USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1929 > Part 15
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The generosity of James was of a different type. He would insist on collecting the last cent that a man owed, if possible, and after the account had been settled in full he would see, in some way, that double the amount was left at the home of those who had paid him. Those who remem- ber him well know how spruce and neat he always was, forever brushing or dusting himself and bustling around the store, with a dustcloth, thereby gaining the sobriquet of "Dandy Jim."
Naturally, I was interested in the disposition of the large estate which Thomas and James had. James had made a will and, being ten years younger than Thomas, was naturally expected to be the last of the family of Peter H. Peirce. However, the Lord decreed otherwise, for he was found dead on July 21, 1901. This left Thomas the sole heir-at-law of the combined fortunes of his deceased brothers and sisters, excepting Charles, and a personal legacy contained in the
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will of James to his widow, Maria Louise (Harlow) Peirce, which in addition to his own was no small sum. As there were no grandchildren, the sole-heir-at-law, as I supposed at the time, was an own cousin on the Peirce side, Ebenezer Weaver Peirce, of Freetown. Later, I learned there was another own cousin on the Sproat side, altho Thomas was ignorant of that fact when I drew his will. Accordingly, I urged his making his will and, after convincing him of that necessity, he told me to go ahead and draw up one.
I have drawn many wills in my lifetime, but this has been the most important one, and much to my gratification has stood the acid test. After various private bequests, he said, "What next?". I told him I thought a Public Library building would be a good thing. "Well, I suppose 'Bill' would have liked to have one, so give them $50,000." "What about some money to run it?" I asked. "If the Town don't care enough about the building to run it, they needn't have it; but give them $50,000. so they can buy books from the ยท income." I suggested it might be better to include periodi- cals and newspapers, which he granted. I tried to get him to leave his homestead for a home for aged people or a hospi- but my suggestion was greeted with, "Go right along", which was his favorite expression in dismissing a subject. "Now what are you going to do with the rest and residue?" "How much have I left?" "About half a million." "Where did it come from?" "Well, I don't know, except I know you have it." "What do you think about it?" "Well, Mr. Peirce, your father got the nucleus of his fortune by selling rum and taking mortgages on farms and lands to secure the debts, a large part of which came out of the store in jugs, and why isn't it a good idea to leave the rest and residue,of your estate so that the descendants of those people, together with the others, shall have the benefit of the income?" I shall never forget how he threw back his head and laughed, and finally said,, "Chester, that's all right. Go ahead, but fix it so no town officer shall ever handle a cent of my money and fix it so that the town shall have nothing to say as to how
DRUGS
ICE CREAM
MAIN ST
Center Street looking west from South Main Street after wires were placed underground, ornamental lighting installed and poles and wires removed.
169
it shall be spent. Can you do it?" I told him it should be left in the hands of three trustees who should perpetuate themselves and should have the say of how the money should be spent. This was agreeable and consequently the clauses under which the trustees operate came into being, so that "the net income of the fund held in trust for the Town of . Middleborough shall be paid semi-annually or oftener in the discretion of said Trustees, to the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough in such manner as said Trustees or their successors shall determine."
The selection of the Trustees was a hard matter. Natur- ally, I was chosen first. George W. Stetson was decided on very quickly and then I hit a snag. I named about every prominent business man at that time and received the in- variable reply, "Go right along." I went home and passed a sleepless night, as I realized he was growing weaker all the time and the selection must be made while his mind was clear. Next morning, I was at his home bright and early. He asked me whom I had thought of. I only had three names left and after he rejected the first two I named George R. Sampson. "Well, let's see, his father was Richard Samp- son, his mother was George Wood's daughter, her mother was a Thompson; comes of pretty good stock, put him on. If he had declined Mr. Sampson, I doubt if I should have been able to pick anyone to satisfy him.
His will was signed and witnessed by Amos B. Paun, Albert A. Thomas and Edgar D. Wood on the evening of August 5, 1901, the evening the first car of the Middle- borough, Wareham and Buzzards Bay Street Railway ran from the Four Corners to the Rock and back. He failed rapidly and passed away September 16, 1901. Many con- jectures had been made about the disposition of the estate but I think the day I filed this will for Probate and it became public will come down in the annals of Middleborough his- tory as the most exciting day the town ever had. Steps were immediately taken to break the will, until the would-be
170
breakers learned that if it were broken the whole estate would go to two first cousins above referred to. Accordingly, Judge B. W. Harris allowed the will on October 14, 1901. That portion of the will relating to the foresaid trust funds and their administration follows:
"I give and bequeath to the Town of Middlebor- ough the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the purpose of erecting a Public Library building in said Town. Said building to be erected within two years from the date of my decease by the Trustees of the Public Library of said Town, who are hereby constituted a committee for that purpose, and my Executor is hereby directed to pay over the said sum to their order as required.
