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 5
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The Board came to the choice of a Messenger for the Year ensuing-the ballots being taken-MT. Matthew Nazro, was declared, unanimously chosen-
The Board proceeded to the choice of a Superintendent of Police-and the Ballots being taken-Charles Bulfinch Esq. was declared, unanimously chosen-
Voted, that next Wednesday Week be assigned for the choice of a Hay-weigher, for the Year ensuing-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 12-1800 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Sturgis, Hancock, Sherburne, Porter, Tileston Howard Oliver
Major Mellvill. applied on behalf of the Fire-Wards that a new Pipe should be mad[e] immediately for Engine Nº. 6-also a Ladder-whereupon-
Voted, that the Fire-Wards, be desired to procure said Articles accordingly-
Colº. Boyle applied for liberty to make use of Faneuil Hall for the drawing of the Philanthropic Lottery-whereupon
Voted, not to comply with the above application-
MI. Wild applied for liberty to lay out a frame of a House at the north end of Governors Alley & to shut up the Passage for a few Days-The Chairman Mr. Hancock & Capt. Howard are a Comme to view the Ground & act their Judgement thereon-also to view the spot where Mr. Wild intends Building, represented as an encroachment-
54
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
Mr. Hancock M". Porter Mr. Tileston & Mr. Oliver to have the care of the Common & Fences the ensuing Year-
Voted, that the pay for the Year ensuing to the [2.] Hayward, shall be two thirds of the amount of the Sum received for weigh- ing-the Town to be at no other expence than that of keeping the Machine in repair .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 19th .- 1800 Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Tilden, Sturgis, Porter, Hancock Sher- burne Tileston, Howard Oliver
Messrs. Porter, Oliver & Sturgis a Commee. to view Pleasant Street, and to confer with the Abuttors respecting the Water Courses, which may be necessary to lead the Water, therefrom and to Report-
The Board came to the choice of three Sealers of Weights & Measures-the Votes being taken it appeared-that Messrs. Richard Faxon Richard Austin & Timothy Green were chosen
Voted, that the Persons so appointed be desired to divide the Town in convenient Districts & to Report the same unto the Selectmen on Wednesday next-
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The Chairman Majr. Tilden & Mr. Sherburne are a Commee. to wait on the Lieut. Governour & to request him to postpone the nomination of the Town Judge untill after the May Meeting ; provided it shall be convenient, & agreable to his arrangements-
The Committee on the Common desired to take Measures for erecting a Pound in some suitable situation
Voted, that as a number of Persons have made application for the Office of Hay-weigher-the following Duties are enjoined upon the Person who may be appointed to the same vizt-
First, He shall give his con- stand attendance at his Office at all necessary Hours for that business in each Day of the Week Sundays excepted-
Second He shall be careful to examine all Hay brought to Market for Sale & not to weigh any, which shall not be mer- chantable or well made-
[3.] Third-He shall keep & exact account of all monies he may receive for weighing Hay or other things & render an account thereof to this Board at least once every three months, without notice-
Fourth-If at any time he shall discover in the Loads of Hay brought for Sale, or to be weighed, any Stones or other improper
,
55
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
Lumber in the Cart. he shall expose the Person by Advertizing him in one of the Papers, if to him it shall appear intentially done to defraud the buyer-
Fifth-Such Hay-weigher shall have the whole care of the Bulls. that are or may be owned by the Town, & shall see them properly kept : the expence of their support to be paid by the Town
Sixth-The Person who may be chosen to the aforesaid Office, discharging his duty agreable to the aforegoing directions shall continue therein during the pleasure of the Board, & be entitled to two thirds of the gross sums he may receive for weighing as aforesaid, paying out of his gds for the fuel paper & tickets, & the other expences accruing to be paid out of the other third- sent
The Board then came to the choice of a Hay-weigher, and the Votes being taken it appear'd, that
Mr. Hopestill Foster was chosen
On the application of Colº. Boyle, liberty was granted to the Managers of the Philanthropic Lottery to make use of the Boxes for the drawing of that Lottery-they to make good any damage that may [be] done to them-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 26t-1800- Present Messrs. Bulfinch Tilden, Tileston, Sturgis, Porter, Oliver, Hancock, Sherburne Howard
The Commee. to view Pleasant Street were impower'd to have a Drain constructed to convey the Water from that Street
On application of the Board of Health Voted [4.] that the Bells be rung on Wednesday next to assemble the Wards of the Town for the choice of a Board of Health
A Warrant for a Meeting in April next: being 7th day for choice of Governour &c was issued by Selectmen
Mr. Edes to have printing of Noti-
fications
Mr. Porter & MT. Tyler a Commee. to request Dr. Thacher to open the Town Meeting with Prayer-
A Warrant was also issued for another Town Meeting on Tues- day April 8-10. O Clock A : M :- to affix Salaries &c
Majr. Tilden was added to the Committee to ascertain the balance due to MIT. Rufus Amory & Mr. Lowell for the House
56
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
