Learning at the National Heritage Museum

Family, Home & Farm: Farm

Primary Source: Town Tax Assessment Manuscripts

(Image courtesy of Cary Memorial Library)

Colonial New England was made up of farm communities. Tax valuations and assessments can be helpful in determining types of land and livestock in use, and how they affected and formed the cycle of daily life.  These records can also provide aggregate data and a nice way to get a picture of the entire community at a certain point in time.  Towns routinely assessed their residents for many types of tax, including poll tax, town tax, and/or minister tax.  Information was provided by the residents; if a resident failed to provide information his property was "doomed" and the assessor did his own valuation.

At the left is a copy from microfilm of the original manuscript from part of the 1774 Lexington tax assessment.  The headings, from left to right are: Poll in shillings and pence, Personal in pounds, shillings and pence, Real in pounds-shillings-pence, Sum Total in pounds-shillings-pence, Town Rate, and Minister's Rate.  One name on this list is that of Deacon Joseph Loring, appearing tenth from the top.  At age 61 he was among the wealthiest- top 20%- of the population in Lexington in 1774.  Joseph and his family help to tell the story of the American Revolution in the exhibit Sowing the Seeds of Liberty.

Joseph's father purchased the 90-acre farm near the center of Lexington village and became one of the original subscribers to the purchase of the town common.  Joseph was the only surviving son, making him the sole heir to the farm and mansion house on the road to Concord.  By 1775, there were nine people occupying the Loring residence: Joseph and his wife Keziah, both in their sixties; son Joseph, his wife Betty, and their baby; Lydia, age 30; Jonathan, age 25; Sarah, age 20; and Keziah, only 15.  The brothers Joseph and Jonathan both joined the Lexington militia company of John Parker, and would play key roles in the events of April 19, 1775.

Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom:  Lesson 19d

Lexington: Farming

Primary Source:  landscape with stone walls

(Image courtesy of J. Broggi)

The primary source for landscape is the landscape around you.  The ways in which humans have shaped the land has left its mark, and offer clues to past use and past values.  This photo illustrates the typical modern appearance of land once used for farming in Lexington and surrounding agricultural towns in Massachusetts.  In Colonial America, fences were commonly constructed from stones gathered in line and piled two-to-three feet high, with tree stumps and timber on top fashioned into rails.  These fences delineated property boundaries and fields, and contained livestock.  As this purpose waned, so did the rails, leaving the rows of stones.

In addition, tax valuations and assessments can help in drawing a picture of farms of the past for which no images actually exist.

Several texts exist that can guide you in reading and interpreting the shaped landscape of your local town.  Some examples are: "Reading the Forested Landscape" by Tom Wessels, "Common Landscape of America" by John R. Stilgoe, and "Sermons in Stone: the Stone Walls of New England & New York" by Susan Allport.

Lexington: Unlikely Home of Revolutionaries

Primary Source: court records

(Image courtesy of MA State Archives)

The story of Lexington and the Revolution is surprising if one considers how law-abiding the residents of of the town were in the pre-Revolutionary period.  Other towns had cases of housebreaking, theft, assault (as frequently women against women as men against men,) and failure to attend Sabbath services.  Lexington had only the one public squabble over enclosure, apparently settled by mediation, and other public concerns like some rather promiscuous daughters in town.  (Marrett Munroe has daughters presented three times in six years for the crime of fornication resulting in a bastard birth.)  There is no record of a violent crime committed in Lexington between 1761 and 1776.  And there are no cases of theft, housebreaking, libel, disorderly conduct, Sabbath-breaking, or disturbing the peace, where Lexingtonians have been charged.

It seems worth noting that when crimes were committed in Middlesex County during this period, the sentence was most likely to be a fine or imprisonment.  There are no records of physical punishment (whipping, flogging, stocks, etc.) and no capital cases, giving the impression that violent crimes were rare.  The other impression is that, unlike the 17th century, the courts stayed out of family business (discord between spouses, or between parents and children.)  This makes the event known as the Lexington Tea Party even more remarkable, assuming Lexingtonians were apt to obey the law and be exemplary citizens.

The image featured here is a document copied from microfilm of early American judicial court records available at the Massachusetts Archives.  It is an example of what these documents were like, however it is is in good condition compared to the majority of the collection from this time period before the Revolution.  It is dated March 21, 1747 and features a case of "Anna Powell of Boston in our County of Suffolk, Widow" vs. the party "Oliver."  The charges are not clear, and much of the ink is smeared, but it seems the Widow Powell has caused someone to go to jail until she is awarded her just payment.

