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In 1634, Boston, Massachusetts, commissioned its first set of stocks, with craftsman Edward Palmer given the task of designing and building them. Who was the first individual to be placed in the stocks?

Answer: Palmer himself. The bill he submitted for the stocks, totaling one pound, thirteen shillings and seven pence, was considered by town officials to be exorbitant, and Palmer was charged with extortion. He was fined five pounds and sentenced to an hour in the stocks.

Source: Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Alice Earle

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