In early New England towns policy was set by a board of 3 to 5 selectmen. They oversaw public responsibilities such as the policing, roads, and fences.
Abigail Fiske Mixer was born on February 18, 1675/76 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Lieutenant Nathan Fiske and Elizabeth Fry.
Their children included:
Abigail Mixer (June 26, 1696),
John Mixer (January 22, 1698/99, married Abigail Woodbridge),
Elizabeth Mixer (December 30, 1702), and
George Mixer (December 27, 1704).
They moved to Connecticut and were the first settlers of Ashford in 1710. In Ashford John was the first Town Clerk, and Treasurer, Tavern Keeper, Selectman, and Deacon.
In 1721-22 John and two daughters, Abigail and Elizabeth, moved to Suffield, Hartford County, Connecticut. They settled on the 50 acre homestead grant of Isaac Cakebread, near Rawlins Brook. He was a selectman in 1724, and 1730. After 1730 there is no record of the Mixers in Suffield.
Deacons played a respected and important role in early New England churches. They sat in a raised pew near the pulpit and had special duties during communion.
A tanner treats animal skins to produce leather. After the tanning process, the currier dresses, finishes and colors the tanned hide.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
An early American tavern(or ordinary) was an important meeting place and they were strictly supervised. Innkeepers were respectable members of the community. Taverns offered food and drink. An inn also offered accommodation.
Middlesex County, Massachusetts was created on May 10, 1643. The county originally included Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, Sudbury, Concord, Woburn, Medford, Wayland, and Reading.
