In the earliest days of Rochester, laws for the town were made at Proprietors’ meetings held in Plymouth, but as time passed, the meetings were held in Rochester. When the town was incorporated on June 4, 1686 under the name of Rochester-town in New England, laws began to be made by the freemen who made up town meeting. At some point, selectmen filled the role of lawmakers, and the earliest recorded names were Aaron Barlow, Samuel White and Samuel Hammond.
We all know that life was very different in those early days than the life we live today, but certain things really bring that knowledge home, and some early laws did that for me. There were a variety of laws that addressed animal pests, which included foxes, squirrels, a variety of birds, as well as the occasional wildcat or wolf.
In 1706, each householder was required by law to bring in proof that he had killed 4 crows and 12 blackbirds or he would be fined two pence for each blackbird and sixpence for each crow that he failed to turn in. In 1738, the ante was raised, and each male”21 years old” had to provide proof that he had killed “6 crowbill blackbirds or bluebirds or 4 squirrel or 2 crows all well grown”. At this time, failure to do so meant 2 shillings added to next year’s taxes.
I must admit I’m not thrilled when crows and starlings overwhelm my bird feeder, but I’m glad not to have to kill any of them, but then I’m not a farmer trying to protect his crops.
By Connie Eshbach