Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/551

 HIGHWAYS. 447 leading northwest towards the Seekonk settlement. The third trail led from Rumstick, or Chachapacassett, north- ward along the west bank of the Barrington River, entering Seekonk, near of Runen's Bridge, where there was a fording place before the bridge was built. These trails were the first foot-paths, horse-paths, and roadways of the first settlers of Barrington, and then became the main highways of the town, changed somewhat in location to suit the conditions of road- making. One of the changes was made in the main road, between the Congregational meeting-house and Prince's Hill. This trail and road originally followed the river bank, but was changed to its present position to allow the location of the Congregational meeting-house on the bank of the river, where it now stands. To find the layout of highways of the proprietors we for- tunately have the original book of records of the Sowams Plantation. Unfortunately we are not able in many instances to recognize the location of highways, home lots, meadows, etc., from the indefiniteness of the lines, and the temporary character of the bounds, such as trees, stumps, stones, walls, and other movable markers. Under date of of Dec. 28, 1676, at a proprietors' meeting, it was voted : "That highways be layed out convenient in such places as the major part shall agree and determine for best conven- ience both for the general and particular." Two days later, Dec. 30, 1676, a committee was chosen, consisting of Mr. John Allen, Capt. John Brown, John Saffin, and Stephen Paine, Senior, or his son, Nathaniel Paine, "to lay out convenient highways both publique and privet, as they shall in their judgement think needful." Under date of April 11, 1679, it was voted that the com- mittee lay out "the home lots butting upon the river," "and a highway down the neck at the head thereof." The lots and highways referred to were probably at or near Chacha- pacassett, or Little Neck, now known as Rumstick. At a legal meeting of the proprietors, Jan. 14, 1680, "It