1855-03-12Commonwealth of M assachusetts
Essex, ss. To one of the Constables of the town of Beverly. Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of said Commonwealth to notify and warn the qualified voters
of said town, in the usual manner to meet at the Town Hall on Monday the twelfth day of March
current at Nine o’clock before noon to act on the following articles. Viz..
st
1. To choose a Moderator.
d
2. To choose Town Officers for the year ensuing and grant them such pay for their services as the
Town may think expedient.
d
3. To give in their votes for a County Treasurer.
th
4. To see if the Town will give the collecting of taxes for the year 1855 to the lowest bidder who
will give satisfactory security to the Town, per petition of John P. Webber and others.
th
5. To see if the Town will adopt a Bylaw, with suitable penalties annexed forbidding the smoking
of pipes and cigars in any public street or public place within the Town, between the setting and rising
of the sign, as the Bylaw formerly was upon the same subject - per petition of James Stone and
others.
th
6. To see if the Town will indemnify Samuel M. Thissell for the damages done to his estate by the
alteration of Charnock Street, in proportion to his original understanding with the Selectmen - per
his petition.
th
7. To see if the Town will discontinue so much of the town way known as Abbott Street as makes
said street more than fifty feet wide between Lovett and Lothrop Streets, so that said Abbott Street
shall be straight and direct on each side in parallel lines for its whole extent from Lothrop to Endicott
Street - per petition of Robert Perry.
th
8. To see what means will be taken for the full and perfect ventilation of the Town Hall, also what
action is necessary by the people of the Town whereby they made more freely enjoy the use of the
Town Hall - per petition of Israel W. Lamson and others.
th
9. To see if the Town will cause a water course to be opened into and through the land of Robert
Rantoul to the land of John Wilson, so as more effectually to drain Abbott, Lovett, and other streets,
and more economically than in any other manner, and grant authority to do all acts necessary to
accomplish this result.- per petition of James Briant and others.
th
10. To see what measures the Town will adopt to protect themselves against the unlawful traffic
in intoxicating liquors, and the evil consequences resulting therefrom.
th
11. To see if the Town will accept and allow of certain town ways as laid out by the Selectmen,
according to their reports now on file in the office of the Town Clerk, being the ways now open
known respectively as Butman Street extending from Dane Street to the land of Abraham Edwards,
and as the continuation of Charnock Street extending from said Butman Street to Essex Street. - the
same being laid out on petition of Daniel O. Standley and others.
th
12. To see if the Town will grant authority to the Board Health for the time being to convey at
anytime to such person or persons as may have members of their families buried in any of the town
burial grounds, such lots as may be occupied upon the same conditions as the lots are conveyed in
those burial grounds where the conveyance of family burial lots is already authorized - per request
of the Board of Health.
th
13. To see if the Town will establish and maintain a public library, in accordance with the
recommendation of the committee of last year, and take all measures necessary to carry the same into
effect. - per petition of John I. Baker and others.
th
14. To see what measures the Town will adopt relative to an indictment against the Town for
nuisance upon highway, understood to be the Rubly Hill Road; whether by defending the suit
consequent thereupon, or settling the same, or petitioning for a discontinuance of said highway, and
the new location of any other highway as a substitute therefore, or in any other manner guarding the
interest of the Town.
th
15. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money and make such regulations respecting
Schools throughout the Town for the ensuing year as may be deemed expedient.
th
16. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations respecting the
construction, repairs, and improvement of the Highways and Town ways throughout the town as may
be deemed expedient.
th
17. To grant sums of money to be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates within the Town,
for the purpose of the defraying the debts of the Town, and for the expenses of the ensuing year as
the Town may deem expedient, and make all necessary regulations and allowances respecting the
same.
th
18. To see if the Town will approve of the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
Hereof fail not, but make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, before said time.
Given under our hands and seal the second day of March in the year Eighteen Hundred and Fifty Five.
