USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Brookline > Town records of Brookline, Massachusetts, 1838-1857, v. 1 > Part 11
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118
NAMES.
Where died.
When died.
Age.
Disease.
When buried.
Manner of burial.
Elisha W. Williams
Roxbury.
May 5.
15 mon.
Erysipelas.
May 7.
Entombed.
Susan Goddard
Brookline.
May 19.
54 yrs.
Lung fever.
May 21.
Entombed.
Enos Withington
Brookline.
June 28.
74 yrs.
Paralysis.
June 29.
Entombed.
Elijah Corey, Jr.
Brookline.
June 28.
43 yrs.
Congestion of lungs.
30.
Entombed.
George Edwards
do.
Aug't 19.
5
Fractured Skull.
Aug't 21.
Entombed.
Mrs. Bullard .
Newton.
Sept. 1.
Old age.
Sept. 3.
Entombed. .
Robert Noyes
Brookline.
Oct. 22.
60
Drowned.
Oct. 23.
Buried.
Joseph Whitney
do.
Dec. 7.
56
Erysipelas.
Dec. 8.
Entombed.
Thos. Aspinwall
do
Dec. 18.
74
Consumption.
Dec. 20.
Entombed.
.
BROOKLINE, March 4, 1844.
.
.
.
.
.
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Brookline Town Records.
By direction of the Cemetery Committee, CHAS. WILD, Chairman.
119
Meeting, March 4, 1844.
Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized to widen Wash- ington Strect, where it crosses the brook adjoining the Estate of Harrison Fay, by extending the bridge & filling up the watering place-and that the sum of two hundred dollars be appropriated for that purpose.
Voted, That the following persons, Viz. :
Artemas Newell
David Coolidge and Harrison Fay be a committee to inquire into the expediency of introducing "instruction in the Elements of Vocal Music " into the public schools, and report at the April meeting.
Voted, That Messrs. Artemas Newell, Chas. Wild and Jessee Bird, be a com. to take into consideration the subject of causing a survey and a Map of the Town to be made, and to report at an adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, That the sum of Five thousand seven hundred dol- lars be raised by assessment the ensuing year, for the various purposes ennumerated in the estimates of the Auditors' Report. And that the several sums be hereby appropriated to the several purposes therein specified. And that the sum of one thousand dollars appropriated to the repair of high- ways, shall be assessed upon Polls and Estates, and collected with, and in the same manner, as other Town charges are assessed and collected, and the same shall be divided among the several highway districts, in same manner and proportion as has been practiced for several years past.
Voted, That the cemetery Committee be and are hereby authorized at the expense of the town, to employ E. F. Woodward of Newton, to measure and stake out all the lots in the Cemetery, giving the length and breadth of each lot, and the number of square feet, and note the same on the plan-and that the Cemetery Committee bound all the lots sold and unsold according to the plan of said Woodward.
Voted, That a committee of consultation, to consist of seven citizens, be now appointed by the Moderator, for the purpose of advising, aiding and assisting the building com- mittee, in the location, construction, and erection of a building
120
Brookline Town Records.
suitable for a Town Hall, school rooms, Engine rooms, &c., agrecable to a vote of the Town at their meeting in Jan. last. The following were nominated and chosen :
Thomas Griggs, A. W. Goddard,
Isaac Cook,
David Coolidge,
Harrison Fay,
Seth T. Thayer.
Timothy Corey,
Voted, To adjourn to first day of April next, at the Centre School House at four o'clock in the afternoon.
OTIS WITHINGTON,
Town Clerk.
NORFOLK, SS. BROOKLINE, March 4, 1844.
Then personally appeared and took the Oath prescribed by law to the offices to which they had been respectively chosen, the following persons on the day of the date set against their names :
· March 4. Samuel A. Walker as Field driver. Benjamin Bradley as Field Driver.
Thomas C. Quimby as Field Driver.
8. Timothy Corey as Assessor.
9. Caleb Craft, Jr., as Surveyor of Highways.
. . James L. Oliver as Field Driver.
66 William White as Surveyor of Highways.
11. Elisha Stone as Constable and surveyor of Wood & Lumber.
12. A. H. Clapp as Constable.
66 John W. Warren as Surveyor of Highways.
Simon Warren as Surveyor of Highways and Pound Keeper.
66 Charles Warren as Field Driver.
13. Huglı M. Sanborn as Surveyor of Highways.
14. Samuel Philbrick as Surveyor of Highways.
18. Thomas Griggs as Surveyor of Highways.
23. Daniel Sanderson as Selectman.
Timothy Corey, Jr., as Field Driver.
