USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1882-1886 > Part 39
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$2,747 74
Paid Town Treasurer,
. $2,616 90
Abated by Assessors,
130 84 $2,747 74
Tax of 1884.
Balance uncollected, March 1, 1885, · . $10,881 65
Re-assessed by Assessors,
44 38
- Received as interest,
.
217 24
$11,143 27
Paid Town Treasurer,
. $5,836 56
Abated by Assessors,
321 99 $6,158 55
Balance uncollected, .
. $4,984 72
Tax of 1885.
Total amount assessed,
.
.
. $64,075 62
Received as interest,
.
.
14 89
$64,090 51
Paid Town Treasurer,
$50,434 71
Discounts allowed, .
.
1,899 23
Abated by Assessors,
.
.
600 34 $52,934 28
Balance uncollected, . . $11,156 23 .
CHAS. F. WOODWARD, Collector.
MARCH 1, 1886.
102
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
The Board of Selectmen would respectfully report their action on the various matters in their charge as follows :
STREET LAMPS.
The principal contract for lighting and care of the street lamps, was awarded to Mr. Denis O'Connell, and he has faithfully executed the same to the general satisfaction of the public.
The Greenwood lamps, as usual, have been in care of Mr. I. F. Sheldon.
New lamp posts and lanterns have been placed in accord- ance with votes of the town at the following places ; corner of Lake Avenue and Spaulding streets ; Church street ; near the Nash place, Greenwood ; corner of Main and Summer streets ; corner of Emerson and Auburn streets ; corner of Gould and Converse streets ; and corner of Main and Green streets.
The lamp which was presented to the town by H.M. Warren, Post 12, G. A. R., for use at the north entrance of the Town Hall, will probably be put in place before this report is issued.
The new lamp at the corner of Main and Green streets was placed in the care of Mr. I. E. Green, on account of its be- ing at a distance from any other lamps.
FLAG.
In accordance with the vote of the town, a flag, 16 feet by 8 feet, has been purchased for use on the Town Hall, at an expense of $11.50.
103
REWARDS.
The reward of $300, which the town instructed its Board of Selectmen to offer for the conviction of incendiaries, has been advertised, but no' convictions have resulted and no claims have been made for the reward. The two rewards of $50 each, offered by Mr. James H. Carter and Mr. Rufus Kendrick, for the conviction of woodland incendiaries, were advertised in the same connection with like result.
TOWN HALL.
The Town Hall building remains in substantially the same condition as one year ago, except that additional steam pipes have been placed in the three south rooms of the Town Hall, and also in the Library, as directed by vote of the town, and were at the same time placed in the Lock-up, as had long been desired.
INSURANCE.
Policies of insurance on the Town Hall building, covering $40,000, expired on March 13, 1886. The Selectmen were unwilling to leave so large an amount of property uninsured, and authorized their renewal. There are also policies covering $34,500, which will expire during the coming year, to which your attention is called, and for the renewal of which an ap- propriation will be asked.
DAMAGES ON HIGHWAYS.
There have been presented five claims for damages sus- ·tained on the Highways, by reason of alleged defects.
That of Mrs. C. A. Coffin was settled by the payment of the sum voted by the town.
In the case of Robert S. Henfield, the Selectmen examined the place where the accident was said to have occurred, and found no apparent defect,
104
In the cases of John McCarthy, John Fenneran and Mary E. Eaton, the Selectmen believe the parties have no legal claim.
MEMORIAL EXERCISES.
In accordance with universal public sentiment, the Select- men in connection with a Committee from H. M. Warren Post G. A. R., took charge of Memorial Services, in honor of our illustrious deceased General and Ex-President Ulysses S. Grant, which were held in the Town Hall on the afternoon of Aug. 8, where appropriate addresses were made and reso- lutions adopted, which by vote of the meeting were forwarded to the bereaved family. The Town Hall and many other public and private buildings were appropriately draped, all indi- cating how widely the nation's loss was mourned.
On the occasion of the funeral of Vice-President Hen- dricks, the bells were tolled and the town flag was placed at half mast in honor of the lamented dead.
NIGHT WATCH.
