USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the selectmen's meetings, 1799 to, and including, 1810 > Part 36
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The Board having heard the representation of Mr. Isaac Tucker Administrator on the estate of MIrs Deborah Rea, and having ascertained that the Drain in Essex Street was not com- pleated until after her Death, have agreed that the Assessment against her made December 7th. ought to be paid by Mr. Robert Hewes the present owner of the estate .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 15th. 1810 .- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Foster, Weld & Webb .-
The present meeting was called by precept from the Supreme Judicial Court. for the purpose of drawing Twenty four Jurors to serve at the present term of that Court .-
[44%.] Boston ss : at a Meeting of the Selectmen January 17th 1>10 .- Present Messrs Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, May, Foster, Weld & Webb .-
MIT Benjamin White was chosen Measurer of Wood coming from the Country over Charles River Bridge .-
The Chairman was desired to publish an Extract from the Law regulating the measuring of Wood, to prevent fraud in the sale of that Article.
A Communication was read from the Board of Health in which they express their willingness to accept the care of the Burying grounds and the conduct of funerals, agreeable to the proceedings of the Town at the last Meeting .-
426
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Mr. Samuel Harris appeared to claim Compensation for damage done him in taking away part of a Shop, to lay out Broad Street in the Year 1805 .- The Chairman was to present Mr. Harris demand to the President of the Broad Street Association .-
Boston ss : at a Meeting of the Seleetmen January 24th 1810. Present Messrs Bulfinch, Porter, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Foster, Weld & Webb .-
Return of the patrole watch read .-
The Chairman presented the report of the trial on the suit of Hancock for Beacon Hill, drawn up by Daniel Davis Esq one of the counsel employed by the Board-
Also, a report of a trial on an Indictment against Thomas Lewis for incumbring the harbour by [448. ] building the out- wharves-the same drawn up by D. Davis Esq at the request of the Chairman, as involving questions of importance to the Town.
The subject of widening Exchange Lane again under consider- ation-the Committee reported their proceedings in conference with the abutters, & that they were again to meet them this day .-
Boston ss : at a Meeting of the Selectmen January 29th. 1810 .- Present Messrs Bulfinch, Porter, Wright, Weld & Webb .-
Passed the Monthly Accounts .-
Boston ss: at a Meeting of the Selectmen January 31st 1810 Present Mess's Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, May, Wright, Foster, Webb & Weld .-
Passed other Accounts .--
M' William Morrill is appointed measurer of Wood from the Country, over the Canal Bridge, end of Leverett Street .-
Mr. Porter, M' Foster & M' Weld a Committee on the appli- cation of Mr Skinner to examine his claim to compensation upon such persons as have entred drains into the common sewer laid by him in Sister Street: they are desired to notify the parties & report their opinion .-
[449.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 7th 1810 .- Present Messrs Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, May, Wright & Foster .-
On the application of Mr. William Collins the Board approve of the situation of his house in North Street for a bake house- provided the firewards approve of the building for that use .-
427
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1810.
