USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1796 to 1813 > Part 10
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Prayer was made by Revd. Mr. Topkins
Warrant for calling a meeting - Read
Sundry laws to be read at this meeting were accordingly Read.
Joseph Russell Esq. was chosen Moderator by a hand vote.
118
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
The inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their votes for Town Clerk, and the same having been brought in and counted it appeared that
William Cooper Esq.
was chosen town Clerk for the year ensuing, and the oath of office was administered by Mr. Justice Bulfinch.
[194.] The inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their votes for nine Selectmen; the same being brought in and assorted it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen viz
Charles Bulfinch Esq
William Sherburne Esq
David Tilden Esq
Mr. John Tileston
Russell Sturgis Esq
Mr. Eben". Oliver
Capt. Joseph Howard
Mr. Jonathan Hunnewell
Mr. William Porter
The meeting was then adjourned to three oclock PM.
The town met at three oclock P M according to adjournment
The votes being brought in for twelve Overseers of the poor, it appeared that
Edward Proctor Esq Mr. Oliver Brewster
Mr. Edward Edes Dr. Redford Webster
Henry Hill Esq Thomas Perkins Esq
William Smith Esq Stephen Codman Esq
William Phillips Esq Mr. Samuel Snelling
Stephen Gorham Esq Mr. Benja. Goddard
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing
On motion voted that the thanks of the town be given to the Honble. Jonª. Loring Austin Esq for his good services as an overseer of the poor for eighteen years past
The inhabitants brought in their votes for twenty four fire wards when it appeared that
Thomas Melvill Esq Mr. Joseph Head Mr. Edward Edes Thomas H Perkins Esq
Amasa Davis Esq John Winslow Esq
[195.] Samuel Parkman Esq Capt Joseph Howard
Russell Sturgis Esq.
Mr Benjamin Joy
Henry Jackson Esq Stephen Codman Esq
William Scollay Esq Joseph May Esq Mr. John Bray Mr. Thomas Dennie
Andrew Cunningham Esq
Capt. Robert Gardner John May Esq General Elliot William Brown Esq Mr. Gorham Parsons Samuel Bradford Esq Rufus G. Amory Esq
were chosen Firewards for the year ensuing.
119
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
Russell Sturgis Esq & Mr. Gorham Parsons declined serving as firewards, and were accordingly excused
Voted that in addition to the Selectmen, twelve persons shall now be chosen as a school committee, and the votes being brought in and counted it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen viz
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq William Smith Esq
Revd. Sam1. West DD
Arnold Welles Jun'. Esq
Dr. Thomas Welch
Edward Gray Esq
Revd. Joseph Eckley DD
David Greene Esq
Revd. J T Kirkland
Josiah Quincy Esq
Dr. Aaron Dexter
Revd. William Emmerson
[196.] The Revd. Samuel West declined being one of the School Committee
Voted that the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with the Selectmen are termed the School committee be and hereby are directed to carry the new system of education which has been adopted by the town into operation, and said committee are also authorized and empowered conjunctly to manage and regulate the officers and the Government of the Schools, and in fine to execute all the power relating to the schools and School-masters, which the Selectmen of such Committees, were authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth or the votes of the town to exercise ; any former vote of the Town to the contrary notwithstanding.
On motion voted that the choice of Town Treasurer, County Treasurer, collectors of Taxes and assessors be referred over to the adjournment, also voted that
Deacon Brown General Winslow Thomas H Perkins Esq
Joseph Russell Esq
Samuel Brown Esq
Nath1. Fellowes Esq Amasa Davis Esq Russell Sturgis Esq
be a committee to consider the propriety of choosing the same person as Treasurer of the Town and Treasurer of the County also the subject of the assessment and collection of taxes, and to devise such methods therein as in their judgment may be for the interest and advantage of the town, And said Committee are empowered to view the books of the assessors, Collectors and Town Treasurer; also to apply to the Court of sessions for liberty to view the books of the County Treasurer, to report at the ad journment.
On motion voted that
Honble. Judge Sullivan Honble. H. G. Otis Esq
Honble. Benja. Austin Junr. Edward Gray Esq
Benja. Russell Esq
120
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
be a Committee to consider what number of Constables may be necessary to be chosen and to report at the adjournment.
[197.] Messrs. Benjamin White Daniel Ingersoll Jr. Moses Ayres William Darricott
were chosen Fence viewers for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Barney Connor William Wheeler
were chosen Hogreeves for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Barney Connor William Wheeler
were chosen Haywards, for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Jeffrey Richardson Samuel Emmes
were chosen surveyors of Hemp for the year ensuing
Edward Tuckerman Esq. Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen surveyors of wheat for the year ensuing.
