USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Amherst > The history of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, pt 1 > Part 47
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Jan. 5, 1846, a meeting was held at Concert hall at Amherst Center, for the purpose of making arrangements for advancing the cause of temper- ance in the town. Gen. David Mack served as chairman of the meeting and Lucius Boltwood, Esq. as secretary. The meeting was addressed by President Edward Hitchcock, Prof. William S. Tyler, Rev. Aaron M. Colton, and Rev. Mr. Coleman. In the course of his remarks, President Hitchcock stated that in 1830 he had written an essay on the use of wine and fermented drinks, in which he advocated total abstinence from them as the only true temperance principle. This essay, printed in pamphlet form, was reviewed and severely criticised by a member of the executive committee of the American Temperance union, its author being denounced for his radicalism. At this meeting a constitution and pledge were read and adopted, a society being formed under the name of the " Amherst West Center Total Abstinence Society," auxiliary to the Hampshire county society. A committee of seven was appointed to circulate the pledge in every family in the limits of the parish for the purpose of securing signa- tures. At an adjourned meeting held June 19, this committee reported that they had obtained the signatures of 414 persons residing in the parish. The society then elected the following officers : President, Hon. David Mack; vice-president, David Dexter, Esq. ; secretary, George W. Sargent :
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394
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
treasurer, Newton Fitch ; executive committee, Simeon Clark, Charles Delano, Joseph R. Payson, Elihu S. Church, Isaac Hawley. The executive committee was authorized to secure lecturers to address the society on temperance subjects, and also to make investigation as to whether liquor was sold in town and if so the names of the persons selling it, that legal measures might be taken to put a stop to the traffic.
The quarterly meetings of the Hampshire county society were from time to time held with the different societies in Amherst. the occasions being of great public interest. Apostles of temperance visited the town occasion- ally, as witness the following advertisement quoted from the Express. under the date of March 20, 1846 : "S. M. Hewlett, . the little Jersey Gun,' will talk and sing to the friends and foes of temperance at North Amherst, on Monday evening, March 23d." But despite the efforts of the friends of temperance, organized or unorganized, the liquor dealers continued to ply their traffic, under the shelter of a public opinion more or less favorable. It was not until the spring of 1850 that a determined effort was made to rid the town of its saloons. As the time approached for the annual town meeting, Rev Aaron M. Colton, at that time pastor of the First Congrega- tional church, drew up two articles for insertion in the town warrant, which were signed by several prominent citizens. The object of the first was. to see if it be the wish of the town of Amherst that places be here kept open for the sale of intoxicating drinks, in violation of the law; of the second, to see if the town would authorize and instruct its selectmen to close such places. The meeting was held in Sweetser's hall, which was crowded to the doors. Lieut. Enos Dickinson, Judge I. Conkey. Daniel Dickinson and Pres't Edward Hitchcock spoke in favor of abolishing the saloons, the latter making a most impressive appeal. The vote in favor of putting a stop to the traffic was almost unanimous. The morning follow- ing this meeting the selectmen went to the saloons and closed them.
Of the organizations formed in later years for the suppression of intemperance, the most noteworthy has been the Amherst Reform club.
This was organized July 17, 1876, as an outgrowth of a series of tem- perance meetings held in College hall by Dr. H. A. Reynolds, a reformed drunkard. The club numbered at its organization 35 members. Its first president was George Graves. The members who formed this organiza- tion, having seen and felt the evils of intemperance, and realizing the need of an honest and constant service in the welfare of the unfortunate victims to the drink habit, "Resolved, that for their own good and the good of the world in which they live. they do hereby promise and engage, with the help of Almighty God, to abstain from buying, selling or using alcoholic or malt beverages, wine and cider included. And they further resolve to organize this Club, that they may accomplish the greatest possible amount
395
GOOD TEMPLAR ORGANIZATIONS.