taken down at the entrance to Leveret Street & to Report on Monday-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 31+ 1800 Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Tilden, Howard, Hancock, Tileston Porter, Oliver, Sturgis
Passed upon Aecompts-
Mr. Benjamin Henderson Collector of Taxes for 1798 having produced Vouchers of the State County & Town Treasurers of his having paid unto them the whole Sums committed to him to Collect for that Year-the Town Clerk is directed to give up the Bond given for that Year-
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be desired to renew the Leases for the Towns Land on the Neek to the Persons who improved the same the Year past & upon the same conditions reserving the right to state [stake. ] out Roads or Lots in or through the same sent
Voted, that the Districts for the Sealers of Weight & Measures be as follows, Vizt-
Mr. Faxons from the Roxbury line to Winter & Summer Street, throug[h] high Street to Sears Wharff, & all west Boston from Sudbury Street-
Mr. Austin from Winter Street Summer Street High Street to State Street, to include the Long Wharff-
Mr. Green from State Street northerly-
Mr. Green is authorised to call upon Mr. Dakin ye. late Sealer [5.] and to receive of him the Town Standards-
Mr. Sturgis & Mr. Oliver a Commee. to revise the regulations for the Owners & Drivers of Hackney Carriages & to Report such alterations & additions as they may Judge necessary-
The Chairman is requested to make a demand upon the Administrator to the Estate of Ambrose Vineent for the cost of payment of foot walk in Franklin Street in front of their Estate-
Voted, that Mr. Foster the Hay weigher be desired to make enquiry of the cost of three Bulls for the use of the Town & to inform Mr. Porter-
sent
Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen April 8-1800 Present
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57
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
Messrs. Bulfinch, Tilden, Sturgis Howard Tileston, Hancock, Oliver
MIT. Richard Richardson applyed by Mr. Patterson for liberty to open the common Shore in Wings Lane, for the purpose of repairing it. & directions were given to notify all Persons con- cerned in said Common Shore, to give in their objections on or before the 12 Inst .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen April 9. 1800 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden Sturgis Howard Tileston Hancock Sher- burne Oliver Porter
On the application of Mr. Luke Baker for liberty to make some improvement in the Common Burying Ground-the Commee. on the Common are desired to view the Spot in Company with Mr. Baker & make Report-
Mr. Hancock MT. Sherburne & Mr. Oliver, on the application of Mr. David West are appointed a Commee. with liberty to remove part of the Stable in the Yard of the Lattin School-house
On application from the Board of Health, order'd that the Sedan Chairs belonging to the Town be delivered to them for their use-
Liberty was granted to Mr. Swett to build a Tomb [6.] At the Nº. East Corner of the South Burying Ground the Tomb to be dug into the Common-
The Chairman was desired to write to Mr. Smith Bois of Mil- ton to inform him that the Selectmen intend taking down part or the whole of a House owned by him in Back Street, for the purpose of widening that Street, & to request him to appear in order that the Referrees may be appointed to consider & award the damages that may be done to him thereby-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 16. 1800 Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Tilden Sherburne, Sturgis, Tileston, Hancock, Porter, Oliver, Howard
Major G. Blanchard applies for liberty to open the Common Sewer in Atkinson Street, whereupon Ordered that the Proprietors & Abutters be notified to appear on or before the 24t. Inst. to show cause why they should not be assessed their proportion .-
Mr. James Philips, Mr. William Leach, & Mr. Abijah Adams have liberty to build Tombs in the South Burying Ground
MIT. Abijah Crane has liberty to open a Drain into the Common Sewer in Nassau Street, upon the usual conditions
58
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Mr. Amasa Thayer has liberty to open a Drain into the Com- mon Sewer in Leveret Street from Salters Court-on the usual conditions-
The Commee. on application of Luke Baker .- Reported that they had conferred with him & viewed the part of the Burying Ground which he wished to inclose, & are of opinion that it would be for the interest of the Town to allow Mr. Baker to level the Earth & Sods on the Graves & to inclose a part of the Burying Ground with Ladders hitehed upon parts which shall be the property of the Town & for their use, in case of fires & removable at the pleasure of the Board-Mr. Baker also engages to keep the little Mall in elean order-and the report was accepted by the Board-
The Commee. on application of Mr. David West, Reported as their opinion that part of the Building might be [?] removed without any injury to the Town-whereupon Voted, that the same Commee. be desired to attend to this business & have the Building alter'd at the expence of Mr. West-the Town holding the right to Erect any other Building on the Land at their pleasure-
Upon the representation of Mr. Edward C. How that Thomas King a blaek, bound to him on the 29th Jany. is insane and unable to acquire a trade, or to comply with the terms of his Indentures -it was Voted, that Mr. How be released from the obligations of the Indentures upon his engaging to convey the said Thos King to the Overseers of the Town of Marblehead of which he is a Native-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Seleetmen April 23ª. 1800 Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Howard, Oliver, Tileston, Tilden Stur- gis, Sherburne, Porter.
