USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1814 to 1822 > Part 6
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Voted, that the Town of Boston highly approve of the conduct of said Andrew Sigourney Esquire in the said offices of Treasurer & Collector, and that [102] he has faithfully & fully as was in his power completed the execution of his duty in said offices to which he has been appointed as aforesaid, and that he be excused from all delinquency or default in not having effected the full and complete settlement of the taxes by him to have been received or collected according to law.
Fourth annual report of the
Committee of Finance of the Town of Boston.
In the year 1812 The Town voted, that the Selectmen, Over- seers of the Poor & Board of health should be constituted &
60
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
appointed a Committee of finance, to superintend the admin- istration of the monied concerns of the Town : Among other duties they were directed to prepare a clear and well defined statement of the Treasury, and of the monied concerns of the town, to be presented at the annual Meeting in May.
In conformity to these directions, the Committee have attended to the duty assigned them, and present the following, as the fourth annual report.
The amount of the warrants for taxes in 1815, were
For State Tax 24,709.33
County Tax -
21,828.
Town Tax
109,000.
$155,537.33
The amount assessed with the addition allowed
to anticipate probable abatements - $158,402.80
[103.] Amount received by the Treasurer from
Octr. 1st. 1815 to 20th. May 1816 $146,801.44
Amount of Abatements - 6,575.10
Balance remaining uncollected 5,026.26
$158,402.80
He has received on back taxes from 1804 to 1814
inclusive -
4547.19
On last years tax as above
146801.44
151348.63
The following is a statement of the Towns Debts and Credits. Dr. Town of Boston .-
On State tax 14709.33
County of Suffolk - 17789.5
Notes due to several individuals 36100 .-
Mrs. Brookers donation - the interest of which 1230.
is paid annually to Widows and sick persons Selectmen & Overseers drafts unpaid - - 109.12
Unliquidated accounts
69937.50
6062.50
$76,000.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1816.
61
Cr. By several notes for land sold due for State Poor - 7002. 3000.
$6779.63
Taxes receivable estimated at
Cash in the Treasury
$16781.63 19249.4
$36030.67
Balance
39969.33
$76000 .-
The balance of the Account current of the Town last year, was - -
$63886.84
the above statement shows it to be at present $39969.33
And exhibits the amount of )
Debt which has been paid §
$23917.51
[104.] The Committee are gratified in being able to state, that the system recommended by them in 1814 has, in its effects exceeded their most sanguine expectations. Having been ably and steadily pursued by the Treasurer & Collector, order & perspicuous arrangement have been introduced into the Treasury department; the collections have become prompt and regular without harassing or oppressing the citizens ; such punctuality is observed in payments that only 109 dollars are now unpaid, on the drafts of the Selectmen, Overseers and Board of Health, and the outstanding debt is reduced to 39969 dollars .-
They recommend the pursuance of the same system, and offer the following estimates and statements for the present year. The demands on the Town being
as above stated - - 76000. add thereto for current expences of the year
For Selectmen
63000
Overseers of the poor 25000
Board of Health
8000
Amount of State Tax
96000. 22141.33
County Tax -
21000.
Interest on Outstanding debt referred 2400.
From which deduct two installments of old debt each of 14000 dollars, to be paid in two suc- ceeding years -
$217541.33
28000.
Amount to be paid this year -
$189,541.33
62
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
[105.] To be provided for as follows. From money in the Treasury 19249.4
Notes for land falling due 6779.63 From Commonwealth for Poor 7002.
Rents of Market, Town house &c. 12000.
Taxes receivable outstanding - 3000.
Amount assessed for State tax - - 22141.33 Do. County Tax - 21000. D°. Town Tax - 96000.
addition for probable
abatements - 10000.
$149141.33
$197172.
The Committee recommend that the Town should vote a tax of 96,000 dollars and ten thousand dollars to meet the abatements. The amount will defray the current expences of the year, and one installment of the deferred debt and interest : they are gratified in finding, that these objects may be effected, & that the amount of taxes laid be about 9000 dollars less than in the past year .-
Respectfully submitted By order of the Committee of Finance
Charles Bulfinch Chairman .-
The foregoing report was read, and accepted by the Town. and,-
Voted, That the sum of ninety six thousand dollars be raised by a tax to be assessed upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the Town, to defray the expences of the Town the present year; and the further sum of Ten Thousand dollars to meet abatements of Taxes.
[106.] Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding Seventy six thousand dollars, if the same should be found necessary, in his opinion for the use of the Town.
