HomeMy WebLinkAbout1879-Annual ReportREPORTS
Of THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING JANUARY 31, 1879.
LAWRENCE:
PRINTED BY HAMMON REED.
1879
ANNUAL .REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
The advent of a new year furnishes for every reflec-
tive mind an appropriate opportunity to contemplate
the past, consider the present, anticipate and resolve in
relation to the future.
As another financial year of the town has passed,
and another new year begun, and as each citizen in
town, whether considering the fact or not, serves to
form an individual part of that number which, in the
aggregate, composes the municipal corporation of the
town, and as the interest of each citizen in relation to
the administering of the affairs of the town, is so in-
separably connected each with the other, that it be-
comes an act of wisdom and prudence, before making
appropriations to meet the expenses for the coming
year, to recall to mind, and carefully review the man-
ner in which the officers of the town have performed
their duties, whether economically or otherwise.
The wide -spread, protracted and severe business de-
pression which has been experienced for several years
past, has enforced such rigid economy that many of
our common and much desired enjoyments are denied,
in order to provide means for obtaining the absolute
necessities of living.
With these facts in view, it is due to the inhabitants
of the town that the report of their officers, or rather
servants, should be so minute and explicit that all of
their official acts and proceedings may be critically ex-
amined and judged, so that changes and improvements
can be thoroughly considered before taking measures
to meet the expenses of another year.
In presenting this, our third annual report, it is our
desire to furnish, in accordance with a vote of the town,
a full and correct account of the present financial con-
dition of the town, and the expenditures of the
past year upon each appropriation, and such other
matters as have demanded attention, or are still re-
quiring notice ; in offering suggestions in relation to
the future, or in commenting on the past, our object is
intended for the interest and welfare of the town,
The earnest and unanimous desire for retrenchment
is a subject demanding universal attention; in order
to avoid "the penny wise and pound foolish course
in our eagerness to reduce expenses, a thorough in-
vestigation and correct knowledge of the liabilities and
necessities of the town should be had.
One of the first and most natural, as well as useful
inquiries that is made is, "Is the town annually im-
proving its financial condition by reducing its liabili-
ties ?" " Is the method of managing the affairs, a4
pursued in the past, susceptible of improvement?"
If in answering these pertinent inquiries, we speak,
particularly of the method we have pursued for the
past three years, and the consequent results, as well
as the reasons or causes which influenced us to do as
we have, it is far from our intention to appear ego-
tistical.
After taking the oath of office in March, 1876, it be-
came a part of our duty to examine the affairs of the
town in its several departments, and then take ' such
measures and adopt such means as in our judgment
would result to the best interest and prosperity of the
whole town.
By a personal examination it was ascertained that
January 31, 1876, the town owed on notes, $64,800,.
and $1,328.23 on bills contracted previous to that dater
making the whole debt $66,128,23. There was at that
date in the hands of the Treasurer and Collector,.
$657•o2 in cash, and $5,986.32 uncollected taxes.
On the 31st of January, 1879, the town owed on
notes $51,800, with no outstanding demands. There
was at this date in the hands of the Treasurer and Col-
lector, $7,383.15 in cash, and $5,550.30 uncollected.
taxes, which shows that the financial condition of the
town is $19,395.84 better January 31, 1879, than it
was January 31, 1876, after deducting $1,222,50 to pay
the firemen and for street lights.
The Selectmen, in 1872,very properly called the at-
tention of the town to the unwise practice of the ex-
penditures exceeding the appropriations ; a vote was
passed instructing the Selectmen not to draw an order -
upon the Treasurer for any sum in excess of any grant.
except under certain restrictions ; notwithstanding this
was designed as a standing vote, passed for the guid-
ance of town officers in the future, not a year has
passed since, but its requirements have been to a con-
siderable extent disregarded, until 1875, when the ex-
cesses amounted to nearly four thousand dollars more
than the appropriations ; since then all expenses with-
in our control have been kept within their respective
grants.
The expenditures from some of the annual appropria-
tions are liable to many unforseen exigencies, so that no
absolute or definite amount can be fixed ; neither would
a vote of the town be binding in certain cases, as there
are Statute Laws which supersede any action of the
town ; for instance the amount granted for the sup-
port of the poor, is based upon supposition ; if the sure
so granted should be exhausted, the overseers are
compelled to furnish relief to the needy and suffering ;
if the Highway Grant were expended, and a freshet or
anything occur to render the roads dangerous to the
travelling public, then the surveyors are commanded
by law to repair them immediately. Should the Con-
tingent Grant be drained, and some serious catastro-
phe happen, as a conflagration or a contagious epi-
demic, then the Selectmen would be absolved from
any action of the town previously taken.
in compliance with an oft -repeated desire, we would
take this opportunity to express our views upon some
feasible course for a reduction of the current ex-
penses for the ensuing year. There were several ex-
penditures the past year that will not be required this :
$1,5oo less for the fire department ; $823 36 granted
to repay drainage assessments, is not required again ;
if the town will reconsider the vote to assess $2,000
on the centennial loan, and take that amount from the
treasury; if but p2,0oo is assessed for the contingent
grant, and the Selectmen allowed to draw, if necessary,
from 'any unappropriated money ; these four items will
reduce the amount nearly $6,000 less than last year,
and this reduction would lower the rates of taxation to
about $12 per $ I,000.
There is a note for $5,000 due June to, r88r, at
5 1-2 per cent.; possibly this note might be taken up
by paying thc1 difference in the rates of interest be-
tween 4 and 5 I-2 per cent., which would cost $150.
There remains an unexpended balance of many of the
smaller grants ; it would, however, be unwise to re-
duce these appropriations, as there is an even chance
of their being overdrawn the coming year. We ven-
ture these few suggestions, that some better plan may
be conceived.
TOWN BUILDINGS.
The town buildings have received necessary care,
and such repairs as were needed were made. Proba-
bly not much of an outlay will be required on any of
them except the Town Hall building ; this building has
proved quite an expensive affair the past year; a se-
vere shower of hail broke glass in the windows which
it cost about $50 to repair; the paint on the outside
and around the windows came off so badly as to re-
quire new painting ; the furnaces failing to heat suffi-
ciently, new cold air boxes were furnished to assist in
the better working of them ; the slating, as usual, has
caused considerable expense, and it would, perhaps,
be economy in the end to new slate the entire roof, in-
stead of patching every year—the poor workmanship,
and still poorer quality of slate, gives every high wind
a chance to scatter slates broadcast. Notice was re-
ceived from the State authorities ordering the main en-
trance doors to swing outwardly ; this alteration neces-
sitated the putting in of inside doors, swinging both
ways, to check the current of air which the changing
of the outer doors had caused. The expenses of the
building the past year, for fuel, gas, services of jani-
tor, and repairs, were $1,051.67.
STATE AID.
The Legislature of 1878 passed an act for the pay-
ment of State Aid in certain cases not previously pro-
vided for. The Selectmen were authorized under this
act to pay such soldiers or seamen, who were not re-
ceiving aid, or were not receiving a pension, or were
not entitled to a home at the Soldiers' National Home.
The inference drawn by many who were in the ser-
vice during the last war, was that any one who was out
of employment might receive assistance under this act
but the law contemplated payment only to those who
were sick or in needy circumstances. The Selectmen
were required to furnish a correct and sworn state-
ment of the facts, and amount paid to each individual,
to the Board of State Charities every three months.
As we did not consider the condition of the applicants
as coming within the requirements of the law, we were
compelled to decline to furnish the aid desired. It
would have been in accordance with our wishes, and
we would most cheerfully have granted assistance if
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we could have conscientiously subscribed to the re-
turns. We were considered by some, in our refusals,
as exercising a dictatorial spirit, and that our interpre-
tation of the law was unnecessary, for the town was to
be reimbursed by the State for all amounts expended.
Probably no act of a Legislature, designed for a char-
itable or benevolent purpose, has been so perverted as
this one has been during its short existence. It was
intended to meet only about one hundred and seventy
cases, where soldiers and seamen were inmates of alms-
houses in the State ; yet four thousand have been paid
sums varying from a few dollars up to more than
twelve hundred,
The construction we placed upon the intention of the
act, has been sustained by the State Authorities. The
act is now repealed. In the payment of State Aid,.
the custom has been in past years, for the town in
April to make an appropriation, sufficient to meet the
amount required during the year; in the following Jan-
uary, the Selectmen return to the State Board of
Charities the amount paid the past year;. near the lat-
ter part of the year, there is received from the State
such an amount as they choose to return. The returns
are obliged to be made with much care and explicitness,.
and also their correctness certified to, under oath. By
an examination for several years past, it was ascertain-
ed, that the whole amount paid out, was not always
returned. The amount received back in 1878 for that
which was paid the previous year was fifty-four dollars
Less. Upon enquiry as to the reason,why the full amount
paid out was not returned, we were informed that fifty -
10
four dollars was paid where not entitled. As it is diffi-
cult to know, when those receiving aid, are deprived
of it by the provisions of law, the town is constantly
liable to pay out more than will be received back.
REGISTRATION OF VOTERS.
At the last State Election a misapprehension in rela-
tion to the requirements of voters, prevented several
persons from exercising that privilege. We uninten-
tionally omitted to allude in the report of t878, to the
law of 1877 in regard to the Registration of Voters.
There seems to be a misconception of what the law
requires of voters, and its importance as a preventive
against fraudulent voting, also its furnishing an invalu-
able record, for future reference as evidence of citizen-
ship. The law makes it compulsory on the part of the
Selectmen, to put several questions to the applicant
and require him to read and write in their presence;
when not understood, this has the appearance of being
arbitrary, but there is no reservation or discretionary
power given to the Selectmen. The law requires every
name, before being placed upon the voting list, to be
registered in a book designed and kept especially for
that purpose, containing the name of the voter, his
occupation, name and number of the street on which
he resides; whenever any name is stricken from the
voting list, the reason, whether for non-payment of
taxes, removal from town, death, or whatever cause,
must be recorded against the name in the Registry.
If any name stricken from the list, should be desired
11
to be reinserted the same questions can be required as
before.
The questions are, "Have you resided in this town
for the six months last past?" "Have you resided in
this State the year last past?" "Have you paid a tax
that has been assessed against you in this Common-
wealth within the past two years?" "Can you read and
write?" The applicant is required to do both in the
presence of a majority of the Selectmen. Whenever
any or all of these qualifications are known to the Se-
lectmen, the questions can be omitted. There are
some circumstances which would debar an individual
from voting who might have all the general qualifica-
tions; as if he was under guardianship, was not nat-
uralized, or his family resided elsewhere, and other
technical grounds which are decided by the Selectmen.
No name can be placed on the voting list after the poll
is opened, unless omitted unintentionally or by mis-
take.
Every applicant must apply in person, if he is not
known to the ]3oard of Selectmen to possess the requi-
site qualifications. We have been led to make the
foregoing explicit statement so that no legal voter need
be deprived of the right of suffrage for want of a
knowledge of the necessary requirements.
TRA h3 PS.
The tramp nuisance still remains in full force, and
the frequency of their calls at our homes is far from
being agreeable. As the subject is receiving the care -
12
ful consideration of those competent to devise meas-
ures for its suppression, it would be unwise for us to
venture any suggestion in regard to its abatement.
The whole number for the year ending February i,
1879, was 1916, at a cost of about 2 1-4 cents each.
Of this number, fourteen women and one man were
kept at the almshouse, and worked sufficiently to pay
their expenses, and three men were kept at the Iockup
in East Lexington.
STREET LIGHTS.
A'contract was made with the Lexington Gas Com-
pany to light all the lamps that were prepared for
gas, and those not, with kerosene, in the centre vil-
lage, for six cents per night.
All the lamps in East Lexington, and as far as J. S.
Monroe's, were given, by contract, to C. G. Kaufman,
for one dollar per month for each light.
The appropriation of $ i ,600 will be sufficient to light
the lamps until April next.
POLICE.
It is gratifying to learn from the report of the Police
Department, that their services were required less than
for many years. Special police have been appointed
during the year upon special occasions: The whole
number of arrests made during the year was to. 2 for
assault, 2 cruelty to animals, 4 stealing, I for drunken-
ness, I for dog -fighting.
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GUIDE -BOARDS.
It has become almost an impossibility to keep guide
boards up and in repair, their destruction becoming
more common than ever. When sufficient evidence to•
secure conviction can be obtained, a few prosecutions
will, no doubt, have a beneficial effect.
GAMMELL LEGACY.
The income of the GammeIl legacy has been dis-
bursed under the management of Mrs. L. S. Pierce
and Mrs. N. W. Bryant. The particulars of the ex-
penses are given in their report.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Engineers of the Fire Department
furnishes the condition of the fire apparatus, and the
labor and expenses of the department. As the year
for the fire department does not expire until the first
of May, and as the financial year of the town closes
January 31, this difference has caused a misunderstand-
ing in relation to the appropriation made for the pay-
ment of the firemen, as to the time when the appropri-
ation was to be used. If the appropriation which is •
usually made at the April meeting is taken to pay the
firemen whose year ends the following month, the de-
partment would be with but little money for the ensu-
ing year; as it is now arranged, a sum is held in re-
serve upon settlement January 3t, sufficient to pay the
stewards, engineers and firemen the amount voted on
the following May.
16
remain unpaid until brought before the town, and
'perhaps create some warm discussion, to pay it from
the Contingent grant. The whole expenditure of the
department the past year, including the amount retain-
ed in the treasury, has been $2,686.36.
The town voted, April 1877, that the names of the
members of the several fire companies be submitted to
the Selectmen for approval ; in 1877 the list of mem-
bers was received and approved. The past year the
names of the members of the Adams Engine and
the Hook and Ladder Companies, were received and
approved. On the 7th of August last, the names of
the members of the Hancock Engine Company were
received and and accepted. The names of the Bab-
cock Extinguisher Co. have never been brought for-
ward for approval.
As desirable as the fire department may be, its use-
fulness would be more effective if the young men who
reside in the immediate vicinity of the engine -houses,.
would compose its members. It has been said that
within a radius of one hundred rods of the Hancock
engine -house there is a sufficient number of young
men to form its company. and in Norris' block one-
half the number are found. By reference to the list of
members it will he seen that many of them live from
a half mile to a mile from the Engine house.
As the Village Hall Building is so constructed, and
the uses and connections of the rooms are such, we
think it advisable in order to obviate or prevent any
conflict of authority which may occur hereafter, be-
tween the officers of the Fire Department and the
13
GUIDE -BOARDS.
It has become almost an impossibility to keep guide -
boards up and in repair, their destruction becoming
more common than ever. When sufficient evidence to•
secure conviction can be obtained, a few prosecutions
will, no doubt, have a beneficial effect_
GAMMELL LEGACY.
The income of the GammeI1 legacy has been dis-
bursed under the management of Mrs. L. S. Pierce
and Mrs. N. W. Bryant. The particulars of the ex-
penses are given in their report.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Engineers of the Fire Department
furnishes the condition of the fire apparatus, and the .
labor and expenses of the department. As the year _
for the fire department does not expire until the first
of May, and as the financial year of the town closes.
January 31, this difference has caused a misunderstand-
ing in relation to the appropriation made for the pay-
ment of the firemen, as to the time when the appropri-
ation was to be used. If the appropriation which is •
usually made at the April meeting is taken to pay the
firemen whose year ends the following month, the de-
partment would be with but little money for the ensu-
ing year; as it is now arranged, a sum is held in re-
serve upon settlement January 31, sufficient to pay the
stewards, engineers and firemen the amount voted on
the following May.
14
The amount granted the past year for the depart -
anent, being so much larger than for many years pre-
vious, has caused some comment as to the practicabil-
ity of the course pursued ; the sung of $2,6o3 has been
voted, which is an amount larger than has been raised
to keep more than sixty-five miles of road in repair,
and yet this amount was insufficient to pay the de-
mands which have been presented.
