BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASS. IN THE CIVIL WAR
A History Of Massachusetts in the Civil War
by William Schouler published 1871
BERKSHIRE is the most westerly county in
the Commonwealth. It is bounded north by Bennington County, Vermont; west by
Rensselaer and Columbia Counties, New York; south by Litchfield County,
Connecticut; and east by Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties,
Massachusetts. In parts it is rough and hilly, but has many beautiful and
picturesque streams and valleys. The Housatonic and Hoosick are its chief
rivers; the former empties into Long Island Sound, and the latter into the
Hudson River. The Hoosack and Grey-lock, which are partly in the town of Adams,
are its chief mountains. Under the former, a tunnel for a railroad, four miles
in length, is being made; and the latter is the highest land in Massachusetts.
Its largest towns are Pittsfield, the county seat ; and Adams, in which there
are many large and flourishing manufactories. The largest portion of the people,
however, are agriculturists. The Boston and Albany Railroad passes through the
centre of the county, east and west, connecting it with Boston and the Hudson
River. There are several other railroads in the county, which centre at
Westfield.
There are thirty one towns in Berkshire,
but no city. The entire population in 1860 was 55,120, and in 1865 it was
56,960. an increase in five years of only 1,846. The valuation in 1860 was
$24,186,962, and in 1865 it was $27,937,444, being an increase in five years of
$3,750,482.
According to returns made by the selectmen
in 1866 from all the towns in the county, it appears that the whole number of
men furnished by Berkshire for the war was five thousand three hundred and fifty
six, which is not far from the exact number required to be furnished ; but it
cannot have included the surpluses to the credit of which they were entitled.
These surpluses amount to three hundred and eighty eight men. Every town in the
county furnished its full quota of men upon every call made by the President,
and each had a surplus at the end of the war, with the exception of Mount
Washington and Tyringham, and these had the exact number required of them. No
town in Berkshire, nor in the State, fell short of its contingent.
The aggregate expenditure of all the towns
in the county on account of the war, exclusive of the money raised and expended
for State aid to the families of volunteers, was five hundred and ninety
thousand six hundred and ninety seven dollars and nineteen cents ($590,697.19).
The amount raised and expended by all the towns for State aid to the soldiers'
families during the four years of the war, and which was reimbursed by the
Commonwealth, was two hundred and sixty two thousand forty nine dollars and
sixty one cents ($262,049.61), making a grand total of $852,746.80.
The war records of the towns are as follows
ADAMS
Incorporated Oct. 15, 1778. Population in
1860, 6,924; in 1865, 8,298. Valuation in 1860, $2,543,095; in 1865, $3,350,551.
The selectmen in 1861 were Alpheas Smith,
Elisha Kingsley, John W. Richmond ; in 1862 and 1863, Lysander Johnson, Luther
C. Hosmer, John W. Richmond; in 1864, Lysander Johnson, A. G. Plumb, William H.
Wilkinson ; in 1865, John F. Arnold, A. G. Plumb, John W. Richmond.
The town clerk in 1861 was A. J. Ray; in
1862 and 1863, Mark F. Adams; in 1864 and 1865, H. S. Millard: The town
treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was W. W. Freeman; in 1863, George A. Lapham; in
1864, C. H. Ingalls; in 1865, E. W. Wilkinson.
1861. Adams is one of the prominent towns
in Massachusetts, and the mere official record of its doings during the four
years of the war gives no adequate conception of the spirit of the people. A
great many public meetings were held, and many prominent citizens said many and
did many wise and patriotic things, which do not all appear upon the
official records of the town.
The first legal town meeting, to act upon
matters relating to the war, was held on the 29th of April; at which a committee
of seven was appointed, with authority " to use the funds of the town to the
amount of twenty thousand dollars, to furnish aid to such military companies
from the town as may be called into the service of the United States, and to aid
their families when not otherwise provided for." On the 22d of June the town
held a meeting, and voted that the care of the families of volunteers be
intrusted to the selectmen, and that they be authorized " to use the moneys of
the town as may in their opinion be needed;" with the distinct and separate
understanding " that such aid is in no sense a charity, but what of right
belongs to families of volunteers."
1862. A regular town meeting was held on
the 22d of July, at which it was voted " that one hundred dollars be paid from
the town treasury to each person who shall enlist under the call of the Governor
as one of the quota of the town." [This was the call of the President for
300,000 three years volunteers.]
