1853-03-14Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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
said town, in the usual manner, to meet of the Town Hall, on Monday the fourteenth day of March
instant, at nine o’clock before noon, for the following purposes, viz.:
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1. To choose a Moderator.
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2. To choose town officers for the ensuing year, and grant them such pay as the town may think
proper, and make such regulations relative thereto as may be deemed expedient.
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3. To give in their ballots for a County Treasurer.
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4. To see what measures the town will adopt relative to the petitions of Samuel Adams, and of
Richard and John Pickett for the extension of their wharves into the harbor of Beverly, according to
their respective petitions now pending before the Legislature.
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5. To see what measures the town will adopt to restrain unlawful traffic in intoxicating liquors, and
to guard against the evil consequences resulting therefrom.
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6. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations respecting
schools within the town as may be deemed proper; including the consideration of, and action upon
the report of the Committee relative to the abolition of School district system; also the proposition
for the employment of a Superintendent of the schools throughout the town.
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7. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations respecting the
construction, repair and improvement of the Highways and town ways througout the town as may
be deemed expedient.
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8. To grant such sums of money to be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates within the
town, for 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.
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9. To see if the town will accept and allow of the laying out and alteration of the southerly portion
of the town way accepted April 19,1851, in continuation of Lovett Street, according to the present
report of the Selectmen now on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
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10. To take such measures as may be deemed expedient upon the application of B. B. Swasey for
the refunding of certain amounts paid out by him on account of Edward Wait, while sick with the
small pox in 1849, at Frankfort, Me.
Hereof fail not but make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon before said time.
Given under our hands and seal this fourth day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and
fifty three.
William Herrick Lovett
Haskett Derby WhitneySelectmen
Joseph E. Ober of
Alpheus Davis Beverly
Andrew C. Baker
Beverly March 5,1853. Pursuant to the foregoing warrant I have notified the persons named
as therein directed, by posting notices according to Town Regulations.
Francis Lamson, Constable of Beverly.
A true record of the original warrant, and of the return thereon -
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk.
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the town of Beverly held on Monday, the
fourteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three, the same being the annual March
Meeting.
Voted, but ballot, That William H. Lovett be Moderator.
Prayers were then offered, by Rev. Edwin B. Eddy, of the First Baptist Church.
Voted, by ballot, that John I. Baker be Town Clerk.
John I. Baker forthwith after being chosen into the office of Town Clerk of the town of
Beverly, was sworn to the faithful discharge of the duties of that office, in open town meeting by and
before me. William H. Lovett, Moderator.
Voted, by ballot, that William H. Lovett, Haskett D. Whitney, Joseph E. Ober, Andrew C. Baker and
Alpheus Davis be Selectmen.
Then Voted to open the poll for County Treasurer, and keep the same open during the day.
Voted, by ballot, that Francis Lamson, Benjamin Preston, James Hill, Charles Perry and Samuel
Foster be Assessors.
Voted, by ballot, the Robert G. Bennett be Town Treasurer.
Voted, by ballot, The Jacob Lunt be Collector of taxes.
Voted, That the Treasurer’s salary be twenty dollars, and that the Collector receive two percent on
all monies collected by him for the town, and paid into the town treasury.
Voted, To choose seven Constables for the ensuing year.
Voted, by ballot, That Francis Lamson, Jacob Lunt, Charles H. Stocker, Benjamin C. Sumner,
Nathaniel P. Allen and Albert T. Dodge be Constables.
Noon having arrived, Voted, To adjourn until half past one o’clock this afternoon, and the meeting
adjourned accordingly.
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk
According to the aforesaid adjournment the meeting again assembled at half past one o’clock
on the afternoon of Monday March 14,1853. and was called to order by the Moderator, and
proceeded to the following business.
Voted, by ballot, The Ebenezer Ray be Constable.
Voted, by ballot, that Rev. C. T. Thayer, Rev. Joseph Abbott, Rev. A. Gannett, Rev. C. W. Reding,
Rev. S. Barden, Rev. E. B. Eddy, Rev. A. Rich, Hon. R. Rantoul, Dr. W. C. Boyden, Dr. C.
Haddock, F. W. Choate and Rufus Putnam esquire, be School Committee.
Voted, to choose the remaining town officers by hand vote and the following were thus elected.
Firewards, William H. Lovett, William Porter, Henry E. Story, William H. Allen, David F. Foster, F.
