1847-03-08 Warrant for Annual March Meeting
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 notifying and warn, in the usual manner, the
qualified voters of said Town to meet at the Town Hall on Monday the eighth day of March next at
nine o’clock before noon, for the following purposes-
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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 think proper-
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3. To give in their ballots for a County Treasurer-
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4. To see if the town will petition the County Commissioners, to widen, straighten, and new locate
the highway, beginning at Grover’s corner near Bald Hill, and running northerly to Wenham line - and
thence by a new location until it intersects with the old road near the dwelling house of Abraham
Dodge in Wenham - per petition of S. D. G. Standley and 35 others -
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5. To see if the town will cause West Farm School District to be divided into two separate
School Districts - or set any portion thereof upon the next adjoining School District or Districts, or
otherwise alter and determine the lines and limits of said next adjoining, or other, School District or
Districts, so as to provide for the protection and accommodation of all the School per children in said
West Farm District -
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6. To see if the town will cause the line between the School Districts of East and West Farms to
be reviewed, the limits of said Districts determined, and the bounds thereof established -
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7. To see if the town will review the lines, determine the limits, and establish the boundaries of any
and all School Districts within the town, necessary to accomplish either of the purposes specified in
the 5th and 6th Articles aforesaid - per petition of Isaac Haskell & others - and of Benjamin Preston
Jr. & others -
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8. To see if the town will cause a new Fire Engine and apparatus to be purchased and located in
Engine House No. 2, and raise money for that purpose - per petition of Josiah Lovett & 77 others -
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9. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money to purchase a New Fire Engine and
apparatus, and locate the same at the Farms - per petition of John Ober & 53 others -
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10. To see if the town will indemnify William Putnam for the destruction of his shop at the fire in
October last -
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11. To see if the town will alter or amend their standing Town Regulations -
12. To see if the town will provide an Iron Safe for the preservation of the Town Records and
papers, and raise and appropriate money therefor -
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13. To see if the town will sell the Hospital and land under and adjoining, and authorize some
person or persons to convey the same and execute all lawful deeds therefor -
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14. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations respecting
Schools within the town as they think proper -
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15. To adopt such measures, grant such sums of money, and make such regulations in regard to the
repair and building of highways throughout the town as they may think proper -
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16. To grant such sums of money to be raised and assessed upon the polls and estates within the
town, for discharging the debts of the town and expenses of the coming year - as the town may deem
expedient - and make all necessary regulations and allowances respecting the same -
and finally to act and do anything in reference to any
business named in either of the foregoing Articles - or in reference to any Reports of any officers or
agents of said Town, which may be deemed expedient -
and also, To see if the town will approve their Jury List
as revised by the Selectmen -
Hereof fail not, but make due return of this warrant before said time with your
doings thereon -
Given under our hands and seal this twenty-sixth day of February, in the year eighteen
hundred and forty-seven -
Wm. H. LovettSelectmen
John I. Baker of
Haskett D. Whitney Beverly
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Beverly March 5 A.D. 1847 - Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I have
notified the persons therein named as therein directed -
Ezra O. Woodbury - Constable of Beverly -
A true record of the original warrant and return-
Attest, John I. Baker, 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 eighth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty-seven at nine
o’clock before noon, pursuant to the warrant upon the pages next preceding-
Voted, by ballot, That Augustus N. Clark, be Moderator.
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Edwin Martin Stone.
Voted, by ballot, the John I. Baker, the Town Clerk.
Then John I. Baker aforesaid immediately upon being chosen to the office of Town Clerk, was
sworn faithfully and impartially to discharge and perform all the duties of said office for the ensuing
year and until another is chosen and qualified in his stead - in open town meeting this eighth day of
March A.D. 1847 - Before me -
A N. Clark, Moderator.
Voted, by ballot, That William H. Lovett, Edward T. Proctor, John I. Baker, Haskett D. Whitney and
Josiah Obear be Selectmen the current year.
Voted, by ballot, That John Porter 2d, Francis Lamson, Benjamin Preston Jr., John Morgan, and
Charles Davis be Assessors the current year.
Voted, by ballot, That Robert G. Bennett be Town Treasurer, the current year and that he have
twenty dollars for that service.
Voted, by ballot, That Jacob Lunt be Collector of Taxes, and that he have one and one half percent
on all taxes actually paid in by him.
Voted, by ballot, The Rev. Christopher T. Thayer, Rev. Joseph Abbott, Rev. Edwin M. Stone, Rev.
Charles W. Flanders, Rev. John Foote, Rev. Sumner Hale, Rev. John L. Stevens, Hon. Robert
Rantoul, Wyatt C. Boyden, Rev. George T. Dole, Matthew Bridge and Charles Davis constitute the
School Committee for the current year.
Voted, by ballot, That Ezra O. Woodbury be Inspector of Police, and that his pay in full for that
service shall be from the fines he may collect.
Voted, by ballot, That Albert Thorndike, Daniel Foster, and Joseph P. Nourse shall be Auditors for
the ensuing year.
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The Article 11 relative to Town Regulations was then taken up and said Regulations so
amended as that all the residue of the town should be chosen by hand vote until otherwise ordered -
they were also amended so as to dispense with the separate choice of Surveyors of Shingles &
Clapboards and it was provided that the duties of that office should be performed by the Surveyors
of Lumber - the town also refused to amend by choosing more than Three Constables, and adopted
the following further amendment.
Voted, That Section 1, Chapter 2, of the Town Regulations be amended by striking out Thirteen
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before the word Firewards in the 20 printed line of said Section and inserting Fifteen, so that it shall
read - Fifteen Firewards, four of whom shall be chosen from the South District, five from Grammar
District - two from Washington District - two from the Upper Parish - one from the Cove, and one
from the Farms -
The other town officers were then elected by hand votes and are as follows -
Overseers of the Poor. Robert Rantoul, John Safford, Stephens Baker, Andrew Ober, Henry Larcom.
