Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 11: The Municipality of Taunton, 1924

Within bounds that were set forth originally by Myles Standish and John Brown, of Plymouth, Taunton has gradually built itself a city and secured an enduring place as a progressive community - the only city among all the earlier of the Old Colony plantations. A city that is surely advancing along numerous routes of civic enterprise in recent years, yet still of a conservative modern type, Taunton, at the geographical centre of Bristol county, is proverbially an industrial centre of population, a city of homes and of shops, as well as of business, banking and religious institutions, working along to the best interests of all its citizens. With a population of close to 38,000, and a total valuation of about $38,000,000. Taunton treasures not only its incomparable share in every era of New England's provincial and modern history, but above all else, at the present time, it prides itself in being a cosmopolitan city of enlarging usefulness to its varied citizenship, both in secular and religious matters. From iron to cotton manufacturing, the industries are multiplied, while this yast township territory of nearly fifty square miles, with its riverward opportunity, offer their advantages of constantly increasing value both to home-maker and manufacturer. Just at the present time in its history Taunton is employing close to ten thousand people in one hundred and sixty-seven manufacturing establishments. The annual value of the city's products is over $48,000,000. The water works, the sewerage system, the electric light and power plant - these three items alone place the city comparatively on a par with larger communities. Taunton exists under a more economic government than for years. Its schools, its churches, its public library, its police and fire departments, its playground system, its planning board - all these are distinctively Taunton in their provision for the requirements of the growing city. The county, municipal, church and educational edifices have 'their special architectural attractions. A new and widespread interest in parks has become manifest with the recent acquisition of the Baylies and the William E. Walker Memorial parks. The opportunity secured by the first comers has been strengthened and increased by the generation in which we live.

With the launching of the city upon its destinies, and with those who have shared in directing its course, these annals have to do. The first act of the Legislature of Massachusetts establishing the city of Taunton was passed March 31, 1860, but it was rejected by the people of Taunton April 30, that year. The act for the first charter was passed May 11, 1864, and adopted June 6, the first organization of the city government taking place at Central Hall, June 2, 1865. Hon. Edmund H. Bennett was the first mayor, and James M. Cushman, former town clerk, was elected city clerk. Mayor Bennett, who was judge of probate and insolvency of Bristol county for twenty-five years, was connected with the Boston University Law School from the time of its organization in 1872, and in 1876 he was chosen dean of that school. He was a native of Manchester, Vermont, and came to Taunton in 1848, where he was in law partnership with Nathaniel Morton, Henry Williams, Henry J. Fuller and Frederick §S. Hall. Mayor Bennett was re-elected in 1866, when the city's total valuation was $150,000, the tax rate at that time being $14.30 on $1000, the tax list valuation being $9,346,107.

The city started out with a debt of $112,000, that had been incurred by the town on account of money and supplies advanced families of soldiers in the Civil War, the sinking fund being first created to meet the Civil War debt. In 1866, by amendment to the city charter adopted the first year, a board of three assessors was elected. The salary of the mayor at this time was $600; that of the city solicitor, $400; city treasurer and collector, $1400; city clerk, $750; city marshal, $1000. Edward Mott was the first chief engineer of the fire department, the department property then being valued at $45,000. Samuel D. Godfrey was superintendent of streets, and he reported that seventy-six gas and fluid lamps were then lighting the city. Silas D. Presbrey, M. D., was city physician; the city marshal was Robert Crossman (2nd); L. B. Church was chairman of the committee on poor and almshouse, the first year's expenditure in that department being $8,884.83. John E. Sanford was president of the city council, and Charles L. Lovering was chairman of the finance committee. Mayor Bennett was elected in 1867 for the third time, when the real estate valuation was $6,293,537, and personal property was valued at $3,639,392. Willis Potter was city marshal, and the actual cost of maintaining the police department was $7,074. Lemuel L. Talbot was superintendent of streets, with 274 miles of road to care for. The old Baptist church was fitted up for an armory, at an expense of $2,000. On account of ill health, Mayor Bennett did not finish his third year, and Stephen A. Rhodes, a prominent grocer, was chosen to fill out his unexpired term; and in 1868 Mr. Rhodes was elected to the mayoralty. Later, Mr. Rhodes was made State insurance commissioner, and became president of the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. During this administration, the schedule of the city property showed an increase of $19,261.26. The lot for the central engine house and stable on School street, the engine and school house lots at Hopewell, and the stone crusher and engine and equipment, were all purchased without creating a city debt. George A. Washburn was city treasurer.