William H. Lovett
Alpheus DavisSelectmen
H. D. Whitneyof Beverly
A. C. Baker
Beverly March 3d, 1855. Pursuant to the foregoing warrant I have notified the persons therein
named as therein directed by notices at or near each of the public meeting houses in Town according
to Town Regulations.
Jacob Lunt - Constable of Beverly.
A true record of the original warrant and the return thereon.
Attest.James Hill, Town Clerk of Beverly.
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the Town of Beverly held pursuant to the warrant
recorded on the three next preceding pages at the Town Hall on Monday the twelfth day of March
in the year Eighteen Hundred and Fifty Five at Nine o’clock before noon, the same being the Annual
March Meeting.
The meeting was called to order at the time appointed, by the Clerk, who read the warrant, and
received the ballots for a Moderator, and the meeting -
Voted. By ballot, that Stephens Baker be Moderator, who accepted the office and presided over the
meeting.
Prayers were then often by Rev. C. T. Thayer, immediately after which the Rev. gentleman thanked
the Town for their support for the past 25 years and respectfully declined further service on the
School Committee.
Voted. That we elect all officers before hearing reports, or attending to any other business, and that
the following be elected by ballot. Town Clerk, Selectmen, Assessors, Constables, Town Treasurer,
Collector of Taxes, Overseers of the Poor, Inspector of Police, Auditors, Firewards, Board of Health,
& School Committee.
Voted by ballot the James Hill be Town Clerk.
Then in open Town Meeting immediately after the above choice James Hill aforesaid was sworn to
the faithful discharge of the duties of the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Beverly, by and before
me Stephens Baker, Justice of the Peace.
The following officers were then chosen by ballot.
Selectmen. Lawson Walker, Zachariah Cole, Warren Prince, George S. Millett, Aaron Dodge.
Assessors. Seth Friend, Andrew W. Standley, Eleazar Wallis, Samuel D. G. Standley and James Hill.
Town Treasurer. Robert G. Bennett.
Voted that the Treasurer received Twenty Dollars for his services.
Collector of Taxes. Jacob Lunt.
It was then Voted that the Collector of Taxes received one and a half percent for all monies collected
by him for the Town and paid into the Town Treasury.
Inspector of Police. Jacob Lunt.
Constables. John J. Dennis, Jacob Lunt, Albert T. Dodge, Ezra S. Foster, Nathl. P. Allen, Samuel
D. G. Standley, Benjamin Kennison, Levi Cole, James Crockett.
Auditors. John B. Hill, Charles H. Patch, & John H. Chester.
h
School Committee. Rufus Putnam, Levi A. Abbott, John I. Baker, Zach Cole, John T. Webber Jr.,
William Lord, Issachar Lefavour, Joseph G. Dodge, Augustus Moulton, James Hill, Charles H. Patch,
Robert Whipple.
Firewards. Daniel Trow, Andrew L. Eaton, John L. Story, Azor Dodge Jr., John H. Chester, Levi
Cole, Nathl. P. Allen, Nathl. Porter, Henry E. Story, Charles H. Patch, Nathaniel Ham, Samuel
Woodberry Jr., Charles Wallis, Charles Friend, Charles T. Dodge.
Overseers of the Poor. William Webber, Israel Trask 5th, Nathan H. Foster, John T. Webber Jr.,
Daniel Trow.
Board of Health. James Hill, Ezra O. Woodberry, Saml. Woodberry Jr..
Immediately after balloting for Selectmen, was voted to take up the Third Article of the warrant at
this time, and that the poll be then opened to ballot for County Treasurer, and remain open during
the election of all officers elected by ballot.
That time having now expired the polls closed and the votes given in for County Treasurer were
sorted, counted and declared in open Town Meeting by the Moderator and Town Clerk and were as
follows -
For Allen W. Dodge of Hamilton Two Hundred and Thirty three votes.
Charles Kimball of Ipswich Two votes.