Messrs. John Wells William Cooper Hunneman
were chosen assaymasters for the year ensuing
Messrs. Roger Bartlett Jonathan Cushing
were chosen cullers of dry fish for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Henry Purkett. Thomas Barber
Lemuel Gardner James Eunson
were chosen cullers of Hoops & Staves for the year ensuing.
The Selectmen
were chosen surveyors of Highways for the year ensuing.
Mr. Edward Rumney
was chosen inspector of stone lime for the year ensuing.
Votes for twelve surveyors of boards and shingles were brought in it appeared on assorting them that but ten were chosen
Viz. Messrs. Joshua Bentley William Clouston
Benja. White William Darricot
Benja. Page William Ellison
James Blake James Robins [198.] John Cogswell Daniel Ingersol Junr.
The votes being brought in for a town advocate for the munici- pal court it appeared that John Phillips Esq. was chosen
121
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
Voted that the consideration of all money matters be referred to next May meeting
Voted the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq Joseph Russell Esq Sam1. Brown Esq.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the accompts of the Town Treasurer, and also the accompts of the Selectmen Overseers of the Poor and Board of Health, and said Committee are also directed to report the sum necessary to be raised for the services of the present year.
The consideration relative to [the ] Article in [the] warrant re- specting the Treasurers issuing small notes or due bills referred to the Auditors of accounts to report at May meeting
The article in warrant relative to Cobb and Hartshorne as to exchange of land &c read whereupon
Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby [are ] authorized and impowered to make such an agreement as shall appear to them to be for the advantage of the Town
The application of Isaac P. Davis that the Town would sell him a small piece of land &c was read, whereupon
Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby are authorized and impowered to make sale of the land in Pleasant Street, applied for by Mr. Davis, provided they can do it on such terms as they shall think for the interest of the town
The meeting was then adjourned to Wednesday the seventeenth day of March instant at ten oclock AM.
[199.] Wednesday March 17, 10 Clock AM, the Town met according to adjournment.
The committee to consider what number of Constables may be necessary to be chosen having reported, and said report accepted by the town. the votes were accordingly brought in for eight Con- stables when it appeared that
Messrs. Elisha Copeland Thomas Stevenson
Solomon Twist Amos Lewis
Henry Lane Samuel White
Moses Thayer Jirah Holbrook
were chosen Constables for the year ensuing
The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of unit- ing the office of town treasurer and County Treasurer in one per- son, and to devise a more correct and economical mode for
122
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
assessing and collecting the tax of the town of Boston, having attended and considered the duties to which they are appointed beg leave to report,
That the office of Town Treasurer and the office of County Treasurer for the present year be vested in separate persons - second, That it be recommended to the Inhabitants to choose the Town Treasurer Collector for the town
third, That the Assessors of the Town of Boston shall for the present year consist of three persons to be paid by the town for their services hereafter named, and that they hold no other office of profit in the town of Boston, and
fourth, that in each ward the voters shall annually assemble on the first Wednesday of April and then choose and appoint two persons in each of their respective wards to assist the town asses- sors in taking a list of the polls, in estimating the value of their personal property, in appraising the value of all real estates in their own wards, to assist the Town assessors in taking a list of the Polls, in estimating the value of their personal property, in appraising the value of all real estates in their own wards; and the twenty four persons thus chosen in the respective wards shall meet & nominate for the approbation of the town three persons whom they shall judge best qualified to serve the town in the office of assessors [200] the ensuing year, and the two assist- ants chosen for each ward as their service, though important, will be of short duration are not to be allowed any pecuniary com- pensation.
fifth, that the Gentlemen Selectmen be requested to publish & notify the respective wards to choose and appoint those assist- ants to the town assessors when they choose their members of the Board of Health on the day above mentioned ; and in case of death or resignation the Chairman be directed to call a meeting in either Ward.