In the payment of bills in this department it is the
custom to record and pass them to the treasurer, when
approved by a majority of the engineers. It has never
been our intention to interfere with the duties of the
engineers, or act in antagonism to the harmony of the
department, but the course pursued by the engineers
in regard to the appointment of stewards in East Lex-
ington, will necessitate an explanation from us.
It will be remembered that at the annual March
'meeting, 1877. a series of resolutions or suggestions
were accepted, instructing the Selectmen to receive
proposals for many articles desired, also for a janitor
for Village Hall building. The lower story of the
building is used for the Adams engine and the hook
and ladder carriage, also a lockup, whose entrance is
through the room of the Hook and Ladder Co.; there
is also a kitchen which is used in connection with the
hall above, and for the use of which hall the town af-
fixed the price by vote April, 1877. In order to save
expense and prevent any misunderstanding, proposals
were received for the care of the entire building, and
also for stewards for the two companies. The office of
steward was awarded to a member of the Hook and
15
Ladder Company, for $35, who was instructed in writ-
ing to obey the demands of the engineers and foremen
of both companies. In about ten weeks after the ap-
pointment, the engineers ordered the two companies
to elect stewards, one for each company. and fixed the
compensation at $50 for the Adams Engine, and $20
for the Hook and Ladder Company. Rather than in-
sist upon carrying out the agreement which had been
made in good faith, and in accordance with the vote of
the town, we thought it Would be better to pay the
steward we had appointed such an amount as would
be satisfactory, and report to the town the reason the
vote of March, 1877, had not, in this instance been
complied with.
At the April meeting the sum of $1,200 was granted
to meet the expenses of the fire department, and it
was also voted that the firemen who do duty for the
year ending May i, 1879, be paid $8 and their poll
tax ; also, that a sum sufficient shall remain in the
treasury after the close of the financial year, to pay 87
firemen, stewards and engineers; the amount so re-
tained amounts to $1,022,50, one steward having re-
ceived six months' pay. At the May meeting it was
stated there were outstanding demands against the
department amounting to $755 ; this amount was grant-
ed to pay this deficiency. The engineers have had
bills presented to them which were contracted previous
to the vote granting the sum to pay the deficiency, in-
creasing the amount of deficiencies $85.64 more than
was reported. After exhausting the deficiency grant,
it was thought advisable, rather than let this amount
16
remain unpaid until brought before the town, and
'perhaps create some warm discussion, to pay it from
the Contingent grant. The whole expenditure of the
department the past year, including the amount retain-
ed in the treasury, has been $2,686.36.
The town voted, April 1877, that the names of the
members of the several fire companies be submitted to
the Selectmen for approval ; in 1877 the List of mem-
bers was received and approved. The past year the
names of the members of the Adams Engine and
the Hook and Ladder Companies, were received and
approved. On the 17th of August last, the names of
the members of the Hancock Engine Company were
received and and accepted. The names of the Bab-
cock Extinguisher Co. have never been brought for-
ward for approval.
As desirable as the fire department may be, its use-
fulness would be more effective if the young men who
reside in the immediate vicinity of the engine -houses,
would compose its members. It has been said that
within a radius of one hundred rods of the Hancock
engine -house there is a sufficient number of young
men to form its company, and in Norris' block one-
half the number are found. By reference to the list of
members it will be seen that many of them live from
a half mile to a mile from the Engine house.
As the Village Ha]1 Building is so constructed, and
the uses and connections of the rooms are such, we
think it advisable in order to obviate or prevent any
conflict of authority which may occur hereafter, be-
tween the officers of the Fire Department and the
17
Selectmen, that the town adopt some more definite
arrangement in regard to the charge of the building ;
either give the entire control of the building to the
Engineers, or the Selectmen, or a Committee chosen
for that purpose.
DRAINAGE.
Believing that the drainage subject has heretofore
been pretty effectually and thoroughly discussed, and
all its merits or demerits have by this time become
fully understood, and as no portion of the town were
the movers or originators of the subject in the first
place, except those in or near its centre, and as no
citizen expected to beassessed for payment, other than.
the abettors or those directly benefited, and as the
matter has taken an entirely opposite position from
that contemplated in the outset, also as the expenses
have been borne by equal taxation upon all tax payers,
it is by special request that the absolute expenditures
caused by the drainage act, are herewith furnished.
and to whom the amount has severally been paid.
After the decision declaring the drainage act illegal,
it was apparent at once, that the assessinents which
had been paid were illegally held ; an appropriation of
$823.36. was therefore made at the last April meeting,
to repay to the fifteen individuals, who had paid their
first installment, with the proviso that they give a
receipt in full, releasing the town from all claims or
demands arising from the drainage act. Fourteen
received back without interest the amount each had
paid, and gave a receipt as expressed in the vote.
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Dr. Holmes who had commenced two suits, one
against the Collector and Treasurer, and one against
the town, not only claimed interest, and the costs which
had accrued, but refused to give a receipt releasing the
town, alleging for a reason, that he contemplated
commencing an action against the town for damages.
As the cases were expected to come to trial at the June
term, we were under the necessity of doing one of two
things, either call a town meeting, or fall back upon
the vote which had been passed to sustain its officers.
Thinking if the matter was brought before the town
again, it would call forth a recapitulation of those
wordy scenes, which have done no good to any one,
but have aroused a hard, vindictive and acrimonious
feeling each against the other, and have as yet accom-
plished nothing, we deemed it the wisest course to
pay the costs and interest which amounted to $13o.4.6
from the Contingent Grant.
It will probably be remembered that an award of
$130, was made to Mr. E]isha Tower, as damages to
his estate, caused by deepening the bed of the brook
which passed through a portion of his land. Mr.
Tower during the past year placed his claim for dam-
ages in the charge of Mr. Charles Robinson, Jr. Mr.
Robinson informed us, that the claim was in his care,
and kindly suggested an interview for the purpose of
endeavoring to effect a settlement without recourse to
law.
The matter we fully considered, and notwithstanding
the summary manner our recommendation for a settle-
ment with Mr. Tidd had been disposed of, and still
19
knowing we had no authority to settle it, nevertheless
we thought it an act of courtesy at least, to make one
more attempt.
One prominent feature for damage to the property
of Mr. Tower, was the perpetual lien, which the
drainage act entailed, by giving the right to enter
upon, and perform such duties as necessity might
require ; when the award of $130, was made, the act
was supposed to be legal, and the right to enter upon
the premises was considered in the award. By the
Drainage Act not being legal the lien or incum-
brance was removed, we finally concluded to make Mr.
Tower through his counsel an offer of $13o, which we
believed was by the removal of the incumbrance equi-
valent to an offer of $300, this offer was not entertained,
therefore the case is entered in Court for trial.
We believe if ever the town had an occasion for con-
gratulation it was when the Drainage Act was declared
illegal ; if the decision had been otherwise, a difficult
and disagreeable duty liable at any time to be performed
would have been perpetually entailed upon the town.
The estates of Messrs. Foster, Mokely, Prosser and
others, have the past season been troubled with water
more than ever before ; if the act had remained in force
as it contemplated, then the owners of the meadows
or the abettors, could have notified the Selectmen, if
there was any obstruction to the water running,and it
was their duty to remove whatever obstacle might be
checking its course. Now the town is relieved from
the performance of this duty,and those who might
have had relief from the town in. case of need, can now
20
have the pleasure of regretting the loss of an oppor-
tunity rejected.
Expenditures under the Drainage Act, and to whom
paid .
Labor in 1873-4, $4,722 17
Charles Hudson, 87 5o
H. Holmes, 18 oo
0. P. Mills, . 20 00
D. A. Tuttle, 22 00
James Gould, to 00
Paid for Culverts, 747 99
Labor in 1874, 179 25
G. A. Soinerby in 2874, - - too oo
D. W. Muzzey, 30 00
G. A. Somerby, 1875, . 172 00
Charles Hudson, t876, 48 00
Eli Simonds, 23 6o
J. R. Carter, 42 5o
County Commissioners, 6o 00
Joshua Hobart, 4 20
G. A. Somerby, 1877, . 681 45
Charles Hudson, 34 00
lidd's suit, 1878, 910 44
Total, .
LAWSUTFS.
$7,913 10
It is with regret that the announcement cannot be
made of a final adjustment of all claims arising under
the Drainage Act. A little more than a year ago, we
were repeatedly desired to endeavor to effect a settle-
ment of demands and suits at law, which had been
commenced, and if possible check the expenditures
which they were involving.
•r; •
21
Aware that we possessed no legal authority, to at-
tempt to settle any claim, nevertheless, we considered it
our duty to bring about a reconciliation if possible, and
thereby stay the useless waste. of money necessary in
litigation.
With this object in view negotiations with Mr. Tidd
were opened, whose suit was then pending; the result
of our effort was an agreement of a settlement contingent
upon the action of the town. At the annual March meeting
this agreement was submitted to the meeting., whereby
the town could for the sura of $3oo settle with Mr. Tidd.
We were anxious that the town should accept the prop-
osition., believing that it would not only be a com-
mencement of settling the difficulties among ourselves,
but also be far less expensive than continuing in law.
The town however thought otherwise by rejecting
the offer of settlement, and preferred to let the law
take its course. The result of pursuing the latter course,
was that the sum of $934.44 was required to pay the
expenses of the suit, instead of settling for $3oo, there-
by losing the snug little amount of $634.44.
• Notwithstanding, the amount of costs for this suit
may appear large, it may perhaps serve as an admoni-
tion for both parties, and others, to reflect well, before
commencing or continuing in law. During the past
summer a notice was received from Charles Robinson
jr., stating that Mr. George W. Robinson had placed in
his possession, a claim against the town, and suggested
an interview for the purpose of effecting a settlement.
After considering the subject at length, we came to the
conclusion, as fourteen individuals, who had been as-
sessed, had honorably given a receipt releasing the
22
town from any claim on account of the Drainage Act,
it would be an act of injustice to them, for the town to
pay others who had been assessed; we therefore con-
cluded not to entertain or receive any proposition for a
settlement, believing it would in the end be for the in-
terest of the town to have alt suits now pending settled
byajury.
WOOD VS. HUDSON.
Mr. David Wood has commenced a suit for damages
caused by deepening the water course, which makes the
the division boundary on one side of his estate. Mr.
Wood was awarded $30 by the Selectmen, in 1874. From
this award an appeal to the County Commissioners was
made, who confirmed the award of the Selectmen. An
application for a sheriff's jury was made, and the ap-
plication granted. By an informality the jury could not
adjudge the case, and were discharged. We have been
requested to consider proposals for a settlement. As
the affair was somewhat complicated, we chose not to
interfere, but let the law take its course.
ARLINGTON VS. LEXINGTON.
In regard to the town of Arlington objecting to be
assessed upon property which it is claimed is exempted
by law, a hearing before one of the judges of the Su-
preme Court, upon an agreed statement of facts, has
resulted in sustaining the assessment. An appeal from
the decision has been taken to the full bench of the Su-
preme Court.
23
O'CONNELL VS. SKY.ANT.
This suit remains in the same position as one year
ago. Mr. O'Connell, objecting to the amount of costs,
has taken measures to have the matter considered be-
fore a proper tribunal. So far as the town is concerned,
the case is practically settled.
HURD VS. LEXINGTON.
This suit has been withdrawn by request of Mr. Hurd,
who has paid the costs, and guaranteed not to make
any claim against the town.
1LANDALL'S BRIDGE.
An appropriation of $too was made for building a
new bridge. When the appropriation was granted the
condition of the piers could not be correctly known ;
upon removing the wood -work, the walls were found tobe
in good repair, consequently only $82.32 was expended.
It was very fortunate that the weakness of the bridge
was early discovered, as undoubtedly a serious acci-
dent would sooner or later have happened.
We have briefly alluded in the foregoing pages to some
of the principal matters in which the town is interested. It
is presumed that an opinion can now be formed as to
the amount of appropriations that will be needed the
ensuing year. When an amount is recommended as
necessary for any appropriation, whether proposed by
the School Committee, Engineers of the Fire Depart-
ment, Overseers of the Poor, Highway Surveyors,
Assessors or Selectmen, it is supposed that each board
of officers has considered the present and prospective
needs of the several departments which they represent„
and have made their estimate with a knowledge gained
by experience. When a town meeting, in considering
a recommendation for any purpose, votes to reduce the
amount, under the impulse of the moment, it may, by
so doing, create an injury whichinay cost more than
will be gained. Discussion or enquiry when for infor-
mation, is as it should be and is worthy of notice, but
when it is to gratify a selfish desire or mercenary
motive, then it is not commendable. The discussion
that took place at the time of granting money for the
Contingent Grant, made k evident that a misconcep-
tion existed as to its necessity, as well as its importance.
This grant unlike most of the other grants does not.
meet any specific demand, but is used for purposes in
general; its limits are measured by demands which are
incidental and controlled partly by circumstances. Oie
of the largest drafts upon this grant the past year, was
for payment of the expenses of Mr. Tidd's suit and the
two suits of Dr. Holmes. As the amount paid $1,o64.9o,.
will not be required this year, a reduction might per-
haps be made with safety. The appropriations for
Town Officers, whose duties are sp.cified by the
Statute Law, can be made with certainty to cover their
expenses. The duties of the selectmen are of so wide
a range, that the Statutes state they are indefinable, ex-
cept so far as they are universal. By reference to the
Town Reports for the past eight or ten years, it will be
seen that some of the Town Officers, especially the
Selectmen, have frequently been called to perform
duties that have involved the expense of car fare, car-
riage and horse hire, stationery, postage &c. Such ex-
25
penses as these are contingent, and are subject to such
changes as to become expensive.
Quarterly examinations of the books and vouchers
of the Collector and Treasurer have been made and
they appear to be correctly kept and the funds properly
accounted for.
The final settlement January 31, 1879, discloses the
fact that there is $7,346.71 in cash in the treasury, and.
$5,550.30 uncollected taxes, which after retaining
$1,222.50 for the firemen and street lamps, will leave
.a balance of $i 1,674.51. The very natural and proper
inquiry is "what is best to do with this amount?"
After mature reflection, we would recommend the
reconsideration of the vote to assess $2,000 on the
Centennial Loan this year, and pay that amount, which
is clue April Ist, from the cash now on hand. We
would also advise the purchasing of the note for $5,000
which is due June 10, 1881, if it can be obtained by
paying the difference in the rates of interest between ¢
and 5 per cent. which would be about $150, this would
not only reduce the town debt 7,000, but also save
$405 interest, and without any special tax, the balance
then remaining in the treasury would be sufficient t0
meet the current expenses.
In submitting this our Third Annual Report, for
your perusal and examination, we have endeavored to
present in a plain and intelligible manner a brief ac-
count of the most prominent matters which have re-
ceived our attention and have served to constitute a
part of the duties we have performed. The gradual
decrease of the Town debt, and the continued
release from perplexing and costly suits, together with
26
a treasury able to meet all demands with an ample sur-
plus, is an assuredly gratifying exhibit. Nothing has
transpired during the past year to mar the harmony or
disturb the peace of the Town ; seldom if ever has more
quietness or general good order prevailed, We now
as heretofore earnestly and most respectfully ask as a
favor, of all in Town, if there are matters, that have
been under our care or supervision, in which mora'
light ora further explanation is desired, you will un-
hesitatingly solicit it before forming an opinion or pas-
sing judgment.
WEBSTER SMITH, Selectmen
OTIS WENTWORTH, of
ALBERT W. BRYANT. Lexington.