The call for three hundred thousand men for
nine months' service followed in August. When that call was received, and
Adams was informed of the number of men which it was to provide to meet its
contingent, on recommendation of the town authorities " all business in the town
was suspended for three days, and the time was devoted to raising the quota of
the
town : S. W. Bowerman was the leading person in
the work."
1863. Prom the transcript of the town
records which we have received from Adams, it does not appear that any official
action was taken by the town during this year; although we doubt not that
recruiting was continued all the time, and State aid continued to be paid to the
families of the soldiers.
1864. At a legal town meeting held on
the 2d of July, it was voted to pay henceforth a bounty of one hundred and
twenty five dollars to each volunteer who should enlist for three years'
military service, and be mustered in and credited to the quota of the town; the
selectmen were also instructed to continue recruiting after the present demand
for men was filled, "in anticipation of a future call." There appears to have
been no further action taken by the town, in its corporate capacity, during the
war.
The selectmen in 1866 reported that Adams
had furnished nine hundred and forty five men for the war, which we believe to
have been an error of at least one hundred; for, had that number been furnished,
the surplus of men would have been at least one hundred more than it was. Adams
filled its full quota upon every call made by the President, and at the end of
the war had a surplus of forty three over and above all demands. Twenty nine
were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended
by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was one hundred and
twelve thousand one hundred and three dollars ($112,103.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of
soldiers, and which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $2,338.73;
in 1862, $9,410.17;
in 1863, $11,270.23;
in 1864, $14,690.38;
in 1865, $10,000.00.
Total in four years, $47,759.51.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized very
early in the war, of which Mrs. Miles Sanford was president, and Mrs. J. T.
Robinson secretary. The society held weekly meetings, and their disbursements
"amounted to more than ten thousand dollars."
ALFORD
Incorporated Feb. 16, 1773. Population in
1860, 542; in 1865, 461. Valuation in 1860, $320,018; in 1865, $340,490.
The selectmen in 1861 were William Stoddard,
Stephen M. Church, Horace S. Fitch; in 1862, Jonathan Baldwin, Orville J. Brusil,
Russell Prindle ; in 1863, Ezra C. Ticknor, Jonathan Baldwin, Orville J. Brusil;
in 1864, Ezra C. Ticknor, Henry W. Smith, E. K. Williams; in 1865, William
Stoddard, Elihu Church, Horace S. Fitch.
The town clerk in 1861 was Henry W. Smith;
in 1862, William K. Calkins ; in 1863, Elihu Church; in 1864, William E.
Calkins; in 1865, Giles S. Halett. The town treasurer in 1861, 1862, 1863, and
1864, was Ezra C. Ticknor; in 1865, James H. Edwards.
1861. There does not appear to have been
any action taken by the town, in its corporate capacity, in relation to the war
during this year.
1862. There having been a call made,
July 4th, for 300,000 men, by the President, of which Massachusetts was to
furnish fifteen thousand, each town was assigned its quota; therefore, on the
21st of July, a legal town meeting was held, to consider the means which the
town should take to fill its quota; and it was voted to pay a bounty of one
hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer (" or seventy five dollars to
each drafted man, in event of a draft ") who shall enlist for three years, and
be mustered in and credited to the quota of the town. Nine men immediately
enlisted, and each received a bounty of one hundred and thirty five dollars, ten
dollars having been added
to the town bounty "by some of the loyal men of
the town."
Another meeting, properly called, was held on
the 26th of August, at which the town "Voted, to authorize the select men to
pledge the credit of the town to any amount that may be necessary, to pay to
each volunteer soldier required of this town, under the late call of the
President for 300,000 nine- months men, the sum of three hundred dollars."
Under this vote, nine men enlisted, and each received a bounty of three
hundred dollars. November 4th, The selectmen were instructed " to
furnish aid to the families of volunteers from Alford in the United States
military service."
1863. On the 19th of December a town
meeting was held, and Ezra C. Ticknor was appointed " to be an agent to procure
volunteers to fill the quota of the town." He enlisted two men, to each of
whom was paid a bounty of one hundred and twenty- five dollars.
