USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1866-1868 > Part 3
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66
217 births, 1865, 43 40
66 66
127 deaths, 14 70
66 66 10 births in other towns, parents removed to Newton, 2 00
66
66 70 permits to bury and remove, 7 00
66 66 services as civil engineer,
13 00
66 66 paid for stationery and postage, 19 95 66 66 soldiers' record-book, 14 00
66 66 4 00
66 record-book for mortgages,
66
66
66 library case, 91 96
W. H. Phillips, making return of 74 deaths, 7 40 66 66 paid for revenue stamps, 2 35
Seth Davis, in full for grading around Town Hall, 25 00 66 66 services as civil engineer, 15 50
66 paid for expenses of Committee on Highways, 14 32
Stephen Cate & Son, carriage hire,
20 00
Charles Smith, Esq., for obtaining affidavit to amend- ed returns of the shareholders in sundry corpora- tions, 20 00
Amount carried forward,
$321 58
46
Amount brought forward, $321 58
J. N. Bacon and J. S. Potter, use of Eliot Hall, sol- diers reception, 5 00
J. N. Bacon and J. S. Potter, use of Eliot Hall for public meeting, on account of death of Dr. Bigelow, 10 00 J. Leary, engraving letters on tablet of the soldiers' monument, 7 70
Isaac Hagar, cash paid for carriage hire and car fare for Assessors, 51 47
Isaac Hagar, cash paid for postage and revenue stamps, 13 12
Isaac Hagar, cash paid for stationery and express, 5 45 66 66 66 Register of Deeds, 3 50
66 66 66 Tax Commissioner, 3 50
David H. Mason, for professional services,
125 00
Thomas Rice, Jr., cash paid for books for Town officers, 8 00
E. J. Collins, cash paid for refreshments for Town officers, 7 00
E. J. Collins, attending meetings of Selectmen, year ending Feb. 5, 1867, 38 50
E. J. Collins, making return of tax payers to Selectmen, year ending Feb. 5, 1867, 18 50
E. J. Collins, postage and revenue stamps, 6 64
Charles O. Rogers, for advertising in " Boston Journal," 1 50
H. M. Stimson, for advertising in "Newton Journal," 13 50
H. A Davis, for sealing and adjusting standard weights and measures, 7 00
E. Woodward, for services as civil engineer, 95 75
J. F. C. Hyde, paid for recording deeds, postage and revenue stamps, 5 75
J. H. Cushman, repairs on Town Hall, 9 50
I. D. Van Duzee, for professional services, 16 00
Charles Cole, for repairing lock-up, 8 00
John J. Ware, warning Town Meetings, 40 00
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66 refreshments for Town Officers, 125 00
Vaughn Jones, express charges, 4 00
Luther Bailey, repairing lock-up, 7 28
Asa Cook, for making return of 13 deaths,
1 95
J. L. Fairbanks, for stationery for Assessors,
22 48
Henry Fuller, for carriage hire, and postage for assessors, 29 00
Amount carried forward,
$1,011 67
47
Amount carried forward, $1,011 67
Jeremiah Allen, for care of Town Hall, 3 00
66 60 66 lock-up, 10 00
66 66 services as constable at Town Meetings, 3 00
Amos L. Hale. for filling cellar in front of school- house lot, Upper Falls, 74 37
Jeremiah Bartlett, for labor on Town pound, 1 50
J. E. Cousens, for street sign boards, 3 00
Kern & Fitch, for examining title to gravel land, 9 00
H. N. Hyde, for rent of room (military account omitted), 12 62
$1,128 16
SALARIES.
