Town records of 1836
Posted on July 23, 2003 by Greg Stone
Page 109 missing.
1836 page 110.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol S. S.. To Jireh Brownell Constable of the Town of Westport. Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of said Commonwealth to notify and warn the Inhabitants of said Town qualified by law to vote for Town officers and in other Town affairs. To meet at the Town house in said Town on Monday the fourth day of April next at nine of the clock in the forenoon to act on the following articles viz.
1st. To chose a Moderator for said meeting.
2nd. To choose all necessary Town officers for the year ensuing.
3rd. To bring in their votes for a County Treasurer.
4th. To bring in their votes for a Register of deeds.
5th. To see if the Town will appoint their Treasurer of Collector of taxes. To determine the amount to be allowed him for services the year ensuing-and the rates of abatement for prompt payment-and at what time the collection shall be completed.
6th. To determine what sum shall be expended in the repairs of highways and in what manner it shall be appropriated.
7th. To chose a committee to receive and examine all accounts brought against the Town and also to settle with the Treasurer.
8th. To vote a sum of money for support of the Poor and other incidental expenses.
9th. To determine the sum to be raised for the support of Schools. The manner it shall be apportioned-and to see if the Town will dispense with the ten months school provided for by law.
10th. To know the minds of the Town in regards to making alterations in School Districts.
11th. To chose such other committees or agents as circumstances may render expedient.
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon onto us the
End of page 110
1836 page 111.
Subscribers at or before said time of meeting.
Given under our hands and seals this eighteenth day of March A.D. 1836.
Signed Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Gifford, Selectmen of Westport.
Bristol S. S.. Westport April 4, 1836. Pursuant to the foregoing warrant I have notified and warned the Inhabitants of said Town qualified as therein expressed to meet at the time and place and for the purposes
therein mentioned by posting up one notice at the Point-one on the Town house-one at F. Brownell’s store and one at the head of the East River-fourten days prior to the date hereof.
Signed Jireh Brownell Constable of Westport.
At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Westport qualified according to law-held at the Town house in said Town on Monday the fourth day of April A.D. 1836 for the purposes expressed in the foregoing warrant. The following officers were chosen and votes passed viz..
Nathaniel C. Brownell Esq. Moderator.
Frederick Brownell Town Clerk and sworn.
Frederick Brownell Treasurer of and Collector.
Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Gifford, Selectmen and sworn.
Peleg W. Peckham, John Macomber, Freeman Lawrence, Committee on accounts.
Surveyors of highways.
Daniel Tripp sworn, Gershom Wodell sworn, Robert Lawton sworn, Stephen Howland sworn ,Sanford Brightman, John R. Baker, Lemuel L. Reid Jr. sworn, John White, Holder L. Borden sworn, Allen Gifford sworn, Silas Kirby sworn, Peleg Manchester sworn, Jeptha Gifford sworn, Isaac Francis sworn, F. W. Peckham sworn, Thomas Allen 3rd sworn, Daniel Wing sworn, John Macomber sworn, Christopher Palmer sworn, Peleg Snell sworn, John Crossman sworn,.
End of page 111.
1836 page 112.
William Taber sworn, Holder White Jr., John Sanford, Carmi Tripp sworn, Holder Howland sworn, Jonathan Record, Peter Devol sworn, John Potter sworn, Obadiah Lawton sworn, Henry Brightman, Eben Baker sworn, Joseph Allen sworn.
Prudential committees:
district No. 1 Daniel Slocum, 2 Paul Fisher, 3 Charles White, 4 John Howland, 5 Gideon Allen, 6 John Potter, 7 Edward B. hazard, 8 Daniel Tripp, 9 Daniel Tripp, 10 Frederick Brownell, 11 Jacob Allen, 12 Robert Mosher, 13 Howland Tripp, 14 John A. Gifford, 15 John Sanford, 16 Isaac Gifford, 17 Gershom Wodell, 18 Joseph Allen.
Pound keeper Jonathan Tripp.
For county treasurer Horatio L. Danforth sixty two votes. Henry Wilcox two votes.