1864. April 7th, The town voted, w to
pay one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer to the extent of its
quota under the late call of the President for 200,000 men. Under this vote,
no volunteer was procured; but nine men were drafted, each of whom paid three
hundred dollars commutation money." Another legal town meeting was held on the
2nd of July. The 1861. selectmen were authorized " to borrow money sufficient
to pay one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer, not to exceed
ten," who would enlist and be credited to the quota of the town. Under the
above vote, the selectmen procured, by voluntary subscription, eleven hundred
and twenty five dollars; and they procured three volunteers, paying two of them
$550 each, and the other $500. The $1,125 with the $375 allowed by the town made
$1,500, leaving the agent (H. W. Smith), who procured the men, $100 out of
pocket, besides a liberal contribution towards the $1,125. The town, by a vote,
refused to refund to its agent the $100 advanced by him, to save them from
another draft. December 27th, The selectmen were authorized " to procure five
volunteers, and pay to each a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars."
"Five were procured, and received the bounty."
Alford furnished thirty three men for the
war, as reported by the selectmen in 1866. It must have furnished at least fifty
five. At the end of the war, after having furnished its quota upon every call of
the President, Alford had a surplus of four over and above all demands. None
were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended
on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was five thousand three hundred
and forty eight dollars ($5,348.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town to aid the families of volunteers during the four years of the war, and
which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $669.47;
in 1863, $1,316.00;
in 1864, $646.68;
in 1865, $302.66.
Total amount in four years, $2,934.81.
In regard to the work done by the ladies of
Alford, we make the following quotation from a letter: well their sympathy in
our struggle for national life; and many a poor wounded soldier blessed the
unknown giver, as be shared in those comforts our ladies knew so well how to
supply."
BECKET
Incorporated June 21, 1765. Population in
1860, 1,578 ; in 1865, 1,393. Valuation in 1860, $431,652; in 1865, $478,120.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were Stephen W.
Carter, Milton Barnes, Almeron Edwards; in 1863 and 1864, Timothy F. Snow,
Stephen W. Carter, James N. Cross; in 1865, Stephen W. Carter, Miner Chaffee,
Nathan W. Harris.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was Mark P. Carter. The town treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was Nathan W.
Harris; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, Mark P. Carter.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to act
upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 7th of May; at which it was
voted to appropriate two thousand dollars, for the benefit of volunteers who may
enlist in the military service from Becket; and a committee, consisting of
Wright Barnes, Miner Chaffee, and J. Norcott, was elected to have charge of the
disbursement of the money. On the 20th of June another town meeting was held,
at which the treasurer was authorized to borrow such sums of money as may be
necessary to pay State aid to the families of volunteers, residing in Becket, as
limited by law, and bounties to volunteers who may enlist from this town.
1862. A properly warned town meeting was
held on the 26th of June, at which it was voted to authorize the town- treasurer
to borrow money for the payment of State aid to the soldiers' families.
Another meeting was held on the 24th of July, at which the treasurer was
directed to borrow three thousand dollars, " to make up the amount paid by
subscription to twenty volunteers, for three years' service, who had enlisted
and been credited to the quota of the town." The town also voted to pay a
bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who should enlist to the credit
of the town.
1863. No action appears to have been
taken by the town, in its corporate capacity, in relation to the war during this
year, although bounties were continued to be paid, and also State aid to the
families of volunteers.
1864. On the 8th of July a town meeting was
held, at which it was voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty five
dollars to each volunteer for three years service, who should enlist and be
credited to the town, " under the present call of the President, or under any
future call he may make." On the 6th of December the selectmen were directed to
procure as many volunteers " as they may deem necessary," and on the 27th the
treasurer was authorized to borrow " whatever amount of money should be
necessary to fill the contingent of the town." This policy appears to have been
continued until the end of the war.
The selectmen in 1866 report that the town,
furnished one hundred and two men for the war; but as Becket furnished its full
quota on every demand made by the President for men, and at the end of the war
had a surplus of seven over and above all demands, it must have furnished at
least one hundred and fifty men. One was a commissioned officer. The whole
amount of money appropriated by the town, and expended on account of the war,
exclusive of State aid, was sixteen thousand three hundred and eighty seven
dollars ($16,387.00). This includes what was raised by private subscription, and
allowed for commutation.
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war, for State aid to soldiers' families,
and afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows :
In 1861, $242.88 ;
in 1862, $2,297.84;
in 1863, 13,044.57;
in 1864, $2,721.34;
in 1865, $1,300.00.
Total amount in four years, $10,606.63.
CHESHIRE
Incorporated March 14, 1793. Population in
1860, 1,533; in 1865, 1,650. Valuation in 1860, $646,-771; in 1865, $675,997.