After the payment of the foregoing legacies and bequests, I give and bequeath to Chester E. Wes- ton, George W. Stetson and George R. Sampson all of said Middleborough, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) as a special trust fund forever, the net income whereof shall be paid semi-annually or oftener, to the treasurer of the Public Library of the Town of Middleborough, to be by him applied to the purchase of books, periodicals or newspapers for said Library.
After the payment of all the before mentioned legacies and bequests, I hereby give, bequeath and devise all the rest and residue of my property and estate whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed which I shall own or be entitled to in any way at the time of my decease, to Chester E. Weston, George W. Stetson and George R. Sampson, all of said Middleborough, but in trust nevertheless for the following purposes and uses, viz :- To be held as a special trust fund forever, the net income whereof, to be paid semi-annually or oftener in the discretion of said Trustees, to the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough, in such manner as said Trustees
171
or their successors shall determine.
The Trustees, above-named and their successors shall receive as full compensation for their services as Trustees, both of the Public Library fund and the residuary fund, a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500), per annum, for the three, and in case of the death or resignation or either of said Trustees, the survivor or survivors shall thereupon nominate a successor or successors, who shall im- mediately upon their appointment by the Probate Court, become vested with all the rights and powers, which the original Trustees exercise under this instrument including the right to nominate a suc- cessor or successors in the case of death or resigna- tion of the other member or members of the board, so that both said funds may be perpetually adminis- tered by a board of three Trustees, which shall be continued in the manner aforesaid.
I hereby request that the three Trustees above named be exempt from furnishing any surety or sureties on their official bonds as Trustees under this instrument."
"I hereby authorize the Trustees herein named and their successors in said office in the administra- tion of the trust confided to them to sell and convey without leave of Court being first obtained, such portion or portions as they see fit of my real estate and personal estate or such real and personal estate as shall come into their control under this instru- ment, and no purchaser or purchasers shall be held responsible for the application of the purchase money, and I hereby authorize my said Trustees and their successors to execute, acknowledge and de- liver all deeds and other instruments necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this paragraph."
With the intimate knowledge I had of the estate, I was able to save many thousands of dollars and felt I was
172
entitled to a fee of $50,000. which was a very small fee for the amount involved. The Honorable Board of Selectmen at that time being very conservative, decided my fee was too large and, feeling that Dame Rumor was persistent that I had appropriated a good portion of the estate caused an expensive audit to be made which seems to be thought well of in some quarters at the present time), with the result that my figures were in no way changed and the auditor received severe censure from the Judge of Probate for some of his criticisms. The Acting Judge of Probate, Freeman T. Lathrop, of Barnstable County, who presided at the hear- ings, seemed to feel that my fee was too large and, according- ly, ordered me to pay back the sum of $27,842.74. I drew my check for that amount, which was credited to the estate by the Trustees on February 9, 1907.
For a few months after the funds became operative there was more or less jealousy on the part of town officers and other individuals who could not handle the money, but for many years harmony has existed between the Trustees and the various boards of the town. While the town is indebted to me for these funds, I have never felt very much elation over that fact, as I consider it the duty of every citizen to use his influence and endeavors to promote the welfare and happiness of his neighbors and the interests of the town in which he lives. In all the years I have handled and assisted in handling this property, with all the unpleasant features which have cropped out from time to time, only one blot remains in my memory. After having been instrumental in securing the funds with which our handsome library build- ing was erected, in company with George W. Stetson and George R. Sampson, no invitation was received by any of us to its dedication. I trust it was an oversight on the part of those who had charge.
Have the funds been a help or a detriment to the town? Have they been appreciated by the thinking people of the town? The answer to the first question I submit to you in the detailed statement of what has been expended for the
UDIO
PART
HARDWARE
3
Center Street looking East from School Street before Wires were placed underground.
173
use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough in the twenty- eight years, as well as the amount paid to the Treasurer of the Middleborough Public Library during that time. The answer to the second question will be determined by the sentiment of the people who read this article, as well as the personal words of appreciation of those who have passed on, which I received during their lifetimes.
