USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the Selectmen's meetings, from September 1, 1818, to April 24, 1822 > Part 16
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submitted
Jer. Fitch, per order.
Aug. 9. 1820.
The foregoing report was read & accepted, & the Chairman was requested to notify D. D. Rogers Esq. the owner of the
167
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
stable to comply with the conditions on which the stable was licensed on the 25th. August 1818 .-
Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Selectmen August 14th. 1820 .- Present a majority of the Board .-
On the application of John Ridgway & others to open and repair the common sewer in Cambridge street; the customary order of notice was passed.
[49.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen August 16th. 1820-
Present the whole Board.
The application of H. G. Otis Esq. on the subject of repairing Beacon street, below George street, was referred to the committee of Section No. 3 .-
The representation of C. C. Nichols "that the side walk in Long Lane, was gone to decay, & requesting the attention of the Board to the same"- was referred to the committee of Section No. 2 .-
The application of D. D. Rogers Esq. to have Wilsons Lane repaved, was referred to committee of Section No. 2 .-
The Chairman communicated a report, and an order from the Board of Health, on the subject of the Town Dock; - Ordered to remain on file.
The committee on the Common was instructed to build a road from Pleasant street to Fox Hill .-
The committee to whom was referred the application to pave Middle street reported that it was inexpedient to pave that street the present season - Report accepted.
[50.] The Chairman was requested to instruct the police officer to remove the hog pens complained of between George & Charles streets, near Cambridge street.
The committee of Section No 4 was authorized to appoint a wharfinger at South Boston .-
Voted, that the following named persons be appointed as constables of the watch, & as watchmen in the sections & watches as they are placed; subject at all times to removal at the pleasure of the Selectmen; - and the Chairman is hereby instructed to issue certificates to them accordingly.
168
CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Constables of the Watch -
1st. John Spear
2. Wm. D. Allison
3. Jonas Ames
4. Nathaniel Phillips
5. Luther Symmes
7. Paul Pratt
6. George James
8. Samuel Hancock
[51.] First Section - East Watch House Jonas Ames, Constable 10 Men -
viz Samuel Bright, Elijah Carlton,
Joseph Davis,
Samuel B. Fulton,
Samuel Green Jun. Jona. Hayward
Jona. Houghton,
Simon Noyes
John Perry
& Joseph Pentland.
Second Section, East Watch House.
10 Men - Nathaniel Phillips, Constable - William Farnham, John Newell, Thomas Pool,
William S. Hawes, John Peke
Samuel Russell
Constant Southworth,
Robert Smith
Jonathan Valentine,
Joseph Walden.
First Section, West Watch House Paul Pratt, Constable - 10 Men viz. John Bell, Joseph Colburn,
Benjamin Nourse, Anthony Rowe, James Wheeler,
Daniel Beard, John Coburn, Wm Calder, Jona. Steward,
Eben Whitney.
Second Section, West Watch House. Samuel Hancock, Constable. 10 Men.
viz. William Arkeson,
Benja. Clark, John [Massey ?],
Joseph Wilcot, Henry Redlington,
Benja. Bodge Nathaniel Hawes, Peter Sancry, Moses Berry
John Brazer.
[52.] First Section - North Watch House - William D. Allison, Constable - 8 Men.
viz. Aaron A. Darrow, William Garrad, Thomas Morry, John Reynolds,
Ebenezer Eaton, Timothy Kelly, Caleb B. Munroe,
Benja. Seward.
169
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
Second Section North Watch House. George James, Constable - 8 Men. viz. John Beaman,
Thomas Carter,
Theophilus Doe,
Phineas Goff,
William Honners,
Peter Nelson,
Abraham Sutton,
Joseph Woombel.
First Section - South Watch House. John Spear, Constable - 8 Men. viz. Stephen Bird,
Daniel Grover,
Caleb C. Cowley, George Hacker,
Asa Hudson,
William Morro,
Lyman Tucker & George Talbot.
Second Section - South Watch House. Luther Symmes, Constable - 8 Men.
viz. Joseph Champney, Jonathan French, Levi Powers,
Alexr. Hamilton,
Isaiah Stoddard, William Shales,
William Shacksford, Jonathan Wise .-
The committee appointed 7th June to make arrangements for the Watch, made a report of Rules & regulations for the Town Watch, which report was accepted & five hundred copies ordered to be printed .-
[53.] Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen August 22d, 1820 - Present the whole Board.
