1878-03-04Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss: To one of the Constables of the town of Beverly. Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of the said Commonwealth, to notify and warn the qualified
voters of said town to meet at the Town Hall, on Monday the Fourth day of March next at Nine
o'clock beforenoon for the following purposes VIZ:-
1st To choose a Moderator and Town Clerk
2d To act on the Reports of the several boards of Town Officers
3d To choose Town Officers for the ensuing year, determining their number, and fixing the
compensation thereof.
4th To act on the question of an appropriation for the expenses of Memorial Day, under the direction
of Post No. 89 of Mass. Grand Army of the Republic.
5th To see if the Town will extend the Water Pipe from a point on Elliott Street, to the premises of
Joseph W. & Benjamin E. Smith at an expense not exceeding four hundred dollars, - per petition of
Benjamin E. Smith and others.
6th To see if the Town will extend the Water Pipe to Estate of Michael W. Shepard on Neptune
Street. Per his petition.
7th To see if the Town will extend the Water Pipe from its present terminus on Endicott Street to
connect with the pipe on Abbott Street.
8th To see if the Town will confirm the title to the Estate on Franklin Place, conveyed by the Town
Treasurer to Susannah P. Driver
9th To see if the Town will authorize the Town Treasurer to sell and convey the lot of land belonging
to the town, at the corner of Davis and Front Streets, and also, the Iot of land on Cross Street
opposite the Cove School House.
10th To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Tax.
11th To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and take such action in regard to Schools
and School Houses throughout the town as may be deemed expedient.
12th To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations in regard to
repairs and improvements of the Highways, throughout the town as may be determined upon.
13th To grant such sums of money, to be raised and assessed upon the polls and Estates within the
town, and for the expenses of the current year, as may be deemed expedient, and make all necessary
regulations and allowances, respecting the same. Also, to authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow
on the credit of the town, such sums of money as may be necessary from time to time to meet the
liabilities of the Town and to provide State Aid for the families of Volunteers.
14th To see if the Town will accept the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Hereof fail not but make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon before the time
appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands and seal this twenty first day of February in the year Eighteen
Hundred and Seventy Eighth.
Joseph Wilson
Freeborn W. Cressy
J. H. Young
H. W. Foster
Selectmen of
Beverly
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified the persons therein named as therein
directed by posting notifications stating the time, place and objects of said meeting, at each of the
several places required by the Town Regulations.
Beverly February 23, 1878. Gardner Haskell, Constable of Beverly
A true record of the original warrant and return thereon
Attest James Hill, Town Clerk
At a legal meeting of the qualified votes of the Town of Beverly, held in pursuance of the warrant
recorded on the two next preceding pages, at the Town Hall in said town on Monday the Fourth day
of March in the year Eighteen Hundred and Seventy Eight at Nine o'clock beforenoon the meeting
was called to order by the Town Clerk at the time appointed and who read the warrant therefor -
and it was
Voted by ballot, that Freeborn W. Cressy by Moderator.
Prayer was then offered by Rev. A. B. Adams
Voted by ballot that James Hill be Town Clerk
Then in open town meeting immediately after the election of Town Clerk James Hill abovenamed
was sworn to the faithful discharge of his duties as Town Clerk of Beverly by and before the
Moderator.
Upon motion of Robert R. Endicott
Voted that the Second Article of the Warrant be laid upon the table.
A motion offered by Joseph Woodberry, that the number of Selectmen be three was put to the
meeting and lost.
Voted by ballot that Joseph Wilson, Freeborn W. Cressy, John H. Young, Henry W. Foster and
Nathan H. Foster, be Selectmen
Voted that when this meeting adjourns, it adjourn to One o'clock this aftemoon
Voted that this meeting now adjourn.
At One o'clock P.M. the voters again assembled and proceeded with the business of the meeting.
On motion of Daniel Foster 2d
Voted that the number of Assessors be Three instead of Five as heretofore.
Voted by ballot, that George A. Woodberry 2d, Charles L. Williams, and George Millett by
Assessors.
On motion of Robert R. Endicott
Voted that the meeting proceed to the election of Chief of Police next after the election of School
Committee.
Voted, by ballot, that Joseph D. Tuck, Eben H. Moulton and William W. Hinkley be School
Committee for Three Years
Voted that when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place tomorrow, Tuesday morning
March 5th at Nine o'clock.