Thomas Rice, Jr., for services as Selectman and Overseer of the Poor, to Feb. 13, 1867, $275 00
Samuel F. Dix, for services as Selectman and Overseer of the Poor, to Feb. 13, 1867, 200 00
Frederick A. Collins, for services as Selectman and Overseer of the Poor, to Feb. 13, 1867, 195 00
Orrin Whipple, for services as Selectman and Over- seer of the Poor, to Feb. 13, 1867, 250 00
James F. C. Hyde, for services as Selectman and Overseer of the Poor, to Feb. 13, 1867, 275 00
Edward J. Collins, for services as Town Treasurer, for the year ending March, 1866, 250 00
Marshall S. Rice, for services as Town Clerk, for the year ending March, 1866, 200 00
Isaac Hagar, for services as Assessor of Taxes, for the year ending Feb. 13, 1867, 400 00
Henry Fuller, for services as Assessor of Taxes, for the year ending Feb. 13, 1867, 98 50
Amos L. Hale, for services as Assessor of Taxes, for the year ending Feb. 13, 1867, 250 00
Solomon Adams, for services as School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 164 00
N. S. King, for services as School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 78 00
Estate of Dr. Henry Bigelow, for his services as Chairman of School Committee for the year 1865-6, 207 00
Amount carried forward,
32,842 50
48
Amount brought forward, $2,842 50
Estate of Dr. Henry Bigelow, for his services as
Chairman of Building Committee, for Bigelow Schoolhouse, 250 00
Washington Gilbert, for services as Secretary of School Committee, to April 26, 1866, 76 00
H. F. Allen, for services on School Committee to Jan. 24, 1867, 180 00
Isaac Hagar, for services on School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 98 00
P. H. Steenstra, for services as Secretary of School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 124 00
John A. Gould, for services on School Committee to Jan. 24, 1867, 65 00
John B. Goodrich, for services on School Commit- tee, to Jan 24, 1867, 128 00
Geo. E. Allen, for services on School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 54 00
O. S. Stearns, for services as Chairman of School Committee, to Jan. 24, 1867, 173 00
Isaac Hagar, for services as Auditor for year end- ing Feb. 13, 1866, 145 80
E. Woodward, for services as Auditor for year ending Feb. 13, 1866, ·41 50
Joseph Barney, for services as Auditor for year ending Feb. 13, 1866, 63 00
E. J. Collins, balance of commission for collecting taxes for the year 1865, 199 00
E. J. Collins, for commission in part for collecting taxes for the year 1866, 950 00
$5,389 80
STATE AID.
Paid Brackett, Theodore L. $18 40
Boyd, George S. 82 00
Belcher, George W.
158 00
Belcher, William H.
122 00
Boyd, E. A.
122 00
Berry, Charles H.
142 00
Babb, George W.
150 00
Baldwin, J. A.
78 00
Beck, Louis 104 28
Amount carried forward,
$976 68
49
Amount brought forward,
$976 68
Conner, James
144 00
Cerrigan, Patrick
144 00
Cartin, John
52 14
Cornish, Edward
66 00
Dolan, Thomas
78 00
Duran, Thomas
104 00
Dewick, William
24 00
Douglas, John F.
104 00
Dean, Calvin C.
20 00
Doherty, John
78 00
Doherty, Charles
78 00
Duinean, Thomas
78 00
Dennis, Samuel
104 00
Fell, William
48 00
Foster, John
52 00
Gorse, Joseph
104 00
Houghton, George
78 00
Hays, James L.
18 40
Jackson, Thomas L.
22 00
Kingsbury, Roger S.
78 00
Kelly, John
104 00
Lohmeyer, Henry
32 00
Littlefield, Elliot
144 00
Locke, William
78 00
Lawson, H. T.
104 00
McDaniel, Daniel
144 00
McMahan, John
104 00
McCabe, John
32 00
Mullary, Matthew
33 33
Oliver, William
78 00
Pettee, Albert
58 50
Pratt, Joseph
104 00
Ramsdell, A. J.
8 00
Ramsdell, Joshua P.
166 00
Rogers, William P.
40 00
Sweeney, John
144 00
Sanger, Daniel
104 00
Spaulding, S. C.
78 00
Snow, George T.
118 00
Tibbitts, W. D.
122 00
Tombs, Edward H.