LEXINGTON, Jan, 31, 1879,
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The Town of Lexington—Gammell Legacy,
Richardson, Hill & Co.,
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Plymouth Savings Bank,
June z, 187o,
Aug. 1, 1870,
Sept. 1, 1870,
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June 8, 1876,
TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT.
January 31, 1879, he charges himself with having received the fol-
lowing sums, derived from the hereinafter named sources, viz :
To cash in hand January 31, x878, - - - $2,688 22
CC
received to correct errors in bills paid, - 20
From the State as Corporation Tax, - - 488 81
" " " " Bank Tax, - - - 558 77
cc " if
" State Air] returned, - - 370 on
" " " " Income of Mass School Fund, - 202 87
Ci
" Overseers of the Poor, - • - - 996 17
" Surveyors of Highways, - - - - 89 75
Cf
" County Treasurer, as clog money, - - 320 85
" inst. on tax advanced, 11 28
W. R. Cutter, for glass broken in schoolhouse, 50
et
Rent of rooms and use of Town Hall, - 302 00
" Village Hall,
2300
An abated tax, - 2 14
tt
Temporary loans, - - - 6,5oo 00
Donations to Cemetery Funds, - - 4oa o0
Interest on bank deposits, 5 z8
" Gammeli's legacy, - 35 00
L. A. Saville, received for bilIiard license, 2 00
rt re re from sale of Town
Histories, - - - 26 to
if
L. A. Saville, town scales, 52 53
" Taxes of 1877, - 4,027 76
1878, - 30,034 91
Interest on taxes of 1878 overdue, - 89 90
Contingent Grant, - - - 409 10
47,587 14
• 29
And the Treasurer credits himself with having paid the following
sums, as shown below :
Jan. 31, 1879, by cash paid as interest, -
By amount paid for Support of Poor, -
" " Outside Poor, -
" State Aid, - -
`' Removing Snow, - -
Contingent Grant, -
Ineprovement of Village Hall,
Cary Library, Dog Money, -
" Auditors, - - - -
Support nt Highways, -
" Ringing the church bells at noon,
Support of Schools,
L.Street Lamps, - -
Centennial Loan, - -.
Cary Library, - -
Fire Department,
" Constables and Police,
Assessors, - -
" Refunding to meadow owners,
Interest of Gammeil's legacy, -
Repairs on Randall's bridge, -
Temporary Loans,
" Treasurer and Collector, -
County Tax, - - -
State Tax, - - -
Deficiency in Fire Department, -
Decoration, - -
New Engine Hose, - -
Interest on Cemetery Funds,
" Sexton, - - - -
" Treasurer of Cary Library,
Repairs of Chemical Engine,
New Shelves in Cary Library,
" Town Clerk, - - -
School Committee, -
4r
'f
' 4
$3,610 17
1,977 56
- 671 46
358 5°
2?3 66
4,390 34
20 00
320 85
4r 50
2,28o 29
70 00
9,435 72
1,252 94
2,000 00
230 50
174 07
119 40
417 25
823 36
32 of
82 32
6,5oo oo
300 00
1,177 45
1,63o 00
753 00
8z o0
600 oo
21 93
45 00
3o 00
49 15
5o00
too 00
300 00
7,346 71
547,587 14
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By Cash on hand,
COLLECT'OR'S REPORT.
The Collector of Taxes submits the following:
The tax list committed for the year 1877 amounted to
Supplementary list,
Total taxes committed
538,234 52
320 64
833,555 16
Amount collected to date, and the discount allowed, is $37,838 05
Uncollected, and the abatements to be made thereon, 717 I1
538,555 16
N. B.—The collection of this list would have been completed but
for the law of 1878, forbidding the Assessors to make abatements in
certain cafes, until after two years from the commitment of the tax
list.
The tax list committed for 1878
Supplementary list
536.175 43
153 83
Total amount committed $36,329 6
Taxes collected on the list
Amount allowed for prompt payment
Uncollected, with the abatements to be made
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JANUARY 31, 1879.
$3°,034 91
744 05
$5550 3o
536,329 z6
ISAAC N. DAMON, Collector of Taxes.
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
As another year draws to a dose, as far as the finan-
cial affairs of the town are concerned, it is expected
that those who have had charge of the several offices
will give an account of such matters as properly belong
to each department, and also to recommend what, in
their opinion, will be needed the coming year.
Perhaps it may not be out of place for the Assessors
to suggest what amount of appropriations they think
are required to meet all necessary expenses the current
year.
We certainly can see no good reason (in the gen-
eral depression of business,) for assessing and collect-
ing five or six thousand dollars more than is needed;
nor can we see the policy of paying twelve per cent.
for honey to lie idle in the treasury, when it is well
known that the town can borrow all the money needed
at any time for five per cent.
By reference to the Treasurer's books, it is shown
that the amount deducted for the prompt payment of
taxes for the year 1878, amounted to $755, and for the
year 1877, for the same purpose, nearly $ i ,000, which
we say is a manifest injustice to a large share `of the
tax payers, that have not the ready funds to take ad-
vantage of the Large premium offered, by the town;
and we would recommend that there be no discount al-
lowed for the prompt payment of taxes, but that all
taxes shall be made payable on or before the first day
32
of December, 1879, and on all taxes remaining unpaid
at that date, interest be added at the rate of eight per
cent. per. annum.
We think that the valuation placed upon the real
estate for the purpose of taxation, as a general thing
is as lou as the times require, a reduction having been
made in the valuation of the real estate, from 1876 to
the present time, of four hundred and thirty-six thou-
sand one hundred and forty-four dollars ; and a dimi-
nution in personal estate of ninety-five thousand nine
hundred and thirty-two dollars. Unless the town makes
special appropriations for purposes which do not now
appear, the rate of taxation for the current year need
not exceed the sum of ten dollars per thousand, and at
the sante time make liberal appropriations for all the
objects for which money is required. In order to ac-
complish this purpose, we would recommend the town
to do what within a very few years has been done, to
take a certain amount of the surplus funds in the treas-
ury that are lying idle, and appropriate them toward
the expenses the current year. We do not believe it
policy to collect money to lay aside, where, if moth and
rust do not corrupt the money, it may the holder of
the same, and when it is wanted it may not be found.
We also see no reason why this town should not do
what is done in many other towns ; that is, carry for-
ward to a new account all unexpended balances that
remain in the treasury at the close of the financial
year, and that such balances be used toward the ap-
propriations the current year.
We suppose that it is generally known that in addi-
tion to the town appropriations there is a State and
33
County tax added to the amount voted by the town.
Last year the credits from the Bank and Corporation
tax were nearly sufficient to pay the State tax, which
was sixteen hundred and thirty dollars, which amount
was assessed upon the property more than was need-
ed. Then there was an appropriation for State aid of
four hundred and fifty dollars, which is refunded by the
State and reverts to the treasury, snaking from these
two items nearly two thousand dollars in excess of
what was necessary, In this connection we would call
the attention of those who have bank or corporation
stocks of any kind, to the importance of notifying the
Assessors, so that the town will receive the benefit of
all such amounts, instead of its being placed to the
credit of some other town or city. As it is at present,.
we are obliged to accept whatever amount the town is
credited with, and we have good reason to think that
we do not receive what belongs to the town from such
sources.
As a large'share of the tax -payers never examine the
Assessors' books, we think it might be well to give
some of the items of property upon which the taxes are
assessed. The total valuation on the rst of May, 1878,
Was $2,446,157, of which $2,021,752 was upon real
estate, and $424 405 upon personal estate, and 720
poll taxes, and the amount of tax assessed upon the
above property was $36,175.43. It will be seen that a
large proportion of the tax is assessed upon the real
estate, and until we can reduce our rate of taxation,.
there is no inducement for those having any large
amount of personal property to make this town their
residence.
34
The valuation by the assessors of property belonging
to the town on the i st of May, 1878, was $1 r 6,200 ; and
the liabilities of the town at the same time were $51,-
800, from which it will be seen that there is no cause
to fear that the town will become insolvent at present ;
at any rate, we are in so much better condition in re-
gard to financial affairs, when compared with many of
the adjoining towns, it would seem that a steady de-
crease of the debt is all that the tax -payer should be
called upon to pay at present.
We would again call the attention of those holding
real or personal estate to the importance of filing with
the Assessors a statement of the amount of each kind
of property held by them on the 1st of May. By so
doing, they would confer a great favor upon the Asses-
sors, and might also do away with a certain amount of
ill -feeling which the tax -payer has, to some extent,
against the Assessors.
The suit of the town of Arlington against the town
of Lexington, to recover a certain amount of taxes as-
sessed upon property belonging to the town of Ar-
ligton, which was paid under protest, is still pending.
An appeal from the decision of the County Commis-
sioners, was heard in the Superior Court, where a ver-
dict was rendered in favor of this town. It has since
been argued in the Supreme Court, and we have good
reason to believe that the decision of the Superior
Court will not be reversed.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS, Assessors
WALTER WELLINGTON, of
HORACE B. DAVIS, Lexington.
COUNTY TAX
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n that on which it has slime been made.
prior to 1840 was made, on a basis different
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR.
At the commencement of the last financial year it
became apparent that circumstances were transpiring
that would compel a change of Superintendent of the
Almshouse. Proposals were issued in accordance with
a vote of March, 1877, for a superintendent. Many
applications were received, the most of them asking a
salary beyond any sum this town could afford to pay.
We selected Mr. John Fisher, who came well recom-
mended, and he has thus far proved satisfactory. Soon
after Mr. Fisher took charge of the almshouse, one of
the inmates, who had been quite serviceable in the
house, obtained a situation where she could earn her
living ; another one, who performed considerable labor
in the house, ran away and Left her helpless babe.
There remained four old men, whose united ages ex-
ceeded eighty years each, and who were unfitted for
doing much labor by the infirmities of old age ; there
were also five small boys under eight years of age, and
a helpless infant. The agreement with Mr. Fisher
was that in case of sickness assistiince would he fur-
nished at the expense of the town. The condition of
the inmates was such as to require much attention, and
we considered it wrong and unjust to impose upon
Mrs. Fisher, the matron, the additional care of an in-
fant, as there was no one that could be retied upon to
render any assistance, in or out of the house. We
considered, as the two inmates who were the only ser•
viceable ones, had left, and the mental and physical
37
condition of those remaining was such, it was our duty
to furnish additional help. We concluded to allow one
dollar per week for assistant help in the house, and the
board of a boy for his labor. Upon examining the
bed clothing it was found necessary before the winter
months to have a large part of it replaced with new,
and the rest of it put in good repair. This necessi-
tated additional labor not intended in the agreement,
which we allowed. All the property in the house is in
good - condition and well cared for.
The matron has manifested an interest for the in-
mates by her constant and unwearied exertion to do
ail within her power for them. The product of the
farm has been good, with the exception of potatoes,
whose yield was lessened by the potato bugs. A large
crop of apples was gathered, but the abundance of
them in the market caused the price of those sold to be
quite small. About seventy barrels are now on hand.
The hay crop was the largest ever cut on the farm.
The farm is annually improving in productiveness, and
the unusually large quantity of manure now at the
farm, estimated at sixty cords, will aid in its improve-
ment the corning season. A valuable cow was killed
by lightning the past summer, and the purchase of an-
other added sixty-five dollars to the expenses. The
receipts, notwithstanding the low prices that ruled,
have equalled in amount those of previous years.
The prospect for the future in the Poor Department
is not very encouraging. There is one family consist-
ing of thirteen, five of whom are now at the alms-
house, and the others receiving more or less aid. This
family costs the town fully one-half of the expenses of
•
38
the almshouse. Another family of seven, six being
children, are receiving assistance, and must continue to,
for some time. There is now a young man at the
Worcester Lunatic Hospital, that bids fair to be a bill
of expense ; his settlement in this town was taken from
his father, who formerly resided here, and died before
gaining a residence elsewhere.
OUTSIDE AID.
Probably the applications for assistance were never
equalled by those of the past year. The dullness of
business and the small demand for labor, have served
to increase the number of appeals, with an urgency
which at times was hard to resist.
The number who have received assistance, wholly or
in part, the past year, is forty-four, and nearly half as
many more have been refused. With such an unusual
number, the utmost vigilance is required to prevent
imposition, and nothing but a personal examination or
investigation will furnish the proof, who are worthy and
in need. In some towns the imposition and untruth-
ful statements have been great from those receiving
aid outside of the almshouse. All assistance is denied
except furnished at the almshouse. We have deemed
it best, when, after a personal examination, if a small
amount in fuel or groceries would keep them from the
almshouse, to furnish it.
It is bad policy to render aid, when, by so doing, a
lazy or shiftless propensity is encouraged. There is
one instance in particular where this town was victim-
ized, between 1872 and 1877, out of $424.89, when
39
upon a personal examination, the applicant was found
to be receiving a pension and State aid which was suf-
ficient for her support.
Appraisal of personal property at the Almshouse by
the Committee
Valuation of personal property, Feb. 1, 1878
Valuation of personal property, Feb. r, 1879
Increase in value
Amount paid for support of poor
Less received from income of farm
Less outside poor expenses.
Cost of support of poor at the Almshouse
Amount of appropriation.
Unexpended balance
$2,010 39
2,058 12
47 73
2,649 02
996 17
671 46
$98 r 39
2,000 00
347 15
There has been furnished 797 weeks board at a cost
of $1.23 and a small fraction over, pltr week.
Whole number of paupers at the Almshouse during
the year, was 28. Fifteen of this nurnkr remained
over one night. Present number, Io.
We recommend an appropriation of $2,000 For the
ensuing year.
WEBSTER SMITH, Overseers
OTIS WENTWORTH, of
ALBERT W. BRYANT. Poor.
LE.INGToN, February I, 1879.
APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY A'I` THE POOR FARM.
Under the charge of the Overseers of the Poor, Feb..tst, 1879.
r horse, $1�5 ; 2 cows. $9o; ro tons English hay, $160,... $425 00
1 7-4 tons straw, 22.50 ; hay, 7 ; mearlow hay, 70, 39 00
Oat fodder, 10; hay cutter, 5 ; 2 wheelbarrows, 7,50 22 50
Yung, 15 ; farm harness, 20 ; cart do., 15, 5o 00
Blanket and surcingle, 1.50; forks and rakes, 3.50. 5 00
Cushion, .75; names, .25 ; grain and chest, 8 ; fork, 1.35.. 70 35
Whiferrees and chains. 3 ; wrench, 1; 2 lanterns, r, 5 00
Pick, spade, shovel and bucket, 4 ; 2 saws and augurs, 1.5o, 5 50
Currycomb and brushes, 2 ; double harness, 28, 3o 00
Lead harness, 3; 4 !adders, 7; 2 scythes and snaths, 1.25,1 1 25
Market wagon, 75 ; farm do., 45 ; 2 plows, 10 730 00
Sled, 10 ; double -runner do., 3o; cart, 25 65 0o
75 hens, 45 ; jack, t ; whiflletree and evener, 4, 5o v0
Halter, I.5❑ ; drag, 3 ; stable tools, .5o ; grindstone, 2, ... 7 00
Wood saws and axe, 1.75 ; wood, r 2 ; barrels and tubs, 1.. 14 75
7 pigs, 28; 7 breeding hugs, 105 ; sow and pigs, 22. 155 00
Harrow and hogshead, 3 ; tools in cellar, i ; shovel, 1,5 oo
Hay wagon, to; swill do., 15 ; wood and barrels, 3, 28 00
2 cultivators, 9; set horse rackets, 5 ; bushel basket, 1.50,14 5o
Sundry harnesses and tools, 3 ; so cords manure, 250,253 00
70 barrels apples, 65 ; 45o gallons cider, 36 ; 8 casks, 8,109 00
I 1 flour barrels, 1.37; r3 tons coal, 84.50, 85 87
PROVISIONS IN THE HOUSE.