Noon having arrived it was voted to adjourn till half past one o’clock at which time the meeting was
called to order by the Moderator, and the following officers were selected by hand vote, according
to a vote to that effect by the meeting.
Surveyors of Lumber. Robert Remmonds Jr., William Webber, John Meacom, John Ober, Benjamin
Larcom, Israel Greene.
Fence Viewers. Edward Pousland, Hezekiah Foster, Thomas Raymond.
Sealers of Leather. John B. Cressy, William W. Baker.
Inspector of Line. Philip E. Ober.
Clerk of Market. William P. Moses.
Surveyors of Highways.
Ward 1. Lawson Walker8. Azor Dodge Jr.
Ward 2. Levi Cole9. Albert T. Dodge
Ward 3. David Larcom10. James Friend
Ward 4. John Gentlee11. John Withey
Ward 5. Isaac C. Groce12. Charles F. Dodge
Ward 6. Israel Edwards13. Nathl. Porter
h
Ward 7. Edward Tyler14. Zach Cole
Field Drivers.
Ward 1. Moses Pedrick8. John P. Putnam
Ward 1. Charles S. Dodge9. Henry Wilson
Ward 2. Daniel S. Trask10. Adam Nesmith
h
Ward 3. West D. Eldredge11. Zach Daniels
Ward 4. Dixie Woodberry12. Benjamin and Dodge
Ward 5. Jason Webber13. William L. Harris
Ward 6. Reuben Edwards14. Samuel Cole
Ward 7. Jonathan Moulton
Pound Keeper. Ebenezer Trask.
The several reports of the Auditors, Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, Board of Health, Firewards
and School Committee were severally presented for consideration and with the exception of the
Auditors’ report read and accepted.
Upon Article 4th of the warrant the petition of John P. Webber & others.
Voted. That the petitioners have leave to withdraw.
th
Upon Articles 5 - petition of James Stone and others.
Voted that the petitioners have leaves to withdraw.
Upon Article 6th petition of Samuel M. Thissell.
Voted. That the petition be referred to the Selectmen and that they report on the subject at the
adjournment of this meeting.
Upon Article 7th petition of Robert Curry.
Voted. That the prayer of the petitioner be granted.
Upon Article 8th. Petition of Israel W. Lamson & others.
Voted that a Committee of Five be appointed to consider the subject and report at the adjournment
of this meeting.
Israel W. Lamson, Warren Prince, John I. Baker, Austin D. Kilham and Lawson Walker were
appointed that Committee.
Upon Article 9th. Petition of James Briant & others.
Voted. That the subject be referred to the Selectmen for their consideration and that they report at
the adjournment of this meeting.
Upon Article 10th in reference to the Liquor business.
Voted. That the Selectmen take such measures in behalf of the Town, as they may deem necessary
in regard to the enforcement of the laws for suppressing or regulating the sale of intoxicating liquors
within the Town.
Upon Article 11th report of Selectmen on petition of Daniel O. Standley and others.
Voted, that the report be accepted, and the said Town ways as therein laid out be accepted, allowed,
and established.(This report recorded page 484 of this book)
Upon Article 12th. Request of Board of Health in regard to the conveyance of burial lots.
Voted. That the Board of Health for the time being be hereby granted authority to locate and convey
family lots, in all the Town Burial grounds, on the same premises, as they are already authorized to
do in some of said grounds.
Upon Article 13th. Public Library question.
Voted. That the sum of One Hundred Dollars be appropriated the present year towards the
establishment of the public library, to be located in the Library room in the Town Hall according to
the report of the Committee of last year, and under the management of Five trustees to be chosen
annually by ballot.
th
Upon Article 14. Rubly Hill indictment.