The selectmen in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864,
and 1865, were George W. Fisher, John Burt, Orin Martin.
The town clerk during the same years was E. F.
Nickerson and the town treasurer during the same period was B. M. Cole.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 18th of May; at which it
was voted to authorize the selectmen to " borrow or raise money " sufficient to
carry out the provisions of the recent act of the Legislature in relation to the
payment of State aid to the families of volunteers.
1862. On the 28th of July a special
meeting was held, to consider the best means to fill the quota of the town under
the late call of the President for three hundred thousand volunteers for three
years' service. The selectmen were authorized to pay each volunteer who
enlists and is credited to Cheshire a bounty of one hundred dollars.
September 10th, By vote of the town
the selectmen were directed .to pay the same
bounty to volunteers for nine months' service, who enlist and are credited to
the quota of the town.
1863. At the annual meeting held on the
2d of March, the town voted to place the whole matter of paying State aid to
soldiers' families with the selectmen, who were to act according to their
discretion; and on the 26th of September they were directed to pay State aid to
the families of drafted men the same as to volunteers.
1864. On the 5th of April a town meeting
was held, at which the selectmen were authorized to borrow money, and to pay a
bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist
for three years' military service, and be mustered in and credited to the quota
of the town; and at another meeting, held on the 16th of December, they were
directed to continue recruiting and the payment
of bounties, " to fill the anticipated quota of the town " under another call of
the President for volunteers; and to borrow, not exceeding ten thousand
dollars.
By the return made by the selectmen in
1866, Cheshire claims to have furnished one hundred and fourteen men for the
war. The real number furnished was doubtless about one hundred and fifty, as at
the end of the war Cheshire had a surplus of sixteen, after having filled its
quota upon every call made by the President for men. Three were commissioned
officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on
account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was fifteen thousand seven hundred
and fifteen dollars ($15,715.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for the payment of State aid to the
families of soldiers, and which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was
as follows :
In 1861, $260.40 ;
in 1862, $2,132.23;
in 1863, $3,314.03;
in 1864, $1,774.41;
in 1865, $1,000.
Total amount in four years, 8,220.77.
The ladies of Cheshire " furnished a large
amount of material for the soldiers, which was forwarded by them to the army."
CLARKSBURG
Incorporated March 2, 1798. Population in
1860, 420; in 1865, 530. Valuation in 1860, $107,505 ; in 1865, $133,234.
The selectmen in 1861 were Dennis Thayer, James
Mixer, Hiram Brown ; in 1862, Waterman Brown, John Page, Joseph Miner; in 1863,
Waterman Brown, Joseph Miner, Hiram Brown; in 1864, Joseph D. Clark, Ezra W.
Gleason, Joseph Miner, Jr.; in 1865, Richard Shattuck, Laban Clark, Henry
Worthy.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, and 1863, was
Waterman Brown; in 1864, William W. Gallup; in 1865, Charles W. Briggs. The town
treasurer in 1861 was Joseph Clark; in 1862 and 1863, Joseph B. Wheeler; in
1864, Waterman Brown; in 1865, Eleazer Ketchum.
1861. No action appears to have been
taken by the town, in its corporate capacity, in relation to the war during this
year.
1862. The first meeting to act upon war
matters was held on the 22nd of July; at which five hundred dollars were
appropriated to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each of five
men who would enlist in the military service
for three years, to fill the quota of the town. August 18th, Voted, to pay a
bounty of fifty dollars to each volunteer who enlists for nine
months and is credited to the town; and to pay
" to any man five dollars who procures a volunteer that is accepted."
1863. No action appears to have been
necessary by the town during this year to keep its quota filled.
1864. June 25th, Voted, to pay a bounty
of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for
three years' military service, and be accepted and credited to the town. This
bounty was continued to be paid until the end of the war.
Clarksburg furnished forty two men for the
war, which was a surplus of two over and above all demands. None were
commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid to soldiers' families,
was six thousand three hundred and thirty three dollars and seventy three cents
($6,333.73).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for State aid to soldiers' families during the four years of the war,
and which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $153.48;
in 1862, $953.35;
in 1863, $1,361.48;
in 1864, $1,102.30;
in 1865, $400.00.
Total amount, $3,970.61.
DALTON
Incorporated March 2, 1798. Population in
1860, 1,243 ; in 1865, 1,137. Valuation in 1860, $733,646 ; in 1865, $988,160.
