USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1796 to 1813 > Part 11
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By order of the Committee Charles Bulfinch Chairman
The foregoing report having been read and debated was accepted by the town
A motion being made for a reconsideration did not obtain
The committee appointed to consider a compensation for the services of the assessors and Town Treasurer, and the Collector of Taxes - Report
That they are of opinion that Six hundred & fifty dollars be allowed to each of the assessors, as a compensation for their services, and that one thousand dollars pr Annum for the Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes as a compensation for his services
Nathaniel Fellowes pr Order.
The foregoing Report having been accepted it was thereupon voted.
132
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
That the sum of One thousand dollars be allowed and paid unto Samuel Clap Esq. as a compensation for his services as Town Treasurer and Collector of taxes the present year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence the first day of March last, also
Voted that Six hundred and fifty dollars be allowed and paid to each the assessors for their respective services the present year, the same to be paid them quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence the first day of March last
Voted that the town Treasurer be authorized and empowered to borrow on lawful interest for the use of the Board of Health as there may be occasion a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars
Voted that the Town Treasurer be authorized and empowered to borrow on lawful interest for the use of the Selectmen as there may be occasion a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars
[212.] Voted that the Town Treasurer be authorized and empowered to borrow on lawful interest a sum not exceeding four thousand dollars for the use of the Selectmen for the special pur- pose of defraying the sums which have been awarded to those persons whose lands and buildings in Fish Street have been taken from them since the late fire to enlarge and improve said street.
Voted that the thanks of the Town be given to the Honble Thomas Dawes Esq. the Moderator of this meeting for his good services in dispatching the business of the meeting
Then the meeting was dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town meeting, assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 5th. day of July Anno Domini 1802 at 9 oclock AM -
Warrant for calling the meeting - - Read
William Cooper Esq. was chosen Moderator.
The Committee appointed last year to make choice of a Gentle- man to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Independence
Reported, that they had made choice of the Revd William Emmerson who has accepted the appointment
On motion adjourned to Old South Church when agreeable to the information of the Selectmen
*
133
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was delivered by the Revd. William Emmerson at the old South Church
On motion voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to wait on the Revd. William Emmerson, and in the name of the Town to thank him for the elegant and spirited Oration this day [213] delivered by him at the request of the town upon the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America ; in which according to the Institution of the Town he considered the feel- ings manners and principles which led to that great national event ; and to request of him a copy thereof for the Press
On motion voted that the Gentlemen Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to some one able & learned Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the fourth day of July A D 1803, that day being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America wherein the Orator is to consider the feelings, manners and principles which led to this great national event; as well as the important and happy effects, whether gen- eral or domestic, which have already or will forever flow from that auspicious epoch
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil hall on Wednesday the fourteenth day of July Aº Di. 1802, 3 Clock P M
Warrant for calling a meeting - Read
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. was chosen Moderator
The petition of a number of the Physicians of the Town, and of the Board of Health, that the town would take into consideration the expediency of granting permission (under direction of the Board of Health) to inoculate twenty persons with the small pox. having previously had the Kine pox, in order to ascertain beyond all reasonable doubt, the utility of that disorder as a preventa- tive against the small pox, and also that they be empowered to take up some proper house as a hospital wherein to make these experiments - was read and after considerable debate the question was put and did not obtain, It was then moved & Voted that the Prayer of this Petition be so far complied with that [214] the Board of health have full power to make the experiment at
134
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
any place that they may judge convenient provided that it be not within the town
Then the meeting was dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the twenty seventh day of September Anno Domini 1802, 10 oclock AM
Warrant for calling the meeting Read
Ebenezer Hancock Esq.
was chosen Moderator by a hand vote -
Samuel Clap Esq. letter of Resignation as Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes for the present year was read and accepted, as by copy on file,
On motion voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Samuel Clap Esq. for his good and faithful services as Town Treasurer for a number of years past.
The inhabitants were directed to bring in their votes for Town Treasurer and Collector of taxes for the remainder of the year, and the same being brought in and counted it appeared that
Ebenezer Storer Esq.
was chosen Town Treasurer and Collector by a very large majority.