Voted. That William H. Lovett, John I. Baker, and Jonathan Batchelder. be a Committee fully
authorized to represent the Town in Court and otherwise in regard to the indictment against the
Town, relative to the Rubly Hill Road, at their discretion to endeavor to cause the same to be
discontinued, and a substitute therefor new located on either side of the present location, or, from
near Edwin Dodge’s corner in Wenham along back of the pond to the Falls Road in Essex, or in such
other manner as they may judge best for the interest of this Town and the public, and to this end to
cooperate with the authorities of the Town of Wenham or with any other parties interested.
th
Upon Article 15 relative to Schools.
Voted. That the School District system of the Town be continued.
Voted. That the teachers of schools for the several Districts be selected and contracted for by the
Prudential Committee of each District for the year in ensuing.
Voted. That it is expressly enjoined upon the Selectmen, to take care that no money be paid to any
teacher, for any services rendered previous to the time of his or her examination by the School
Committee, and the School Committee shall be ready and attend at all suitable times to the
examination of all teachers selected by the District Committee.
Voted. That the sum of Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars be appropriated for the support of
schools throughout the Town the current year, the same to be expended and distributed as follows;
One Hundred Dollars to be paid to Washington District, one fifth of the residue to be divided equally
among the several School Districts, and the balance divided among the several Districts in proportion
to the number of children between five and fifteen years of age on the first day of May next.
th
Upon Article 16. relative to Highways.
Voted. That the sum of Three Thousand Dollars be appropriated for the purpose of finishing and
completing roads now under construction, and the sum of Two Thousand Dollars be appropriated
for the ordinary repairs of Highways and Town ways throughout the Town, and for Snow Bills.
Voted. That a sum not exceeding one shilling per hour be paid each man, and that the sum paid for
Teams, Ploughs, etc. shall be such as the Surveyors may determine, for all labor upon roads and on
snow.
th
Upon Article 17. Relative to raising money.
Voted. That the sum most Seventeen Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars be raised and assessed
upon the polls and estates within the Town, for the purpose of the defraying the debts of the Town,
and the expenses of the current year.
Voted, that the collector of taxes deliver or cause be delivered, at the last or usual place of abode of
each inhabitant of the Town or to such inhabitant in person, as soon as may be after the taxes are
made, the list of the taxes such person has been assessed, - and that he allow a discount of five
percent on all Town taxes paid on or before the fifteenth day of October next. - and that so far as
practicable, he shall on the first day of January next, put in suit all taxes then due, commencing with
the highest and so on to the lowest tax providing always that the Collector shall call once for his tax,
after leaving the bill thereof, before putting the same in suit.
th
Upon Article 18. Jury List.
Voted that the Jury List be committed to the new Board of Selectmen for them to examine and report
upon at the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted. That when this meeting adjourn, it be to the Second day of April next a one o’clock
in the afternoon.
Voted, that this meeting adjourn, and that the Moderator so declared it to Monday the Second day
of April at One o’clock P.M.
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 Second day of April A. D. 1855 at One o’clock P.M. the same being an adjournment of the annual
March meeting.
The meeting was called to order at the time appointed by the Moderator, Stephens Baker, and
proceeded to transact business as follows.
Voted by ballot, that Stephen Woodberry Jr. be Assessor in place of Seth Friend who declines to
serve.
Voted to postpone balloting for School Committee until after the election of all other officers to be
elected at this meeting.
Voted by ballot, that Charles Haddock, William Endicott Jr., Charles W. Galloupe, Benjamin O.
Peirce and Richard P. Waters be Trustees of the Public Library, according to the report of the Library
Committee made on the third day of April 1854 and accepted by the Town, requiring the election of
such Trustees annually.
Voted not to ballot for a Constable in place of Ezra Foster who declined serving.
Voted, the John H. Cross and Jonathan Esty be Surveyors of Lumber in place of Benjamin Larcom
and Israel Greene who decline serving.
Voted that Charles H. Stocker be Sealer of Leather in place of John B. Creesy who declines to serve.
Voted that Seth Friend be Surveyor of Highways in Ward 12, in place of Charles F. Dodge who
declines to serve.
Voted that the following persons be Field Drivers.