Voted, That there be allowed and paid to the Hon1. Thomas Dawes the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars as his salary as Judge of the Municipal Court for the present year .-
Voted, That there be allowed and paid unto Thomas Clark, Town Clerk, the sum of One Thousand Dollars as his Salary for the present year.
Voted, That there be allowed and paid unto each of the three per- manent Assessors the sum of Eight hundred & sixteen dollars each as their salary for the present year.
63
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1816.
Voted, That there be allowed & paid unto Andrew Sigourney Esq'., the sum of Three Thousand dollars, in full for his services as Town Treasurer & Collector of Taxes, for Clerk hire and all other expences in the delivery of tax bills & collection of Taxes.
Then the Meeting was Dissolved .-
[107.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, held at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 4th. day of July A.D. 1816 - 10 O'Clock A. M. -
Warrant for calling the meeting - read Thomas Clark was chosen Moderator.
The Committee appointed the last year to make choice of a Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Indepen- dence - Reported - That they have chosen George Sullivan Esquire who had accepted the appointment.
Adjourned to meet at the Old South Church at 12 O'Clock M.
Met at the Old South Church where an Oration was delivered by George Sullivan Esqr. to commemorate the Independence of the United States of America.
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com- mittee to wait on George Sullivan Esqr. in the name of the Town, and thank him for the elegant and spirited Oration this day deliv- ered by him at the request of the Town upon the Anniversary of American Independence, in which were considered the feelings, manners & principles which produced the great event and the important and happy effects, general and domestic, which have already, or will forever flow from that auspicious epoch ; and to request of him a copy for the press.
Voted, That the Gentlemen Selectmen be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to some [108] able and learned Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 4th. day of July 1817. That day being the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America ; wherein the Orator is to consider the feelings, manners & principles, which led to this great national event; as well as the important and happy effects which have already, or will forever flow from that auspicious Epoch. -
Then the Meeting was Dissolved. -
At a Convention of the Board of Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Board of Health, of the Town of Boston, held at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 8th. day of July A.D. 1816-4 O'Clock P.M.
64
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
Present a Majority of each Board.
Voted, to proceed to the choice of a Town Treasurer for the year ensuing.
Ebenezer Oliver & Joseph Coolidge jr. Esquires were appointed a Committee to receive sort and count the votes.
The Committee reported that the whole number of Votes were 24 and that Andrew Sigourney Esq". was unanimously chosen Town Treasurer for the year ensuing.
Voted, to proceed to the choice of one Collector of Taxes.
The Committee having collected the votes. Reported that Andrew Sigourney Esq". was unanimously elected Collector of Taxes for the year ensuing.
Mr. Sigourney having been notified of his appointment to the above offices, declared his acceptance, and proposed the Honble. Jonathan Hunnewell & Benjamin Weld Esqr. as his Bondsmen.
Voted, That the above named Gentlemen be accepted as Mr. Sigourneys Bondsmen, & that they execute a Bond of Twenty thousand dollars as Treasurer, and another Bond for the same sum as Collector of Taxes.
Voted, That Mr. Oliver, of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Snelling, of the Overseers & Mr. Jackson of the Board of Health, be a Committee to see that the Bonds are given by the Treasurer & that he is qualified according to law.
Then the Convention was Dissolved.
[109.] At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified to vote for Representatives in the General Court of this Commonwealth, held at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 4th. day of November A. D. 1816 - 10 o'Clock A.M. -
Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Winchell.
Warrant for calling the Meeting read. -
Paragraphs of the Constitution of the United States, and of a Resolve of the General Court for choosing one Representative in the Congress of the United States for the District of Suffolk being read - The Inhabitants were informed that the Poll would be closed at half past one o'Clock. -
65
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1817.
Persons voted for as a Representative for the Suffolk District in this Commonwealth in the next Congress of the United States, viz. -
Honº. James Lloyd Esqr. - 828 Willm. Sullivan Esq". 1
And declaration thereof made by the Selectmen in Public Town Meeting. --
A return of the doings of this Meeting was made out conform- able to the printed direction of the General Court & forwarded to the Secretary's office by the Town Clerk. -
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
[110.] At a Meeting of the male Citizens of the Town of Boston, held at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 10th. day of March A.D. 1817-10 oClock A.M.
Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Ware
Warrant for calling the Meeting read. -
Law respecting the Election of Town Officers -read.
Honble. John Phillips Esq". was chosen Moderator. -
Thomas Clark was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing. and the oath of office was administered to him by the Moderator.
Charles Bulfinch Ebenezer Oliver Jonathan Hunnewell Joseph Lovering
Joseph Austin Turner Phillips
Henry Bass
Samuel Dorr and
Enoch Silsby Esquires were chosen
Selectmen for the year ensuing.