$1400. Voted. That the sum of fourteen hundred dollars be raised by way of tax upon the polls and estates of the Inhabitants and nonresident proprietors of the Town of Westport for repairing the highways
the year ensuing. And the assessors are hereby directed to assess the same as soon as may be and deliver a list of the persons names andall of the sums they are assessed to each surveyor with his limits according to law. That one dollar be allowed by the Surveyors for nine hours work of a man or yoke of oxen and in that proportion for more or less time. Twenty-five cents for a cart and 33 cents for a plow for 9 hours. Whenever the Surveyor of any District shall make known to the Selectmen that he has faithfully expended all the tax assessed on his district and the road is not
End of page 112.
1836 page 113.
Sufficiently repaired, the Selectmen shall determine the additional sum he may expend on said road in writing. And the surveyor may draw orders on the Treasury for the amount so determined.
$1000. Voted. That the sum of one thousand dollars be raised by way of tax for the support of schools the year ensuing. That three dollars and firty cents be paid to the several school districts that shall have schools taught therein five months or less previous to the first day of November next. That the remainder be apportioned among the several Districts that shall have Schools taught therein by male teachers recommended by the General School Committee. Four months or less previous to the fifteenth day of
March next. That the selectmen in both cases apportion the money by the time the school is taught-for the Summer School by the first day of November and for the winter by the fifteenth day of March next–and draw orders on the treasuror in favor of the Prudential Committee–if he or any other Inhabitant of the District in which a school may be taught, make returns of the time to the satisfaction of the Selectmen by said first day of November and fifteenth day of March.
Voted. That the ten months school provided by law be dispensed with for this year.
Voted. That the Selectmen make an examination of School Districts nigh the head of the East River-and report to this meeting when met by adjournment, what alterations they may think necessary to be made.
Voted. That the Treasurer be Collector of taxes for the year ensuing to have one percent on what he receives. That the assessors when they deliver the tax bills to him shall give notice thereof by posting up notices at six public places in the Town. That those who voluntarily pay their taxes-within sixty days from the date of said notice shall be entitled to an abatement of five percent.
End of page 113.
1836 page 114.
From their taxes. That those who pay as aforesaid after sixty and within one hundred and twenty days from the date of said notice shall be entitled to an abatement of three percent. That the Collector shall meet the Inhabitants for purpose of receiving taxes-at the Point-at the head of the West River and at the head of the East River at some convenient time which shall be named on the Assessors notices within the sixty days-and also within the 100 and 20 days and on other days (except Sundays) at his own house.
Voted. That this meeting be adjourned to the third Monday in may next at 2 o’clock p.m..
Recorded by Frederick Brownell, Town Clerk.
May 16,1836. Agreeable to adjournment from the first Monday in April last. The Inhabitants of the Town of Westport met accordingly and passed the following votes.
Russell Gifford, Varnum Macomber, Abner B. Gifford, Jonathan Dennis, Abner Thompson, Jonathan Gifford, David Sanford, Beriah G. Howland and Freeman Lawrence, were severally chosen Surveyors of Lumber.
Stephen Howland, Jeremiah Thompson, and Abner B. Gifford, were severally chosen Overseers of the landing at the head of the East River.
John Howland and Isaac L. Brightman were chosen Cullers of hoops and Staves.
Isaac Cory, Varnum Macomber and Thomas W. Mayhew. Were chosen Overseers of landing at the cap Point.
Peleg Manchester, Nathan C. Brownell Esq. sworn, Wilbou Gifford, Adam Gifford, Jonathan Davis sworn,
John Potter, Major Allen, Humphrey A. Slocum, and Nathan Wood sworn,were severally chosen Fence Viewers.
End of page 114.
1836 page 115.
Simeon Crow, Allen Gifford, Edmund Tripp Jr.,Edmund Gifford, Joseph Thompson, Jacob B. Hicks sworn, Joseph H. Tripp sworn, Daniel Tripp sworn, were severally chosen Field Drivers.
Abner B. Gifford Esq. chosen Town Agent.
John Avery Gifford, John Avery Potter and Christopher A Church were chosen General School Committee.
Jireh Brownell, chosen Constable and sworn. On condition of doing the town’s business as constable without any compensation.
The committee on accounts made a report in writing that they had attended to the duty assigned them and found due to the several persons named in the list presented by them the sums set against their names
–
respectively-Amounting to the sum of $1706.65.
It was thereupon voted to accept said report and direct the Treasurer to pay the sums found due by the Committee to the several persons therein named and charge the same to the Town.