The Selectmen have employed two night watchmen, in ac- cordance with the vote of the town at the same compensation as last year.
HYDRANTS.
The rental of the hydrants has been paid, and they have . furnished efficient protection when required.
Respectfully submitted,
A. W. BROWNELL, Selectmen JOHN. S. EATON, I. F. EATON, Wakefield.
Wakefield, March 11th, 1886.
REPORT
OF THE
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
14
106
OVERSEERS'
GENERAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT,
Regular Town Appropriation, . . $5,000 00 Cash received by Overseers,
from Almshouse sales,
1,006 07
board,
18 00
towns and cities,
329 66
66 individuals,
250 44
the Commonwealth, 98 36
Total sum available for payments,
. $6.702 53
CASH PAID BY OVERSEERS.
Expense of poor at Almshouse, . $2,593 48
of fixtures, 66 267 72
66 of home outside relief,
1,108 59
66 of non-residents, settlement here, 946 75
66 of persons here, settlement elsewhere, . 503 72
66 in insane hospitals, 1,300 78
66
miscellaneous, 111 89
Total expense, .
. $6,832 93
Amount overdrawn, .
130 40
107
EXPENSES OUTSIDE OF TOWN ALMSHOUSE.
PAID HOSPITAL EXPENSE.
Danvers Hospital, acc't of H. C. Flynn,
$175 52
66 66 G. W. Clark,
190 59
66 C. E. Lee,
181 79
C. H. Potter,
49 75
Worcester
S. Bachellor,
181 66
66 66 · M. E. Osborne,
169 54
.6
Asylum,
N. Sweetser, . 174 90
Taunton Hospital,
M. E. Adams, . 177 03
Total,
. $1,300 78
AID TO PERSONS RESIDING IN WAKEFIELD, WITH SETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE.
Supplies furnished Mrs. Mary Dukes, ·
$9 25
66
Mrs. J. Haley, (State, ) 9 65
66
N. Corteau,
4 58
66 Mrs. M. E. Measures, Stone- ham, 66 52
Supplies furnished W. H. Batchelder, Salem,
6 50
G. W. Babcock, (in 1884), Wenham, 1 25
Supplies furnished A. F. Fisher, Falmouth,
15 50
66 J. T. B. Hall, Saugus, .
13 00
66 Mrs. J. C. Ames, Boxford,
1 27
66 Lizzie Leonard, (in 1884),
60 00
Physician's bill, Miss A. J. Davis, (in 1883,)
26 50
Physician and funeral expenses, John Carney,
37 35
Funeral expenses, J. W. Hawkes' child, 15 50
Physician's bill, acc't of George Burton, .
5 00
Amount carried forward,
$271 87
1
108
Amount brought forward, $271 87 Lowell Reform School Bills, acc't J. M. Hurlbert 136 29
66. .. . " M. Donohoe, . 92 31
Fuel supplied Mrs. J. M. Burrill, (State,)
3 25
Total,
$503 72
AID TO PERSONS RESIDING ELSEWHERE, WITH SETTLEMENT IN WAKEFIELD.
Supplies furnished H. Walter Brown, Reading, . $143 50
Moses Barnes, Northbridge, 437 00
Mrs. J. W. Russell, Peabody, 160 00
66 Walter Linwood, Marblehead,
51 00
66
A. H. Danforth, Lynn,
95 50
66
66 Annie Froton, 66
47 00
66 P. F. Hanson,
3 75
66 Mrs. H. Corey, Monson,
6 00
Timo. Haggerty, Natick,
3 00
Total,
$946 75
OUTSIDE HOME RELIEF.
Supplies furnished Peter Casey,
$38 00
P. Devine,
45 00
Mary Donelly,
90 00
Michael Donohoe,
6 00
Samuel Emmons,
107 75
Barnard Derby, .