On the application of Joseph Goddard to open and repair the common sewer in Kilby street, the customary order of notice to the proprietors was passed .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen Thursday, August 24th, 1820 .- Present the Chairman, Messrs. Loring, Babcock, Child, Billings, Fitch, & Wells.
The committee on Beacon street requested further time to report - granted.
The committee on the application to new pave Wilsons Lane, reported, that it is inexpedient to grant the request.
The committee on Long Lane - requested further time, which was granted .-
The application of the Boston Mill Pond Corporation, on the subject of a common sewer, was committed to Messrs. Babcock, Fennelly & Billings.
170
CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
[54.] The application of the Suffolk Guard (a company of young men from 18 to 20 years of age) for permission to make a military parade on the 30th instant, & to fire powder on the Common; - was granted.
The Chairman was requested to notify D. D. Rogers Esq. that the complaint of a nuisance occasioned by the occupants of his stable in Scots Court still existed; and that a prosecu- tion would be instituted against him on the first of September next, unless the nuisance was discontinued .-
The committee of Section No. 1 - was authorized to repair a pump in Fish street, at the expense of the town.
[55.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen August 30th 1820 - Present the whole Board .-
6 Jurors were drawn for the U. S. District Court.
The application of Draper & Hudson, for liberty to set kettles for the purpose of trying lard near Brays Wharf, was referred to the committee of Section No. 2.
The application of Henry Farnam Esq. for permission to sink a well in Portland street - was referred to comee of Section No. 2.
The application of William Sullivan Esq. and others, to have repairs made in Chestnut street; - was referred to the comee of Section No. 3.
A communication from John L. Sullivan Esq, stating that he owned the land, at present called Kingston street - and that he intended discontinuing the said street - was referred to the whole Board, for consideration.
The application of H. G. Otis Esq & others on the subject of continuing Beacon street, was referred to the committee of Section No. 3 .- & the Chairman.
[56.] The Chairman, Messrs Loring & Babcock, were appointed a committee on the subject, of making provision for lighting the town the present year, and repairing the lamps .-
The Chairman was instructed to direct the police officer, to forbid the owners of carriages, from placing their carriages in the streets, contrary to law, and if they persist, to cause them to be prosecuted .-
171
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen, September 6th 1820 - Present the Chairman, Messrs Baxter, Loring, Bab- cock, Billings, Child, Fitch & Wells.
The application of Pynson Blake "to have a road from the old road to Broadway, laid out at South Boston," was referred to the whole Board, & Friday afternoon was assigned for proceeding on that business .-
[57.] The Application of William Dehor & others, that the paving of the gutters may be continued through Middle- cot street was referred to the committee of Section No. 3.
The committee appointed to examine the application of Draper & Hudson to place kettles in a building on Brays Wharf, to try lard, have viewed the premises & ask leave to report that in their opinion it is not expedient to grant them permission - all which is duly submitted.
Jer. Fitch Saml. Billings
Report accepted.
The proposal of Ezra Hawkes to furnish the town with his improved tin lamps - (at $4.50 each lamp & 25 Cts. per light for glazing lamps that may be broken .- ) was referred to the commee. who have the charge of lighting the town.
The committees of the several sections were authorized to procure wood for the schools in their sections; and the chair- man to procure wood for the Latin school .-
The proposal of Josiah Bradlee & Co. to furnish 1125 Gs. summer strained oil was accepted, & the Chairman authorized to contract for the same.
[58.] A communication from Doc". J. B. Brown, in behalf of the subscribers to the new clock placed in the tower of Park Street Church, presenting the same to the town, was committed to the Chairman .-
The subject of hacks standing in Hanover street, was referred to the Chairman & the committee of Sec. No. 2.
The committee to whom was referred the subject of the drain from Prince street to Mill Pond street, -- Report, that the pro- prietors lay a drain or common sewer from Nickersons corner to the North Mills, two & one half feet high, & two feet broad, to be made on the sides of Ton * timber, & covered with timber or bridge plank.
* Forty cubic feet of round or rough timber; fifty cubic feet of hewn timber Worcester.
172
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen September 9th. 1820 - Present, The Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Loring, Billings, Fitch, Wells & Child .-
A special jury was drawn by order of the Court of Sessions, commonly called a Sheriff's Jury, to try a claim of David Hinckley & Luther Ellis for compensation for land alleged to have been taken from them by the town .-
[59.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen Sepr. 13th. 1820 - Present the whole Board, except Mr. Fennelly.