W. Choate, Joseph D. Glover, John E. Wallis, Charles Friend, Thomas A. Morgan, Nathaniel P.
Allen, Brackett Muncy, George S. Millett, Daniel Trow, Francis E. Porter.
Auditors, Thomas Pousland, John B. Hill, Joseph T. Haskell.
Overseers of the Poor, Robert Rantoul, John Safford, Stephens Baker, Henry Larcom, Samuel D. G.
Standley.
Board of Health, Augustus N. Clark, Stephens Baker, Samuel Woodbury.
Fence Viewers, Edward Pousland, Hezekiah Foster, Thomas Raymond.
Surveyors of Lumber, Robert Remmonds Jr., Benjamin Larcom, John Meacom, John Ober, William
Webber, Israel Green.
Inspector of Lime. Benjamin C. Sumner.
Sealers of Leather. William A. Foster, Alpheus Trask.
Clerk of Market, James Stone.
PoundKeeper, Ebenezer Trask.
Surveyors of HighwaysWardField Drivers
Thomas P. Groce1.Charles E. Campbell - Benjamin C. Sumner
Mark A. Woodbury2.Mark Woodbury - Thorndike T. Morse
Josiah Obear3.West E. Eldridge
John Larcom4.Samuel A. Edwards
Isaac Stanley5.Ephraim Hathaway -Isaac Stanley
Richard Dodge Jr.6.Amos Burnham
Abraham B. Lord7.Oliver Edwards
James Crockett8.Azor Dodge Jr.
Albert T. Dodge9.Jacob Simons
Edward T. Proctor10.William B. Witham
John Ross11.John Ross
Joseph Cressy 2d12.George Southwick
Henry Cressy13.Eleazar Giles
Zachariah Cole14.Jedidiah Stiles
The report of the Auditors was then taken up and accepted by the town -
The Selectmen’s report was then accepted, but this vote was subsequently reconsidered, and
the town Voted to have the agent bring in the record of the purchases of liquor from him the past
year, and also to bring in the liquors now on hand, and appointed John Morgan, John B. Cressy, John
H. Chester, William P. Moses and William D. Crosfield a committee to see these votes carried into
effect. Subsequently Mr. Moses stated that Mr. Dike, the agent, informed the Committee that he was
responsible only to the Selectmen, and after a somewhat rambling discussion it was Voted that the
Selectmen produce that record, but the Moderator deciding all these proceedings out of order, the
whole subject was indefinitely postponed.
The several reports of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee, Board of
Health and Firewards were then accepted, and the thanks of the town Voted to those officers
respectively.
The recommendation in the report of the Firewards with reference Hook & Ladder Co., and
Sail Company, was referred back to the Board to report at the April adjournment upon the expense
and the proper methods of establishing such companies, and obtaining proper fixtures therefore.
Upon Article 4, relative to the petitions of S. Adams, and R. & J. Pickett -
A motion to refer
the whole subject to our Representatives in the General Court was after considerable discussion
rejected, and then it was Voted to indefinitely postpone the whole subject.
Upon Article 5, relative to the unlawful liquor traffic -
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.
Votes were also adopted by the meeting requesting the Selectmen not to appoint a liquor
agency for the future, and to discontinue the present agency - but the Moderator again decided these
proceedings out of order, and the whole subject was then indefinitely postponed.
Upon Article 6, relative to Schools.
The Committee appointed April 5,1852, “to take into consideration the expediency of
abolishing the School District system in this town, and to report at some future meeting” reported
that in their opinion it was inexpedient to abolish the School District system, and recommended that
the Town’s School Committee hereafter resume and exercise the power of selecting and contracting
with teachers for all the public schools in the town. This Report was accepted by the town, but a
motion to carry the latter recommendation into effect was rejected, and instead thereof it was -
Voted, That the several School Districts in this town be authorized to choose their respective
Prudential Committees with full authority to select and contract with teachers for the said Districts
according to law.
Evening now drawing near, it was Voted, that when this meeting adjourn, it be till tomorrow,
Tuesday morning, March 15,1853, at nine o’clock A.M. at the Town Hall.
The poll was then closed for County Treasurer, and the votes for that office were duly sorted,
counted and declared by the Moderator and Town Clerk in open town meeting and found to be as
follows -
whole number of ballots, two hundred and eighty four
Allen W. Dodge of Hamilton, two hundred and fi fty eight votes
Jefford M. Decker of Ipswich, twenty five votes
Dan Weed of Lawrence, one vote
The meeting then adjourned in accordance for the previous vote until Tuesday tomorrow
morning at nine o’clock A.M. at the Town Hall.
