First Town Meeting, April 2, 1832

The first Town Meeting was held pursuant to a warrant issued by Charles Allen, magistrate, and directed to Jonathan Day, a principal inhabitant. The meeting was held in the Baptist Church on April 2, 1832. Ira N. Barton was chosen moderator, and the following were elected: Charles P. Baldwin, clerk; Charles Tucker, treasurer; George B. Slater, John H. Day, John Learned, Benjamin Wakefield, Nathan Cody, Selectmen; Jonathan Day, Charles Baldwin, Joseph Brackett, assessors; Henry Smith, collector; Rev. Thomas Barrette, Paraclete Morris, John Parker, George B. Slater, Josiah Sessions, Dr. John W. Tenny, school committee.

It was the desire of most of the inhabitants that the town be named Slater, in honor of the pioneer of textile manufacturing, and it was Samuel Slater himself who fixed upon the name "Webster". Mr. Slater pointed out that a town had already been named in his honor in Rhode Island, and he suggested that if he might have the choice of the name, "Webster would be chosen" as he was a great admirer of the statesman Daniel Webster.

At a business meeting held the same day, the following sums were appropriated:
For support of schools $500
Town expenses $1,200
Roads, bridges, etc. $500
Total $2,200

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