Voted by ballot, that Gardner Haskell be Chief of Police.
Voted to now adjourn, and the meeting was so declared adjourned until tomorrow Tuesday morning
at Nine O'clock.
On Tuesday morning, March 5th 1878 at Nine O'clock the meeting again assembled agreeably to
adjournment, and was called to order by the Moderator and proceeded with business.
A motion offered by Isaac Standley, "That the choice of Overseers of the Poor be indefinitely
postponed" was put to the meeting and lost.
Voted by ballot, that Isaac Appleton, Andrew K. Ober and Thomas Pickett be Overseers of the Poor.
Voted by ballot that Ezekiel F. Obear be Collector of Taxes
Voted by ballot that Robert G. Bennett be Town Treasurer.
Voted by ballot, that Nathaniel Rogers, Ezekiel F. Obear, George T. Larcom, Benjamin F. Herrick,
Gardner Haskell, George E. Cole, John G. Munsey. Isaac F. Day, and Ansel G. Cheney be
Constables.
Voted by ballot, that William C. Boyden be Trustee of the Public Library for Five Years.
On motion of Joseph E. Ober
Voted that no Board of Health be chosen by this meeting, but that the duties of the Board be
performed by the Selectmen, in the same manner as last year.
On motion of Francis Norwood
Voted, "that the Surveyor of Highways of Ward One be chosen by ballot"
On motion of William A. Friend
Voted "that the Surveyors of Highways in all the Wards by chosen by ballot"
Voted by ballot that Andrew Wallis be Surveyor of Highways in Ward One
Voted that the vote whereby the meeting voted to choose the Surveyors of Highways by ballot be
now reconsidered.
A motion "that the Selectmen as Surveyors of the remaining wards" was put to the meeting and lost.
Voted that the voters in the different wards be requested to make nominations for Surveyors of
Highways in their several wards and present them at the adjournment of this meeting this aftemoon.
Voted that the Moderator be requested to designate one person in each highway ward to call the
voters of the different wards together to make nominations for Surveyors of Highways.
In pursuance of the vote last passed the Moderator designated the following persons
Ward 2 Samuel Foster
Ward 3 Issacher T. Eldredge
Ward 4 Joseph E. Ober
Ward 5 Thomas Appleton
Ward 6 Andrew Dodge
Ward 7 Levi Woodberry 2d
Ward 8 Hugh Hill
Ward 9 John G. Brown
Ward 10 Sullivan Brown
Ward 11 Benjamin V. Giles
Ward 12 Otis Burnham
Ward 13 Charles Marshall
Voted (by hand vote) that Francis S. Lovett, John Meacom and Jacob H. A. Defreace be Fence
Viewers
The following persons were then elected Field Drivers by hand vote
Ward 1 Charles Wallis
Ward 2 Samuel Foster
Ward 3 Issacher T. Eldredge
Ward 4 Joseph E. Ober
Ward 5 Thomas Appleton
Ward 6 Andrew Dodge
Ward 7 Levi Woodberry 2d
Ward 8 Hugh Hill
Ward 9 John G. Brown
Ward 10 Sullivan Brown
Ward 11 Benjamin V. Giles
Ward 12 Otis Burnham
Ward 13 Charles Marshall
Voted (by hand vote) that Benjamin B. Hill, John W. Foster be Sealers of Leather
Voted (by hand vote) that Benjamin D. Grant be Inspector of Lime
Voted (by hand vote) that Thomas Elliott be Clerk of the Market
Voted (by hand vote) that Charles Moulton be Pound Keeper.
Voted (by hand vote) that Robert Remmonds, Jacob Brower and Hooper A. Appleton be
Surveyors of Lumber.
Voted that when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place at half past one this
afternoon.
Voted to now adjourn.
At half past One o'clock this Tuesday afternoon March 5th 1878 the meeting again assembled
agreeably to adjournment and proceed with the business of the meeting, and the following persons
were elected by hand vote as
Surveyors of Highways
Ward 2 John F. Standley
Ward 3 Issacher T. Eldredge
Ward 4 Asa Larcom
Ward 5 George Elliott
Ward 6 Horace W. Dodge
Ward 7 Levi Woodberry 2d
Ward 8 John D. Standley
Ward 9 Jonathan Dodge
Ward 10 Alna Dodge
Ward 11 George Clark
Ward 12 Charles Moulton
Ward 13 Henry E. Dodge
Voted that the pay of the Collector of Taxes be three quarters of One per cent on all monies collected
by him, and paid into the Treasury of the town, which shall be in full compensation for his services.
