And in each of these rode a child

Colonial era people had their equivalent of child's safety seat for cars. From History of Bolton, 1738-1938 by Esther K. Whitcomb. In tracking down some information in the Whitcomb family tree, I come across this snippet regarding a distant collateral line.

In 1717, David Whitcomb applied for an inn license, becoming thereby the first innholder of Bolton. Upon his death in 1730, Doctress Mary became the owner of the homestead, which by her will in 1733 was divided among her five sons.

The eldest of these sons, Deacon David Whitcomb, one of the founders of the Bolton Church, became the sole owner of the property, and in 1765 deeded it to his son, Tille. The deed states that “it is the place where my son John formerly dwelt.” John Whitcomb had left Bolton about 1763 for Swanzey, New Hampshire, where he was one of the first settlers. His household goods were packed on one of his horses; on the other rode his wife, who carried their youngest child, a mere infant, in her arms. A pair of pannier baskets was also carried by the second horse, and in each of these rode a child.