Town records from Essex, Vermont

The Freeman’s Oath first appeared in early colonial America. Taking the oath meant that you had became a full citizen. This was an important distinction because only Freemen could vote or hold office. It also meant you were eligible to pay taxes. The practice continued into the early 1800s. One of the underlying themes was that the freeman's list represent men who were not under the control of another man, or not in the debt of another man and thus under his influence. For example an indentured servant or slave could not be a freeman for these reasons. To be admitted a freeman you had to meet certain requirements; Swear Allegiance originally to the Crown later to the colony or state, Must be a male over the age of 21, Hold membership in a duly recognized church, Own personal property valued at 40 pounds, Be of a quiet and peaceful manner. To become a freeman meant receiving a vote of approval from existing freemen. With a little variety the typical oath read as follows; I-----being by gods providence, an Inhabitant, and Freeman, within the Jurisdiction of this Commonwealth; do freely acknowledge myself to be subject to the Government thereof: And therefore do here swear by the great and dreadful Name of the Ever-living God, that I will be true and faithful to the same, and will accordingly yield assistance and support there unto with my person and estate, as in equity I am bound; and will also truly endeavor to maintain and preserve all the liberties and privileges thereof submitting myself to the wholesome Laws and Orders made and established by the same. And further, that I will not plot or practice any evil against it, or consent to any that shall so do; but will timely discover and reveal the same to lawful Authority now here established, for the speedy preventing thereof. ___________________ Samuel Griffin first appears on the Freeman’s list in 1797. His sons appear in the following years as they met the requirements. __________________ Another list kept in the town records was a list of the heads of households with “scholars” in the city schools. The list represented the children between the ages of 4 and 16. We have an early list that includes the ”widow Griffin” who is Mary Griffin, John Griffin’s widow. That list also includes Samuel Griffin. On other list we have Samuel Griffin Jun. and his two boys Orlo and Albert. Samuel's son Dan’s son Almon also appears on one of the lists. ___________ Note the town officers that were elected each year including; leather sealer, tything men, and fence viewers.