104 00
Amount carried forward,
$4,351 05
7
50
Amount brought forward, Tuttle, Edwin A. White, Eben Walch, Patrick
$4,351 05
48 00
· 56 00
52 00
$4,507 05
KENRICK FUND.
Balance in Treasurer's hands, January 1, 1866, 90 39
Interest received since January 1, 1866, 200 00
$290 39
Amount distributed to the " Industrious
Poor of Newton," as per direction of the donor,
200 00
Cash in Treasurer's hands, January 1, 1867,
90 39
Amount on loan, January 1, 1867, 4,000 00
$4,090 39
The accounts of the Selectmen and Treasurer are correct, and properly vouched.
Respectfully submitted.
ISAAC HAGAR,
JOS. BARNEY, Auditors. 1
JOHN WARD,
NEWTON, Feb. 13, 1867.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
AGREEABLE to the official duty devolving upon us, we submit the following
ESTIMATE OF EXPENSES
for the Town, during the ensuing year, to wit :
Interest
$10,500 00
Schools
41,500 00
Incidentals for Schools
4,000 00
Fire Department 2,500 00
Almshouse Expenses 2,500 00
Poor out of Almshouse 600 00
Repairs on Almshouse.
500 00
Highways, Culverts, and Railings
9,000 00
Incidentals for Highways. . 4,000 00
Bridges 400 00
· Salaries
5,000 00
Printing 1,500 00 *
Insurance 500 00
Incidental Expenses 1,300 00
Special Police.
1,200 00
Total, $85,000 00
It will be seen that the estimate is increased to $85,000.00 for the current year, and this only for the ordinary munic-
52
ipal expenses. The increase is occasioned by the additional outlays required by the steady growth of the Town, and is no more, perhaps, - proportionately to valuation, -than has often been necessary to assess in years past ; yet the fact is sufficient to admonish us that it is not good policy to augment our expenditures beyond what are actually necessary for the immediate welfare of the Town ; and, in this view, we may be excused from adopting measures that might ultimately prove advantageous, but whose benefits are not of present application. A great deal of our future growth depends upon the rate of taxation ; and it is not well to have too large a Town debt, or a too high rate of taxes ; and one or the other, or both, we must have, unless we use the most rigid economy in all our affairs. The Town debt has been increased the past year, owing to the outlays for the Auburndale schoolhouse, for gravel banks, teams for highway repairs, and other matters, which will be seen in the Auditor's Report. The State Tax, the present year, will be about five millions of dollars ; and, of course, Newton must pay her proper share.
The debt of the Town, over and above the cash assets, is $150,935.24; being $10,519.13 more than last year. The value of the Town's property is estimated at $189,- 400.00, being a surplus above our debt of $38,464.76. Although we could not dispose of this property to liquidate our debt, yet it is a fact that we could not replace it for a much larger sum.
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SCHOOLS.
The appropriation called for to support our various public Schools, is $41,500.00, and for incidental expenses of the same, the further sum of $1,000 00; both items being con- siderably increased over last year. The schools, so far as we can learn, maintain their usual good standing, having com- petent and faithful teachers. They are institutions in which all good citizens cannot fail to take a deep interest, and to feel a just and laudable pride for their general excellence, and the present and prospective influence they exert. The cause of Education, particularly in a country like ours, penetrates to the very foundations of society. The per- manence and utility of our political system rest upon the basis of popular intelligence.
The part taken by the citizens of Newton in giving timely assistance toward the establishment of the first Normal School in this Commonwealth, under the auspices and efforts of the lamented HORACE MANN, will be a memorable incident, ever most creditable to their private liberality and their public-spirited sagacity. It was doubtless the turning-point for the incorporation of these highly useful institutions into the public school system of the State, and their subsequent introduction into most of the Northern and Western States, from which they will also hereafter extend into the Southern States, since those States have been relieved from the incubus of slavery, which could not tolerate any system of Public Education.
