Weare Town History

From information provided by Weare Office of Selectmen

How it all began
Early in 1735, Col. Robert Hale petitioned Massachusetts to create a township six miles square for soldiers or their heirs who had gone on expedition to Canada in 1690. The town was known as Halestown in honor of Col. Hale, however in 1749 there were still no settlers on the grant so a new group of town proprietors was formed with Ichabod Robie as the leader, and the town name was changed to Robiestown. The new proprietors took sole charge of the town and cleared land, made roads, built bridges, laid out the Center Square and helped build cabins. They collected no taxes from settlers, but did little for them as well and their rule was a mild aristocracy. About 1764, the citizens became unsatisfied and were determined to have a change. They wanted to raise taxes, choose town officers, and enjoy the honor of holding office. Owing allegiance to the province of New Hampshire however, they required its sanction and aid in order to enforce their own acts.
Citizens Act
Following the example of other towns, the citizens drew up a petition to the governor and council in which in part they stated they were "under great disadvantages in choosing Town officer", in "laying out and manding High-ways", in "getting and supporting a minister", and many other things that "are Netsetry for the good and benefit of the town" and that they pray to be incorporated with "all the Prebilidgs and Immunitye of other towns in this Provence.". The petition was dated April 3, 1764 and was signed by 21 citizens.
Incorporation
On September 21,1764, the town was incorporated, and King George the Third named the town "Weare" in honor of Meshech Weare who later became the first president, (later retitled Governor) of New Hampshire. It was declared that the citizens shall hold town meetings when they please, and by a majority of the voters present choose all such officers and transact all such affairs "as by the laws are declared".