The Oath of office was administered to the six first named Gentlemen by the Moderator.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to Robert Williams Esqr. for his faithful services as one of the Selectmen for several years past. -
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given to John Bray Esq". for his faithful services as one of the Selectmen the past year.
Hon1. William Phillips Esqr. Thomas Perkins
Ozias Goodwin Joseph Coolidge jun". Jonathan Phillips Samuel May
Jacob Hall and
Redford Webster Samuel Snelling
William Mackay
Joseph Richards
Edwd. Tuckerman Junt. Esqrs.
66
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
were chosen Overseers of the Poor and of the Work House the year ensuing.
[111.] Voted, That in addition to the Selectmen twelve persons shall now be chosen a School Committee; and the votes being collected it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen, viz
Revd. Charles Lowell
Charles Davis
Reyd. Horace Holley
Peter O. Thacher
Revd. Joshua Huntington Francis J Oliver
Doct". Aaron Dexter William Wells
Doct". Thomas Welsh Thomas Wigglesworth &
Doctr. John C. Warren Benjamin Russell Esqrs.
Voted, That the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with the Selectmen are termed the School Committee, be, and hereby are directed to carry the System of Education adopted by the Town into operation ; and that said Committee be also authorized and empowered conjunctly to manage and regulate the govern- ment of the Schools; and to execute all the powers relative to the Schools and School Masters which the Selectmen or such Committees are authorized by the laws of the Commonwealth or by votes of the Town to exercise.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to John Heard Esqr. for his faithful services as one of the School Committee for many years past
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given to Edward Cruft and John Winslow jun'. Esqrs. for their faithful services as Fire- wards for several years past.
Thomas Melvill Andrew Cunningham
John Winslow
Stephen Codman
Jonathan Hunewell
Daniel Messenger
Joshua Davis
Benja. Smith
Nath1. Curtis
James Phillips
Bryant P. Tilden
Nathan Webb
Sam1. M. Thayer Joseph Austin
Joseph Tilden Benja. Rich
Joseph Lovering [112.] Gedney King
Francis J. Oliver
John D. Williams
William Harris
Jonathan Loring
John Mackay and Turner Phillips Esqrs. were chosen Firewards for the year ensuing.
Votes were received for a Treasurer for the county of Suffolk by the Moderator and Town Clerk - when it appeared that John Winslow Esq". had one hundred & forty seven votes, & A Young one vote
67
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1817.
Messrs. Benja. White
John Cogswell
William Clouston
Nath1. Bradlee
Noah Doggett
Bradock Loring
Allen Bowker
Thomas Christie
Wm. Green
Eleazer Homer
Joseph Stodder
Willn. Ellison
Nath1. Glover
John Howe Junr.
Richard Thayer
Edwd. J. Robbins
Henry Blake Josh. Tucker
Moses Eayres and Benja. Harris were chosen
Surveyors of Boards and other Lumber.
Messrs. Henry Purkett Nath1. Howe &
Benja. Clark Benjamin Owen were
chosen cullers of Hoops & Staves.
Messrs. Thomas Barbour Nath1. Howe
Benj. Clark
Charles Pook
John Bannister
Benja. Owen
James Brown
Wm. J. Hammatt
Thomas Lombard and
Walter Jackson were
chosen Cullers of Dry Fish.
[113.] Messrs. Benjamin White Nath1. Bradlee William Ellison and John Howe jun". were chosen Fence viewers for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Barney Sloan Joseph Champney Joseph Selaway and Neddy Curtis were chosen
Hogreeves and Haywards for the ensuing year.
Samuel Emmons and James Phillips Esquires, were chosen
Surveyors of Hemp.
Edward Tuckerman and Josiah Snelling Esquires, were chosen
Surveyors of Wheat.
Mess's. John Wells and Richard Austin - were chosen Assay
Masters.
Messrs. Michael Homer Francis James and Samuel Sprague were chosen Inspectors
of Lime for the year ensuing.
The Selectmen were chosen Surveyors of High Way.
Voted, That Stephen Codman, Francis J. Oliver and Robert G. Shaw Esquires, be and hereby are appointed a Committee to
68
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
Audit the Accounts of the Town Treasurer, and also those of the Overseers of the Poor & Work House and the Board of Health - and said Committee are directed to report the sum necessary to be raised for the services of the present year. -
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given to John Osborn Esqr. for his faithful services as one of the Auditors of Accounts for several years past.
Voted, That the consideration of all money matters be referred to May Meeting.