of good and work most effectually for their fallen brothers." Beginning in July, 1876, the club held mid-week business and social meetings, and every Sunday evening a Gospel temperance meeting, for a period of over 16 years, or until Nov. 28, 1892, when the organization was disbanded, its. work being carried on by the lodge of Good Templars, organized in 1890. During its existence the Reform club was a power for good in the com- munity, many victims of the drink habit being rescued through its agency.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized as an auxil -- mary to the Reform club, by Mrs. Merrill of Holyoke, at a meeting held July 25, 1876. It numbered at the first 28 members. Its first officers Were : President, Mrs. P. H. White ; vice-president, Mrs. D. S. Coles ; secretary, Miss Hattie Kellogg ; treasurer, Miss Mina Beaman. This. organization, still in existence, has for twenty years labored faithfully and efficiently in the temperance cause in Amherst, accomplishing much good. A Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized July 24, 1895. A Loyal Temperance Legion was organized in 1892. A Father Matthew Temperance society was organized by the young men of St. Bridget's parish in 1888.
The town of Amherst has, at different times, numbered among its society organizations five lodges of the order of Good Templars. The names of these lodges, the dates when their charters were granted and surrendered,. and their first officers are as follows :
Evening Star, chartered June 1, 1866 ; officers, W. C. T., John W. Lee ; W. V. T., Julia A. Franklin ; W. S., George H. Bell ; charter surrendered in IS68.
Hampshire (East Amherst), instituted March 8, 1882; officers, W. C. T., Rev. G. E. Fisher ; W. V. T., Mrs. W. E. Purple ; W. S., Alice A. Purple ; charter surrendered in 1883.
Enterprise (North Amherst), instituted June 16, 1866 ; officers, W. C. T., Charles H. Kellogg ; W. V. T., Adeline Garland; W. S., Edmund P .. C'utter ; charter surrendered in 1866.
Bowen, instituted Nov. 18, 1890 ; officers, W. C. T., George T. Slauter ; W. V. T., Mary M. Hamilton ; W. S., Clarence Hamilton.
Zion (Colored), instituted Sept. 12, 1892 ; officers, W. C. T., William Hawkins; W. V. T., Julia Newport; W. S., Minnie Smith.
Bowen and Zion lodges remain in active and prosperous existence do- ing a good work in the community.
A political prohibition party organization has been maintained in Am- herst for several years, and in 1892 furnished to the prohibitionists of Massachusetts their candidate for governor, Wolcott Hamlin. Several residents of Amherst are also members of the " Hampshire County Prohibition League."
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.396
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
From the earliest period in the town's history up to 1874, licenses fo the sale of intoxicating liquors were granted by the county commissioner- on approval of petitions by the selectmen of the town. For many years no liquor licenses were granted in Amherst for any purpose whatever. I :: 1856, the town received for liquor licenses $497.46 ; in 1868. $195.24 : i :. 1875, $402.79 ; in 1876, $513.75 ; in 1878, $445.25 : in 1879, $650. 1: 1874, the state law went into effect. by the provisions of which liqu licenses are granted by the selectmen of towns, when a majority of the citizens of the town vote in favor of license at their annual meetings. Tla town of Amherst has voted in favor of license but once since 1879, the vote in i884 standing 150 for license and 142 opposed, but the selectme !. believing that the general sentiment of the town is strongly opposed to. liquor selling within its limits, refused to grant any applications for license. For several years the town has granted licenses to druggists to sell lique: for medicinal purposes.
CHAPTER XLVI.
THE CARE OF THE TOWN'S POOR .- EARLY METHODS .- THE POOR FARM AND ALMSHOUSE .- EXPENSES AT THE ALMSHOUSE. - THE NIGHT POLICE .-- THE LOCK-UP .- THE SMITH CHARITIES.
Amherst has patterned after the methods employed by neighboring communities, and by New England country towns in general, in caring for its worthy poor. The early residents in New England regarded pauper- ism as closely akin to crime. They had little sympathy with the unfortu- nates whose fault or misfortune it was to fall from the ranks of busy work- ers and become a charge upon their more fortunate or energetic fellows. They knew that pauperism is the legitimate child of vice and crime, and with faces sternly set against its .progenitors had scarcely toleration for their offspring. They did not realize the truth disclosed by the civiliza- tion of later years, that in the struggle for existence some must be forced to the wall and, in spite of honest endeavors, be compelled to rely upon the aid of others. Not that our forefathers failed to provide for the necessities of the poor ; they did their duty as they understood it. but it was done as a duty and sympathy and kindness entered but little in their
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THE POOR FARM.
ministrations. They fed and clothed and housed their poor, but the food was coarse, the clothing scanty and few preferred the almshouse to the tomb.