On motion voted that the Auditors of the Towns accounts chosen last March be desired to examine the accounts of the late Treasurer, and to balance his books
The article in the warrant relative to the proceedings of the trustees for managing the land on the neck, was read, whereupon
Voted, that the Town do now ratify and confirm the proceed- ings of the Trustees for managing their land on the Neck and authorize them or the major part of them as may be annually chosen for that purpose to execute in behalf of the Town, such [215] leases thereof or of any parcel or parts thereof which such reservations of Rents and Rights of pre entry and limitations, covenants of renewal or any other covenants ; as in the opinion of the said Trustees, or the major part of them shall be most for the interest of the Town; which authority shall continue until revoked by the Town, Provided that in all cases, the leases of the said lands and any part or parcel of them shall be sold at public auction
135
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1802.
The article in the warrant containing the request of Capt. John Brazer was read, whereupon
Voted that his request be referred to the Selectmen for considera- tion to report thereon at the next general Town meeting that may be called
The article in the warrant, viz, The request of Jona. Ellis that means may be adopted to make the necessary abatement in his Tax for 1801 was read whereupon
Voted that the present Assessors together with two of the Assessors of the last year viz Eben". Seaver & Jedediah Parker be a Committee with authority to make the necessary abatements on the outstanding Taxes prior to 1802, and to close the old Assessors books to that period
Voted that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given unto Ebenezer Hancock Esq. for his good services as Moderator
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[216.] 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 the first day of Nov". Anno Domini 1802, 11 °Clock A M.
Prayer was made by Revd. Mr. Gardner
Warrant for calling the meeting - Read
Paragraph of the Resolve of the General Court for the choice of one Representative for the Suffolk district of this Commonwealth in the Congress of the United States &c was Read
It was then declared by the Selectmen that the poll would be closed at two oclock P M the bell to begin tolling at half past one oclock -
Persons voted for as a Representative for the Suffolk district for this Commonwealth in the next Congress of the United States Viz
Honble. William Eustis Esqr. Fourteen hundred and thirty votes
Honble. John Q. Adams Esqr. Fourteen hundred and ninety six and the same was declared in Town meeting.
An attested Copy of the persons voted for as above was sealed up in Town meeting after a declaration had been made by the
136
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Selectmen of the persons voted for as a Representative for the Suffolk district in this Commonwealth in the Congress of the United States - and the same was put into the hands of the Sheriff of this County, to be delivered to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, superscribed as follows vizt.
For John Avery Esq. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[219.] 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 Decr. 23d. AD 1802, 10 °Clock A M. -
Warrant for calling a meeting Read
Joseph Russell Esq.
was chosen moderator by a hand Vote.
The article in the warrant viz. To consider the expediency of appointing Agents with full power to make a final adjustment by sale, purchase or otherwise with the Legislature relative to the Old Town house, Or to take such other measures respecting the same as may be most for the interest & honor of the Town, was read & considered, whereupon
Voted, That the Honble. the Senators of the County of Suffolk, and the Representatives of the Town of Boston be authorized with full power to make any contract on the part of the Town with the General Court of this Commonwealth, and the Counties of Suffolk & Norfolk relative to the Old Town House, by sale purchase or otherwise, and on such terms and conditions as to them may appear most for the interest and honor of the Town
The article in the warrant relative to a further allowance to the Assessors, Town Treasurer and Collector &c was read and after debate the further consideration thereof was referred over to March meeting.
The request of Russell Sturgis Esq. that the Town would lease to him Deer island for" the purpose of erecting Salt works having been read and considered
Voted that the Selectmen be and are hereby authorized and im- . powered to lease Deer Island in part or in whole for such sum and such a term not exceeding twelve years as they may judge proper.
137
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1803.
Matters unfinished referred to next Town meeting.
On motion voted that the Thanks of the town be given to Joseph Russell Esq for his good services as Moderator of this meeting.
Then the meeting was Dissolved.
1803.
[218.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the town of Boston at Faneuil Hall on Friday 21 Janu- ary AD 1803. 10 °Clock AM.
