bounds established, if the Act is accepted by both cities. April 16, 1860, the Act is accepted by Roxbury. May 8, 1860, the Act is accept- by Boston. June 1, 1867, Roxbury is annexed to Boston, if this Act is accepted by both cities. Sept 9, 1867 the Act is accepted by both cities. January 5, 1868 - the Act took effect. Sharon. February 25, 1783. Name is changed from Stoughtonham. Feb. 16, 1789, a part of Stoughton annexed. February 22, 1792, a part of Stoughton annexed. March 12, 1793, bounds between Sharon and Foxborough established and parts of sharon and Stoughton annexed to Foxborough. Feb. 28, 1804 a part is annexed to Walpole. June 21, 1811, a part annexed to Walpole. January 30, 1833, bounds between Sharon and Fox- borough established and a part of each town is annexed to the other town. May 1, 1847, a part is annexed to Walpole. February 28, 1850, a part annexed to Foxborough. March 27. 1864, a part of Stoughton is annexed. March 24, 1899, bounds between Sharon and canton are established. Stoughton. December 22,* 1726. A part of Dorchester. April 25,* 1733, part annexed to Dedham. Dec. 10,* 1737, part annexed to Dedham. December 11,* 1738, bounds between Stoughton and Ded- ham established. November 25, 1752, a part annexed to Walpole. March 30, 1753, a part annexed to Walpole. June 18, 1753, a part annexed to Walpole. December 25, 1753, a part annexed to Norton. December 28, 1753, a part annexed to Wrentham. Oct. 25, 1755, a part annexed to Walpole. June 21, 1765, a part established as the District of Stoughtonham. November 20, 1770, a part annexed to Bridgewater. p.54 NORFOLK COUNTY - continued. Stoughton - continued. December 23,* 1726. June 10, 1778, a part included in the new town of Foxborough. June 17, 1780, a part annexed to Dedham. February 16, 1789, a part is annexed to Sharon. Feb. 22, 1792, a part is annexed to Sharon. March 12, 1793, a part is annexed to Foxborough. Feb. 23, 1797, a part is established as Canton. Feb. 8, 1798, a part annexed to Bridgewater. Mar. 31, 1847, a part of Canton is annexed. March 26, 1864, a part is annexed to Sharon. Feb. 21, 1888, a part established as Avon. Stoughtonham. June 21, 1765. A part of Stoughton established as the dis- strict of Stoughtonham. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 10, 1778, a part included in the new town of Foxborough. February 25, 1783, name is chang- ed to Sharon. Walpole. December 10,* 1724. A part of Dedham. November 25, 1752, a part of Stoughton annexed. March 30, 1753, a part of Stoughton annexed. June 13, 1753, a part of Stoughton annexed. October 25, 1755, a part of Stoughton annexed. June 10, 1778, a part included in the new town of Fox- borough. February 28, 1804, a part of Sharon annexed. June 21, 1811, a part of Sharon was annexed and a part of Dedham re-annexed. Mar. 27, 1833, a part of Foxborough annexed. March 28, 1834, a part of Foxborough annexed. April 30, 1852, a part of Dedham annexed. Feb. 23, 1870, a part included in the new town of Nor- folk. February 23, 1872, a part included in the new town of Norwood. Feb. 27, 1872, the bounds between Walpole and Dover established. May 1, 1874, a part of Sharon annexed. May 23, 1903, bounds between Walpole and Fox- borough established. May 27, 1903, bounds be- tween Walpole and Medfield established. Mar. 12, 1904, bounds between Walpole and Dover established. Wellesley. April 6, 1881. A part of Needham. Mount Hope Cemetery. West Roxbury. May 24, 1851. A part of Roxbury. April 21, 1852, part of Dedham annexed upon payment of $400 by West Roxbury. April 30, 1852, the Act is accepted by West Roxbury. July 4, 1853, $400. paid by Roxbury to Dedham, and the Act in effect. April 2, 1870, bounds between West Roxbury and Boston established. April 12, 1872 a part (Mount Hope Cemetery) annexed to Boston. May 29, 1873, West Roxbury annexed to Boston if the Act is accepted by both places. Oct. 7, 1873, the Act accepted by both. January 5, 1874, the Act took effect. Westwood. April 2, 1897. A part of Dedham. p.55 NORFOLK COUNTY - concluded. Weymouth. September 2,* 1635. The plantation of Wessaguscus. Sept. 3,* 1635, bounds between Weymouth and Hingham established. March 9, 1637, Round Island & Grape Island granted to Weymouth. March 31, 1847, bounds between Weymouth and Abington established. Wrentham. October 15,* 1673. Common land. November 27,* 1719, a part in- cluded in the new town of Bellingham. April 11,* 1735, bounds between Wrentham and Bell- ingham established. November 28,* 1749, a part annexed to Medway. December 28, 1753, a part of Stoughton annexed. March 2, 1778, a part established as Franklin. June 10, 1778, a part included in the new town of Foxborough. February 3, 1819, bounds be- tween Wrentham and Foxborough established. February 18, 1830, bounds between Wrentham and Attleborough established and a part of Attleborough annexed. February 7, 1831, a part is annexed to Foxborough. February 23, 1870, a part included in the new town of Norfolk. April 19, 1871, bounds betweem Wrentham and Norfolk established. April 4, 1905, a part established as Plainville. PLYMOUTH COUNTY. Incorporated June 2, 1685. Abington. June 10,* 1712. A part of Bridgewater and certain lands ad- joining. June 14,* 1727, a part included in the new town of Hanover. March 31, 1847, bounds between Abington and Weymouth esta- blished. March 21, 1861, bounds between Abington and Randolph established. March 21, 1861, bounds between Abington & Hingham esta- blished. March 9, 1874, a part established as Rockland. March 4, 1875, a part included in the new town of South Abington. Bridgewater. June 3,* 1656. A part of Duxbury cal= led the New Plantation. June 3,* 1662, certain lands granted to Bridgewater. February 