An application was read from Robt T. Paine Esq stating his claim to a Tomb in the Granary burying Ground formerly belong- ing to Josiah Willard Esq. and in which tomb several of the Ancestors of Judge Paine are now deposited; but which was taken possession of by M' Samuel Bangs for repairs done thereon in 1786, by consent of the Selectmen at that time .-
The Board considered the application, and are of opinion that Judge Paine's claim is well fonnded, and are willing that he should take possession of the said Tomb, but that he should not disturb or remove the remains of any of the Family of Mr. Bangs who may be therein .-
On the petition of a number of residents at West Boston, it was agreed that the bell of the 3d Baptist Church should be rung at eleven. one & nine o'Clock -- at the expence of the Town .-
A Petition from the abutters on Ann Street praying for regula- tions of the market Carts nsually standing in that street, was [450.] read & assigned to the Committee who have under con- sideration the regulation of the Market .-
A Petition from the abutters on Sea Street, for the paving of that street early in the next season. was committed to M' Hunne- well & M' Wright-to confer with the applicants thereon. -
Boston ss : at a Meeting of the Selectmen February 14th. 1810. Present MessTs Bulfinch, Porter, May, Foster, Webb & Weld .-
Return was made by the Committee chosen the 31st January last to examine into the circumstances of the drain laid by ME Skinner in Sister Street-which was read & considered, and being accepted. it was ordered that assessment for said drain be made out agreeably to the principles of said report : and which is or- dered to be on file-
The Roof of the North School house having been much injured by fire this morning, the Chairman was desired to employ work- men to make the necessary repairs, and take measures for the Accommodation of the School while the repairs are going on .-
[451.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Feb. 218t. 1810 .-
Present the whole Board-
Grand Jurors & traverse Jurors were drawn to serve at the supreme Judicial Court in March next .-
The Assessment for the drain in Sister Street was made out, & being discussed, it was determined it should lay for the present-
428
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Mcss's Hunnewell, Wright, Webb & Weld a Committee in con- junction with the Committee of the board of Health to consider the expedicncy of applying to the Legislature for powers to the board of health to inforce the regulations of the Burying grounds Adopted by the Town at the last Town Meeting-& to act on this subject as they shall judge expedient .-
The application of M' Ryan for Liberty to exhibit what he terms the art of Pugilism, & his justification of that practice was read, & being fully considered, it was determined as the opinion of the board, that such exhibitions should not be authorized by the Government of the Town, & that any keeper of a Licensed house of entertainment who should admit such performances in his house, should be deprived of the privilege of his Licence .-
[452.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 26th. 1810. Present Mess's Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, May, Wright & Webb.
Passed the Monthly Accounts .-
Boston ss. at a Meeting of the Selectmen Feb. 28th 1810. Present Mcssrs Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, May, Wright Webb, & Foster .-
Mª Blanchard & Dr. Dexter appeared & stated their objec- tions to paying any considerable proportion of the drain in Sister Street, they were examined respecting the number of com- munications which they and M' Tilden had with said drain. & the papers were referred to the former Committee for further investigation & consideration.
Passed the Monthly & quarterly accounts.
Warrant was prepared & signed for Town Meeting for choice of Town officers for the 12th March.
Mr. Park to print the Notifications
Rev. Doc" Lathrop-to be requested to open the Meeting with Prayer .---
The Assessors having given notice that the new lists of Voters will be ready by the 1st March, according to Law-the board agreed upon two Gentlemen in each ward to correct the said lists-the Chairman was desired to request their services, to have the corrections made by the 10th. March .-
[453.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 7th 1810 .- Present MessIs. Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Weld & Webb.
429
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1810.
MT. Morrill. measurer of Wood at Canal bridge appeared to answer complaints made against his measuring. after some con- versation on the subject. he was desired to pay particular atten- tion to the aceuracy of his measure-and it was agreed to sus- pend further proceedings for the present .-
The Chairman reported that a Law had passed the Legislature, to empower the Assistant Assessors to correct the lists of Voters in their respective wards-it was agreed that they should be notified to meet to-morrow P. M. to be sworn into Offiee & be desired to undertake the correction of the lists immediately .-
Boston ss: at a Meeting of the Selectmen Mareb 14ª 1810. Present Mess's Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Foster Webb & Weld .-
The members present were sworn according to law by Justice Stevenson. -
The board came to the choice of a Chairman, the ballots being taken. [454. ] Charles Bulfinch Esq. was declared to be chosen. -
The Chairman reported that the ward lists had been delivered to the assistant assessors for correction : he was desired to have them printed as soon as possible after they should be returned to him.
On the application of MIT. Wheelock, the open space of ground back of the Province house was approved as a place for sale of horses & Cattle by Auction .-
Boston ss. at a Meeting of the Selectmen Mareh 21st 1810. Present Mess's :- Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright. Foster, Webb & Weld .-
Warrant was signed for Town Meeting the first Monday of April next, for the choice of Governour Lieutenant Governour & Senators. Doct. Eckley to be requested to open the Meeting with Prayer.