11 barrels flour, 49.50 ; 40 lbs. butter, 8.8o ; tea, 4,
t barrel dried apple, ro; r 1-z barrels pop -corn, 4.50. . • • .
29 lbs. coffee, 2.90 ; t 1 bars soap, 2.20 ; 6o lbs. lard, 5.40,.
too lbs. sugar, 9; 3 bushel beans, 4.50 ; 6 gal. molasses, 4,
9 boxes soap, 6.95 ; r bbl. beets, 75c. ; 4 bbIs. carrots, 3,.
I 1-2 bbls. potatoes, 3; turnips, ro; 8 hams, 17.50.
t bbl. pork, 16 ; 2 kits mackerel, 2
1 1-2 bushel onions, 2 ; 1 bbl. cabbage, 50c.
And other small articles, 6.8o,
$1,520 72
$62 30
14 70 50
16 50
10 70
30 50
18 00
2 5o
6 So
$172 30
Value of furniture, cooking utensils and alI other articles,.. 365 10
All articles itemized in the appraisal delivered to the over-
seers, $2,058 12
We find everything neat and in good condition.
J. MORTON REED,
CHARLES BLOD(;ETT, .4frraisers.
JOHN 1). BACON,
•
REPORT OF SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAY.
A vote of the town was passed March, /875, uniting.
the offices of Highway Surveyors and Overseers of the
Poor with the Selectmen. As there had been a wish
expressed for a reduction in expenses wherever possi-
ble, the vote alluded to is a reminder of the desire of
the town. It was deemed advisable by the Surveyors
of Highways for 1875, to employ a Superintendent, at
an expense of $57o perhaps that was the best course,
as the amount expended was nearly $S6,000, but as the
grant for 1876 was so much smaller, and as a consid-
erable sum must be expended for purchasing horses
and other articles before commencing work, we consid-
ered it more in accordance with the desire of the town
for retrenchment, to take the supervision of the roads
ourselves, and expend the amount necessary for services
of a superintendent, upon labor for the roads. It was
well we did so, as the appropriations for 1877-8 were
so small that it would have been impracticable to have
paid a superintendent.
An attempt to economize was manifested at the last an-
nual meeting by reducing the appropriation to $2,500, a
sum less than had been appropriated for many years.
The expenditures for highways in 1875 was $5,852.-
03 ; in 1876, 14,820.28: 1877, $2,874.74; 1878, $2,-
280.29. From the grant of $2,500 three horses are
supported for the entire year, all necessary repairs
are made, and such tools as needed bought and paid
42
for. After these expenditures, the balance for actual
labor is so reduced that only general repairs can be ex-
pected.
As many men as could work to advantage with the
present teams and tools, were set at work as soon as
the ground was in proper condition, which was near
the first of April. They were kept constantly em-
ployed until the ground was frozen, with the excep-
tion of the months of July and August. Had the
weather continued favorable, it was intended to open
a gravel bank and grade Main street from near Mr.
Raynor's to near Woburn street. Unfortunately for
the town, while two of their horses were in a pasture
with several others, in July and August, one of them
was stolen by a scoundrel who evidently knew how to
make a good selection. This horse was purchased two
years ago at a cost of $zoo, and the offer of $300
has been several times refused. After advertising, and
making other efforts, not the slightest trace could be
obtained of him, After waiting a sufficient length of
time, we purchased another at the cost of $175, which
was paid for from the Highway Grant. The road -scra-
per purchased in 1877, has been fully tested. When
taken early in the spring, when the ground is wet, in
filling up ruts and smoothing the road bed, it will, with
four horses and four men, accomplish more work in a
day than four horses and forty men could in the ordi-
nary way, and leave the road in a better condition. It
has more than paid its cost. We have done the best
we could upon the roads with the limited means at
our command. Perhaps the course pursued the past
43
year in making a small appropriation is best for the
present.
REMOVING iNOW.
It has become a common practice with some in town,
immediately after a snow -storm, to commence shovel-
ing snow when and where they please, and present a
bill for an amount, of course, satisfactory to themselves.
A bill of two years' standing was recently presented
for payment, which was rejected. In order that this
practice might be stopped, and the roads made passa-
ble as soon as possible after a storm, individuals re-
siding in different sections of the town were ap-
pointed to take charge of certain portions of the
highways. Printed notices were posted giving the
names of the persons appointed.and the portions of road
assigned to each, so that any one would know to whom
to apply in case of need, and no bill would be passed
for payment for shoveling snow unless approved by one
of the persons appointed.
SIDEWALKS.
The annual fault finding in regard to clearing the
snow from the sidewalks was, as usual, anticipated. It
should be remembered that two years ago we recom-
mended an appropriation for the purpose of clearing
sidewalks. This request was promptly voted down.
We have been, and are now, as anxious as any one to
have the snow removed front the sidewalks as soon as
possible after a storm. The fact that there is more
than six miles of sidewalk, ought to convince the con -
44
siderate that at least a half of a day would be required
in going that distance with a snow -plow. All that eve
can do is to order the snow -plow to pass over the side -
w alks as soon as possible after a storm, when the snow
will permit. We would recommend a special appro-
priation for removing the snow from sidewalks, one
half of the expense to be assessed upon the abutters,
and those objecting to be assessed, allow the snow to
remain in front of their premises.
The property of the Highway Department is in good
condition, although the carts are much worn ; it is
prboable that they will require considerable repairing
during the year ; possibly a new one will be required
before the expiration of the year.
The Amount of appropriation $2,500 00
Received sale of cart 15 00
Teaming Sc 74 75
Expended 2,28o 29
Balance unexpended 309 46
LExrNOroN, February I, r879.
$89 75
$2,589 75
$2,589 75
WEI3STER SMI'T'H, Srrrreyors
Q'I'Is WENTWORTH, of
ALBERT W. BRYANT, Highways.
APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY AT THE POOR FARM
Under the charge of the Ii{ghzeray Surveyors, Fel. is/, r879.
3 horses, $525 ; 3 carts, $120 ; r Wagon, $zo, X665 00
3 cart harnesses, 64 ; r wagon, do., 12 ; 2 lead do., Io,86 0000
3 halters, 4,50 ; 6 snow shovels, 6 ; xi shovels, ro, . 20 5o
Old shovels, 2.50 ; 2 drill hammers, 5 ; drills, g, 16 5o
1 sledge and 3 stonecrackers, 5 ; 2 crowbars, 2.25, 7 25
I drag, I ; whiffletrees and evener, 4 ; chains, 2.5o, 7 50
3 hoes, 1.50 ; 8 picks, to ; 2 SHOW plows, 40, 51 50
swivel plow, 2o; 2 bush scythes, 2.50; axe and hoe, 3.5o 24 00
2 buckets, r ; chest and grain, It); 3 blankets and surcingle, 9 20 00
2 lbs. powder and can, r ; nest of measures, 75c. ; old iron, I 2 75
Brand iron, 2 ; cart wrench, �5 ; monkey do., 1, 3 75
Gravel screen, 1.50; post -spoon, 95c.; tool chest, 5, 7 25
Gutter scraper, 2 ; road do., I25 ; 40 posts, 3.2o, 130 20
$I,042 20
J. MORTON REED,
CHARLES BLODGETT, . Appraisers.
JOHN D. BACON,
DEATHS
REGISTERED IN LEXINGTON FROM JAN. I, I878 TO JAN. I, 1879.
DATE.
NAME.
11r81 .L95.
B IftTll l'LA1 I ,
January 1' Hearn F. Russell 42
94 c'xtIL rind Hargrove 45
Feb'y 1 Ilridget }tcCrnlh... ..... .., . 153
I Lizzie Ryan..........
11 'Nathaniel Garmau.... ....60
•' 19 61111(111 Cavanaugh......... 32
21 Juw+pll Y. Garraon 96
March 9 xilru F'esseuden 53
1' Fail±tall Stevens 75
7 Frank 'Whiting 40
18 .1.Ilei. J. Grover ....... ....... 82
April S Thomas H. Packard....... 69
11 Ah11ie M. Cutter. 80
14 Jeremiah Crowley.. ,23
h1
21 I{atie. Prances Ronco..., . „ .
May 12 Jo38H M. Butlrick88
` 22 $y1111I'krcc.. 90
June 2 Sarah 1I. Ilettin80n 57
12 Pelatixh P. Pierce 72
July 5 Elizabeth Buckley 99
16 Albert Edson Holt .............'
le' Albert Given Spaulding 'lig'
26 Eliot. R, Webber 96
Al. 4 Mary Ella Barry...
6 II' raliluu 78
7 'glary Ilea ,1uu.............. . 40
10 Hannah Rlmouds si
14 Daniel Mullen 46
20 D88181 Rclurlon
24 Margaret Leahy '7g'
29 AddreMay !towers g
Sept. 13 -- Fiske...... ...........
16 Henry H, Hargrove " . 1 j'
OM2 Relay R. Gleason 76
16 Joseph Reardon.., , 34
22 Elizabeth Silnonda 66
Nov. 2 Sarah A. Tufts...... 76
15 .Sally Roberte tib
" 22 John Beata.... 78
27 I.uke C. Childs... o
01
Dee. 26 George Seaver 60
6
11
6
1'
tl
2
11
6
S
6
6
11
3
3
4
8
F
4
5•
g
7
2
8
g.
Consumption,
Bright's Ilitwaae
15 Consumption,
S8 Eryeipe'st,
11 Consumption,
Accidental,
..7 VUtlalnnpllon,
17 Cwt. of Lunge,
.... Pneumonia,
. Consumption,
118. Neeroal�
Conanmplion,
111 Septic. Fever,
I8 Consumption,
11 Spasms,
2 Coineulnptlon,
13
. Consumption,
10 Hydrocephalus,
4 r',I1,
6 C6ol.lufantuln,
i Utvpay�
Consumption, iexingtan.
. Ab2eeaa, lre1;it .
riikow
26 .. .. ....1Rzin oft,
28 �ILV5e eery, Ireland.
Dyaeutety, Rotnarellle.
0 Lexington.
�Conanlnption,
.... tpol,Icxy, l3edfOrd.
.... Cnzhenmptlou, Ircdand.
. Aialpiexy, W. �•atnhridge.
29Pnenmonla, 1l'a khan]..... Uld A6•r; 'aneltvleb, N.II.
11 t'arcin. Lover, Ru tern.
11 Brain Disease, Roxbury.
Waltham.
Ireland.
Lexington. •
Gilmsnt'n,N.H.
N,!wlnnndland
Oilnlant'n, N,U.
Woburn.
Rhode Inland.
Charlestown.
Lexington.
Weetford, Vt.
Lexington.
Waltham.
Boston.
Lexington.
Ireland.
exin ton -
Ireland.
Bradford.
Carlisle.
Bedford.
LexIng101t.
Putney, Vt.
Ireland.
Number of Males.
Number of Females
Number of American Birth
Number of Foreign Birth .....
Whole number of Deaths
18
23
34
7
41
Number over 6o years of age 17
Number under 10 years of age 6
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
•
BIRTHS.
Whole number of births from Jan. r, 1878 to Jan. 1, 1879, 34.
American parentage, to ; Foreign parentage, 18 : Mixed parentage, 6.
MARRIAGES
Registered in Lexington from Jan. r, 1878, to Jan r, 1899. Whole
number, 10 ; both parties American, 6 ; American and Foreign, 4.
DATE.
NAME. ! RESIDENCE.
II Lexington.
'Cambridgeport.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Watertown.
Lexington.
Georgetown, Me.
Lexington.
Boston.
Boston.
February 27, . •
Mairh 5,
JOY 4, ...
September 4,
September 1 2, .
Sept. 25,
Oct. 10,
Oct. 13,
Nov. 30,
Dec. 25,
. Adam Peters
Alice Maria Woodman .
Fred A. Sanderson
Mary A. Kearney
John R. Fisher
Elizabeth N. Locke
. Lewis Abram Burr
,Lizzie Alfreda Dunning
• John Glover
Isabel H. Ricker
Charles Albert Pearson
Emma Dyar Shedd
William A. Jackson
Ida M. Garmon
James Keefe
Mary E. Crowley..
Timothy J. Leary
Katie A. Harrington
George Z. Hamblen
Florence Maria Damon.
Charlestown.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Lexington.
Charlestown.
Lexington.
Lexington.
48
SALE OF TOWN HISTORIES AND HISTORIES OF THE
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Number of Town Histories on hand Jan. 3r, 1878, 250
39
" iiat Lee &Shepard's, Boston, (bound)
" gi
It
" " (sheets) 23
sold from Jan. 31, 1878, to Jan. 31, 1879 x6
" donated and exchanged for other books. 8
Number of Centennial Histories sold from January 3tst, 1878 to
January 31st, 1879 :
2 Cloth copies, $1.50
x Paper copy, 1.00
Donated and exchanged
Number on hand Jan. 3r, 1879
DOGS.
Number of Dogs licensed for 1878
Amount returned to County 'Treasurer $321.00
3.
4
222
175
LIST OF NAMES PRESENTED TO THE
JURORS AND ACCEPTED
Abram B. Smith.
O. P. Mills.
Charles Nunn.
George O. Wellington.
Charles M. Parker.
Charles A. Fowle.
Charles G. Fletcher.
Loring S. Pierce.
Webster Smith.
Gershom Swan.
S. W. Henrlley.
John D. Bacon.
George Munroe.
J. Morton Reed.
Henry B. Brigham.
TOWN BY THE SELECTMEN AS
BY THE TOWN, APRIL 22D, 1878.
Charles Putnam.
L. A. Saville.
John N. Morse.
George H. Cutter.
George F. Chapman.
Walter Wellington.
Warren Sherburne.
Charles F. Winship.
Charles Blodgett.
Franklin Alderman.
A. F. Spaulding.
Luke W. Wright.
Frank A. Fletcher.
Albert N. Tufts.
Henry D. Estabrook.
GAMMELL LEGACY.
To the Selectmen of Lexington.
GENTLEMEN : In presenting our annual report as disbursing agents
of the Gammell Legacy Fund, the kind thoughtfulness of the donor
in bequeathing this amount for so worthy an object constantly sug-
gests itself. The past year has furnished many opportunities where
the money could be expended in accordance with the wishes of Mr.
Gammeli. An old man who has been an inmate of the almshouse
for more than thirty years, whose mental vision is clouded by an her-
editary infirmity, and who has always, until the past five years, given
an equivalent in labor for all that he has received, is worthy toreceive the
kind care and comfort which his age and failing health require. On
visiting his room we found it neat and clean, but the bed and bed-
ding old and worthless. We procured a carpet, bed and bedding, at
a cost of about twelve dollars, and have furnished him from time to
time with wines and such other necessaries as his health required.
An unnatural mother abandoned a helpless child, which has been a
great care for the matron. Several articles of need have been fur-
nished for the child. Most of the inmates have been the recipients
of Mr. Gammell's benevolence the past year, as extra food was fur-
nished on all the holidays for them. The whole amount expended
was $32.oi, leaving a balance in the treasury of $2.99. There are
at present in the almshouse ten persons, not one of whom but re-
quires care and attention. We think great credit is due the matron,
for her devotion to, and motherly care for all those under her charge.
The inquiry has been made, "cannot the unexpended balances for
several years past, now an hand, be used where it would furnish arti-
cles of need and comfort outside of the almshouse !" The will ex-
pressly states "the income to be used in purchasing such luxuries and
delicacies for the inmates of the town's almshouse, as are not usually
furnished them."
MRs. L. S. PIERCE,
MRs A. W. BRYANT.
LEXINGTON, Feb. r, 1879.
ENGINEERS' REPORT.