11,* 1691, lands be- tween Bridgewater & Weymouth, called "Foord's Farms, and lands adjoining, annexed. June 10* 1712, a part included in the new town of Abington. November 20, 1770, a part of Stoughton annexed. February 8, 1798, a part of Stoughton annexed. June 15, 1821, a part established as North Bridgewater. February 16, 1822, a part established as West Bridge- water. June 14, 1823, a part established as East Bridgewater. February 20, 1824, a part is annexed to Halifax. February 23, 1838, the bounds between Bridgewater and East Bridge- water established. March 20, 1846, bounds be- tween Bridgewater and East Bridgewater esta- blished and a part of each town annexed to the other town. p.56 PLYMOUTH COUNTY - continued. Brockton. March 28, 1874. North Bridgewater authorized to change its name. May 5, 1874, Brockton adopted as the name. April 24, 1875, a part is annexed to South Abington, and parts of East Bridge- water and South Abington annexed. April 9, 1881, Brockton incorporated as a City. May 23, 1881, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. May 8, 1893, a part of West Bridgewater annexed to Brockton if the act is accepted by Brockton. November 7, 1893, Act is accepted by Brockton. March 1, 1894, Act of May 8, 1893 took full effect. Carver June 9, 1790. A part of Plympton. February 8, 1793, bounds between Carver and Plympton established. January 20, 1827, a part annexed to Wareham. March 24, 1849, bounds between Carver and Middleborough established. May 16, 1901, bounds between Carver and Wareham establish- ed. Duxbury. June 7,* 1637. Common land. March 2,* 1641, bounds estab- blished. June 3,* 1656, a part called the New Plantation established as Bridgewater. March 2,* 1658, Namassakeesett annexed. Mar. 5,* 1661, certain lands granted to Duxbury and Marshfield. July 5,* 1670, bounds be- tween Duxbury and "the Major's Purchase" established. June 5,* 1678, bounds establish- ed. February 23,* 1683, bounds between Dux- bury and Marshfield established. March 21,* 1712, a part included in the new town of Pembroke. June 14, 1813, bounds between Dux- bury and Marshfield established. April 14, 1857, a part is annexed to Kingston. East Bridgewater. June 14, 1823. Part of Bridgewater. Feb. 23, 1838, bounds between East Bridgewater and Bridgewater established. March 20, 1846, a part of Bridge water is annexed and bounds established. April 11, 1857, a part of Halifax annexed and bounds established. March 4, 1875, a part included in the new= town of South Abington. April 24, 1875, a part annexed to Brockton. Halifax. July 4,* 1734. Parts of Middleborough, Pembroke and Plymp- ton annexed. March 16, 1831, a part of Plymp- ton annexed. April 11, 1875, a part annexed to East Bridgewater and bounds established. February 6, 1863, bounds between Halifax & Plympton established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. Hanover. June 14,* 1727. Parts of Abington & Scituate. March 6, 1835, bounds between Hanover and Pembroke estab- lished. May 15, 1857, bounds between Hanover and South Scituate p.57 PLYMOUTH COUNTY - continued. Hanover - continued. June 14,* 1727. established. Feb. 11, 1878, bounds between Hanover and South Scituate established and part of each town annexed to the other town. March 23, 1878, bounds between Hanover and Rockland established and part of each town annexed to the other town. April 23, 1885, bounds between Hanover and Pembroke estab- lished. p.58 PLYMOUTH COUNTY - continued. Mattapoisett. May 20, 1857. A part of Rochester. Middleborough. June 1,* 1669. Common land called Namassakett. Sept. 28,* 1680, certain lands at Assowamsett Neck and places adjacent granted to Middleborough. July 4,* 1734, a part included in the new town of Halifax. December 11, 1734, a part is annexed to Plympton. March 24, 1849, bounds between Middleborough and Carver established. May 13, 1853, a part esta- blished as Lakeville. North Bridgewater. June 15, 1821. A part of Bridgewater. January 26, 1825, bounds between North Bridgewater and West Bridgewater established. March 28, 1874, name authorized to be changed. May 5, 1874, Brockton is adopted as the name. Norwell. February 27, 1888. South Scituate authorized to change its name. March 5, 1888, Norwell adopted as the name. April 30, 1897, bounds between Norwell and Hingham established. Pembroke. March 21,* 1712. A part of Duxbury called Mattakeeset, a tract of land known as the Major's Purchase, and the land called Marshfield upper lands at Mattaskeeset. July 4,* 1734, a part included in the new town of Halifax. February 22, 1820 a part esta- blished as Hanson. March 6, 1835, bounds between Pembroke and Hanover established. April 23, 1885, bounds between Pembroke and Hanover established. April 3, 1903, bounds between Pembroke & Hanson esta- blished. Plymouth. ____ __, 1620. Common land. June 7,* 1670, the bounds between Plymouth and Sandwich establish- ed. January 19,* 1663, ordered to be re- corded. June 4,* 1707, a part establish- ed as Plympton. June 16,* 1726, a part called the north precinct (including small parts of Duxbury, Pembroke and Plympton) established= as Kingston. July 10,* 1739, a part included in the new town of Wareham. January 20, 1827, a part annexed to Wareham. Plympton. June 4,* 1707. A part of Plymouth. July 4,* 1734, a part included in the new town of Halifax. Dec. 11,* 1734, a part of Middleborough annex- ed. June 9, 1790, a part established as Carver. February 8, 1793, bounds between Plympton and Carver established. March 16, 1831, a part is annexed to Halifax. Feb. 6, 1863, bounds between Plympton and Halifax established and a part of each town annex- ed to the other town. Rexhame. March 2,* 1641. Common land called Green's