Constables. Francis Lamson, Daniel L. Smith, Ezra O. Woodberry.
Board of Health. Augustus N. Clark, John I. Baker, Wells Standley.
Firewards
South District - Daniel Foster, William H. Lovett, Paul Hildreth, Alpheus Davis
District - Edward Stone, Edward Pousland, Jeremiah Porter, Augustus N. Clark, Alden
Harris.
Washington District - John Bradshaw, Thomas B. Smith
Cove District - Samuel Foster
Upper Parish - Henry E. Story, William Friend.
Farms - James Perry
Fence Viewers. Thomas Whittredge, John Meacom, William D. Crosfield.
Sealers of Leather. Thomas B. Smith, Ezra O. Woodberry.
Surveyors of Lumber. Isaac Galloup, John Meacom, Richard J. Preston, William Webber, John Ober,
Robert Goodwin, who are also to be Surveyors of Shingles and Clapboards -
Inspector of Lime. Benjamin C. Sumner.
Clerk of Market. Joseph T. Haskell.
Pound Keeper. Charles Moulton.
Surveyors of Highways.
Ward 1. Thomas P. Groce
2. Elisha Woodberry
3. Elisha Pride
4. Benjamin Preston Jr.
5. Samuel D. G. Standley
6. Joseph Conant
7. Benjamin Woodberry
8. Albert Dodge
9. Benjamin Standley
10. James Friend
11. Asa Brown
12. John Bell Jr.
13. John Bradshaw
14. William Standley.
Field Drivers.
Ward 1. Benjamin C. Sumner - Thomas Andrews -
2. Joseph Thissell
3. Elisha Pride
4. James Perry
5. Jesse Day
6. Israel O. Edwards
7. Jonathan Moulton
8. Azor Dodge
9. Alvin F. Dodge
10. Josiah Trask
11. Benjamin Foster
12. John Bell Jr.
13. William Isaac Smith
14. Robert Brown - William Standley-
Next proceeded with the third Article in the warrant in reference to County Treasurer, for
which proceedings see the next page - where it is a facsimile of the return made to the County
Commissioners in accordance with the printed form furnished by them -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
At the Annual meeting of the qualified
voters of the town of Beverly, in the County of Essex, held on the eighth day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven - the votes for a Treasurer of said County,
having been duly received, were sorted in open town meeting by the Moderator thereof, and the
Town Clerk, and were as follows: -
Whole number of ballots one hundred and eight -
For William F. Wade of Ipswich, one hundred and seven votes.
For Jacob Lunt of Beverly one vote -
The next business brought up were the Reports of the several Boards of Town Officers - all
of which were accepted in their order, and the thanks of the town also voted to each board -
The Auditors’ Report was first considered and exhibits the following summary of expenses
the past year.
School Department3411.88
Highway Department1782.91
Overseers Department1742.40
Assesses Department1322.50
Debt and Interest1236.63
Lunatic Hospital673.66
Fire Department393.91
Town Officers227.25
Town Hall166.05
Stationery59.98
Bells and Clock56.60
Horse Hire49.82
Health Department34.74
Guide Boards6.50
Postage6.00
Incidental1.00
Total11,171.83
Cash in Treasury279.97
Dole Taxes due145.89
1846 Taxes due217.62
Hall rent due50.00
The next report submitted was that of the Selectmen and was in the following terms.
The Selectmen of Beverly in submitting their annual report would state as required by law that
the Guide Posts and Boards remain the same as last year except those at the corner of Cabot and
Conant Streets and hern at the corner of Hart Street and Preston Place.
In relation to the warrant, we have inserted certain articles requiring some explanation - that
referring to Town Regulations to avoid the irregularity which has heretofore occurred in choosing
more town officers than is therein provided for - the claim of Mr. Putnam we put in upon his verbal
request - we have again felt it our duty to remind the town of the importance of a Safe to protect their
records and papers from fire - The Hospital building constantly exposed to wanton mischief, if
nothing worse, we have deemed proper to bring before the town giving them an opportunity to sell
the same if thought advisable, as well as the land under and adjoining -
The debt of the town in March last year was in gross amount$3097.10
To meet which there was due from old taxes etc.927.05
which left a net debt of2170.05
Our estimates made at that time were calculated to meet this debt and all other
probable expenses of the past year - but on examination of the Auditors’ Report
it will be perceived that the actual gross debt of the town at present is1704.89
while there is due from various sources693.48
leaving a net debt now only1011.41
while there has been an excessive expenditure on Highways, per order Co.