Ward 4. Dixey Woodberry Jr.Ward 10. Elnathan Dodge
Ward 5. Isaac C. GroceWard 12. Isaac Smith
Ward 8. Jesse DameWard 13. Benjn. C. Sumner
Ward 9. Levi D. TraskWard 14. Hugh Hill
Voted by ballot, the following persons be of the School Committee.
Joseph Tracy in place of Rufus Putnam declined.
Rufus Putnam in place of Levi A. Abbott declined.
J. F. Sanborn in place of John I. Baker declined.
David C. Foster in place of Zachariah Cole declined.
Benjn. O. Peirce in place of John P. Webber jr. declined.
Joseph G. Dodge in place of William Lord declined.
Isaac W. Baker in place of Joseph G. Dodge declined.
Alonzo B. Rich in place of Augustus Moulton declined.
Andrew Wallis in place of Charles H. patch declined.
Wilson Flagg in place of Robert Whipple declined.
E. M. Coffin in place of James Hill declined.
In reference to the petitions of James Briant and others, and of Samuel M. Thissell, which were
referred to the Selectmen, the following Report was submitted.
The Selectmen would report on the matters referred to then, that we have examined premises, and
heard the parties in each case, and are of the opinion that it would be inexpedient to grant the petition
of James Briant and others, but, that the Streets sought to be drained, can be so done by completing
Abbott Street, as already contracted for, grading Washington Street, so as to relieve Thorndike
Street, and by such cross grading, as would thus be made necessary; and this too within the expense
and damages which would result from granting this petition.
In regard to the petition of Samuel M. Thissell, we are of the opinion, that
there was a decided misapprehension as to the amount of land which was taken from Mr. Thissell,
when the understanding was had with him as to the amount of damages which he should recieve; we
therefore recommend that he should be paid the additional sum of Ten Dollars, making his whole
award Twenty Dollars.
Beverly April 2d 1855
Lawson Walker
Warren Prince
h
Zach ColeSelectmen of Beverly
George S. Millett
Aaron Dodge
The above Report was accepted by the Town and it was Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized
to pay Samuel M. Thissell the additional sum of Ten Dollars, as they have recommended in their
report.
The Committee to whom was referred the petition of Israel W. Lamson and others in regard to
ventilating the Town Hall submitted the following Report.
The committee appointed in reference to the “Town Hall” would report, that the facilities for
ventilating can be greatly increased by insertion of registers in the flues of the chimneys, which can
be done at a moderate expense, eight costing but Fifty Dollars, and we recommend that the Selectmen
be authorized thus to ventilate the Hall.
While upon this subject the committee would suggest the expediency of one or more stairways
being built outside the Eastern end of the Hall, in order to furnish additional egress, the same may be
covered from the weather, and all without great expense.
In regard to a freer use of the Hall, the Committee can see no good reason why any class of
citizens may not use the Hall for any purpose not unlawful or immoral, under such restrictions and
limitations, as are applicable to other citizens when used by them for any lawful or moral purpose.
Regarding Dancing, in itself as neither unlawful or immoral, your Committee therefore cannot
see why the Hall may not be used for that purpose, provided that in no case the Hall be kept open
after Eleven o’clock at night, and that all kinds of intoxicating drinks be peremptorily excluded, and
any person or persons that anytime found violating the above rule or others for the government of
the Hall, shall forfeit then and thereafter all rights and privileges thus to use the Hall either personally
or with others.
It shall be the right and duty of the Selectmen, or of the Police under them, to enforce these
rues, and forthwith to remove from the Hall any person or persons who may be found violating any
of these rules, and not permit them to enter the Hall again on similar occasions.
“Signed”Isaac W. Lamson
Austin D. Kilham
Lawson Walker
Warren Prince
John T. Baker
The above report was accepted, and it was then
Voted. That the whole subject referred to in Article 8 be indefinitely postponed.
On motion of John I. Baker, Esquire.