sixth, That when the list and inventory is taken as before men- tioned the Assessors shall then make a fair schedule in a book of all the real estate, its situation and appraised value, of the Polls rateable and not rateable, the returns or estimated value of per- sonal property - And the assessors shall give notice that their books are open at their office for the free examination of all whom they have taxed, that the inhabitants in thirty days may receive or communicate information, or apply for alteration in the esti- mated value of their personal property in such manner as the Law directs. the inventory of polls and personal property shall be taken annually, and if alterations in the schedule of Real estates shall appear necessary it shall at the same time be attended to
seventh, When the tax is completed, the assessors shall fill up & distribute printed tax bills to all whom they have taxed, at the foot of which bills shall be printed the deductions for prompt payments as hereafter is provided
eighth, It shall be the duty of the Town Treasurer in his addi- tional office as collector to receive the tax and discharge the Tax
123
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
bill of all persons who shall apply to him at his office and make payment - and for those who shall pay him within 30 days from the date of his tax bill, he shall deduet 5 per cent, for those who pay him within 60 days, 3 per cent, for those who pay him with- in 120 days, 2 per cent from the amount of their tax bills ninth, The Collector shall distrain upon the property or person of those who are delinquent after the expiration of six months as the law directs
tenth, the Assessors and Collectors shall once in a year on or before the first day of March make return to the Selectmen of [201] all abatements, delinquents, and the amount of Tax not collected
And your Committee recommend that the town choose and appoint a Committee to apply to the General Court at their next session, and that the Representatives be the Committee to apply to the next General Court under the direction of the Selectmen for the purpose of making sueh law as may be required to carry the above votes into effect if any should be found necessary
The aforegoing report having been read and amended by Paragraphs, the question was then put - Whether said Report shall be accepted by the Town as thus amended when it passed in the affirmative almost unanimously
Adjourned to three oclock P M .- -
At 3 ºClock P.M. Town met according to adjournmt.
Samuel Clap Esq.
was chosen Town Treasurer for the year ensuing. Samuel Clap Esq was chosen Town Collector for the year ensuing.
Votes were brought in for two Surveyors of Boards twice and there being a [no?] choice this business was referred to the adjournment.
Votes for a Treasurer for the County of Suffolk were brought in and counted by the Moderator and Town Clerk, when it ap- peared that the whole number was 279 all of which for Ebenezer Seaver Esq ; a discreet and suitable person, and a Freeholder and Resident in said County.
Messrs Jonathan Hunnewell Daniel Messenger
were chosen Firewards for the year ensuing.
Voted that the thanks of the town be given to Nathaniel Fel- lows & Russell Sturgis Esqrs. and Mr. Gorham Parsons for their good services as Firewards a number of years past
124
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
The further consideration of the report of the Committee rela- tive to the Town Treasurer issuing small notes &c was referred to May meeting
Adjourned to Wednesday the 21 April next, at ten oclock AM. -
[202.] At a meeting of the male inhabitants of the town of Boston of twenty one years of age and upwards qualified as the constitution prescribes and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the fifth day of April Anno Domini 1802, 11 ° Clock AM
Prayer was made by the Reyd. Mr. Haskell
Warrant for calling the meeting - - - Read
Paragraph of the Constitution or frame of Government relative to the choice of Governor and Lt. Governor and Senators Read
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no vote should be received but such as were unfolded, and that they propose the polls should be closed at three oclock PM the votes to be received at the Table and the bells to begin tolling at half past two oclock
The selectmen acquainted the town with the method they had adopted to carry the new law into effect
[203.] Persons voted for as Governor with the number of votes for each person Viz
Votes
Honble. Caleb Strong Esq. 2372
Honble. Elbridge Gerry Esq. . 1498
Persons voted for as Lt. Governor with the number of votes for each person Viz
Honble. William Heath Esq. - 1495
Honble. Edward H Robbins Esq. 2369 -
Persons voted for for Senators for the County of Suffolk, with the number of votes for each person Vizt.