Commissioners upon Hale Street etc., over our estimates of382.91
also, an excessive abatements etc. over our estimate of322.50
also, an excessive of pauper expenses etc. over our estimates of242.40
also, an excessive of school expenses etc. over our estimates of211.88
also, and excess in interest account over our estimates of136.63
also, and excess in the incidentals etc. over our estimates of43.35
also, an excessive of Lunatic Hospital over our estimates of23.66
making a total excess of expenditures over estimates of1363.23
Sufficient without looking farther to account for the above debt as well as for the extra credits
received into the Treasury from Burial lots, Pedlars’ licenses etc. and also for the amount due for the
Town Hall, besides allowing for all those cases where the expenditures did not amount quite up to
the estimates, -
such as those of the Fire Department-106.09
Health Department-17.50
Town officers-72.75
Stationery etc.24.24.4
Total320.74
It will be seen that our estimates this year make a balance to be
provided for the same amount raised last year viz:- $10,000
Our debts of course cannot be reduced in that estimate which amount
as before stated to 1704.89
The heaviest item in our expenses is that for Schools estimated at an
annual appropriation of $3000 adding the School fund, which is also estimated
in the credit of Expected Income $200, and to this adding $100 which will
probably be distributed among the School Districts as heretofore from the
balance of last year’s school fund - makes a total of3300.00
The next item is for Pauper expenses, which last year amounted to
$1742.40, and no facts within our knowledge warrant us in reducing it at least
any farther than to put it in round numbers as in our estimate. 1700.00
Highways constitutes our next item, and we have included in that
estimate a liberal appropriation on Elliott Street - some additional labor on
Hull Street - and the balance for ordinary highways, bridges, and snow -
including a few small extra jobs - total -1500.00
The Fire Department we can conceive of not estimate to meet below 500.00
The Health Department have now in the Treasury about $50 which
they are to expend upon the Burial Ground by contract with purchasers of
lots, so the we have estimated therefor 50.00
The Lunatic Hospital Account is estimated at $26.34 cts more than
last year’s bill, we have now three subjects there, two of whom at least, will
not be discharged by the Trustees, until the town can furnish them better
accommodations than any we have at present - therefore we estimate that at700.00
Abatements etc. with our present experience must amount to1000.00
The other Estimates are in accordance with previous average
expenditures438.59
making a total of $10,893.48
From which deduct, Cash in treasury279.97
Olds taxes due145.89
1846 taxes due217.62
Hall rent due 50.00
Anticipated School Fund 200.00 893.48
and there is left a balance to be provided for a $10,000.00
All which is respectfully submitted-
March 6,1847.Wm. H. Lovett, Chairman -
Next in the order came the Report of the Overseers of the Poor as follows-
The Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Beverly for the municipal year ending in March
1847, make the following report to the town -
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The number of persons who have been in the Work House from March 1 1846 to March
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1 1847 is sixty three - viz. twenty men, twenty one women, and twenty two children - The average
number for the year has been about thirty six - There has been one death during the year, and that,
of an infant - There has been one commitment for drunkenness - The number of persons in the House
on the first of March 1847 was forty one, viz.: thirteen men, seventeen women and eleven children -
Of these nine are insane, one is an idiot, and one is non-compos - Of the residue, several are aged,
diseased, or so infirm as to be incapacitated for labor, but still leaving a considerable number whose
bodily strength is adequate to such labor as would enable them to support themselves, independently
of any aid from the public, were it not for their vicious propensities and corrupt habits - While in our
community the means of relief of pauperism whenever it occurs, are abundantly adequate, yet
measures of prevention of its occurrence, are generally few, and inefficacious, - In this town much
has been accomplished in reference to the prevention of those vices, which are the fruitful source of
pauperism, by the restraints here imposed upon the open sale of spiritous liquors- but while the
confirmed drunkard can readily procure any quantity of these liquors to which he can obtain the
means of payment, by resorting to the adjoining city, and while there are Beer shops, and gaming
shops, where idle, thoughtless, and dissolute persons, resort and congregate, something further is
required to be done, either by the municipal authorities of the town, or by the all powerful influence
of public opinion, to increase and enlarge those restraints, so as to render the access to temptation
less frequent and inviting to the young and inconsiderate, and the means of indulgence more difficult
to the inebriate -
The amount of orders, drawn on the Town Treasurer by the Overseers of the Poor from
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March 1 1846 to March 1 1847 is seventeen hundred dollars and forty cents - Of this amount four
hundred and three dollars and seventy six cents, has been expended out of the Work House -
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Beverly March 8 1847.
Robt. Rantoul
John SaffordOverseers
Stephens Baker of
Henry Larcom the Poor
The next Report was that from the Firewards as follows -
The undersigned Firewards of Beverly, respectfully present the following report to the town -
The Hooks & Ladders are in good order - the Cisterns are all in good order, except one back
of the Town Hall which is rotten & useless - we think it essential for the town to put a new one in
its place or in the vicinity, for a large reservoir -
There is 1100 feet of good hose belonging to the town -
We have examined the Engines & find No. 3 & 4r in good order - No. 1 remains in the Hearse
House - No. 2 Engine we find out of order generally, the action is very imperfect & the machinery
is very much worn throughout -
We think it would be for the interest of the Town to purchase a new Engine in the place of
No. 2 Engine -
There has been two fires in town since March 1846, to March 1847, viz:-
The Rubber Factory & Mr. Fisk’s barn -
Beverly March 8., 1847
Wm. H. Lovett
Ezra O. Woodberry
Alpheus Davis
Daniel Foster
Paul Hildreth
Edward Perry
Andrew W. Standley
Jona. H. Lovett
Alden Harris
The Reports of the School Committee and Board of Health were passed over until afternoon,
the town having in consequence of the arrival of noon passed the following vote-
Voted, This meeting now adjourned to meet again at this place at thirty minutes past one o’clock
afternoon -
And the Moderator declared the meeting adjourned accordingly -
Attest,
John I. Baker,
Town Clerk
At one and one half o’clock afternoon, Monday March 8,1847, the qualified voters of the
town of Beverly having assembled at the Town Hall agreeably to the adjournment upon the next
preceding page, the meeting was called to order, by A. N. Clark Esq. Moderator, and proceeded to
business the first matter for consideration being the Report of the School Committee which was read
by their Chairman, Rev. C. T. Thayer, as follows-
The School Committee respectfully present the report for the past year -
In Bald Hill District - the Summer School was kept 6 months by Miss Cole, with a total of
59 scholars & an average of 42, & was marked by good order & progress; - the Winter School was
kept 3 months by Mr. Wiggin, with a total of 77 & average of 62. 56 were present at the closing
visitation, - at which, there was good attendance of parents & friends - the house neat & tastefully
decorated - order excellent - reading well, though some of it too low and with neglect of stops -
spelling mostly good - defining of first class excellent - grammar well recited, also arithmetic -
geography very well - writing neat & improved with less wrong spelling than usual - composition
very good - declamation spirited & well showing altogether an advance on the high character of the
school the year previous.