25. Thomas Griggs as Selectman.
66 David Coolidge as Selectman.
George W. Goldsmith as Surveyor of Highways.
66 Marshal Stearns as Fence Viewer.
James Robinson as Fence Viewer.
28. Royal MacIntosh as Surveyor of Highways.
30. Jeremiah Lyon as Surveyor of Wood and Lumber.
April
1. Charles Stearns, Jr., & Isaac Cook as Assessors.
66 Charles Stearns, Jr., as Surveyor of Highways.
O. WITHINGTON,
Town Clerk.
121
Meeting, March 4, 1844.
[L.S.] WARRANT TO TAKE THE OATH.
To Elisha Stone, one of the Constables of the Town of Brook- line, GREETING :
The following is a list of those persons who were this day chosen into office, at a meeting of the inhabitants of said town, and of whom an oath is by law required, Viz. : Daniel Sanderson & David Coolidge, as Selectmen ; Thomas Griggs as Selectman and Surveyor of Highways, A. W. God- dard & Timothy Corey as assessors, Charles Stearns, Jr., as assessor and surveyor of highways, Artemas Newell as Treasurer and Collector, Elisha Stone as Constable and sur- veyor of Wood and Lumber, Samuel Philbrick, Royal MacIntosh, William White, George W. Goldsmith, Caleb Craft, Jr., John W. Warren, & Hugh M. Sanborn, as survey- ors of Highways, Simon Warren as surveyor of highways & pound keeper, Clark L. Haynes, Charles Warren, Caleb Clark, James L. Oliver, and Timothy Corey, Jr., as Field Drivers, William W. Clement and T. W. Wellington as Fence Viewers, A. H. Clapp as Constable.
You are hereby required, in the name of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, within three days from the date hereof, to notify and summon each of the said persons to appear before me, within seven days from the date you shall give such notice, to take the Oath by Law prescribed to the officers unto which they are respectively chosen.
Hereof fail not, and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon, within ten days from the date hereof. Given under my hand and seal this fourth day of March, A. D. 1844.
OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
NORFOLK, SS.
BROOKLINE, March 11, 1844.
By virtue of the within warrant I have notified the within named per- sons to appear and take the Oath as within directed.
ELISHA STONE, Constable of Brookline.
122
Brookline Town Records.
NORFOLK, SS.
BROOKLINE, March 5, 1844.
Personally appeared Artemas Newell, Esq., and made solemn oath that he would duly, faithfully & honestly perform the duties of Treasurer of the town of Brookline for the year ensuing to the best of his knowledge & ability.
Before me, CHARLES WILD, Jus. Piece.
A true Copy, attest : OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING.
NORFOLK, SS.
To Elisha Stone, one of the Constables of the Town of Brook- line, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the town of Brookline, qualified to Vote in Elections, to meet at Lyceum Hall in said town, on Monday next, being the twenty-fifth day of March inst., at two o'clock in the afternoon, to act upon the following Articles, Viz. :
First. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Second. To see if the town will reconsider the vote passed at a meet- ing held on the 30th day of January last, in relation to the location of a building for a Town Hall, School Rooms, Engine House, &c., for the purpose of hearing and acting upon proposals from the first Parish in Brookline concerning a different location. .
Third. To hear and act upon a report of the Building Committee in regard to separating the Engine House from the Town Hall, and upon any other business that they may have to communicate.
Fourth. To see what course the Inhabitants will take to free the town from the sale of Ardent Spirits.
Fifth. To see if the town will make an additional grant to repair the bridge in Cypress Street.
Sixth. To see if the town will appoint a committee to draft a set of
" By-Laws" for the regulation of the town and report at a future meeting.
Seventh. To fill all vacancies that exist in town officers and to hear report of any other committees that are prepared to report.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time & place of meeting as aforesaid.
123
Meeting, March 25, 1844.
Given under our hands & seals this Twenty-first day of March, A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty- four.
DANIEL SANDERSON, L.S.] JL L.S.]
DAVID COOLIDGE,
Selectmen of Brookline.
THOMAS GRIGGS, L.S.
NORFOLK, SS.
BROOKLINE, March 23d, 1844.
By virtue of the within warrant I have notified and warned the within named persons to appear at the time and place for the purposes within mentioned.
ELISHA STONE, Constable of Brookline.
A true Copy.
Attest : OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
Agreeably to the foregoing warrant a meeting was held at Lyceum Hall, March 25th, 1844.
Capt. Daniel Sanderson was chosen Moderator.
Voted, That the building Committee, be a Committee on the part of the town, to confer with a com. of the First Parish, concerning a different location for the Town Hall, and that they report at an adjournment of this meeting.
