USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1888 > Part 10
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14 00
1864. .
2528
3,268,700
3,425,000
6,693,700
72,193 84
18,768
7,805 96
98,767 80
14 00
1865. .
3000
3,349,200
4,032,800
7,382,000
90,336 05
36,660
8,188 95
135,195 00
17 50
1866. .
3126
3,373,700
3,834,500
7,214,200
129,768 35
23,400
8,188 95
161,357 30
21 50
1867. .
2893
3,906,600
4,054,100
7.960,700
116,173 30
39,000
9,826 70
165,000 00
20 00
1868 ..
3388
3,743,800
3,479,800
7,223,600
110,160 78
15,600
9,417 30
135,195 08
17 80
1869. .
3242
3,858,000
3,569,700
7,427,700
119,502 67
19,500
8,188 95
144,639 22
18 60
1870 ..
2907
4,018,701
3,682,545
7,701,246
127,431 72
19,500
9,826 70
156,758 42
19 60
1871 ..
3218
4,057,500
3,034,257
7,091,757 104,051 74
19,500
9,826 70
133,378 44
17 90
256
TABULAR STATEMENT.
.068.700 17,312,650 123, 151 65)
11,960
1,218
1 1 15 ,
Tİ
60
1872. . |
3292 | 4,243,950
1 3,068,700
7,312,650 |123,154 65
11,960
8,215 90
143,330 55
18 70
1873. .
3190
4,515,400
3,057,140
7,572,540
139,188 92
13,455
8,215 90
160,859 82
20 40
1874. . 3208 4,763,700
3,120,407
7,884,107
136,038 13
11,960
8,215 90
156,214 03
19 00
1875. . 3383 4,904,075
3,140,838
7,044,913
139,443 45
11,960
8,215 90
159,619 35
19 00
1876. .
3356
4,788,450
2,937,167
7,725,617
136,042 87
7,866
6,499 50
150,408 38
18 60
1877. .
3223
4,832,700
2.812,284
7,644,984
115,911 24
6,555
6,499 50
128,965 74
16 00
1878. .
3408
4,799,250
2,778,962
7,578,212
122,383 30
4,370
7,892 30
135,645 60
17 00
1879.
3299
4,766,700
2,642,888
7,409,588
111,070 40
2,185
7,135 54
120,390 94
15 50
1880. .
3384
4,815,800
2,650,877
7,466,677
109,557 63
6,555
7,135 54
123,248 17
15 60
1881. .
3456
4,849,050
2,686,406
7,535,456
123,809 80
6,555
7,135 54
136,499 84
17 20
1882.
3343
5,002,550
2,415,148
7,417,698
128,779 64
8,740
7,135 54
144,655 18
18 60
1883. .
3462
5,074,850
2,443,258
7,518,108
119,580 59
7,080
9,442 86
136,103 45
17 20
1884.
3467
5,162,750
2,385,771
7,548,521
125,336 22
9,440
9,442 86
144,219 08
18 20
1885. .
3427
5,214,050
2,336,755
7,550,805
126,229 63
7,080
9,442 86
.142,752 49
18 00
1886.
3380
5,267,350
2,319 988
7,587,338
122,220 32
6,855
8,919 62
137,994 94
17 30
1887. .
3801
5,730,400
2,344,337
8,074,737
122,440 33
10,282₺
8,919 62
141,642 45
16 60
1888. .
3964
6,088,890
2,643,455
8,732,345
128,443 40
10,282₺
8,919 62
147.645 52
16 00
*The assessors' overlays are included in these amounts.
TABULAR STATEMENT.
257
999/24 947477 1 .9, 0.51,297 7,091,757 |101,051
7.11
19,500
9,826 70
190,708 -12
133,378 -14
1 7
.
33
REPORT
OF THE
Overseers of the Poor
OF THE
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
REPORT
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport:
GENTLEMEN :- The Overseers of the Poor, to whom is com- mitted a general oversight and care of the poor in all its depart- ments, would respectfully submit their tenth annual report.