In early days when but a very few persons looked to the town for their support, it was the custom to place them in private families where they were expected to perform such services as lay in their power as a partial return for the expense involved in their support. As early as November, 1778, the town voted that the selectmen should build a house for the town poor, at such place and of such size as they saw fit. The following March it was voted to build an almshouse near Clark's Mill ; this was located in Mill Valley. In April, 1807, two of the town's poor, . one of them an aged negro who had served in the war of the Revolution, were struck off at auction for their board and keeping for the ensuing year. In December, 1817, a committee appointed at the May meeting to make provision for the poor either by building or hiring a house, reported that they had hired the house and garden of Elijah Mathers for one year ; this house was located at North Amherst. In April, 1828, the overseers of the poor advertised that there were two girls between the ages of eight and ten years whom it was proposed to bind out until they reached the age of eighteen years. The overseers were also ready to receive proposals for supporting the paupers that were not already contracted for, for the term of one year.
In November, 1837, the town voted to commit the subject of a poor farm to a committee, which was instructed to report at a future meeting on the cost of a suitable farm, whether such could be obtained, and whether it would be expedient for Amherst to unite with some other town in the purchase and management of such a farm. This committee reported at a meeting held. Feb. 29, 1838. The town voted not to accept the re- port, but to refer the matter to the selectmen, who were authorized to con- sider it with reference to the Vinton farm, and to take counsel as to whether the contract made by the committee was binding upon the town. March 5. the town voted to accept the farm and pay for it according to the vote of the committee. April 19, the selectmen were authorized to pay for the farm from the surplus revenue, and to support the poor on the farm sys- tem after that year. June 1, the town paid Medad Vinton $3,636 for his farm, with interest added. This farm is situated in South Amherst, and is still in use by the town for the purpose for which it was purchased. The " surplus revenue," from which the payment was made, was a part of the sum received by Amherst, in common with other towns, from the state government. The United States government, finding in the '3os that it had a surplus in the treasury, instead of employing it for national purposes decided to divide it among the several states, the terms of division making
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
it in the form of a demand loan. This sum was used by the state govern- ments in various ways, Massachusetts dividing it among the towns and cities. March 4, 1839, the selectmen were authorized to spend a sum not exceeding $1,200 to place the buildings on the town farm in good repair and for the purchase of stock and farm utensils. This sum was also paid from the surplus revenue.
For many years after the farm was purchased the wardens were en- gaged from year to year, much after the fashion by which the collection of taxes was made over to the lowest bidder. Thus, in March, 1845, the -overseers of the poor advertised that they would receive proposals for a warden to take charge of the poor farm and the poor thereon for the en- suing year. Any person wishing the contract must send in his terms im- mediately. . During the year 1847, the number of persons supported or relieved was 25 ; the total expense was $1, 174.59 ; the treasurer received $502.73 as the proceeds of crops sold from the farm ; the inventory of property at the farm was $720.19, the expense of the paupers above re- ceipts of the farm $747.84. The following statistics are for the year ending in March, 1854: Actual cost of supporting the poor for one year. $627.II ; number of persons relieved or supported during the year, 5? : acres of land attached to the town farm, 154 ; estimated value of alms- house establishment, $5,600 ; number relieved at almshouse during the year, 15 ; average number supported at the almshouse, eight ; average weekly cost of supporting each pauper at the almshouse, 75 cents ; num- ber supported outside of almshouse, 35; average weekly cost of supporting each pauper outside the almshouse. $1.07 ; warden's salary, $230.