3 86
66 Burlington Children,
104 00
Mrs. E. Farrington,
119 75
66 James Hennessey,
5 00
Jane Kelly,
8 50
Amount carried forward,
$527 86
66
66
109
Amount brought forward,
$527 86
Supplies furnished Abbie Hawkes, · 30 00
Mrs. W. F. Jones, 72 00
66 M. F. Leslie,
30 68
66
Mrs. D. Murphy,
91 25
" Mulligan, 6 50
66
" M. Mertins, 10 40
66
66 J. S. Teague, 67 63
66
Mrs. J. Sweetser,
104 00
" H. Thompson,
2 00
" B. Weston, 60 00
66
" M. Welsh, 21 13
66
" Joseph White 5 25
Bill, State Primary School acct. of Chas. F. Skinner, 59 14 Supplies furnished Mrs. D. E. Shannahan, 11 00
Clothing Suel Winn, 9 75
$1,108 59
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid H. C. Hall, acct. of 248 tramps,. 86 80
O. Walton, Burial Expenses, 9 00
for Postage, envelopes and fares, 5 60
" clothing for James Flaherty,
4 35
" House of Correction Bill, (O'Neil and Fitzgerald), 6 14
$111 89
Total Outside Expenses, . $3,971 73
110
OUTSIDE RECEIPTS.
From Town of Wenham, acct. of G. W. Babcock, 126 14
66
" Lexington,
L. R. Stickney, 43 50
66
" Saugus, J. T. B. Hall, 35 50
66
" Revere,
66 D. G. Pinkham,
12 00
66
" Falmouth, A. F. Fisher, 41 50
" Stoneham, M. E. Measures, 66 52
66
City " Salem, 6. W. H. Batchelder, 4 50
V. H. Osborne,
M. E. Osborne, 250 44
State Treasurer,
Sundry State
Paupers, 98 36
Total outside receipts, 678 46
RECAPITULATION OF OUTSIDE EXPENSES.
Insane Hospital expense, $1,300 78
Relief at home, out of Almshouse, 1,108 59
" of those with settlement here, 946 75
elsewhere, 503 72
Outside miscellaneous,
111 89
Total,
$3,971 73
Less outside receipts, . 678 46
Net outside expense, .
3,293 27
Net outside expense last year, $3,761 42
-
List of Insane Persons who have received Support at Hospitals in 1885.
Settlement.
Name.
Age. |
Place.
Nature.
Mary E. Adams, .
46 Wakefield,
Birth,
Taunton Hospital, Continues.
Sarah Bachellor,
Worcester
George W. Clark,
39
Tax,
Danvers
Hannah C. Flynn,
Marriage,
6 6
66
Charles E. Lee,
Tax,
Marriage,
Worcester
66
Mary E. Osborne,
52
.
Charles H. Potter,
Danvers
Nelson Sweetser,
.
76
Birth,
Worcester Asylum
111
Where Supported.
Remarks.
Inmates of Almshouse during the Year 1885.
Name. ·
Age.
Birthplace.
Place of Settlement.
Nature of Settle- ment.
When Registered.
Ceased to be Supported.
Remarks.
Continues.
Sarah Nichols,
87
Boston, Wakefield,
.€
Marriage, Birth,
May 23, '82. Apl. 1, '84.
Samuel Mayo,
62
Brewster,
Tax,
Father,
Apl. 5, '84,
Horace Mayo,
27
John Murphy
Ireland, Beverly,
Unknown, Wakefield, Unknown,
Tax,
May 23, '85, Aug. 8, '85, Oct. 25, '85, Nov. 27, '85,
June 7, '85, Feb. 28, '86. Nov. 12, '85,
[house Died at the Alms-
Matthew F. Leslie, John Carney,
53
Unknown,
Dec. 22, '85. Left.
George Burton,
19
Canada.
David Welch,
45
Ireland,
.
John A. Foster, . .
70
Provinces,
Wakefield,
Military,
Dec. 18, '85, Dec. 29, '85, Dec. 11, '85,
Dec. 24, '85, Jan. 13, '86,
James Flaherty, .
41
Ireland,
Continues.
.
·
.
·
Walter Mayo,
·
25
Wakefield,
Jan. 31, '85, Apl. 21, '85,
Left.
.
77
Wakefield,
Nov. 25, 1871
Annette Mayo,
34
112
Largest number at one time, 8 ;- Smallest number, 4 ;- Present number, 5.
113 DETAILED ALMSHOUSE EXPENSES.
GROCERIES.
