USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Chelsea > Documentary history of Chelsea : including the Boston precincts of Winnisimmet, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen Point, 1624-1824, vol 2 > Part 35
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The refusal of the town to purchase the mills, or exempt them from taxation, may indicate some dissatisfaction with their management, perhaps expressed by the following vote : " 1794, May 14, Voted that if Capt. James Stowers shall Ercet a wind mill in this Town, it Shall forever be Exempted from Taxation." 73
At some time, unknown to me, the "old mills," either by accident or by decay, ceased to exist, and January 16, 1816, the town voted to petition the General Court, for " liberty to build a dam across the river, where the old mills formerly stood, for the purpose of erecting a Grist Mill, thereon "; 74 and February 15, 1816, the inhabitants were authorized to creet such a dam "across Mill River at or near the Poor
83 Suff. Deeds, L. 135, f. 96.
04 No. iv. 27.
65 Suff. Deeds, L. 135, f. 97.
CÔ Ibid., 98.
Ibid., 99.
Ibid., 136, f. 198.
Town Rec., ii. 123.
70 Ibid., 229.
71 Suff. Deeds. L. 176, f. 244.
De Ibid .. 245.
53 Town Rec., ii. 137.
Ibid., iii. 39.
356
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXI
House," and to erect suitable Grist Mills thereon and to sell, or lease, said mills.75
March 4, 1816, the Town chose Josepli Stowers, Samuel Lowe, and David Floyd, a Committee, as respeets the Mill, and to report at the April meeting what would be the best advantage to the town.76 April 1, 1816, this committee reported, That they have waited on Mr. Cary's heirs, the only Claimants to the dam, and privileges where the old mill formerly stood, and Consider their Claimes just, so far as it relates to the old dam, that being Con- sidered the most suitable place for the ereetion of Mills, and, as it would be Attended with less expense, think it advisable for the town to vote a certain sum of money to be paid said Claimants, by their deeding said old dam, with all other Claims, to the town; in Case of a refusal they would suggest another mode of procedure, viz., For the town to authorize some individuals in his own right, or in the right of the town, to ereet a dam and mill, agreeable to said grant, and the town Warrant and defend the same against all demands and damages Whatever. By the Committee.
Voted, that the Town thro' a Committee offer Mrs. Cary, and heirs the sum of two hundred Dollars for their right to the old mill dam and privileges, agreeable to the report of their Committee, and, in ease the above sum should be refused, that the said Com- mittee is authorized to dispose of the above mill seat, and the town will Warrant and defend the same. Joseph Stowers, Samuel Lowe, Stephen Hall, Abner Peiree, and Zachariah Hall, to be the Committee.
June 27, 1816, this committee reported a mode of proced- ure which was adopted, but reconsidered, July 15th, and the following adopted :
1816, July 15. The subscribers, chosen by the town as a Com- mittee, to Dispose of their Mill privileges, agreeable to grant of the General Court, beg leave to report, That, in consideration of the proprietors of the old mill will relinquish all right and title, they had, or may have, to all the mill priviledges, thereto belong- ing to the town for the sum of $550 Dollars, and that of this sumn, Mr. John Cutter will pay 450 Dollars; they report, that it is ex- pedient that the town raise the remaining sum of 100 Dollars, and pay over [to] the same proprietors, they giving good and sufficient
75 Spec. Laws, V., 119.
70 Town Rec., iii. 42.
CHAP. XXXI]
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
357
titles to said priviledges. They further report, that the said Cutter wishes the town to transfer to him their Land near said Mill site, in consideration of a Wharf, built by him, as may be agreed on, between him and Committee Chosen by the town, with full power, for said purpose.
Chelsea, July 15, 1816.
Joseph Stowers,
Samnel Lowe, Abner Peirce,
Stephen Hall, Zachariah Hall.