GENERAL STATEMENT.
The total cost of the poor department for the year ending Nov. 30, 1888, has been $18,637.53, which is $283.95 more than last year. This increase in expenditure is explained in the detailed statement. The income received during the past year from various sources was $3,512.37, thus reducing the expense to $15,125.16, leaving $374.84 undrawn.
DETAILED STATEMENT.
There has been expended for the poor residing in the
Alms House
$3,424 74
Salaries. 2,519 51
Insane 4,375 29
Criminals. 35 43
Poor residing in other cities
1,222 86
Out door relief. 6,435 02
Furnishing new Alms House
634 68
ALMS HOUSE.
During the past year, a new Alms House. commenced in 1887, has been completed, at a cost of $36,502.04. The house is lo- cated on North Atkinson street, is constructed of brick, three sto- ries high ; is situated on high land, and from the upper rooms, a fine view may be had of the surrounding country. It has 17 sleep- ing rooms on each side, all high and light, and warmed by direct
262
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
radiation from steam pipes, like all other parts of the house. The wood work is finished without paint, the floors are of southern pine, and the doors and casings of hard wood. Each wing has a good bath-room and water-closet on each floor. A hospital is pro- vided for each sex on the second floor. A separate dining room and common kitchen on the first floor and laundry in the basement. City water is supplied, and the drainage is carried by pipes to a distant cess pool. A new and commodious barn has been erected at a cost of $4,500. On the first of July, 1888, the house was given over to the care of the Overseers of the Poor, who immedi- ately took steps to furnish it, which was done at a cost of $634.68, and the inmates were transferred from the old house to the new, July 17 and 18, under the management of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Lunt. An average number of 49 have resided in the house dur- ing the year, at a weekly cost of $1.34.
INSANE.
The increase in insanity is remarkable, not only in our own city, but throughout the state ; the cause of it does not come within our line of duty, which is only to report the facts in order that our citizens may know where a large portion of our appropriation is expended entirely without our control.
The cost to the city for the support of its insane poor in the different insane asylums of the state in 1380 was $2,280.64; in 1888 was $4,374.75 ; increase in nine years $2,094.11 ; increase of out door relief to poor residing in our city for the same period of time $250.26, which is very small when we consider the increase in our population since 1880.
During the past year the insane asylums have not been paid for clothing supplied to the inmates, the overseers of the poor having decided that this portion of the maintenance of the insane, was not a legal charge upon the city, and their view of the law has been sustained by the attorney general.
During the last legislature a bill was introduced by the trustees of the state insane asylums, to have the price of support increased twenty-five cents per week, in order to cover the cost of clothing and breakage, and other damage caused by the patients. The '
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263
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
board of overseers of the poor of this city were represented at the hearing before the legislative committee, and the result was the bill did not pass. No doubt another effort will be made at the next session to pass the bill or a similar one. Should the trustees suc- ceed in their efforts in increasing the price of cost per week a larger appropriation will have to be made to meet this additional expense.
From the tenth annual report of the state board of lunacy and charity it appears that 70 per cent. of the inmates of the state almshouses are of foreign parentage, and 80 per cent. of the pau- per inmates of our lunatic hospitals are of the same class ; from these facts is deduced the statement that the mass of immigrants are of the class but one degree placed above actual want. During the year 61,489 immigrants were landed in Massachusetts ports, of this number fully three-fourths were from Great Britain and its provinces. The report shows a steady accumulation of insane per- sons in Massachusetts far beyond the natural increase in popula- tion, the number of insane in the state Oct. 1, 1878, being 2,835, while on Oct. 1, 1888 there were 4,540, an increase of 1,704 in ten years.
At the close of last year there were 23 insane persons in the dif- ferent insane esylums, whose settlement is in Newburyport. At the close of the year there were 20, three having been removed to our almshouse, they having been judged sufficiently recovered to be able to be removed.
