TOPSFIELD
The Indian name for this locaility was "Shenewemedy," but the first settlers applied the name of "New Meadows" to the grant of land which was made by the General Court, Nov. 5, 1639, to inhabitants of Salem and Ipswich. Oct. 18, 1648, the Court voted, — "The village at the newe medowes at Ipswich is named Toppesfeild." Oct. 18, 1650, it was established as a town.
Oct. 19, 1658, and May 29, 1664, bounds between Salem and Topsfield were established.
May 5, 1682, bounds between Wenham and Topsfield were established.
April 28, 1684 and May 31, 1697, bounds between Ipswich and Topsfield were established.
Feb. 25, 1701 and June 17, 1731, bounds between Boxford and Topsfield were established.
June 29, 1728, part of the territory was included in the new town of Middleton.
Feb. 16, 1774, part of the town of Ipswich, lying on the south side of the river, was annexed to Topsfield.
The population of Topsfield at different periods was as follows:
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| 1765, |
719. |
|
1800, |
789. |
|
1840, |
1,059. |
| 1776, |
773. |
|
1810, |
815. |
|
1850, |
1,170. |
| 1790, |
780. |
|
1820, |
866. |
|
1900, |
1,030. |
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|
|
1830, |
1,010. |
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Copyright © 2005-'07 by John Slaughter & Jodi Salerno
Last Updated: 26 December, 2007
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