Voted that the Salary of the Town Treasurer be Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars the current year.
Voted that the Second Article of the Warrant be taken from the table.
The Report of the Selectmen was read and accepted.
Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to represent the town in the matter of the claim of Mr. Eaton
of Danvers for damages to horse upon the highway.
Voted that lots in the burial grounds shall not be occupied until the same are paid for; and that the
Selectmen use their best Judgement in regard to vacating lots already occupied but not paid for.
Voted that the Board of Health be instructed to set apart grounds in the Cemetery for the burial of
persons unable to purchase lots.
The Report of the Engineers of the Fire Department was read and accepted as was also the Report
of the Overseers of the Poor.
Voted that the Overseers of the Poor, be instructed to provide work for tramps.
The Report of the Trustees of the Public Library was read and accepted.
The Auditor's Report was presented to the meeting and accepted.
Voted that the several Boards of Town Officers be directed to report to the Auditor all outstanding
bills against their several departments.
The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund made a statement in regard to the Sinking Fund.
Under the Fourth Article of the Warrant.
Voted that the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated for the expenses of Memorial
Day to be expended under the direction of Post No. 89 of Grand Army of the Republic.
Upon Article 5 of the Warrant petition of B. E. Smith and others
Voted that the prayer of the petition be granted, provided that the expense shall not exceed Four
Hundred Dollars.
Upon Article 6 of the warrant, request of M. W. Shepard for water pipes
Voted that Mr. Shepard have liberty to lay pipe to his premises at his own expense.
Upon Article 7 of the warrant. Extension of water pipes on Endicott. St.
Voted to indefinitely postpone the whole subject of this article.
Upon Article 8th of the Warrant - to confirm title of estate in Franklin Place.
Voted that the conveyance made by Robert G. Bennett, Town Treasurer, to Susanna Driver of Salem
of this town' s interest in the "Parsons Estate" bounded on Franklin Place in said town held under a
tax title, be hereby ratified and confirmed.
Upon Article 9th of the Warrant.
On motion of Robert R. Endicott
Voted that the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to sell and convey the lot of land belonging to
the town, at the corner of Davis and Front Streets, and that the same be sold at public auction to the
highest bidder.
On motion of David L. Foster
Voted that the Town Treasurer be authorized to sell the lot opposite the Cove School House,
belonging to the town, provided the same shall be sold at public auction.
Voted that the Town Treasurer be directed to sell the lot of land belonging to the town, situated at
the corner of Cross and Lothrop Streets at public auction, at the same time he shall sell the lot
opposite the Cove School House.
Upon Article Ten of the Warrant "Dog Tax"
Voted that all monies received from the County Treasurer, on account of Dog Licenses be
appropriated for the support of Schools.
Upon Article Eleven of the Warrant (Schools)
Voted that the sum of Sixteen Thousand dollars be appropriated for the support and ordinary
expenses of Schools and School Houses throughout the town the current year.
The following preamble and resolution offered by Henry E. Woodberry was adopted Whereas the
School Committee in their Annual Report express the "hope to see carried into practice the idea long
entertained of providing an independent course of English instruction in the High School and while
we would "maintain the present classical course in even yet more efficiency" to all scholars who are
looking forward to a professional life. Therefor, be it resolved.
"That in the education of our children in the Public Schools it is of the highest importance that all
should be thoroughly educated in the ordinary and substantial branches, and until such thorough
education is attained there should be no attempt (with the exception alluded to) to teach the classics,
foreign languages or any other branches or studies not in common or ordinary use by the mass of the
people of the Commonwealth."
Upon Article 12 of the Warrant Highways
Voted that the sum of Eight Thousand Five Hundred dollars, be appropriated for the ordinary repairs
of the highways and Town ways throughout the town the current year, and or the Snow bills of the
past winter.
Voted that the sum of twenty cents per hour be allowed and paid each man for all labor performed
upon the highways the current year and that the sum of twenty cents per hour be allowed and paid
for each horse and cart employed upon the highway the current year.
Upon Article 13 of the Warrant (Money Grant)
Voted that the sum of one Hundred Thousand dollars, be raised and assessed upon the polls and
estates within the town, for the purpose of defraying the debts of the town, and for the expenses of
the current year, and that the same be appropriated to the several departments according to the
estimate of the Selectmen.
Voted that the Town Treasurer be hereby authorized to borrow on the credit of the town, upon notes,
bonds or certificates of debt, approved by the Selectmen such sums of money from time to time, as
may be necessary to meet the liabilities of the town, and to provide State Aid for the Families of
Volunteers.
On motion of Jesse G. Trask
Resolved. "That we the inhabitants of the town of Beverly in town meeting assembled consider the
present manner of voting for the Town Officers as imperfect and causing a great waste of valuable
time. Therefor, Resolved that the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and the Chairman of the
Board of Assessors and the Chairman of the Board of Overseers be a Committee to examine other
towns' methods and report some plan for the action of the Town at the adjourned meeting in April."
List of Jurors as revised by the Selectmen February 21, 1878 and accepted by the Town March 5th
1878.
George F. Allen
Joseph B. Appleton
Joseph H. Baker
Benjamin F. Bennett
Albert Brower
George P. Brown
Andrew C. Bridges
Austin Burnham
Otis Burnham
Edward A. Burroughs
Joseph Caswell
William A. Cressy
Freeborn W. Cressy
Daniel E. Cross
John E. Davis
Isaac F. Day
Jacob H. A. Defreace
Charles F. Dodge
Benjamin B. Dodge
Benjamin N. Dodge
Jonathan Dodge
J. Kingsbury Davenport
Ephraim A. Edwards
Benjamin W. Eldredge
Stephen Eldredge
Charles Elliott
John K. Fielder
Elbridge Fiske
Ezra S. Foster
Ezra Foster
Horace Foster
Josiah Foster 2d
Jesse W. Foster
Joseph Foster
John E. Foster
Joseph Foster
John W. Foster
William L. Foster
Charles Friend
Seth Friend
William A. Friend
Ezra S. Foster
Asa O. Marshall
Charles W. Marshall
John F. Masury
George Millett
John E. Morgan
Daniel McDonald
Elbridge Norwood
Samuel F. Obear
Edwin A. Obear
David Odell
William Odell
George Osborne
Augustus A. Galloupe Nathan W. Patch
Samuel A. Gentlee
John Glidden
Benjamin Grant
Joshua B. Grant
Patrick Guinevan
Frederic P. Haskell
Francis S. Herrick
Moses S. Herrick
Hugh Hill
Oliver C. Hinchliffe
Prince Howes
William B. Ingalls
Daniel A. Kilham
Joel Kimball
Israel F. Lee
John H. Lefavour
Charles T. Lovett
Hervey Lunt
Francis S. Lovett
Samuel Patch
Vamum S. Pedrick
William Perry
John W. Pickett
George A. Pickett
Lawrence V. Poole
Jeremiah L. Porter
Winthrop T. Porter
Benjamin Preston, Jr.
Henry B. Pousland
William H. Pierce
John W. Quiner
Benjamin E. Smith
Daniel C. Smith
Edward Smith
Benjamin W. Standley
David Standley
George A. Standley
George F. Standley
Dewing Southwick
Francis L. Spiller
Samuel H. Stone
Charles H. Stocker
Timothy Sullivan
Richard Symmes
Charles H. Symonds
George H. Thissell
Albert Wallis
Calvin Wallis
Charles H. Wallis
Henry B. Wallis
Israel W. Wallis
Augustus Williams
Benjamin Webber
George A. Wood
Austin Whitcomb
Alfred R. Woodberry
Frank Woodberry
George A. Woodberry
George A. Woodberry 2d
Horace W. Woodberry
John H. Woodberry
Stephen A. Woodberry
John H. Watson
Voted that when this meeting adjourn it adjourn to meet on Monday the first day of April next at One
o'clock P.M.
Voted to now adjourn and it was so declared by the Moderator to Monday April 1st 1878 at one
o'clock P.M.
A true record attest James Hill, Town Clerk