...oised about that Samuel Phipps, one of the selectmen, led and encouraged the watch to cut it down.’ During the Andros persecution Charlestown had its trials along with other communities. Mr. Phipps , too, for a while suffered from unpopularity. Much against his wish, he was appointed constable. August 9, 1686, he complained to the government of the town's action, and asked release from the f...