Only nine months of the current year of the Fire Department hav-
ing expired, we can only give a report thus far. The present Board
of Engineers, on taking charge of matters connected with the Fire
Department last May, immediately examined the fire apparatus and
found it all in good order with the exception of the hose, which has
since been supplied by a special appropriation. We found three or-
ganized companies, which were re -organized and approved; the
fourth (the Wentworth) had disbanded, but was immediately re -or-
ganized, and all of them have been in working order and ready to be
called at any moment since. Our engines have all been recently
painted, and are, we think, in good condition for a number of years,
unless some accident occurs to them. The Wentworth has been
painted this season ; we found the special appropriation of $50 was
not enough to make the proposed alteration upon it, the estimated
cost being about $zoo. We therefore had a less expensive alteration
made, which answers the purpose very well, and had :honey enough
left to have it painted, which it very much needed.
Our engine houses are in good order, and have ail the conveniences
we think the town can afford in these hard times.
The value of reservoirs was shown at the fire of the houses of Dr
Currier and Mr. Shaw last fall. 'The cistern that was b.iilt on the
hotel lot, now owned in part by the town (tin: line running across one
end of it), was much larger than was generally s:zpposed, and has
made a very good reservoir. It had water enough to supply the en-
gine one and a half hours steady playing at the above-named fire,
and we attribute to it the means of saving a number of thousands of
dollars' worth of property. We think a similar one is very much
needed in the East Village, an the Village Hall lot. It could be
filled from the roof of the building. The property in that vicinity is
poorly protected against fire, there being no water accessible for a
long distance either way except the wells, and no one of them would
supply the engine but a very short time. It would also be very con-
venient for washing hose, and possibly decrease the rate of insurance
51
on the town's as well as private property. We would recommend an
appropriation of $200 for that purpose.
One fire only has occurred during the current year thus far, being
that of the houses of Dr. W. J. Currier and Mr. E. A. Shaw, on the 3d
of November. The condition in which those houses were left in after
the fire proves the efficiency of our Fire Department. 'i'he men
were promptly on hand, and worked with a will when they were
there.
FINANCIAL.
The running expenses of the department have been comparatively
small this season, owing to everything being in good condition, and
having had only one fire. But in ordinary cases, an appropriation of
$r2oo, as we had this year, would not be enough, provided the pay
of the men and other unavoidable expenses were the same as this -
year, as the following items will prove :
Pay of the men,
" " engineers,
" " stewards,
Material to charge the Babock (probably),
$87o 00
45 00
145 00
30 00
$1,090 00
Leaving $110 for items similar to some of those to he seen in former
reports. 'I'he appropriation for the year, after reserving money enough to
pay the men what will be due them next May, is nearly all expended,
and there still remain three months of the year_ We do not wish to
recommend a larger sum than is necessary, but believe that the suin
of $500 for ordinary expenses, should be appropriated in addition to
the sum the town may vote to pay the men for the ensuing year.
The foregoing is respectfully submitted,
EVERETT S. LOCKE,
HORACE B. DAVIS,
EDWIN S. SPAULDING.
REPORT OF THE 'TRUSTEES OF CARY LIBRARY.
The number of volumes added to the library during the past year
was 512, making the whole number 6,194.
Thirty four volumes were presented to the library as follows : Hon.
Charles Hudson, 12 volumes ; Miss Alice J. Grover, 4 volumes ; TJ. S.
Government, 4 volumes; Mr. Thomas Hancock, Haverhill, 2 volumes;
Mr. Webster Smith, 2 volumes ; First Congregational Society, Lex-
ington, 2 volumes; Town of Lexington, a volumes; and one volume
from each of the following : Rev. A. B. Muzzey, Cambridge ; Mr. C.
F. Bartlett, Lexington; Mr. C. S. Parker, Arlington, Mrs. C. F. Orne,
Cambridge; Col. H. S. Gansevoort; Nicholson File Co.
The Library is in good condition, and the number of volumes taken
out during the year is 22,731.
There have been presented to the Library four manuscript ser-
mons of the Rev. Jonas Clarke, and the fly leaf from a folio Commen-
tary, formerly belonging to the same person, and one which is the
record of the dedication of a church at Marblehead. These interest-
ing relics were presented by Rev. Robert W. Harris, D. D., Astoria,
L. I., a Grandson of Rev. Jonas Clark, and were received Jan. 28,
1879, through James Gould, Esq., Lexington.
HENRY WESTCOTF, for the Trustees.
CARY LIBRARY TREASURER'S REPORT,
The Treasurer of Cary Library debits himself as follows :
Note of town of Lexington, Feb. 28, 1871,
6 per cent
Deposit in Lexington Savings Bank
Dividend from " " 25 per ct
Cash on band, Feb 1, 1878
" received, fines
Dog Tax.
" Interest on "1'own Notes'
And credits himself with
Payment for Books
On account of expenses
By Note and Deposit Books
By Cash on hand
Lxxr+rGron, February 1, 1879.
$5,000 00
955 28
378 41
70 30
24 50
320 85
300 00
$753 04
47 8;
5,955 a8
239 77
$6,989 34
$6,989 34
W. R. CUTTER, Treasurer.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CEMETERIES.
'I'he Committee on Cemeteries respectfully submit a report of their
doings the past year.
There being a hollow or basin in the lower part of the lot, contain-
ing four or five square rods, which was not desirable for burial lots,
the committee have &riled and raised it nearly level with the surround-
ing portion of the lot, which will make twelve or fifteen veru desirable
burial lots, and will doubly pay the cost of filling. In laying out
more lots on the vacant land, we found we wanted some boundary -
stones, which we procured and paid for from the proceeds of sale of
lots, rather than ask the town to pay the bill,
The financial condition we find as follows
The Superintendent has received for sale of lots,
He has paid for work, boundary stones, &c.,
Leaving balance in his hands of
Amount deposited in Savings Bank,
As there have been several bequests made to the town
pose of taking care of private lots, and as the bank has suspended
business, the committee recommend that as the dividends are paid
by the bank, the treasurer be authorized (by vote or otherwise) to re-
ceive that, and all other money that may accrue from the sale of lots
or otherwise, and allow interest on the same, subject to the call or
approval of the committee.
Respectfully submitted by the committee,
$rho 0o
746 50
$13 50
446 16
for the pur-
Jan. 31st, 1879.
L. S. PIERCE.
T. H. BOWEN.
CEMETERY FUNDS.
In the report of the Committee on the Cemet.:ry, made April zz,
x878, there was the following paragraph : "Anti we still further
recommend that the Town Treasurer should annually make a de-
tailed report of the year's receipt and expenditures to the Selectmen
on the rst of February, that the sante may be printed with the town
reports, under the heading of Cemetery Funds."
The Treasurer submits the following report, viz :
May 9, 1877. The heirs of the late John Winning,
Woburn, deposited the sum of $300 00
Aug. 23, 1877. Clinton Viles, Esq., of Boston, execu-
tor of the will of the late Isaac 33
Smith, deposited zoo 0o
July 18, 1878. The executor of the will of the late Eliab
Brown, paid to the Selectmen, as di-
rected by said will, the sum of r5o 00
Sept. 13, 1878. Mrs. 0. A. Dodge, of Newport, N. H,
deposited with the treasurer the sum of roo 00
Jan. az, (879. Nathan Fessenden, Esq., of Lexington,
deposited with the treasurer the sum of r5o oo
Whole amount deposited to date, $boo oo
INT•ERFSL• ACCRU ED.
John Winning's lot 47 (old part.), ... $t8 00
Isaac 33. Smith's lot 6g (old part),.... 6 00
Whole amount of interest to elate, . $24 00
AMOUNT EXPENDED.
011 lot No. 47, $17 93
On lot No. 69, 4 00
Whole amount expended to plate, 821 93
Balance of interest unexpended, 52.07.
Respectfully submitted,
ISAAC N. l) AMOK, Tarn Treasurer.
January 3rst, 1879.
AUDITORS' REPORT.
SCHOOLS.
Instruction, Fuel, and Care of Rooms.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
$q,000
Three-fourths State School Fund 15 a r5
00
Repairs and Incidentals.
Appropriated and assessed for r878 $r,000 00
One-fourth State School Fund, 50 72
EXPENDITURES.
Amount expended
$9,435 72
Balance unexpended 767 �5
$10,202 87
$9,152 t5
1,050 72
$10,202 87
HANCOCK SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Rosa Akerman, instruction, $800 00
Ellen B. Lane, "
500 c,o
F. A. Hutchinson, " 329 37
E. E. Harrington, °` 400 00
A. M. Mulliken, if
81 ov
Eli Simonds, janitor 77 00
Mrs. Desmond, cleaning 6 12
Mrs. White, " 6 12
Mrs. Carroll, " 5 36
Wm. Canfield, " a 00
Town of Lexington, coli 76 39
$2,283 36
From Grant far Repairs.
0. A. Tuttle, labor and stock $32 Gr
" " boxing trees 8 00
12 00
A. G. Whitcomb, ink wells... 13 50
School Conunittee, books 32 14
L. A. Saville, sundries 4 66
J. S. Merriam, glazing 2 00
G. Swan, repairing plastering 1 25
E. S. Locke, repairs, &c. 36 54
F. H. Kneeland, poker 75
E. W. Smith, tuning piano 1 go
D. S. Sullivan, erasers 1 o0
outside doors
A. L. Ball, glazing
F. K. Fisk, painting
G. W. Nichols, repairing clock
ADAMS SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
72
20 00
4 50
Silas Peabody, instruction.... , $t,o5o eo
Silas Peabody, care of rooms 95 00
Carrie F. Fiske, instruction 450 00
Mrs. Manly, cleaning 8 5o
W. G, Hartwell, wood 6 70
Wm. Chase, cutting wood 1 75
Town of Lexington, coal..... 69 29
From Grant for Repairs.
Oliver Brown, painting $63 29
John A. Strople, labor and stock
A. Goddard, repairs, &c
Assignees of A. Goddard, repairs, &c
Wadsworth Bros. & Howland, paints and oils,
14 98
22 88
3 38
52 66
Amount carried forward, $157 19
$171
57
$1,661 24
3
Amount brought forward,
$157 19
E. W. Smith, tuning piano r 90
School Committee, book..... 6 07
E. S. Locke, register 3.00
Wm. Locke, repairs 5❑
G. W. Nichols, repairing clock 3 00
Silas Peabody, books r 00
HIGH SCHOOL
From School Gran.
George R. Dwelley, instruction
J. P. Livermore,
E, N. Lovering,
C. G. Kaufman, janitor
Eli Simonds, care
Mrs. Carroll, cleaning ..
Mrs. Desmond, ... _
Mrs. Gorman, "
Wni.. Canfield, "
Town of Lexington, coal.
iL
4'
$r,500 00
431 a5
297 50
84 5o
3 on.
5 67
5 t0
5 t0
r 5o
90 47
From Grant for Repairs.
D. A, Tuttle, repairing Ventilator, &c $8 63
L. A. Saville, mats, brooms, &c 6 15;
E. S. Locke, repairing roof, &c 17 09
Brooks, Rushton & Co., expressing.... 1 25
if fe " moving piano 5 00
H. C. Kendall, copying 2 40
W. R. Cutter, ribbons for diplomas 79
D. Clapp & Son, printing .... , 14 oo
G. R. Dwelley, hooks r 00
D. H. Jones, stationery 4 �5
A. S. Mitchell, postage 50
Amount curried forward,
$6 r o6
$r 72 66
$2,424 O9+
Amount brought forward,
G. Swan, repairing plastering
H. B. Davis, repairing fence, &c
F. M. Paine, tuning piano
E. W. Smith, "
A. K. Hill, cleaning chemical apparatus
Magee Furnace Co., furnace .
Ginn & Heath, books
Smith, Doolittle & Smith, chemicals
H. B. & W. U. Chamberlain, chem. apparatus,
Alice W, Wheildon, music
E. N. Lovering, books
School Committee, books
J. S. Merriam, glazing
61 06
2 75
6 75
2 00
1 90
r 50
205 00
2 07
751
1 70
2 40
1 40
9 61
2 25
HOWARD SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Maria A. Butterfield, instruction $400 00
Augustus Manning, wood
ri cutting wood
Wm. W. Ferguson, care
Peter Ferguson, cutting wood
From Grant for Repairs.
Henry Dean, labor and stock.
D. A. Tuttle, repairs
E. S. Locke, stove grate and labor
L. A. Saville, glass and putty
School Committee, books
12 00
2 00
20 50
3 50
$44 11
2 45
5 70
39
34
$307 90
$438 00
$52 99
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Annie E. Bryant, instruction....,
Stephen Wright, care
J. H. Abbott, care
Julia Abbott, cleaning
J. H. Abbott, cutting wood .
Stephen Wright, "
Francis Wellington, wood
A. Manning, wood....
Town of Lexington, coal
„$1400 00
10 00
LO 00
5 10
I so
4 00
3 00
6 5o
18 21
From Grant for Repairs.
Stephen Wright, cleaning vault
G. W. Nichols, repairing clock
E. S. Locke, labor and stock
D. A. 'Tuttle, "
A. B. Shedd, repairs, &:c
School Committee, books
J. L. Hammett, forms and solids
BOWL/ITCH SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Emma E. Wright, instruction
Michael Hinchey, care
G. F. Chapman, wood.
Estate of A, G. Spaulding, wood
Town of Lexington, coal
A. Nourse, cutting wood .
$2 00
1 5o
2 35
3 65
3 75
r 57
2 20
$450 00
21 75
6 00
6 0o
6 07
3 00
3458 3!
317 02
$492 82
6
From Grant for Repairs.
E. S. Locke, labor and stock
L A. Saville, brooms
l3. A. Tuttle, repairs
A. L Ball, glazing
G. W. NichoLs, repairing clock 1 50
A. G. Whitcomb, ink wells I o0
A. Nourse; cleaning cellar 100
School Committee, books. 2 87
$8 65
70
290
75
WARREN SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
M. Alice Paul, instruction...., $475 of
Rosie McNamara, care 24 25
Dennis McNamara, wood, and cutting same, 25 00
Rosie McNamara, wood 8 88
From Grant for Repairs.
L A. Saville, feather duster and brooms $2 15
Geo. W. Nichols, repairing clock 3 00
G. Swan, labor and stock 6 05
Wm. H. Smith, glazing 5 16
Dennis McNamara, cleaning vault .... 3 00
School Committee, books 7 44
D. A. Tuttle, shingling and repairs 64 85
" two outside windows 8 5o
11 ,.
labor and stock 19 50
E. S. Locke,1 2 I0
ti fa
319 37
$533 14
$131 75
7
c0M.i10N TO ALL SCHOOLS.
From &hood Grant
Alice W. Wheikion, teaching music
$240 00
From Grantfor Repairs_
M. R. Warren, ink and stationery $t r 25
School Committee, postage, &e 2 00
E. S. Elder travelling expenses..... 4 00
Eli Simonds, truant officer 4 00
School Committee, horse hire 2 50
W. R. Cutter, 2 25
A. W. Phillips, " . 5 5o
SUMMARY.
$240 00
$31 50
NAME OF SCHOOLS. SCHOOL GRANT.
FOR RE19[R5.
TOTAL.
Hancock
Adams
High
Howard
Franklin
Bowditch
Warren
AU Schools.....
$2,283 36 $171 57 $2,454 93
1,661 24 172 66 1,833 go
2,424 09 307 90 2,731 99
438 00 52 99 490 99
458 31 17 02 475 33
492 82 19 37 512 19
533 14 131 75 664 89
240 00 31 50 271 5o
Total $8,53o 96 $904 76 $9,435 72
8
HIGHWAYS.
RECEIPTS.
Amount appropriated and assessed for 1878,
Estate of N. Garman, old cart....