Mayor Rhodes was re-elected in 1869, when the central engine house and stable were completed, and the fire department had one of its greatest parades. The administration of 1870 was that of Daniel L. Mitchell, leading druggist, the year that William W. Waterman was appointed superintendent of schools, and when the drawing school was established. A police station and lock-up were provided at a cost of $20,000. Dr. Joseph Murphy was chairman of the board of health, and J. L. Macomber superintendent of streets. Mayor Mitchell was again elected in 1871 and 1872, the fire alarm telegraph first being in operation the latter year, at a cost of $9,200.

Judge William H. Fox became the city's executive head in 1873. A native of Taunton, his service on the district court bench extended over the long period of forty-eight years. He was president of the Bristol County Savings Bank, and during forty years he was a member of the board of trustees of the public library. George H. Babbitt, merchant and business man, was elected mayor in 1874, the city's population then being 21,000, and the tax rate was $12.68 per $1000. No permanent: debt was created, and all loans in anticipation of taxes were paid. John A. Fay and Orvin Ingalls were successive city marshals this year. Again, in 1875, Mr. Babbitt was the city's mayor. A reduction in the total debt of $26,139 was brought about by the purchase of war loans through the sinking fund. Mr. Babbitt was re-elected in 1876, on which date the system of water works was completed at a cost of $293,936.83. Abram Briggs was superintendent of streets. Onias L. Paige, one of the leading dentists in the city, was elected mayor in 1877. 'These were times of great business depression and - industrial decline, when two thousand vagrants were fed annually at the police station. George F. Seaver was city marshal. The new almshouse and stable were completed at a cost of $22,197, Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Leonard being in charge of the city farm.

Mayor Paige was re-elected in 1878, the iron bridge being completed at Weir Village that year, at a cost of $10,000. Daniel L. Mitchell, former mayor, was superintendent of streets, the gas, naphtha and oil lighting of the streets costing $7,397.61. Mayor Paige was again in office in 1879, when the permanent municipal debt was $251,000. Alfred B. Hodges was city marshal, and his assistant was Francis L. Dow. The next year, 1880, Charles F. Johnson was elected mayor. He had taught school in his early years, and in 1868 he was one of the organizers and the president of the Taunton Brick Company. He received re-election in 1881, the year that an increase in the city debt was brought about by the purchase of a site for the proposed city hall, at a cost of $35,000. William D. Marvel donated the fountain for the common. The vote favored license. Again, in 1882, Mr. Johnson was chosen mayor, the year in which a new city charter was enacted by the General Court and adopted by the city council. A new board of overseers of the poor was created, consisting of three persons, to be elected for a term of three years; and a board of health, to be appointed by the mayor and aldermen. Horatio L. Cushman held the mayor's office in 1883. He was a member of the tirm of Anthony and Cushman, tack manufacturers, and an avowed prohibitionist. The city vote was for license. The board of health made its first report this year. In 1884, Charles F. Hanson was elected mayor. James Edward Seaver was city marshal, Francis L. Dow was his assistant, and James Cash captain of the night watch.

Charles F. Hanson, druggist, of the firm of Hanson & Sproat, headed the administration of the city's affairs again in 1885, when the value of public property was scheduled at $2,971,000. This year, the demands upon the poor department were greater than usual, due to the depression in all branches of manufacturing.

Richard Henry Hall was mayor in 1886. Mr. Hall, a graduate of Bristol Academy, trustee of Bristol County Savings Bank and Morton Hospital, devoted himself arduously to the city during this memorable year of the disastrous freshet. Edwin A. Tetlow, the present city clerk (1923) was elected to that office; Francis L. Dow was appointed city marshal, James Cash first assistant, and John G. Hopkins second assistant. Everett D. Godfrey, long an employee at the Taunton Locomotive works, was chief executive in 1887. William H. Bartlett Post, No. 3, G.A.R., erected the soldiers' monument of granite and bronze at Mayflower Hill. This year, Daniel Carey was appointed to the board of overseers of the poor. Again, in 1888, Richard Henry Hall was elected to the mayoralty. A sewerage commission made an examination of the territory upon which the city was built, with reference to the construction of proper outfall main sewers, and Captain George A. King made all levels, profiles and plans therefor. The municipal debt was increased $67,000 for the Dean street bridge, the West Britannia and Shores street schoolhouses, and the engine and police stations in Wards six and eight. The water debt was increased $10,000, and the appropriation for the street department was $11,000. William R. Billings resigned as clerk and superintendent of the water works, and George F. Chase was elected to that office. Richard Henry Hall was again elected mayor in 1889, when the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Taunton was observed, and former Mayor Edmund H. Bennett was the orator. The fire engine houses in Wards six and eight were completed. The soldiers' © memorial tablet in city hall was set up.