Paid Messrs. Cutler Bros.,
$130 76
M. A. Chesley,
.
64 71
Ira Atkinson, .
11 14
W. L. Griffin, .
18 44
A. J. Hutchinson,
15 97
W. A. Cutter, .
49 94
E. W. Eaton, .
62 90
A. S. Atherton,
26 10
D. H. Emerson,
9 99
Greenough & Morrill,
20 82
C. E. Moody, .
14 35
G. E. Donald, .
24 59
Boston Tea Co.,
3 60
$453 31
GRAIN AND FEED.
Paid Messrs. Cutler Bros.,
$171 97
M. A. Chesley,
.
22 00
Ira Atkinson, .
55 70
W. L. Griffin, .
18 80
A. J. Hutchinson,
12 50
W. A. Cutter, .
11 25
E. W. Eaton, .
31 50
D. H. Emerson,
34 70
Greenough & Morrill,
33 10
T. E. Cox, Jr.,
22 63
City of Lynn,
76 50
$490 65
Amount carried forward,
$943 96
!
15
114
Amount brought forward, $943 96
MEAT. FISH AND PROVISIONS.
Paid J. W. Jenkins, $58 07
W. V. Taylor, .
74 67
W. D. Deadman, 38 85
E. Butler,
24 73
F. Nickerson, .
16 66
J. W. Locke & Co., . 2 00
$214 98
DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SIIOES.
Paid C. O. Anderson,
$10 78
E. G. Daland, .
23 02
Bowser & Co., .
11 73
J. M. Cate, .
2 75
J. H. Johnson,
1 25
N. C. Hunter, .
1 15
$50 68
FARM LABOR.
Paid J. S. Decrow, .
$60 00
E. A. Donald, .
.
5 00
W. A. Donald,
9 81
J. Hurlbert,
5 00
R. Edmonds,
6 00
J. T. Atwood, .
3 50
B. W. Oliver, .
1 25
$90 56
HOUSEHOLD LABOR.
Paid Mary McCullough,
$75 00
Kate Kelleher, . 11 14
$86 14
Amount carried forward, . $1,386 32
115
Amount brought forward, . $1,386 32 TOOLS AND GARDEN SEEDS.
Paid Messrs Cutler Brothers. $17 91
J. Breck & Sons,
3 75
C. H. Thompson & Co.,
3 25-
B. W. Oliver, . 2 40
G. E. Donald, .
4 65
W. Oliver,
1 00
$32 96
HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
Paid Messrs. Cutler Brothers, $7 29
S. F. Littlefield & Co.,
26 38
G. E. Donald,
2 50-
H. Eaton,
2 75
$38 92
HARDWARE AND BLACKSMITHING.
Paid A. B. Woodman,
39.72
G. E. Donald. .
.
2 25
M. A. Chesley,
65
Messrs. Cutler Bros.,
15
$42 77
MEDICAL EXPENSES.
Paid J. D. Mansfield,
$17 95
J. W. Heath, .
6 50
Charles Jordan,
.
60
$25 05
STOCK EXPENSES.
Paid J. B. Nichols, cow, .
$65 00
J. H. Fogg, oxen,
145 00
Aldrich & Johnson, 3 cows,
190 00
J. G. Morrill, expense connected,
6 35
.
$406 35
Amount carried forward, . . . $1,932 37
116
Amounts brought forward, $1,932 37 FUEL ACCOUNT.
Paid Denis Greany, 20 tons coal, $111 75
SALARY ACCOUNT.
Paid George E. Donald, Supt, .
$393 75
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS.
Paid J. S. Decrow, labor removing
boulders etc .. $104 80
Jewett & Cate, lumber, 55 94
G. H. Taylor, stoves,
40 45
E. E. Oliver, carpenter work,
15 30
E. I. Purrington, "
5 65
J. C. Newhall, stone drag,
3 78
Boston Concrete Co., concreting, 16 50
G. H. Sampson, powder, .
11 70
C. A. Cheney,
75
Wakefield Coal Co., lime, . .