The following Report of the building Committee was read and accepted by Vote :
REPORT OF BUILDING COM.
The committee appointed by the Town of Brookline to purchase land & erect a building for a Town Hall, School rooms, Engine rooms, &c., ask leave respectfully to represent-
That they have purchased for the purpose above named a lot of land situated between the estates of Messrs. James Leeds & James Holden on Washington Street, containing 114 Rods & 157} square feet, or 31194 square feet at 3 cents per foot amounting to $935.82 which has been paid by the Treasurer & a deed received on behalf of the Town.
On a carefull examination and survey of the lot purchased your com- mittee are of the opinion, that the airy and eligible position to the school rooms and hall, as well as beauty of external appearance, will be greatly promoted by placing the front end of the building back at least 50 feet from the street, and elevating the sills 8 or 10 feet above the level of the street, according to a plan herewith presented,-which will place the Fire Engine, if connected with the Hall, in a position rather unfavorable in seasons of deep snow and at all times remote from water, unless the expense of sinking a reservoir on the lot should be incurred. There will also be an increased risk of fire to the building, from this connexion, and
124
Brockline Town Records.
the entrance from the street inconvenient for the Engine at all times. By separating the engine accommodation from the Hall, the external ap- pearance of the building may be much improved, and better proportions, & more ample accommodation may be provided for the school rooms, entries, Selectmen's and committee rooms. By shortening the building and lessening the number of windows, &c., it is believed there can be a saving of half the expense requisite for building a separate engine house. Your committee have confered and advised with the consulting commit- tee on all these particulars, and both committees have agreed unanimously to recommend the erection of a separate building for the use of the Engine and Engine Company, to be located over or near the brook opposite the estate of Mr. Harrison Fay, where the Selectmen contemplate widening the passageway by filling up the watering place. Ample room for the building with the convenience of water may here be found.
Your committee, therefore, respectfully request permission to exclude all provisions for the fire engine from the hall building,-and also that the charge of building an Engine House may be committed to the Selectmen, who can make arrangements for the location of the building, while filling up the watering place & widening the passageway for public travel. All which is respectfully submitted, for the building committee.
S. PHILBRICK, Chairman.
BROOKLINE, Marchi 25, 1844.
Voted, That the building committee be authorized to omit making provision for the accommodation of the Fire Engine or the Engine Company in the building to be erected for a Town Hall, School rooms, &c., and that the Selectmen be hereby empowered & authorized to build an Engine House of suitable dimensions and place the same opposite the Estate of Mr. Harrison Fay, over or near the brook, or in any other place which they may consider more eligible or proper, and a further grant of three hundred dollars is hereby made and appropriated for that purpose.
The following was adopted by vote :
A
VOTE ON PUNCH BOWL.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS OFFERED BY S. A. WALKER.
WHEREAS, The recent painful and distressing occurrence in the death of Robert Noyes from Ardent Spirits, and by the verdict of the Jury his death was caused " by liquor obtained at the Punch Bowl and elsewhere," and whereas the location of the Punch Bowl Tavern renders it identified in the weal or woe of the town of Brookline, and by the indiscriminate
125
Meeting, March 25, 1844.
sale of Ardent Spirits is more clearly identified as injurious to the town, producing consequences that call loudly on the friends of good order and sobriety, Therefore resolved, That this meeting view the untimely death of Robert Noyes from intoxication with pain and sorrow, and that as good citizens we will do all in our power to prevent a like disasterous occurrence. -
Voted, That a committee of 20 of the inhabitants of the town of Brookline be appointed, who shall repair in a body to the Punch Bowl Tavern, and under the sanction and authority of the town remonstrate with Mr. J. Sprague or whoever may have charge of the Punch Bowl, against in- toxicating drinks hereafter being sold by him or them, the result of which are disasterous to the town and community and especially to the youth, and should a friendly remon- strance prove unavailing, then said committee are hereby fully authorized and instructed to abait said nuisance and maintain the honor of the town and vindicate the violated laws of the commonwealth.
Voted, That the Town Clerk furnish the propriator and Mr. J. Sprague, the keeper of the Punch Bowl, or whoever may hereafter occupy the same [as] the propriators with a copy of the foregoing Preamble, Resolution and Vote.
The following were chosen as that committee :
Samuel A. Walker.
Caleb Craft, Jr.
A. H. Clapp.
Joshua W. Blanchard.
Daniel Sanderson.
William Hardy.
David Coolidge.
Charles Stearns, Jr.
Thomas Griggs.
A. W. Goddard.
Otis Withington. Moses Jones.
Timothy Corey.
James Leeds.
Samuel Goddard.
Harrison Fay.