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk
The annual March Meeting again assembled, according to adjournment recorded on the next
previous page, at the Town Hall, Tuesday morning March 15,1853, at nine o’clock A.M. and was
called to order by William H. Lovett, Moderator.
Article 6, relative to Schools being still under consideration - the subject of employing a
Superintendent of the schools of the town was first considered - and elicited an extensive discussion -
a motion to refer the subject to the School Committee to report upon at the April adjournment was
rejected and it was -
Voted, That the whole subject in regard to Superintendent of Schools, be referred to the School
Committee, with authority to carry out the object specified at an expense not exceeding five hundred
dollars for the current year.
Voted, The some of four thousand five hundred dollars be appropriated for the support of Schools
throughout the town the current year - five hundred dollars of said sum for Superintendent of the
schools as above voted - one eighthof the remainder to be divided equally among the several school
districts, and the residue to be divided among said Districts, in proportion of the inhabitants in each
on the first day of May next, between the ages of five and fifteen years.
Upon Article 7 - relative to Highways and Town ways-
Voted, That the some of four thousand dollars be and the same hereby is appropriated for and upon
Highways and Town ways throughout the town the current year - seven hundred and fifty dollars for
ordinary repairs and snow bills, and the balance for the construction, completion and improvements
of such Highways and town ways as this town may be under obligation to do. The above to be
expended under the direction of the Selectmen, who are also hereby authorized to use the credit of
the town at their discretion for the completion of all such roads as are above referred to. Capt. Jona.
Batchelder to have same liberty as to road by his house as last year.
Voted, That twelve and one half cents per hour be allowed for each man, each horse, and each pair
of oxen for labor on the roads, and on snow; and twenty five cents per day for each plough and cart
thus used.
Upon Article 8 - relative to the annual money grant -
Voted, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates
within the town, to defray the debts of the town, and for the expenses of the town for the current
municipal year, and that the Selectmen of the town, be authorized to use the credit of the town, at
their discretion to such extent as may be necessary, to meet the estimates of said Selectmen, and to
meet all other legal liabilities of the town.
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, or to such inhabitant in person, as soon as may be after the
taxes are made, a list of the taxes such person has been assessed; - and that he allow five percent
discount on all town taxes paid on or before the fifteenth day of October next; - and that, as 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 down to the lowest tax: - provided always, that said Collector shall call once for
his tax, after leaving the bill thereof, before putting the same in suit.
Upon Article 9, relative to Lovett Street alteration, the following Report filed in the office of
the Town Clerk March 4,1853, was then read and accepted and it was -
Voted, To accept and allow of the location and alteration of the westerly continuation of Lovett
Street as the town way according to the Report of the Selectmen; which report is as follows; -
Upon the petition of John R. Tibbetts and others for the alteration of the
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location of the westerly portion of the town way accepted by the town April 9 1851. The
undersigned Selectmen of Beverly having notified, met, and heard the parties, concluded to alter said
locations as follows. - Commencing at a stake between the bounds of Josiah Pickett and M. Whitney
and wife, on the northerly line of the previous location, the northerly line as now established to run
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S. 88 W. seven rods to the Westerly Great Gate Post of said Whitney, and thence N. 88 W. three
rods and twenty links to Bartlett Street. Commencing next at a point thirty one feet six inches
southerly of the above termination on Bartlett Street, at the present corner post in the fence, the
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southerly line as now established runs thence South 89 30' E. seven rods and fourteen links across
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the Frothingham lot, (so-called), thence S. 87 E. six rods and sixteen links to northeasterly corner
of the Lamsom estate. Also altering the northerly line of said way, by land of Robert Rantoul, in part,
by a curved line, which curve when the angle was in the previous location shall be seven feet northerly
of said angle and shall extend forty eight feet easterly, and forty eight feet westerly till in each case
it meets the previously established line. And have assessed damages as follows - To Michael Whitney
and wife, the sum of two hundred dollars instead of the sum awarded in the former report, and we
award no damages to any other person as in our opinion no other person sustains any damage. And
the damages above awarded to Michael Whitney and wife to be paid to them on their releasing all
claims to any damage heretofore awarded. - Witness our hands this fourth day of March in the year
eighteen hundred and fifty three.
Wm. H. Lovett
Jos. E. OberSelectmen
H. D. Whitney of
Alpheus Davis Beverly
Upon Article 10, relative to the claim of B. B. Swasey - Capt. Swasey was present and
permitted to speak on the subject, which after some discussion was referred to the Overseers of the
Poor.