The selectmen in 1861 were Charles O. Brown,
Henry A. Hale, David Smith; in 1862, David C. Smith, Henry A. Hale, Henry A.
Burton; in 1863 and 1864, David C. Smith, Henry A. Burton, William K. Cleveland;
in 1865, David C. Smith, Austin S. Pease, Wells A. Laflin.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, 1863, and
1864, was Henry Ferre; in 1865, H. M. Parker. The town treasurer in 1861, 1862,
1863, and 1864, was Burr Chamberlain; in 1865, William H. Wharfield.
Whatever was done by the citizens of Dalton
during the years 1861 and 1862 in relation to the war was done without the
action of the town in its corporate character, as there is no entry upon the
town records during those years having relation to the war.
1863. At a regular legal town meeting
held on the 9th of March, the town voted to raise one thousand dollars w towards
paying part of the expense for volunteers." It was also —
Voted,
That the town approve of the course pursued by our selectmen last year, in
offering bounties for volunteers for the military service of the United States,
so as to fill up the quotas of this town, as made out by our State authorities,
and in answer to each of the calls made by the President for volunteers in July
and August, 1862.
Voted,
That the town assume the responsibilities of the selectmen for the expenses
incurred by them in borrowing money to pay the aforesaid bounties; provided, the
bounties paid to each volunteer actually accepted and sworn into service does
not exceed one hundred dollars.
Voted,
That the present board of selectmen be instructed to renew, with interest, the
notes given by the past board of selectmen for such borrowed money, or otherwise
take such action as will secure the desired result
On the 30th of September another town
meeting was held, at which the selectmen were authorized w to borrow such sums
of money as may be necessary to be paid to the Treasurer of the Commonwealth,
under an act to provide for the reimbursement of bounties paid to volunteers."
1864. A town meeting was held on the 5th of
July, at which it was voted " to raise by tax and pay the sum of one hundred and
twenty five dollars as a bounty to each volunteer who shall enlist from the town
of Dalton for the term of three years, under the anticipated call of the
President. It was also
Resolved,
That each citizen of Dalton, liable to do military duty under the late
enrollment, who will subscribe and pay to the chairman of the selectmen the sum
of forty dollars as a fund to procure volunteers or substitutes, shall, if
drafted, be entitled to enough money to provide a substitute, in case a
sufficient sum be raised for each man called for; otherwise, shall receive pro
rata from the fund.
Resolved,
That the selectmen be a committee, with authority to appoint a sub-committee,
who shall call on every citizen tax-payer, with a proper subscription paper
pledging each subscriber to pay his proportion ; provided, three fifths of the
taxable property of the town be represented by the subscribers, the proportion
to be made from the assessors' valuation of a certain sum, not to exceed eight
hundred dollars to each man called for, as part of the fund for procuring
volunteers or substitutes to fill the quota of the town under the anticipated
call of the President
Another meeting was held on the 28th of
July, when David C. Smith and Wells Laflin were appointed a committee " to go to
Springfield, and try to get the names from the list."
The selectmen in their return in 1866 claim
that Dalton furnished eighty one men for the war; but as the town filled its
quota on every call of the President for men, and had a surplus of seven at the
end of the war, over and above all demands, it probably furnished about one
hundred and twenty five men, including those who paid commutation money. One was
a commissioned officer. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was three thousand seven
hundred and sixty two dollars and eighty one cents ($3,762.81). This does not
include the money raised by subscription, of which there must have been at least
ten thousand dollars.
The amount raised and expended by the town
during the four years of the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and
afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows :
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $416.60;
in 1863, $998.40;
in 1864, $1,018.81;
in 1865, $891.66.
Total in four years, $3,325.47.
EGREMONT
Incorporated Feb. 13, 1760. Population in
1860, 1,079; in 1865,928. Valuation in 1860, $452,030; in 1865, $587,619.
The selectmen in 1861 were Milo Talmadge,
Edmund Crippen, Milan Brown; in 1862, Benjamin Baldwin, Calvin Benjamin, Samuel
B. Goodale; in 1863, Samuel B. Goodale, George C. Benjamin, Seymour B. Dewey; in
1864 and 1865, Seymour B. Dewey, James H. Rowley, Joshua R. Layton, Jr.
The town clerk and town treasurer during
all of these years was Joseph A. Benjamin.