Voted. That the Trustees of the Public Library for this Town, now chosen, as soon as may be after
being notified of their election, shall organize by the choice of the Chairman and Secretary, and shall
so arrange themselves in classes, by a lot or otherwise, that one shall go out of office in each year,
and one shall be chosen by the Town at its Annual March meeting in each year, to supply the place
thus from time to time made vacant; each retiring trustee to be nevertheless eligible for re-election.
And said trustees for the time being shall have power to fill any and all vacancies that may
occur in their board, had shall make all needful regulations for said Library. And in behalf of the
town, may receive, hold and manage, any appropriations, device, bequest or donation, which may be
made or given toward the establishment, increase or maintenance of said library.
Voted, that instead of the One hundred dollars appropriated in March, the said Trustees be authorized
to use the credit of the town to such an extent, not exceeding five hundred dollars, as they may
receive in cash donations during the present year toward said Library.
On motion of William H. Lovett
Voted. That the Town Treasurer be authorized to use the credit of the Town to such an extent, as
may be necessary to meet such lawful demands as may be made upon the Treasury of the Town, until
he shall be in funds from the collection of taxes.
Mr. Robert Goodwin offered the following motion, Voted that the Town do not pay from any money
appropriated the present year for school purposes, any debts contracted by the School Committee
the past year. - this motion was withdrawn by the mover, who substituted the following. Voted that
the Town appropriate $75 to the South School District.
Several amendments were offered to Mr. Goodwin’s motion, adding $100 to the Cove District, $200
to Grammar District & $100 to Bald Hill District, when after some discussion; upon motion of Henry
P. Herrick it was voted, that the whole subject be indefinitely postponed.
The following list of Jurors was accepted and approved by vote of the inhabitants now on the Town
Meeting assembled:
The Selectmen would report the following list of Jurors
to the Town for their approval.
John AbbottCharles FriendFrancis JennessThomas Preston 2d
Hooper A. AppletonJohn K. FielderJohn KnowltonRobert Remmonds Jr.
Isaac AppletonIssachar FosterFrancis LarcomJohn Remmonds
John Bell Jr.Ezra S. FosterSamuel S. LeeJohn W. Raymond
John I. BakerWilliam P. FriendsJohn LefavourJohn O. Standley
David H. CaldwellShadrack FiskeJohn LarcomTimothy Standley
Joshua W. CarricoAbraham H. FiskeBenjamin LarcomTimothy M. Standley
John H. CrossAugustus GilesCyrus W. LordBenjamin E. Smith
Augustus N. ClarkBenjn. D. GrantThomas A. MorganCharles H. Stocker
David CrowellIsrael GreeneJoseph L. OberJohn F. Trow
John H. ChesterJohn A. GreeneJoseph OberEdward Tyler
Joseph Creesy 2dThomas P. GroceJohn T. OberDaniel Trow
Charles F. DodgePhilip HammondBenjamin F. PerkinsJoseph Thissell
Elnathan DodgeEphraim HathawayJoseph Porter 2dIsrael Trask 4th
Israel O.EdwardsJohn B. HillJeremiah Porter 2dIsrael Trask 5th
Robert R. EndicottChester HobbsJoseph K. PrestonWilliam G. Woodberry
Andrew L. EatonZebulon O. HaleFrancis E. PorterStephen W. Woodberry
Asa EdwardsAlden HarrisEdward PotterStephen S. Woodberry
Elisha Woodberry
Daniel Wallis
Eleazar Wallis
Edward Wallis 2d
George Whitmarsh
Henry Woodberry
John T. Webber Jr.
Robert Whipple
Joseph Wilson
Benjamin Wallis Jr.
Daniel Woodberry
John H. Young
Beverly April 2d 1855.
Lawson Walker
Warren PrinceSelectmen
George S. Millett of
Zachariah Cole Beverly
Aaron Dodge
It was then Voted, that this meeting be dissolved, and it was so declared to be.
Attest.James Hill, Town Clerk..