Mr. James Duck has liberty to open the Drain from his House in North Square to the Common Sewer, on the usual conditions-
Mr. Tilden, Sturgis & Tileston a Commee. to view a Well in a Street near Mr. Robert Hallowells & to Report their opinion thereon-
Mr. Samuel [J. Smith] Boies appeared & named Mr. Allen Crocker as Referee on his part to estimate the amount of dam- ages that would be sustained by him by the removal of his House in Back Street; & the Board on the part of the Town nominated Colo. Procter, which nominations were mutually agreed to-the above named Referrees to have liberty to call in any one Person that they may choose-provided they cannot agree in their Judgement
A number of Abutters on Buttolph Strect for leave to open
59
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
said Street for the purpose of laying a Common Sewer thereon- Liberty was granted on the usual conditions-
The President & Directors of the Union Bank apply for liberty to open a Common Sewer in Exchange Lane-whereupon-
Ordered. that the Abutters be notified to appear on or before the 30. Inst. to make their objections-
[S] Whereas it is the opinion of this Board, that all the Abutters upon the Streets in this Town have an equal right by Law to lead their Drains into the Common Sewer paying their full proportion of laving building & from time to time repairing the same-That the application of a number of Persons for leave to open a Common Sewer in Cambridge Street towards the Bridge ought therefore to be complied with, & they have hereby leave granted to them accordingly subject to the Superintendance & control of this Board. & that when the said Sewer is so laid that Capt. Mackay is equally entitled to the privilege of his Drain running from his Distillery to empty itself therein as any other Abutter, as he must necessarily be subject to the penalties of the Law if he or his Tenants should occasion any Nuisance to the Neighbourhood thereby. sent-
Liberty granted to Messrs. Elliston & Parminter to build a Tomb in the South Byrial Ground on the usual conditions
Messrs. Frank and Batterman had the same liberty on the like conditions-
Voted. the Monies recived of the Proprietors of Woodwards Wharff, for the Towns release & quit claim of Olivers Dock, be paid to the Town Treasurer, & that it be recommended to him to make use of it to discharge in part the draft passed in favor of M'. Howard for Oil .-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 28, 1800 Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Tilden Howard Tileston, Oliver, Porter, Sturgis
Passed upon Accounts-
MI. Jepson, Bayley & Thompson Collectors of Taxes for 1798 having produced from the State County & Town Treasurers Receits for the whole sums committed to them to Collect for that Year-the Town Clerk is directed to give up to them their respective Bonds given for that Year-
The Commee. to view the Well near Robert Hallowells, reported as their opinion that the same should be covered, and it has been done accordingly.