Most court records at the MA Archives are collected according to County, and whether they are civil or criminal cases.  For example, "Middlesex County Court of Common Pleas Records Book for 1770-1780" has one entry naming "Lydia Muzzy of Lexington, widow and administratrix of the estate of William Muzzy who died intestate and insolvent, submits a petition praying that court would license and authorize her to make sale of the real estate to settle with creditors.  Petition granted."  Other examples are like those from the second volume of the "Middlesex County Court of General Sessions of the Peace Record Book 1761-1771" where many fines are charge for the crime of fornication.  One entry reads: "Rachel Munro of Lexington in the County of Middlesex, spinster, comes into court and confesses herself guilty of the charge of fornication and says she was delivered of a bastard child at Lexington...and she charges Thomas Godding of Lexington, cordwainer, with being the father." 

Taxes, Trade & Tensions: The Sugar Act

Primary Source / Item:  sugar loaf and nippers

(Sugar Tongs, Iron, National Heritage Museum, Bequest of Frank T. & Janet W. Barnes, 2000.032.442)

This artifact, featured in "Sowing the Seeds of Liberty," is an example of every day household items that took on political significance in Colonial American life.  The Sugar Act of 1764 was one of many acts of the British government that was seen by American Colonials as a threat to the prosperity sought out in the new world.  The taxes it would impose on imported goods would reduce colonial export of lumber, flour, cheese, and other farm products.  Without the trade there was no currency to purchase manufactured goods. (See Timeline.) 

The Smithsonian Education website offers an article on interpreting artifacts, entitled "Looking at Artifacts, Thinking About History," by Steven Lubar and Kathleen Kendrick.  In part it points out that artifacts are "the objects we make and use...five ways to think of artifacts:  artifacts tell their own stories, connect people, mean many things, capture moments, and reflect change."  Local historic artifacts can be located in your town's historical society or historical museum.  Other period-appropriate examples are collected at institutuions where images of their artifacts can be viewed online.

Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom:  Lesson 19f

Taxes, Trade & Tensions: The Stamp Act

Primary Source / Item: private records

(Image courtesy of Massachusetts Historical Society)

This image from microfilm is of a journal kept by Jonas Clarke of Lexington.  Clarke was a beloved minister, who had the ability to influence the thinking and convictions of his congregation.  Interleaved within his almanac he noted a running account of the development of the political crisis with entries like "News of Repeal of Stamp Act arrived" and "Rejoicing at Boston," "Stamp Act Repealed."

These private records are manuscripts generated by individuals.  Likely places to find these materials are your town historical society or town library.  Also, the internet allows for easy checking for private records at various larger repositories, such as the American Antiquarian Society, and the Harvard University Archives.  A general internet search under a particular family name often yields manuscript finds.

Taxes, Trade & Tensions: The Tea Act

Primary Source / Item:  newspapers

(Image courtesy of American Antiquarian Society)
   
 

A newspaper article is a printed document, and can be a valuable window into everyday life, and how it might be affected by momentous events such as the Tea Act.  One article in the Massachusetts Spy of 23 December 1773 describes "the patriotic conduct of the town of Lexington in opposing the measures of the East-India company who have endeavored to introduce the cursed, noxious, infectious, dutiable herb, tea..."
    Thanks to the American Antiquarian Society and Newsbank, these documents are quite accessible.  The Newsbank is an indexed, fully searchable and printable online archive.  Some public libraries, such as Boston Public Library, subscribe to Newsbank's "Early American Newspapers." 

Taxes, Trade & Tensions: The Tea Act

Primary Source:  Lexington Town Clerk Record Book

(Image courtesy of the Lexington Archives)

This page is from a transcription of the original town record book of Lexington's Town Clerk of 1773.  As a result of The Tea Act, the entry of 7 December reads, in part: meeting of selectmen to discuss "relating to the tea sent out of the East India Company to be sold in America subject to a duty imposed by Act of Parliament."  Six days later, the entry of 13 December records that the meeting of freeholders and other inhabitants of the town comittee reported the following which being repeatedly read was Voted by the town: "That the Intelligence transmitted by the Committee of Correspondence in the Town of Boston to the Committee of Correspondence for this Place...it appears that the enemies of the Rights and Liberties of Americans, greatly disappointed in the success of the Revenue Act, are feeling to Avail themselves of a new and if possible yet more detestable Measure to distress Enslave and destroy Us.- Not enough that a Tax was laid upon Tea which should be imported by Us for the sole Purpose of raising a Revenue to Support Task Masters, Pensioners, in idleness and Luxury.  But by a late Act of Parliament to Appease the Wrath of the East Indies Company...We are alarmed at this masterful effort of Iniquitous Policy as...under the cover of an Act of Parliament and for the unrighteous Purpose of raising and securing a Revenue for the Crown out of the Purses of Industrious Americans."  (See Timeline.)

Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom:  Lesson 19g

John Parker: Businessman

Primary Source / Item: account book and journal

(Images Courtesy of Historic New England)

   

Captain John Parker of Lexington, commander of the town militia, was known as a temperate, disciplined, and rational man, who won the respect of his townsfolk for his strong will, independent and judicious habits, and introspective mind.  A private document, his manuscript tells us that, aside from being a farmer, and a 'Captain,' his trade of woodworking engaged many hours in a week.  In an average year, he would produce or repair two items of furniture, six wheels of various sorts, seven presses or mills, twenty coopered pieces, and about twenty house or farm tools. 

The images shown here (from the collection of Historic New England) are examples similar to that of Captain Parker's; these pages are from the private account book and journal of Colonel Samuel Pierce (1738-1815) of Dorchester, Massachusetts.  Like Parker, Pierce was a farmer, but looked to "improve his income through a variety of pursuits," * including selling his catch of shad and cider produced from his orchard.  In addition, he worked with his brother, a carpenter, exchanging his labor for goods and services. (Image above, left)

Also like Parker, Pierce played a very public role within his community supporting the revolutionary cause.  "Pierce resigned his commission in the King's militia to join the newly organized Massachusetts militia.  On April 19, 1775, he reported 'a terible battle at Lexinton & Concord between our People and the soldiers which marcht out of Boston.  The soldiers fird on our people...'" (Image above, right)*

* Text excerpted from "Living with the Pierce Family" by Susan Porter, Historic New England Magazine, Summer, 2004.

Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom:  Lesson 19e

Meetinghouse: Clarke- Spiritual Leader

Primary Source: printed documents- books

(Image courtesy of Cary Memorial Library)                           

Jonas Clarke, the politically radical minister who preached resistance to oppression and sheltered outlawed patriots, is the best known of Lexington's little-known revolutionaries.  His connections to the famous Hancock family, his published sermons, and his central place as the moral and political conscience of Lexington assured him more acclaim than his more humble townsmen.  As a result, there is a large body of documentary evidence for Clarke, including works from his own pen, such as his sermons.  Theodore Gilman, President of the New York Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, produced in 1911 an excellent review of Clarke's political justifications for rebellion. 

Jonas Clarke played a central role in shaping the political and theological mindset of everyday Lexingtonians as they approached the crisis of 1775.  The book featured here is "The Fate of Blood-thirsty Oppressors, and GOD'S tender Care of his distressed People.  A Sermon Preached at Lexington April 19, 1776."  It is a printed document,and like many of Clarke's sermons, shows that he did indeed preach that resistance to British oppression was a moral, civic, and religious duty of America's faithful remnant.

Confrontation on the Common: Militia, Minutemen & the Continental Army

Primary Source:  Massachusetts Muster and Pay Rolls         

(Images courtesy of MA State Archives)

Soldiers in Colonial and Revolutionary America took several distinct forms.  The Minute Man National Historical Park describes the best known- the Minutemen- and how they were different from the Militia.  Both were originally meant to defend the British colonies.  Later, as a result of Revolution, America would form a separate organization known as the Continental Army. (See Timeline.)

When searching for military records, namely of the Revolutionary period in America, one place to experience is the state Archives of Massachusetts, where they have microfilm of the Massachusetts Muster and Pay rolls.  The original manuscripts are difficult to read, and contain records according to time period, therefore it is infinitely easier to find military records through the index, which is alphabetical.  The image at the right is copied from microfilm of the index page featuring Prince Estabrook.  It mentions he is from the Lexington Militia commanded by Capt. John Parker, his rank is Private, and he is being paid for his participation in a detachment reported on command at Cambridge from July 17 to July18, 1775 by order of the Committee of Safety.  It tells us the original record can be found on page 59 of volume 13.                     

The next image on the right is what page 59 of volume 13 looks like on microfilm.  Very little of it is legible, but a magnified look reveals the first heading "Mens Names", where Prince Estabrook appears to be listed fifth from bottom.  There is also a signature in the right margin that is very dark, but is possibly that of "John Parker." 

Another source of Revolutionary military records is a publication known as "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors."  It is a compilation from the archives published in 1896 by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and specifically notes that "all names are given exactly as they appear on the original records"...and the "arrangement of facts" are given "as nearly as possible."

Here's how this can be applied in the elementary classroom:  Lesson 19h