Arthur M. Alger, for many years judge of the probate court, was chosen mayor in 1890. Judge Alger was trustee and member of the board of directors of many institutions, and was a valued historical and genealogical writer. The population of the city was 25,389. Alfred B. Hodges was the city marshal, and Abner Coleman was elected chief of the fire depart- ment. William R. Black was superintendent of streets. Francis S. Babbitt, manufacturer of the Babbitt lathe, became the mayor in 1891. George F. Chase was appointed superintendent of the board of water commissioners and Edward L. Redfern. chief engineer. Edward H. Temple was elected city treasurer, and Edward H. Evans city marshal. Mayor Babbitt was re-elected in 1892, the vote this year being for no license. There was a liberal balance in the hands of the treasurer, and an increase of taxable property of $242,800. William Y. Fox, M. D., was chairman of the board of health. Francis S. Babbitt was mayor for the third time in 1893, the year the city accepted the public park act, and commissioners were appointed to maintain parks. Water was introduced from the Lakeville pond; and an appropriation of $15,000 was made for permanent drains and sewers. Taxable property had increased the past year $389,060, this being the largest gain, with the exception of 1890, for the preceding ten years. The vote was for license. Charles L. Johnson was. appointed assessor.

Willis K. Hodgman was elected mayor in 1894. Mayor Hodgman, a capable administrator of the city's affairs, was an inventor of more than ordinary note, he having originated and perfected scores of devices of value to the printing press. The city possessed 168 miles of public streets, 220 miles of sidewalks and twenty-two bridges. License was granted. Charles A. Reed was mayor in 1895, a year in which road building and repairing was a feature of activity. Mr. Reed was for many years a leading attorney; and he was a member of the House in 1881 and 1882, and of the Senate in 1886 and 1887. This year the division of the city into eight wards was re-established and the boundaries defined, the first division having been made in 1864. The public buildings represented a valuation of $344,000. James Edward Seaver was appointed chairman of the board of health. Mrs. Lizzie T. Burt was appointed a member of the board of overseers of the poor. Benjamin Morris, a veteran of the Civil War, and a pension agent, was elected mayor in 1896. He recommended that a special committee, consisting of the mayor and the president of the common council, be appointed to act in conjunction with the street lighting committee, to establish a municipal lighting plant. This year, the city government appropriated $45,000 to build a new front to the city hall; and the steel bridge at Westville was completed. Dr. Elliott Washburn was appointed chairman of the board of health, and Albert M. Clark was chief of police.

Nathaniel J. W. Fish was chosen mayor of the city in 1897, and in July of this year the city came into possession of the plant of the Taunton Electric Lighting Company, and adopted their system for the municipal lighting plant, the city then beginning the business of doing its own street lighting. The State Board of Health gave its approval for a proposed system of sewers and sewage disposal for the city. John H. Church was. superintendent of streets, and Francis S. Babbitt was chief of police. Mayor Fish was re-elected in 1898, and for the first time an appropriation was. made for the engineering department. The total amount appropriated for sewer construction to date had been $100,000. Electric lights were turned on at Weir Village August 17. H. H. Wilcox was appointed inspector of plumbing. The Spanish-American War began in April, this year, Battery F, First Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, entering the service.

Mayor Fish was re-elected in 1899, the city's population at this time being 30,000. Captain George A. King was city engineer. A new engine house and police station were built at East Taunton, at a cost of $15,000. Arthur M. Alger was elected mayor in 1900, the year in which the contract was made for the Robert Treat Paine monument. Henry A. Thayer, president of the board of sewer commissioners, died June 25, and he was succeeded by Walter Carter. John G. Hopkins, captain of the police force, died October 23. Francis S. Babbitt, former mayor, was now chief of police. The total valuation of public buildings was $556,000. John O'Hearne was elected mayor in 1901, his inaugural being recalled as a very comprehensive one. The chief of police was Henry A. Hopkins.

Richard E. Warner, prominent stove manufacturer, was chosen for the mayoralty in 1902, the city's assessed real estate valuation then being $21,172,562. The Lothrop soldiers' monument was erected on the common; the site of the Carnegie library building was purchased; the purchase of the land and part building of the municipal lighting plant was made, the Y. M. C. A. building was constructed on Cohannet street, and the Huber- Hodgman printing press plant was built, on Weir street. Charles E. Dunbar was chief of police. In the second year of his administration, 1903, Mr. Warner advocated revision of the city charter, and the municipal lighting plant was completed. George A. King was elected clerk and superintendent of the water works.

