History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

90 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. l1"39.
was voted for defraying the charge of schooling during the
previous winter. It is probable that the school was kept
at one of the farm-houses, as no school-house was built in
that vicinity till 1772.
Southampton made In September of the same year, the quesa
Precinct.
-fcion of Setting off the new town, " as a dis-
tinct and separate precinct, so that by con-
sent of the General Court they might be under a capacity
to carry on the worship of God among themselves," came
before the town. It was presented by an article in the
warrant, in which the bounds of the proposed district were
definitely defined. After suitable consideration, the re-
quest was granted, though the consent of the Legislature
was not obtained till two years afterwards. In September,
1741, the new precinct was organized under an act of incorporation.
During the succeeding ten years Northampton
was divided into two precincts or parishes, each under the
care of the minister selected by the residents therein. In
all other matters the two villages were under the jurisdiction
of the old town, and so continued till Southampton
assumed municipal responsibilities for itself.