USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 37
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Pleasant Street South Primary,
Dresser and James E. Estabrook.
Summer Strcet Secondary,
Bushnell and J. O. Williams.
J. E. Estabrook and W. A. Williams.
Leonard Cheney. -
Blithewood, (Munroe,) Pond,
Clarke and Green.
Taft and Dresser.
P. W. Taft and S. V. Stone.
T. W. Higginson and E. D. Wetherbee.
C. M. Brooks and Magennis.
106
ASSISTANT ASSESSORS.
Ward 1, Danforth B. Comins, Ward 2, Erastus N. Holmes,
3, James F. Estey, 66 4, Luther Hosmer, Jr.
5, Cyrus Baker,
6, Edwin Draper,
7, Samuel H. Colton, 66 8, Horatio Phelps.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The Mayor (ex-officio) Chairman. Edward Southwick, Clerk.
Ward 1, Henry Earl,
Ward 2, Edward Earle,
.6 3, Luther White,
4, Frederic Warren,
66 5, Edward Southwick, " 6, Ansel Lakin,
7. John C. Jaques,
8, William T. Merrifield.
UNDERTAKERS. George Sessions, Horace Mirick, Thomas Magennis.
PUBLIC WEIGHERS.
J. E. Wood, Lincoln Square, Henry J. Holmes, Washington Square, Chas. A. Lincoln, Southbridge st., M. L. Jenks, New Worcester.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
Samuel Drake, M. L. Jenks, Henry J. Holmes, James T. Whipple.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER, SHINGLES AND CLAPBOARDS. Walter R. Bigelow, Moses T. Breck. FENCE VIEWERS.
Jonathan Lyon, Jr., Benj. Flagg, Jonas Hartshorn, Walter Bigelow, Jr.
FIELD DRIVER. . William Matthews.
POUND KEEPER. James Campbell.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. George Geer. AQUEDUCT COMMISSIONERS. Henry Earl, Joseph Pratt, Henry W. Miller. COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS .. Sumner Bridges.
107
FIRE DEPARTMENT. Chief Engineer, Erastus N. Holmes. Assistant to the Chief, Benj. E. Hutchinson. Clerk, Chas. Hersey. Engineers, Tilley Raymond, Alzirus Brown, George E. Wyman, Josiah Coburn.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY.
WASHINGTON ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1.
Foreman, John Mason, 2d Foreman, John Willoughby.
3d Foreman A. G. Woodward. Clerk, Geo. R. Maynard. RAPID ENGINE COMPANY NO. 2. NIAGARA ENGINE COMPANY No. 3.
Foreman, Chas. F. Tew. 2d Foreman, E. M. King.
3d Foreman, Job G. Lawton, Clerk, Isaac Varney.
TORRENT ENGINE COMPANY No. 4.
Foreman, Wm. Allen. 2d Foreman, Wm. H. Lawton.
3d Foreman, Ansel L. Flood. Clerk, S. P. Mead.
CITY HOSE COMPANY No. 1.
Foreman, Simon E. Combs. 2d Foreman, Benajah Barnard. Clerk, Wm. S. Allen. OCEAN HOSE COMPANY No. 2.
Foreman, James Clapp. 2d Foreman, William Kendall. Clerk, George F. Stickney. TORRENT HOSE COMPANY NO. 4. Foreman, Henry M. Corbett.
WARD OFFICERS .-- Ward 1.
Warden, Freeman Upham. Clerk, James H. Bancroft.
Inspectors, Josiah Rice, Royal Combs, Charles L. Allen. Ward 2.
Warden, Wm. G. Maynard. Clerk, Geo. H. Estabrook. Inspectors, H. Sawtell, Joel Davis, Joel Dewing.
Ward 3.
Warden, L. Chandler. Clerk, M. V. B. Jones.
Inspectors, H. S. Whitney, R. Randall, H. J. Holmes.
108
Ward 4.
Warden, Charles Warren. Clerk, Edwin T. Marble. Inspectors, Geo. Lovell, Geo. H. Stowell, Thomas Lawler. Ward 5.
Warden, Wm. H. Harris. Clerk, John F. Gleason. Inspectors, George H. Ward, Roland Perry, Wm. S. Childs.