Dodge’s Row - Summer School - Kept 3 1/4 months by Miss Stone - Total 24 - average 23 -
present at the closing examination 22 - Attendance very punctual - Reading & Spelling very good -
neatness & improvement in writing & map drawing - Oral instruction had been given on the arts &
sciences, the phenomena of nature & the uses of common things & with much success in simplifying
it to the youthful apprehension - Singing has been a frequent exercise - The Winter School - Kept 3
½ months, by Mr. Galloux. Total 27 - average 24 - present at examination 24. Order good. In the
common branches excepting some deficiency in grammar, the recitations were good. Several had
done well in bookkeeping, history & philosophy. This school is decidedly rising . Corporeal
punishment had not been used in either school.
Bass River - Summer School - Kept 5 months by Miss Matchett . Whole number 85 - average
52 - present at the closing examination 42. It made fair improvement & excelled in arithmetic -
Winter School - Kept 4 months by Mr. Bomer - Total 105 - average 90 - present 93. 10 had not been
absent or tardy at all through the term - Besides good progress in the required studies, 19 had done
well in history, 3 in natural Philosophy, - 3 in Anatomy & 3 in Physiology - there were many
handsome specimens of writing, & map drawing, an unusual number of good compositions, and &
interesting exercises in declamation & singing. The commodious & tastefully adorned school room,
the numerous visitors & the fine condition of the scholars as to order & their intellectual & moral
state, contributed to render the examination one of peculiar and deep interest -
Ryal Side - Summer School - Kept 6 months by Miss Hood. Total 60 - average 48 - Though
somewhat deficient in order, it had made respectable progress in the prescribed studies; a & 4 in
history - Winter School - Kept 4 months by Mr. Gilbert - Total 64 - average 48 - present at
examination 47. Order good - Reading very good - Arithmetic well - Geography, Grammar &
writing pretty well - 3 had made good progress in History & Physiology - This school had suffered
from the neglect of parents to furnish all the necessary books, and from neglect of prescribed studies -
West Farms - Summer Schools - Kept 2 ½ months each by Misses Brower & Perry - Total
of one 26 & average 20 - total of the other 20, & average 15 - Their results were satisfactory,
considering the smallness of their numbers & their short duration - Winter School - Kept 4 months -
by Mr. Lear - Total 71 - average 61 - present 49 - Order good - Reading & Spelling also defining
well - Spelling book lessons very well - Geography, good - Arithmetic very good - Grammar,
deficient - Writing, some of it, excellent - in general pretty good, with much incorrect spelling & some
blots- 9 had attended to history - 6 to composition & several declaimed -
East Farms - Summer School - Kept 3 ½ months by Miss Porter - Total 63 - average 55 - did
well - Winter School - Kept 5 months - by Mr. Dodge - Total 80 - average 74 - present 74 - Order
very good - In reading and most of the recitations, great want of audible enunciation - So far as they
could be heard they evinced faithful application - particularly in arithmetic - Writing neat & improved
- 1 had made progress in Algebra, 15 in history, & three in Watts on the mind -
Cove - Summer School - Kept 5 months by Misses Edwards and Foster - Total 112 - average
84 - History was considerably attended to in it, & good results on the whole were attained - Winter
School - Kept 5 months by Mr. Hutchinson & Miss Foster - Total 133 - average 103 - present 92.
Order rather defective - Recitations, excepting those in parsing generally good - Writing very good -
Respectable exhibitions in history, composition, map drawing & declamation -
Washington - Summer School - 7 1/4 months by Miss Woodberry - Total 66 - average 48 -
Had done well - Winter School - Kept 4 months by Mr. Dodge - Total 86 - average 69 - present 79 -
Order fine - the scholars had been well classed and thoroughly tasked, & appeared very creditably in
the common branches - Writing very good - also, arithmetical manuscripts, bookkeeping &
composition - Much at been accomplished in history in which were 79 pupils - 4 had studied Watts
& several declaimed -
Grammar District - Primary School - Kept 7 ½ months by Miss Greene - It has done all which
could reasonably be anticipated of so very young scholars as those of which it is composed -
Intermediate School - Kept 8 ½ months by Miss Weld - Total 84 - average 54 - present 60 - In all
the common branches the recitations were good - but in arithmetic excellent - 35 were considerably
advanced in history & some in drawing & composition - The exhibition was highly interesting, and
afforded much gratification to the large company present -
Grammar School - Kept 3 ½ months by Mr. Gaffey - for the rest of the year by Mr. Lefavour
- Total 61 - average 46 - present 40 - Order very good - Reading excellent in the 1st class; animated
& correct generally - A large amount, in the common studies, gone over, & well learned - The other
branches pursued were - Algebra, Geometry, History, Philosophy, French & Latin - in which
creditable proficiency has been made - Composition has been practiced by the whole school, with
evident improvement - The writing - bookkeeping & drawing appeared well - Declamation & singing
were spirited & entertaining -
South - Summer School - Kept 8 ½ months by - Miss Worsley - Total 44 - average 37 - It
was instructed & governed in a manner to make it both attractive & improving to the very young
children of which it consisted - School for the year - Kept by Mr. Phillips - Total 150 - average 89 -
present at the annual visitation 82 - Order much improved & good - Classification complete - A
manifest advance in the common studies - particularly in arithmetic, which the rules were very
promptly recited & illustrated - In writing, composition, map drawing - also in Algebra, history &
philosophy, the exhibition was highly gratifying - Singing, in which a large portion of the school
participated, was practiced with much success here - as it has been in most of our schools - & has
been found a very interesting & profitable exercise -
On the whole, it may be confidently affirmed, that our public schools have never been in so
good a state at present - The School Houses have a greatly improved aspect of neatness and
convenience - The Grammar School - room has been fitted up that the past season, so as to be made
one of the most pleasant & commodious anywhere to be found -
Irregularity of attendance, though still a great evil, has much diminished -
Corporeal punishment has lessened & good order has gained -
The relations between the teacher & the taught, & among the scholars themselves, are getting
to be better understood, & to be more marked by kindness & cordial cooperation -
The reports of the moral state of the schools are marked by few exceptions & indicate a
general advance.
