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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