Town elects first selectmen in 1649

BY PAM PETERSON

Marblehead has had selectmen for 375 years, starting just before its incorporation in 1649 when Salem and Marblehead separated into two different towns.

The first selectmen elected in Marblehead, listed in Samuel Roads’ “History of Marblehead,” were Moses Maverick, Samuel Doliber, John Peach, Francis Johnson, John Devereux, Nicholas Merritt and John Bartoll.

Moses Maverick was the longest-serving of the first selectmen, with 14 terms spanning the years from 1648 to 1681. He is considered the “Father of Marblehead” and took a keen interest in the town’s management, working to build his own business and the town’s prosperity.

The early selectmen were all men of standing in the community, chosen not for wealth or religion but for their good sense. They were fishermen, merchants, blacksmiths or farmers.

Most were barely educated; those who could not read or write made their “mark,” usually an X, on documents as needed.

Their task was to use their experience and good judgment to make the best decisions for Marblehead. These decisions were occasionally subject to criticism and anger from town residents. Then, as now, selectmen were well aware of their fellow citizens’ opinions.

Marblehead Town Meetings were first held at the Meeting House at Old Burial Hill. Meetings were mandatory, and elections took place during the meetings, determined by “ayes” versus “nays.”

Records of early town meetings and those of today have many similarities. Taxes were one of the most discussed and disputed of all topics, followed closely by issues regarding land, boundaries, the rights of citizens, concerns about animals and the construction and maintenance of town buildings. This sounds just like our current Town Meetings.

One topic that is no longer hotly debated is the issue of traffic jams caused by cows. Cows were taken daily to graze, many on Windmill Hill, where Abbot Hall now stands. They were supposed to be taken to the common field early in the morning and brought back at the end of the day. But sometimes they were late and created problems as people couldn’t get past them. This is at least one issue that doesn’t come up anymore.

The long tradition of elected town officials and open Town Meeting is important to Marblehead. It reminds us that the ability to participate in our own government, speak our minds and influence the outcome of elections, laws and policies has existed and been valued since our earliest history.