Chose a committee, as above, to transact the above business, agreeable to their report.77
March 4, 1822. Voted, George B. Cary, David Floyd, and Zachariah Hall, be a Committee, to give a Deed to John Cutter for the Mill site and privileges.78
Voted, not to refund John Cutter the expense incurred by a suit commenced against him, respecting his note in favor of the town.7 April 1, The above vote was reconsidered, and passed again.80
March 1, 1824. Voted, that the Selectmen, or their Successors, be impowered to give John Cutter a Deed to Mill site and priv- ileges, also to call him to a settlement, respecting the land, and landing near the same, 81
1824, April 5. Voted, that the Town purchase a Vessel load of Wood, & prosecute John Breed for all damage & cost by detention, in passing his Bridge, in bringing the same to the Town's landing, he first being notified of the same.82
May 1, 1826. Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to make a full settlement with the heirs of Mr. John Cutter, and give a deed, when in their judgment the agreement made by John Cutter and the town is fulfilled.83"
May 7, 1827. Voted to let Wharf and Landing-place at the Mills to the highest bidder, and they were struck off to John Peirce, at $7 for one year.84
Cutter died in 1825, and, in 1827 the property passed to Henry Cutter and Carpenter Staniels. The same year Cutter sold his interest to Henry Slade; and, in 1841 Staniels sold
77 Town Rec., iii. 45, 49, 52.
78 Ibid., 119.
70 Ibid.
Ibid., 122.
S1 Ibid., 140.
87 Ibid., 144.
83 Ibid .. 168.
84 Ibid .. 179.
358
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXI
to Robert Vinal his interest, which was conveyed to David and Levi Slade in 1859. Henry Slade died in 1868, and his interest passed to D. and L. Slade. Levi Slade died in 1884, after which the property was transferred to the D. and L. 'Slade Co. For an account of the above conveyances I am indebted to David Slade, Esq. The mills were burnt on July 18, 1885.84
85 Later fires were on July 26, 1901, and on November 14, 1902.
1
Jime 9
A Mill Wheel for a Marker
7
1827
HENRY SLADE DAVID SLADE LEVI SLADE
The Memorial Which Has Been Set Up at the D. & L. Slade Company Mill at Revere
C OMMEMORATING
the ono hun- dredth anniversay, of the Slade family's ownership of the D. & L. Slade Company's mill just off tho Revere Beach Boulevard in Revere, a simple but effective memorial has been set up, Con- sisting of the two parts of an old mill wheel, in the center of one of which has been placed a bronze tablet bearing the names of Henry Slade, David Slade and Levi Slade and the dates 1734, 1827 and 1927. The first date records tho erection of the first mill on Rumney Marsh, which was then a part of Boston.
The original plant was operated by the tides, and with the exception of interrup- tions by fire a tide mill has been in opera- tion on the site for nearly two hundred years, making the plant the oldest tide mill in point of continuous operation in
America, Today more than half the ma- chines are driven by electricity, but enough of the old tidewater machines re- main to hold to the tradition.
In 1827 a share in the mill property passed into the hands of David Slade. and under his management the mill be- gan to grind snuff as well as corn. Ton years later, two of Henry's sons, David' and Levi, conceived the idea of grinding spiee in the mill. Up to that time spice had been sold whole, and each home had its grinder. One year the father turned the business over to David, but when the young man made a profit of $500 the father took the business back thinking his son was making money too fast. A few years Inter the business was organ- ized under the name of D. & L. Slade. Today it is being carried on by the grandsons of David.
ach Ideas in B. & M. Rail Car
adividual Seating Arrangement Placed on Boston and Northampton Run
The Individual seats bring into the day seating arrangements to be operated coach the comfort, and something of the- New England. exclusiveness, of Pullman chair travel, and represent the latest step by the Bos- ton & Maine to bring to railroad facilitles such improved details of service as have been developed by the motor vehicle.