Warrant for calling meeting Read
Joseph Russell Esq
chosen Moderator of this meeting by a hand vote.
The article in the warrant relative to the Security of the Town from fires, together with the petition of a number of the Inhabi- tants for calling the meeting read and considered, whereupon
Voted unanimously that twelve citizens be chosen one from each ward who with the Selectmen shall until the first day of May next have full power and authority to adopt such measures as to them may appear necessary and expedient the better to secure the town against damage from fire; and the inhabitants hereby pledge themselves to the Committee and to each other that they will promptly and without delay conform to the rules and regula- tions which said Committee may from time to time propose to enable them to effect the object of their appointment -- and the following Gentlemen were chosen as a Committee from the several Wards agreeable to the above vote Viz.
Capt Bray for Ward -
-Nº 1
Colº Gardner 66
2
Thomas Lewis
3
Josiah Vose 66 4
Mr. Mitchell Lincoln 66
5
Isaiah Doane Esq "
6
James Prince Esq "
7
Mr. David Bradlee 66
Arnold Welles Esq"
9
General Winslow "
10
Capt Daniel Messenger
11
Amasa Davis Esq
12
also voted that in case of any vacancy the said Committee are to fill up said vacancy
Voted that the Representatives of the Town be directed to use their endeavours in the General Court to obtain such a revision
138
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
and alteration of the law regulating buildings [219] That all buildings exceeding ten feet in height shall be built wholly of brick or stone except such parts as may be necessary for doors or windows, and covered with Slate Tile or other non-combustible composition
On motion voted that as the Town have witnessed the caution, prudence and discretion of the Firewards in the late distressing scenes which have fallen on this metropolis - the Thanks of the town be given to them - and that they may be assured that the town will afford them all the support necessary to such important usefulness
Voted that the Thanks of the Town be given to Joseph Russell Esq for his good services as Moderator
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 26 January AD 1803, 10 oclock AM
Warrant for calling the meeting Read.
Joseph Russell Esq. was chosen Moderator by a hand vote.
The petitions relative to a new Bridge, and a permanent wharf were read and after debate had thereon
Voted that the Representatives of this Town be instructed to request of the Legislature now in session a reference of the ap- plication now before them for a bridge or wharves from South end to Dorchester point until the next session of the Legislature, also
Voted that Mr. Josia. Snelling Ward Nº 1
Capt. Rhodes
Nº 2
Colº. John May
66 3
William Mackay 66 4
Thomas Edwards Esq 5
Honble. John C Jones
6
Honble. Benja. Austin Jr
7
Capt. John Brazier
8
Capt. Nath1. Fellowes
9
Joseph Russell Esq.
10
Gen1. Winslow 11 Josiah Knapp 12
[220.] be a Committee to consider the subject of the Bridge proposed from the South part of the town to Dorchester and also
139
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1803.
the petition of Edward Tuckerman and others for liberty to build a wharf to the Channel-and to report their opinion to the Town at the next March meeting
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 31 Jany Aº Di 1803.
Warrant for calling the meeting Read
The article in the warrant was Read, as well as the petition for calling the meeting and after some debate a motion was made and carried that this meeting be adjourned to the Old South Church
The consideration of the article was then taken up and after large debate the Question was put viz whether the vote passed the 21st. instant viz "That all buildings exceeding ten feet in hight shall be built wholly of brick or Stone except such parts as may be necessary for doors and windows, and covered with slate tile or other non-combustible composition " shall be reconsidered, it passed in the negative by a considerable majority - It was then moved and voted that our Representatives be instructed to pro- cure an exemption in the bill now before the Legislature for such persons as before the said twenty first day of January had con- tracted or provided materials for erecting such buildings.
