Swansea records are conclusive proof that these lands from the Bristol line to Palmer's River and Belcher's Cove were not laid out for settlers until 1720, although the subject was discussed as early as 1679-80.
Under date of February 25, 1679-80, in Swansea town meeting, it was voted "that ye whole tract of land called Brooks Pasture unto ye old fence by John Wheaton's and what land is yet undivided which was obtained of the countrey by composition shall be divided in a distinct division and a survey up to Swansea two miles be taken which shall bear its part to satisfie Hugh Cole."
It was also voted "that Mr. William Ingraham, Samuel Luther and William Howard shall agree with Hugh Cole as to what part he shall have of Brooks Pasture."
At a town meeting held in Swansea, Aug. 6, 1680. "It is ordered that whereas the committee Chosen for ye Surveying of Brooks Pasture 25th of February, 1679 (1680) have now brought in their part fit to be 300 acres."
1. "It is now ordered that Convenient highwayes may be laid out in sd. land. 2. That ye land for house lots be laid out. 3. Hugh Cole Senrs. land be laid out. 4. That ye remainder be laid out to each man according to his proportion as Rankt and that each man draw his lot when put in form, which is to be done with convenient speed by 5 men as a Commitie namely, John Brown, Wm. Ingraham, Hugh Cole, Samuel Luther, Obadiah Brown."
At a meeting of the proprietors, April 1, 1718, "That a vote was passed yt Brooks Pasture and ye island thereby should be let out."
Still later in 1719-20, a vote was passed by the proprietors that Brooks Pasture should be laid out, and as late as April 19, 1725, the following record appears: "By virtue of a warrant from one of his majesty's Justices of Peace for ye County of Bristol, voted, that the land in Brooks pasture be all laid out in 102 lots according to quantity and quality,"
It does not appear by the above records when the first house was built on Brooks Pasture, and Mr. Fessenden