Samuel Craft.
Hugh M. Sanborn. James Bartlett.
Thomas Kendall.
Voted, That One hundred dollars be appropriated and left in the hands of the Selectmen to repair the bridge in Cypress Street.
126
Brookline Town Records.
Voted, That the article in the warrant, relating to draft- ing a set of By-Laws for the regulation of the town, be referred to the Selectmen, to report at a future meeting.
Mr. A. W. Goddard declined acting as assessor.
Mr. Samuel Philbrick was chosen assessor.
Voted, To excuse Mr. Philbrick at his own request.
Mr. A. W. Goddard was re-chosen assessor.
Mr. Marshal Stearns, were chosen Fence Viewers.
Mr. James Robinson, S
Mr. Jeremiah Lyon was chosen Surveyor of Wood and Lumber.
The following Report was read and accepted by Vote :
REPORT ON MAP OF THE TOWN.
The committee who were appointed at the last annual meeting to make inquiries in regard to the expense of a Survey and Map of the town, have attended to that duty and would now report.
The committee have consulted two surveyors, Deacon Woodward of Newton & Mr. Charles Whitney of Roxbury. The difference in the esti- mated expense of a survey between the two is very considerable. A survey & a drawing by Dea. Woodward with a copperplate engraving, showing the most prominent objects in the town such as the high hills Woods & Buildings, and the name of each Householder, names of streets, distances put down in rods, &c., the engraving similar in character to the map of Needham, would cost, as nearly as can be estimated before the drawing is completed, about $250.
A Survey with a full Topographical drawing by Mr. Whitney with a copper-plate engraving, showing all the prominent objects in the town, such as the Rivers, Brooks, Hills, Madows, Marshes, Swamps, Build- ings, Names of House-holders, Streets, names of streets, survey of streets and distances put down in rods, also embellished with some of the most modern Architectural designs in the town, making a complete and hand- some Map similar to the map of Roxbury, with a Book containing all the Notes of the town of Roxbury, would cost $600. In both estimates the committee have calculated the expense including paper and printing of five Hundred Copies and the plate will be the property of the town, and any number of copies can be printed at any time when needed and altera- tions can be made in the plate at any future time, when the improvements and alterations in the town require it. The dissimilarity and the differ- ence of expense between the two maps, is so great, that the committee do not feel at liberty to recommend the adoption of either of them, until the subject had been laid before the town and some more definite instruc- tions had been received in regard to the kind of Map that would satisfy the wants of the inhabitants.
The great difference in the expense appears to be caused principally by the difference in the labor in making the surveys, taking the notes and
127
Meeting, April 1, 1844.
preparing the drawing for the hands of the engraver, also in the engraving of a plate that contains so much more matter than a plainer one. It only remains for the town to decide what kind of a Map they would prefer.
All of which is submitted, ARTEMAS NEWELL, Chairman of the Com.
BROOKLINE, March 25, 1844.
Voted, That the subject of procuring a survey and map of the Town be referred back to the same Committee who with the advice and consent of the Selectmen are authorized to procure a survey by such person as they may deem proper, and have a map engraved and a sufficient number of copies provided for the use of the Town.
Voted, To adjourn this meeting to Monday next, at & past four o'clock in the afternoon at this place.
OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK, SS.
APRIL. At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Brookline in said county, qualified by law to vote in the election of county officers, holden at said Brookline on the first day of April, being the first Monday of said month, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, for the choice of County Commissioners and Special Commissioners for said County, the said inhabitants gave in their written votes, on one ballot, for three County Commissioners, and also their written votes on one ballot, for two Special Commissioners, and the same being sorted, counted, and public declaration thereof made in open town meeting, by the Selectmen of said town, and the names of all the persons voted for, and the number of votes for each, and the whole number of ballots entered upon the records of said town by the town clerk thereof, it appeared that the whole number of ballots given for County Commissioners
128
Brookline Town Records.
was sixty-nine, and that the names of the persons voted for as County Commissioners, and the number of votes given them, were as follows, to wit :
For Samuel P. Lord of Dorchester Forty Seven.
For Joseph Hawes of Walpole
Forty Seven.
For James C. Doane of Cohasset
Forty Seven.
For Benjamin I'. Williams of Roxbury
Fourteen.
For Nathan Jones of Medway
Fourteen.
For Aaron Prescott of Randolph
Fourteen.
For Willis Fisher of Franklin
Eight.
For Lemuel Humphrey of Weymouth Eight.
For Obed Baker of Dedham Eight.
It also appeared that the whole number of ballots given in for Special Commissioners was sixty-nine, and that the names of the persons voted for as Special Commissioners, and the number of votes given them, were as follows :
Benjamin P. Williams of Roxbury Forty Seyen.