3 60
Denis Greany, mason work,
9 25
$267 72
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid J.W.Jenkins and others, manure. $79 13
Messrs. Cutler Bros., paints and phosphates, 19 86
Ira Atkinson, phosphates, . 4 00
J. G. Morrill, ice and straw,
15 50
E. F. Gerry, cider, .
6 75
C. W. Eaton, Citizen & Banner, 4 00
M. A. Chesley, barrel and keg, .
3 25
Linnell's Exp'., on butter, .
3 75
G. E. Donald, postage, etc., ·
6 00
Amounts carried forward, $142 24 $2,705 59
.
117
Amounts brought forward, $142 24 $2,705 59
H. Eaton, currant bushes, 1 00
J. W. Locke, postage, 1 97
Charles Jordan, acid,
40
G. H. Hathaway, repairs, .
10 00
$155 61
Total expense at Almshouse, $2,861 20
RECAPITULATION OF ALMSHOUSE EXPENSES.
Whole sum paid for Groceries, 453 31
66
" grain and feed, . 490 65
" meat, fish & provisions 214 98
66 " dry goods, & shoes,
50 68
" farm labor,
90 56
" house "
86 14
66
“ goods,
38 92
" tools & seeds, 32 66
" hardware & blacksmith 42 77
66
" medicines,
25 05
" stock,
406 35
" fuel,
111 75
" salaries,
393 75
66
" per't. improvements, 267 72
" miscellaneous, . 155 61
Total paid on Almshouse acct. $2,861 20
DETAILED ALMSHOUSE RECEIPTS.
From sale of milk,
$561 59
" "oxen.
170 00
60
" 3 cows,
107 00
"' 3 calves,
4 75
" 18 pigs,
109 38
66 " apples,
8 40
Amount carried forward,
$961 12
118
Amount brought forward, From sale of butter and pork,
$961 12
9 17
" " vegetables,
15 13
" " eggs,
8 40
66 " wood,
11 25
From board,
18 00
" horse keeping,
1 00
Total Almshouse receipts, $1,024 07
ALMSHOUSE INVENTORY, MARCH 1, 1886.
One Morgan horse, .
· $250 50
Six cows, . ·
450 00
Fourteen swine,
. ·
130 00
Thirty fowls,
22 50
$852 50
Hay, grain and feed,
237 50
Manure, 20 cords,
160 00
Coal, 10 tons,
65 00
Wood, on hand, 37 cords,
185 00
" Del. by Overseers' orders,
29 25
Carriages and harnesses,
475 00
Farming tools,
275 00
Household goods,
440 00
Provisions,
210 65
$2,929 90
ALMSHOUSE INMATES, MARCH 1, 1886.
Age.
Sarah Nichols,
87 years.
Samuel Mayo,
62
James Flaherty,
41
Annette Mayo,
34
Walter Mayo,
25
Tramps, sheltered at the Lock-up, 248; cost, $86 80
119
OVERSEERS' FINAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Whole sum paid on Almshouse account, $2,861 20 Less, paid for permanent improvem'ts, $267 72 and cash from sales, paid Treas., 1,024 07 $1,291 79
$1,569 41
Add Inventory of March 1, 1885, 2,571 75
$4,141 16
Deduct Inventory of March 1, 1886,
2,929 90
Leaving net cost of Poor at Almshouse, . $1,211 26
Add net .. .... outside " . 3,293 27
Gives actual cost of Poor Support,
. $4,504 53
(Last year's net total cost was $5,270 59.)
GENERAL COMPARATIVE STATEMENT,
YEARS 1884 AND 1885.
1884.
1885.
Town Appropriation,
. $5.500 00 $5,000 00
Overseers' Cash Receipts,
From Almshouse Sales,
. 1,220 49
1,006 07
66 66 Board, .
147 00
18 00
" Towns and Cities,
141 53
329 66
" Individuals,
. 36 00
250 44
" State of Mass.,
98 36
Totals,
. $7,045 02 $6,702 53
120
Paid by Overseers,
Expense of Almshouse Poor, · . $2,904 41 $2,593 48
Fixtures,
66 79
267 72
Home Relief, .
. 1,128 51
1,108 59
those with settlement here
999 37
946 75
66 66
" elsewhere
468 61
503 72
66 in Hospitals, .