OUTSIDE RELIEF.
Outside relief, which last year was granted to 179 families, com- prising 514 persons. at a cost of $6,757.14, this present year of 1888 has been granted to 232 families, viz : 188 families compris- ing 405 persons, having a settlement in Newburyport ; 34 families, comprising 101 persens, having a settlement in other cities and towns, and 10 families of 28 persons having no settlement in this state, making a total of 534 persons assisted outside the almshouse, at an expense of $6,435.02, which is $322.12 less than last year.
Forty-six new histories have been taken during the year, and the board have now a complete and full history of 625 families, who
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1.6.
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264
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
have at various times applied for aid during the past ten year, when the system was adopted. These history papers are properly in- dexed and dated and can be referred to at any moment.
In addition to the above 25 persons have been sent out of the city ; 110 have resided in the almshouse during a portion of the year, making a grand total of 669 assisted this year, against 657 last year.
CITY PHYSICIAN'S REPORT.
To the Overseers of the Poor:
GENTLEMEN :- For the 11 months since February, 1888, I have given medical attendance to the sick poor properly under your charge as follows :
Number of visits to the almshouse 89
66 families 317
.. office patients. 123
66
obstetric cases 5
vaccinations 8
The marked falling off in these figures from those of the reports of previous years is no doubt due in part to a smaller amount of sickness among the poor during the past year, owing to the cooler summer months and to the milder winter thus far. But probably. the main reason for the apparent diminution in the work of the city physician, is the fact that the above report represents bonatide visits to people actually entitled to the care of the overseers of the poor, proper inve tigation of their history and condition having been made by the clerk of your board.
A large number of people have been in the habit of seeking gra- tuitous service from the city physician. Certain cases of this character appeal to one's sympathy, and such I have treated as a private charity without including their visits in my report to you. Others I have refused to treat without an investigation by your clerk and many such persons, have never called upon me again. The are also not included in my report.
Among the patients treated by me have been ten cases belonging to other towns. For my care of these the city recovers a total of $83.50. During the year ending Dec. 31, 1888, there were nine deaths at the almshouse.
Respectfully submitted,
H. F. ADAMS, M. D., City Physician.
265
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
PRODUCTS OF CITY FARM.
The produce of the city farm during the past year were 40 tons of hay, 3 tons of straw, 500 bushels of potatoes, 50 bushels of onions, one ton squashes, 60 bushels beets, 60 bushels carrots, 800 cabbages, and sufficient green corn, tomatoes, string beans and other other small truck to supply the house during the season.
All the labor has been performed by the inmates of the house, under the direction of Lyman W. Lord, who has proved himself to be the right man in the right place.
Respectfully submitted,
L. W. SARGENT, J. C. STEVENS, JOHN S. FROST,
Overseers of the Poor.
DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUND.
To His Honor the Mayor and the City Council:
GENTLEMEN :- The Board of Overseers of the Poor to whom is intrusted the distribution of the income accruing from these funds would respectfully report that the income from the Dexter fund for the year ending Dec. 31, 1888, amounting to $90.00 has been di- vided among the three overseers, giving $30 to each.
The income from the Atwood fund, $293.50, has been divided in a similar manner, giving $97.50 to each overseer, and has been distributed according to the will of the donors in the following manner :
In wards one and two the $30 of the Dexter fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, has been distributed among eight per- sons in sums from $1 to $5 each, leaving nothing on hand of this fund at the close of the year.
In wards three and four the $30 of the Dexter fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, was distributed among 14 persons in sums from $1 to $3 each, leaving nothing on hand at the close of the year.
In wards five and six the $30 of the Dexter fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, was distributed among 16 persons in
34
266
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
sums from $1 to $2 each, leaving nothing of this fund on hand at the close of the year.