Honble. Oliver Wendall Esq. - 2375
Honble. William Tudor Esq. - 2373
Honble. James Bowdoin Esq. 1497
Honble. Benja. Austin JJun'. Esq. 1498
Honble. Peleg Coffin Esq. - 2375
John Q. Adams Esq. - 2373
Nath1. Fellowes Esq. 1495
David Tilden Esq. 1495
125
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
Attested Copies of Persons voted for as Governor Lt. Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk were sealed up in Town meeting, after the votes had been declared to the Town attested copies of them were that evening delivered to the Secretary of this Commonwealth by the Town Clerk, superscribed as follows For John Avery Esq Secy. of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The number of votes of the Town of Boston for Governor Lt. Governor and four Senators for the County of Suffolk certified within and sealed up in town meeting
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
[204.] Wednesday April 21. 1802 at 10 oclock AM. the Town met according to adjournment
Revd. Mr. West having declined serving as one of the School Committee, it was moved and voted that the thanks of the Town be and are hereby given to Revd. Doct Samuel West for his good services as one of the School committee for a number of years past
Votes being brought in for two Surveyors of boards and shingles it appeared that
Mess John Butterfield Samuel Treat
were chosen surveyors of Boards and shingles for the year ensuing
The votes being brought in for one of the School Committee in the room of Doct West it appeared that
Revd. John [S] Popkins
was chosen in the room of Dr. West who has resigned
The committee of the several Wards relative to assistants for the assessors - Reported that
Agreeable to a vote of the Town, the respective Wards met on the first Wednesday of April and chose two assistant assessors for each Ward who being notified by the Chairman of the Select- men, met at Faneuil Hall on Saturday the 17th. and by adjourn- ment on Monday the nineteenth of April for the purpose of choos- ing three persons to be nominated to the town as assessors when Messrs. Josiah Snelling Samuel Dunn and Benjamin Sumner were unanimously chosen,
present Mess John W Quincy Jacob Holland
Ward Nº. 1
2
126
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
Edward Proctor
Edward Edes
- 3
William Walter
Benja. Smith - 4
T Tid
6
W Boardman
R Webster N Webb
5
C Loring
. 7
S W Sumner
J Brazier
E Morse
- 8
Nath1. Fellowes
Ward Nº. 9
D. D. Rogers
J Winslow 10
T Wright
Jonª. Hunnewell
11
W Brown
N Bradley
12
Nath1. Fellowes Chairm". William Walter Secy
The foregoing Report having been accepted by the town and the votes for three assessors having been brought in & assorted it appeared that
.
Messrs. Josiah Snelling Samuel Dunn Benja. Sumner
were chosen Assessors for the year ensuing
Voted that all matters which shall remain unfinished at this meeting be referred over to the May meeting.
Voted unanimously that the thanks of the town be given to Joseph Russell Esq. the Moderator of this meeting for the dispatch given the business that came before them
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[206.] At a meeting of the male Inhabitants of the town of Boston of twenty one years of age and upwards qualified as the Constitution prescribes and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the twelfth day of May Anno Domini 1802 11 Clock AM
Prayer by Reverend Mr. Jnº Murray
Warrant for calling the meeting was Read
That part of the Constitution or frame of government which relates to the choice of Representatives was Read
[205.]
127
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
The town having determined by a vote to choose seven persons to Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be holden in the State house in Boston on the last Wednesday of May current agreeable to the Constitution or frame of Govern- ment for Massachusetts ; the inhabitants were directed by the Selectmen to withdraw and bring in their votes for seven Repre- sentatives and then it was declared by the Selectmen that no vote would be received but such as are unfolded, and until the names of the persons entering shall be marked on the list by the Gentle- men who assist for that purpose from the several wards, and that they propose the polls shall be closed at half past two o'clock. the bells to begin tolling at two oclock and to continue until half an hour is expired
The votes being brought in for seven Representatives, the whole number of the same were found to be 2408, and upon as- sorting them it appeared that the following seven Gentlemen had obtained a majority of the votes Viz
Honble. John C Jones Esq 1386
Honble. Harrison Gray Otis Esq. 1378
Joseph Russell Esq. 1378
Samuel Parkman Esq
1383
John Lowell Esq. 1369
Deacon William Brown
1382
Jonª. Hunnewell Esq. -
1374
[209.] The votes given for such as did not obtain were for
Charles Jarvis Esq
Votes 1030
James Bowdoin Esq
1022
Benja. Austin Jun'. Esq. 1023
David Tilden Esq
1020
Russell Sturgis Esq
1024
Nathaniel Fellowes Esq
1018
Samuel Brown Esq -
1036
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen, the meeting was dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil hall on Tuesday the thirteenth day of May Anno Domini 1802, 10 °Clock A.M.
Prayer by Revd. Mr. Murray
Warrant for calling the meeting was Read
The Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq.
was chosen Moderator of this meeting by a hand vote
128
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq William Tudor Esq John Winslow Esq William Brown Esq Mr. Josiah Knapp Mr. Joshua Davis Jun".