Ward 6.
Warden, Sam'l Smith. Clerk, Edwin Gleason. Inspectors, Sam. N. Blood, Wm. Whitcomb, G. A. Jenks.
Ward 7.
Warden, John Waterman. Clerk, S. J. Hall.
Inspectors, Francis Cloyes, A. Carter, B. W. Hyde.
Ward 8.
Warden, D. S. Messenger.
Clerk, Edwin A. Wood.
Inspectors, G. A. Chamberlain, A. J. Brown, Scotto Berry.
109
Members of the City Council from 1848 to 1853.
1848-9.
MAYOR.
Levi Lincoln.
ALDERMEN.
Parley Goddard,
Benj. F. Thomas,
Jolın W. Lincoln.
James S. Woodworth,
William B. Fox,
Austin G. Fitch,
David Woodward,
Charles White,
Isaac Davis,
Stephen Salisbury.
CITY CLERK.
Charles A. Hamilton.
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT.
Thomas Chamberlain.
Ward 1.
Freeman Upham, John Sutton, Samuel B. Scott.
Ward 2.
Horace Chenery, Edward Lamb, Calvin Brigham.
Ward 3.
Benj. F. Heywood, Charles Bowen, John Gates.
Ward 4.
Alvan Allen, Darius Rice, Stephen Bartlett.
Ward 5.
Isaac Goddard,
Josiah G. Perry, Benj. F. Stowell.
Ward 6.
Edwin Draper, Adolphus Morse, Nathaniel Brooks.
Ward 7.
Alexander H. Bulloch, Albert Curtis, Daniel Goddard.
Ward 8.
William T, Merrifield, Calvin Foster, Thomas Chamberlain.
CLERK.
William A. Smith.
1849-50.
1850-51.
MAYOR.
Henry Chapin.
MAYOR. Henry Chapin.
ALDERMEN.
ALDERMEN.
Geo. W. Russell,
Warren Lazell,
William Dickinson,
Joseph Pratt.
James Estabrook,
Charles White,
Peter C. Bacon,
Benjamin Flagg.
CITY CLERK.
Charles A. Hamilton.
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT.
Jonas M. Miles.
Ward 1.
Freeman Upham, Luther White, Nathan Muzzy.
Ward 2.
John H. Brooks,
Thomas H. Rice, Charles Washburn.
Ward 3.
Wm. Dickinson, Leonard W. Sturtevant. Daniel Harrington.
Ward 4.
Alvan Allen, Darius Rice, Joseph Pratt.
Ward 5.
Benj. Goddard 3d, Isaac Goddard, David Woodward.
Ward 6.
Adolphus Morse, Edwin Draper, John F. Gleason.
Ward 7.
Alexander De Witt, Erastus Tucker, James M. Fitch.
Ward 8.
Albert Tolman, Wm. G. Moore, Jonas M. Miles.
CLERK.
William A. Smith.
CITY CLERK.
Charles A. Hamilton.
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT.
Charles Washburn.
Ward 1. Nathan Muzzy. Joseph Lewis, Freeman Upham."
Ward 2.
Charles Washburn, Lee Sprague, John H. Brooks.
Ward 3. Daniel Harrington, Leonard W. Sturtevant,t Henry Prentiss.
Ward 4.
Calvin Newton, John P. Southgate, Calvin L. Prouty.
Ward 5. Henry J. Howland, Wm. H. Harris, Daniel S. Burgess.
Ward 6. Adolphus Morse, John F. Gleason, Jos. D. Brigham.
Ward 7. Erastus Tucker, Benj. Goddard 3d. Albert Brown.
Ward 8. Albert Tolman, Henry H. Chamberlin, William Workman.#
CLERK.
Wm. A. Smith.
Declined, G. W. Wilder elected. + Franklin Hall, #Resigned, Thos. Drew, Jr. “
15
Anthony Chase, Jonas M. Miles.
William A, Wheeler,
Warren Lazell,
William A. Draper,
Charles G, Prentiss,
110
1851. MAYOR. Peter C. Bacon.
ALDERMEN.
