DCHP-1 Online
following pole Obs. 
a long, strong pole used for raising the heavy bents, or crossbeams, in building a house or barn.
- 1832 (1953) A Bee, which means an assemblage of the neighbours, is then called; and a person well skilled in the business, and termed a Boss, takes active leadership of the active party, who, with the mere mechanical aid of a following, or raising, pole, gradually elevates the mighty bents, until the tenants (connected with each other by tie beams,) drop into their mortices in the sill, to which, as well as to each other, they are immediately afterwards secured by pins, and in a few hours the skeleton of the house, with its rafters, &c. is ready for shingles and clap boards.
- 1832 (1953) A Bee, which means an assemblage of the neighbours, is then called; and a person well skilled in the business, and termed a Boss, takes active leadership of the active party, who, with the mere mechanical aid of a following, or raising, pole, gradually elevates the mighty bents, until the tenants (connected with each other by tie beams,) drop into their mortices in the sill, to which, as well as to each other, they are immediately afterwards secured by pins, and in a few hours the skeleton of the house, with its rafters, &c. is ready for shingles and clap boards.