60
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
[9] The Chairman Mr. Sturgis, & Mr. Oliver, a Committee to confer with Mess. J. L. Austin & M". Benjamin Austin respecting the removal of a part of their Rope walks, to connect Clapboard Street & Belknap Street-
Mess's. Allen Proetor & Edward Proctor Referees to view & estimate the value of the House belonging to Mr. JJ. Smith Boies in Back Street-Reported in conjunction with Mr. George Makepeace, they had valued said House at 950 Dollars also the House occupied by Steel at 250 Dollars-this Report is aeccpted & the Original placed on filc-
Voted, that the Chairman be desired to have the Entry-way leading to the Seleetmens Room, white washed & well elcansed- and that in future M". Nazro be directed to sweep the Stairs, entry, & room three times every week-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen April 30-1800 Present Mess's. Bulfinch, Tilden, Sturgis Howard, Tileston, Haneock, Oliver, Sherburne,
Ordered, that the Owners & Drivers of Hacks be notified to appear on Thursday the 1st. of May next for the renewal of their Licenses, at 12. o: Cloek-
On application of Elias Shaw & Benjamin Edwards for the use of Arms, & having represented that they were unable to furnish themselves therewith-Voted, that they have the use of a Stand of Arms each for that Day, & that the wish of the Board be expressed to the Captain or Commanding Officer of the Ward, that they may be excused from any fine, if they thould appear deficient in any particular equipment,
Representation having been made that Samuel Thatcher M". Clark & Mr. Wyman have opened private Schools, without reeom- mendation or the approbation of the Selectmen-
Voted, that they be directed to appear before the Board on Wednesday next-
The Board made ehoiee of Mr. [10] William Moek to Collcet & receive the Sum of seventy five Cents, for each & every Cow that may go at large within the Town the present Year & 373 Cents for each & every Cow that may be kept in Pasture or Inclosure, and that he be allowed one third of the sum so col- lected for his serviees & it is expected that he make return of his proceedings once each month to the Chairman-
Voted, that Mr. Sherburne be requested to inform Mr. Rogers that the Seleetmen are willing & desirous to have the question
61
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
respecting his Fences in Summer Street determined by the Supreme Court-but as this Court will not be in Session untill August next the Board would recommend that Mr. Rogers should have his fences repaired and the Ground secured to his satifac- tion & an account kept of the expence which will finally be paid according to the Judgement of the Court. As the Selectmen con- cieve that this advance of money, can be of no inconvenience to Mr. Rogers. and as the payment thereof by the Town before the decision of the question, would materially alter the grounds of the dispute, they think their proposition fair & equitable; and protest against any further delay, and any damages that may hereafter arise
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 7. 1800- Present Messrs. Tilden, Sturgis, Howard, Sherburne, Hancock, Tileston Porter Bulfinch Oliver
The Town Clerk is directed to prepare a Warrant for May Meeting on the 13th. Inst. 10. 0 : clock A : M :
Rerd. Dr. Eliot to be requested to open the Meeting with praver & MT. Howard & MT. Sherburne a Comme. to wait on him for that purpose
Mr. Edes to have the printing of the Notifications-
Colº. Hancock Mr. Porter & Tileston a Commee. to view the Neck for the purpose of considering the best mode of putting it into repair-and to effect the same
MIT. Fuller has liberty to open a Drain in Lyn Street on the usual conditions-
Mr. Steven Francis applies for [11.] liberty to open the Com- mon Sewer or Drain in Williams Court-Ordered that notice be given to all Persons whose Drains enter therein to appear at the Selectmens Room on or before the 14 Inst. to show cause why liberty should not be granted-
On Complaint of the Proprietors of several Tombs in the Common Burying Ground against the liberty that has been granted to Luke Baker to enclose a part of that Ground-
Voted that MIT. Baker be directed to remove the Posts, Lad- ders & Gate, to fill the holes made by the posts and replace the Ground in its former order, as soon as may be-
MIT. Stephen Thatcher having produced recommendations from the Revd. MIT. Mc. Keen of Beverly & two School Committees of that Town-he was approved as a keeper of a private School in this Town-
62
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Mr. Josiah Clark having produced recommendations from the tRevd. Mr. Mellen of Barnstable & the School Commee. of that Town-he was approved as a keeper of a private School in this Town-
sent
Mr. Joseph Aikin having produced recommendations from the Revd. Mª. Me. Keen of Beverly & from a number of the Propri- etors of the School at West Boston-he was approved as a Keeper of a private Sehool in this Town-
The following Persons were permitted to build Tombs in the South Burial Ground-vizt .-
Tombs
Abraham Gibson 1
Edwd. C. How, Arthur Langford & Nath1. 1 1
Meriam 1
Humphrey Clark 1
Dr. Samuel Hayward 1
4 Tombs
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen May 13th. 1800- Present Messrs. Bulfineh Tilden, Sturgis Howard, Sherburne Hancock Tileston Porter Oliver
No Business was transacted whieh beeame matter of Record- [12.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 21. 1800 Present Mess's. Tilden, Sturgis Howard Hancoek Sherburne 'Tileston Porter Oliver
Agreeable to a Warrant received from the Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk, the Seleetmen examined into the Circum- stanees of Abigail Howard & finding her to be a non compos mentis as represented to the Judge a return was made accord- ingly-
