Whereas application has been made to the subscribers (Fence viewers) by John Williams Esqr, on the one part, and Seth Sheldon on the other part, to view, assign and set off in equal shares, a certain fence built by said John, and to ascertain the value thereof to the said John, for the one half which shall be so set off to said Seth; We have attended the service, and do accordingly hereby assign to them the said John & Seth Severally their respective shares in equal proportions as follows, Viz, said Johns share to begin on the east side of the highway leading from Deerfield Meeting-house to Deerfield river= =bridge at the Southwesterly end of said fence and to run northerly and easterly as said fence now lies, on the divisional line between said John and Seth about 36 rods to a stake and stones standing on said line, said Seths share to begin at said stake and stones, and to run easterly as said fence now lies about 36 rods to the east end of a ditch which runs southerly from said fence, and we have appraised that part of said fence, built by said John and Set off as above to said Seth at the sum of seven= =dollars and no more, which sum the said Seth is to pay to said John Deerfield April 13th 1811-- Elihu Hoyt-} Fence Viewers Solo Williams}

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Fence viewers were elected officials in town governments in early New England. Elihu Hoyt and Solomon Williams serve that post for Deerfield, Massachusetts, in 1811. In this agreement they are called upon to settle a dispute over payment for a fence that divides the property of Seth Sheldon (1787-1860) and John Williams (1751-1816). This orderly method should avoid the need to take the case to court.

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Fence Agreement between Seth Sheldon & John Williams

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