1861. The first meeting, to act upon
matters relating to the war, was held on the 30th of May; at which it was voted
to instruct the treasurer to borrow one thousand dollars for aid and assistance
to the families of the inhabitants of the town who had entered, or might
afterwards enter, the military service of the United States to fight against the
Rebellion.
1862. July 21st, The selectmen were
authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each
volunteer who should enlist for three years, and be mustered into the military
service, and be credited to the quota of Egremont. To which was added whatever
bounty allowed by the Government. The treasurer was authorized to borrow money
to pay said bounty. Nine persons immediately enlisted. Another meeting was held
on the 28th of August, at which it was voted to pay a bounty of one hundred
dollars to each volunteer for nine months' service, to fill the quota of the
town. Seventeen men immediately stepped forward in the meeting, and signed the
enlistment roll. An adjourned meeting was held on the 16th of September, when
six more men signed the enlistment rolls. During these two meetings, many gifts
and premiums were offered by citizens to encourage recruiting, such as watches,
money, and other valuables, w for the next volunteer." October 13th, It was
resolved, "that the town indemnify, and save harmless, the selectmen and town
treasurer from all suits, actions, claims, costs, charges, and expenses arising,
or which may arise, against each or all of them, by reason of any thing done by
them in the discharge of their duties as officers of said town in aiding to
subdue the Rebellion." This resolution was unanimously adopted, and eight more
names were added to the enrolment-list.
During the years 1864 and 1865, several
meetings were held, to devise ways and means by which to recruit volunteers, pay
bounties, and keep the quota of the town filled. The selectmen were given full
power to recruit, and the treasurer was authorized to borrow whatever money was
required to pay bounties and State aid to the soldiers' families.
Egremont reported in 1866 to have furnished
ninety three men for the war; most probably about one hundred and thirty, as it
had a surplus of six over and above all demands at the end of the war. Three
were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended
by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid to the families of
volunteers, was twelve thousand two hundred and ninety four dollars ($12,294).
The amount of money raised and expended by
Egremont for State aid to the families of volunteers during the four years of
.the war, and which was reimbursed to the town by the Commonwealth, was as
follows:
In 1861, $55.14;
in 1862, $648.56;
in 1863, $1,428;
in 1864, $1,192;
in 1865, $800.
Total, amount, $4,124.70.
FLORIDA
Incorporated June 15, 1805. Population in
1860, 645 ; in 1865, 1,173.# Valuation in 1860, $119,316; in 1865, $152,523.
The selectmen in 1861 were S. A. Kemp, William
White, E. W. Thatcher; in 1862, S. A. Kemp, E. W. Thatcher, E. M. Vincent; in
1863, 1864, and 1865, S. A. Kemp, Sylvanus Clark, H. W. Burnett.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was W. P. Brown. The town treasurer during the same period was Nathan White.
1861. No action appears to have been
taken by the town, in its corporate capacity, on matters relating to the war
during this year.
1862. July 21st, The selectmen were
authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer to the
number of six who should enlist for three years, and be mustered in
and credited to the quota of the town. They
were also authorized to borrow six hundred dollars to pay the same. October
13th, The same bounty was directed to be paid to volunteers for nine months'
service.
1863. January 26th, The selectmen were
directed to procure substitutes to complete the town's quota of nine month men.
1864. January 18th, The bounty to
recruits for three years' service was fixed at one hundred and twenty five
dollars; and the selectmen were directed to recruit volunteers to fill the quota
of the town, and to borrow money for that purpose. They were also instructed "
to open a recruiting office, and to advertise the same."
1865. March 6th, The selectmen were authorized
to keep on recruiting, and to pay the same bounty, "to fill all quotas of the
town on any future call of the President for volunteers."
We have been unable to ascertain the exact
number of men which Florida furnished for the war, but probably it was about
seventy five. We know, however, that at the end of the war the town had
completed, in full, all demands made upon it for men, and had a surplus of five
over and above these demands. None were commissioned officers. The whole amount
of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive
of State aid, was four thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars ($4,980).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for State aid to the families of volunteers during the four years of
the war, and which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows
:
In 1861, $40 ;
in 1862, $402.60 ;
in 1863, $975 ;
in 1864, $600.27;
in 1865, $300.51.
Total amount, $2,328.38.
GREAT BARRINGTON
Incorporated June 30,1761. Population in
1860, 3,871; in 1865, 3,920. Valuation in 1860, $1,843,798; in 1865, $2,177,071.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were Walter W.