1,263 41
1,300 78
Tramps, .
79 05
86 80
Miscellaneous,
25 09
Totals,
. $6,910 15 $6,832 93
Unexpended,
$134 87
Overdrawn,
$130 40
COMPARATIVE ALMSHOUSE EXPENSES,
YEARS 1884 AND 1885.
1884.
1885.
Paid for Groceries, .
$553 98
$453 31
Grain and Feed, .
447 98
490 65
66 Meat and Provisions, .
293 68
214 98
Dry Goods,
117. 83
50 68
Farm and House Labor, Fuel,
292 32
176 70
117 50
111 75
Tools and Seeds,
98 87
32 96.
Hardware and Blacksmith, .
85 47
42 77
66
Wheelwright Work,
32 50
Medicines,
9 15
25 05
66 Stock,
217 00
406 35
66 Household Goods,
3 00
38 92
66 Permanent Improvements,
66 79
267 72
Salary,
412 50
393 75
Miscellaneous,
222 63
155 61
Totals,
.
. $2,971 20 $2,861 20
:
121 OVERSEERS' GENERAL REPORT.
The Overseers of the Poor, surely not less than other cit- izens of the town, would find much satisfaction in keeping the annual expenditures in their important department strictly within the limits assigned by the town.
While endeavoring to furnish all the assistance really re- quired by the deserving poor, they seek to do so without exceeding the prescribed appropriation, and yet, with all the carefulness they may exercise in the distribution of town relief, it is not unusual, as in this report, to perceive that the demand has been somewhat in excess of the sanctioned supply.
In this connection, however, the fact should be remem- bered, that the town appropriation for the year just closed was five hundred dollars less than the sum which was author- ized for the year preceding.
Nor is it considered probable that the number and needs of the poor among us will diminish as the years progress.
Attention is directed to the several comparative statements in this report for the years 1884 and 1885, as exhibiting, at a glance, the details of expenditure during those years.
Although the cost of assistance to persons outside of the Almshouse has not differed materially, during those years, it may be noted that nearly one-half of the total sum paid on account of non-residents, having settlement here, was in- curred in a single case-the care of Moses Barnes, at Northbridge - who remains a helpless invalid, requiring constant and costly assistance.
The whole number of families which have received assist- ance during the year is forty-nine,-these families represent- ing one hundred and fifty-four persons.
The only sums due the town from outside sources, by reason of payments herein shown, are such allowances as may be granted by the State authorities, on account of aid rendered to several persons without known settlement ;
16
122
sums small in amount, and which cannot now be given with exactness.
ALMSHOUSE MATTERS.
For four consecutive years the successful management of the Town Farm and of the Almshouse thereon, has testified to the ability and discretion of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Donald, whose modes of operation have proved most satisfactory, and whose services in the same positions are expected to continue during the coming year.
The town seems to have secured, in the person of the Superintendent, an active, efficient and practical farmer, evincing an carnest desire to obtain the best results from the acres under his control, whose skilful methods have trans- formed some of the most unsightly features of the farm into models of smoothness and fertility.
Especially noticeable has been the amount of work per- formed, during the year, in the blasting and removal, or burial beneath the surface, of uncounted tons of rock which had, from time immemorial, sadly disfigured the farm.
He has made portions of the town lands valuable and verdant, which otherwise might still have been barren and stony wastes ; and has this year gathered from the same acres which, at his coming, yielded scarcely seven tons of hay in a season, three times seven tons.
. The health of the inmates has been almost uniformly good, although two deaths have occurred there during the year.
Matthew F. Leslie, at the age of 77 years, died on Febru- ary 28, 1886, somewhat suddenly, although he had not been as well as usual for some time previously.
An unknown man, giving the name of John Carney, ap- plied to the Overseers on the evening of October 25th, 1885, apparently a friendless stranger, sick, destitute and in need of charitable assistance. He was admitted to the Almshouse and received also medical aid. He had evidently been a
123
wanderer from New England to New Mexico, seemed little inclined to reveal his previous history, and died on Novem- ber 12th.