George W. Russell, Ichabod Washburn,
Daniel Harrington,
Joseph Pratt,
David Woodward, Adolphus Morse,៛ John M. Earle, Jonas M. Miles.
CITY CLERK. Charles A. Hamilton ..
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT. Charles Washburn.
Ward 1.
Nathan Muzzy, Joseph Lewis, Alexander Thayer.
Ward 2.
Charles Washburn, Lee Sprague, Benjamin B. Otis.
Ward 3.
Adam Dawson, Wm. B. Maxwell, Gill Valentine.
Ward 4.
Calvin Newton, John P. Southgate, John F. Burbank.
Ward 5.
Daniel S. Burgess, Henry S. Washburn, Brigham Goss.
Ward 6.
John F. Gleason, Joseph D. Brigham, Peregrine B. Gilbert.
Ward 7.
Erastus Tucker, Nathan Ainsworth, Samuel H. Colton.
Ward 8.
Albert Tolman, Henry H. Chamberlin, Jonas Hartshorn.
CLERK. William A. Smith.
*Resigned, Chas. White elected.
1852.
MAYOR.
Peter C. Bacon.
ALDERMEN.
Freeman Upham,
Edward Lamb,
Henry Prentiss,
Calvin Newton,
David Woodward,
John F. Gleason,
Isaac Davis,
William Dickinson.º
CITY CLERK. Charles A. Hamilton.
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT.
John F. Burbank.
Ward 1. Alexander Thayer, Henry Earl, Samuel A. Porter.
Ward 2.
George W. Rugg, John B. Pratt, Charles Davis.t
Ward 3.
Gill Valentine, Charles Bowen, Gerry Valentine.
Ward 4.
John F. Burbank, Samuel D. Harding, Moses Spooner.
Ward 5.
David D. Stowell, Henry Murray. Brigham Goss.#
Ward 6.
James H. Wall, Marshal S. Ballord, Levi Barker.
Ward 7.
Timothy S. Stone, Samuel H. Colton, David W. Cook.
Ward 8.
Wm. M. Bickford, Roswell P. Angier, Joseph Walker, Jr.
CLERK.
Warren Adams.
*Resigned. +Declined, Benj. Walker elected. ++ ' Daniel S. Burgess, “
1853.
MAYOR. J. S. C. Knowlton.
ALDERMEN. William A. Willians, Edward Earle, Gill Valentine,
Samuel D. Harding, Phineas Crandall, Moses D. Phillips, Charles White, Benjamin Flagg.
CITY CLERK. Charles A. Hamilton.
COMMON COUNCIL.
PRESIDENT. William N. Greene.
Ward 1. Henry Earl, R. O. Forbush, Samuel A. Porter.
Ward 2. Charles Washburn, George W. Rugg," Timothy Bancroft.
Ward 3. William N. Greene, Gerry Valentine, Samuel T. Field.
Ward 4. J. S. Woodworth, L. D. Towne, Pliny Holbrook.
Ward 5. E. P. Clarke, G. McFarland, H. Murray.
Ward 6. M. S. Ballord, James H. Wall, Levi Barker.
Ward 7. S. B. Dennis, J. A. Hunt, S. H. Colton.
Ward 8. Joseph Walker, William M. Bickford, R. P. Angier.
CLERK. Lewis A. Maynard. *Resigned.
R 3500744 W923d 1854
City Document, Ho. 9.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
HON. GEORGE W. RICHARDSON,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WORCESTER, JANUARY 1, 1855 ;
WITH THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF
THE SEVERAL CITY OFFICERS,
FOR THE
MUNICIPAL YEAR ENDING JAN. 1, 1855.
RCES
TOWN
JUNE
FEBY. 29.1848.
14.
17
WORCESTER: PRINTED BY HENRY J. HOWLAND, 199 MAIN STREET, REAR OF UNION BLOCK.
-
CONTENTS.