It was then Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to Monday the fourth day of April next at
two o’clock afternoon - and the meeting adjourned accordingly.
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk.
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the town of Beverly held at the Town Hall on
Monday the fourth day of April in the year 1853, the same being the adjournment of the annual March
meeting -
The meeting was called to order at two o’clock P.M. by William H. Lovett, Moderator -
Rev. Allen Gannett having declined longer service on the School Committee, the town Voted
not to fill the vacancy but to let those who had accepted constitute the entire Committee -
Capt. Henry Larcom and Mr. Samuel D. G. Standley having declined serving longer as
Overseers of the Poor, John J. Dennis and Frederick W. Choate were chosen to supply the vacancies
thus created, and the following persons were also chosen Overseers of the Poor, in addition to all
those previously chosen; to wit; Andrew T. Leach, John Dodge, Israel Trask 5th and Aaron Dodge.
John E. Wallis, Francis E. Porter and Thomas A. Morgan having declined serving as
Firewards, John Tuck 2d was chosen to fill the latter vacancy, and the town voted not to fill the
others but to let the number chosen and standing remain at thirteen according to Town Regulations.
Samuel D. G. Standley was chosen Constable by ballot, and Charles G. Conant, Isaac C.
Groce, Peter Corning, and Amos B. Trask were chosen Field Drivers by hand vote.
The Firewards were authorized to carry out the recommendations for a Sail Company and a
Hook and Ladder Company and equipments, added expense not exceeding three hundred dollars.
Quite a spirited discussion was had in reference to rumors in circulation as to the condition
of the Work House establishment, and John Bradshaw, Isaac Prince, William H. Allen, Charles Friend
and John J. Dennis were appointed a Committee to proceed to the Work House and investigate into
the condition of things there and report at the adjournment of this meeting this evening at seven
o’clock.
Voted, That this meeting now adjourn till seven o’clock this evening, and the meeting
accordingly adjourned.
Monday evening April 4,1853. The town assembled according to the above adjournment and
the meeting was called to order by William H. Lovett at seven o’clock P.M.
The Investigating Committee appointed this afternoon reported as follows - the Committee
appointed by the town beg leave to submit the following report, - having investigated as far as time
would permit - First room visited was work room, found in decent order - 2d room visited was
Kitchen in which were the two Brimmer boys; found them dressed in cotton clothes; one of them
without shoes or stockings; his head like a grater, having lately had his hair closely cut; his feet and
legs badly swelled. We then proceeded to their sleeping room and found a bunk, without anything
but straw and blankets, in most wretched condition. We would also state that the whole or part of
the house is in a most wretched condition. In one room we found one being, after digging sometime
about the straw, in a most horrid condition, the stench from it enough to make a well man sick, the
Keeper having stated that the place was cleaned out once a fortnight. Went through the upper part
of the house and found some other rooms in tolerable good condition, and a part of them in very bad
condition. One room occupied by Mr. Kittredge, a sick man, was in a very bad state, also the sick
room, so-called, in same condition. The inmates of the house speak very highly of the Keeper of the
house, and say he is very kind to them; and they regret very much that he is to leave them. There is
evidently fault somewhere. Your Committee think that the fault is with the Overseers of the Poor,
the Master of the house being under the control of them. And your Committee would also report that
the house is not a suitable house, nor cannot be made so, unless it is entirely renovated, which would
cost as much as a new one; the present house suffers greatly for want of ventilation and warmth, &
they would most respectfully recommend the town to purchase a new one, or build one in some more
convenient place. All of which is most respectively submitted. John Bradshaw, Isaac Prince, John
J. Dennis, Charles Friend, W. H. Allen.
Voted, to accept the above report, and to present the Committee the thanks of the town.
Voted, to request the Overseers of the Poor to remove Joanna Maxey to the asylum at
Ipswich or Worcester.
John I. Baker, Joseph E. Ober, John Bradshaw, Henry P. Herrick and William H. Allen were
appointed a Committee who in connection with the Overseers of the Poor shall take into
consideration the expediency of selling the present Work House establishment, both land and
buildings, and purchasing land in some more eligible and fitting locality, thereon to erect an
establishment suitable and convenient in all respects, for all the purposes to which such an institution
should be devoted and to report at some future meeting. The committee were also to visit the present
Work House during the present year, whenever they see fit, and to investigate the doings there at.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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 fourth day of April next
at eight o’clock before noon, to give in their ballots for three County Commissioners and two Special
Commissioners for the county of Essex.