Beverly, March 8,1847.
C. T. Thayer, Chairman -
This Report as well as the succeeding one and those proceeding were all accepted by the
town, and the thanks of the Town severally voted to the respective Boards of Officers presenting the
same -
The next and last Report in order was that of the Board of Health as follows-
The Board of Health would report that during the past year there has been received from the
sale of Burial lots-
$68.32
- of which there was expended32.24
- leaving a balance in favor of this Department of36.08
- the year previous there was received$163.15
- and expended40.86
- leaving a further balance in our favor of122.29
- which added to our previous credit makes a total of$158.37
- the first year there was expended on the Burial Ground 148.25
- while there was only received34.27
- which left a balance against us of 113.98
- and which taken from our previously mentioned credit leaves 44.39
now in the Town Treasury which sum is to be expended upon the Burial Ground in accordance with
our contracts with purchasers of Lots therein, and which sum will barely suffice to repair the fences
etc. this comes from the low price to which the lots have been reduced from the original appraisal,
hence it will be perceived that no improvements of any consequence can be expected, without specific
appropriations to that effect-
Beverly March 8,1847-
Andrew W. Standley, Chairman
On the fourth Article in the warrant, relative to widening Grover Street etc. upon petition of
Samuel Downing Gentlee Standley & others -
After some discussion as to the expediency of applying to the present Board
of Commissioners, inasmuch as they had within two years refused a similar application - it was
Voted, That these petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition -
On the fifth Article, relative to dividing West Farms District, after rejecting a motion to refer
this and the two next Articles to a Committee to report at the adjournment it was then
Voted, that this Article be indefinitely postponed.
On Article sixth, relative to establishing and confirming the line between East Farm and West
Farm School Districts -
Voted, That this article be referred to the Selectmen into report at the adjournment
On Article Seventh, relative to the subjects involved in the two previous Articles, it was
Voted, That this Article also be indefinitely postponed.
On Article Eighth, relative to a new Engine and apparatus for Engine House Number Two -
after an animated and protracted discussion it was by 229 votes to 178 .
Voted, That these petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition.
On Article Ninth, relative to a new Engine and apparatus for the Farms, after discussion it was
by 211 votes to 189.
Voted, That the prayer of the petition be granted, and that the Firewards be instructed to carry the
same into effect.
A motion was then made by John J. Dennis (he having voted in the majority) to reconsider
the vote by which the Town gave the petitioners under Article Eighth, referring to a new Engine No.
2, leave to withdraw - this motion was carried by 200 votes to 198 - and then it was by 206 votes
to 202 -
Voted, That the prayer of the petition of Josiah Lovett and others, for a new Engine and apparatus
to be located in Engine House No. Two be granted, and that the Firewards be instructed to carry the
same into effect, by procuring a Engine of the same capacity and quality of Engine No. 4 with all the
requisite apparatus.
Voted, That the Selectmen draw on the Treasurer for all charges incurred by the Board of Firewards
under authority of the previous votes.
On Article Tenth, relative to the claim of William Putnam for damages it was after some
discussion
Voted, That said Article be referred to the Firewards to report upon at the April adjournment.
On Article Eleventh, relative to Town Regulations, the previous alterations of the same as
made at this meeting etc. were confirmed, and a motion to forbid any Fireward from becoming a
member of any Engine Company was rejected.
On Article Twelfth, relative to an Iron Safe, after some discussion upon the expediency of
present action.
Voted, That said Article be referred to the next March meeting.
On Article Thirteenth, relative to Hospital & land.
Voted, That the Selectmen be hereby fully authorized in behalf of the inhabitants of this town, to sell
their Hospital building, and also the land under & adjoining the same whenever they shall deem it for
the interest of the Town so to do - and that the said Selectmen for the time being be also fully
authorized and empowered to sign and execute all deeds necessary to convey the same in behalf of
said Inhabitants.
After some further discussion, it was upon motion of Dr. Augustus Torrey.
Voted, That the Selectmen be directed not to sell the aforesaid land, without first laying the matter
before the town.
On Article Fourteenth, relative to Schools.
Voted, That the sum of three thousand dollars be and the same hereby is appropriated for schools
throughout the town the current year, and that one eighth part of said sum be equally divided among
the several School Districts, and that the residue be divided among the same, in proportion to the
number of residence in each Districts between the ages of four and sixteen years.
On motion of John Tuck 2d.
Voted, That the use of the Town Hall be granted to the several School Districts within the town, for
the purpose of holding therein, their public examinations, and that the other Districts be invited to
attend such examinations - and that said use of the Hall be free of expense.
On Article Fifteenth, relative to highways.
Voted, That fifteen hundred dollars be appropriated for the repairs of highways throughout the town
the current year.
Voted, That twelve and a half cents per hour, be allowed to each man, each horse, and each pair of
oxen and for labor on the highway and on snow, and that twenty five cents per day be also allowed
for each cart and plough thus used.
Voted, That the Surveyors of Highways, so far as practicable, give general opportunity to all legal
voters within their respective wards to work out their due proportions.
On Article Sixteenth, relative to money to be raised, after some discussion upon adding fifteen
hundred dollars to the Estimate of the Selectmen in consequence of the Engine expenses incurred at
this meeting.
Voted, That the some of Eleven thousand and five hundred 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.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be fully authorized in behalf of the inhabitants of this town, on the
direction of the Selectmen, to hire such sums of money to settle the debts and obligations of the
Town, and to meet the outstanding orders as said Selectmen may deem expedient.