This car left the North Station at 6. A. M. (Eastern Standard time) and ra via Waltham, Hudson, Barre, Ware a' Amherst to Northampton, arriving 11.10. Returning, It left Northampt at two o'clock and is due at the Nor This is the first car with these improved | Station at 6.12.
delegates. An expenditure of $5,000,000,- 000 for new facilities has been one of the results of this increase, lie sald. He based the expenditure figure on total invest- ment, given as $24,000.000,000, saying it is fair to estimate that one-fifth of the investment is in property which the rall- เวลศัย Aid.net กรรรท.สำหรับส. the. ไว้ไทยไล โก้ร้อน
objected insistently, while Mr. Anders.) indicated that he was seeking a recol of all loans obtained by the Van Swert gen interests from ten large banks whi hold Chesapeake & Ohio deposits, inclu ing the Union Trust Company of Cley land, the National City and Flrst N tiAnn! And
,
359
CHAP. XXXII] INCORPORATION OF CHELSEA
CHAPTER XXXII
WINNISIMMET, RUMNEY MARSHI, AND PULLEN POINT BECOME A TOWN, WITH THE NAME OF CHELSEA
T THE following documents relate to the setting off and incorporation of Chelsea.
The Petition of 1735.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Boston:
Gentlemen: - We, the Subscribers, Desire Yon would Insert in your Warrant for Calling a Town-meeting, in March, next, Viz. to Sce
if the Town will be willing to Give to that Division Called Rum- ney marsh, their just share and Proportion of ye Revennes belong- ing to ye Town, or
2d. If they will Refund what they have Rec'd, more than have been Expended for their Especial Use and Service, for thirty Years, last Past, In Order, for their Supporting their own Pub- lick Charges, and then, if the Town Will Sett them off, therefor. Jan'y ye 31st, 1734-5.
Sam'l Watts,
Joseph Belcher,
William Hasey,
John Chamberlain,
John Grover,
Sam'l Tuttle,
Nathan Cheever,
Jacob Hasey,
John Floyd, Jolın Brintnall,
Sam'l Bredeen,
Daniel Watts,
Samuel Floyd,
Nathaniel Tuttle,
Joseph Whittemore,
Daniel Tuttle,
Thomas Pratt,
Benj'n Floyd,
Stephen Kent,
Hugh Floyd,
Sam'l Pratt,
Nathaniel Oliver.
Elisha Tuttle,
1734-5, March 10. Read. Referred to a Committee to Consid'r and Report at the Annual Meeting in March next.
360
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXII
The Answer
At a Meeting of the Frecholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned, as the Law directs, being Regularly Assembled in Public Town-meeting, at the Town House, upon Monday, March 10th, 1734-[5].
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of the District of Rumney Marslı, Read again, And
Upon the Motion, and at the Instance of Samuel Watts, Esqr., Mr. Jacob Hasey, and Others, Principal Subscribers to the said Petition, it was
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take the said Petition under Consideration, Who are to Report To the Town at their Annual Meeting in March, next, What they think proper for the Town to do in the Affair.
Voted, that the said Committee consist of Five Persons, viz., Mr. Robert Rand, William Stoddard, Esqr.,
Samuel Adams, Esqr., Mr. Timothy Prout,
and Mr. Joseph Marion.1
March 8. Report of the Committee on the Rumney Marsh Petition, Read.
Report of Committee
Boston. Pursuant to the aforewritten vote of the town, we, the subscribers, have taken under consideration the petition of the inhabitants of the district of Rumney Marslı. And have given the said petitioners a meeting. But at the time of our meeting they were not pleased to assign any other reason than what they have offered in their petition for their being sett off, nor in any kind supported the subject matter of their petition. And we find they are a very industrious people, growing in their substanee and es- tates, and too valuable a member to be severed from the body.
We are therefore humbly of opinion, that the town desist pro- eecding any further on the said petition, and that at present it will be best, both for the petitioners and the town to remain in the relation they stand to each other.