Hollensbeck, Henry Foote, John Burgherst; in 1863, John M. Seeley, George
Church, B. F. Gilmore; in 1864 and 1865, John M. Seeley, George Church, Charles
J. Taylor.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war, and for many years previous thereto, was Isaac Seeley. The town treasurer
in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, was Egbert Hollister.
1861. On the 22d of April, three days after the
Sixth Massachusetts Regiment had been attacked in Baltimore, and the first blood
had been shed in the Rebellion, a call for a public meeting was issued, inviting
the inhabitants of Great Barrington, and the adjoining towns, to attend a public
meeting at the town hall, on the 24th, at 3 o'clock, P.M., for the purpose of
adopting prompt measures to aid the Government of the United States in
sustaining the Constitution, executing the laws, and suppressing the traitorous
rebellion now existing in the Southern States." The meeting was largely attended
by ladies and gentlemen of Great Barrington, w and by a few persons from the
adjoining towns." Joseph Tucker who soon afterwards went out first lieutenant
in the Forty ninth Regiment Nine months Volunteers, and who lost a leg in the
service, and is now Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth was chosen temporary
chairman. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev.. Horace Winslow. David
Leavitt was made permanent chairman, and was assisted by several vice presidents
and secretaries. Hon. Increase Sumner presented and read a preamble and
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. The preamble set forth the fact of
the Rebellion, " one of the results of which has been the shedding of
Massachusetts blood, thereby consecrating the 19th of April, 1861, with the
immortal memories of April 19th, 1775." The first resolution sets forth: 1st,
That the crisis demands the exertion of every American patriot to arrest the
progress of treason and rebellion. 2nd, We pledge, w in the spirit of loyalty,
our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor, in maintaining the authority of
the Government;" w that we go for upholding and sustaining the flag of our Union
for ever, and will protect it against insults and indignities from foes without,
and from traitors within." The third urges the organization of one or more
military companies in Great Barrington, for active and immediate service, and
that money be raised to aid the volunteers and their families.
The fourth we copy entire:
Resolved,
That, as citizens of this great American Confederacy, participating in the
common history and glories of the American Revolution, oar chief desire is
peace, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty, in all the States, and
among all the kindred and races within that Confederacy; and that harmony and
good fellowship, without more bloodshed, may be speedily restored. But if it be
otherwise ordered, and traitors and rebels persist in their deeds of treason and
rebellion, then, trusting in the favor and strength of Almighty God, who
sustained our FATHERS in their sufferings and battles for freedom, we will
contribute all our might to conquer and punish the offenders.
A committee of thirteen was appointed, to carry
out " promptly and energetically " the purpose of the third resolution. This
committee presented, w forthwith," an enlistment paper; and several young men
immediately signed it, " amidst great applause." A subscription paper was also
drawn up, and presented; w and, in a few minutes, forty seven hundred dollars
were subscribed, all of which, with the exception of thirty dollars, by citizens
of Great Barrington."
The first legal town meeting was held on
the 8th of June, at which liberal measures were adopted to provide for the
payment of State aid to the families of the volunteers, in accordance with the
act of the Legislature passed at the late extra session; and the treasurer of
the town was authorized to borrow two thousand dollars, " to serve as a fund for
that purpose."
1862. A call having been made by the
President for an additional three hundred thousand men July 4th, a legal town-
meeting was held on the 19th of July; at which it was voted
"that it is our bounden duty, now, henceforth,
and for ever, to give our obedient, ready, and earnest response to the call; and
we do respond accordingly." The selectmen were authorized to recruit
volunteers, and to pay each a bounty of one hundred dollars who enlists for
three years, and shall be mustered in and credited to the quota of the
town. David Leavitt, Edwin
Hurlbert, and Mark Humphrey were chosen to
assist the select men in recruiting; and the treasurer was authorized to borrow
forty eight hundred dollars, to meet the expense. Another
meeting was held on the 28th of August, at
which it was voted to pay the same bounty to volunteers for nine months'
service. The treasurer was again directed to borrow money.
1863. On the 22nd of August a town
meeting was held, at which it was voted to pay State aid to the families of men
who may be drafted. On the 8th of December, Dr. David
Campbell was appointed recruiting agent for the
town, receiving a vote of thanks for his former services, and "for the
fidelity and patriotism he has exhibited, ever since the commencement of the
war, in procuring volunteers for the service."