In 1904, Mr. Warner again mayor, the municipal lighting plant had begun to surmount many of its most difficult problems. On the board of health, Dr. Frank A. Murphy succeeded Dr. Shannahan as city physician. The Carnegie public library was opened November 30. The Robert Treat Paine monument was unveiled. John B. Tracy was city solicitor and Alonzo K. Crowell was city engineer. The administration of John H. Eldridge, silver plate manufacturer, as mayor, began in 1905, the city's population then being 30,967, and the assessed valuation $21,744,671. Grade crossing plans were discussed by the railroad company and the city officials. James Cash was chief of police, Augustus J. Macdonald was deputy, and the captain was William B. Webster. Under the administration of Mayor John B. Tracy, attorney, in 1906, the tax rate was reduced from $20.20 to $19. The mayor made a great plea for the publicity of the city's attractions and advantages. The income of the municipal lighting plant had increased 150 per cent. Michael J. McAloon was appointed assessor. The chief of police was Lemuel P. Gammons. In the second year of Mayor Tracy's administration, the total valuation of the city was $21,184,250; the total value of public buildings was $586,000. Edgar L. Crossman, present Bristol county treasurer, was mayor in 1908, and the voters accepted the act obligating the city to provide playgrounds for children after July 1. The municipal lighting plant was recorded as self-supporting, and city lights were being maintained without cost to the city. N. J. W. Fish was chief of police. During Mr. Crossman's second year as mayor, in 1909, the legislature passed the act for the second city charter; the present police station was started on the site of the old structure; the bridge at Adams street was built at a cost of $11,152. The appropriation for the poor department was $19,000, the lowest since the first year of the organiza-

The first mayor under the charter under which the city is working at present was William S. Woods, elected in 1910. The police took possession of their new building November 7, Harrie L. Blood being chief of police. In 1911, Mr. Woods mayor, the city installed the system of bookkeeping as adopted by the bureau of statistics. The appropriation for streets and bridges was $25,000. Mr. and Mrs. Allen A. Thayer succeeded Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Harvey in the management of the City Home. Nathaniel J. W. Fish was again elected mayor in 1912, when the appropriation for the Hopewell school was made. The municipal lighting plant paid from its earnings the operating expenses, depreciation and the interest on bonds, and had a cash balance of $3,612.15. Norris O. Danforth was appointed chief of police. In Mayor Fish's (1913) administration, the law was passed establishing the new system of municipal finance. George C. Morse was appointed on board of assessors. Lewis A. Hodges was appointed city treasurer. In 1914, N. J. W. Fish mayor, John E, Fitzgerald was appointed city auditor. The department of the overseers of the poor cost $40,000. Mr. Fish was again mayor in 1915, when the Chamber of Commerce had a well organized program.

J. William Flood was elected mayor in 1916. The city spent $25,000 for highway improvement; the police pension act was adopted by the city and the office of inspector of milk was established. The business of the municipal lighting plant had increased 40 per cent. Fred P. Conefy was appointed chief of police. While Mr. Flood was mayor again in 1917, the country entered the World War. April 6, the Public Safety Committee was organized, and preparations were made that the city might do its share in the conflict. The street department spent the sum of $58,000, and a special appropriation of $4000 was made for the police department, and a new patrol and ambulance and a touring and motor car were installed. Charles H. Macomber was appointed on the board of overseers of the poor. In 1918, Mr. Flood mayor, the World War was on, as recorded in another chapter. The epidemic, mostly of influenza, was the cause of 948 deaths in this city. A tuberculosis dispensary was established at City Hall. The mothers' aid of the poor department was now costing the city $11,387. With the close of the war, in 1919, Mr. Flood mayor, the rapidly increasing tax rate was one of the municipal problems; there was much popular dissatisfaction with the municipal lighting plant. Streets had been constructed - with light top and no foundation, and were unable to bear the strain of heavy traffic. There was increased necessity for a new bridge at Neck-o'- Land.