All which is humbly submitted by
Robert Rand, Wm. Stoddard, Jos. Marion,
Committee.
Boston, Mar. 8, 1735/6.
I do not find any action on this Report.
1 Boston Rec. Com. Rep., xii. 97.
361
INCORPORATION OF CHELSEA
CHAP, XXXII]
The Subject again Agitated in 1738
At a meeting of the frecholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, duly qualified, and lawfully warned, in publick town- meeting assembled, the 14th March, 1737 | 1738 |.
A petition of sundry of the inhabitants of the district of Ruinney Marsh, in the township of Boston : Praying to be sett off from this town, in order to their being incorporated into a separate township. Read as follows, viz .;
To the gentlemen, the inhabitants of the town of Boston, at their general town-meeting, on the 13th day of March, 1737-38.
The humble petition of the inhabitants of the district of Rum- ney Marsh, belong to said town, humbly sheweth
That, whereas by their situation and their present ciremn- stances and difficulties they are under by reason thereof too many and needless to be now recited: Do from a mature thought and consideration apprehend they are in no ways in a capacity to reduce the same. Particularly, that every one may pay his just proportion of charge, and that everything of a publiek nature may be legally carried on and affected by us, humbly pray
That you would sett off number thirteen (in which we dwell) as a separate township, and allow us out of the publick revenues, what you in your wisdom shall think meet.
And your petitioners will ever pray, &c.
Thomas Cheever,
Nathaniel Oliver,
Joseph Belcher,
Samuel Watts,
John Chamberlain,
Nath'l Oliver, Jr.,
John Grover,
Thomas Pratt,
Jacob Hasey,
William Hasey,
Benjamin Floyd,
Elisha Tuttle,
Nathan Cheever,
Samnel Pratt, John Hasey,
Daniel Watts,
Samuel Floyd,
Samnel Hasey,
Hugh Floyd,
Edward Tuttle,
Ephraim Berry,
Samuel Berry, Isaac Lewis, Joseph Hasey.
Voted, That this affair be referred to the next general town- meeting, and that, in the meantime, a committee of five gentlemen be specially chosen and appointed to consider what may be proper for the town to do thereon, and report their opinion at the said meeting.
Accordingly Voted, that
362
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXII
Mr. Thos. Cushing, Jr., Samuel Adams, Esq.,
Mr. Andrew Tyler, Mr. Robert Rand,
Mr. Jacob Parker,
be a committee for the ends aforesaid.
A true copy, examined :
SAMUEL GERRISHI, Town Clerk.
Report of the New Committee
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of Boston, duly qualified, and lawfully warned in public town meeting, as- sembled at the Town House, upon Wednesday, May 10th, Anno Domini, 1738.
Mr. Cushing, from the committee appointed the 13th of March, last to consider the petition of sundry inhabitants of the district of Rumncy Marsh, - Praying to be sett off from this town in order to their being incorporated into a separate and distinct town- ship, presented their report, which was read, and is as follows, viz. :
The committee appointed to consider of the foregoing petition have attended that service, and having had a conference with sundry of the principal petitioners, have heard all they had to offer in support of said petition, and after mature deliberation had thereon, the committee are of opinion that as to any inconvenience which either does now, or may hereafter attend the petitioners, with respect to the support of their present minister, or in settling and supporting any others in time to come, it may fully be re- dressed by their being made a precinct, when they shall petition for that purpose, and it be judged reasonable.
As to any difficulties the petitioners apprehend they are now under, with respect to the school, the due apportioning the taxcs, and their highways, the Committee are of opinion, that the town may give relief (as they think needful) in a more reasonable man- ner than by voting them off a distinct township.
And, we are, therefore, on the whole, of opinion, that this peti- tion be dismissed.
All which is humbly submitted. P
Thos. Cushing, Jr., Sam'l Adams,
Andrew Tyler, Robert Rand,
Jacob Parker.
May 8, 1738.