The overseers' report for the year ending in March, 1855, gives the number of persons supported as 38. The average weekly cost of persons supported in the almshouse was $1.54, of those supported outside, $1.63. The net expense of supporting paupers, including interest on the almshouse establishment, was $1, 231.48. During the year $20 was paid for " pastoral instruction " and $6.50 for the burial expenses of " Sambo Coon." During the year 1864, the expense for paupers was greater than for any preceding year, on account of the support of 25 persons afflicted with small-pox, which cost the town $692.48. At a town meeting held in 1865, the select- men were authorized to sell the town faim and exchange or buy a smaller farm. The selectmen examined several pieces of property, but failing to receive a fair offer for the town's farm the project fell through. During the year 1869, five persons sick with small-pox at Springfield and Worcester were supported by Amherst. The same year a new house was built on the farm at an expense of $1,7344.93. In the town report for 1871, the farm and buildings are inventoried at $6.500, two wood-lots at $300, the property on the farm at $2,329.50. The so-called " military law," passed by the
399
THE ALMSHOUSE.
General Court in 1870, provides that any person having served on a town's quota during the civil war thereby acquired a residence in that town, and on becoming pauperized the town is liable for his support and that of his family. In the report for the year ending March, 1873, there occurs the item of $2.25, expended for the relief of 15 persons at the police station ; the following year, $51.60 was paid for "transient paupers at the police station."
During the year 1880, a wing was built on the north side of the alms- house, 40 x 24 feet, containing seven rooms with basement and attic, at a cost of $648.45. Jan. 1, 1882, the almshouse, barn and other buildings were destroyed by fire. The inmates, and much valuable property con- tained in the building, were saved. The fire was started by Ruth Hall, one of the inmates, who was arrested and lodged in jail. She at first confessed the crime, but afterwards retracted the confession. Being brought to trial, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years imprison- ment. The house was rebuilt in ISS2, at an expense of $4,700, the barn costing $1,765. The house has two wings, of which the north is occupied by the women, the east by the men. Two rooms are fitted up in the build- ing for the confinement of insane paupers. During the six months inter- vening between the fire and the completion of the new building, the pau- pers were housed for three months at North Amherst and for three months at South Amherst. In their new home they are surrounded by many com- forts and conveniences, and under the watchful care of a kind and sym- pathetic warden and matron are provided with a good home and made to realize as little as possible their state of dependence.
The following statistics are taken from the report of the overseers for the year ending in March, 1896: The total expenses for the year were $4,356.18. Of this amount the town appropriated $1, Soo ; $926.66 was received from the sale of farm produce, and considerable sums from the guardians of persons supported in whole or in part. To the lunatic hospital in Northampton $1,016.76 was paid for the support of insane paupers, to the hospital at Westboro $255.38, to the school for feeble- minded $169.42. The warden's salary was S4oo. During the year four persons died at the almshouse, two of them inmates of long standing : the present number of inmates is six. Fifty-three persons were given tempo- rary aid outside the almshouse. Seven persons are now cared for at the lunatic hospital at Northampton. The property at the almshouse is inven- toried at $2.518.70.
In the overseers' report for 1873 and for several years thereafter items of expense appear for the relief of transient paupers housed at the lock- up. The lock-up and the night police became established as town institu- tions in 1872 and 1873. In 1872, the selectmen, at the request of many
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
citizens, appointed a night policeman who patroled the streets from 9 P. M. to 6 A. M. for 351 nights of the year, receiving in payment $2 per night. The total expense of the service was $752.78, of which the town paid $545.78 and the balance was subscribed by citizens. The first officer appointed was Fiske A. Thayer ; Mr. Thayer's pay in 1873 amounted to $760. In 1874, he received $100 as keeper of the lock-up in addition to his regular salary. For several years, a part of the expenses of the night police were paid by subscriptions from citizens. The policeman was also required to light the street lamps, care for them and put them out. The inhabitants of the outlying districts opposed for many years a town appro- priation for the night police service, but as the benefits conferred by it upon the whole town became more apparent the opposition gradually died away. The service has proved of value to the town far in excess of its cost. Many fires have been discovered in season to prevent great loss, disorderly characters have been arrested and the tramp evil has been kept in check.