Harbour. March 2,* 1641, Rexhame is in the list of places for which Constables were chosen. p.59 PLYMOUTH COUNTY - continued. Rexhame - continued. March 2,* 1641. June 1,* 1641, Rexhame is mentioned in a list of towns; the name then disappears from the records, and the town afterward became Marshfield. Rochester. June 4,* 1686. Common land called Sippican. June 11,* 1714, bounds between Rochester and Tiver- ton established. July 10,* 1739, a part included in the new town of Wareham. April 9, 1836, a part is annexed to Fairhaven and bounds established. May 14, 1852, a part established as Marion. April 8, 1853, bounds between Rochester and Marion established. May 20, 1857, a part estab- lished as Mattapoisett. April 20, 1864, bounds between Rochester and Wareham esta- blished. Feb. 15, 1866, bounds between Rochester and Wareham established. June 3, 1887, bounds between Rochester and Ware- ham established. Rockland. March 9, 1874. A part of Abington. March 23, 1878, bounds between Rockland and Hanover established and part of each town annexed to the other town. Scituate. July 1,* 1633. Common land. October 4,* 1636, the town of Scituate was authorized to dispose of lands. November 30,* 1640, land is granted to Scitu- ate. March 7,* 1643 bounds are established. June 14,* 1727, a part included in the new town of Hanover. November 8, 1782, bounds between Scituate and Marshfield established. March 10, 1788, a part is annexed to Marsh- field. June 14, 1823, a part is annexed to Cohasset. March 20, 1840, bounds between Scituate and Cohasset established and a part of each town is annexed to the other town. February 14, 1849, a part is esta- blished as South Scituate. May 11, 1887, bounds between Scituate and Marshfield established. April 30, 1897, bounds between Scituate, Cohasset and Hingham established. South Abington. March 4, 1875. Parts of Abington and East Bridgewater. April 24, 1875, a part is annexed to Brockton, and a part of Brockton is annexed. March 5, 1886, South Abington author= ized to change its name. May 3, 1886 its name is changed to Whitman. South Scituate. February 14, 1849. Part of Scituate. May 15, 1857, bounds be- tween South Scituate and Hanover established. February 11, 1878, bounds between South Scituate and Hanover established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. Feb. 27, 1888, South Scituate authorized to change its name. March 5, 1888 its name is changed to Norwell. p.60 PLYMOUTH COUNTY - Concluded. Wareham. July 10,* 1739. A part of Rochester and a plantation in Plymouth called Agawam. January 20, 1827, parts of Carver and Plymouth annexed. Feb. 18, 1859, bounds between Wareham and Marion established. April 20, 1864, bounds between Wareham and Rochester established. February 13, 1866, bounds between Wareham & Marion established. Feb. 15, 1866, bounds between Wareham and Rochester established. June 3, 1887, bounds between Wareham & Rochester established. April 14, 1897, bounds between Wareham and Bourne established. April 23, 1897, bounds between Wareham and Marion established. May 16, 1901, bounds between Wareham and Carver established. March 1, 1909, bounds between Wareham and Marion established. West Bridgewater. February 16, 1822. A part of Bridgewater. January 26, 1825, bounds between West Bridgewater and North Bridgewater established. May 8, 1893, a part of West Bridgewater annexed to Brockton, if the Act is accepted by Brock- ton. November 7, 1893, Act accepted by Brockton. March 1, 1894, Act of May 8, 1893 took full effect. Whitman. March 5, 1886. South Abington authorized to change its name. May 3, 1886 its name changed to Whitman. SUFFOLK COUNTY. Incorporated May 10, 1643. Boston. September 7,* 1630. Common land called Tri-Mountain. November 7,* 1632 "ordered that the neck of land be- twixt Powder Horn Hill and Pullen Poynte, shall belong to Boston." March 4,* 1633, bounds between Boston and Roxbury establish- ed. May 14,* 1634, "Boston shall have con- venient enlargement at Mount Wolliston," to be reported to the next General Court. September 3,* 1634, "ordered that Wynet- semit shall belong to Boston." September 25,* 1634, Mount Wooliston and Rumney Marshe annexed. March 4,* 1635, Deer, Hog, Long, and Spectacle Islands granted to Boston. July 8,* 1635, bounds between Boston & Charlestown established. March 28,* 1636, bounds between Boston and Charlestown, and Boston and Dor- chester established. March 9,* 1637, Noddle's Island is annexed. May 13,* 1640, "Mount Woollaston" established as Braintree. Oct. 7,* 1641, bounds between Boston and Roxbury, at Muddy River, established p.61 Boston - Continued September 7,* 1630. October 7,* 1641, bounds between Boston and Cambridge established. November 13,* 1705, a part called Muddy River established as Brookline. January 10,* 1739, a part called Winnissimet, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen Point (excepting Noddle's Island & Hog Island) established as Chelsea. March 6, 1804, a part of Dorchester annexed. February 23, 1822, Boston is incorporated as a City. March 4, 1822, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the Town. February 22, 1825, bounds between Boston and Brookline are established. March 25, 1834, Thompson's Island set off from Dorchester and annex- ed to Boston while it shall be used for charitable purposes. March 16, 1836, bounds between Boston and Roxbury established. April 19, 1837, bounds between Boston & Roxbury established. May 3, 1850, a part of Rox- bury annexed and bounds established. May 21, 1855, a part of Dorchester annexed. April 3, 1860, a part of Roxbury annexed and bounds established if the Act is accept- ed by both cities. April 16, 1860, the Act is accepted by Roxbury. May 8, 