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The rapidly increasing growth of our population requires the erection of several additional buildings for Grammar and Primary Schools, to accommodate the wants of different sec- tions of the Town. Should the Committee having this mat- ter under consideration report in favor of providing neces- sary accommodations for Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Newton Centre, and Oak Hill, and the Town adopt their report, it will probably require an extra appropriation of about $70,- 000.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The expenses in this department have been largely increased on account of the purchase of the "Empire " engine by the citizens of Newton Corner, and the same being subsequently assumed by the Town. The engine needed a considerable sum spent for repairs, and the department required a large additional quantity of new hose ; of the lattter, eight hundred feet have been furnished, and two hundred feet more must soon be supplied to complete its efficiency. We think the engine hardly suitable for the place, on account of the large number of men necessary to work it. The peculiar circumstances under which it was purchased, and the moderate price paid, are the only reasons which could warrant such a course.
The department is now in good condition, and, with the exception of the two hundred feet of hose above men- tioned, well equipped; and probably the sum proposed in our estimate will be sufficient for all necessary repairs.
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ALMSHOUSE.
The repairs at the Almshouse exceeded the last year's estimates, and were chiefly incurred in enlarging the barn, building a shed, and making other necessary improvements for keeping the teams employed on the highways. The amount specified for this year, it is believed, will be sufficient to meet all requisite expenditures upon the buildings.
With regard to the general management of the Almshouse, and the care taken of its inmates by their experienced, efficient, and humane Superintendents, we have the same good report to make as heretofore. No Town, we think, has its poor better provided for, with a corresponding degree of economy. We think the sum named in the estimate - $3,100.00 - will meet the expense of supporting the poor in the house, and render such aid as may be necessary to the outside poor. A little timely assistance will often prevent parties from becoming a public charge. The number of in- mates at the Almshouse during the year was 22; persons aided out of the house, 40; travellers assisted to two meals each and a night's lodging, 391.
HIGHWAYS.
The plan adopted by the Town last spring for highway repairs, has been put into operation. Some delay must of necessity follow all new modes of action. Teams were to be purchased, and a place for their keeping provided, which re- quired time to accomplish. We now have three teams com- plete, with all the necessary tools, for repairing our highways
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and sidewalks ; and the new system may now be considered in full operation, under the superintendence of Mr. John J. Ware.
We cannot speak so decidedly in regard to the utility of the plan as we should be glad to, on account of the limited experience which we have had. We, however, recommend its continuance for another year. By that time the Town will be able to judge of the wisdom of the change. It is proposed to have two more teams ready for use by the first of April, to be placed at Newton Corner, the other teams to be kept at the Town Farm. We think it best to arrange with some one at East Newton to do the work in that section, and save the expense of placing a team there.
With regard to the procurement of a " Stone Crusher," which was left discretionary with the Selectmen, we have not thought it advisable to purchase such a machine at pres- ent. We find on inquiry that there are doubts in the minds of practical road-builders concerning the expediency of using stone for common highways in a Town like this, which has no very heavy travel, and plenty of good gravel for road purposes. At least it is thought that crushed stone is chiefly needed in the road-bed through short distances, in the lowest situations on our travelled ways, and that the quantity thus required would hardly pay the expense of a Crusher.
The outlay in making arrangements for the new system has been quite large, the aggregate being swelled by the high
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price of everything we are obliged to provide. The high- way expenses have been unusually large, one item alone - the breaking out of the roads after the recent severe snow - storms - costing upwards of $2,200.00.
DRAINAGE AT WEST NEWTON.
