In the year 1634, in Boston, Massachusetts, Edward Palmer was a hard working carpenter. He was commissioned to build the first wooden stocks, by the town elders. These stocks were intended to be used for public punishment.

Definition: (the stocks, historical) treated as singular or plural An instrument of punishment consisting of an adjustable wooden structure with holes for securing a person’s feet and hands, in which criminals were locked and exposed to public ridicule or assault

Palmer submitted his bill for one pound, thirteen shillings, and seven pence, for his carpentry work.

This amount was considered obscene and was viewed as extortion by those elders who had commissioned Palmer. The Puritan officials determined to punish Palmer for his bill. He was fined five pounds. But he was also sentenced to spend one hour in the stocks. Thus he became the first victim of his handiwork!

The Founding Fathers thought spending time in the stocks was uncivilized punishment, so they were no longer used.