(Statements)
Paid to the Treasurer of the Middleborough Public Library 1902-1929 inclusive $53,691.54
Paid to the Use and Benefit of the Town of Middleborough 1902-1929 inclusive
436,202.79
Divided as follows:
Streets and General highway
work
$153,809.30
Bridges
45,313.94
Sidewalks
5,713.86
Sewers
1,491.43
Buildings and gas plant
127,649.64
Schools and instruction
59,031.08
Dams and water privileges
3,074.54
Town History
4,062.48
Paid Town for Tax Reduction
35,200.52
Miscellaneous
856.00
$436,202.79
Some of the items making up the above amounts are as follows :
STREETS
Centre
$12,024.52
Everett
10,715.41
Frank
1,545.00
South Main
11,636.52
Wareham (Barden Hill)
5,000.00
Carmel
2,573.30
East Main
6,577.79
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Plympton
14,877.29
Cushman, Miller & Smith
10,461.00
East Grove & Wood
2,585.47
Marion
2,000.00
Spruce
3,864 . 20
Wareham (So. Middleborough)
2,624.99
Plymouth (No. Middleborough)
11,284.90
Taunton
11,336. 72
General Highway
44,702.19
$153,809.30
BRIDGES
Alms Street
$220.87
East Main Street
13,839.08
North Middleborough
23,930.74
Nemasket Street, under-crossing
2,205.39
Wareham Street
1,690.85
Maintenance
3,427.01
$45,313.94
BUILDINGS & GAS PLANT
Town House
$3,438.54
Fire Station
57,048.21
Middleborough Home
12,013.83
West Side Portable School
8,857.66
Old High School
5,648.91
New High School
7,932.20
Union Street School
3,281.00
Library
4,300.00
Gas Plant & Street Mains
25,129.29
-$127,649.64
SCHOOLS & INSTRUCTION
Account Commercial Course 52,399.38
Salaries, Assistant Teachers
6,100.00
Miscellaneous school account
531.70
$59,031.08
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I cannot close this article without expressing my sincere appreciation of the cooperation and assistance of my co- trustees, during my term of service. While I did not insert in the will the ideas Thomas gave me in regard to what his money should be spent for, in addition to his request that no town officer should ever handle a cent of his money and that they should have nothing to say as to how it should be spent, he did say, "I should like to have it used as gingerbread", meaning by that for something that the town might not see its way clear to raise by direct appropriation. Considerble pressure was brought to bear upon the Trustees by large tax payers of the town who desired to have the Trustees assume the payment of bonds or notes when they become due, thereby reducing the amount to be raised by taxes, as well as reducing the tax rate. You will note from the figures above that we did on several occasions pay the Town indebtedness or agreed to furnish money for certain depart- ments which would otherwise have had to be raised by taxes. It would be interesting, if time and space permitted, to have the figures of how much the tax rate was reduced by these various payments and agreements.
As Trustees, we worked together very harmoniously, and I think the greatest disappointment we had was when, after offering the lot on Peirce Street next to the present Library Lot and offering to build a High School on the same to cost approximately $50,000, this was turned down by voters of the town. Had this building been erected at that time, it was our intention-after that was paid for-to erect a brick building on Union Street where the present Union Street building stands and so relieve to some extent the con- gestion which seemed to be promised at that time. The turning down of that proposition has cost us many thousand dollars.
As you will notice by the figures given above, many things have been furnished the town and paid for, which the town might not have had otherwise and, also, which have taken from the tax payers of the town the burden of the same.
176
On the death of George R. Sampson, which occurred on April 4, 1924, it became necessary for George W. Stetson and myself to nominate a successor, in accordance with the terms of the will. Accordingly, on July 12, 1925, Arthur D. Benson was appointed by the Probate Court. Due to the death of George W. Stetson, who passed away on June 1st, 1926, Mr. Benson and myself were called upon to nomin- ate a co-trustee; and on April 24, 1927 Frederick S. Weston was appointed by said Court.
The accounts of the Trustees have been audited from the time the trust came into being, the last audit being May 8, 1929. The first few years this was done by an auditor elected by the Town, and in recent years by auditors from the State of Massachusetts. The Trustees' Probate accounts have also been allowed by the Probate Court for the County of Plymouth, under whose jurisdiction they come.
CHESTER E. WESTON.
PHOTOGRAPHS
STUDIO
TIRES
Center Street looking east from School Street after wires were placed underground, ornamental lighting installed and poles and wires removed.