Among the subjects referred to the Selectmen at the last Town Meeting, was the matter of drainage at West Newton, near the depot, starting from the foot of Highland Street. The only necessity for a culvert there, is owing to the surface-water, which runs off the streets above, discharging into the ditch by the side of the railroad, so that it may occasionally, with other surface-water accumulating there, overflow the track. It is much more to the advantage of the railroad company than for the interests of the Town to have this water carried away ; still, to satisfy all parties interested, we proposed to the railroad company that if they would pay one half the expense - estimated to be about $2,000.00 - we would build a culvert running under their track, to the brook back of the Church, which would make the drainage complete for them and for the Town. They declined the offer, and made one of $500.00, which we declined. We have since made such alterations in our streets as preclude the necessity of a culvert, and we should be unwilling to renew the offer, as it is a well-set- tled principle in law, that Towns are not obliged to take care of surface-water under such circumstances. In proof of the correctness of our position, we quote a recent decision
8
58
of the Supreme Judicial Court upon the legal principle in- volved :
" The obstruction of surface-water, or an alteration in the flow of it, affords no cause of action in behalf of a person who may suffer loss or detriment therefrom, against one who does not act inconsistent with the due exercise of dominion over his own soil.
" A party may improve any portion of his land, although he may thereby cause the surface-water flowing thereon, whencesoever it may come, to pass off in a different direction and in larger quantities than previously. If such an act causes damages to adjacent land, it is dam- num absque injuria" (damage without wrong or injustice).
Another matter referred by the last Town Meeting to the Selectmen for their decision, was the question relative to the sale to Mr. Lemon of a piece of the Town Land, ten feet wide, at Newton Corner. We had a meeting upon the land with the petitioner, and decided not to sell in the manner he proposed to buy, because it would destroy a well-defined line, bounded as the Town's land now is by a brook, with a good wall most of the way on the east side, and Mr. Lemon would own a piece only ten feet wide and a considerable distance in length, which we think would materially injure the sale of the balance of the land ; especially if the river should be dredged out and made navigable, as will doubtless be the case before long. The gravel being all removed from this land, and the abuttors fearing it may be sold for some purpose injurious to their estates, we recommend the Town to sell the same by public auction, that all who wish may have an opportunity to purchase.
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NEW TOWN HALL.
Concerning this desirable improvement, we can only say that the great convenience of having a well-planned struc- ture for the occupation of all the Town Officers, and con- taining a spacious hall, in which to hold Town Meetings, is fully recognized, and it should be provided at the earli- est period practicable. But considering the already large Town debt, and the pressing need of more school accom- modations, as well as the constantly increasing demands upon the Treasury for various other objects of immediate benefit to the Town, it is not, in our judgment, wise to recommend, at this time, such additional and very consid- erable expenditures as would be requisite for the erection and furnishing of a suitable Town Hall. We should be extremely glad to do so, were the circumstances more favora- ble, and trust that our inconveniences may be remedied within a very few years. As the matter is already in the hands of a competent and judicious Committee, we have no doubt it will receive that attention which its importance demands.
INSURANCE.
The amount paid for Insurance largely exceeded the esti- mate made last year to cover that item, from the fact that a large number of policies expired during the year. In conse- quence of the great fire in Portland, other policies were sur- rendered, the companies being obliged to close up their affairs, - the Town losing about $100.00. The property has all been re-insured, and the premiums paid for five years
.
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- to come. The sum named in the estimate we think will be sufficient to cover this item, unless the Town add to their buildings.
There are other matters which we might, and should, allude to, for which no appropriation was made, were they not concisely stated in the Auditors' Report, to which we invite attention.
In submitting these remarks upon the above Estimate, the Board have been actuated by a desire to explain, as briefly as possible, what might seem to need explanation in the ex- penditures of the several departments the past year. In calling attention to these matters, the Board are simply de- sirous of discharging their manifest duty, feeling well assured that all the varied interests of the Town may be safely com- mitted to the hands of its citizens,
All of which is respectfully submitted.
THOMAS RICE, JR., SAMUEL F. DIX, Selectmen
F. A. COLLINS, ORRIN WHIPPLE, of Newton.
J. F. C. HYDE,
NEWTON, Feb. 13th, 1867.
REGISTRAR'S REPORT FOR 1866.
THE following statistics of Births, Intentions of Marriage, Marriages, and Deaths, in Newton, prepared by the Clerk, are for the year 1866 :
BIRTHS.