The Mayor's Inaugural Address, -
-
5
Mayor Knowlton's Valedictory Address,
-
18
Report of the City Treasurer, -
-
25
Account of Receipts and Expenditures,
29
Real Estate owned by the City, -
-
-
55
Personal Property owned by the City, -
56
Amount of City Debt,
- 59
Report of the School Committee,
-
-
61
List of School Teachers with their Salaries, &c. - 105
Report of the Commissioners of Hope Cemetery, - 107
Report of the Commissioner of Highways, -
-
111
Report of the Chief Engineer, -
-
115
Report of the Aqueduct Commissioners, -
122
Note of Chairman of Overseers of Poor,
-
125
Government and Officers of the City of Worcester, 126
Members of the City Council from 1848 to 1855,
133
ADDRESS OF HON. GEORGE W. RICHARDSON,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WORCESTER,
AT THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 1, 1855.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen,
and of the Common Council :
On the first day of the New Year, we are assembled for the purpose of organization, previous to assuming the high responsibilities and trusts which have been imposed upon us by our fellow citizens. While we may justly con- gratulate ourselves on assuming these trusts, that we have a city so beautiful, and so abounding in all the elements of national prosperity to reside in, and within the limited sphere of our duties, to preside over; we cannot but com- mence the year with much anxiety that it shall suffer no detriment, at least by our administration of its municipal affairs.
The severe financial pressure through which the country is now passing, and in which we are common sufferers, the heavy destruction of property by fire which we ourselves have sustained during the last year, seem neither to have stopped or materially retarded the growth of the city; and
2
1
6
we see everywhere rising around us extensive work-shops and stores, which are lasting monuments of successful in- dustry and application, in the various callings to which our citizens have devoted themselves. We may feel fully jus- tified in saying, that there is no place where there is so much to encourage all classes to labor and exertion, " where the mechanic and the farmer have received greater reward, where men of worth and learning have been more respected, or where more citizens fit for places of respon- sibility in both National and State councils, have been fur- nished to the public service. The causes of this local suc- cess are various, and will require, all of them, so far as they are within our control, to be fostered and encouraged.
Among those which stand out most prominently, is that general and universal education, which cannot be too often insisted upon, as the foundation of the best element of New England character, and which has ever received from our predecessors the greatest attention and considera- tion. To this constant attention to education, both moral and intellectual, we may attribute the fact, that we have among us to-day so many of the intelligent, thriving and industrious; and I need not call upon you to carry forward this great and good example which has been left us for imitation, and to see to it, that at the end of our official term, we have planted our standard one year's journey nearer the goal of perfection.
We have been singularly fortunate also in possessing a large number of enterprising citizens, who have been act- uated by an honorable ambition to devolope new branches of business, and materially add to, and improve those al- ready existing ; and whose exertions, while they have gen- erally been of pecuniary profit to themselves, have also
7
been of important advantage to the community, in furnish- ing labor and employment to many, and in adding to the general wealth and prosperity. The influence and exam- ple of such men, in encouraging that vigorous and manly spirit of enterprise, which will yield to no discouragement, and shrinks from no labor, but which presses on resolutely to the performance of its undertakings, cannot be too highi- ly esteemed. A kindly feeling, and a disposition to mu- tual encouragement, also have existed, which has been at- tended with beneficial results. Every new branch of busi- ness established successfully, while its immediate advan- tages are enjoyed by those closely connected with it, imparts strength and stability to others in its vicinity, and cannot succeed, without at the same time aiding all around it. It is a spirit as mistaken as it is mean, which induces some men to look with jealousy at new enterprises, while they are struggling for success, or with envy at them, when they have succeeded; for they may be sure that it is for the benefit of every individual department of industry, not only that those connected with itself should obtain the just rewards of their efforts, but that those in every other department should reap the proper harvest, from the seeds which honest labor and manly enterprise have sown. The interests of labor are not diverse, but identical, and the success of one branch does not take away from, but adds to the chances of success of all. Let us then lend the en- couraging word and helping hand to every new industrial undertaking, in the hope that its success will alike add to the credit and prosperity of our city.
It is my duty, gentlemen, from time to time to ask your attention to such matters as may demand your considera- tion, and to communicate to you such facts as come to my
.
