Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 54

Author: Borden, Alanson, 1823-1900; Boston History Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1399

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts > Part 54

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2 From this first of the Roman Catholic churches in Fall River have sprung a long list of or- ganizations which have found a profitable field of usefulness in the large foreign element of the population. The list includes The Church of the Sacred Heart, organized in 1873, erected a church on Linden street under pastorate of Rev. Mathias McCabe. St. Ann's Church (French Catholic), organized in 1873, by Rev. A. Montanbrieg; church edifice corner William and Hunter streets. St. Joseph's, North Main street, organized in 1874, by Rev. William Bric. St. Patrick's, organ- ized in 1874, by Rev. J. Kelly ; location, Slade street. Notre Dame Church, organized in 1824, by Rev. P. J. B. Bedard ; first edifice Notre Dame corner of Ashton street. St. Peter's and Paul's parish, organized by Rev. Father Doyle. Church of the Immaculate Conception, organized 1883 by Rev. Father Kiernan. St. Louis Church, 420 Bradford avenue, was organized in 1883, by Rev. Louis J. Deady ; brick edifice erected in 1887. Connected with these various religious organiza- tions are numerous benevolent organizations, schools and other kindred institutions, which care for the children, the poor and the sick who entertain the Catholic faith.

Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, mentioned above, is the most powerful French Roman Catholic church in the United States, the congregation numbering about 10,000 souls. The Rev.

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

In the summer of 1854 the country suffered from another visitation of the Asiatic cholera, and on this occasion Fall River did not escape its effects as it had in a former year. When the disease made its ap- pearance in New York city and in other large seaports, the health authorities of this place took such steps as seemed necessary to preserve the ordinary health of the community; but their proceedings were in vain. In the latter part of August the first case appeared in Fall River, and from that time forward during several weeks there were almost daily fatalities, causing a general feeling of terror and anxiety. In the week ending August 27, there were fifteen cases in the village, all of which were fatal, and most of them within twenty-four hours after the attack. On the night of the 27th there were six more deaths, and up to August 31 there were thirty-one deaths. Up to the close of the week of September 7 there had been sixty-eight fatalities, only three of whom were Americans. In the week of September 14 there were seventeen more deaths, among whom were the wife and daughter of Nathaniel B. Borden. These were the most prominent persons at- tacked by the disease, almost the entire list of fatalities being among the foreign element of population. In the week of September 21 there were twelve more deaths; in the week of September 28 there were thirteen deaths; week of October 5, there were eight deaths, and in the following week there were six deaths. These were the last fatali- ties reported in the newspapers, and make a total of one hundred and twenty-four deaths from the scourge. With the approach of cooler weather the ravages of the disease were checked and it soon disap- peared from the country.

P. J. B. Bedard died in 1884, and was succeeded by Rev. J. M. La Flamme, who was in turn fol- lowed in 1888 by Rev. J. A. Prevost, the present pastor. Connected with this church is the St. Joseph Orphanage, built in 1893, in which there are now 350 children from all parts of the diocese of Providence. The new church edifice was begun in 1891 and is still incomplete. The structure is of granite, of imposing dimensions and beautiful architecture. A new rectory was added to the church property in 1897. The parish schools under jurisdiction of the church have an attend- ance of more than 1,000. Both French and English are taught.

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THE CITY OF FALL RIVER.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE CITY OF FALL RIVER-A CHAPTER FROM THE VILLAGE RECORDS.

The first town meeting in Fall River was held on the 4th of April, 1803, "at the house occupied by Lovisa (Louisa) Borden." A record of votes cast in the town in that year for State and other officers is of interest: Caleb Strong for governor received 75; Alden Spooner and Stephen Bullock for senators received 8 for the same office. Samuel Crocker for county treasurer received 65 votes.

The following other minor officers were chosen: Surveyors of high- ways, Simeon Borden, Pardon Devol, Capt. Luther Winslow, Jonathan Dodson, Aaron Davis, jr., Nathaniel Boomer, David Miller, Philip Lee, George Snell, Gardner Thurston; surveyors of lumber, Robert Miller, Thomas Borden; fence viewers, Charles Durfee, Elijah Blos- som, Jonathan Dodson; tithingmen, Norton Brightman, Cornelius Davis; hog reeves, Simeon Borden, Jonathan Read, Ephraim Boomer, Elijah Blossom, jr. ; poundkeeper, Edson Vallentine.