Whole number for the year 223
Males 108
Females 115
223
IN THE DIFFERENT VILLAGES.
Newton Corner 54
West Newton 49
Upper Falls . 32
Newton Centre 27
Of American parents 109
North Village 17
Newtonville 13
Auburndale
13
Lower Falls 12
223
Oak Hill and East Newton 6
More than year previous . 25
223
There were 28 others recorded, mostly those who were born in other places, and had removed into Newton previous to the time of taking the registration. These would be likely to have no record, if not recorded in Newton.
There were three cases of Twins during the year 1866.
The least number of births in any one month was 9, in February ; and the greatest number was 29, in October.
INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE.
The whole number of couples who received certificates was . 83
In which both parties belonged to Newton 45
In which but one belonged to Newton . 38
Making 128 persons of Newton who entered their intentions, and who probably were all married ; 1 person less than during the year 1865.
The record of Intentions of Marriage shows the true number of Newton people who are married, the law requiring a certificate from the City or Town Clerk where each party resides. There may have been one or two cases in town in which the parties to marriage left the State to be married; but in such cases the law requires them, if they return to live in the town or city where they lived previous to marriage, to leave with the Town Clerk a certificate of their marriage, within seven days, for record.
Of Irish parents . 95
Of English parents . 12
Of other foreign parents 7
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MARRIAGES.
The whole number of marriages recorded in Newton for 1866 was 65 couples ; 5 couples less than during 1865.
In which one or both parties belonged to Newton . . . 58 couples.
In which neither party belonged to Newton 7 66
Some from other places come into Newton to be married, but more go out - all the Catholics.
The greatest number of marriages in any one month was 11, in October; the least number was 2, in March; and the same in Decem- ber. The oldest person married in Newton in 1866 was 57 years of age ; the youngest was 17 years old.
The first marriage of 108 persons.
The second
17
66
The third 66 · 1
66
Unknown
4 66
130
DEATHS.
The whole number in Newton, in 1866, was 116, which is eleven less than in 1865; 19 less than in 1864; and 33 less than in 1863. Males, 54; Females, 62.
The oldest person who died during the year was Israel Loring, who was 91 years and 6 months old.
DISEASES.
Consumption 21
AGES. Under 10 years of age . . . . . 38 Between 10 and 20 years of age, 7
66 20
30
66
66
16
66
30
40
66
66
14
Old Age
5
66
40
50
66
66
11
Congestion of Lungs
4
66
50
60
66
66
4
Lung Fever
3
60
70
66
66
13
Diphtheria .
3
66
70
80
66
66
5
Dropsy
3
66
80
90
66
66
6
Accidents
3
66
90
100
66
1
Still-born
1
Other Diseases
47
116
116
By the above return, the proportion of deaths to the population has been 1 in about 78. There has been no very prevalent disease in New- ton the past year. Consumption still leads as a disease among us ; and its proportion of the deaths for the last nine years has been as
Dysentery .
11
Other Bowel Complaints 9
Heart Disease 5
Whooping Cough 2
63
follows, viz .: in 1858 and 1859, one-fourth of all the deaths; in 1860, one-sixth ; in 1861, one-seventh ; in 1862, one in seven and three-fourths ; in 1863, one in six and one-half; in 1864; one in five and one-half; in 1865, one in six and two-thirds; and in 1866, one in five and one-half. Of the twenty-one deaths by consumption in 1866, thirteen of them were young women in the bloom of womanhood. It becomes us all, but especially our young ladies, to inquire whether something more cannot be done as a preventive against this great disease of New Eng- land, which is ten times more to be dreaded than the cholera. We still recommend keeping the feet dry and warm, though the tyrant, Fashion, may again introduce thin-soled shoes ; also to cover the head, when exposed to the weather, more than now is done; to take free exercise in the open air when the streets and fields are dry ; and to sleep in apartments not much, if any, warmed, even in winter.
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