Voted, That the Collector of Taxes deliver or cause to be delivered at the usual place of abode or
residence of each inhabitant of the Town, or personally to such inhabitant, as soon as may be after
the taxes are made - a bill of the taxes such inhabitant may have been doomed to pay by the Assessors
- and that he allow five percent discount on all town taxes paid on or before the thirtieth day of
September next - and that he immediately put in suit as far as practicable, all taxes not paid upon or
before the first day of January next - commencing with the highest and so won to the smallest tax -
provided always, that said Collector shall call ones for his tax after leaving his tax bill, upon all who
may owe, before putting the same in suit.
In reference to such business as is named in the general clause of the last article.
Voted, That the Board of Firewards be directed to report at the adjournment of this meeting, the
probable expense of building a reservoir in the immediate vicinity of the Town Hall, of suitable
capacity and substantial structure for service.
Voted, That the Selectmen be hereby fully authorized and requested in behalf of the inhabitants of
this town, to cause prosecutions to be instituted and followed up against all unlicensed dealers in
intoxicating liquors.
Voted, That the Firewards be requested to the to make due efforts to man the Engines the coming
year, by allowing only their polls tax to the several Engine Men.
In reference to the Jury List after some discussion it was
Voted, That the same be referred back to the Selectmen with instructions to take the whole list of
legal voters, and select therefrom every person not disqualified from serving as a juror, and place the
names of all such in a box and draw therefrom seventy eight names, making a list thereof and
reporting the same to the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, The when this meeting adjourn it be to the second Monday in April next, the 12th instant at
Two o’clock afternoon.
At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the town of Beverly, held at the Town Hall on
Monday April 12th A.D. 1847, the same being be the adjournment of the Annual March Meeting -
and said adjournment commencing at Two o’clock Afternoon, at which hour the meeting was called
to order by the Moderator, A. N. Clark Esq. - and the following business transacted -
Voted, by ballot, The Rev. Joseph Tracy, Samuel Dike, and Eben H. Moulton be members of the
School Committee instead of Rev. Edwin M. Stone, about to remove to Providence R. I. and Rev.
John L. Stevens, about to remove to Exeter N. H., and of Matthew Bridge Esq. who declined serving
upon that Board.
The letter of which the following is a copy was sometime since left with the Town Clerk to
be communicated to this meeting, but which having been overlooked was not thus communicated
and hence is here inserted -
Beverly March 16,1847.
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To the Moderator of the town meeting to be held April 5.
Dear sir - I have been
notified that at the late town meeting, I was elected a member of the School Committee for the
ensuing year. Since that meeting I have made arrangements to become a resident of a neighboring
State. It becomes me therefore, to decline the honor proffered me, which I now most respectfully
do -
Nearly thirteen years have elapsed, since I became a citizen of Beverly. During twelve of
these years, by the favor of my fellow Townsmen, I have held a seat at the School Committee’s
Board. Early interested in the cause of Common Schools, the duties of my office have been among
the most agreeable of my public life: & it has been a source of constantly increased satisfaction to
witness the steady advancement of popular education in this town. Our School Houses, now,
without exception, are neat and commodious - the standard of qualifications in Teachers, is in
accordance with the most elevated views of the Times - the relation of parents & guardians to the
schools is better understood - the evils of irregular attendance are gradually diminishing, - and the
improving moral character of pupils is highly encouraging.
I by no means intend to intimate, that our Public Schools, are as perfect, as they may or
should be; but I am free to say, that they have never before stood so well. The recent examinations
as a whole, evinced, a thoroughness in teaching, - a progress on the part of the pupils, - and a
generous cooperative spirit in the Districts, surpassing all former years. Already one District, embued
with the true idea, has, by a judicious arrangement, secured to itself the advantages of the Primary
& High School system of our cities -
For the success thus far secured, much is due to the gentlemen composing the School
Committee from year to year, and especially to the intelligent & faithful Chairman, as also to the
earnest interest of an honorable Townsman, who, for a quarter of a century, has discharged with
parental solicited the duties of a Committee-man.
I congratulate my fellow townsmen, on the present encouraging aspect of the Educational
cause, and on the excellence spirit that now prevails. What our Schools shall be in future, is for them
to determine. That the standard will not be lowered the liberal provisions of the past, is a pledge.
And taking leave of the Town, endeared to me by historical associations as well as by social
ties, and of an office in which I have been so long & agreeably connected, I desire, through you, to
express my grateful acknowledgments for the many marks of public confidence & respect conferred
on me by my fellow - townsmen, & to assure them, that I shall ever cherish a lively interest in all that
relates to their moral, religious and social prosperity -
With sentiments of esteem
I remain, your & their
Obliged Friend
Edwin M. Stone.
After the choice of School Committee as aforesaid it was
Voted, by ballot, that Joseph D. Tuck be Auditor, instead of Albert Thorndike who declines -
The following officers were then chosen by hand vote at said meeting -
Board of Health, Andrew W. Standley and Stephens Baker, instead of Wells Standley and John I.