177
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE WILL OF THOMAS S. PEIRCE
Selectmen of Middleborough, Mass. Gentlemen:
We beg leave to submit the following report as Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce, for the year 1929.
The following statement shows the condition of the funds held by us as Trustees under the will of Thomas S. Peirce for the use and benefit of the Town of Middleborough and of the Middleborough Public Library, at the close of business on December 31, 1929.
Fund held in trust for the benefit of the Town of Middle- borough.
ASSETS
Stocks
$298,511.98
Bonds & premiums on same
10,739.62
Mortgages & Notes
191,701.58
Real Estate carried as personal
41,809.67
Post Office Fixtures
1,200.00
Cabinet at Library
240.00
Office Equipment
857.50
Savings Bank-Worcester
1,000.00
Cash on hand
1,081.90
Real Estate
42,952.87
Profit & Loss
2,124.80 $592,219.92
LIABILITIES
Trust Fund received from Executor $472,506.03
Passing Direct under the Will 119,713.89 $592,219.92
INCOME
Gross Receipts Credited for 1929 $31,422.47 $31,422.47
Income Brought Forward $31,422.47
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EXPENSES
Salaries, Trustees and Bookkeeper
$2,866.56
Insurance
2,573.65
Repairs
2,785.22
Janitor G. W. Bump 1,075:00
S. C. Smith 481.50 1,556.50
Fuel
1,450.49
Light
429.56
Water
312.56
Sundries
289.74 $12,264.28
Net income for 1929 $19,158.19
Balance on hand Jan. 1, 1929, as per prior report
2,847.58
$22,005.77
PAID FOR USE AND BENEFIT OF THE TOWN
Work bench and cabinet at Bates
School $30.00
Interest on Bridge Loan paid April 1
240.00
Account Fire Station
10,000.00
Interest on note
600.00
Note account bridge
3,000.00
Interest on same
240.00
Balance High School Lot 2,500.00
Acct. Survey Map of Playground, labor 43.50
Acct. new Heating System Middle- boro Home 721.66
Typewriters High School 222.50
Account Welfare Department 161.00
$17,758.66
Balance on hand January 1, 1930
$4,247.11
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FUND HELD IN TRUST FOR MIDDLEBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASSETS
Bonds and premiums on same
$37,664.15
Collateral Note
5,000.00
Savings Bank
7,567.53
$50,231.68
LIABILITIES
Devised under the will
$50,000.00
Profit and Loss
231.68
Income for 1929
$50,231.68 $2,051.94
Paid Treasurer of Middleborough Public Library $2,051.94
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER E. WESTON, ARTHUR D. BENSON, FREDERICK S. WESTON.
Trustees under the will of
Thomas S. Peirce.
180
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The need of aid from this Department continues to be about the same as last year, and will not decrease materially until business conditions improve. The total number aided was 465 people. Fifty more than last year. Many of these cases were only for a short period and the net cost was less. An analysis of cases aided for six months or more shows an average cost of less than $150. per person. Cases aided from one week to six months cover 310 people with an average of $17.89 per person. At the present time there are four famil- ies of 15 people aided who have settlement in other towns. Nine families of 42 people who have a State settlement, and twenty families of 52 people who have a Middleboro settlement. The total number changes almost every week as old cases are dropped and new cases added.
There are ten Mothers Aid cases caring for 55 people. We added four new cases during the year and closed four cases. The average cost per person was $163.20 of which amount 1/3 or $54.40 is refunded by the State.
At the Town Home we have 22 inmates compared with 17 a year ago. Three are boarders. During the year the average has been 20 with a total of 30. Last year the aver- age was 1713 with a total of 25. Only two or three of these people are able to do any work. Some of them are confined to their beds while others are unable to go down stairs for their meals. This makes extra labor necessary.
The expense at the farm were $1330. less than last year and the receipts were $1170. less. Due mostly to a smaller number of boarders. The cost per inmate this year figured by the State Auditor's rule (excluding board) was $9.11 compared with $12.15 last year. This result comes from the larger number of inmates. If we use all receipts from the farm including board the per capita cost figures $7.37. These figures are approximately what we have been striving to reach for several years.
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This fall we found the furnace had broken and could not be used. The Peirce Trustees bought and installed a new and larger furnace, to insure ample heat without forcing, thereby tending to save coal. The cost was over $1400. and we wish to express our appreciation to the Pierce Trustees for their help.