In wards one and two the $97.50 of the Atwood fund, with the balance of last year, $28.89, making $126.39, which has been dis- tributed among 37 persons in sums from 50 cents to $6 each, leav- ing a balance of $23.94 at the close of the year.
In wards three and four the income from the Atwood fund, $97.50, with $191.87, left over from last year, $259.37, has been distributed among 34 persons in sums from $1.50 to $10 each, leaving a balance on hand of $70.87 of this fund.
In wards five and six the income from the Atwood fund, $97.50, with $63.75 left over from last year, $161.25 has been distributed among 30 persons in sums from 50 cents to $6.75 each, leaving a balance of $57.75 on hand of this fund at the close of the year.
At the close of the year there remained in the Overseers' hands :
Atwood Fund.
Ward 1 and 2
$23 94
3 4 70 87
5 6. 57 75
The individual names of the recipients of these funds are on file in the office of the Overseers of the Poor, subject to inspection.
L. W. SARGENT, J. C. STEVENS, JOHN S. FROST,
Overseers of the Poor.
REPORT
. OF THE
CHIEF ENGINEER.
'1888.
REPORT.
NEWBURYPORT, Dec. 31, 1888.
To the City Council of Newburyport:
GENTLEMEN-I herewith present you my sixth annual report of the condition of the fire department.
MANUAL FORCE.
We have connected with this department the smallest number of men which we have had since my connection with it, and they are as follows: Chief engineer, six assistant engineers, three steamer companies of fifteen men each, three hose companies of ten men each, one hook and ladder company of fifteen men-a total of ninety-seven, ten men less than last year. They have performed every duty with that promptness and faithfulness which is so characteristic of a model department; and while they now enjoy a larger salary than ever (being $30 a year for each mem- ber) I consider the increase in salaries a judicious investment for the city and well earned by all the members of the department. I would suggest that the assistant engineers be reduced to four in number.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of the department consists of three steamers, one hook and ladder truck, one supply wagon, one hose wagon, four four-wheeled hose carriages, which can be called into service in time of fire. We have one old hook and ladder truck, one hand engine, and one two-wheeled hose carriage, not in use.
270
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
By disposing of these, together with the two-wheeled hose car- riage now in use by hose company No. 8, and purchasing for their use one hose wagon similar to that which is now in use by hose company No. 7, would in my judgment add to the welfare of this branch of the department. The apparatus now in use is in good condition, with the exception of steamer No. 3, which will need, the incoming year, a new set of tubes.
HOUSES.
The several engine houses are in good condition and answers well the requirements they were erected for.
FIRE ALARM.
With the exception of the valve on the gong at the Whitefield Mills the electric alarm gives good satisfaction, and the evil which now exists is to be remedied at the earliest possible time. The past year two new boxes have been added, making a total of sev- enteen. I would say to any person who may have occasion to sound an alarm for fire that the proper alarm will be given corres- ponding with the number of box, provided the instructions are carried out in each case.
WATER.
Two hydrants have been added the past year and we are now better supplied with water for fire purposes than ever. Total number of hydrants 162.
HOSE
During the past year 3000 feet of cotton hose was purchased, and I would reiterate my remarks of last year-" That each year there be purchased at least 500 feet of new hose which would not more than take the place of that which is condemned yearly by reason of age and wear." We have on hand 5000 feet of cotton hose in good condition, 6150 feet in fair condition, and 300 feet con- demned, a total of 11,150 feet of cotton hose, which can be used in case of need. We have 1550 feet of leather hose, which is not in any way reliable in case of fire, and I recommend the selling of same as the city cannot derive any benefit by the keeping of them.