Baker who declined -
Firewards. Eben Smith Jr. and Jonathan Batchelder instead of Edward Stone & Jeremiah Porter who
decline the -
Fence Viewers. John Porter 2d, Israel Foster 2d and Benjamin Larcom instead of those chosen at
the previous meeting neither of whom have taken the requisite oath of office -
Surveyor of Highways . Ward 9. Albert E. Dodge, instead of Benjn. Standley, who has not taken
his oath -
Field Drivers were chosen as follows to -
In Ward 3. Samuel Ober jr., instead of Elisha Pride who declines-
4. William Young, instead of James Perry who declines
6. David Standley, instead of Israel O. Edwards who declines
8. Richard Fifield, instead of Azor Dodge who declines
10. James Friend, instead of Josiah Trask who declines
12. Wm. E. Dodge, instead of John Bell Jr. who declines
13. Israel Elliott, instead of Wm. I. Smith who declines
5. Isaac C. Groce, instead of Jesse Dame who declines
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In reference to the 6. Article in the warrant which was referred to the Selectmen, they
submitted the following Report-
The Selectmen would report in
reference to the line between East and West Farm School Districts, that no such line as that recorded
can be run to include the inhabitants usually reckoned in East Farm School District - but there is a
natural boundary which might be run - commencing at a stone on the boundary line between Wenham
and Beverly, marked W. B. situated on Gravelly Ridge, so-called, and running southwesterly as said
line there runs, to the center of Sawmill Creek or ditch by land of Stephen Dodge, thence as the
center of said Creek runs through lands of Molly Pierce, Joseph Williams and Nicholas Pierce - by
land of Isaac W. Smith - through lands of Oliver Preston, Obed Woodberry, late Molly Dodge,
Timothy Marshall, across Hull’s Lane, through lands of Dixey Woodberry and Samuel Woodberry,
and still continuing as said Creek runs by lands of late James Woodberry and others passing by the
northerly and easterly side of the Sawmill and so on through the center of said Creek to where the
same crosses Hale Street, at the bridge in the hollow westerly of the house of Obed Woodberry -
0
thence it might continue S degrees east to the Sea - or as said creek runs to the West causeway,
and thence due South to the Sea -
The above report was accepted, and then upon motion of Benjn. Preston Jr.-
Voted, That the boundary line between East Farm School District, and West Farm School District,
be hereby established and determined as follows - commencing at a stone on the boundary line
between Wenham and Beverly, marked W. B. situated on Gravelly Ridge so-called, and running
southwesterly as said line there runs, to the center of Sawmill Creek or ditch by land of Stephen
Dodge - thence, as the center of said creek runs, through lands of Molly Pierce, Joseph Williams, and
Nicholas Pierce - by land of Isaac W. Smith - through lands of Oliver Preston, Obed Woodberry, late
Molly Dodge, & Timothy Marshall - across Hull’s Lane, and through lands of Dixey Woodberry and
Samuel Woodberry - and still continuing as said creek runs, by lands of late James Woodberry and
others, passing by the northerly and easterly side of the Saw Mill , and so on through the center of
said creek to where the same crosses Hale Street, at the bridge in the hollow southwesterly of the
dwelling house of Obed Woodberry - and thence by compass, south, sixteen degrees east to the Sea -
In reference to the claim of William Putnam for damages on account of the pulling down of
his shop at the fire in October last, after a protracted discussion, after refusing by a close vote to
discharge the Firewards, they having made no report, except a verbal statement from E. Pousland
Esq. Chairman of the committee upon that subject - and having by a similar vote refused to instruct
the Firewards to Report at the next Town Meeting, the following vote was finely adopted with great
unanimity -
Voted, That the Board of Firewards be hereby instructed (in the absence of any report) within one
month from this date to make further, and full enquiries, and examination, in regard to the pulling
down and destruction of the shop of Mr. Putnam - and when said Board is satisfied of the right of Mr.
Putnam to claim damages on account thereof - they are hereby fully authorized and directed to allow
the same in full, and the Selectmen are hereby instructed to draw upon the Treasurer for the amount
thus allowed -
In reference to the Reservoir for the vicinity of the Town Hall, the Firewards stated that a
brick one, laid in Cement, warranted to stand one-year could be built to hold one hundred hoggsheads
for $236 one hundred fifty hhds. for $330 and two hundred hhds. for $378.00 - upon this it was
Voted, That the Firewards be authorized to build a Reservoir of Brick laid in Cement of the capacity
of two hundred hoggsheads, locating the same in the immediate vicinity of the Town Hall, the Cost
not to exceed three hundred and seventy eight dollars to which amount the Selectmen are hereby
authorized to draw upon the Treasury for that purpose -
A motion to reconsider the action of the March meeting in reference to Grover Street, failed
to pass, as did also a motion to instruct the Auditors to publish with their annual report the estimates
of the Assessors upon which their tax list is made up - this last motion being indefinitely postponed,
and the previous motion positively refused, after considerable discussion upon the merits and demerits
of both propositions -
The Town having authorized the Selectmen to sell the Hospital the same was put up at Public
Auction, and bid on $55.00 subject to the right of the Town to annul said sale at this meeting, it was
after considerable discussion as to the effect of said sale upon the title of the land, as well as to the
expediency of disposing of or retaining said land it was finally with general unanimity
Voted, That all proceedings of the Town at the annual March meeting of this year, both in reference
to the Hospital as well as the land under and adjoining the same, be hereby entirely rescinded,
annulled, and rendered void -
The original Deed of this land not being upon the files of the Town, the following copy was
obtained by the Selectmen, and is here recorded for further reference - the same being Recorded in
the Registry of Deeds for Essex County, Book 167, Leaf 266 - May 1,1801.
(Copy)
Know all men by these Presents, That we, Hasadiah Smith of the Town of Beverly, and
County of Essex, and Anna Smith his wife in her right, and Samuel Foster, Gentleman, of the said
town of Beverly, in his own right, and in behalf of Samuel Foster deceased heirs; do for and in
consideration of the sum of fifty dollars to us paid by Josiah Gould and others, a committee appointed
in behalf of the said Town of Beverly for that purpose, the receipt whereof we do hereby
acknowledge do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Town of Beverly, as now
incorporated, and to their assigns forever a certain piece of pasture land situate in said Beverly, at
Paul’s Point, so-called, containing eighty poles, for the purpose of building an Hospital upon for the
use of the Town under the following restrictions - and said land is bounded without or near the
southwest part of the old breastwork at a rock marked with initial letters T. B. and thence running
South seventy six degrees East the distance of eight poles, thence turning upon a square angle and
running North fourteen degrees East the distance of ten holes, thence turning upon a square angle
and running North seventy six degrees West, the distance of eight poles, thence turning upon a square
angle and running South fourteen degrees West the distance of ten poles to the bounds first mention;
- And that the Town is to have use, occupy and enjoy all the same right and privileges to pass to and
from the above demised premises, that the said Smith and Foster’s now have or enjoy or are entitled
to - saving always that the town nor their assigns shall not have the liberty nor privilege to cut the
rock weed are the rocks in said Paul’s Point pasture, nor carry away the Sea muck from the beach
that shall collect their, and that the town shall be at all the charge of fencing and enclosing said land
when the said Smiths or Fosters or their heirs or assigns request it;-and further that the said Smiths
and Fosters their heirs and assigns shall have the privilege of feeding the premises at all times when
there is no sickness in the said Hospital. -
To have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the said Town of Beverly, their assigns to
them and they are use and behoof forever - And we do covenant with the said Town of Beverly and
assigns, that we are lawfully seized in fee of the above granted premises; that they are free of all
encumbrances; that - have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Town of Beverly as
above described; - And that we will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Town of
Beverly and to their assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.- The
witness whereof, we the said Hasadiah, Anna Smith, Samuel Foster, and in behalf of the heirs of
Samuel Foster deceased, and I, Anna Foster, wife of the said Samuel consent to the above, have
hereunto set our hands and seal this twenty second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and one :-
n.b. five words erased before signing.
