“Dr. William Baylies was one of the original proprietors of the old Dighton and Berkley Bridge, and was active in securing the incorporation of the company of which he was a member. The act of incorporation commences as follows: ‘Feb. 24, 1801, Samuel Tobey, William Baylies, Thomas B. Richmond, George Ware, Benjamin Crane, Luther Crane, and Thomas Carpenter (2d), with such other persons as are now associated, or shall hereafter become associated, are incorporated in the Dighton and Berkley Bridge Company.’ The building of the bridge was strenuously opposed by those interested in the coasting business in Taunton and other towns on the river, as the following paper drawn up at the time to lay before the Legislature will show. The paper is interesting as showing the extent of the trade and manufactures of Taunton at that time. …”

Reference Data:

History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 1, by Duane Hamilton Hurd, 1883, page 235