MIT. Park to print the notifications .-
At the request of M' Leverett the board went again into the consideration of his claim to Almshouse land, & his proposals to compromise for 8000 dollars .-
The Deeds were read & the plan examined, and after full eon- sideration it was determined not to accede to the proposal of [455.] compromise, but that the Committee be impowered to enter into an Arbitration agreement, under a rule of Court for
430
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
the final Adjustment of all M' Leveretts claims, on such condi- tions as the Counsel employed by the board should approve-and the referees to act under instructions from the Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court .-
The Secretary & Treasurer of the Franklin donation having notified a Meeting of the Trustees of that fund at this time, his Accounts were exhibited. M' Wright & M' Weld were appointed a Committee to examine them, who reported that they were correct-the secretary was desired to prepare a statement of the present situation of the fund to exhibit at the next Meeting .-
On the application of William Belcher Esq he is approved as an Auctioneer .-
On the application of the residents at South Boston for repairs of streets-Mr Porter was desired to view the streets in that district, to observe what repairs were necessary.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 28th 1810. Present Messrs Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Foster & Webb .-
28 Jurors were drawn for Court of Com. Pleas.
[456.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 11th. 1810. Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Foster & Webb .-
11 Jurors were drawn to supply vacancies in the list last drawn for the Court of Com. Pleas .-
A vacancy having been occasioned in the North Watch by the death of Francis Cleaver Jun"., applications for the place were received from several persons-which having been considered, M" David Lawrence was chosen in his stead .-
In pursuance of a precept from the Hon. Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk, inquisition was made into the circumstances of Mr Elijah Nickerson, & return was made & signed by the Selectmen present, that said Nickerson was non compos mentis, & they recommended that a Guardian should be appointed for him .-
[457.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 18th 1810. Present, Mees's : Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright & Weld.
A Committee from a newly instituted Insurance Company occupying the room iu the Town house lately hired by Mr. Burley, made application for the same room; M" Burley being obliged to
431
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1810.
relinquish business from sickness-and wished a deduction from the rent, & stated their reasons-after they had retired, the sub- ject was considered. and it was unauimously determined to hold the whole of the end leased to M' Burley at the rent of $800 dollars-or the part now occupied by the Insurance Company ex- clusive of Mr. Clelands office for $600 .-
Plan of streets near Beacon hill were laid before the board & estimates respeeting the Towus property on the hill-Agreed that the heirs of Gov. Haneoek be invited to attend next Wednesday on their application for purchase or exehauge of the Towns prop- erty on Beacon hill .-
The Chairman was desired to request the Assistant Assessors to take measures for obtaining a return of the number of ratable polls previous to the 12th May next .-
Estimates of paving sea Street were laid before the board by the Come. [458.] appointed on that Street-who proposed that the abutters should lay a broad side walk on the west side of the Street & the Street to be paved 20 feet wide iu Addition-the expence of the center paving about 1500 dollars-To enable the proprietors to make contracts to advantage it was agreed, if the Town should make the usual appropriations for paving at the May Meeting. the board would allow, one Thousand Dollars towards paving Sea Street & Beach Street, to join the pavement in South Street.
Mess™ Stephen W. Jackson & Francis Jackson applied for a licence of a building they are now erecting west of Washington Street for a Candle Manufactory-after considering the subjeet it was determined, that the reasons which formerly influenced the Selectmen to forbid such manufactories on the neck, were still in full force: and that the licence now applied for could not be granted. ---
Messrs Brown & Hough applied for a licence as Auctioneers in addition to their usual business of wholesale merchants, the ap- plicants produced very respectable recommendations ; but the board considered it not advisable to grant a licence to persons well established in another business .-
A Committee from the proprietors of land & buildings on Myrtle Street applied to request that measures might be taken [459.] to continue the westerly end of said Street to Grove Street, & by that means to remove a number of small buildings which are occupied by persons who bring a discredit on the neigh- bourhood .- The Chairman, M' Foster & MT Weld appointed to view and Report .-
432
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 25th 1810 .- Present, Mess's Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Webb & Weld .-
Mr. Isaac White having been reminded of his engagement to consent to the naming of referees for asecrtaining the amount which he should receive for damages for part of his Store & the land under the same to be taken to widen the lower part of State Street : Mr White now appeared & presented a list of Twenty persons-& after some consideration the following Gentlemen were selected,
William Parsons John C. Jones Isaac Rand John Winslow John Joy Esquires
and the Chairman was desired to request them to attend the ser- vice Assigned them .-
[460.] The following arrangement of Committees was adopted for the year ensuing .-
M' May the easterly North division of Streets
M' Webb the westerly north division of ditto
Mr Weld- wards Nº 4 & 5 M' Bulfinch wards Nº 6 & 7 M' Hunnewell ward Nº 8 Mr Wright ward Nº 9 M' Foster ward Nº 10 M' Oliver ward Nº 11 M' Porter ward Nº 12
Mess's Bulfinch, Porter & Hunnewell for the neck .-
Messrs Oliver, Foster & Weld for eare of the Common. -
The Common Committee was desired to pay immediate atten- tion to the state of the fences & to direet the repairs thereof & of the Mall ; & to order such trees to be replaced as are wanted, & the necessary pruning to be done .-
Mr Weld, the proprietor of a small House in Exchange lane appeared and complained that his property was to be taken away without compensation previously made to him .- lie was reminded that he had been invited in writing to attend the meeting of the referees & to consent to the rule entered into by the other parties, but had paid no attention [461.] to the request of the board ;
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433
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES. 1810.
