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Tag: 1687

The “Birthplace of American Independence”

December 28, 2023June 29, 2026 Gordon Harris2 Comments

Resistance by the citizens and leaders of Ipswich to a tax imposed by the Crown in 1687 is commemorated in the seal of the town of Ipswich, which bears the motto, "The Birthplace of American Independence 1687."

Posted in HistoryTagged 1687, Andros, Appleton, Birthplace of American Independence, fear, insanity, town government, war

The Defiant Samuel Appleton

January 10, 2023July 29, 2025 Gordon Harris7 Comments

In 1687, a warrant was issued for the arrest of several Ipswich men for being "seditiously inclined and disaffected to his Majesty's government." The 62-year-old Major Samuel Appleton scorned the appearance of submission and remained imprisoned in the cold Boston Jail through the winter.

Posted in People, StoriesTagged 1687, Andros, Appleton, Court, Ipswich, September, town government, truth
Ipswich MA historic photos by William Varrel

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