The Committee who were appointed to revise the Bye laws of the Town of Boston relative to the Market, and to confer with the Inspectors of the Market upon the expediency of adopting any [114] further regulations for the good order of the same "report that pursuant to their appointment they have had a Conference with the Inspectors of the Market, and have received from that body the following communication.
The Inspectors of the Market within the town of Boston are by their office expected to enquire after and to cause to be prose- cuted offences committed in or against the Market. But as they derive no authority from the laws of the Commonwealth, and are elected by the voluntary act of their fellow citizens, they possess no real powers ; and they are apprehensive, that the public can derive no essential advantage from their appointment. By recur- ring to a report made to the Town at a Meeting of the Inhabitants on the 24 - May 1813 - It appears, that for the many offences which may be committed against the community in the Market ; the law contemplates adequate remedies ; but from experience it is found that, such is the negligence of the citizens, prosecutions are very rare and seldom result in the conviction of offenders.
The object of all regulations on the subject of the Market should be, to facilitate the bringing of produce to the Market by the growers of the same, and to encourage the sale of it there, by them to the consumers, so as to avoid the increase of price, which must be paid to venders on commission ; but the Inspectors are sensible that in multiplying regulations there is danger of shackling the freedom of trade, and causing at times a deficiency in the regular supply of the Market on which much of its utility depends. Evils arise in this town from the contracted limits of the Market, which are found not sufficient for the accommoda- tion of those who come to sell, and of those who come to buy, while the market continues in its present local situation, partial remedies only can be applied to existing evils.
The Inspectors are aware that very much depends on the vigil- ance of the citizens, and in the hope that some benefit will be derived to them, and perhaps some revenue to the Town, they recommend the following additional regulations, to be adopted and enforced by proper legal authority -viz -
69
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1817.
First -That no inhabitant of the Town of Boston, or any neigh- bouring town, not offering for sale the produce of his own farm shall at any season of the year, be permitted to occupy any stand with Cart or otherwise for the purpose of vending commod- ities in Dock Square. -
Second -That all the Stalls in the Market be offered to be leased by the Selectmen once a year at public auction, and that among other [115] conditions of the lease it should be inserted, that the Lessee shall forfeit his lease and all monies paid for the same, if he, or any person under him, or with his connivance, or permission should commit any offence against the laws or regula- tions of the Market; and that the Selectmen shall have authority to hear and finally determine all complaints respecting the breach of this condition, and to deprive offenders of their Stalls. This regulation to be in addition to the penalties, which are provided for offences by existing laws.
Third, That the office of Inspectors of the Market be discon- tinued, and the Selectmen of the Town be authorized to appoint annually two or more Clerks of the Market, to be under oath for the faithful performance of the duties of their office, and to be allowed a suitable compensation for their services. The said Clerks, in addition to collecting the rents of the Stalls and inspecting the conduct of the occupants of the same, shall regulate the standing of horses, carts & other incumbrances in and about the Market and in the Streets leading to the same : Shall see that all orders and regulations on these subjects be observed; and shall inform of and duly prosecute all offences which may in any way come to their knowledge, and which shall be committed in the Market or elsewhere against the laws, regulations and freedom of the same.
Thomas Badger, Chairman. Wm. Tileston, Secretary.
Conceiving that the communication from the Inspectors of the Market results from much experience and attentive observation, and fully approving of its principles, your Committee ask leave to propose to their fellow citizens to adopt the following votes and Bye law, viz,
Voted, That all the Stalls in the Market be offered to be leased by the Selectmen once a year, at public Auction, and upon such terms and conditions as they may deem proper : but that among the terms and conditions of the lease, it shall be inserted, "That the Lessee shall forfeit his lease and all monies paid for the same, if he, or any person under him, or with his connivance, or per- mission shall commit any offence against the laws or regulations of the Market, or against the general or special laws regulating the same. - and that the Selectmen shall have authority to hear, and finally to determine all complaints respecting the breach of this condition, and thereupon to take from said Lessee, or any person under him the said Stall."
70
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
Voted, That the office of Inspectors of the Market be discon- tinued, [116] and the Selectmen of the town shall annually, and oftener, if need be, appoint one or more substantial citizens to be Clerks of the Market, and to allow to him or them a suitable compensation for his or their services. And it shall be the duty of every such Clerk, in addition to collecting the rents of the Stalls and inspecting the conduct of occupants of the same, to regulate the standing of Carts, Horses, and other incumbrances in & about the Market, and in the Streets leading thereto, so that there may always be a free and convenient passage in & through the same : and it shall further be the duty of every such Clerk, to see that all orders and regulations of the Selectmen on these sub- jects be observed, and to inform of, & duly to prosecute all offences, which may in any way come to their knowledge, & which shall be committed in the Market, or elsewhere, against the laws, regulations & freedom of the same : and lastly, every such Clerk shall be under Oath faithfully to perform the duties of his office and shall be liable to be removed from his said office by the Selectmen whenever they shall deem it expedient so to do.