but since he had now appeared. the board would consider what propositions they could make him & would communicate the same in writing .-
M' Huse, Mr .John Hancock & MT Spear appeared on the part of the owners of Beacon hill to confer respecting the Towns property there-after some general conversation it was agreed to appoint a Committee to consider the subjeet & to report to the board. & after that a further communication would be made to the applicants .-
The Gentlemen having withdrawn. the Chairman, Mr Hunne- well & MIT Weld were chosen on the Committee .-
Complaint having been made against several stones placed as posts in front of ME Thompsons house in south Pond Street ; it was directed that the same be removed by the officer of Police .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 30th. 1810 .- Present MessTs : Bulfinch. Oliver, May. Wright & Webb.
Passed the Monthly Accounts. -
Mr. Nathan Hull having been recommended to the satisfaction of the board, is approved to keep a private School for teach- ing the mathematics in this Town.
[462.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 2d. 1×10. Present Mess" Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright, May & Weld .-
Passed the remainder of the Accounts .-
The Chairman exhibited an Account presented by the Admin- istrator on the E-tate of the late William Cooper Esq for the arrears of grants due according to Votes of the Town. the same were examined & compared with the Votes-the Chairman was desired to draw up a statement to be laid before the Town, at the next Meeting .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 9th. 1810. Present Mess Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright Foster, Webb & Weld .-
Warrant was prepared & signed for a Town Meeting on the 16th. Instant for the choice of Representatives & for the 17th. for the Money concerns of the year .-
Dr. Baldwin to be requested to open the Meeting with Prayer .-
434
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
M' Park to print Notifications .-
The subject of the application of the heirs of Gov Hancock to purchase Beacon Hill was considered-and the Chairman was desired to prepare a Report to be laid before the Town .-
A Statement relative to Mr. Cooper's arrears was read & con- sidered & accepted to be presented to the Town .-
[463.] The Chairman informed the board that a number of Gentlemen had purchased of Capt. Hinckley a portion of the land late the estate of Jeremiah Allen Esq for the purpose of widening the south entrance of Somersett Street, for which they had paid 900 Dollars & a deed of the land had been given by Capt. Hinckley to the Town.
Voted, that the southerly end of said Somersett Street be leveled & regulated at the Expence of the Town & Mr. Bulfinch, Mr. Oliver & Mr. Weld were desired to direct the workmen .-
Information being given that the workmen were ready to pro- ceed upon the foundation of the new Court House. the Chairman was desired to apply to the owners of vacant land in School Street, for liberty to place the Engine house thereon as a tempo- rary accommodation .-
A Meeting of the selectmen wa's warned
Messrs. Bulfinch, May & Foster attended-
The Assistant Assessors made return of the number of rate- able polls in the several wards of the Town amounting in all to 9557 .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 15th 1810. Present Mess's. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright, May & Foster.
Jurors were drawn for the Circuit Court .-
[464.] Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Sclectmen May 18th 1810. Present Messrs Bulfinch, May, Wright, Webb & Weld.
This meeting was called by request of some of the board to meet at the easterly end of Pond Street to view the wall of the Mill Creek now building-after examining the same, it was Voted.
