People who want to know about lawyers in the old days need only to go to the Internet and visit the website for Windham Historical Society, where one can find the legal dealings from the early days of the town. The links provided include a collection called Moses Little Papers. Moses Little was a Justice of the Peace and practiced law at his office/home on Windham Hill. Today, there’s a housing development and road named for this early lawyer. Following is an example of the trials and tribulations of our town. Look these up – and more – at www.windhamhistorical.org, under Links – Selected Windham records.
30 Apr 1830 – John DUSETT, Yeoman of Standish, files complaint against Desiah BLAKE, married woman of Standish, wife of Ephraim BLAKE; alleging that on 17 April 1830 “with force and arms did wilfully and malicously, passionately, brually[sic] and barbarously wound, maim and disfigure one ox the property of one Ebenezer GILMAN-being in possession of him the said John DUSETT.” Others named in complaint/warrant- Clement BLAKE; Eunice WHITMORE; Jonathan HASKELL and Caleb HODSDON, Justice of the Peace.
23 May 1826 – John GRAFFAM, Tythingman of Windam, files complaint of sport, play and recreation-by going fishing-21 May 1826, a Sabbath day, against Jacob MANCHESTER, Yeoman of Windham. Others named in complaint/warrant-Henry HOOPER and Seth WEBB, Justice of the Peace.
1 Dec 1826 – Moses HARRIS Esq. of Gray, files complaint of theft of timber on 25 October 1826, against Mark MORSE, Yeoman of Gray and Joseph HAWKS Jr., Yeoman of Windham. Others named in complaint/warrant-Jacob MANCHESTER; Isaac KILBORN; Richard PURRINTON; Nahum MANCHESTER; Nathan HUNT and Daniel W. GREEN, Justice of the Peace [Note on reverse side of complaint reads, “this complaint was quashed by the court.”]
13 Jun 1827 – Moses HARRIS Esq. of Gray, refiles complaint of theft [as described above 1
December 1826] Signed and sealed by Moses LITTLE, Justice of the Peace.
25 Apr 1828 – Levi PATCH, Gentleman of Otisfield files complaint of cutting and carrying away trees from his property on 1 March 1828 and on other days between that day and the 30th day of March, against Thomas MORTON, Jacob MORTON, and Lewis HANCOCK, all Yeomen of Raymond. Others named in complaint/warrant-John PATCH; Josiah SWETT and John EVELETH, Justice of the Peace.
And just in case you wondered – a yeoman was used to describe a farmer or a “man cultivating and holding a small landed estate;” a tithingman was a peace officer, usually the leader of a group of 10 families; and a gentleman was describing someone higher than a yeoman, usually a man of honor.
Hundreds of old legal papers from the late 1700s to mid-late 1800s have been preserved, photocopied and transcribed exactly by volunteers and are available for the public to examine, either online or at the Windham Historical Society, 234 Windham Center Road. Call 892-1433 for more information or email info@windhamhistorical.org.
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