It was voted "that Simeon Borden, Thomas Borden and Charles Durfee, Esq., be a committee to settle the business between the town of Freetown and the town of Fall River, and that they are empowered by the above vote to appoint whoever thay shall think proper in any other towns as referees, provided that they and the committee of the town of Freetown cannot agree themselves." No other business was transacted at the meeting.

At a meeting held August 15, 1803, it was voted " that such poor of the town as is necessary to be sold should be put up at auction singly, Re- serving the priviledge of Selling them up alltogether afterwards if the town sees fit so to do and the person or persons who bid them of shall be exemted from Paying the Doctors Bills in Case of Sickness and the funeral Charges in Case of Death which is to be Town Charge."

The foregoing vote relates to the then prevailing custom in the vari- ous towns of selling at auction the privilege of boarding and clothing paupers. The bidder who offered to care for one or more of the un-

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

fortunates at the lowest price secured the contract. A moment's con- sideration from the point of view of the present day clearly shows the deplorable consequence of such a policy. Nevertheless, the practice continued many years. In the year 1803 the care of thirteen paupers was sold for the aggregate sum of $323, or about $25 for the support of each individual. The old records are full of references to this treat . ment of the poor. For example, note the following (1806) :

Town of Troy Dr. to Daniel Boomer to keeping keziah Perkins from the 20 day of August up to the 20th of April, which is 8 months at 60 dollars per year. $40.00.

And again, August 15th, 1807,

Voted that Elishah Hathaway keep Bethiah Cleavland for 55 cts. per Weak for the Insueing year.

In one case a wife was voted $90 for the support of her husband. In

, this connection the following record (1806) is interesting :

Town Dr. to Elijah Blossom jun. For atendance and Nursing the Indians during there haveing the Small pox in Nathan Bowens house over the pond.

As late as 1821 it was voted that " paupers be put up at auction & all sold together." In 1822 they were sold for $60, the town to " furnish clothing, bedding, medecine & funeral charges;" the practice contin- ued a few years later.

In 1805 it was voted " to Rais one thousand dollars for town tax." " Voted, that 250 Dollars be Raised for town Schools." A bill appears in the records dated January 29, 1805, as follows: " Town to Geo. Ma- Cully for teaching school $26.00." This was doubtless for the preced- ing year, or part of it. In the same month Perry Borden was voted $2.00 for "4 feet of wood for ye Town School."

The first town house was built by Isaac Winslow in 1804-5 and he was allowed, according to the record, $415 for the work. It was sit- uated at Steep Brook on what is now the corner of North Main street and Wilson road.

The first record of a public pound is found in 1803, when Edward Vallentine was chosen poundkeeper. From that year until 1810 nothing further appears relating to a pound, though it is certain that a poundkeeper was elected from year to year and that some kind of in- closure was provided for stray animals. In March, 1810, it was " Voted that Daniel Buffinton surply a pound for said town for two Doll for the Insuing year." It was customary in early years and before a public pound was erected, for the poundkeeper to construct an inclosure or use his own buildings for this purpose.

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THE CITY OF FALL RIVER.

In 1806 the highway tax was fixed at "1.00 on each pole," and Ben- jamin Chace was chosen collector of taxes, for which he was paid "12c. on the pound." The town tax for the ensuing year was $750.

It will readily be understood that Fall River was intensely interested in the proceedings leading up to the war of 1812. Thus, in August, 1808, it was "voted that Charles Durfee, Edward Shove, Benjamin Bennett 2d, Be a committee to Draft a petetion to the president of the united States Respecting the imbargo." In the same month other votes were passed relating to a full supply of ammunition for the town, as further described in another chapter.

In 1809 the highway tax was $1,200; the county, town and school tax was $1,000.

In the attempt to settle affairs between Freetown and Fall River difficulties and differences arose that seem to have attended the division of most of the old towns, and it was many years before the matter was finally adjusted.

The first town house and its site seem to have been very unsatisfac- tory to the people, and in February, 1812, it was voted that " Roburt Miller and Sheffil Weaver be a committee to Se what they can sell the townhouse and Lot for & to se where and at what Rate they Can Pur- ches a lot for to set it or another on, and what they can get it moved for and Make Reporte at the May meeting."