P. Mitchell, street sweepings
Overseers of Poor, use of horse
Removing snow
$2,500 00
r5 o0
r 75
6o oo
13 oo
Amount expended $2,28o 29
Balance unexpended. 309 46
AMOUNT EXPENDED.
James Emery, labor $131 50
F. Chaloner, `° 232 t x
Harrison Pierce, " 218 23
N. Shea, 195 62
James Clifford, 248 75
Wm, Murphy, 164 05
P. Caffery, 137 80
Webster Smith, 28 13
B. C. Whitcher, grain 94 �3
C. A. Butters & Co. " . 28 50
D. Dow & Son, " 8 6o
2 30
7 40
53 48
40 17
H. P. Webber, smithing 8 95
F. H. Kneeland, " 9 80
Wm. Richardson,3 00
Ames Plow Co., plow and points.. 10 00
H. B. Davis, repairing bridge 5 00
C. K. Tucker, wheelwrighting r 3o
Thyng Bros,,
S. T. Smith,
L. A. Saville, tools and
Wm. Ham, smithing
it
it
grain
Amount carried forward,
$r,628 92
$2,589 75
$2,589 75
9
Amount 3rought forward,
Wm. Brigham, pick -handle
J. Chisholm, one pair blankets
L. Lawrence, repairs, &c.
C. M. Parker, saddle, &c
J. D. Willis, one horse
E. S. Locke, lantern
Garmon's Express
S. H. Pierce, pasturing horses
Wm. Hargrove, gravel
E. Blaisdell, grinding
Overseers of Poor, board of man and horses
4,628 92
50
4 50
17 02
t000
r 75 00
70
I 75
15 00
4 $o
2 40
420 00
FIRE DEPARTMENT DEFICIENCY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for x878,
Amount expended
EXPENDITURES.
... 5753 00
Hunneman & Co., repairs, &c
Hadley's Express, moving engine to Gove
fire
Hadley's Express, moving engine to Merri-
am's fire
Hadley's Express, moving engine to Patch's
fire
Hadley's Express, care of engine....,.
ff jack, &c
$63 42
5 00
5 00
2 00
75
Henry A. Turner, services as engineer x 5 00
f° soda and acids. .. 2I 78
Cornelius Wellington, moving engine to Gove
fire. z 50
W. Walcott, services as engineer 15 00
grading at Hancock engine house, 3 00
if «
Amount' carried forward,
$138 45
52,280 29
$753 00
5753 O0
Id
Amount brought forward,
H. A. Wellington, services as engineer
F. Locke, refreshments.
A. S. Mitchell, teaming hose to Gleason fire,
R. W Holbrook, oil, chimneys, &c
John Hanscom, teaming engine three times
John Peters, care of engine.
B. Bailey, services
J E. Gannon,
J. D. '1'hyng,
W. B. Hadley,
F. F. Wentworth,
J. Donovan,
Thos. Cosgrove.
Otis Harrington,
E. B. Reeves,
'1'. Donovan,
A. D. Lombard,
Avery 1' Hadley,
C. H. Butterfield,
John Hart,
John Buckley,
James King,
Silas Cummings,
Henry H. Tyler,
John Chisholm,
J. A. Mitchell,
George L. Pierce,
N. Garman,
John A. Russell.
Benjamin Hadley,
W. T. Adair,
George H. Dow,
Jos. F. Ham,
R. G. Scott,
F. H. Kneeland,
u
Lf
41
is
is
if
if
if
ICC
ff
.f
11.
fi
5138 4$
15 00
2 50
1 00
4 80
9 00
3r 25
7 00
7 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 'oo
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 oa
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 oq
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
Amorwrt carried forward, 5397 00
Amount broughtforward,
C. F. Butters,
Wm. Plumer, Jr.,
George H. Phelps,
C. Q. Wentworth,
A. L. Ball,
D. A. Dow,
Q. Bicknell, Jr.,
A. B. Smith,
H. P. Webber,
J. Kaufman,
G. Kaufman,
John Stroples,
H. D. Hanscom,
N. W. Pierce,
George A. Stearns,.
F. Chalenor,
J. L. Holbrook,
E. E. Smith,
Walter Wellington,
R. T. Irwin,
John Gorman,
Daniel Desmond,
W. D. Collins,
J. C. Caldwell,
P. McGrath,
J. Dame,
F. T. Tobin,
Dennis McNamara,
P. White,
E. McNamara,
P. Mansfield,
P. Caffery,
T. McDonald,
C. Manley,
John P. White,
if
f[
CC
CC
.[
CC
if
cr
CC
44
LI
4P
ii
11
$397 00.
7 00'
7 00
700
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 00
7 00
7 cm
7 00
700
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 00
7 00
700
500
5 00
700
Amount carried forward, $630 00
Amount brought forward,
James Keefe, "
B. Reardon,
Wm. Murphy,
James McCarthy,
P. McDonald, " ..
Daniel Shea,
T. Leary,
B. Harrington,
B. Mcinroe,
A. S. McDonald,
P. Keating, Jr.,
1:Z
W. Cl. Locke,
Wm. Locke, zd,
L T. Locke,
E. M. Angier,
J. Garman,
H. R. Wentworth,
G. A. Page,
Thomas Hughes,if
CC
44
if
if
if
14
$63o 00
7 cm
7 00
7 00
5 00
500
5 00
7 00
5 00
7 00
7 00
7 00
5 00
7 oa
7 00
7 00
7 00
700
7 00
7 00
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended.
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
$174 07
1,025 93
L. A. Saville, oil, &c $2 84
A. L. Ball, water spout 1 40
Hadiey's Express, trucking hose carriage.... 3 00
Amount carried forward,
$724
$753 00
$I,200 00
$+I,200 00
13
Amount brought forward, $7 24
P. Mitchell, oil and soap 5 40
L. A. Saville, collation Shaw fire. 6 24
H. B. Davis, expense, Shaw fire 8 50
John Peters, care of engines, 37 5°
E. S. Locke, filling reservoir 7 07
A. W. Phillips, horse to Shaw and Patch Fires, 3 50
E. S. Locke, repairing pumps and lanternsi 65.
S. S. Sleeper & Co., soda 19 43
Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., oil and alcohol4 000
Howe & Goodwin, vitriol 6 75
L. Lawrence, repairs 65
H. D. Hanson, 21 lbs. rope 2 5z
Garmon's Express 8 00
" " 2 quarts alcohol 1 35
Hadley & Wright,.grate, &c z 00
H. P. Webber, smithing 75
S. T. Hadley, teaming H. & L. to Shaw fire5 00
John Hanscom, team'gengine to Shaw fire3 00
E. S. Spaulding, tub and charcoal 2 70
Wm. Brigham, repairing jack r 00
P. Mitchell, oil 5 40
R. W. Holbrook, oil and pail 2 58
P. Mitchell, oil 2 40
Town of Lexington, two tons of coal 12 14
A. G. Babcock, ammonia Go
Hunneman & Co., repairs zG 7o
SUPPORT OF POOR.
RECEIYI'5.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
L. A. Saville, eggs 2 45
Jackson Bros., calf, hams and hogs 25 3o
J. M. Eaton, 50 pounds grease 150
Amounts carried forward,
$174 07
52,000 00
$29 25 $2,000 00
14
Amounts drought forward,
J Russell, pigs
Mr. Rodgers
Eli Simonds, guardian for J. Logan
F. F. Raymond, pigs
S. H. Pierce, pigs and straw
N. Shea, coal
W. Bryant, eggs
Surveyors of Highways, Board....
Outside poor, coal
Removing snow
Contingent Grant, teaming coal
John Fisher, produce sold
Amount expended in connection with House
and Farm
Amount expended for outside poor
Balance unexpended
EXPENIITURFS.
City of Cambridge offal
W. A. Holmes & Co., groceries
C. A. Butters & Co., "
L. A. Saville,
R. W. Holbrook,
Thyng Bros.,
D. I7ow & Son,
G. W. Simmons & Son, clothing
F. R. Willis.
it
W. H. Smith, 2d,
W. T. Ham,
A. F. Spaulding,
John Fisher, Superintendent
" " sundries
H. S. Howland, services
''
GA
it
Amount carried forward,
$z 9 22
146 0 50
3 00
21 00
2200 00
38 45
3 00
37 89
42200 00
220 88
12 00
75 00
169 7o
$1977 56
705
45586
13
$184 59
183 Go
98
102 6655
69 84
73 Gt
I I 00
56 14
42 85
�6 37
5 522
13 85
166 7o
168 r4
5000
$1,253 42
$2,0oo• OU
*2,996 17
$2,996 17
15
"Noun, brought forward,
James Emery, services
Jackson Bros., meats &c.
J. V. Fletcher, meats &c. ....
H. S. Howland, fish.
H. W. Lane, ......
Reeves & Russell, " .. .
G. Swan, labor and stock
E. S. Locke, labor and stock &c.
Wm. Ham, smithing
F. H. Kneeland, "
A. A. Dean & Son " .
W. J. Currier, services
Brooks, Rushton & Co., expressing
Eli Simonds, account J. Logan . .
Mary How/and, sewing
Geo. C. Goodwin & Co., medicines
G. L. Parker, team to Tewksbury
J. M. Eaton, soap
Wellington Bro's. & Co., clothing
A. W. Bryant,
Parker, Gannett & Co., plow points
Hadley's Express
T. Munroe, hay
S. 1'. Smith, grain.
C. K. Tucker, wheeiwrighting
Estabrooks & Blodgett, cow
" use of buil
Eliza Tobin, dry goods
Otis Wentworth, cider barrels and vinegar
L. Lawrence, repairs &c
Geo. 13. Dennett, labor..
Assignees of S. T. Smith, flour.
G. W. Nichols, spectacles
W. Walcott, ice
Estate of T. H. Packard, straw
.4monnf carried forward,
$,1253 42
17 00
124 78
12 87
1 8o
9 39
6 59
445
30 32
491
13 30
5 35
23 50
5 35
9 65
5 00
3 69
5 0o
14 80
11 46
12 76
2 90
r 65
16 64
40 51
1.065
00
55
2 00
5
6
13
00
50
31
8 10
00
49
1 50
8 45
26 99
$1,823 59
16
Amount brought forward,
S. H. Pierce, potatoes
13, C. Whitcher, grain
E. Blaisdell, grinding grain
A. G. Babcock, medicines
Town of Lexington, coal
Thomas Dana & Co., x barrel molasses
Surveyors of Highways use of horse. ...
OUTSIDE POOR.
Paid John Savage for Logan boys
`P L. A. Saville, aid to tramps
Aid furnished Joel Reed
IC
!1
Ii
'4
iC
ag
1/
id
.1
it
if
1/
11
i!
CC
11
..
Mrs. Hawkins
J. Logan
Mrs. Mullin
Mrs. Winship
Lydia Gleason
P. J. McGrath
G. B. Haggett
E. Estabrooks
John Buckley
John Peters
Mrs. Doyle
Mrs. Cowles.
Geo. S. Robbins
C. S. McMahan
Mrs. I. M. Clark
$1,823 59
3 oo
8 21
2 40
8 Go
48 36
23 40
Go oo
68 oo
$4 02
86 07
12978
x825
32 45
6 34
104 00
32 33
132 08
23 5°
3 50
2 28
8 89
8 58
5o
1 o0
12 91
CONTINGENT GRANT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
E. S. Elder, coal.
James Emery, coal
Amounts carried forward,
$1,977.56
$705 48
$3,50c 00
44 44
25 70
$70 14 $3,500 00
17
Amounts brought forward, $70 14 $3.500 o0
Fire Department, coal 12 14
Overseers of Poor " 48 36
Outside 18 03
School Committee " 260 43
Use of Town Hall and rooms 302 o0
" " Village " 23 00
Errors corrected 20
Corporation Tax 488 8 r
558 77
W. R. Cutter, broken Glass 50
An abated Tax 2 14
Bank
L. A. Saville, license billiard hall 2 00
" " Town Histories sold 26 ro
" CC " " Scales 52 53
'Faxes of 1877 4,027 76
Overlayings as per Assessors' report 126 62
Supplementary Tax List r53 83
Total Receipts
Amount expended
Balance unexpended.
EXPENDITURES.
4,365 12
5,308 24
Otis Wentworth, services as Selectman 300 00
A. W. Bryant r,300 00
Webster Smith,
1. N. Damon, balance for 1876 as Treasurer. r0o 00
PP ' [P
.a
35P 00
" " with Auditor 1876
as «
cc f
if <a
11 «
CC [[
1877
insurance on Almshouse.....
repairing safe and stationery
services in case Plumer vs.
Lexington
6 23
7 5o
32 o0
9 03
5 34
Amount carried forward, $1450 t0 r 2
$6,173 36
9,673 36
$9,673 36
18
Amount brought forward, $1,150 52
Eli Simonds, janitor .. 191 25
if CC notifying Town Meetings and
Jurors drawn 23 00
witness fees in case 'I'idd vs.
Lexington 78 00
repairs . • • • • • 75
Lexington Gas Co., gas- 408 90
C. S. Parker, printing 49 15
Hammon Reed, " 188 76
Brooks, Rushton &Co„ lumber, glass & express 29 81
E. S. Locke, repairing furnace &c 18 43
A. L. 13a1l, labor and repairs 5o 01
Otis Wentworth, expense in Logan case44 72
Brooks, Rushton & Co., expressing 50
R. M. Pulsifer, printing, 3 00
j. D. Bacon, appraising at poor farm 3 00
Henry B. Pierce, book 50
M. F. Whitton & Co., rope 90
Geo L. Pierce, salute April 19, 1878 14 20
L. A. Saville, " " Ig, 1878
13 12
J. L. Fairbanks, binding centennial papers26 00
H. W. Holtnes, account Betterment Tax73 28
L. A. Saville, labor and stock on hay scales13 30
Lockwood, Brooks & Co., on account cen-
tennial books 28 00
Wm. Read & Sons, cannon and powder 46 97
C. K. Darling, stationery 2 20
H. B. Davis, repairs on reservoir 2 25
H W. Holmes, Holmes vs. Damon. ... 57 18
Wm. Read & Son, so cannon printers r 25
Hadley's Express 8o
G. Swan repairs on reservoir and lockup8 40
E. S. Locke, zinc and labor. 1 ao
Chas. Hudson, case 'rim vs. Hudson. 482 44
J. R. Reed, account 'l'own 13y -Laws .. 4 65
$2,975 84
as
Amount carried forward,
19 20
Amount brought forward, $2,975 84 STREET LAMPS.