Then the meeting was dissolved
[221.] At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in pub- lic Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the second day of March AD 1803. at 10 °Clock AM -
Warrant for calling a meeting was Read
David Tilden Esq was chosen Moderator by a hand vote
The article in the warrant relative to the list of qualified voters was read whereupon
Voted that the following Gentlemen be a Committee to receive correct and complete the list of qualified voters in their respective wards, who are to report the same to the Selectmen, Viz
140
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Josiah Snelling Samuel Lord & Amos Binney - - Ward Nº 1
Thomas Lewis Colo. Edward Proctor John May - Josiah Vose, Capt. Benja. Smith Darius Boardman Jacob Rhoades, Colo. Gardner John Truman - -
66 3
60 4
2 5
Mitchel Lincoln, John W. Folsom Samuel Sturgis Isaiah Doane, Jacob Eustis, Samuel Snelling Capt. Prince, Sam1. Parkman, B Austin, Samuel ? Sumner Josiah Bacon S Shaw
6
7
8
Capt. Brazier, Dr. Nath1. Noyes David Bradlee Arnold Welles Esq. Nath1. Fellows Esq Edmd. Bowman
66
9
Gen1. Winslow, G Blanchard, Samuel Hewes
10
Samuel Sweet, Gen1. Donnison, Henry Vose -
11
W Brown Esq Capt. Wheeler, Colo. Davis Henry
12
Bass, Uriah Cotton, Josiah Knapp
A list of names for Jury Boxes was laid before the Town, and being approved, the Gentlemen Selectmen were appointed a Com- mittee for the purpose of regulating the Jury Boxes.
Voted that the thanks of the Town be given to David Tilden . Esq. for his good services as Moderator.
Then the Meeting was dissolved.
[222.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 14th day of March Anno Domini 1803 9 °Clock AM.
Prayer was made by Revd. Doctr. Howard.
Warrant for calling the meeting was Read.
Sunday laws to be read at this meeting were accordingly read
Joseph Russell Esq.
was chosen Moderator by a hand vote
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their votes for a Town Clerk and the same having been brought in & counted it appeared that William Cooper Esq. was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and the oath of office was adminis- tered to him by Mr. Justice Bulfinch
The Inhabitants were directed to bring in their votes for nine Selectmen and the same being brought in counted and assorted it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen Vizt.
141
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1803.
Charles Bulfinch Esq
Mr. William Porter
David Tilden Esq
Wm Sherburne Esq
Russell Sturgis Esq
Mr. John Tileston
Capt. Joseph Howard
Mr. Ebenr. Oliver
Jonª. Hunnewell Esq
[223.] 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.
The Inhabitants brought in their votes for twenty four Fire- wards, when it appeared that
Thomas Melvill Mr. Edward Edes
Amasa Davis Esq
[224.]
Samuel Parkman Esq
Henry Jackson Esq
William Scollay Esq
Thomas H Perkins Esq John Winslow Esq Capt Joseph Howard Mr Benjamin Joy Stephen Codman Esq Andrew Cunningham Esq
Joseph May Esq
Mr. John Bray
Capt. Robt Gardner
Mr. Thomas Dennie
John May Esq
General Elliot
William Brown Esq
Rufus G. Amory Esq.
Samuel Bradford Esq Jonathan Hunnewell Esq. Capt Daniel Messinger
Joseph Head were chosen Fire wards for the year ensuing
Voted, that in addition to the Selectmen twelve persons be now chosen a School Committee and the votes being brought in it appeared that the following gentlemen were chosen viz
Hon Thomas Dawes Esq Dr Thomas Walsh Rev Joseph Eckley D D Rev Jno T Kirkland Dr. Aaron Dexter William Smith Esq. Arnold Welles Jr Esq Edward Gray Esq David Greene Esq Josiah Quincy Esq Revd William Emmerson John Phillips Esq.
Voted that the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with
142
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
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 [225] to manage and regulate the Officers and the government of the Schools, and in future to regulate all the power relative to the Schools and School- masters which the Selectmen or such Committees were authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth or the Town to exercise, any former votes of the Town to the contrary notwithstanding
Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer and collector, but there being no choice, On motion four o clock P M was assigned for the choice.
Mr. Benjamin White Moses Ayres Daniel Ingersol Jun". William Darricott
were chosen Fence viewers for the year ensuing
Votes for a Treasurer for the County of Suffolk brought in and counted by the Moderator & Town Clerk when it appeared that the whole number [was ] 272, all of which were for Ebenezer Seaver Esq a discreet suitable person and a Freeholder and Resident in said County.