m h a
fo
b ti
di d st
271
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
While I am a firm believer in having the apparatus brought into requisition by some other method than that which is now em- ployed I do object to having this undertaken in the manner in which some of our zealous citizens would recommend. I would suggest that a pair of horses be purchased and swinging harnesses for the hook and ladder truck, as it is essential in time of fire to have this part of the apparatus at the scene of fire in good sea- son, and by having the driver and horses at work within a reason- able distance from the house they could respond to all alarms and be on hand when their services were required. At the present time hose companies Nos. 4, 5 and 8 do not respond to all alarms -only to those which indicate the fire to be in their respective districts, or in case of a large fire, when the services of the whole department are required. Under the present system all the steamers respond to each and every alarm, as I must have one or more machines to depend on at the early part of the fire, and, as has been demonstrated the past year, an alarm has been rung in and the driver and horses which should have been expected to re- spond at once have been at work miles away from their houses, and under such arrangements as are now employed in regard to the working of the men and horses it would in my opinion be very poor judgment to undertake to have the system now in use changed. I would say, however, that if the drivers and horses which are connected with the different steamers could be em- ployed only in certain localities, conforming to the system which might be inaugurated, I would cheerfully undertake to make some different arrangements, and in case of an alarm of fire have only such apparatus respond as would be in the district in which the alarm was rung in from, and until some different arrangements in regard to drivers and horses are made I propose to feel confident that when an alarm is rung in I have at least one steamer which I can use at the earliest stage of the fire, and so I contemplate having the system now in use in regard to responding to alarms continue until some such arrangement as I have suggested is made. During the years which I have been at the head of this department I have never been unmindful of the city's interest, but have con-
272
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
ducted this department with the strictest economy, as reports each year will demonstrate. Still each year the appropriations have been reduced from the amount of the preceding year until the appropri- ation is now so small that I cannot manage and have this depart- ment kept up to that standard which should be required. I do not want to be extravagant or even appear as one who was losing his interest in the welfare of the city, still under the circumstances of an increase of pay to each member of the department and the ap- propriation of last year with the large amount which was spent for new hose and repairs which were absolutely needed, I have been compelled to overdraw the past year the sum of eleven hundred and eighty dollars ($1,180.00), and there has been purchased three thousand feet new hose, one new hose wagon for Hose Co. No. 7, new copper tubes for steamer No. 2, new hind wheels for steamer No. 3, and the three steamers have been painted, all of which has occasioned a large outlay of money. I trust you will make an ap- propriation for the department of a larger sum than was made last year. as I consider that the sum of last year's appropriation too small to meet the absolute requirements to keep it up to that stand- ard which I have labored hard to have it reach.
HALE FUND.
One of the noblest charities of our city, and it gives me pleasure to be able to say that this fund is now larger than ever before, al- though the past year we paid to injured firemen the sum of one hundred and fifty-seven dollars. We have received in donations from individuals the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars. Re- ceived from ball given in benefit of the fund, three hundred and ninety nine dollars and seven cents. These, together with the in- terest which has accumulated makes the total amount to date four thousand, five hundred and seventy dollars. I can but express in my feeble way, to the generous citizens of our city, and all others who have so nobly responded to our appeal for assistance. the thanks of the trustees and all members of the fire department and we all shall hold your liberality in grateful remembrance.
273
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATION AND INCOME.
Appropriation
$7,000 00
Income.
677 40
7,677 40
Expenditures
8,857 42
Overdrawn.
1,180 02
All reservoirs and cisterns in the different parts of the city are kept free from snow and ice and can be used in case they are needed in time of fire.
35
274
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
LIST OF FIRES AND ALARMS FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOV. 30, 1888.
1887.
Dec. 1-Dwelling house on Fair street owned by J. T. Brown; loss on house and contents $470; insurance $2,800; cause, defective flue.
1888.
Jan. 13-Shed owned by D. Magowan and building owned by Electric Light Co. on Central wharf; loss $266; insurance $15,200; cause incendiary.
Jan. 13-American House, Merrimac street, owned by F. Gillen; loss $900, insurance $2,000; cause, sparks from above fire.
April 5-Fire at Amesbury, responded to by steamer and hose company No. 1.
April 8- Building on Central wharf owned by J. C. Colman and E. P. Shaw; loss, $770; insurance $2,000; cause, defective funnel.