The committee also made a report that agreeable to their appointment they had examined the accounts of the Treasurer and found that he had received for the Town the year passed $2979.10.
And had paid out 3158.01.
Leaving a balanced against the Town $ 178.91.
The committee further report that the Town is indebted for orders now allowed 52.91.
And to Adam Bennett for his services 365.00.
$596.82.
Balance due from collector 175.59.
From F. A. Parker and others 286.30 461.89.
Leaving a balance against the Town of $134.93.
end of page 115.
1836 page 116.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
May 16,1836 signed John R.Macomber, P. W. Peckham, Freeman Lawrence.
$800. Voted. For the support of the poor and other incidental expenses to be assessed, collected, and paid into the Treasury by the first day of March next.
Voted. That school district No. 14 be divided so as to form three districts viz:The River be one dividing line-all on the east side of the River to be one district numbered 19-. That the North line of the Peckham wood lot (so-called) and the West line of David U. Brownell’s homestead farm be the other dividing line-the North Part to remain No. 14-provided, that the Inhabitants of No. 14 pay to the Inhabitants of No. 19 one half the value of the school house now standing in No. 14.
Recorded by Frederick Brownell, Town Clerk.
To Jireh Brownell Constable of the Town of Westport.Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to notify and warn the Inhabitants of said Town of Westport qualified by law to vote in Town Affairs to meet at the townhouse in said Town on Monday the sixteenth of may current at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to act on the following articles.
1st.to chose a Moderator.
2nd. to know the minds of the Town in regard to apportioning the school money received from the state among the several school districts.
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at or before said time of meeting.
Given under our hands and seals this ninth day of may A.D. 1836 signed Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Gifford Selectmen.
End of page 116.
1836 page 117.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant I have notified and warned the Inhabitants of the Town of Westport to meet at the time and place and for the purpose within mentioned by posting up one notice on the Town house in one at the store of F. Brownell seven days prior to the date hereof.
Westport may 16, 1836 signed Jireh Brownell Constable.
May 16,1836 the Inhabitants of this Town met agreeable to previous notice-and made choice of Jonathan Davis Moderator.
Voted that the second article in the warrant be referred to the next annual town meeting.
Recorded by Frederick Brownell, Town Clerk.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol S. S.. To Jireh Brownell Constable of the Town of Westport. Greeting. In the name of said Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify and warn the Inhabitants of said Town qualified by law to vote in Town affairs. To meet at the townhouse in said Town on Saturday the 18th day of June next at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to act on the following articles viz.
1st. to choose a Moderator.
2nd. to know the Town’s mind in regards to the alternative of any school districts in said Town and more particularly to see if the Town will reconsider a part of its vote of the last meeting whereby it was voted to establish three districts out of one, and also to act on any subject in regard to said last mentioned vote, which may legally come before said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at or before said time of meeting.
Given under our hands and seals this 30th day of may A.D. 1836. Signed Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Gifford.
end of page 117.
1836 page 118.
Bristol S. S.. By virtue of the foregoing warrant I have notified and warned the male Inhabitants of said Town of Westport by posting up notifications one at the town house one at the store of Howland and Church and one at the store of Frederick Brownell to meet at the time and place and for the purposes within mentioned.
June 4th, 1836. Signed Jireh Brownell Constable.
June 18, 1836. The Inhabitants of this Town met agreeable to the foregoing warrant and made choice of Stephen Howland for Moderator. On the second article in the warrant. It was voted to not reconsider any part of the former vote.
Recorded by Frederick Brownell, Town Clerk.
To the town clerk of Westport.
The subscribers Assessors of said Town have determined that the real estate belonging to Jeremiah Wilcox of the state of New York, Daniel Potter, Mary law of new Bedford, and Pardon G. Seabury, Cornelius Seabury and Israel Chase of Tiverton shall be taxed in school district numbered 13 of which you will make record.
Westport July 25, 1836. Signed Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis.
Recorded by Frederick Brownell Town Clerk.
End of page 118
Page 119 missing
1836 page 120.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol S. S.. To Jireh Brownell Constable of the Town of Westport. Greeting.
You are hereby required in the name of said Commonwealth to notify and warn the the Inhabitants of the Town of Westport qualified by law to vote in elections. To meet at the Town house in said Town on Monday fourteenth day of November next at 10 o’clock in the forenoon to act on the following articles viz.:
1st. to give in their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators and Counsellors.