8
knowledge, bearing upon the subjects upon which you are to act. Never having been connected with the conduct of these affairs until to-day, but having been engaged in em- ployments of a different nature, I do not flatter myself that in the few suggestions I have to make, I shall be able to add much to your stock of information, or to impart any ideas which you will find of much value, except as they bring to your minds the more important topics, which will require your consideration. It has been said by my pre- decessor that the greatest draft upon the City Treasury is for making and maintaining roads and bridges. Cannot this demand be reduced in some degree ? That we must have good roads and bridges is certain, and it must be our object to ascertain how this can be effected most thoroughly and economically. It appears to me that something might be done by employing a competent and efficient Commis- sioner of Highways, with sufficient knowledge of engi- neering and surveying, to be able to superintend all works of this kind, and whose supervision would assure us, when we had once completed any undertaking in his department, that it was properly and judiciously executed. To do this we should, undoubtedly, be called upon to pay more than we have heretofore done to this officer; but if we are suc- cessful in obtaining a suitable person for the duty, we should find in the end that we had saved more than the amount of the additional compensation paid for the servi- ces. The only bridge which demands your immediate at- tention, is the one at Quinsigamond, near the works of H. S. Washburn, Esq. This one will require constant repairs for the next season, so that the public may pass and re- pass in safety, while you take such steps as you think best for the building of a new one. The attention of one or
9
two city governments has been called to the many danger- ous railroad crossings, in the centre of the city. I think the subject demands careful consideration, that we may carry out the arrangements which may have been entered into by our predecessors, and for the purpose of making such new ones for ourselves, as may seem desirable :- the least we can require is, that we have gates and flag-men at all the crossings.
I think I can safely say, there are few places where there is more done for the poor than in Worcester. Besides our public charity, we have two separate organizations for the relief of the destitute, supported by contributions from the churches and private individuals. The ministers at large distribute the charities of the one, and committees selected in the various wards, and subdivisions of the city, the other, -both intended to render most effectual relief to the desti- tute, and rectify if possible at the same time, the causes from which want and poverty arise. Each of them has our hearty co-operation and best wishes. I wish our citi- zens would undertake one more charity, which I think would be of the greatest utility. I refer to the establish- ment of a CITY DISPENSARY for the poor, where this class could receive medicine and medical advice free of charge. In some of our sister cities in this commonwealth this mode of relief has been adopted and found to be of the greatest benefit, not only to those who are administered to, but to those who administer. Many of the medical facul- ty in this city, are desirous that a room should be provided, and a dispensary established, where they can in turn pre- scribe for the poor. I think if we could adopt some plan of this kind, on a small scale to begin with, some of our wealthiest citizens might be attracted by the beneficial re-
2*
10
sult arising therefrom, so that they might be induced to establish and found a city hospital,-an institution much needed at the present time. Is it our duty to do anything for this object ?
The new Almshouse is partly finished, and will be com- pleted the coming season. It is a substantial building, well located, so as to ensure a constant supply of water in every apartment. The contract for building is about $19,500 ; there has been paid out of it about $10,000.
Hope Cemetery at New Worcester, is in charge of a board of commissioners, who will give you such informa- tion as they think necessary in regard to it.
The subject of Police organization will also require your care, and I am impressed with the idea that our police should be rendered more effective than it is at present, even if it should be necessary to employ a larger number of men ; and I deem the inquiry, whether we have a force sufficient for so large a city as ours, an important one. It is easier to devise plans for its organization, than to form such as will be found satisfactory and efficient in their operation : and the constant changes in them which take place in every city, demonstrate, more effectually than anything I can say, the extreme difficulty in so arranging this force, that it shall with a reasonable expenditure, answer the purpose for which it is created. Under any system, the selection of the men who are to compose it, is of the most impor- tant nature. The duty of a policeman is arduous in the extreme, and it is not every one who is fitted for it. Great nerve and resolution are required at some periods, while at all times much judgment is needed in dealing with the va- rious classes with which he is brought in contact. It will be my anxious desire, when the time comes, to obtain for
11
this service, men who will satisfy any reasonable expecta- tions which may be formed of them.