April 28-Still alarm. Fire in woods near Laurel hill; cause, accidental.
April 29-Building on Rowell's wharf owned by C. Rowell; loss, $1,300; no insurance; cause incendiary.
May 14-Dwelling house on Broad street, owned by A. P. Sawyer; loss, $7,058, insurance, $9,300; cause, defective flue.
June 13-House on Centre street owned by Mrs. P. Henry, loss $10; cause, accidental.
July 10-House on Warren street owned by Edward Reddy; loss, $150; insurance $600; cause, defective chimney.
Oct. 11-House on Woodland street owned by Mr. E. P. Shaw, loss, $185; insured; cause, sparks from cooking stove.
Nov. 8-House on Water street owned by S. P. Goodwin and R. Adams; loss, slight; cause, defective chimney.
Nov. 17-House on Toppan street, owned by Mr. John Chase; loss, $900; insurance, $1,000; cause, accidental.
Nov. 25-Car works on Merrimac street; loss slight; cause, sparks from chimney.
Nov. 25-Still alarm from same locality; extinguished without loss.
Nov. 25-House on Federal street owned by Mr. Duffy; loss, $84.30; in- surance, $800; cause, accidental.
Nov. 25-Still alarm; Chimney on house corner of Atkinson and Strong streets; no loss.
275
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
MEMBERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
Rank.
Name.
Age
Occupation.
Residence.
Chief .. .
Eben S. Dole
41
Hatter
1st ass't. 2d 66
F. B. Ives.
33
Hatter ..
Merrimac street.
3a
66
H. H. Landford
40
Stable keeper
Purchase street.
4th
66
E. S. Johnson.
41
Gardener.
Marlboro street.
5th
66
I. Poor, Jr.
36
Clerk.
Lime street.
6th
J. B. Blake.
54
Shoemaker
Market street.
STEAMER AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 1.
(Fifteen Members.)
House east side of Market square.
Foreman-J. W. Sargent.
Engineer and Treasurer-S. P. Boardman. Ass't Engineer-W. H. Young. Fireman-R. S. Bailey.
Name.
Age
Occupation.
Residence.
Badg e
J. W. Sargent
42
Reporter
Brown street.
1
G. A. Young.
31
Ice dealer.
Federal street ..
2
G. E. Niles.
28
Shoe cutter
Marlboro street.
3
S. P. Boardman
44
Machinist ..
Kent street.
4
W. H. Young.
32
Machinist.
Market square.
5
R. S. Bailey
28
Machinist ..
Merrimac street ..
6
R. Mitchell
29
Shoemaker.
Vernon street. .
7
E. P. Chase
33
Fireman.
Ashland street ..
8
E. P. Allen.
34
Moulder.
Liberty street ...
9
S. Carroll.
33
Shoe cutter ..
Charter street.
10
A. P. Young.
34
Expressman.
Orange street.
11
J. P. Noyes. .
32
Shoemaker
Liberty street.
12
C. L. Richardson.
33
Dresser
Kent street.
13
G. N. Ellery
29
Spinner ..
Prospect street.
14
F. W. Knapp.
34
Carpenter
Unicorn street ....
15
S. C. Reed.
43
Photographer
Oakland street. Charter street.
Ass't Foreman-G. A. Young.
Clerk-C. E. Niles.
Property in charge-One second-class Amoskeag steamer, one four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
276
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
STEAMER AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
(Fifteen Members.)
House on Federal street, above Prospect.
Foreman-C. L. Kidder.
Engineer-P. H. Boardman.
Ass't Foreman-W. W. Hutchings.
Clerk and Treasurer-A. H. Adams.
Ass't Engineer-F. W. Landford. Fireman-G. N. Black.
Names.
Age
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge
C. L. Kidder .. .
41
Painter
Bromfield street ..
18
W. W. Hutchings.
39
Painter
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