During the coming year there are several repair items that must be met and considerable painting to be done. These items will increase the farm expense at least $1000. but it does not pay to let our buildings depreciate.
In the comparative financial statement which follows, we have shown the various ways in which the money is spent. In past years the opinion has prevailed that only cash aid was given. That was wrong and this statement shows that where possible aid was given in other ways. Cash payments made last year were $8341. of which $3431. were by order of the State agent in charge of cases having State settlement.
Under the heading of bills receivable there is another item to call to your attention. You may think that $13345. is large. An analysis of the account will show you that $11176. of this amount is due from the State. Bills were sent them July 1st. for the preceding twelve months as they require. Those bills have not yet been paid, and bills covering the last six months make up the total. The State will pay, but their delay makes us show an unsatisfactory statement.
Last spring the Selectmen appointed Lelah M. Hathaway in place of Adelaide K. Thatcher as a member of this Board. Mrs. Thatcher served this Board faithfully for six years and we feel that an expression of appreciation is due her. She was always on hand, did her work carefully and well and in the absence of other members of the Board took charge of the full work without complaint and without receiving any extra compensation therefor. Such service should re- ceive recognition, and we want the people of Middleboro to know what she did while a member of this Board.
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We have received many gifts of clothing and shoes during the year. These are always acceptable, and are placed where they will do the most good. We wish to thank all who have contributed and also all individuals and societies who have assiste'd in this work, thereby saving the town materially.
WILLIAM G. BOYNTON LELAH M. HATHAWAY LESLIE N. CLARK
FINANCIAL STATEMENT. BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1928
1929
Salaries Board
$617.50
$575.00
Physician
200.00
200.00
Office Expense
69.19
239.47
Total Management
$886.69
$1,014.47
Outside Aid
Groceries
$3,647.42
$3,405.91
Fuel
1,595.93
1,250.85
Board
1,051.60
1,843.50
Medicine etc.
1,411.91
629.97
Clothing
357.42
319.34
Rent
962.78
720.25
Cash
11,364.99
8,341.75
All other
1,264.20
1,286.49
Cities and Towns
565.07
1,100.18
State
705.70
896.28
Total Outside Aid
$22,927.02
$19,794.52
Mothers Aid
$7,459.50
$9,465.92
Other Towns
47.00
245.67
Total Mothers Aid
$7,506.50
$9,712.59
Farm
Salaries
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
Labor
2,398.69
2,606.20
Groceries
3,129.20
3,109.54
Clothing
202.64
303.19
Repairs
242.94
1,128.98
House
1,244.08
Farm
3,601.85
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Town
Auto and Teams All Other Grain Fuel light
1,724.98 1,025.55
2,048.15 1,466. 43 707.85
Total Farm
$14,769.93
$13,439.65
Total Expense of Department Less receipts
$46,090.14
$43,961.23
13,170.45
13,605.26
Net cost of Department
$32,919.69
$30,355.97
Receipts
Bills Receivable 1928
1929
Other Produce
1,263.73
2,078.29
$476.81
$564.02
Other Farm
550.05
421.34
Individuals
399.75
234.08
92.00
618.42
2,592.93
2,772.60
1,179.12
726.17
1,905.42
2,729.08
4,503.00 *
6,642.63
1,727.88
2,497.21
3,771.56
4,533.40
$13,170.45
$13,605.26
$10,272.49
$13,345.71
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1928
1929
Hogs
$1,799.64
$1,064.50
Board
2,931.05
1,808.16
250.00
261.07
Cities and Towns
State Tem. Aid
State Mothers Aid
869.31
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REPORT OF ASSESSORS
Town Appropriation
$438,874.15
State Assessments
State Tax
11,815.00
State Highway Tax
6,471.40
State Auditing Tax
2,035.63
Municipal Light Tax
86.47
Snow Removal Tax
276.16
County Assessments
County Tax
20,126.00
Overlay
2,685.09
$482,369.90
$482,369.90
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Income Tax
$41,520.00
Corporation Tax
9,995.55
Bank Tax
2,079.68
Licenses
1,080.25
Fines
1,346.25
Special Assessments
1,980.70
General Government
1,066.18
Protection of Persons & Property
2,531.63
Health & Sanitation
1,936.36
Highways
5,068.46
Charities
13,170.45
Soldiers' Benefits
620.00
Schools
9,823.27
Libraries incl. Dog Licenses
2,774.98
Unclassified 111.50
Interest on Deposit
4,844.16
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
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