Flagg Bros., repairing hearse 148 6o
O. W. Kendall, hearse hire &c 8 30 RECEIPTS.
Estate of T. H. Packard, burying horsy 2 vo Appropriated and assessed for 1878 1,600 00
R. Sherburne, glass 36 i6 Amount expended 1,252 94
J. S. Merriam, labor and st0 k 136 05 Balance unexpended 347 06 9 15
Horatio Wellington, 95 tons coal 342 75 --- $r,600 ov
M. O'Iirine labor on common 18 �5 EXPENDITURES.
G. A. Sumerby, services in Tidd case iso 0o Lexington Gas Co... 44r z
Hunneman & Co., repairs &c 85 64 Globe Gas Light Co450157-
0
A. Wilbur & Co., slate and nails 5 to
C. G. Kauffman 240 00
John Chisholm, repairing pump 3 30 Oliver Brown.. .. 5
J. Woodard, charcoal 7 50 John Harrington 2
Thos. Hall, thermometer. 4 00 L. A. Saville, glass. 1 89
J. E. Severance, gas fixtures and labor 23 53
N. C. Warren & Co,, brass knob 88 $I,252 94
W. A. Martin, porcelain plates 2 Do STATE AID.
M. C. 1Varren & Co., hardware 9 21
L. Lawrence, covering doors.. 11 67 RECEIPrs,
A. G. Babcock, stationery 45 Appropriated and assessed for 1878 $4-0 00
C. G. Kaufman, janitor 9 oo v
M. R. Warren repairing stamp 2 75 Received from the State 370 00
John 1'. Reed, appraising at poor farm 3 oo — $370 oa
Fairbanks, Brown & Co., repairing scales2 95 Total Receipts $$$8345:00o
8z0 00
Abram French, chimneys, wicks, Sze 7 70
Chas. Blodgett, appraising at poor farm 3 0o Amount expended. 358 50
R. W. Holbrook, sundries 8 72 balance unexpended 461 50
G. L. Peirce, sundries for Village hail 37 25 82o 00
T. F3.. Bowen, removing snow at cemeteryr 6o
EXPEND(
J. S. Merriam, painting &c 4 50
L. A. Saville, oil, glass and putty. 6 45 Mary S. Manning 48 ao
" repairing flag, books &c so 57 G. A. Page. - 72 00
Overseers Poor teaming coal. 75 00 J. A. Mitchell 49 50
Wm. Locke, Village Hall 20 00
Emily Earle 4g 00
Thomas Burke 72 00
$4,365 12 Lydia Kenniston 48 ❑❑
Eli Simonds, guardian 24478128
1 00
$358 50
21
INTEREST ACCOUNT.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Interest on 'faxes overdue 39 90
" " County Tax r r 28
" Pf Bank Deposits 5 28
Excess of payments over receipts.
Amount of expenditures
EXPENDITURES.
$3,500 00
$3,556 46
11271
$3,669 17
3,669 17
--- $3,66917
Gammell Legacy 35 00
Cemetery Trust Funds 24 oo
State Treasurer. 1,650 00
Plymouth Savings Bank 412 50
Trustees of Cary Library " 300 00
Estate of Geo. Holden 861 oo
Richardson; Hill & Co 325 00
Commonwealth National .Bank 20 67
Otis Wentworth to 00
C. T. West 3 67
First National Bank 27 33
SPECIAL DRAINAGE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended
$3,b69 17
$823 36
823 36
$823'3G
22
EXPENDITURES,
'timothy Eaton
W. R. Cutter
Samuel B. Rindge
John Osborn
Reed & Raymund
Nichols Locke
Nancy Stevens.
H. 13. Brigham
James E. Foster.
Caroline W. Gould
J. L. Norris
G. Swan .
L. Prosser
Joseph Eaton
H. XV. Holmes
REMOVING SNOW.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Balance unexpended
Amount expended
EXPENDITURES.
James Clifford
M. H. Roberts
Wm. Murphy
P. Keating, jr
N. Shea
A. Manning
A. J. Clough
John Hart
John Buckley
Anaaunat carried far -want,
r d 00
20 00
70 00
166 6T
25 00
1167
3 33
21 67
99 00
58 34
41 67
93 34
83 33
40 00
73 34
2263,4
273 66
6 75
t 7 05
12 12
to 65
9 38
6 oo
5 25
5 25
1 12
$73 57
$823 36
$500 00
$500 00
23 24
Amount brought forward, $138 45 CARY LIBRARY REPAIRS.
F. W. Chaloner.. 6 o0
RECEIPTS.
James King 5 25
L. J. Smith 5 25 Appropriated and assessed far 1378
Otis Harrington i 12
M. Carroll, 2d 8 25 Amount expended so o0
John Osborn 32 99
Henry Jewett. ..... 3 0a re7CYEND11UR1S
T. Kinneen 27 75
U. A. 'Tuttle, book -case &c 5o 00
Geo. F. Chapman . 13 43
Wm. W. Hartwell 14 00
C. Wellington ro 5o
P. Powers 4 65
TREASURER OF CARY LIBRARY.
Richard Dunn 3 90
Geo. W. Jameson 2 25 RECEIPTS.
Alden Jameson r 5o
A. N. 'Tufts 8 75 Appropriated and assessed for 1878
C. M. Parker.20 00 Amount expended. 50 00
John P. Reed 5 25
A. B. Smith 125
EXPEND I TURES.
Overseers of Poor... 12 00
Highway Surveyors. r3 0o Wm. R. Cutter, 'Treasurer 5o 00
$273 66
SCHOOL COMM I'I'TE E.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for r 878
Amount expended
E. S. Elder
W. R. Cutter
J. R. Reed
EXPENDITURES.
300 00
100 00
r00 00
10000
$300 00
SEXTON
P.ECE[YTS
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
8300 00 Amount expended 45 00
Balance unexpended 3o 00
$3,00 00
EXPENDITURES.
O. W. Kendall, attending 35 funerals and
returning 40 deaths 45 00
$5o o0
$50 00
$50 oa
$50 00
$50 00
850 00
$75 00
$75 00
845 00
Assessed for 1878
Expenditures
25
STATE TAX.
RECEIPTS.
$1,630 00
1,63o 00
$1,630 00
EXPENDITURES.
State Treasurer 1,63o 00
CONSTABLE AND POLICE.
RECEIPTS.
• Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended 119 40
Balance unexpended 18o 6o
EXPENDITURES.
Walter Wellington.
G. Kauffman
Geo. M. Litchfield
T. H. Bowen
Eli Simonds notifying town and drawing jurors
C° " miscellaneous services
AUDITORS
RECEIPTS,
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
$300 00
$300 00
34 40
5 00
15 00
5 00
39ao
2I 00
-- $119 40
41 50
3 50
$45 00
$4500
26 •
EXPENDITURES.
G. Swan r6 50
Alvah C. Stone
ENGINE HOSE.
RECEIPTS.
25 00
$41 50
Appropriated and assessed for 1878 $600 00
Amount expended 600 oo
EXPENDITURES.
Samuel Eastman & Co Goo 00
ASSESSORS.
REZEIPIS,
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDrruRES.
417 25
7 75
J. F. Simonds. 15o 00
H. B. Davis 125 00
Walter Wellington. 125 00
Aaron A. Gay, stationery 7 25
A. W. Phillips, horse -hire to on
$Goo 00
$600 00
$425 00
$425 00
$417 25
27
RANDALL'S BRIDGE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1378
Amount expended.
Balance unexpended.
82 32
r 17 68
$200 00
$200 00
28
EXPENDrrUR£S
J. F. Ham to April 1, 1878
J. Chisholm to March r, 1878
BILLS PAYAI3I.E.
RECEIPTS.
35 00
35 00
ti7o 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1878, Centen-
EXPE_ND1TURES.
nial Loan $2,oco 00
Stetson & Pope, lumber 7 r 97. Borrowed First National Bank March 29, 1878 2,000 00
L. A. Saville, spikes. 1 60 National Bank of Commonwealth,
S. Butters, labor 8 75 May 25, 1878 2,000 00
$82 32 Borrowed C. T. West, H)<ay 25, 1878.. Soo 00
" Otis Wentworth, Nov. r r8 8
9, 7 2,000 00 ;56,5oo 00
CARY LIBRARY.
RECEIPTS.
EXPENDITURES.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878 z5o 0o March 29, 1878, Richardson Hill& Co., Note
Dog Tax for 1877... 32085 Centennial Loan 2,000 00
$570 85 July zo, 1878 First National Bank, Note
Amount expended . 551 35 March 29, 1878 2,000 00
Balance unexpended. 19 50 July 23, 1878, Chas. T. West, Note May 25,
$570 85 1878. 500 00
Aug. 7,1878, National Bank ofCominonweaith,
EXP1: N DI ruREs.
Note May 25, 1878 2,000 00
Grace S. Wellington, librarian 224; 00 Dec. 7, 1878, Otis Wentworth, Note Nov. 19,
S. G. Smith, clock. 6 So 1878. 2,000 00
W. R. Cutter, Treasurer Dog Tax for 1877.. 320 85
---- 8551 35
RINGING CHURCH BELLS.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended
70 00
DECORATION DAY.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended 82 00
870 no Balance unexpended r8 00
$70 on
$8,500 00
$8,5oo 00
$ I 00 00
$roto 00
29
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. H. Jackson, Lexington Brass Band
James Comley, 9 wreaths
G. P. Wentworth, 9 wreaths
C. S. Parker, printing
L. G. Babcock, sundries
Hyer Bro's, flags
Lamprell & Marble, flags
Col. Wm. Beal, loan of flags
25 00
20 00
20 00
5 25
3 75
1 00
2 o0
5 00
REPAIRS OF BABCOCK ENGINE.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
Brooks, Rushton & Co., express. .
A. A. Dean & Son, smithing.
F. C. Bartlett, painting.
Q. Bicknell, jr., labor
Scranage I3ro's & Cook, repairs.
A. L. Ball, labor and soda bags
COUNTY TAX.
RECEIPT'S.
Assessed for 187$
EXPENDITURES.
49 15
85
3 05
1 00
25 00
2 00
T4 85
3 25
$82 00
$5 0 or)
$50 00
$49 15
$1,r77 45
30
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873
Amount expended
Balance unexpended
EXPENDITURES.
300 00
200 00
L N. Damon for x877 Too 00
" " 1878
TOWN CLERK.
RECEIPTS.
200 00
Appropriated and assessed for 1878
Amount expended too oa
EXPENDITURES.
$500 00
$5oo 00
300 00
$T00 n0
$100 00
L. A. Saville, services 1 year zoo on
------ $ I00 00
CEMETERY TRUST FUND.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received previous to 1878
Received during 1878, from estate of Eliab
Brown, for care of Lot a 7
Mrs, O. A. Dodge for care of Lot 3o
Nathan Fessenden " " " 73
INCOME.
150 00
100 00
I 50 00
Winning Fund, Lot 47 18 00
Paid County Treasurer 1,177 45 I. B. Smith " " 69 6 00
$1,177 45
$400 00
$400 00
$24 00
L. Witherell, labor Lot 47.
31
EXPENDITURES.
T. H. Bowen, care Lot 47 1x 4 50
4 00
44 C4 69
Total expenditures 21 93
Balance unexpended
GAMMELL LEGACY.
REL'.EIPT5.
Interest on S50o to July 23, 1878
Unexpended balance for x877 deposited in
Lexington Savings hank
EXPENDITURES.
AUDITOR'S BALANCE SHEET.
DR.
Cash on hand February 1, 1878. $2,688 22
" Deposit in Lexington Savings Bank. z6 63
School Grant and School Fund 10,202 87
Fire Department, deficiency appropriation 753 00
1,200 OD
2,996 17
2,589 75
3,556 46
Contingent . . • • • 9,673 36
Street Lamps 1,600 0o
State Aid and amount from State820 00
Cemetery Trust Funds 400 00
Income of Cemetery Trust Funds. 24 00
Gammell Legacy. 35 00
500 00
300 00
50 00
50 00
57° 85
Sexton appropriation.... 75 00
State Tax. 1,630 0o
County Tax. 1,177 45
Constable and Police appropriation 300 00
Auditor 45 00
Engine Hose 600 o0
Ringing Church Bells 70 00
Bilis payable, temporary loan and appropriation 8,5oo 00
Assessors 425 00
Randall's Bridge " 200 00
Decoration Day 100 00
Repairs of Babcock Engine 5o oo
Treasurer and Collector 500 00
Town Clerk 100 00
Special Drainage
823 36
Abatement of Taxes 500 00
Discount on " " Soo 00
" " appropriation
2 07 Support of boor, appropriation and sundry receipts
$24 0o Highways " " "
Interest
35 00
37 83
Mrs. Pierce & Mrs. Bryant, sundries. 15 95
C. H. Low II 44
Geo. C. Goodwin & Co 2 00
L. A. Saville 2 62
Total expenditures
Unexpended balance, Lexington Savings Bank
" Town Treasury.
32 01
37 83
2 99
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
RR:E11'ls.
Appropriated and assessed for t 878
No abatements for 1878 returned by Treas-
urer and Collector
DISCOUNT ON TAXES.
RECEIPTS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1878.
Amount expended.
Balance unexpended
744 05
55 95
$72 83
$72 83
$500 00
„'1800 00
.4 a
Removing Snow appropriation .
School Committee
Cary Library repairs
" " Treasurer "
" Dog Tax and appropriation
$800 00 $53932 12
School Grant
AUDITOR'S BALANCE SHEET.
CR.
Fire Department deficiency
•f i[
Support of Poor
Street Lamps
State Aid
Cemetery Trust Fund
Gammell Legacy
Highways
Removing Snow
School Committee
Cary Library repairs
" Treasurer. -
44 ..
Sexton
State Tax
County Tax
Constable and Police • • • •
Auditors
Engine Hose
Ringing Church Bells
Bills Payable
Assessors
Randall's Bridge
Decoration I)ay
F xpenditures... .
Repairing Babcock Engine .
Treasurer and Collector.
Town Clerk
Special Drainage
Interest
Discount on Taxes
Uncollected "
Contingent.
Cash on hand.
Cash in Lexington Savings Bank
PP
44
44
411
f'
44
4-
$9,435 72
753 0O
174 07
2,683 04
1,252 94
358 50
21 93
32 of
2,280 29
273 66
300 00
50 00
5000
551 35
45 00
1,630 00
1,177 45
119 40
4r 50
600 oo
70 00
8,500 00
417 25
82 32
82 oo
49 15
300 00
100 00
823 36
3,669 17
744 05
5,550 30
4,365 12
7,311 71
37 83
$53,932 12
34
REMARKS.
In snaking up our Balance Sheet we differ from the Treasurer as to
the amount of cash on hand at the end of the year, Thirty-five
dollars.
This will be found in the Gammell Legacy account, where the
Treasurer charges himself with having received the income of Gam-
mell Legacy, but does not credit himself with having paid it from
any other grant.
We would recommend that the Town in making the appropriation
for interest, to raise a sufficient amount to pay the interest on Gam-
mell Legacy and Cemetery Trust Funds, as this seems to be the
must proper grant from which to pay them.
GERSHOM SWAN,
cHAs r
WEST,
T.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1878-9.
SELECTMEN, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. AND SURVEYORS OF HIGHWAYS.
WEBSTER SMITH, ALBERT W. BRYANT,
O'I'IS WENTWORTH.
TOWN CLERK.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
ASSESSORS.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS, WALTER WELLINGTON,
HORACE B. DAVIS.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
ISAAC N. DAMON.
CONSTABLES.
ELI SIMONDS, WAL'T'ER WELLINGTON.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
JAMES RUSSELL REEI7,
REV. E. S. ELDER
WILLIAM R. CUTTER,
AUDITORS.
Term expires March, t881,
[i i[
1880.
1879.
CHARLES T. WEST, GERSHOM SWAN.
36
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
T. H. BOWEN, Term expires March, 1881.
THOMAS G. HOVEY, `• ti rs80.
Mr. Hovey resigned in April, 1878 on account of ill health.
LORING S. PIERCE, Was chosen to fill vacancy.
LORIN WETHERELL, Term expires March 1879.
FENCE VIEWERS.
B. 'I' BA'ECHELLER, HOWLAND HOLMES,
WALTER WELLINGTON.
FIELD DRIVERS.
JAMES A. MITCHELL, JOHN CALDWELL,
ARTHUR JEWETT.
WEIC14F:R AND SOPER1N'FENDE_NT OF TOWN SCALES.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
WESO[IFR OF COAL AND HAY.
R. W. HOLBROOK.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
L. A. SAVILLE, H. B. DAVIS,
AUGUSTUS CHILDS.
F. V. BUTTERS,
SEXTON AND SURVEYOR OF LUMBER.
O. W. KENDALL.
SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER WITHOUT PAY.
ELI SIMONDS.