An application from a committee of the Board of Fire Wards, requesting that engine house No 2 - may be enlarged - was committee to Messrs Loring, Fitch & Wells.
A communication from proprietors of estates on Brattle street - requesting aid from the Board to widen that street, was referred to a committee of the whole Board .-
The committee on the Old State House was requested to view that building, make an estimate of the expense necessary to repair the same, & report.
Communications having been received from S. H. Walley & William Sullivan Esq'rs on the subject of paving the sidewalks on Common street, in answer to notices sent by the surveyors of high ways - The subject was referred to the Chairman .-
A communication from the Board of Health, stating the dock at the bottom of Rainsfords Lane had become a great nuisance, & requesting that measures may be taken to remove the same, or the dock filled up; was referred to commee. of section No 4.
[60.] The Chairman was instructed to inquire of Mr. David Hinckley by whose order Beacon street has been dug up in front of his houses in that street - and to take proper measures to have the street put in order .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 20th. 1820 - present the whole Board, except Mr. Fennelly.
34 Jurors were drawn for the Boston Court of Common Pleas .-
A communication from the Board of Health, requesting a reply to their former communication on the subject of the town dock, & the town's slip at the bottom of Rainsfords Lane, was committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Wells & Babcock .-
173
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
Complaints having been made against Wiseman C. Winn & Taylor for keeping open their places of business on Sundays,- The Chairman was instructed to cause them to be prosecuted, provided they do not conform to the law in future .---
[61.] On the representation of Jacob Hall and others, that the common sewer in Prince street was insufficient to carry off the water from that street; - The Chairman was directed to issue an order of notice .-
The Chairman to notify Gen. Davis to repair the sidewalk in Washington street; - Thomas Brewer in Summer street, and Thomas G. Atkins in North Square .-
The Chairman was instructed to direct the police officer to prosecute Simeon W. Bowen for suffering wood to lay in Union street contrary to law .-
The Chairman was authorized to direct the police officer to employ as many constables, and watchmen as he should judge necessary to assist him in suppressing riots at West Boston .-
The Chairman was instructed to discontinue the constables attending on West Boston hill on Sundays, after the present month .-
[62.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen Sepr. 27th. 1820 - Present the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fitch & Wells .-
4 Grand jurors, & 4 petit jurors were drawn for the United States Circuit Court .-
The petition of Lemuel Packard and others praying that measures may be taken to have the drain laid by Ephraim Marsh in Pleasant street put in order - was referred to the committee of section No. 4 .-
The proposal of Josiah Knapp & C. Blanchard to fill up the dock at the bottom of Rainsfords Lane, was committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Wells & Babcock .-
John Vinton was licensed to sweep chimneys, during the pleasure of the Board .-
The Chairman having advertised in the public papers, offering a reward of fifty dollars, to detect the person, or persons who have damaged the fence in Washington street. his doings were confirmed by the Board .--
174
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[63.] Certificate was signed approving of Snelling Powell, James A. Dickson & the company under their direction, for carrying on stage plays, &c, at the theatre in Federal street the ensuing year .-
Mr. Tukesbury having represented to the Board, that it would be necessary to shingle the kitchen part of the house occupied by him at Deer Island, the present season; - Voted, that Mr. Tukesbury be allowed twenty five dollars towards defraying the expense, when the work is done .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen October 4th. 1820 - Present The Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly & Fitch.
The complaint of Messrs. Ezra Hyde & Ebenr. Smith, "that a chimney on the corner of Leverett & Brighton streets was in a defective & dangerous state"; - was referred to committee of section No. 3 .-
The petition of John Bray & others, praying that a shed which projects into Love Lane may be removed; was referred to the whole Board .-
4 Constables appointed, see page 40.
[64.] Warrant was signed for Town Meeting for the choice of delegates to the State Convention; - to be held on the 16th instant.
The Chairman was authorized to contract with the Free- masons for a lease of the Old State House from 1st. Octr .-
The Chairman, Messrs. Loring and Billings were appointed a committee to consider the expediency of building a fire proof safe in the Selectmens room for the security of the records .-
The committee to whom was referred the request of Henry Farnam Esq. on the 30th. ultimo (August) to have permission to sink a well in Portland street, and cover the same with a flag stone, have attended to the duty assigned them, and ask leave to report; - That in their opinion his request may with propriety be granted: - Provided he keep the street in repair at his own expense, subject always to the control of the Select- men for the time being .- all which is submitted .-
(Selectmens Room Sepr. 4th. 1820) Saml. Billings Jerh. Fitch Com
The foregoing report was read & accepted.