Nathan Jones of Medway
Forty Seven.
Laban Souther of Cohasset
Fourteen.
Martin Torrey of Foxborough
Twenty two ..
Leonard Everett of Canton
Eight.
Adjourned Sine die.
OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
APRIL 1, 1844. The adjourned meeting from March 4 opened at Centre School House.
Adjourned immediately to Lyceum Hall at 5 o'clock.
The adjournment of the Special Meeting from March 25, 1844, was held at Lyceum Hall. Capt. Daniel Sanderson in the chair.
The following was read and accepted by vote :
The committee who were appointed by the Town at their meeting on the 25th March to meet a committee from the first Parish & hear their proposals in regard to granting a part of the Parsonage land to the Town for a site for a Hall, &c.,-Have accordingly had several interviews with said Parish committee. From the peculiar tenour of the deed granting said land to the Town it appeared doubtful to your committee, whether
129
Meeting, April 1, 1844.
the title was vested in the town, or in the Parish, consequently the sub- ject was refered to the opinion of Judge Jackson, who after two days consideration gave a written opinion in favour of the Parish. Upon further consultation of your committee with the Parish committee, it was their final conclusion to decline making any proposition to the Town on the subject of granting a site for a Town Hall, apprehending that the general harmony of both Town and Parish would be promoted by this course, consequently your committee have nothing further to communi- cate on the subject of their appointment.
On behalf of the committee,
BROOKLINE, April 1st, 1844.
S. PHILBRICK, Chairman.
Voted, That the Second article in the warrant be indefi- nitely postponed.
Voted, That discretionary power be given to the Building and consulting committee to build the Town Hall by contract, or day labor.
The above vote was passed in consequence of the following communication :
The building committee for the Town Hall respectfully represent. That it appears to be the prevailing opinion of the consulting committee that the interests of the Town would be promoted by having the building erected by contract, instead of day labor,-and as it was the understand- ing at the time of the appointment of your committee, that day labor would be more satisfactory, your committee did not feel authorized to take the responsibility of putting out by contract the whole building, including materials and labor without a vote of the Town. Your com- mittee therefore request that a vote may be taken showing the opinion of the Town on that subject.
On behalf of the committee.
BROOKLINE, April 1, 1844.
S. PHILBRICK, Chairman.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
OTIS WITHINGTON, Town Clerk.
(Vote on Town Hall, 8 pages forward.) [See Page 134.]
The adjourned annual meeting re-opened at Lyceum Hall April 1, 1844.
Voted, To proceed to business.
· Capt. Isaac Cook was unanimously elected Assessor in place of A. W. Goddard, resigned.
The following Report was read and accepted by Vote :
9
130
Brookline Town Records.
REPORT OF COM. ON MUSICK.
The committee appointed at the annual meeting to whom was refered the subject of "introducing Musick" into the public schools, having given it some attention would now report.
For the best information upon the. subject that can be obtained, your committee have consulted several gentlemen, who have been connected with schools where musick has been introduced methodically as a pop- ular branch of Education, with complete success ; also by an examination of the " Abstracts of the Massachusetts School returns" where some very valuable information upon that subject may be found, it is there highly recommended by the " School Committee " of about thirty cities and towns within this commonwealth, in which are about six Hundred schools : the opinion as expressed by all, where the basis upon which the opinion is formed is experience, has universaly been the same : That Musick, wherever it has been introduced into the public schools, has been produc- tive of the most happy results; that it exerts a beneficial influence upon the intellect, taste, morals, & physical constitution of the young ; improves the hearts, promotes good feelings, pure tastes, refined senti- ments, cheerfulness & good order; " Softens the temper, sweetens the disposition, and tunes the heart in unison with all the better feelings of their nature; creates domestic happiness in the family circle, and pro- duces a concord of feeling in school." It is found by experience to be a valuable assistant to the reader, "it being a good exercise in the elements of harmonious and correct speach " and it has universally proved a source of pleasure to the pupils ; it relieves the monotony of school exercises, and as a recreation it is both pleasant and profitable; where the minds of children become weary and dull, it has a tendency to restore their jaded energies, and send them back with invigorated powers to other more laborious duties; It also renders the schoolroom a pleasant place of resort to the young, who go there with minds more willing and in a more suitable state to receive instructions. Its introduction has proved by experience to be of inestimable advantage to the pupils, without being attended with any disadvantages. Such are the results of "introducing instructions in vocal Musick into the public schools" as proved by the united testimony of all whose experience or knowledg of the subject qualifies them to give a correct opinion.
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