A town poorhouse of some description was provided previous to 1812, but what or where it was we have been unable to learn. It was prob- ably in the south end of the town, within the present city limits. On August 20, 1812, it was voted "to Chuse a committee to Sel the Poor house So Called at public oction together with the Land to it Be- longing and that a Dead given by the said committee shall be valled." The committee in this case were Robert Miller, William B. Canedy and Isaac Winslow.

In 1825 it was voted that a " town house be erected and finished the present year." This purpose was effected, the building being situated on the north burial ground lot and costing $1,232.88.1

1 On the 7th of April, 1834, it was voted that the town transfer its interest in " the old Town House, so-called," to School district No. 4. The building had already been temporarily used for school purposes, and transfer to the district was made in the spring of 1835. A proposition was made early in 1835 to purchase the Unitarian church property for a town house, but this plan was abandoned. At about the time of the sale of the old town house, the Selectmen were directed to ascertain on what terms a lot could be obtained in the village on which to place " the engine House and Hook and Ladder House." At the same time a committee was appointed to report on sites for a town house. Meanwhile rooms for town purposes were rented temporarily. On November

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

The care of the poor of the town continued to be a source of trouble to the authorities. The records do not show just what course was fol-

CITY HALL, FALL RIVER, MASS.

28, 1836, it was " Voted that the Town House be removed from where it now stands, on to the lot owned by the town and village of Fall River." The committee to make this change consisted of Hezekiah Battelle, John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Clark Shove and Bradford Durfee. The site to

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THE CITY OF FALL RIVER.

lowed in this business between the date of the vote to sell the poor- house property in 1812, and 1833. On April 7, 1828, it was resolved " that it is expedient for town of Troy to purchase a farm for the Surport of the Poor of said Town." The Selectmen were designated to act in investigating sites, cost, etc. No report by them appears in the records. In September of this year measures were advocated for caring for the poor in a public establishment to be provided for the pur- pose. It was argued that other towns had adopted this plan at a great saving of expense. At the time in question the town was maintaining fifteen persons at a weekly cost of $12.31, or $640.12 for the year ; besides which a number of others had transient aid. It was argued also that the town was in need of a house of correction. Finally a committee appointed for the purpose recommended the purchase of a farm and the erection of a building suitable for a poorhouse and a house of cor- rection. A detailed report was made by the committee, consisting of Foster Hooper, Sheffield Weaver, Joseph E. Read and Matthew C. Durfee. The recommendations of the committee were duly voted upon at an ensuing meeting and approved; whereupon a committee, consist- ing of Foster Hooper, Harvey Chace, Sheffield Weaver, Elijah Peirce, Clarke Shove, Harvey Harnden and Joseph E. Read, was appointed to select and report upon sites, plans of buildings, cost, etc. On April 13, 1835, a committee, previously appointed, reported recommending the purchase " of a farm for the use of the Poor of said Town." This committee comprised John Eddy, Nathaniel B. Borden, Bradford Dur- fee, Joseph E. Read, Leander P. Lovel, Sheffield Weaver and Fred- eric Winslow. In June of the same year the committee reported the purchase of the Brownell farm for $10,000.1

which the building was removed was on Town avenue. In July, 1837, it was voted to place one or more cells under the town house, of "stone faced on 2 sides, stone floor and covering and an iron door." This building was used for town purposes until the erection of the present city hall building in 1844-46. This handsome and cominodious structure was built of Fall River granite, at a cost of $65,000, including the site, furniture, etc. It was considered at the time of its erection a model structure, containing a place for the confinement of prisoners in the basement, a market on the first floor, with offices in front, and a large, well-lighted hall and municipal offices on the second floor. With the growth of the city, larger accommodations for the transaction of public business were needed, while the trend of public opinon was in favor of abandoning the market. Accordingly, in 1872-3, the city hall building was entirely remodeled, little being left of the orig- inal structure except the walls. A mansard room and tower were added, as at present existing, and the whole interior rebuilt and refitted. The cost of these changes was about $200,000. On March 19, 1886, the roof and entire interior of the building were burned, leaving only the walls. It was at once reconstructed in its present form, at a cost of about $300,000.

1 This farm was one-quarter of the fourth lot and was first owned by Matthew Boomer. There were two houses on the property at the time of the purchase, which, with some additions, were used to house the paupers. In 1811 a carriage and woodhouse combined were built, the

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

With the close of the war of 1812 it is apparent that the inhabitants had arrived at the conclusion that they had done with strife, for on the 3d of April, 1815, it was voted " that the Guns purchased for the Towns use be sold at Public Auction on the 2d day of May next under direc- tion of the Selectmen." This sale was either postponed, or a part of the munitions was left unsold, for in 1821, it was again voted "to sell the town's guns for $6.50."