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us -Hasadiah Smith - seal
Sara Buckman - Joseph Wood - Anna Smith - seal
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Essex, ss April 25 1801. Then the above named Hasadiah Smith,Samuel Foster - seal
Anna Smith, and Samuel Foster personally acknowledged the aboveAnna Foster - seal
instrument to be their free act and deed, before me,
Joseph Wood, Just. of Peace
The following was the list of Jurymen reported at the meeting in March which was referred
back to the Selectmen with instructions to report a list drawn out from the whole number of voters
not disqualified for serving as jurors -
Andrew C. BakerPaul HildrethWarren Prince
Isaac W. BakerHezekiah KnowltonEdward T. Proctor
John I. BakerEdward KilhamWilliam Putnam 2d
Ezra Batchelder George LamsonJeremiah Porter
Jonathan Batchelder Abraham B. LordJohn P. Roundy
Cotton BennettWilliam LordThomas Remmonds
Augustus N. ClarkCharles T. LovettThomas P. Smith
Zachariah ColeIsaac R. LovettAndrew W. Standley
James CressyJohn Lovett 2dWells Standley
Alpheus DavisJona. H. LovettCharles Stephens
Charles DavisJosiah Lovett 2dBenjamin Thissell
Samuel Dike Wm. B. LovettOlphert Tittle
Ebenezer EllingwoodWm. H. LovettCalvin Tuck
Ezra EllingwoodSamuel LummusJohn Tuck 2d
Samuel EndicottBenjn. S. Lunt Jr.Joseph D. Tuck
William EndicottJohn MeacomAbiel Wales
William G. EnglishJohn MorganCaleb Wallis
David C. FosterAugustus MoultonEleazar R. Wallis
Israel Foster 2dAndrew Oberthe Israel Wallis
Anderson GliddenJohn OberJeremiah Wallis
John L. GoldsburyJoseph E. OberHaskett T. Whitney
Robert GoodwinCharles PerryEdwin Woodberry
Perkins HaskellJohn PickettJoseph Woodberry 2d
Emerson HerrickJohn Porter 2dSamuel Woodberry
Luther HarrisEdward PouslandStephen W. Woodberry
Daniel HildrethBenjn. Preston Jr.Tristram Woodberry
Total 78, or one to every 60 inhabitants -
(signed)
Wm. H. Lovett
Haskett T. WhitneySelectmen
Josiah Obear of
Edward T. Proctor Beverly
John I Baker
The Report of the Selectmen, and the proceedings of the town in connection
with these several subjects involved in the revisal of their Jury List will be found on the next
preceding page -
The Selectmen accordance with the vote of the Town, selected from the list of qualified
voters, the name of every person not positively disqualified for serving as a juror, and therefrom drew
seventy eight names, and the following is a list thereof -
James D. AbbottPerkins HaskellWilliam H. Patch
Levi A. AbbottJames HillCharles Perry
William AbbottJohn B. HillJohn Porter 2d
Edward BartlettJames T. HitchingsJohn Porter 3d
John Bell Jr.William S. HowardJohn P. Porter
Benja. BriantAustin D. KilhamJoseph Porter
William Briant Charles A. KilhamThomas Pousland
Edmund CoffinGeorge LamsonGeorge Southwick
James B. ColeIsrael W. LamsonDavid Standley
Zachariah ColeDavid LarcomJohn O. Standley
James CressyJeremiah T. LeeSands Standley
Joshua W. DavisSamuel L. LeeWells Standley
Azor DodgeJohn LefavourJosiah Stickney
Richard Dodge Jr.Abraham B. LordLewis Symmes
Ezra Edwards Jr.William LordJohn R. Tibbetts
Ezra EllingwoodIsaac R. LovettJeremiah Trask
Richard FifieldJona. H. LovettCalvin Tuck
Daniel Foster 2dCharles T. LovettCaleb Wallis
Joseph FosterJosiah Lovett 2dEleazar R. Wallis 2d
Benja. V. GilesJohn Masury Jr.John E. Wallis
Edmund GilesGeorge S. MillettLuther Wallis
Anderson GliddenBeckford MorganHaskett D. Whitney
Joseph D. GloverJohn P. MorseJoseph Williams
Robert GoodwinJona. MoultonDixey Woodberry
John R. GrushAdam NesmithHenry Woodbury
Joseph T. HaskellJoseph P. NourseWilliam G. Woodberry
After some discussion upon the legality and policy of confirming the above
list, or taking some other course whereby the privilege of serving upon juries might be extended to
all persons of suitable qualifications it was
Voted, That the several lists be recommitted to the Selectmen, with instructions to submit a list of
Jurors to the next business town meeting, containing no name of any person, who has been in the Jury
box, for the term of ten years and who has served upon any Jury -