" Bye Law. -
"It is hereby ordered, that no Inhabitant of the town of Bos- ton, or of any town in the vicinity thereof, not offering for sale the produce of his own farm, shall at any season of the year, be permitted to occupy any stand with Cart, Sleigh or otherwise, for the purpose of vending commodities in Dock Square, or in the square lying between Union Street and the Stalls to the North & West of the Market : - and if any such person shall presume to occupy with Cart, Sleigh or otherwise any stand in Dock Square, or in the square lying between Union Street & the Stalls to the north west of the Market, after being ordered to remove there- from by the Clerk of the Market, or by any person thereunto authorized by the Selectmen of the town, he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding five dollars nor less than two dollars for every hour, in which he shall continue to offend in this respect, the one moiety thereof to the use of the complainant, and the other moiety thereof to the use of the town.
All which is respectfully submitted by. Peter O. Thacher Benjamin Russell
Committee Joseph Callender
[117.] The foregoing Report was read and accepted - And ordered that the Town Clerk lay the Bye Law contained in the said Report before Honble. Justices of the Court of Sessions for confirmation.
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given to the Hon1. John Phillips Esqr. for his services as moderator of this meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
71
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1817.
At a Meeting of the male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of twenty one years of age and upwards, qualified as the Constitu- tion prescribes and legally warned and assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the seventh day of April A. D. 1817-9 O'Clock A. M.
Prayer by the Revd. Doct". Baldwin .-
Warrant for calling the Meeting - read.
Paragraphs of the Constitution or Frame of Government, rela- tive to the choice of Governour, Lieutenant Governour, and Senators. - read.
Law of the Commonwealth dividing the State into districts for the choice of Counsellors and Senators - read .--
It was afterwards determined that the Poll should be closed at 2 O'Clock - the Bells to begin tolling at half past one.
Persons voted for as Governour, with the number of votes for each person - viz
His Excellency John Brooks 3578 .-
Hon1. Henry Dearborn 1315 .- -
Nathaniel Noyes - 1. -
4894
Persons voted for as Lieutenant Governour, with the number of votes for each person - viz,
His Honour William Phillips
3567 -
Hon1. William King -
1301
Edwd. H. Robbins
1
William Gray - 1
Joseph B. Varnum
·2
Wm. Lawrence 2. Sam1. Whitwell 1 3
4875
[118.] Persons voted for as Senators for the District of Suffolk, with the number of votes for each person.
Hon1. John Phillips 3556
John Welles
3547
6 Josiah Quincy 3502
Thomas H. Perkins
3533
Jonathan Hunnewell
3540
Richard Sullivan
3544
Samuel Brown -
1275
wm. Little Esqr.
1270
Dr. Wm. Ingalls
1273
James T. Austin Esqr.
1266
Thomas Badger Esq".
1259
Henry Orne Esqr.
1253
72
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
David Townsend Esq". 19 - Daniel Carney 7 - Josiah Dow 3 - Nath1. Fisher 2. W1. Prescott 1 -Tristram Barnard 3 - Henry H. Tuckerman 2. Rd. D. Harris 1 - Joshua Clapp 2 -Jos. N. Howe 2- Wm. A. Fales 1 - Wm. Mackay 1 -Frank Roberts 1 - Sam1. Snelling 1. W™. Bangs 2 - Richd. S. Howe 1 - Wm. Bordman 1 - Wm. Lawrence 1 - Wm. Foster 1 - Arts. Ward 1 -Lorenzo Draper 2. W2. Sullivan 2. John C. Jones 3. Geo. Cabot 1. H. G. Otis 3. Jona. Mason 1. Jos. Tilden 1. Dan1. Sargent 1. James Robinson 1 -Bryant P. Tilden 1. Dan1. Messenger 1 - H. Goodrich 1 - Joseph Smith 1 - James Carter 1 - Henry A. S. Dearborn 1. Willm. Thompson jr. 1. Simon Wilkinson 1- Lamson Bullard 1. Dan1. Tuttle 1. -- P. F. Dagrand 1 -Barney Smith 1 -Gerry Fairbanks 1 -Th8. K. Jones 1 - Jesse Putnam 1 - Sam1. Billings 2-Thos. Cushing 1-
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