That in the opinion of the board, it is necessary that the bottom of the new part of the Creek now making, should be dug away, on a level with the old part of the Creek; and that all the walls
435
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1810.
of the Creek and Canal in future should be laid on the solid Clay bottom, and that all the mud and loose earth should be dug away .-
Voted that the Chairman communicate the above to the Presi- dent of the Mill Corporation. & that the board meet on Monday next 12 º Cloek. at Faneuil Hall, on this business .-
At a Meeting of the Selectmen Monday May 21st by Adjourn- ment from the 18th .- Present Mess" Bulfinch. Hunnewell, May, Wright. Foster. Webb & Weld .-
The Chairman informed the board that he had communicated the votes passed at the last meeting, both to the President & Agent of the Mill Corporation. that they had informed him a meeting of the directors should be immediately [465.] called, and measures taken to comply with the wishes of the Board as far as should be found practicable from the nature of the ground .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen May 23d. 1810. Present Mess's Bulfinch. Oliver, Hunnewell. May & Wright .-
The Chairman was directed to inform the Clerk of the proprie- tors of Long Wharf of the amount & conditions of the award upon Mr. Whites Store. as rendered by the referees-and that upon the money being deposited with the Town Treasurer, the workmen will immediately proceed to take down the building .-
On the representation of MIT Brooks president of the New England Insurance office-relative to a loss or deduction from their land more than they had expected, after the laying out Exchange lane-the plan was viewed & considered, and it was Voted. That the Directors of the New England Insurance Com- pany be informed that the Selectmen expect that the entrance of Exchange Lane be widened 12 feet according to the award of the Commissioners : and with respect to the loss of 23 feet of land in width on the lower end of their lot, the board are willing, on the part of the Town, and as a party in the reference, to submit the same to the original referees, to abide [466.] by their pro- portion of the damage .-
On the application of a number of Gentlemen for a Copy of the returns of rateable Polls last taken by the Assistant Assess- ors-Voted. That the Town Clerk be authorized to give copies of the Books of returns of rateable Polls, at the expence of the applicants ; provided that the Publick business of the Assessors in taking the valuation of estates shall not be interrupted by the detention of any of said Books .-
436
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectinen May 28th 1810. Present Mess™6 Bulfinch, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Foster, Webb & Weld.
Passed the Monthly Accounts .-
A special meeting had been summoned to meet this Morning on Fort Hill in consequence of a number of persons undertaking to dig down the Street on the West side of the hill, without order or consent of the board-they were then forbidden to pro- ceed .- the subject was now considered & Messrs Hunncwell Wright & Weld appointed a Committee to direct the forming the Streets round the hill, & to consider what measures should be taken to secure the fence & center of the hill.
[467.] Several of the Inhabitants of Distil house square appeared to complain of the want of drains in that Street to eon- vey the water from their eellars, in consequence of filling the mill Pond- & of a number of places filled with stagnant water .-
The Chairman was desired to eommunieate the above complaint to the President & Agent of the Mill Corporation, & urge the necessity of drawing off the stagnant water immediately-& that persons be employed to open ditehes from such low places to the tide water .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 16th. 1810. Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, May, Wright, Foster, Webb & Weld .-
The Board came to the choice of an Orator for the 4th July next. -and Alexander Townsend Esq was chosen agreeably to the Institution of the Town to deliver an Oration on the anniversary of American Independence .- The Chairman was desired to com- munieate to M' Townsend the request of the board .-
This time being assigned by publiek advertizement for reeeiv- ing applications for the office of Constable, a number of Appli- cations [468.] were received. and read; together with the recommendations aecompanying them and the choice was postponed to Wednesday next .-
M' Caleb Loring Junr. was chosen sealer & weigher of lighters & boats for eonveyanee of stones, sand & gravel .-
The Chairman informed the board that he had complied with their directions at the last meeting; to ask the attention of the Mill Corporation to the state of drains & cellars on the southerly side of the pond, his letter is on file-Nothing effectual having been yet done, the board direeted a further communication on the subject & which was sent as followes .-
437
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1810.
To the President & Directors of Mill Corporation
Gentlemen
The abutters on Distill house square have informed the Selectmen that their houses, from, Sudbury Street to Mr Tidds distil house are deprived of the drains from their cellars by filling up the mill pond : that many of their cellars are consequently overflowed with water: and that the board of Health has ordered them to remove the water as a Nuisance .-
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