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PAUPER EXCLUSION MEASURES

The records furnish abundant evidence of continued vigilance on the part of the inhabitants, to prevent the introduction of strangers, who might become chargeable to the town for their support. It seems that a transient person, named William Penny, had been entertained in the family of John Garland, and, perhaps, in some other families. Whether he was at the time, in a needy condition, is not known; but, if not, it was feared that the town night at some future time, be called upon to support him. Before any such liability had actually been incurred under the existing laws, Francis Page was directed to give notice to Penny, that the town forbade his remaining here; and to John Garland and any other persons that had entertained him, to entertain him no more, unless they should go to the town clerk forthwith, and give him such a bond as he should judge sufficient, to secure the town from harm.

By another vote, in 1693, no householder was allowed to take into his family, without the approbation of the selectmen, any journeyman, servant or other person, as an inmate, unless he should immediately give to the town clerk a bond, sufficient for the town's indemnity. Any person disregarding this order was made liable to a fine of 20s. a week, for every week that such inmate should be entertained, without the approbation, or the security required--the fine to be levied by a warrant from some justice of the peace, and the selectmen.

This regulation did not prove sufficient; and three or four years afterward, it was found necessary to make an additional order. The former vote was renewed, and a like penalty was also ordered. The former vote was renewed, and a like penalty was also ordered to be taken from any man, who should "let any of his housing" to any person, without the approbation of the selectmen, or security given to the town clerk. Against the persons themselves, who should come into the town to dwell, without approbation, or giving security, process should be instituted by two justices of the peace, according to the laws of England.

It was further ordered, that if any man, notwithstanding this prohibition, should take into his house or family, any person, contrary to the order, and if the person, so taken in, should ever in consequence become chargeable to the town, the individual, by whom he was first taken in, should be compelled to pay the whole expense of his maintenance.

It was voted, that Henry Dow, the town clerk, should be paid forty shillings out of the town rate, for his pains in writing for the town, during the ten years immediately preceding.

In February, 1693, Francis Page and Lieut. John Smith were chosen overseers of the poor.

The next month, Christopher Palmer and John Sanborn were chosen selectmen, to be joined with the five then in office. For many years previous, five persons had constituted the board.

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