1860, the Act accepted by Boston. June 1, 1867, Roxbury annexed if the Act is accepted by both towns. September 9, 1867, the Act accepted by both. January 5, 1868, the Act took effect. June 4, 1869, Dorchester is annexed if the Act is accepted by both places. June 22, 1869, the Act accepted by both. January 3, 1870, the Act took effect. April 2, 1870, bounds be= tween Boston and West Roxbury established. June 18, 1870, a part of Brookline annexed. November 4, 1870, the act accepted by Boston/ April 12, 1872, a part of West Roxbury, (Mount Hope Cemetery) is annexed. April 27, 1872, bounds between Boston and Brookline established. May 14, 1873, Charlestown annexed if the Act is accepted by both cities. May 21, 1873, Brighton annexed if the Act is accepted by both places. May 29, 1873, West Roxbury is annexed if the Act is accepted by both places. Oct. 7, 1873, Acts of Annexation accepted by Boston, Charlestown, Brighton & West Roxbury. January 5, 1874, Acts of annexa- tion to Boston, of Charlestown, Brighton & West Roxbury took effect. May 8, 1874, a part of Brookline annexed. May 29, 1874, bounds between Boston & Newton established. May 5, 1875, a part is annexed to Newton. June 23, 1875, the act accepted by Newton. July 1, 1875, the Act took effect. May 27, p.62 SUFFOLK COUNTY - Concluded. Boston September 7,* 1630. tween Boston & Somerville established. April 13, 1894, bounds between Boston & Brookline established. March 29, 1898, bounds between Boston & Newton established. March 29, 1898, bounds between Boston & Cambridge establish- ed. April 1, 1898, bounds between Boston & Hyde Park established. May 13, 1898, bounds between Boston and Newton established. April 18, 1900, certain land in the Charlestown District is ceded to the United States. March 29, 1910, bounds between Boston & Cambridge established. May24, 1911, (amended June 22, 1911), Hyde Park annexed if the Act is accepted by both places. November 7, 1911, the Act accepted by both and took effect. CHELSEA. January 10,* 1793. A part of Boston called Winnissimet, Rumney Marsh and Pullen Point, excepting Noddle's Island and Hog Island. February 22, 1841, a part annexed to Saugus. March 19, 1846, a part is established as North Chelsea. March 13, 1857, Chelsea incorporated as a city. March 23, 1857, Act of incorporation is accepted by the town. North Chelsea. March 19, 1846. A part of Chelsea. March 27, 1852, a part is established as Winthrop. March 24, 1871 the name is changed to Revere if accepted within ninety days. April 3, 1871, the Act is accepted. Revere. March 24, 1871. North Chelsea is authorized to change its name. April 3, 1871, name is changed to Revere. June 19, 1914, Revere Incorporated as a city. November 3, 1914, Act of Incor- poration is accepted by the town. Winthrop. March 27, 1852. A part of North Chelsea. WORCESTER COUNTY INCORPORATED APRIL 2, 1731. Ashburnham. February 22, 1765. The plantation of Dorchester-Canada. March 6 1767, a part included in the new town of Ashby. June 27, 1785, a part included in the new town of Ashby. June 27, 1785, a part in- cluded in the new town of Gardner. November 16, 1792, a part annexed to Ashby. February 16, 1815, a part of Gardner annexed. January 28, 1824 a part of Westminster annexed. Athol. March 6, 1762. The plantation called Payquage. October 15, 1783, a part included in the district of Orange. October 20, 1786, a part included in the new town of Gerry. Feb. 26, 1799, a part annexed to Royalston. March 7, 1803, p.63 WORCESTER COUNTY, continued. Athol - continued. March 6, 1762. a part annexed to Royalston. February 28, 1806, a part of Gerry annexed. Feb. 7, 1816, a part of Orange annexed. Auburn. February 17, 1837. Name changed from Ward. May 24, 1851, a part annexed to Millbury. March 27, 1908, bounds between Auburn and Oxford established. Barre. November 7, 1776. Name changed from Hutchinson. Berlin. March 16, 1784. Parts of Bolton and Marlborough established as the district of Berlin. February 8, 1791, a part of Lancaster annexed to the district of Berlin. Feb. 15, 1806 bounds between Berlin and Northborough established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. February 6, 1812, the district of Berlin made the Town of Berlin. May 1, 1905, bounds between Berlin and Marlborough esta- blished. Berlin and Hudson and Berlin and Clinton established. Blackstone. March 25, 1845. A part of Mendon. May 1, 1916, a part established as Millville. Bolton. June 24,* 1738. A part of Lancaster. March 16, 1784, a part included in the new district of Berlin. February 11, 1829, a part of Marlborough annexed. March 16, 1838 the bounds between Bolton and Marlborough established. March 20, 1868, a part is annexed to Hudson. Boylston. March 1, 1786. A part of Shrewsbury. January 30, 1808, a part included in the new town of West Boylston. June 17, 1820, a part annexed to West Boylston. June 17, 1820, a part annexed to West Boylston. May 2, 1805, bounds between Boylston and West Boylston established. Brookfield. October 15,* 1673. Common land called Quobauge. November 12, 1718, Brookfield invested with the privi- leges of a town. December 3,* 1719, bounds established. September 11,* 1730, the bounds between Brookfield and Leicester established. January 6,* 1742, a part in- cluded in the new town of Western. June 10 1791, bounds between Brookfield and New Braintree established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. March 8, 1792, bounds between Brookfield and New Braintree established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. February 28, 1812, a part established as North Brookfield. February 8, 1823, a part annexed to Ware. March 3, 1848, a part established as West Brookfield p.64 WORCESTER COUNTY - continued. Brookfield - continued. October 15,* 1673. April 15, 1854, a part of North Brookfield annexed. May 18, 1910, bounds between Brook- field and North Brookfield established. May 13, 1910, bounds between Brookfield and West Brookfield established. Charlton. January 10, 1755. A part of Oxford established as the district of Charlton. An Act passed November 21, 1754, establishing the town appears to have been considered as void. June 3, 1757, the lands called "The Gore" annexed. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Jan. 5, 1789, a part is annexed to Oxford. June 26, 1792, a part is annexed to Sturbridge. February 23, 1809, a part annexed to Oxford. February 15, 1816, a part included in the new town of Southbridge. February 11, 1907, bounds between Charlton and Oxford establish- ed. February 11, 1907, bounds between Charl- ton and Southbridge established. Clinton. March 14, 1850. A part of Lancaster. May 1, 1905, bounds be- tween Clinton and Berlin established. Dana. February 18, 1801. Parts of Greenwich, Hardwick and Petersham. February 12, 1803, bounds between Dana and Petersham established. February 4, 1842, parts of Hardwick and Petersham annexed. April 10, 1882, bounds between Dana and Petersham esta- blished. May 4, 1911, bounds between Dana and Greenwich established. Douglas. June 5,* 1746. Name changed from New Sherburn. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. February 27, 1841, the bounds between Douglas and Webster established. April 25, 1864, bounds between Douglas and Uxbridge established. May 16, 1907, bounds between Douglas and Sutton established. Dudley. February 2,* 1732. Part of Oxford and certain common lands. June 25, 1794, a part= of a gore of common land known as Middlesex Gore is annexed. February 15, 1816, a part is included in the new town of Southbridge. March 6, 1832, a part included in the new town of Webster. February 11, 1907, bounds between Dudley and Southbridge established. Fitchburg. February 3, 1764. A part of Lunenburg. March 6, 1767, a part included in the new town of Ashby. February 26, 1783, certain common lands annexed. p.65. WORCESTER COUNTY - Continued. Fitchburg, continued. February 3, 1764. Feb. 17, 1796, a part is annexed to West- minster. February 16. 1813, a part annexed to Westminster. March 3, 1829, a part annex- ed to Ashby. March 8, 1872, Fitchburg is Incorporated as a city. April 8, 1872, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. Gardner. June 27, 1785. Parts of Ashburnham, Templeton, Westminster, and Winchendon. March 2, 1787, a part annexed to Winchendon. February 22, 1794, a part of Winchendon annexed. February 16, 1815, a part annexed to Ashburnham. May 24, 1851, a part of Winchendon annexed. April 17, 1908, bounds between Gardner and Westminster established. Gerry. October 20, 1786. Parts of Athol and Templeton. February 2, 1789 bounds between Gerry and Templeton established February 26, 1799, a part annexed to Royalston February 28, 1806, a part annexed to Athol. February 5, 1814, name is changed to Phillip- ston. Grafton. April 18,* 1735. The plantation of Hass= anamisco. June 10,* 1737, part of Sutton annexed. January 9,* 1743, parts of Sutton and Shrewsbury annex- ed. March 3, 1826, a part of Shrewsbury annex- ed. March 3, 1842, a part of Sutton annexed. February 11, 1907, bounds between Grafton & Worcester established. February 11, 1907, bounds between Grafton & Shrewsbury establish- ed. February 11, 1907, bounds between Grafton and Westborough established. Hardwick. January 10,* 1739. The plantation called Lambstown. January 31,* 1751, a part of Hardwick and the precinct of New Braintree made a district. June 9, 1756, bounds between Hardwick and Greenwich esta- blished. February 1, 1765, a part annexed to Hardwick. February 18, 1801 a part included in the new town of Dana. June 10, 1814, a part of New Braintree annexed. February 7, 1831, cer- tain common lands annexed. February 6, 1833, certain common land called Hardwick Gore annex ed. February 4, 1842, a part annexed to Dana. Harvard. June 29,* 1732. Parts of Groton, Lancaster and Stow. Feb. 25, 1783, a part included in the new district of Boxborough. June 14, 1906, bounds between Harvard and Littleton established. June 14, 1906, bounds between Harvard and Boxborough established. p.66 WORCESTER COUNTY - continued. Holden. January 9,* 1741. A part of Worcester called North Worcester. March 27, 1793, bounds between Holden and Pax- ton established. February 13, 1804, a part is annexed to Paxton. January 30, 1808, a part is included in the new town of West Boylston. March 19, 1831, a part of Paxton annexed. April 9, 1838, a part annexed to Paxton. Mar. 13, 1906, bounds between Holden and Paxton established. Hopedale. April 7, 1886. A part of Milford. Hubbardston. June 13, 1767. A part of Rutland established as the district of Hubbardston. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. February 16, 1810, a part is annexed to Princeton. Hutchinson. June 17, 1774. Rutland distrcit. November 7, 1776 name is changed to Barre. Lancaster May 18,* 1653 Founded by John Prescott. Common land called Nashaway. May 14,* 1654, granted the full liberties of a township. October 11,* 1672, bounds established. May 7,* 1673, Lancaster is given privileges of a town. June 5,* 1713, additional lands are granted to Lancaster. December 2,* 1720, certain bounds established. June 17,* 1721, certain bounds established. June 29* 1732, a part is included in the new town of Harvard. June 24,* 1738, a part established as Bolton. June 23,* 1740, a part established as Leomin- ster. September 17, 1762, a part is annexed to Shrewsbury. Feb. 27, 1768, a part of Shrews- bury is annexed. February 26, 1781, a part is annexed to Shrewsbury. April 25, 1781, a part is established as Sterling. Feb. 8, 1791, a part is annexed to Berlin. March 12, 1793, bounds between Lancaster and Sterling esta- blished. March 7, 1837, a part is annexed to Sterling and bounds established. March 14, 1850, a part established as Clinton. May 7, 1906, bounds between Lancaster and Leominster established. April 21, 1908, bounds between Lancaster and Sterling established. Leicester. February 15,* 1713. Common land called Towtaid. June 19,* 1714, bounds established. June 14,* 1722, Leicester granted the privileges of a town. Sept. 11,* 1730, bounds between Leicester and Brookfield established. April 12, 1753, a part made the district of Spencer. June 2, 1758, a part is annexed to Worcester. February 12, 1765, a part is included in the new district of Paxton April 10, 1778, a parish is set off from Lei- cester and other towns established as Ward. Leominster. June 23,* 1740. Part of Lancaster. April 13, 1838, a part of certain common land called No Town annexed. May 7, 1906, bounds between p.67 Worcester County - Continued. Leominster continued. June 23,* 1740. Leominster and Lancaster established. May 13, 1915, Leominster incorporated as a city. Nov. 2, 1915, Act of Incorporation is accepted by the town. Lunenburg. August 1,* 1728. The south part of Turkey Hill. June 30,* 1732, 239 acres granted to Lunenburg. April 7,* 1733, 161 acres granted to Lunenburg. Feb. 3, 1764, a part is established as Fitchburg. March 3, 1846, bounds between Lunenburg and Shirley established. April 25, 1848, bounds between Lunenburg and Shirley established. Mendon. May 15,* 1667. The township of Qunshapage. May 20,* 1669, certain lands granted to Mendon. June 29,* 1710, certain lands annexed. June 1,* 1714, purchase of land from the Indians in 1691 confirmed. November 27,* 1719, a part is included in the new town of Bellingham. June 27,* 1727, a part established as Uxbridge. June 14,* 1735, a part included in the new town of Upton. April 10, 1754, bounds between Mendon and Uxbridge established. April 24, 1770, a part of Uxbridge annexed. April 11, 1780, a part established as Milford. March 25, 1845, a part established as Blackstone. March 7, 1872, bounds between Mendon and Bellingham established. Milford. April 11, 1780. A part of Mendon. March 27, 1835, bounds be- tween Milford, Holliston and Hopkinton esta- blished and parts of Holliston and Hopkinton annexed to Milford and part of Milford is annexed to Hopkinton. April 1, 1859, bounds between Milford and Holiston established. April 7, 1886, a part established as Hopedale. May 16, 1907, bounds between Milford and Upton established. May 16, 1907, bounds between Milford and Hopkinton established. Millbury. June 11, 1813. A part of Sutton. May 24, 1851, a part of Auburn annexed. February 11, 1907, bounds between Millbury and Oxford established. May 16, 1907, bounds between Millbury and Sutton established. Millville. May 1, 1919. A part of Blackstone. New Braintree. January 31,* 1751. Common land called New Braintree and a part of the town of Hardwick established as a district. April 17,* 1751, the district is given the name of New Braintree. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. June 10, 1791, bounds between New Brain- tree and Brookfield established and part of each town annexed to the other town. March 8, 1792, bounds between= New Braintree and Brook- field established p.68 WORCESTER COUNTY - continued. New Braintree - continued. January 31,* 1751. and a part of each town annexed to the other town. June 10, 1814, a part is annexed to Hardwick. April 24, 1911, bounds between New Braintree and North Brookfield established. April 24, 1911, bounds between New Braintree and West Brookfield established. New Sherburn. March 14,* 1745. District of New Sherburn Incorporated. June 4,* 1746, certain estates set off from New Sherburn to Uxbridge. June 5,* 1746, name is changed to Douglas. Northborough. January 24, 1766. Part of Westborough established as the dis- trict of Northborough. August 23, 1775, the district made a town by General Act. Feb. 15, 1806, bounds between Northborough and Berlin established and part of each town annexed to the other town. June 20, 1807, a part of Marlborough annexed and bounds established. Northbridge. July 14, 1772. A part of Uxbridge established as the district of Northbridge. August 23, 1775, the district is made a town by General Act. April 20, 1780, a part of Sutton is annexed. February 17, 1801 a part of Sutton is annexed. June 15, 1831, a part is annexed to Sutton. March 7, 1837 the bounds between Northbridge and Sutton esta- blished. March 16, 1844, a part of Sutton is annexed. April 30, 1856, bounds between North- bridge and Uxbridge established and a part of each town annexed to the other town. April 17, 1908, bounds between Northbridge and Uxbridge established. North Brookfield. February 28, 1812. A part of Brookfield. April 15, 1854, a part annexed to Brookfield. March 18, 1910, bounds between North Brookfield and Brookfield are established. April 24, 1911, bounds between North Brookfield and West Brookfield esta- blished. April 24, 1911, bounds between North Brookfield and New Braintree established. Oakham. June 7, 1762. A part of Rutland established as the district of Oakham. August 23, 1775, the District is made a town by General Act. Oxford. May 31,* 1693. Common land. Dec. 8, 1731, certain lands are annexed. Feb. 2,* 1732, a part is included in the new town of Dudley. November 22,* 1734, certain lands annexed. November 21, 1754, a part is established as the district of Charl- ton. April 10, 1778, a parish is set off from Oxford and other towns established