2nd to determine the number of Representatives they will choose to represent them in the General Court.
3rd. to chose one or more representatives to represent them in the general court appointed to be convened and held at Boston on the first Wednesday in January next.
4th.to give in their votes for one representative that is an inhabitant of Congressional District numbered 10 to represent them in the Congress of the United States of America for the term of two years from the third day of March A.D. 1837.
5th.to give in their votes for Electors of President and Vice President of the United States.
6th. to give in their votes for or against the proposed article of Amendment to the Constitution of this Commonwealth as submitted to the people by a Resolve of the General Court passed on the first day of April A.D. 1836.
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at or before said time of meeting. Given under our hands and seals at Westport this twenty ninth day of October A.D. 1836, signed Frederick Brownell, Jonathan Davis, Daniel Gifford, Selectmen.
End of page 120
1836 page 121.
Bristol S. S.. Nov. 14, 1836. Pursuant to the within warrant I have notified and warned the Inhabitants of the Town of Westport qualified by law to vote in Elections. To meet at the time and place and for the purposes therein mentioned by posting up one notice at the Town house-1 at the Point-1 at F. Brownell’s store and one at the head of the River fourteen days prior to the date hereof.
Signed Jireh Brownell Constable.
At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Westport held at the Town house in said Town on Monday the fourteenth day of November 1836, being the second Monday in said month for purposes named in the foregoing warrant. Votes for the following persons were given in sorted, counted, record and declaration thereof made as by the Constitution is directed.
For Governor
His excellency Edward Everett-thirty four votes 34.
Honorable Marcus Morton one hundred and sixty five vote 165
For Lieutenant Governor
Honorable George Hall thirty four votes 34.
Honorable William Foster one hundred and sixty five votes 165.
For Senators
Honorable set Whitmarsh one hundred and sixty five votes 165.
Honorable Henry Williams one hundred and sixty five votes 165.
Honorable James H. Handy one hundred and sixty five votes 165.
Honorable Thomas H. Green thirty four votes 34.
Honorable H. G.O. Colby thirty four votes 34.
Honorable Edward Walcott thirty four votes 34.
End of page 121
1836 page 122.
For Electors of President and Vice President. At-large.
–Nathan Willis one hundred and forty three votes 143.
–Seth Whitmarsh one hundred and forty three votes 143.
For districts
No. 1 Caleb Eddy one hundred and forty three votes 143.
No. 2 Robert Rantaul one hundred and forty three votes 143.
No. 3 Joseph Joseph Kittridge one hundred and forty three votes 143.
no. 4 Francis Tuttle one hundred and forty three votes 143.
No. 5 Samuel L. Taylor ” ” 143.
No. 6 Samuel C. Allen ” ” 143.
No. 7 Joseph Fitch ” ” 143.
No. 8 Harvey Chapin ” ” 143.
No. 9 Benjamin P. Williams ” ” 143.
No. 10 Nathan C. Brownell ” ” 143.
No. 11 Thomas Mandell ” ” 143.
No. 12 Taber P. Thompson ” ” 143.
at-large
Nathaniel Silsbee thirty two votes 32.
Edward A Newton thirty two votes 32.
For Districts
No. 1 Samuel Appleton thirty two votes 32.
No. 2 Leverett Salstonstall ” ” 32.
No. 3 Benjamin Walker ” ” 32.
No. 4 Loammi Baldwin ” ” 32.
No. 5 Joseph E. Kendall ” ” 32.
No. 6 Samuel Lee ” ” 32.
No. 7 Thomas Longley ” ” 32.
No. 8 Isaac C. Bates ” ” 32.
No. 9 Beraleel Tuft ” ” 32
No. 10 Howard Lothrop ” ” 32.
No. 11 Charles W. Morgan ” ” 32.
No. 12 Charles T. Holmes ” ” 32.
End of page 122
1836 page 123
For Representatives to Congress.
Honorable Nathaniel B. Borden one hundred and sixty seven votes 167.
Honorable William Baylies nineteen votes 19.
For the Amendment to the Constitution one hundred and three votes 103.
Nathan C. Brownell Esq., Christopher A. Church and Jonathan Davis were chosen Representatives to the next General Court.
Recorded by Frederick Brownell ,T. Clerk.
End of page 123