The annual town tax had now reached the sum of $2,000 and a pub- lic debt began to accumulate within a few years. Laborers on the highways were then paid $1 a day; for a cart twenty-five cents and for a plow fifty cents.

The reader of earlier chapters of this volume has learned of the de- termined efforts of the inhabitants of towns along the rivers to keep them open for the passage of fish, and also to uphold what they con- sider their rights to take fish from the streams in any manner they desired. Fall River had its full share of difficulties arising from these sources. In 1816 an act was passed prohibiting the taking of fish in the river in seines or nets. This was very displeasing to Fall River people, as well as to those of other towns, and on August 20 of that year it was

Voted, that John C. Borden, William B. Canedy and Hezekiah Wilson be a Com- mittee to Petition or Remonstrate to the Legislature of the Commonwealth for the Repeal or some alteration In the Act passed Feb. 15, 1816, wharein this Town is de- bard the priveledge of taking Fish in Taunton River with Seigns or Nets.

The sale of the fishing privileges for 1818 was made at auction for $132 to Benjamin W. Brown, who was the highest bidder. In 1821 the privilege was sold for $76; in 1822 for $100; in 1823 for $105, in 1824 for $129. These sales were continued down to comparatively recent years.

upper part being finished for sleeping rooms; in 1845 a barn was added. In the same year a project was started to lay out part of the land on the west side of Main street into lots and sell them for the reduction of the city debt. The purpose was accomplished in 1847. the sales amounting to $29,208.37. Other portions of the farm have been sold from time to time and twen- ty-five acres were taken to form the North Park, thus taking away considerable of the cultiva- ted land. During the financial stringency of 1857 it was decided to give the paupers and idle laborers of the city employment in clearing land on the eastern part of the property, where the buildings now stand. At the same time discussion began concerning the inadequate accommo- dations afforded in the old almshouse, which resulted in the erection of the new stone building in 1860, and the abandonment of the old group of buildings. Small additions to the property were made thereafter from time to time, until 1892, when a large brick structure was built for a city hospital. The buildings now comprise the stone almshouse and wooden annex, the city hos- pital, the new dwelling house, barns, storehouses, etc., the whole together with the remaining seventy-six acres of land being valued at $100,000.

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THE CITY OF FALL RIVER.

Regarding the effort made to divide the county, originating in New Bedford, the people of Fall River were strenuously opposed to the plan, and on December 16, 1817, it was unanimously voted " that the town should have nothing to do with them [the inhabitants of New Bedford] with regard to joining them, and that the Selectmen should make it known by writing to them that we disapprove of their measures." This matter was brought up again in 1825 and again was promptly dis- approved by Fall River; but powerful influences must have been sub- sequently brought to bear upon the people of this town, for on Decem- ber 17 a public vote was taken on the matter which resulted sixty in favor of division and fifty-five against. But an additional vote was passed that "it is the wishes of this town to adhere to the new county, should a division of the county of Bristol be made." The vote on this clause stood yeas, seventy-two, nays, five. At the very close of the year, however, this whole action was repealed.

In 1819 the condition of the roads of the town received more than ordinary attention, and it was voted early in the year to raise $1,000 to be expended on highways. In April this vote was reconsidered and the amount to be raised was reduced to $750. The price of labor on the roads was advanced to $1.25 per day; the same for a yoke of oxen ; fifty cents for a plow, and thirty five cents for a cart. Nine hours were constituted a day's work. The town tax voted was $1,200; high- way tax, $750. A note was given by the town in 1819 for $717.74 in full for settlement, at that time, between Freetown and Troy.

Like all municipalities, Fall River was by this time considerably in debt, and in February it was voted to raise $2,000 by assessment on the polls to reduce this indebtedness. The town and county tax for 1820 was $1,200; highway tax, $700. In 1821 the former tax was the same and the highway tax $800. In that year $100 was voted to repair the Copicut road. The highway tax for 1822 was advanced to $1,200, the town tax remaining as before. In 1823 the highway tax was raised to $1,450 and the town tax to $1,400. In that year it was voted, also; "that $150 be laid out on the town road to Dartmouth." In the same year it was voted " that a town lot be purchased for a burial ground." This is the first mention found in the records providing for a public cemetery. A lot was purchased and in 1825 a committee was appointed, consisting of John C. Borden, Enoch French, Nathaniel B. Borden and W. B. Canedy, "to lay out the new burial ground.1 (See map on page

1 This is what has been known as the North Cemetery, upon the North main road, and was

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

326, records for 1825). In this year (1825) the sum of $1,300 was voted for highways and $2,000 for general town expenses, $800 of which was appropriated for the town debt, which was then about $2,000.

