HEADS OF FAMILIES IN NORTHBOROUGH, 1744 - Formation of Northborough as "Second Precinct of Westborough"

Excerpt from Northborough History (Kent, 1921. p. 3-6)
"In 1744 there were thirty-seven families in the north part; and being situated at a distance of several miles from the main part of the town [of Westborough], they thought that they could get along much better if they should be permitted to manage their own affairs.  So, remembering what the west part of Marlborough [i.e. Westborough] had done in 1717, they drew up a petition, went down to Boston, and presented it to the Great and General Court. This petition asked that the north part of Westborough be made into a "distinct and separate precinct" of the town. The petition was granted on October 20, 1744.

Holloway Homestead, circa 1711

...Having gained the objects of their desire, steps were immediately taken for the perfecting of a government for the new precinct.  Accordingly, all the inhabitants of the district were duly and legally warned to meet on the 15th day of November for that purpose.

This first precinct meeting was held at the home of Colonel William Holloway...This meeting was for purely organization purposes; and...marks the beginning of our town government.

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...We have stated above that there were thirty-seven families in the north precinct at the time of its separation from the mother town...The list includes ...two young men who were not married at the time, but who were married shortly afterwards."

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