as Ward. January 5, 1789, a part of Charlton annexed. Feb. 18, 1793, a part of Sutton annexed. Feb. 6, 1807, the Oxford South Gore is annexed. February 23, 1809, a part of p.69 WORCESTER COUNTY - continued. Oxford - continued. May 31,* 1693. Charlton annexed. March 6, 1832, a part in- cluded in the new town of Webster. March 22, 1838, the Oxford North Gore is annexed. Feb. 11, 1907, bounds between Oxford and Charlton established. Feb. 11, 1907, bounds between ox- ford and Millbury established. March 27, 1980, bounds between Oxford and Auburn established. Paxton. February 12, 1765. Parts of Leicester and Rutland established as the district of Paxton. Aug. 23, 1775, the district was made a town by General Act. Mar. 27, 1793, bounds between Paxton and Holden established. February 13, 1804, a part of Holden annexed. February 20, 1829, bounds between Paxton and Rutland established. March 19, 1831 part annexed to Holden. April 9, 1838 a part of Holden is annexed. May 24, 1851, a part of Rutland annexed. March 13, 1906, the bounds between Paxton and Holden established. Petersham. April 20, 1754. The plantation called Nichewoag. August 23, 1756, certain lands annexed. February 18, 1801, a part included in the new town of Dana. February 12, 1803, bounds between Petersham & Dana established. February 4, 1842, a part is annexed to Dana. April 10, 1882, bounds be- tween Petersham and Dana established. Phillipston. February 5, 1814. Name changed from Gerry. March 29, 1837, bounds between Phillip- ston and Royalton established. April 5, 1892, a part is annexed to Templeton. April 17, 1908, bounds between Phillipston and Templeton established. Princeton. October 20, 1759. A part of Rutland and certain common lands adjacent, establish- ed as the district of Princeton. April 24, 1771, the district and all lands adjacent not belonging to any town or district, esta- blished as the town. March 6, 1773, all lands which did not belong to Princeton, when it was a district, are set off as they were before the passage of the Act of April 24, 1771. Feb. 16, 1810, a part of Hubbardston is annexed. April 4, 1838, a part of the common lands of No Town annexed. April 22, 1870, a part of Westminster annexed. Royalston. February 19, 1765. Common land called Royalshire. June 17, 1780, a part annexed to Winchendon. October 15, 1783, a part is annexed to Winchendon. October 15, 1783, a part in- cluded in the new district of Orange. February 26, 1799, parts of Athol and Gerry annexed. March 7, 1803, a part of Athol annexed. March 29, 1837, bounds between Royalston and Phillipston estab- lished. p.70 WORCESTER COUNTY, continued. Rutland. February 23,* 1714. Common land called Naquag. Dec. 1,* 1715, original Grant of Rut- land is confirmed. June 18,* 1722, Rutland is granted the privileges that other towns en- joy. April 12, 1753, a part is established as the Rutland dis- trict. October 20, 1759, a part and certain common lands adja- cent, established as the district of Princeton. June 7, 1762, a part established as the district of Oakham. February 12, 1765, a part is included in the new town of Paxton. June 13, 1767, a part established as Hubbardston. July 14, 1772, a part adjudged to be- long to Paxton. February 20, 1829, bounds between Rutland and Paxton established. May 24, 1851, a part is annexed to Paxton. Rutland, District of. April 12, 1753. A part of Rutland. June 17, 1774, Rutland District establishes as Hutchinson. Shrewsbury. December 6,* 1720. Common land. August 16,* 1722, Shrewsbury is mentioned in the list of frontier towns. Dec. 19,* 1727, Shrewsbury endowed with equal powers with any other town in the Province. January 9,* 1742 a part is annexed to Grafton. June 3, 1762, a part is annexed to Westborough. September 17, 1762, a part of Lancaster is annexed. February 27, 1768 a part is annexed to Lancaster. Feb. 26, 1781, a part of Lancaster is annexed. March 1, 1786, a part established as Boylston. March 2, 1793, a part annexed to West- borough. March 3, 1826, a part annexed to Grafton. February 11, 1907 bounds between Shrewsbury and Westborough established. Feb. 11, 1907, bounds between Shrews- bury and Grafton established. Southborough. July 6,* 1727. A part of Marlborough. March 7, 1786, a part of Framingham annex- ed. March 5, 1835, bounds between Southborough and Westborough esta blished. March 24, 1843, a part annexed to Marlborough. May 16, 1901, bounds between Southbor- ough and Marlborough established. Southbridge. February 15, 1816. Parts of Charlton, Dudley and Sturbridge. February 23, 1822, a part of Dudley annexed. April 6, 1839, a part of Sturbridge annex- ed. May 4, 1871, bounds between Southbridge and Sturbridge esta- blished. February 11, 1907, bounds between Southbridge and Charlton established. February 11, 1907, bounds between Southbridge and Dudley established. Spencer. April 12, 1753. A part of Leicester established as the District of Spencer. Aug. 23, 1775, the district is made a town by General Act. p.71 WORCESTER COUNTY - Coninued. Sterling. April 25, 1781. A part of Lancaster. March 12, 1793, bounds between Sterling & Lancaster established. January 30, 1808, a part is included in the new town of West Boylston. March 7, 1837, bounds between Sterling and Lancaster establish- ed. April 21, 1908, bounds be- tween Sterling and Lancaster established. Sturbridge. June 24,* 1738. Common land called New Medfield. October 25, 1754, certain lands annexed. June 26, 1792, a part of Charlton annexed. June 25, 1794, a part of Middlesex Gore annexed. February 15, 1816, a part included in the new town of Southbridge. April 6, 1839, a part is annexed to Southbridge. May 4, 1871, bounds between Stur- bridge and Southbridge