The Votes being brought in for a Town Advocate for the Municipal Court it appeared that John Phillips Esq. was chosen
Ajourned to 3 ºClock, P M -
Town met at three Oclock P M-
Messrs. Barney Conner William Wheeler
were chosen Hogreeves for the year ensuing
Messrs. Barney Conner William Wheeler
were chosen Haywards for the year ensuing
[226.] Messrs. Jeffry Richardson Samuel Emmons
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the year ensuing
Messrs. Edward Tuckerman Edward Edes were chosen Surveyors of Wheat for the year ensuing
Messrs. John Welles William C Hunneman
were chosen Assay masters for the year ensuing
143
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1803.
Messr. Roger Bartlett Jonathan Cushing were chosen Cullers of Dry Fish for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Henry Purkett Lemuel Gardner Thomas Barber James Eunson
were chosen Cullers of hoops & staves for the year ensuing
The Selectmen
were chosen surveyors of the highways for the year ensuing
Mr. Edward Rumney, was chosen Inspector of Stone Lime for the year ensuing
Messrs. Joshua Bentley James Blake William Clouston John Butterfield Benjamin White John Cogswell William Darricott Benjamin Page William Ellison Daniel Ingersoll Samuel Treat Thomas Stutson
[227.]
were chosen Surveyors of Boards for the year ensuing.
Voted that the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq Joseph Russell Esq Samuel Brown Esq
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the accounts of the late Town Treasurer and also the accots. of the Selectmen Overseers of the poor & Board of health and said Committee are also directed to report the sums necessary to be raised for the ser- vices of the present year
Votes for a Town Treasurer & Collector of Taxes were again brought in and upon counting and assorting the same it appeared that, Mr. Benjamin Sumner was chosen.
The petition of the Wood wharfingers "That the Law which restricts them from carrying more than four feet of Wood in their Carts, may be repealed " was read, and after debate had thereon it was moved & voted that
Gen1. Winslow Chass. Paine Esq Jonª. Hunnewell Esq
144
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
be a committee to confer with the Wharfingers and report thereon at the adjournment
The application of a number of the Inhabitants of West Bos- ton was read, Whereupon Voted that the consideration of their request that a new writing and grammar school may be estab lished in that part of the Town be referred to the School Com- mittee, they to report thereon at the adjournment
On motion Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday 23ª. inst. 10 °Clock AM then to meet in this place.
Adjourned accordingly.
[228.] The Town met according to adjournment March 23d. 1803, at 10 °Clock AM. -
Voted that the consideration of all money matters be referred over to next May meeting
The School Committee on the petition of a number of the Inhabitants of West Boston for an additional school - Report that having considered the petition of the Inhabitants of West Boston for an additional school they unanimously recommend that a reading and writing School should be established in some convenient place at West Boston, so situated however as that it shall likewise accommodate those who live near the centre of the town " which Report having been read and considered it was voted that the same be accepted - Also
Voted that the said Committee be empower'd to procure by purchase or otherwise a suitable piece of land whereon to erect a School house as proposed by the Inhabitants of Ward Nº 7 and that they proceed to build said school house and to establish a writing and English grammar school with all convenient speed.
The Committee on the petition of the Woodwharfingers Re- port, That having attended to that duty they are of opinion that the clause of the By-law complained of by the Petitioners operates a hardship upon them and that the same ought to be so altered as that the Woodwharfingers & Truckmen should be at liberty to carry on their carts or Trucks at any season of the year a load not exceeding six feet of Cord or Fire wood, reserving to the Selectmen the power of restricting them to carry not more than four feet of green wood at one time during such [229] part of the Spring of every year as the Selectmen shall deem necessary for the preservation of the Streets lanes and alleys of the town and shall limit, and give notice thereof in any public newspaper printed in the town of Boston, they the said Selectmen to have power to vary, enlarge, or diminish such restriction as they may judge proper
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