In the year 1826 we find record of the inception of the fire depart- ment, which is further described in a later chapter. It was then voted "to chose 10 fire wards for the ensuing year." At the same time steps were taken towards the purchase of a fire engine and apparatus, but a vote of 1827 "indefinitely postponed " the matter. The tax list of 1826 included $2,000, town tax; $800 for highways, and $600 for schools. From this time forward the school fund rapidly increased, as shown in detail in the chapter devoted to that subject. A vote of 1826 ordered the purchase of a hearse and the procuring of a hearse house. Cen- tral street was laid out and accepted and it was voted to raise and widen the bridge at Steep Brook.

The town tax for 1827 was $2,500 and for highways, $1,500. For 1828 they were respectively $4,000 and $1,500; at the same time the town debt was $2,509.15. A committee was appointed, consisting of three men, to confer with the Pocasset Manufacturing Company in re- lation to building a stone bridge in the village; the committee were Micah H. Ruggles, Bradford Durfee and David Anthony. In the same year the following resolve was adopted :

Resolved, That a committee of three persons be chosen to ascertain the right of the town and public road usually travelled from Freetown to Tiverton as far as the same passes in the town of Troy, to ascertain also the width and location thereof and the road leading easterly from the four corners in the village of Fall River to the Rhode Island line and if they shall deem it expedient to petition to the County Committee in behalf of the town, for the widening and alteration or laying out of said road. [This alludes to what is new Bedford street. ]

This committee was Hezekiah Battelle, Simeon Borden and James Ford.

The before mentioned act of the town postponing the purchase of a fire engine was soon repented, and in January, 1829, it was voted that a committee of seven be appointed to buy an engine, build an engine

the principal burial place for many years. In 1855 the land for Oak Grove Cemetery was pur- chased in the northeastern part of the city, the original tract containing forty-seven acres; this was enlarged in 1866 by the purchase of twenty-eight acres adjoining. This cemetery has been gradually beautified by the planting of trees and shrubbery and the construction of drives. Many costly and appropriate monuments now mark the resting places of the dead, and the re- mains of many were removed from the old to the new grounds. Among other cemeteries in the city are St. Mary's, situated near the North Cemetery ; St. John's, in the southern part of the city ; the new St. Patrick's on Highland avenue, the French Roman Catholic, Stafford Road, near the Rhode Island line.

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THE CITY OF FALL RIVER.

house, and draw on the treasurer for $1,500 for the purpose. The com- mittee was constituted of Nathaniel B. Borden, David Anthony, Brad- ford Durfee, Harvey Chace, Micah H. Ruggles, Alonzo Brown and John Eddy. The treasurer was authorized to hire the necessary funds, the duties of the committee were performed, and John Eddy was ap- pointed to have charge of this primitive fire department.

In May, 1829, the proposed construction of a railroad from Boston west to the State line was approved by the Selectmen, "providing the same is to be done at the expense of the State," and that the same shall be brought before the Legislator of this State the ensuing year." This is the first mention of a railroad found in the Fall River records. The town tax this year was $4,500. In 1830 the general tax was only $1,800, and the highway tax only $800. The total town receipts for that year were $5,166.04.

An effort had been in progress a year or more to open the so- called "New Boston Road," and the matter had been somewhat ad- vanced in April, 1830, when it was voted to petition the County Com- missioners " to discontinue " that road; it was, however, soon afterward opened. Pocasset, Pleasant and Annawan (formerly Broad) streets were opened in 1830. The interested reader will find the record of of these streets, which are of considerable local interest, in vol. 1, pp. 456-7, of the records.

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Our country and its people; a descriptive and biographical record of Bristol County, Massachusetts, Part 54

Author: Borden, Alanson, 1823-1900; Boston History Company, Boston, pub Publication date: 1899 Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Company Number of Pages: 1399

Author: Borden, Alanson, 1823-1900; Boston History Company, Boston, pub
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1399