Following the Ameican Revolution, many Massachusetts farmers were devastated by a severe recession, the institution of a new real estate tax, and the scarcity of currency. Daniel Shays of Pelham organized a revolt against the state known as Shays Rebellion (August 1786-July 1878). The revolt failed and afterwards, town officers were required to take an oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, according to a law passed March 10, 1787. Some of these officers had taken the oath, but had not signed (subscribed) the declaration to that fact. People were questioning whether the actions taken by these officers were legal and valid, so the legislature acted, saying that if the declarations were signed by July 31, all actions prior would be considered legal.
Hancock, John. Resolution regarding town officers to take oaths published in the Hampshire Gazette. Hampshire Gazette, July 4, 1787. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l04-102/. Accessed on November 2, 2024.
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