In 1920, the former lieutenant of the Ninth Company, Leo H. Coughlin being mayor, increase in wages caused the raising of almost $23,000 more than in 1919; for the fire department $36,000 additional, due to the adoption of the two-platoon system; for the school teaching force, $55,000. The police signal system was put in operation, and policemen on motorcycles began to patrol the streets. James P. Crowley was appointed chief of police. John F. Gottschalk was elected to the board of overseers of the poor. Mayor Coughlin, in his second year as mayor, 1922, made an avowed and successful effort to check the rise in the cost of doing munici- pal business, and among other matters, a policy was adopted of awarding contracts to low bidders. The inaugural address was marked by practical foresight, and economy became the rule. John R. Scanlan, superintendent of buildings, reported that the total valuation of public buildings was $2,235,896.25. The World War soldiers' memorial tablet was erected in the city hall opposite that of the Civil War tablet. The pepulation of the city (United States census of 1920) was 37,137. Albert Fuller was city solicitor. Edwin G. Hopkins was superintendent of streets. Francis P. Callahan, Richard Wastcoat and James P. Whitters were appointed electric light commissioners, and the equipment at the plant was greatly improved. In 1922, Leo H. Coughlin mayor, plans were drawn by Engineer Alonzo K. Crowell for the proposed cement bridge at Neck-o'-Land. The proposed Southeastern Massachusetts Water Supply District was the most important matter involving the city for consideration this year. Improvements were under way at the Central passenger station. Thirty-two mothers were now receiving aid through the poor department, at an annual cost of $22,000. In 1923, Leo H. Coughlin mayor, Joseph P. McKenna was elected a member of the board of assessors, and Joel A. Thayer was appointed superintendent of streets. The new Neck-o'-Land bridge was built in 1923.

The present Taunton has arisen from that old settlement of 1637, the town being recognized as such by the Plymouth Court in 1630. From the time of William Parker, town and city have had their keepers of records, their town and city clerks, and from the first days of the settlement Taunton has been represented at provincial and State courts. The first election of a town clerk here was that of Shadrach Wilbore, in 1664. Wilbore was prototype of the independent American-to-be, for, on account of his rebellious spirit manifested when the odious Governor Sir Edmond Andros levied his unjust taxation, he spent five weeks in jail. In rotation the clerks of the town have been as follows: William Parker, keeper of records in 1645; Oliver Purchis, "Town Clarke," 1654-1665; Shadrach Wilbore, 1665-1695; Thomas Williams, 1695-1702; Thomas Leonard, 1702-1708; John Wilbore, 1708-1725; Benjamin Wilbore, 1725-1740; James Williams, Sr., 1740-1744; James Williams, Jr., 1774-1821; Alfred Williams, 1821-1835; Edmund Anthony, 1835-1845; Francis $. Monroe, 1845; James P. Ellis, 1846- 1855; William Brewster, 1855-1858; Henry C. Porter, 1858-1862; James M. Cushman, 1862-1865. Mr. Cushman was elected the first city clerk, and he so remained until his retirement from public office in 1886, when Edwin A. Tetlow was chosen for that office.

Before any law had been passed requiring the appointment of selectmen, Taunton, in 1645, had chosen seven men to administer town affairs, namely, Henry Andrews, George Hall, Edward Case, William Parker, Otis Olney, John Strong, Richard Williams, Walter Deane; and since the year 1638, Taunton has been represented at the courts of the Province and State, the first of the long line of deputies having been William Poole, brother of Elizabeth Poole, John Gilbert and Henry Andrews.

The early town meetings were held in the church, or meeting house, as it was appropriately called, up to 1746, the date of the establishment here of the court house. For a time the meetings were convened there, later at Academy hall, at Mason's hall or at Taunton Hotel. A town hall of brick was built in 1816, where the Robert Treat Paine monument now stands.

That structure having outgrown its uses, the building that is the rear of the present City Hall was erected in 1848. When the town became a city, in 1864, the lower story was arranged into apartments for the use of the city government.

The Neck-o'-Land and its neighborhood in former days was the business section of the town, long before the building of the steam railroads. Here, and up and down the Taunton river, were built landings and wharves, that of Jonah Austin, in 1661, being the first; later on, in that vicinity, those of John Richmond and Captain John Smith. In 1667 the first bridge was built at Neck-o'-Land, a drawbridge, the last drawbridge here being removed early in the eighteenth century. The Macomber or Ingell street bridge, nearby, was first built in 1772 by Stephen Macomber and Nehemiah ' Liscomb. The present cement bridge on Ingell street was constructed in 1921. Shallops and vessels of small dimensions were built here, and a river fleet long gone by carried the freight from brick, lumber and pottery manufacturing places. And even since their day, too, the greater fleet of four and five masters, the deep-water fleet once the possession of Taunton men, have disappeared from the ocean. The new régime of industry and of population have entered and taken the place of the old.