By an act of the General Court, passed in 1873, towns containing over a certain number of inhabitants are required to provide a lock-up and appoint a keeper at such a salary as the selectmen deem proper. As Amherst comes under the provisions of this act, the selectmen caused a lock-up to be built in the rear of the engine-house, in 1873. The structure is of brick, 22x30 feet in size, two stories in height, with a room in the second story of the full size of the building. On the first floor is a room for the use of the keeper and four compartments or cells, each containing two iron bedsteads. The entire cost of the building was $2.546.16. During the first year after its 'erection, fourteen prisoners were confined in the lock-up and 296 tramps lodged and fed at an expense of $128.40. The second year 215 tramps were lodged and fed, the third year 233. The expense of feeding tramps was charged to the pauper account, but proving burdensome, and of doubtful expediency, the practice was given up. The upper story of the building was used for school purposes several years; it was also used for holding courts, caucuses and various public meetings. When the new town hall was erected, a cell was built in the basement story, but this has never been used.
Amherst has benefited largely from the wisdom and liberality of the founder of the Smith Charities. Designed, not as an aid to pauperism. but as a stimulus to those traits of human character which make for the best success in life, it has been a potent influence for good in the commu- nity. As one of the towns that has profited greatly from the provisions of the will of Oliver Smith, Amherst has an honorable place in its History for a brief sketch of this famous document. Oliver Smith was a native of Hatfield who by business industry and native shrewdness acquired a fortune,
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401 .
THE OLIVER SMITH WILL.
which, at his death in 1845, was estimated at from $300,000 to $400,000. His will was made July 15, 1844 and a codicil added Aug. 13, 1845. By this will, $200,000 was bequeathed to public charities, under conditions substantially as follows : A board of trustees was to be chosen to have charge of the funds left in trust. For this purpose, the towns of North- ampton, Hadley, Hatfield, Amherst, Williamsburg, Deerfield, Greenfield and Whately were each to choose annually, at a legal town-meeting held in March or April, an elector under the terms of the will. These electors were to meet at Northampton on the first Wednesday in May and choose three persons to act as trustees of the fund. The money was at first left in trust to his nephew, Austin Smith, who was to manage it until the trustees were appointed and then turn it over to them. They in turn were to hold it as an accumulating fund until it amounted to $400,000. When the latter time had arrived, $30,000 of the fund was to be set apart for the establishment of an agricultural school at Northampton, but this fund was to be allowed to accumulate for sixty years after his death before it should become available. Ten thousand dollars was to be granted to the American Colonization society, under certain conditions, which were never fulfilled. The remaining $360,000 was to be used as a miscellaneous fund for the benefit of indigent boys, indigent female children, indigent young women and indigent widows.
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One-half the income of the fund was to be used for the benefit of indigent boys. The trustees were to select from families of fair character, but in indigent or moderate circumstances, residing in the eight towns named, a suitable number of boys to receive the benefits of this fund. Preference was first to be given to indigent children and second to orphans. The boys so selected were to be at least 12 years of age, of sound health and intellect, industrious habits and good moral character. These boys were to be bound out in good and respectable families, where they should receive a good common-school education, and be well instructed and brought up in the business of husbandry or such mechanical trade or employment as the trustees might consider most beneficial or useful. Each boy so bound out, who should conduct himself faithfully and well during his apprenticeship, and should within six years after arriving at the age of 21 make application to the trustees, should receive from the fund a loan of not more than $500, for a term of not over five years, on giving good security for the repayment of the same and interest thereon annually. If at the end of the term, the interest should have been promptly paid, and the conduct of the borrower such as to satisfy the trustees that he would in the future make good use of the money, then the obligation to pay the same should be canceled.
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402
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
One-fourth the income of the fund was to be used for the benefit of indigent young girls. The girls were to be selected in the same manner, and required to possess much the same qualifications, as were demanded of the boys. Girls were to be bound out in the families of good and respectable farmers or mechanics until they arrived at the age of 18 years. Each girl who should conduct herself well during her term of service, and continue to sustain a good moral character until her marriage, should be entitled to $300 as a marriage portion. Any girl so indentured, after reaching the age of 18, if unmarried, should, in case of sickness or mental or bodily infirmity, be entitled to relief from the fund up to the amount of $300 ; should she afterwards marry, the sum should be deducted from her marriage portion. Any girl marrying while under 18 years of age should forfeit all right to any payment from the fund. Should a girl so indentured marry a man whom the trustees esteemed of bad character, then she should receive no marriage portion, but in such instance, in case of sickness, bodily infirmity or mental derangement, she should be entitled to receive payments from the fund up to the sum of $300.
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