Attest Tho' Clark, Town Clerk.
175
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
[65.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 11th. 1820 -
Present the whole Board.
Warrant was signed for town meeting on the 23d. instant, for choice of a member of Congress in place of Hon. Jona. Mason, resigned .-
The proposal of Josiah Bradlee & Co. to supply three thousand gallons of winter pressed oil for the town lamps was accepted; - and the Chairman authorized to complete the contract .-
The Board determined to repave Union street & Marshalls Lane the present season; Sargent & Hart & Hart & Tuttle to be employed to do the work under the direction of the com- mittee of Section No. 2 .-
The committee of the Market were authorized to license a number of porters with suitable badges .-
The account of Sargent & Hart for laying a drain in Atkinson street - was committed to the Chairman Messrs. Billings & Child .-
The Chairman was instructed to employ Sargent & Hart to pave the side walk opposite the Washington Gardens in Common street .-
[66.] The application of John Minchin to be appointed an auctioneer, was committed to Mr. Fitch.
The Board determined that no more dirt should be pur- chased for the purpose of raising the lower part of the Common [this] season at a higher rate than ten cents per load.
The Chairman was requested to direct the police officer, to enquire into the circumstances of the breaking of a lamp in Bromfields Lane .-
The application to place fish boxes at the head of the Town Dock ;- and the subject of an encroachment made by Mr. Stutson at the bottom of Cross street was referred to the committee's of section No 1. & 2 .-
The Chairman reported, that the Freemasons had accepted the proposals of the Board for a lease of the Old State House. rent to commence 1st. October.
The Committee of the Market were authorized to lease a number of stalls for the purpose of vending shoes &c.
176
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
The Board ordered that the morning bell should be rung at 8 o'clock .-
[67.] The committee of section No 3. was authorized to make such repairs on West Center street, as they shall judge necessary.
The Chairman was requested to procure a suitable clock for the Selectmen's room, and pay for the same out of funds in his hands recd. for auction licenses .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen October 18th. 1820 .-
Present the whole Board .-
22 Grand jurors, and 35 traverse were drawn for the Supreme Judicial Court .-
On the application of the Town Treasurer Mitchel Lincoln was appointed a constable for the purpose of assisting the Treasurer in the collection of taxes.
On the request of Homes & Horner, and many others, occu- pants of stores in Union street, the Board voted, that it is inexpedient to pave that street the present season .-
The application of Ebenezer Smith and others who occupy stalls at the West end of the market, to have a reduction of rent was referred to the committee of the Market .-
The application of Docr. Jonathan Hicks to take an appren- tice from the Alms house was approved.
[68.] Complaint having been made that a stone post had been placed in Kingston street by Mr. Nathaniel Goddard; - Voted, that the whole Board proceed to view the premises tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
The committee of section No. 3, informed the Board, that they had viewed West Center street, that they found the same in very bad order, & that it would be necessary to expend three or four hundred dollars to put it in complete repair - The committee were requested to proceed & repair the same .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen, October 25th. 1820 .-
Present the whole Board .-
177
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1820.
The application of Nathl. Emmons and others to have Poplar street repaired, & the application of Samuel Parkman & others to repair Charles street - was referred to the committee of section No 3 .-
Jedediah Sawtell, was appointed a constable for the year ensuing .-
The Chairman informed the Board, that the committee on the Market had leased the scales to Mr. Nathaniel Meriam, until the first of April next, for the sum of $300 .-
[69.] The Chairman reported, that he had applied to Saml. Hubbard Esq. for legal advice on the encroachments made by Mr. Goddard on Kingston street; & that the committee appointed on that subject requested further time to report.
