Amasa Smith had a hatter’s shop facing the common in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Abel Densmore ran up a total of more than 37 pounds of debt to Smith, who wanted his money. The court determined that if Densmore could not pay he would be put in jail [gaol] until he paid or until the debt was forgiven by Smith. One year later, in April of 1788, the debt had still not been paid so Densmore’s farmstead, appraised at 29 pounds, 11 shillings, and 8 pence was confiscated. Although it did not fully satisfy the debt, Smith was probably willing to accept this amount. Financial problems plagued farmers due to high taxes and a scarcity of currency.
Sexton, David. Writ of Amasa Smith against Abel Densmore. April 7, 1788. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l04-037/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
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