are added to the Selectmen who conjunctly are to manage and lease the lands on the neck
The article in the warrant viz To consider & adopt such methods as may be proper to investigate the Towns claims to the Flatts and Docks, also appoint Agents with authority to settle and compromise any difference and to prosecute & [208] defend suits on the towns claims to final judgment & execution and to do any thing which may be thought proper to be done at said meeting on that subject was read, whereupon
Voted that the above Committee be added to the Selectmen for the purpose aforesaid to report at the adjournment and Thomas Davis, Samuel Brown and John Andrews, Esquires are added to said Committee
The article in the warrant viz That the town would take into consideration the propriety of an application to the Legislature for an alteration in the law respecting the choice of Constables was read whereupon
Voted that this matter be referred to the Gentlemen who repre- sent this town in the General Court who are desired to act thereon as they may think proper
The Committee to audit Treasurers accounts &c Report
That the Selectmens drafts amount to $42557.26
Overseers of the poor 13946.98
Board of Health from May 1801 to May 1802 3248.49
Total 59752.73
The Treasurer charges
pd. A Tukesbury for repairs & sundries
222.12
also amount of abatements, viz
To Benj Henderson - 942.33
Tho8 Bailey 2108. 4
Benj Jepson - 641.95
C Marshall
1279.18
4971.50
the above completes the abatement of taxes for 1800 by the assessors certified March 15 1802
129
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
The treasurer charges money paid for interest -
2403.25 The treasurer charges himself with new a/c balce. - - 23231.36.5
90580.96.5
The treasurer gives Cr by the balce. of )
old accº. -
21601.90.2
April 13 1801
By sundries received of William Gooch in 8 paymts. - -
407.15
By William Gooch's note
372.63
780.8
By the Board of health
234.62
By Gen1. Winslow for 2 fines to Board health -
400.
634.62
By 1 fine
1.66
[209.] By S Bourne Esq. 2 fines
2.62
By Mungo Mackay Esq. subscription money for Cam- bridge Street 100.
By O Hartshorne for lands sold him - 1070.
By George Trott for hay engine 194.58
By Cloughs note 13.33.3
By sundry rents
749.
By A Tukesbury for rent
133.33
By the States Treasurer 2 semi annual payments for States poor in Almshouse 5299.84
By the tax voted for 1801 -
60.000.00
90580.96.5
The treasurer also exhibits a trial balance Acco. April 1802
And charges Town powder -
1041.94
Notes receivable -
372.63
Andrew Tukesbury
127.51
Estate of James Thompson
645.78
Cash
366.33
Benja. Henderson
- 10216.22
Christopher Marshall
2430.60
ditto -
-
13772. 1
Benja. Jepson -
17349.13
Thomas Bailey
- 14327.72
-
-
58095.68
60649.87.5
130
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
And credits for notes payable - 30948.80
Estate of John Gray 107.
Samuel Clap
491.84
Town of Boston
23231.36.5
Overseers drafts
66.44
Selectmens drafts
5804.43
60649.87.5
Amount of notes payable and to whom viz Ezekiel Price April 1. 1790 220.1.5.4
B Barker March 1. 1792
463. 5
Elizabeth Partridge
231.12.6
Selectmen of Boston
369.
Benja Waldo June 29
800.
£2084.12.10
equal to 6948.80
Borrowed of the Union Bank for Almshouse
- 20000.
for Board health 2000.
for oil for Lamps 2000
. $30948.80
[210.] The particulars of the foregoing statements are in the several accounts herein annexed to which a reference may be had all which appears to be well vouched and right cast. The Committee after taking many circumstances of the town into con- sideration recommend a tax to be laid for 70,000 dollars all which is respectfully submitted
Thomas Dawes
Joseph Russell
Samuel Brown
The foregoing report having been read and considered the same was accepted whereupon it was
Voted that the sum of 70,000 dollars be raised by a tax to be assessed on the Polls and estates of the inhabitants of the Town to defray the expenses of the current year
Voted that the Town Treasurer and collectors of taxes Salaries, and the compensations to the assessors now chosen be referred for consideration to the assistants of the town assessors to report at the adjournment
Voted that the sum of Six hundred and sixty six dollars be allowed and paid unto William Cooper for his services as Town Clerk the present year the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence the first day of March last
131
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
Voted that the sum of three hundred dollars be allowed to John Phillips Esq. for his services as Town Advocate the year ensuing
Voted to print the schedule of Town expenses the last year
The report of the Committee relative to Town Treasurers being impowered to issue small notes &c, again read and debated and the question being put, Whether the Report shall be accepted," passed in the negative
Adjourned to Monday the twenty fourth day of May instant at three oclock. PM
Monday May 24 1802. the Town met according to Adjourn- ment
The Committee to investigate the Towns claim to the docks and Flatts, Report,
That they have fully considered the subject as it respects the flatts between the South Battery Sconce and Scarlets Wharfe [211.] formerly so called ; have examined the earliest record & heard council on the subject. The Committee find that the rights of the abutters were limited by a circular line drawn in the year 1673 according to an agreement signed by them and by the Selectmen -The Committee have examined the plan of the cir- cular line which was taken in 1708, and are of opinion that this line should be considered as the boundaries of the rights of the abutters on the sea or flatts eastward
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