August 18, 1784 document where York County, Maine, Justice of the Peace Dominicus Goodwin has appointed John Lord and Ebenezer Goodwin, both of Berwick, Maine, to determine the value of a stray mare. Another name mentioned is that of Simon Emery, Jr.
Note: The District of Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820.
An approximate transcription of the document appears at the end of this post. Feel free to make corrections and suggestions for the blanks.
From brief online research, hopefully with the correct people:
Dominicus may have been Dominicus Goodwin (1741-1807).
There were several men named John Lord in the Berwick area. One was a Brigadier General in the American Revolution and father of Nathan Lord, a president of Dartmouth College. Some sources say that this John was born about 1764, which would seem surprisingly young to have been a Brigadier General in the American Revolution and in a position of trust in his town by 1784.
Ebenezer may have been Ebenezer Goodwin (1747-1802).
There were a Simon Emery (1727-1795) who lived in the Berwick, Maine area, even at one time at Berwick itself; his father was also named Simon Emery. But I can't rule out that there might have been another father and son named Simon Emery.
Transcription
Front:
York SS
To Messrs John Lord and Ebenezer Goodwin, Both of Berwick in the County of York
Greeting
Whereas Simon Emery Jun. of Said Berwick yeoman has this Day Given me the Subscriber Notice that he has taken in Damage ___ one Dark Brown Mare the owner ____ [unknown ?] and has Proceeded with her as the law _____ are therefore in the Name of ___ Massachusetts to order and Empower you ___ make a just apprisement of the Said beast to which ___ you are to be under Oath and make Return of the True Value thereof according to your best judgment. Given under my hand at Berwick, August the ___ Day 1784.
Dominicus Goodwin, Justice of the Peace
York SS, August 18, 1784. John Lord Ebenezer Goodwin were Sworn in apprising the aforegoing beast that they would act therein Justly and Indifferantly according to their best Understanding. Before me
Dominicus Goodwin, Justice of the Peace
Reverse:
Warrant of apprisement of a Stray Beast
York SS Pursuant to the written Warrant to as Directed we the Subscribers have attended the Service assigned us to have Valued the Said Beast at Eleven Dollars ___
Berwick August the 18 1784
John Lord
Ebenezer Goodwin
If you have information on any of the men mentioned in this document, please leave a comment or contact me directly.
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