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

1773] POLITICAL MATTERS—CENSUS
—
JAIL—NEW TOWNS. 339
lej'' in 1773. He lived on Bridge Street, and his factory was
at the rear of his home lot. Clay was obtained on the bank
of the Connecticut River above and below the location of
the present bridges. He died in 1776, and Ebenezer Gibbs
succeeded to the business. Gibbs came from Chatham, and
obtained a portion of the clay he used from "Clay hill"
beyond West Street bridge. The business passed into the
hands of Dea. Ebenezer Hunt, in 1779, and he carried it
on for several years.
Articles Manufac- Coarse red pottery, partially glazed, seems
*"''®^-
to have been the output of this small estab-
lishment. It consisted of pots, pans, pitchers,
platters, pudding dishes, jugs, bowls, etc., which were
sold by peddlers throughout the county. Considerable
business was done in this line by Dea. Hunt, who purchased
the tools of Samuel Parsons. It is not known what became
of the industry, though in all probability, during the unsettled
times that preceded and followed the Revolution,
the demand for the product ceased, and the business died
out. It is not certainly known where Dea. Hunt manufac-
tured the goods, whether at the old stand on Bridge Street,
or elsewhere. Everything was shaped by hand and little
machinery used.
Orders to the se- The next year the selectmen were ordered
lectmen. ^q provide a place where the bier could be
housed, to repair the wall about the bury-
ing yai-d, and to procure and set out trees at convenient dis-
tances around the same. These trees were set out at a cost
of IDs., and in a year or two all that had died were replaced.
The selectmen were also ordered " as often as once
a quarter to visit tlie Several Schools in the body of the
Town, & examine into the State of them & make Such
orders & give Such directions respecting their Instruction
& management of them as Shall appear proper."