After some debate, voted, that this report be accepted, and that the petition be accordingly dismissed.
A true copy of record. Attest,
SAMUEL GERRISH, Town Clerk.
-
-
363
CHAP. XXXII] INCORPORATION OF CHELSEA
Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh apply to the General Court
To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., captain-general and governor in chief, in and over his Majesties Province of the Massa- chusetts bay. The honorable, His Majesty's council and the Hon- orable House of Representatives, in general court assembled at Boston, May 31, A. D. 1738.
The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the district of Rninney Marsh, in the township of Boston, known and called by the Number Thirteen,
Most humbly sheweth, That we account it no small honour to be part and parcel of this great and honorable town of Boston, the metropolis of the extensive province of the Massachusetts bay, and the mart of trade (considering its situation and commodiousness in a safe and fine harbor), compared with any town in His Majes- ties dominions ; but, though we enjoy this honour, yet our circum- stances are such, by reason of our habitations being on the north- casterly or easterly side of the harbor, that renders our attendance on any publie town meeting very difficult, and as we apprehend too obvious for any one to think it not greatly inconvenient. It is not through any unnecessary discontent, or want of having all dne care of justice taken of ns, as to the provincial taxes or min- isterial supports, that occasions us to address your Excellency and Honors at this time, but merely from the difficulties and dangers we are exposed to, in passing the water, to attend the town-meet- ings, where we have a right to vote, and freely acknowledge we are always fairly and kindly treated. It is well-known the weather in the month of March (which is the anniversary for the choice of town officers), is as boisterous to high winds and storm, as almost any month in the year, and though we are always desirous of afford- ing our mite in the scale, in consulting and voting for the best good of the publick at such meetings, where the affairs of the advancing years are then in a more especial manner brought under consideration, we are very often prevented from being at these meetings by reason of the difficulties and dangers, aforesaid.
We would humbly observe that we are but a mere skirt, or hand- ful of inhabitants, compared with the body of the town, and our part of the town rate, if taken from the rest, would be so incon- siderable, that we would not ineline to think our mother town conld look upon it reasonable to hold us on that account. if the advantages we should reap by assembling ourselves, as in town meetings, was considered at the same time.
We have, therefore, in order for relief, with all respect and affection, petitioned the town, but have failed of the desired suc-
364
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXII
cess, as by a copy of the proceedings, herein herewith exhibited, may appear.
Wherefore, your suppliants would in all humility address your Excellency and Honors with assurances at the same time, that it arises not from any disrespect to our honorable town, or the least unkindness ever offered us in any town-meeting, but from a sense of the great danger and difficulties we are exposed to, in travelling to the publick meetings, and pray that of your wontcd goodness and clemency, as in many cases of the like nature (and as we humbly conceive with at least as little reason) you would please to set us off from our honorable mother, Boston, for whom we pray heartily, that peace may be within her walls, &c., and give us leave to prepare and bring in a bill for erecting the said district of Rumney Marsh, with the inhabitants therein, commonly called Number Thirteen, into a separate and distinct township, to have and enjoy cqual powers and privileges and immunities with any other town in the province.
And, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c.
Samuel Hasey,
Ephraim Berry,
John Hasey,
John Tuttle,
Benjamin Floyd,
Hugh Floyd,
Sam'l Berry,
Sam'l Pratt,
Stephen Kent,
Jos. Ingraham, Jr.
John Chamberlain,
Daniel Watts,
Nathan Chcever,
Isaac Lewis,
Jacob Hasey,
John Grover,
William Boardman,
Daniel Tuttle,
Joseph Hasey,
Thomas Cheever,
Nathaniel Oliver,
Samuel Watts,
William Hasey,
Joseph Belcher,
Thomas Pratt,
Nath'l Oliver, Jr.
Edw. Tuttle,
Sam'l Floyd.
In the House of Representatives, June 13, 1738.