REPORT
EW THE
SCHUOL CU\[\IIT1'EE
4P 'CHF:
TOWN OF LEXINGTON,.
FOR THE YEAR 1878-79.
LAWRENCE:
PHEN'CRE1 RV ElA►iIA N i;EY,is.
r879.
REPORT.
The School Committee of Lexington submit the
following report :
At the annual meeting on March 4., x878, the town
voted to appropriate, as recommended by the Com-
mittee, for the support of public schools, the ensuing
year. the following sums :
For instruction, fuel and care of rooms, $9,000 o0
" incidentals and repairs, 700 00
" ventilation and new furnace For High School, 300 00
Town appropriation, . $10,000 00
Received from State School Hund, $202 87
" of scholars for repair of broken glass 50.
Total, . $7o,ao3 37..
The Committee are $564.29 within their appropria-
tion, or 767.66 within their resources.
Bills have been approved by them for 1878-79, as
follows :
Instruction.
Fuel, .
Care of rooms, . .
Repairs and incidentals,
Ventilation and new furnace,
In detail as follows :
Instruction,
Fuel,
Care of rooms,
Repairs, &.c.,
instruction,
Fuel,
Care of rooms, .
Repairs, &c., .
I nstrue tion,
Fuel,
Care of rooms. .
Repairs, &c., .
ADAMS' SCH111H,.
- $1,500 00
77 74
83 50
172 66
11UWI1rrCH set -Fool,.
PRA ANK..IY S1:S1(1111.,
$450 O0
21 07
22 75
i8 37
$400 00
35 81
22 50
17 02
87'.383506434
353804 316
364 97
697 76
ars 50
59.435 71
$1,833 90
12 19
$475 33
11AN&:( MAC St -;J )01.
Instruction,
Fuel,
Care of rooms, .
Repairs. &c.. .
HIGH Sr:Fl001-
I nstruction
Fuel,
('are of rooms, .
}repairs, &c., -
HU�1;aRU scntu111..
Instruction,
Fuel, •
('are of rooms,
Repairs, &c., -
S,V ARRF.N SCHOOL.
Instruction,
Fuel, .
Care of rooms_, .
Repairs, &c.,
Instruction in music,
Not classified, .
Amount of tills approved for 1878-79,
$2,110 37
76 39
94 bo
17357
52.454 93
$2.228 75
go 47
97 37
315 40
$400 00
18 00
20 00
52 99
$475 00
33 88
24 25
131 75
$241 00
31 50
$2,731 99
s
At a meeting of the Committee on March 6th, the
Rev. E. S. Elder was chosen chairman, and W. R.
Cutter secretary. The Committee organized for the
management of the agency for the sale of school books,
and herewith submit a report.
The Treasurer appointed by the Committee debits
himself as foliows :
Cash received of Grace S. Wellington, Agent,
Cash received of town of Lexington for text
books and sundry articles furnished, .
Balance from last account,
And credits himself with :
Payment for books and other articles fur-
nished the schools,
Services of Agent,
¢yo gg Other expenses,•.
By cash on hand at date,
$357 32
Go 04
6 ti
$358 54
42 72
8 30
13 91
$423 47
8423 47
W. R. CUTTER, Treasurer.
8664 88 Correct and properly vouched
8271 50
• $9,435 71
E. S. ELDER,
JAMES RUSSELL REED. } Auditors.
Lexington, Feb. 1, 1879.
The whole number of school children, May 1, as re-
ported by the Assessors, is 449.
At the examination for admission to the High School,
of fifteen applicants three were rejected after examina-
tion.
Admitted without conditions,
From Adams School,
" Hancock School, .
" Franklin School, .
2
2
Admitted with one condition, 4
From Adams School, .
" Hancock School, .
" Franklin School, .
2
Admitted with two conditions, 3
From Adams School,
" Hancock School, .
2
The names of the graduating class of the High School
for 1878, were Harry Louis Alderman, Fabius Edwin
Elder, Albert Knox Hill, Abbott Stanton Mitchell,
Mary Ellen Paine, Charles Barnes Pierce, William
Wadsworth Reed, Emma Florence Smith.
In September Mr. Livermore, assistant in the High
School, resigned, and his place was filled by the ap-
pointment of Mr. E. N. Lovering. Miss F. A. Hutch-
inson, teacher of the Hancock Intermediate school, re-
signed in November, and Miss Ellen E. Harrington
was appointed in her place, and Miss Amelia M. Mul-
liken elected teacher of the school which . had been
under the care of Miss Harrington.
The Committee have put a new furnace in the
High School, and repaired the ventilators in all the
Schools, as provided by town appropriation. They
have also had painted the outside of the Adams School
House, and the fence at the Hancock School, and
changed the desks from double to single at the Warren
School.
Nearly all of the needed information in regard to the
schools is contained in the foregoing account of expen-
ditures, and in the tabular statement annexed.
The corps of teachers, twelve in number, beside the
teacher of Music, remains as it was last .',ear with
the exception of two. Mr. Livermore, assistant in the
High School resigned, and Mr. Lovering, a graduate of
Harvard, was appointed to fill the vacancy. By his
interest and enthusiasm in his work and careful prep-
aration, he gives promise of becoming a very efficient
teacher. Miss Hutchinson after six years of service in
the Hancock Intermediate resigned, and Miss Har-
rington of the Primary was promoted. Miss Mulliken,
a graduate of the Lexington High School and the
Boston Normal School, was appointed teacher in the
Hancock Primary Of our teachers one has taught
twelve years ; one nine years ; one seven years ; one
five years, and others for four years. We attribute the
steady progress of our schools in no slight degree to
the fact that our teachers remain in the same school
long enough to become acquainted both with the
scholars and parents.
It is gratifying to the Committee to be able to say
that without exception our teachers are hard working,
9
faithful and efficient. They are not only earning all
they receive, but are deserving of the hearty apprecia-
tion and gratitude of the town for their unwearying
faithfulness.
Of all public servants, of all who work for the
public, none are more conscientious, more faithful in
the discharge of their duties, more interested in and.
devoted to their work than the teachers in our public
schools.
Every one of our schools has made commendable
progress during the year. It is unnecessary to repeat
what has been said of teachers in previous reports.
Suffice it to remark that our teachers have done as
good work this year as ever before. Miss Paul in
the Warren School has accomplished more than in any
previous year, though it may be that the hard work of
previous years has contributed to the marked progress
during the last year.
Miss Bryant of the Franklin School, aided by her
Normal School instruction, is working with a definite-
ness of aim, a clearness of method, and persistency of
purpose that will insure the highest order of success.
Her pupils are expected and assisted to comprehend
everything they go over in their lessons. And here it
may be remarked that teachers are not to be satisfied
with merely correct answers to questions, such an-
swers as are in the book. They are expected to
see to it that scholars comprehend the answers which
they give.
The instruction in the High School is deserving of
special notice for its accuracy and thoroughness. Dur -
10
ing the year these have been tested by the examina-
tions for admission to Harvard. College. While it is
not proposed to fit students for any college, yet
through the thoroughness of the instruction, and the
gratuitous labors of the teachers out of school hours,
one of the Graduating Class, Albert K. Hill, passed a
satisfactory examination, in nine of the sixteen subjects
upon which students are examined for admission to
Harvard College. When it is remembered that those
who applied passed in everything which they had
studied under the instruction of Mr. Dwelley, the
principal of the High School, their success may be con-
sidered an excellent criterion of the efficiency of the
school.
The fact that an effort was made last year to reduce
the school appropriations necessitates a word regarding
the needs of the schools for the current year.
It is of course the duty of the Committee to judi-
ciously expend as much of the money appropriated as
may be necessary, and while the Committee are in a
position to know the actual needs of the schools, it is
for the voters to determine the amount of money to be
raised.
The Committee is fully aware of the necessity of
retrenchment, and is ready to reduce the expenses
wherever it can be done without injustice to the hard-
working corps of teachers, or injury to the schools.
We feel morally bound to keep the expenditures within
the limits of the appropriation, save when unusual con-
tingencies may prevent.
In asking for only $8,800, we ask for a sum barely
sufficient to cover the expenses of the schools, after
11
•
making every deduction that justice to the teachers
and the interests of the schools will allow. It is to be
borne in mind that salaries have already been reduced.
It may be worth while to call to mind the reductions
in the general appropriations made byrecommendations
of the School Board, and also the particular reductions
of salaries made by thein. Within a very few years
the town has appropriated more than $13,000 in a
single year ; a large proportion of which was expended
in needed repairs. Less than two-thirds of the sum
raised in 1874 is asked for now. The cost of instruc-
tion in the High School has been reduced from $2,862,
paid in 1876, to $1,95o, or nearly 30 per cent,
While the number of classes in the Adams Grammar
School have increased through the discontinuance of
the Intermediate, and the number of scholars has in-
creased from thirty-nine to fifty, the salary of the
teacher has been reduced 20 per cent.
These instances of reductions are sufficient to show
the disposition of the School Committee to take the
lead in the necessitated retrenchment.
There is one question pertaining to High Schools
which, while it has long been considered and pon-
dered over by some, has of late, owing, perhaps, to the
critical and self -examining spirit which has been one
of the outgrowths of the " hard tunes," been brought
more prominently before the public. It presents it-
self in two ways : i st. Whether scholars seeking a
higher education should, as a matter of justice to the
public, obtain that education at the .public expense.
2d. Whether it is advantageous to the scholar to be
12
able to obtain a higher education without specially
paying for it, and whether it does not, when obtained,
unfit its owner for the steady, every -day toil by which
man must earn his daily bread, and render him discon-
tented with the station in life which he must fill. Both
sides of this question can be argued at great length ;
on both sides innumerable examples can be produced,
both of boys and girls, men and women, to show that
a free higher education can be either a blessing or a
curse.
In spite of all that can or has been said to the con-
trary, the tendency, throughout this State at least, has
been for many years to constantly raise the limit of free
education ; the old-fashioned academy, with its endow-
ment fund to be sure, but requiring a tuition fee from
each scholar, has, in most places, either been supplant-
ed by the High School, or changed into a school of
special training. The High School itself, in turn, has
had its course of study enlarged year after year, until
it has seemed, and truly so, that the veneering polish
on our boys and girls must have been acquired at the
expense of the solid material within. From this point,
during the last few years, there has been a general and
most healthy reaction. The Principal of the leading
free school in the State would no longer blush with
conscious shame before the German Professor, who, on
looking over his printed course of study required by
the school board, remarked in amazement : " Is it pos-
sible that you teach all this to school boys ? " We may
fairly hope that this superficial, showy learning has dis-
appeared for good.
But the question as to the limit of a solid, useful
13
education, acquired at the public expense, still remains,
and must for the present be settled by the citizens of
each town separately. Your Committee trust that they
are carrying out the wishes of the citizens when they
endeavor to keep this limit as high as a reasonable ap-
propriation admits, striving at the same time to im-
press upon the scholars, through the teachers, the facts
that education is but the means to an end ; that no
amount of learning, in itself, places a man above the
humblest occupation, and that where the town has been
so generous to them, she will, in turn, demand much
from their future usefulness as good citizens.
In compliance with the By -Laws concerning truant
children, adopted by the town, Messrs. Eli Simonds
and Walter Wellington, the regularly appointed truant
officers, have made their annual report to the Commit-
tee.
Mr. Wellington states that his services have not been
called for the past year.
Mr. Simonds reports that the number of truants for
the first term was twelve; all of whom through his ef-
forts, and the efforts of parents were returned to school
on the day of truancy or the next day. During the
second term he received notice of seven absentees, but
on investigation their absence was properly accounted
for.
14
ROLL OF HONOR.
Scholars not a/sent or tardy.
ADAMS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
• FOR THE YEAR.—Nellie Fletcher, William Franklin Fletcher,
George Webb. -
FOR A TERM.—Vary Augusta Chalenor, Carlton Childs, Mary
Chisholm, Charles Hadley, Evelyn Hadley, Florence Holbrook, An-
nie Jones, Frank Locke, Henry Webb, William Webb, Eva Whitte-
more.
ADAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL,
FOR THE vEAR.—Arthur 1), Gossom, Julia M. Maynard.
FOR A TER.M.—Mattie Childs, Freddie B. Fletcher, Gordon Frost,
:Bertha Webb, George Webb.
&)WDITCH SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—L. Annette Simonds.
FOR A 'r'ERNI.—Addie A. Fiske, Eliza A. Fitch, Lillian E. Fitch,
John Hinchey, Richard Hinchey, Gertrude A. Ryan, G. Arthur
Simonds, Marion E. Simonds, Fred. L. [Whittemore, Florence R.
Wright.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
FOR A TERM.—John H. Abbott, Richard J. Abbott, John R Con-
don, Eddie E. Cutler, A. Lincoln Shedd, Stephen C. Wright.
HANCOCK GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—Lillie A. Adair, Fred Adams, Eugene Berry,
Alice H. Butters, Fred Emery, Lillian E. F'itch, Elmer Fletcher,
Fred Fowle, Katie L. Keleher, Mattie C. Locke, Mary Ryan, Ma-
rion E. Simonds, Minnie E. Vallette.
Fox A TERM.—George 1'. Conant, Howard Hendley, Maud Miller,
Lillie M. Norris, Lucy G. Porter, Sylvia B. Reed, John Spalding,
Charles Swan.
HANCOCK SUB -GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
FOR T. YEAR.—Bddic Rogers, Josephine Scott.
Fox A n.:RM.—Frederic Adams, Colburn Johnson, Katie Keleher,
Lillie Hillman, Ida Knight, Mattie Locke, Lizzie Manley, Benjamin
Murrey, John Reardon, Emma Ronco, John Ryan, Mary Ryan,
Walter Shaw, Foster Sherburne, Emma Whiting,
HANCOCK INTERMF.DIATE SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—Mary Sullivan.
FOR A TERM.—Cora L. Ball, Michael Collins, Addie E. Peters,
Cora F. Peters, Eddie Rogers, Willie Ryan, Dennis Sullivan.
15
HANCOCK PRFMARY SCHOOL.
FOR A TERM.—Mary Sullivan.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Fox THE YEAR —Andrew J. Adair, Fred E. Butters, Henrietta
Dow, Everett S. Emery, R. Amy Holbrook, Frank H. Reed, Jennie
H. Smith, Stephen C. Wright.
FOR A 'rum.— Hattie E. Adams, Harry L. Alderman, William L.
Barnes, John Buckley, Louis E. Chal-nn_n, William 1). Cliishohn,
Harry W. Davis, Evelyn Flint, William C. Gleason, Charles F.
Gould, Nellie Holbrook, Julia A. Moakley, Abbott S. Mitchell,
Fred G. Reed, William W. Reed, Sarah Ryan, Elsie L. Shaw, Ahbie
C. Smith, Edward Webb.
ISOWARD SCHOOL.
FOR nix V AR.—Emily Ferguson.
FOR A TERM.—George Putnam, Lucy Putnam.
WARREN SCHOOL.
FOR THE YEAR.—Flora Batchelder, Ryland Batchelder, Mary Lin-
ehan, Julia McCaffrey, Mary Jane McCaffrey.
FOR A 'rERM,—Bertha Berry, John Caldwell, John Cowley, Maty
Dunn, John Fisher, Zadock Fox, Mary Ellen Headley, Dennis Mc-
Namara, Nellie 'McNamara, Rosie McNamara.
The Committee have made over two hundred visits
to the schools during the past year.
The Committee ask the town to appropriate for the
support of public schools, the ensuing year, the fol-
lowing sums :
For instruction, fuel and care of rooms, $8,2oo 00
For incidentals and repairs Goa o0
$S,Soo 00
Respectfully submitted,
E. S. ELDER,
W. R. CUTTER,
JAMES RUSSELL REED.
LEXINGTON, February, 1879.
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