Hereof fail not, but make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon before said time.
Given under our hands and seal this twenty fifth day of March in the year eighteen hundred
and fifty three.
Wm. H. Lovett
Haskett D. WhitneySelectmen
Joseph E. Ober of
Andrew C. Baker Beverly
Alpheus Davis
Beverly March 26,1853. Pursuant to the foregoing warrent I have notified the persons therein
named as therein directed, by posting notices according to Town Regulations.
Jacob Lunt, Constable of Beverly.
A true record of the original warrant and of the return thereon -
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Beverly and the county of Essex held agreeably
to law, for the choice of three County Commissioners, and two Special Commissioners for said
County, on the first Monday of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
three, the qualified voters of said town brought in their written votes on one ballot for three County
Commissioners and two Special Commissioners being inhabitants of different towns in said County,
and the Selectmen of said town in open Town Meeting sorted and counted the votes and the ballots,
and made public declaration thereof, and the Town Clerk of said town entered into the town Records
the whole number of ballots, the names of all the persons voted for and the number of votes for each;
and the following is a copy of such Record, duly signed, attested and sealed up in open Town
Meeting. The whole number of ballots for County Commissioners was four hundred and seventy
nine.
For Asa W. Wildes of Newburyport, four hundred and twenty four votes
John I. Baker of Beverly, four hundred and thirty six votes
Benjamin Mudge of Lynn, four hundred and forty seven votes
John D. Cross of Ipswich, fifty three votes
Robert G. Walker of Haverhill, fifty three votes
Bailey Loring of Andover, twenty two votes
Charles Herrick of Lynn, one vote
Andrew Dodge of Wenham,one vote
The whole number of ballots for Special Commissioners was four hundred and seventy eight.
For Lewis Allen of Danvers, four hundred and twenty three votes
Joseph W. Carlton of Methuen, four hundred and one votes
David M. Tewksbury of Amesbury, fifty three votes
Augustus D. Rogers of Salem, fifty three votes
Walter Knowlton of Rockport, twenty two votes
William Pool of Rockport, one vote
John Tenney of Methuen, one vote
Selectmen
of
Beverly
Attest,John I. Baker, Town Clerk
Essex, ss.. To one of the Constables of the town of Beverly,
Greeting-
You are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and
warn the qualified voters of said town, in the usual manner, to meet at the Town Hall on Wednesday
the fourth day of May next at nine o’clock, before noon -
To give in their ballots for one County Commissioner and for two Special Commissioners,
pursuant to the warrant of the Board of Examiners for said County to us directed.
The poll open at nine o’clock A.M. and close at four o’clock P.M.
Hereof fail not, but make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon before said time.
Given under our hands and seal this twenty sixth day of April in the year eighteen hundred and
fifty three.
Wm. H. LovettSelectmen
Alpheus Davisof
Haskett D. WhitneyBeverly
Beverly April 27,1853. Pursuant to the foregoing warrent I have notified the persons therein
named as therein directed.
Charles H. Stocker, Constable of Beverly.
A true record of the original warrant, and of the return thereon.
Attest.John I. Baker, Town Clerk.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Beverly in the county of Essex, held agreeably
to law, for the choice of one County Commissioner and two Special Commissioners for said County,
on the fourth day of made in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, the qualified voters
of said Town brought in their written votes on one ballot, for one County Commissioner and two
Special Commissioners being inhabitants of different Towns in said County, and the Selectmen of said
Town in open Town meeting sorted and counted the votes and the ballots, and made public
declaration thereof, and the Town Clerk of said town entered in the Town Records the whole number
of ballots, the names of all look persons voted for, and the number of votes for each; and the
following is a copy of such Record, duly signed, attested and sealed up and open Town Meeting.
The whole number of ballots the County Commissioners was two hundred and six.
For Asa W. Wildes of Newburyport, one hundred and sixty seven votes
Robert G. Walker of Haverhill, thirty nine votes
The whole number of ballots for Special Commissioners was two hundred and five.
For Lewis Allen of Danvers, one hundred and sixty one votes
William Pool of Rockport, one hundred and fifty three votes
Augustus D. Rogers of Salem, fifty seven votes
David M. Tewksbury of Amesbury, thirty seven votes
Joseph W. Carlton of Methuen,one vote
Andrew Dodge of Wenham, one vote
Wm. H. Lovett
Haskett D. WhitneySelectmen
Alpheus Davis of
Beverly
Attest.
John I. Baker, Town Clerk