Township Act is adopted.

General Court approves the law that limits and regulates the structure of town government. An attempt by the “old charter” supporters to protect the existing system of self-government in the face of increasing royal authority, it requires that to be considered a “freeman” and eligible vote, he no longer need be a church member but must have an estate valued at 20 pounds or more and pay a poll tax. An estimated 350 men qualify – out of a male population of 3,000. Paper ballots are first used in town meeting elections.