Several of the persons named herein, were inmates only for brief periods. John Murphy, who remained about two weeks, declined to go to the State Almshouse, and left for parts unknown. David Welch claimed a military settlement here, but the record was against him, and his stay was lim- ited to a single week. George Burton, a wounded wood- cutter, was cared for until he was again able to work. John A. Foster, a Maine soldier, was there for some ten days, awaiting admission to the Soldiers' Home, at Augusta, Maine. James Flaherty, has a settlement here by reason of his military service on this town's quota, and, although re- corded here March 1st, will probably soon leave.
During the year wood, from the town woodland, by order of the Overseers, has been delivered by the Superintendent, in value as shown below, the Almshouse account being there- with credited on another page, namely :- B. Derby, $14.00; P. Casey, $1.25 ; Maria Welsh, $5.25; Jane Kelly, $2.50 ; Ellen Farrington, $2.50; Mrs. Shannahan, $1.25 ; Mrs. J. M. Burrill, $1.25 ; Jos. White, $1.25; total, $29.25.
The Inventory of March 1, 1886, shows six cows on the farm ;- which was certainly the case ; yet the average num- ber during the year was only five-(one less than the number in 1884-) which fact should be noted in comparing the sales of milk for the two years.
In previous years, it has been usual for the Overseers to estimate the cost per week, of Almshouse inmates, by divid- ing the total net amount expended in maintaining that estab- lishment by the number of week's board represented by the inmates during the year, a showing which we have this year omitted, as the figures thus obtained are deemed unsatis- factory.
It is, we think, apparent that the maintenance of the house- hold establishment, together with the regular annual expenses
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of the ninety-acre farm, would amount to a considerable sum, were there no inmates at a given time ; and that certain items of expenditure would be but slightly affected either by the number, (or absence), of its inmates.
It is hardly probable that, were the present inmates of the Almshouse to be furnished with board in some farmer's fam- ily, as is the custom in some towns, the said farmer would think it just to include the cost of his farming expenses, cost of cattle and their feed, wages and board of his farm-help, and the cost of provisions for members of his own family, in the sum charged the town per week, for its paupers.
As, under the former methods of computation, the expense per week, apparently steadily diminishes as the number to be provided for increases, perhaps some arithmetician can give the exact number that would be required to wholly re- lieve the town of expense!
The Overseers respectfully recommend an appropriation, for 1886-7, of five thousand dollars, together with the use of all money collected during the year in their department, as is usual.
As the figures here given, compared with those for 1884, will show a lessened net expense on Almshouse account of more than three hundred dollars, on Outside account of more than four hundred and fifty dollars, or a total decrease of nearly eight hundred dollars, the Overseers are enabled to submit this report with corresponding satisfaction.
Respectfully submitted,
HIRAM EATON, JOHN G. MORRILL,
Overseers of
JOHN S. EATON, the Poor.
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ROAD COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
The wages in this department have been as follows :
Superintendents, $2.50 per day. Laborers during the spring season were allowed $2.00 per day ; during the sum- mer and fall, $1.75 per day ; winter work 20 cts. per hour. Horse and cart were allowed the same per day as laborers. Breaking snow paths 25 cts. per hour for man, and 25 cts. per hour for each horse.
At the annual meeting in April five hundred dollars were appropriated for the purpose of fixing Lake street. The work was let out by contract to the lowest bidder, and was awarded to Mr. Michael O'Connell, who performed the work in a very satisfactory manner for the sum of four hundred and forty dollars.
At the same meeting three hundred dollars were appropri- ated for the purpose of building a sidewalk on West Chestnut street, from Cedar to Prospect street. The work was let out in the same manner as in the preceding case, and the contract was awarded to Mr. Patrick O'Connor for the sum of two hundred and seventy-two dollars, and subse- quently twelve dollars additional for extra labor.
In regard to the building of sidewalks your Commissioners are of the opinion that no money expended is more appre- ciated, or affords more comfort to a large majority of our people, than that used in the building of sidewalks. In view of this fact, and as the construction of walks will be neces-
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sary on many of our streets before it will be possible to have much concreting done upon them, we would recommend the building of a few walks every year. It would not only be a convenience to the people bnt would also be a great improvement to the town.
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