establish- ed. Sutton. October 28,* 1714. Common land. June 21,* 1715, "certain common lands allowed to the proprietors of Sutton." Dec. 6,* 1726, certain farms annexed. June 5,* 1728, a part is annexed to Westborough. June 14,* 1735, a part included in the new town of Upton. June 10,* 1737, a part is annexed to Grafton. January 9,* 1742, a part is annexed to Grafton. February 1,* 1749, cer- tain bonds established. Aug. 30, 1757, certain land annexed. June 29, 1769, bounds between Sutton and Uxbridge established. April 10, 1778, a parish is set off from Sutton and other towns establish- ed as Ward. April 20, 1780, a part is annexed to Northbridge. June 5, 1789, a certain gore of land is annexed. February 18, 1793, a part is annexed to Ox- ford. Feb. 17, 1801, a part is annexed to Northbridge. June 11, 1813, a part is established as Millbury. June 15, 1831, a part of Northbridge annexed. March 7, 1837, bounds between Sutton and Northbridge established. March 3, 1842, a part is annexed to Grafton. March 16, 1844 a part is annexed to Northbridge. May 16, 1907, bounds between Sutton and Douglas established. Templeton. March 6, 1762. The plantation called Narragan- sett, Number Six. June 27, 1785, a part is included in the new town of Gardner. October 20, 1786, a part is included in the new town of Gerry. February 2, 1789, bounds between Templeton and Gerry established. April 5, 1892, a part of Phillipston is annexed. April 17, 1908, bounds between Templeton and Phillips- ton established. Upton. June 14,* 1735. Parts of Hopkinton, Mendon, Sutton and Uxbridge. January 24, 1763, a part is annexed to Westborough. March 8, 1808, a part of Hopkinton p.72 WORCESTER COUNTY, continued. Upton, continued. June 14,* 1735. is annexed. May 16, 1907, bounds between Upton & Milford esta- blished. May 16, 1907, bounds be- tween Upton and Hopkinton esta- blished. Uxbridge. June 27,* 1727. A part of Mendon. June 14,* 1735 a part included in the new town of Upton. June 5,* 1736, certain lands granted to Uxbridge. April 16,* 1742, certain lands annexed. June 4,* 1746, a part of the dis- trict of New Sherborn annexed. April 10, 1754, bounds between Uxbridge and Mendon established. June 29, 1769, bounds between Uxbridge and Sutton established. April 24, 1770, a part annexed to Mendon. July 14, 1772, a part esta- as the district of Northbridge. April 30, 1856, bounds between Uxbridge and Northbridge esta- blished and part of each town is annexed to the other town. April 25, 1864, bounds between Uxbridge and Douglas established. April 17, 1908, bounds between Uxbridge & Northbridge established. Ward. April 10, 1778. The parish set off from Leicester, Oxford and Worcester. February 17, 1837, the name is changed to Auburn. Warren. March 13, 1834. Name changed from Western to Warren. Webster. March 6, 1832. Common land and parts of Dudley and Oxford. February 27, 1841, bounds between Webster & Douglas established. Westborough. November 18,* 1717. A part of Marlborough called Chauncy and other lands. June 5,* 1728, a part of Sutton annexed. June 3, 1762, a part of Shrews- bury annexed. January 24, 1763, a part of Upton is annexed. Jan. 24, 1766, a part established as the district of Northborough. March 2, 1793, a part of Shrews- bury is annexed. March 5, 1835, bounds between Westborough & Southborough established. Feb. 11, 1907, bounds between West- borough & Shrewsbury established. February 11, 1907, bounds between Westborough & Grafton established West Boylston. January 30, 1808. Parts of Boylston, Holden & Sterl- ing. Feb. 10, 1820, a part of Boylston annexed. June 17, 1820, a part of Boylston annexed. May 2, 1905, bounds between West Boyleston established. West Brookfield. March 3, 1848. A part of Brookfield. May 13, 1910, bounds between West Brook- field and Brookfield= established. April 24, 1911, bounds between West Brookfield and New Brain- tree established. p.73 WORCESTER COUNTY - continued. Western. January 16,* 1742. Parts of Brimfield, Brookfield, and Kingsfield (now Palmer). Feb. 8, 1823, a part annexed to Ware. Feb. 7, 1831, a part annexed to Palmer. March 13, 1834, name is changed to Warren. Westminster. October 20, 1759. The plantation called Narragan- sett Number Two established as the district of Westminster. April 26, 1770, the district of West- minster. April 26, 1770 the dis- trict made a town. June 27, 1785, a part included in the new town of Gardner. February 27, 1796, part of Fitchburg annexed. Feb. 16, 1813, a part of Fitchburg annex- ed. January 28, 1824, a part is annexed to Ashburnham. April 10, 1838, a part of the common lands called No Town annexed. April 22, 1870, a part annexed to Princeton. April 17, 1908, bounds between Westminster & Gardner established. Winchendon. June 14, 1764. The plantation called Ipswich- Canada. June 17, 1780, a part of Royalston annexed and the bounds of Winchendon extended to embrace all the lands on the north as far as the New Hampshire state line. June 27, 1785, a part included in the new town of Gardner. May 24, 1851, a part annexed to Gardner. April 17, 1908, bounds between Winchendon & Gardner established. WORCESTER. October 15,* 1684. The plantation called Quansigamond. June 14,* 1722, Worcester granted the privileges of a town. Jan. 9,* 1741, a part called North Worcester is established as Holden. April 10, 1778, the parish set off from Worcester and other towns esta- as Ward. June 14, 1785, certain common lands annexed. March 22, 1838, Grafton Gore is annexed. Feb. 29, 1848, Worcester incorp - orated as a city. March 18, 1848, Act of Incorporation accepted by the town. Feb. 11, 1907, bounds between Worcester & Grafton esta- blished. END. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth.