1871-03-06Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex, ss:To one of the Constables of town of Beverly.Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of said Commonwealth, to notify and warn, in the usual manner,
the qualified voters of said town, to meet at the Town Hall in said town on Monday the Sixth day of
March next, at Nine o’clock before noon, for the following purposes.-viz.:
1st. To choose a Moderator.
2d. To choose town officers for the ensuing year, grant their pay, and take action on the Reports of
the several Boards of town officers.
3d. To see if the town will accept and allow of the laying out and widening of that portion of the
town way known as Abbott Street, extending from Lothrop Street easterly to high water mark,
according to a report of the Selectmen on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
4th. To see if the town will take measures for the better accommodation of its paupers, either by
altering the present Work House, or to procure and provide a new Work House and lands, and then
to sell and convey their present Work House and the lands under and adjoining the same.
5th. To see if the town will provide new Hose Carriages to be located in the new Washington and
Cove Hose Houses, per petition of Joshua S. Dodge and others, and of Ezekiel F. Obear and others.
6th. To provide for the establishment and maintenance of a town pound, and to act upon Chapter
366 of the Acts of 1869, relative to impounding cattle.
7th. To act on the petition of Grand Army Post No. 89, for an appropriation of money for the
decoration of soldiers’ graves.
8th. To take action upon the suit of Elizabeth Wilkinson against a town.
Ninth. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations in regard to
the repairs that improvements of the Highways in town ways to wrote town, as may be deemed
expedient.
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10. To adopt such measures, grants the sums of money, and take such action in regard to Schools
and School Houses, throughout the town as may be deemed expedient.
11. To grant such sums of money, to be raised in assessed upon the polls in the states within the
town, for defraying the debts of 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, from time to time,
as may be necessary to meet the liabilities of the town, and to provide for the payment of State Aid
for the families of Volunteers.
12. To see if the town will approve the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Hereof fail not but make do return of this warrant with your doings thereon before said time.
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Given under our hands and seal this 24 day of February in the year 1871.
John I. Baker
Seth NorwoodSelectmen
Freeborn W. Cressyof Beverly
Nathan H. Webb
Beverly favorite 25,1871. Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have notified the persons therein
named, as therein directed, by posting notices, at the several places designated by the town
regulations.
William P. Moses, Constables Beverly.
A true record of the original warrant in return thereon
Attest.James Hill, Town Clerk.
At a meeting of the qualified voters 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 sixth day
of March in the year Eighteen hundred and seventy-one at Nine o’clock before noon, the meeting was
called to order by the Clerk who read the warrant therefore, - and it was
Voted by ballot, (unanimously) that Freeborn W. Cressy be Moderator.
Prayer was then offered by Rev. C. S. Rogers, pastor of the Methodist Church.
Voted, by ballot, (unanimously) that James Hill be Town Clerk.
Then in open town meeting immediately after the election of Town Clerk James Hill above named,
was sworn to the faithful discharge of the duties of the office of the Town Clerk of Beverly.
By and before me
Freeborn W. Cressy, Moderator.
The following officers were then chosen by ballot.
Selectmen. John I. Baker, Seth Norwood, George Roundy, Freeborn W. Cressy and Nathan H.
Webb.
Assessors. Elisha Woodbury, James Hill, Josiah N. Haskell, David A. Preston, Benjamin N. Dodge.
Collector of Taxes. Ezekiel F. Obear.
Town Treasurer. Robert G. Bennett.
Overseers of the Poor. John Meacom, Thomas Pickett, Israel F. Lee, Benjamin D. Grant, Charles
L. Moulton.
Inspector of Police. William P. Moses.
Constables. William P. Moses, Walter S. Rogers, George H. Trafton, Andrew Wallis, John R.
Tibbetts, Ezekiel F. Obear, George T. Larcom, Isaac Standley, John B. Chipman.
Trustee of Public Library for 5 years. Franklin Leach.
Fence Viewers. Josiah A. Haskell, John P. Ober, Samuel Foster.
Voted, That the Collector of Taxes received one percent of all monies collected by him and paid into
the Treasury of town with shall be in full compensation for his services.
Voted, That the salary of the Town Treasurer be Three Hundred dollars for the current municipal
year.
Voted, That the election of School Committee be postponed to the adjournment of this meeting in
April next.
Voted, That the votes of the town passed at the Annual Town Meeting last year, whereby the Town
Voted to elect a Street Commissioner be hereby rescinded.
Voted, That the remainder of the town officers be chosen by hand vote.
And the following persons with thus chosen to the several offices hereinafter
named
Board of Health. Andrew E. Story, Samuel Odell, Stephen Abbott 2d, Nathan H. Webb, Joseph P.
Ober.
Auditors. Israel F. Lee, Samuel Porter, Ephraim A. Edwards.
Voted, That a committee of five persons from each ward be appointed by the Chair to nominate
Surveyors of Highways.
Voted, That the choice of Surveyors of Highways be assigned to two o’clock this afternoon.
Voted, That when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place at one o’clock this afternoon.
The Chair then announced the following persons as the Committee appointed to nominate Surveyors
of Highways.
Ward 1 Charles H. Odell, Thomas Pickett, Israel F. Lee, Andrew E. Story, William G. Woodbury.
Ward 2 Samuel Foster, Robert S. Foster, Daniel L. Foster, Jonathan Foster, John Foster.
Ward 3 Joseph Obear, Samuel Obear, Peter W. Mitchell, Josiah Obear, Francis Larcom.
Ward 4 Thomas Elliott, Joseph E. Ober, Lawrence Watson, Benjamin Preston, Asa Larcom.
Ward 5 Ephraim Hathaway, Hooper A. Appleton, Stephen P. Elliott, Zachariah Cole, Francis S.
Lovett.
Ward 6 Andrew Dodge, Richard Dodge, Amos Burnham, Joseph Conant, Abraham H. Fisk.
Ward 7 Edward D. Trask, Moses F. Foster, Daniel Foster 2d, Levi Woodbury 2d, Abraham B. Lord.
Ward 8 John Bell, Hugh Hill Jr., Robert N. Lee, Brackett T. Munsey, Azor Dodge.
Ward 9 Edward Trask, Isaiah H. Dodge, Samuel Day, Samuel Parsons, Daniel Needham.
Ward 10 Eli C. Glines, George H. Edwards, Charles W. Lord, William B. Whitcomb, H. A. Glines.
Ward 11. Benjamin D. Giles, Adoniram Porter, Aaron Dodge, George Clark, Seth Friend.
Ward 12 Charles T. Lovett, George H. Dewolfe, Mark B. Avery, Hezekiah O. Foster, Charles
Pickett.
Ward 13 Henry F. Foster, Charles Marshall, George W. Taylor, Charles T. Herrick, Stephen Abbott
2d.
Voted, that this meeting now adjourn, to one o’clock P.M.
At one o’clock P.M. the voters again assembled and the business of the meeting was resumed and
the following officers were elected by hand vote.
Field Drivers
ward 1. Andrew E. Story, Jesse R. Dame.
Ward 2. William H. Patch, Calvin Foster.
Ward 3. Frederic T. Obear, Elisha Pride.
Ward 4. Azariah M. Larcom, William H. Preston.
Ward 5. Isaac Standley, Thomas Appleton.
Ward 6. Henry O. Edwards, John Mollison
Ward 7. David A. Sheldon
ward 8. Benjamin Scott
ward 9. John G. Brown, Moses E. Wilson.
Ward 10. John D. Wilson, Charles W. Lord.
Ward 11. John M. Taylor, George W. Kent.
Ward 12. Israel Elliott, William A. Teague.
Ward 13. Joseph A. Kilham, Jedidiah Styles.
Pound Keeper. Charles Moulton.
Surveyors of Lumber. Joseph E. Ober, Adoniram Goodhue, William Webber, John P. Ober, Richard
A. Woodbury, Parker Burnham.
Sealer of Leather. Andrew E. Story.
Inspector of Lime. Philip E. Ober.
Clerk of the Market. James Stone.
Truant Officers. William P. Moses, George T. Larcom, John H. Chipman.
The Report of the Auditors was presented and accepted as were also the Reports of the Selectmen,
Engineers of the Fire Department, Trustees of the Public Library, and the Overseers of the Poor.
At two o’clock to time assigned for the election of Surveyors the Committee appointed in the
forenoon, reported the names of the following persons, who were then chosen as Surveyors of
Highways by hand vote.
Surveyors of Highways.
Ward 1. Samuel Odell.
Ward 2. David L. Foster.
Ward 3. David Larcom.
1 4. William Preston.
Ward 5. S. D. G. Stanley.
Ward 6. Hiram Preston.
Ward 7. Levi Woodbury 2d.
Ward 8. Brackett T. Munsey.
Ward 9. Isaiah H. Dodge.
Ward 10. George H. Edwards.
Ward 11. Adoniram Porter.
Ward 12. Hezekiah O. Foster.
Ward 13. Henry F. Foster.
Upon Article 3.Widening of Abbott Street.
Voted, That the Report of the Selectmen be accepted, and said way laid out and established as a
Town way forever, according to said Report. - which is as follows.
“The Selectmen of Beverly to whom was recommitted the Report laying out
the Town way known as Abbott Street from Lothrop Street to the Sea, Report the same in a new
draft, and layout and widen said way in manner and form following, viz.: Commencing at a point on
the Easterly side of Lothrop Street by land now or formally of Mrs. C. S. Eastman, directly in a line
with the Northerly line of Abbott Street westerly of Lothrop Street, and continuing thence Easterly
over said Eastman’s land in a straight line in continuation of said Northerly line direct to high water
mark, so that the Northerly line of said Abbott Street, shall be straight and direct for its entire extent
from Endicott Street to the sea, laying all land between the line herein laid over said Eastman’s land
and the present line of Abbott Street into said way. We allow three months from this date for the
removal of the barn, fences and trees, from the premises, and we award as damages to all owners of
said Eastman land, three hundred dollars.”
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Beverly 24, 1871
John I. BakerSelectmen
F. W. Cressy of
Nathan H. Webb Beverly
Upon Article 4.In relation to the Workouts.
Voted, That the whole subject of this article, be referred to the Overseers of the Poor, to report
thereon in detail at the adjournment of this meeting in April next.
Upon Article 5.Petition of J. S. Dodge, E. T. Obear, for Hose Carriages.
Voted, that the prayer of the petitioners be granted.
Upon Article 6.Town pound etc..
Voted, That Chapter 366 of Acts of the Legislature of 1869, entitled “And Act concerning the
impounding of cattle” be hereby adopted by the Town.
Voted, That the remainder of the article relating to a Town Pound be postponed to the adjournment
of this meeting in April next.
Upon Article 7.Petition of G. A. R. Post No. 89.
Voted, That the prayer of the petition be granted, and that the sum of one hundred dollars be
appropriated for the purpose of decorating Soldiers’ Graves, to be expended under the direction of
Post No. 89, of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Upon Article 8.The Suit of Mrs. Wilkinson against the Town.
Voted, That the whole subject be referred to the Selectmen with authority to employ counsel, and
to report thereon at the adjournment of this meeting in April.
Upon Article 9.Highways.
Voted, That the sum of ten thousand dollars be appropriated for the repairs and improvements of the
Highways and Town ways of the Town the current year.
Voted, The sum of twenty-five cents per hour, for each man and twenty-five cents per hour for each
horse and cart, be allowed and paid for all labor performed upon the Highways the current year.
A motion offered by Isaac Appleton in regard to letting out contracts by the Town, and
amendments thereto offered by George Ober and others, gave rise to considerable discussion upon
when motion of Joseph Wilson, both the motion and amendments were indefinitely postponed.
Upon Article 10.Schools, School Houses etc.
Voted, That the sum of Fifteen Thousand dollars be appropriated for the support of Schools and
School houses throughout the Town the current municipal year.
Voted, That the location of the High School, be continued in the same place as now occupied by said
School, for the current municipal year.
Voted, That the School Committee be required to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
Upon Article 11.Money grant.
Voted, That the sum of seventy 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 the expenses of the current
municipal year.
Voted, That the Collector of Taxes deliver or cause to be delivered at the last and usual place of
abode of each inhabitant of the Town who may be taxed, or to such inhabitant in person, as soon as
practicable after the taxes have been assessed a list of the taxes assessed upon such person,
accompanying which list shall be a notice of the time and place where the Collector will be present
to receive the taxes, and also a notice of the meetings of the Assessors, to determine upon
Abatements. No discount shall be allowed on any taxes paid, and interest at the rate of one percent
a month shall be charged bond all taxes not paid on or before the first day of December next, which
interest shall be added to and considered a part of said taxes, and that so far as practicable the
Collector shall on the first day of January next, put in suit all taxes then due and unpaid, commencing
with the highest and so want to the lowest tax.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be authorized to borrow, on the credit of the Town, upon notes
approved by the Selectmen such sums of money as maybe from time to time found necessary to meet
the liabilities of the Town, and the payment of State Aid to the Families of Volunteers.
Voted, That the Assessors Valuation of the current year, be printed, and distributed with the Auditors
Report of the next year.
Upon Article 12.Jury List.
The Jury List as revised by the Selectmen, was amended by striking therefrom the name of Edward
A. Burroughs, and inserting the name of John Glidden.
Voted, That the Jury List as amended, be accepted. (This list is recorded on the next page of the
book)
Voted, That when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to the first Monday of April next at One o’clock
in the afternoon, to meet at this place.
Voted, This meeting now adjourn, and it was so declared by the Moderator adjourned to Monday the
third day of April next at one o’clock afternoon at this place.
A true record.
Attest.James Hill, Town Clerk.
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List of Jurors, at revised by the Selectmen February 24 A.D. 1871 and amended and accepted by
the Town at their Annual Meeting held March 6th A.D. 1871.
John W. AbbottWilliam A. FriendDavid Odell
Thomas Andrews Jr.Augustus A. GalloupeAsa J. Osborne
Joseph B. AppletonSamuel A. GentleeCharles H.Patch
Joseph H. BakerThomas GliddenNathan W. Patch
Israel P. BrownJohn GliddenWilliam H. Parker
Robert BrownBenjamin GrantAlbert Perry
Benjamin O. ButmanLevi K. GoodhueWilliam Perry Jr.
Edward J. CaldwellDavid T. HannersJohn W. Pickett
Joseph CaswellRussell F. HardingJeremiah L. Porter
William Claxton Jr.Frederick T. HaskellSamuel Porter
Jacob CrampseyPaul N. HaskellWinthrop T. Porter
Freeborn W. CressyB. Frank HerrickDavid A. Preston
William A. CressyFrancis S. HerrickStephen W. Roberts
Francis J. CrowellGeorge HerrickJohn B. Roundy
Isaac F. DayLuther S. HerrickBenjamin E. Smith
John S. DennisHugh HillEdward Smith
Andrew DodgeJosiah T. HitchingsGeorge L. Smith
Benjamin B. DodgeJonathan O. HoldenGeorge A. Standley
Benjamin N. DodgeJoel KimballGeorge F. Standley
Joshua S. DodgeIsrael F. LeeSeaward B. Standley
Jonathan DodgeJosiah C. LeeWilliam H. Standley
Ephraim A. EdwardsJosiah R. LeeDewing Southwick
George H. EdwardsJohn H. LefavourFrancis C. Spiller
Henry O. EdwardsJohn H. LovettSamuel H. Stone
Stephen EldredgeCharles W. MarshallCharles H. Stocker
Benjamin W. EldredgeJames MaguireRichard Symmes
West D. Eldredge 2dJohn F. MasuryCharles H. Symonds
Charles ElliottGeorge MillettGeorge H. Thissell
John K. Fielder Jr.John A. MoultonAlbert Wallis
David L. FosterCharles L. MoultonCalvin Wallis
Ezra FosterEzekiel F. ObearJoseph A. Wallis
George B. FosterSamuel F. ObearNathan H. Webb
John W. FosterGeorge ObearBenjamin Webber
Joseph Foster 2dEdwin A. ObearJoseph H. Williams
John Wood Jr.Frank WoodberryMark A. Woodbury
Alfred R. WoodberryJohn H. WoodberryJohn H. Young
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A true record.Attest.James Hill, Town Clerk.
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the Town of Beverly held at the Town Hall on Monday
the third day of April in the year Eighteen hundred seventy-one, at one o’clock afternoon, the same
being an adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting held March 6th A.D. 1871.
Voted, by ballot, That James Hill and Daniel H. Foster be Selectmen, in place of Seth Norwood and
George Roundy, who decline serving.
Voted, by ballot, That the following persons be chosen as School Committee for Three Years this
John I. Baker, Oscar F. Swasey and Benjamin O. Peirce.
The following officers will then chosen by hand vote.
Field drivers.
Ward 1. Charles Carrico in place of Andrew E. Story who declines.
Ward 2. Ira D. Batchelder in place of William H. Patch who declines.
Ward 3. Madison Rogers in place of Elisha Pride who declines.
Ward 4. Isaac F. Day in place of Azariah M. Larcom who declines.
Ward 4. Joseph K. Preston in place of William H. Preston who declines.
Ward 6. Andrew Dodge in place of Henry O. Edwards who declines.
Ward 6. Richard Dodge in place of John Mollison who declines.
Ward 8. John G. Munsey in place of Benjamin Scott who declines.
Ward 9. Isaiah H. Dodge in place of John G. Brown who declines.
Ward 10. Samuel White and place of Charles W. Ward who declines.
Ward 11. John Trask in place of John M. Taylor who declines.
Ward 11. Alfred Porter in place of George W. Kent who declines.
Ward 12. Mark B. Avery in place of Israel Elliott who declines.
Ward 12. Benjamin W. Standley in place of William A. Teague who declines.
Ward 13 Nathaniel Clark in place of Jedidiah Styles who declines.
Ward 4 Edwin A. May additional
Sealer of Leather.
William A. Creesy 2d in place of Andrew E. Story, who declines.
Surveyors of Lumber.
David A. Preston in place of Joseph E. Ober who declines.
Hooper A. Appleton in place of Parker Brown who declines.
Clerk of the Market.William F. Davis in place of James Stone, who declines.
Pound Keeper.
Charles and Wallis in place of Charles Moulton, who declines.
The Report of the School committee was presented and accepted.
Under Article 4 the warrant.
The Overseers of the Poor, to whom was referred the matter of the New Work House, at the
previous meeting in March present the following Report, which was read and accepted.
“The Overseers of the Poor, to whom was referred the question of building
a new alms house, and also of repairs on the present house would respectfully present the following
report. We have carefully considered the matter, in all its bearings, and find a new house, on a new
site, barn, fences and insane department may be obtained for about twenty-three thousand dollars. -
$23,000. Against this sum we estimate for thorough repairs on house for new barn, and other
absolute necessities sum of eight thousand dollars. - $8000 - And also place an offer of six thousand
dollars, $6000 for present house and land, leaving an additional sum of nine thousand dollars $9000
to be provided if a new house be built. The least sum required for immediate essential repairs, to
render the present house tenantable is three thousand dollars, $3000.
John Meacom, in behalf of Overseers.”
On Motion of Hon. John I. Baker.
Voted, That the Town Deem it expedient to procure a new location for the work house, and to build
a new house, rather than to expend money in repairing the present house.
Voted, That the matter of locating a new work house be referred to the Overseers of the Poor, and
that they report at an adjournment of this meeting on the different locations available and also plans,
and the probable expense of a suitable house, of buildings and grounds.
Voted, That the Selectmen be joined with the Overseers in the consideration of the subject of the last
vote.
Voted, That the subject of Article 6 of the warrant, relating to a Town Pound be further postponed
to the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, That an additional Field Driver be chosen in Ward 4 and Edwin A. May was chosen.
Upon Article 8 of the warrant.
Voted, That the whole subject be left to the Selectmen, with instructions to employ able counsel to
defend the case, and to protect the rights of the Town in the matter.
The following motion was offered by Joseph E. Ober Esq..
“That the School Committee and Selectmen be authorized to carry out the suggestion of the
School Committee in regard to the School House at the Farms.”
Voted, That the further consideration of this motion be postponed to the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, That when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place on Monday the seventeenth
day of April A.D. 1871, at half past seven o’clock, afternoon.
Voted, that this meeting now adjourn, and it was so declared by the Moderator, adjourned to the
Seventeenth day of April A. D. at 7 ½ o’clock P.M.
A true record
Attest.
James Hill
Town Clerk
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the Town of Beverly, held at the Town Hall in said Town
on Monday the seventeenth day of April in the year Eighteen hundred seventy-one at half past Seven
o’clock, afternoon, said meeting being an adjournment of the Meeting held at the same place on the
third day of April A.D. 1871, the same being an adjournment of the Annual Meeting held March 6th
A.D. 1871, the meeting was called to order by the Moderator.
On Motion of Hon. John I. Baker.
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be authorized to release to the Second Congregational Society in
Beverly, the old Bass River School House and the land under and adjoining the same.
Under Article 4 of the warrant.
The Overseers of the Poor and Selectmen (to whom at a previous meeting held April 3,1871) was
referred the subject matter of said Article made the following report.
“The Joint Committee appointed to consider the cost and location of a new work house report that
they concur substantially in the report of the Overseers of the Poor made at a previous meeting, as
to the Costa the proposed buildings, suitable for a proper classification and care of the Hopper’s
committed to work year.
With a main house 72 feet by 36, or theirabouts, with accommodations for Keeper’s family
and all that we have to provide for
except the insane would cost in round numbers$15,000
additional accommodations for insane$2500
a barn and other buildings$1500
making for all the buildings$19000
For the sites that can be purchased at Ryal Side Mr. Joseph Creesy’s farm of 23 acres with house and
barn for 4800
Mr. William T. Dodge’s farm of above 55 acres with house & barn for 8000
at Montserrat, Mr. Zachariah Cole’s farm of about twenty acres with house and barn for 3500
on Cabot Street, Mr. Augustus Stevens’ place of about 3 ½ acres with house and barn for 3500
in rear of the cemetery on former Bisson farm 7 ½ acres more or less for a $400 per acre.
As the Committee were not instructed to recommend any particular site, but
to present the different ones for consideration, we present the above statement leaving the Town to
judge for itself, as to the comparative eligibility, distance from Town, and prospective increase in
value of the different locations names.”
Beverly April 17,1871.John Meacom, chairman
James Hill, Secretary
Voted, that the foregoing Report be accepted.
On motion of Joseph E. Ober, Esq..
Voted, that the whole matter of a new Work house, and the location of the same, be referred to the
Overseers of the Poor, and Selectmen as the Committee, with full power and authority to select and
purchase a new location for a Work house, and to erect a new Work house, and the necessary
outbuildings.
On motion of Hon. F. W. Choate.
Voted, that the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor be authorized to sell the present Work house
and the land under and adjacent to the same belonging to the Town, at public auction, and that the
Town Treasurer be authorized to make and execute all deeds necessary in the conveyance of the
same.
On motion of Hon. John I. Baker.
Voted, that the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, be authorized to use the credit of the Town,
to such an extent as may be necessary to carry into effect the foregoing votes.
On motion of Hon. John I. Baker.
Voted, that the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, be authorized to select and procure a suitable
location for a Town Pound.
On motion of Joseph E. Ober, Esq..
Voted, that the School Committee and Selectmen be authorized to carry out the suggestions of the
School Committee in their Annual Report, with regard to the removal of one of the Farms School
Houses, to some central location where the East and West Farms Schools can be kept in one house,
securing thereby a graded school.
Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved.
A true record.
Attest.
James Hill
Town Clerk.