Read, and ordered that the petitioners serve the town of Boston with a copy of the petition, that they show cause, if any they have, on the first Fryday of the next sitting of the Court, why the prayer thereof should not be granted, and the petition is referred in the meantime for consideration.
Sent up for concurrence. J. Quincy, Speaker.
In Couneil, June 14, 1738. Read and concurred.
J. WILLARD, Sec.
Consented to. J. BELCHER. Copy examined by J. Willard, Sec'y. A true copy, examined by Samuel Gerrish, Town clerk.
{
365
CHAP. XXXIII INCORPORATION OF CHELSEA
Town Meeting Called
1738, Nov. 15. Ordered, That the Town Clerk issue forth war- rants directed to the constables of Boston. In his Majesties name, requiring them forthwith to warn the free holders and other inhabitants of said Town duly qualified, as the law directs, to convene at the Townhouse on Tuesday, next, the twenty-first day of November, Current, at two o'clock, afternoon, then and there to take under consideration a Petition of sundry of the Inhabi- tants of the district of Rumney Marsh, to the great and general court to be set off and erected a distinct and separate township [and other matters].
Boston takes Action in Regard to the Foregoing Petition
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, duly qualified and warned according to law assembled in publie town-meeting at the town-house on Tuesday, the 21st of November, Anno Domini, 1738.
A petition of sundry of the inhabitants of the district of Rum- ney Marsh, with the township of Boston, presented to the great and general conrt, to be set off and erected a distinet and separate township, with the order of court thereon, read, and after some debate thereon -
Voted, To else a committee to take the said petition under consideration, to draw up an answer to the same, and to lay it before the town for their approbation; in order to its being pre- sented to the great and general conrt at their next sitting.
Voted, That the committee consist of five persons.
Voted that, Messrs. Hugh Vans, Joseph Marion.
James Allen, Edward Bromfield,
Nathaniel Cunningham,
be committee for ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the committee be desired to report to the town on Monday next, the 27th instant. at three o'clock, afternoon, to which time it is proposed this meeting should be adjourned to receive the same.
Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to Monday next, the 27th of November enrrent, three o'clock, afternoon.
A true copy of record, Attest, SAMUEL GERRISH, Town Clerk." November 27, 1738.
Pursnant to the vote of the town, the 21st of November, instant. The committee appointed to draw up an answer to a petition of
2 Boston Rec. Com. Rep., xii. 203.
366
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXXII
some of the inhabitants of Rumney Marsh, which they have pre- ferred to the general court, praying that they may be set off as a separate township, have attended that serviee, and accordingly have drafted and signed an answer, which they now present to the town, viz, :
PROVINCE OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Captain Gen- cral, and Governor in Chief, the Honourable the Council, and Honourable House of Representatives of said Province, in Gen- eral Court assembled at Boston, the thirtieth of November, one thousand, seven hundred, and thirty-eight:
The answer of the inhabitants of the town of Boston to the petition of a small number of the inhabitants of the district num- ber thirteen, commonly called Rumney Marsh part of said Town, to this Honourable court, praying that they may be set off as a dis- tinct township for a suggested reason, contained in said petition.
The town of Boston humbly sheweth, That some of the inhab- itants of the district of Rumney Marsh, did on the thirty-first of January, one thousand, seven hundred, thirty-four, prefer a peti- tion, and on the thirteenth of March, one thousand, seven hun- dred, thirty-seven, did prefer one other petition to the town of Boston, in order to obtain from said town several advantages, and also to be set off as a distinct township.
In regard to said petitions the town appointed two several com- mittces to hear the petitioners, consider of, and report what they thought adviscable for the town to do thercon.
Which service they accordingly performed. The copy of which petitions, with the reports thereon, we humbly beg leave to lay before this Honorable Court. And we may justly observe, and say, that in answer to all their petitions and complaints, heretofore made, where there has been the least colour, the town has readily pointed out proper remedies, and stand ready to afford them.
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