Mess's : Gridley & Stevenson, were attending Constables at this May Meeting-
Mr. Josª. Roby has liberty to lay Drain from his House in Moon Street to the Common Sewer
Dr. Joseph Whipple has liberty to open a Drain from his House in Harvard Street into the Common Sewer-
William Adams & Christop". Smith have liberty to build a Tomb in the new Burying Ground-on the usual conditions
Nathª. Johnson has the like liberty, on like conditions
63
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
David & Nath1. Bradley has liberty to build a Tomb in said Burying Ground on like conditions-
Shrove Howland has liberty to open his Drain in Pleasant Street-on usual conditions-
William Bartlet has liberty to open his Drain in Pleasant Street, on the usual conditions-
The consideration of the Letter of Stephen Gorham Esq respecting conveying Water over ground in Milk Street,- referred untill the next Meeting
MI. Hancock & Porter a Commee. for repairing Marlborough Newbury Orange & Washington Streets, likewise all Streets West & East to the South of Liberty Tree so called-
Mr. Tilden & Tileston to repair Streets to the Eastward of Main Street Ward Nº. 10-
Mr. Sherburne & M. Howard, all the Streets below [13] the Bridge
Mr. Bulfinch Sturgis & Oliver to repair the Streets in the other parts of the Town-
Whereas the superintending of the Police of this Town enforcing the Laws for the due regulation thereof, and executing them with that spirit & vigor which they necessarily require, are objeets of great importance to the wellfare and happiness of the Inhabitants : & unless the Officer appointed thereto, employs the greatest portion of his time therein, some omission of his duty must occur-Therefore in order that he may dis- charge it with that zeal firmness & energy which is expected by the Town, & for his further encouragement so to do the present Year It is unanimously Voted by this Board that the whole sum of $600-granted by the Town this Day for executing that Office shall be applied to the payment of the Superintendant of the Police only, & that he be & hereby is authorized by this Board to employ as many Constables from time to time (not exceeding three) to aid him therein as he may Judge necessary, & the Board will give orders upon the Treasury for this purpose accordingly at the rate they are now employ'd-
Boston ss: At a meeting of the Selectmen May 23. 1800 Present Mess" : Tilden Sturgis Howard, Hancock Sherburne Porter Tileston Oliver Bulfinch
The Board came to the choice of an Orator for the 4th. of July next, and the Votes being taken, Joseph Hall Esq. was declared to be chosen-
64
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Voted, that Mr. Hall be furnished with information of the choice & a Copy of the Towns Vote authorizing the appointmt.
sent
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 26. 1800 Present Mess's : Porter, Tilden, Sturgis, Sherburne Tileston Oliver Hancock, Howard,
Passed upon Accounts
William Wyman had liberty to open a Drain in Newbury Street
Colº. Dawes in behalf of Massachusetts Bank do. in Corn Court
both on usual Conditions
[14.] Mr. Foster the Hayweigher has liberty to purchase a Bull for the use of the Common on as good terms as he is able-
Colo. Scollay a Commee. from the Old South Church applys for the removal of the Fire Engine which stands on their Lands-
Voted, that Wings Lane on the application of Samuel Whitwell & other Abuttors thereon, be henceforward known by the Name of Elm Street-
Voted, that the Commee. for the district which includes Elm Street, be desired to view said Street & Report to the Board what ought to be the proportion of the Abuttors towards paving said Street-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 29 1800 Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Tilden Sturgis Howard Hancock, Sherburne, Tileston Porter Oliver
Upon invitation from the Commee. of Gentlemen to devise proper testimonies of respect, for the reception of the Governor Elect-Voted, that the Board will attend the procession in Car- riages, agreeable to invitation-
Voted, that the Bells be rung at the time of the Governours entrance into the Town, & to continue ringing half an hour-
1
Mr. Sturgis & Mr. Oliver added to the Commee. for repairing the Neck-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 31. 1800 Present Mess's : Bulfinch Tilden, Sturgis, Howard, Hancock, Tileston Porter Oliver-
65
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1800.
Ephraim March & Benjamin Wheeler have leave to build Tombs in the South Burving Ground-
Voted. that Mr. Clap the Town Treasurer be desired to pay Messrs : Spooner & Otis, 150 Dollars on account of their Contract for the Market-
Voted, that a reward of fifty Dollars be offer'd to discover the Person or Persons who have injured the Trees on Fort Hill-
[15.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 4. 1800 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Sturgis Tileston Sherburne Oliver, Howard Hancock
Return was made from Samuel Whitwell of the Expence attending the Repairs of the Common Shore in Wings Lane and order passed that the same be Assessed on the Persons inter- ested as follows-vizt .-
The Accompt of the Expences in opening & repairing the Com- mon Shore in Wings Lane was laid before the Selectmen by Mr. Samuel Whitwell & by the Selectmen examined & allowed, they being informed at the same time that they had caused to be warned every Person concerned according to Law & no objec- tion having been entred to their proceeding Assessment was made-and an order for payment delivered to said Samuel Whitwell which is as follows
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