It is our duty to see that the ordinances of the city, and the laws of the Commonwealth, are enforced, and it is a far greater object to prevent, than to punish crime. We want a force sufficient to find out, and put a stop to the sources, whence theft, assault, and drunkenness, proceed, as well as to detect and punish offenders. The London police number about six thousand, and in one year they. took into custody sixty thousand persons, of whom forty thousand were males, and twenty thousand females. At the first glance, this seems a startling statement ; and yet, the number is not greater, comparatively, than the number complained of and arrested in this city during the last year. Everything, however, cannot be trusted to the Police in the enforcement of law; we must confide in the disposition of the people to aid in this, and by their hearty co-operation we shall be far more sure of effecting its great objects.
The present state of the Aqueduct and its limited capac- ity, seems to require attention to the subject of a thorough supply of water for the city, and it has received the con- sideration of our predecessors.
Under their direction, an examination has been made of the various sources for an additional supply in or around . the city, and of the quantity and quality of the water which each of said sources could supply ; together with estimates of the probable expenditure necessary to render those sources available.
This examination was conducted by M. B. Inches, Esq., of Boston, who it is believed, has performed the duty with much skill and judgment, and whose report, which is now ready for distribution, embraces a body of valuable infor-
12
mation upon the whole subject, of great utility. Before any final action on a matter so important as this, it is to be hoped that all our citizens will take pains to acquaint themselves with the facts embodied in this account, and that we shall have the benefit which is derived from a free and general examination and discussion. The object to be attained is of the utmost importance, but it can only be accomplished by a great expenditure. Whether the work is so imperatively demanded, that it should be commenced at once, or whether it may safely be postponed for a few years, are questions of great importance ; as sooner or later it must undoubtedly be undertaken. The act by which power to construct an aqueduct was conferred upon the city, passed by the last legislature, will require some amend- ments to render it effectual for the purpose for which it was granted ; but these it is thought can be obtained without difficulty.
By a decree of the late city government, the bounds of Mill Brook have been established :- what steps are to be taken in regard to it, I leave for you to decide, as it is thought by many that the health of the inhabitants of that part of the city through which it passes, demands that something should be done. It will of course receive from you, proper examination.
Public Schools have always received, as they should, great consideration from our citizens and city governments, and we have all been richly repaid by the excellent educa- tion they have afforded to our children. Nor has this been the only advantage we have derived from them. The rep- utation they have so justly obtained, has formed powerful inducements for many intelligent persons to settle among us, that they might insure similar advantages for their own families.
13
Their children, reared under these influences, have re- mained with us, become part and parcel of our own popu- lation, and form a most valued class of our fellow citizens.
A new School House is in process of erection on Syca- more street, and nearly finished. Amount of contract for building, $16,000, upon which there has already been paid above $9,000.
The city has received a deed of an acre of land at New Worcester, upon which it may be thought expedient to build a School House the coming season. This subject will claim your attention soon.
Our Fire Department is in a flourishing condition, and found to be active and efficient when called to duty. For more particular information in regard to it, I will refer you to the report of the Board of Engineers, which will at an early day be placed before you.
The financial condition of the city is very nearly the same that it was at this time last year.
It would have been exceedingly gratifying to me to have been able to inform you, that during that time some pro- gress had been made in the payment of the city debt; but this our predecessors have not been fortunate enough to accomplish, and it still remains about the sum of ninety- eight thousand dollars. This, although certainly not large for a city of this size, is one which it would be desirable to reduce if possible, as the natural tendency of a debt once incurred, seems to be to augment itself, by some new ad- ditions annually, when vigorous measures are not used to keep it down and extinguish it. In the performance of a public work of great magnitude, intended for ages, as the introduction of water into a city, it may be right to leave . a portion of its expense, to be paid by those who succeed
14
us ; but we have no right to entail upon them any debt resulting from our annual expenses, of which we have the benefit, and ought of course to bear the burden.
The general state of our receipts and expenditures dur- ing the last year, is in substance as follows :
The whole amount of Receipts, including loans, will not vary much from one hundred and ninety-nine thousand dollars.
The expenditures, including loans paid, and also the sal- aries of City Officers, to Jan. 1st, 1855, about the same amount.
Some of the principal expenditures, loans excluded, are as follows :
Highways, (about)
$29,000
Schools, 66
24,500
Contingent,
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