The Chairman reported that he had supplied the family of Samuel Champney with goods & wood to the amount of thirty dollars, in conformity to a vote of the Board of the 22d. April last .- and that he had supplied Wm. W. Bass the present messenger with wood & money to the amount of fifteen dollars .--
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen November 1st. 1820 - Present the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Billings, Bab- cock, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells .--
Thaddeus Allen was recommended to the Overseers of the Poor, as a suitable person to have a child bound to him as an apprentice .-
The application of Samuel Parkman & others, to repair Blossom street, was referred to committee of section No 3 .-
The application of Benjamin Russell Esq. & others, for the use of Faneuil Hall, on Sunday evening next, was granted .-
[70.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen November 8th. 1820 .- Present the Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Loring. Babcock, Child, Fennelly & Wells.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen November 15th. 1820 - Present the whole Board.
On the application of Docr. John G. Coffin, inquisition was made into the circumstances of Elizabeth Ray: - and the Board being satisfied that she was a person of extreme intem- perate habits; application was made to the Judge of Probate to appoint a guardian for her.
178
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
On the application of James Washburn, stating that his Son James Washburn Junr. was a person non compos mentis ;- the Board on inquiry were satisfied of the fact, and a request was made to the Judge of Probate to appoint a guardian for him .-
[71.] Boston ss .- At a meeting of the Selectmen November 22d. 1820 - Present the whole Board .-
6 Petit jurors were drawn for the United States District Court.
The application of Joseph Woodward to have a street at South Boston put in repair, was referred to the committee of section No 4 -
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen November 29th. 1820 -
Present the whole Board.
The committee of section No. 4, to whom was referred the application of Joseph Woodward; - reported, that [it] is inex- pedient to make any repairs on the streets at South Boston the present season .-
Boston ss. A meeting of the Selectmen was held Decr. 6th. 1820 - all the members present except Mr. Loring - no business transacted .-
[72.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen December 13th. 1820 -
Present the whole Board .-
No business transacted at this meeting.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen December 20th. 1820 -
Present Messrs. Baxter, Loring, Babcock, Billings, Fennelly & Fitch.
Daniel Baxter Esq. was chosen Chairman pro tem .-
34 Jurors were drawn for the Boston Court of Common Pleas .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen December 27th. 1820 - Present the whole Board, except Mr. Wells .-
Messrs. Loring, Babcock & Billings were appointed a com- mittee, fully authorized to settle with Mr. Betterly for land said to be taken from him in Middle street, not exceeding forty dollars.
179
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
[73.] Voted, that Merchants Row be placed under the care of the Clerk of the Market, and he be authorized to keep the same clear of incumbrances.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen January 3d. 1821 - Present the whole Board except Mr. Wells.
The committee to whom was referred the subject of Mr. Andrew Betterley's land on Middle street, have attended to that duty, and ask leave to report; - that they have con- ferred with Mr. Betterly on the subject, and agreed to allow him the sum of forty dollars for the land which is taken into the street .-
Abram Babcock, pr. order.
The foregoing report was read & accepted.
A petition was received from Charles C. Nichols & others, owners and occupants of estates in Round Lane, praying that the name of that Lane may be altered to "Williams Street" was read & committed to Messrs. Child & Billings.
Joseph Colburn was appointed a constable of the town watch .-
Mr. Abel Wheelock was appointed a constable.
[74.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen January 10th. 1821 .- Present the whole Board.
Warrant was signed for a town meeting, to be held on the 15th. instant .-
The Chairman was requested to procure the form of a war- rant for the constables of the watch, and of a certificate for the watchmen.
Messrs. Wells, Loring & Babcock were appointed a commit- tee to ascertain & report the probable expense of placing guide boards at the corner of the streets .-
The Chairman, Messrs. Billings & Babcock a committee to consider the expediency of removing the east section of the watch to the Old Court House, & report .-
Complaint having been made, that the oil purchased for the town lamps, was of a quality inferior to the contract - the subject was referred to Messrs. Babcock & Billings.
The committee to whom was referred the petition of Charles C. Nichols and others, praying that the name of "Williams Street" may be given to Round Lane.
180
CITY DOCUMENT NO 61.
[75.] Reported, That the prayer of the petition ought to be granted .- which report was accepted; - And it was then voted, that the passage way leading from Federal street to Atkinson street, called Round Lane .- shall in future be known only by the name of Williams street.
Mr. James Pierce was appointed a constable.
Boston ss. At a special meeting of the Selectmen January 15th. 1821 .- Present a majority of the Board.
The town clerk was directed to prepare a warrant for a town meeting to be held on the .22d. instant; - on the sub- ject of applying to the Legislature, to alter the time for taking the valuation of real & personal estates, from the first of May to the first of February annually.
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