1864. On the 18th of June a town meeting
was held, at which it was voted to fix the bounty to each volunteer, for three
years' service, at one hundred and twenty five dollars. Several other meetings
were held during the year, to encourage enlistment's, at which nothing of
especial interest was done.
Great Barrington was reported by the
selectmen in 1866 as having furnished four hundred and thirty men for the war,
which is about the number the town furnished, and which was a surplus of eight
over and above all demands made upon it during the war. Seventeen were
commissioned officers. The total amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was twenty five thousand
six hundred and ninety one dollars and eighty two cents ($25,691.82).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for the payment of State aid to the
families of soldiers, and which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth,
was as follows:
In 1861, $651.48;
in 1862, $3,854.97;
in 1863, $6,422.58;
in 1864, $5,371.26;
in 1865, $3,200.
Total amount in four years, $19,500.29.
The ladies of Great Barrington formed a
Soldiers' Aid Society on the 2d of May, 1861, which met once a week, to do
soldiers' work, until the close of the war. We have not been able to procure a
detailed account of their labors, but this fact may be taken as an illustration
of their entire course. Immediately after the battle of the Wilderness, in May,
1864, they raised twenty two hundred and eighty two dollars for the benefit of
the sick and wounded.
HANCOCK.
Incorporated July 2, 1776. Population in
1860, 816 ; in 1865, 967. Valuation in 1860, $494,484; in 1865, $490,299.
The selectmen in 1861 were Gardner Eldridge, H.
H. Whitman, C. P. Lapham; in 1862, H. H. Whitman, D. H. Gardner, J. C. Gorton;
in 1863, 1864, and 1865, H. H. Whitman, R. L. Mason, James R. Whitman.
The town clerk during all the years of the war
was Charles B. Wells. The town treasurer during the years 1861, 1862, and 1863,
was Thomas E. Hadsell; in 1864, M. L. White; in 1865, Silas G. Danley.
1862. The first legal town meeting, to
consider matters relating to the war, was held on the 25th of July; at which,
on motion of Calvin P. Lapham, seconded by Rufus L. Mason, it was
Resolved, That the selectmen be authorized to
borrow, on the credit of the town, nine hundred dollars, to pay nine volunteer
soldiers one hundred dollars each, as a bounty; that being the number of
volunteers called for by the State authorities.
This bounty was to be paid when the men were
mustered in and credited. The town also authorized the selectmen to draw from
the treasury money to pay State aid to the soldiers' families, as provided by
law. September 3d, The selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of two hundred
dollars to each volunteer for nine months' service, and to borrow money for that
purpose.
1863. March 2nd, The acts of the selectmen,
in borrowing money to pay aid to the soldiers families, were approved.
1864. August 16th, Voted, to pay a bounty of
one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer for three years' military
service, when mustered in and credited to the quota of the
town ; and the same amount " to any person who
shall, before a draft takes place, procure a substitute, and who shall be
credited to the town." The selectmen were also authorized to employ an agent
to recruit volunteers. This system was continued until the end of the war.
Hancock furnished seventy men for the war,
which was a surplus of five over and above all demands. One was a commissioned
officer. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on
account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was nine thousand four hundred and
fifty five dollars ($9,455).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of
soldiers, and which was afterwards repaid by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $244;
in 1863, $327.79;
in 1864, $293:57;
in 1865, $275.
Total amount, $1,140.41.
The ladies of Hancock were busy during the
whole of the war " in devising means, and sending to the soldiers articles for
their comfort, in the field, hospital, or wherever they could be found."
HINSDALE.
Incorporated June 21, 1804. Population in
1860, 1,511; in 1865, 1,517. Valuation in 1860, $557,661; in 1865, $801,775.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were William H.
Carson, Clark Prince, Ezra B. Tracy; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, William H. Carson,
Lysander M. Francis, Ezra B. Tracy.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was John Cady; the town treasurer in 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864, was Henry
A. Deming; in 1865, Ameroy E. Taylor.
1861. We regret that the returns we have
received from Hinsdale are not so full and complete as we wish they might have
been. We find, however, that the first legal town meeting, to act upon matters
relating to the war, was held on the 10th of May, at which the town appropriated
two thousand dollars, to be used by the selectmen as might be required by the
Government of the United States, for war purposes."
1862. A legal town meeting was held on
the 9th of October, at which four thousand one hundred and fifty dollars were
appropriated for the payment of bounties to volunteers, " the selectmen having
expended that amount in furnishing men, in obedience to the call of the
President of the United States."
1863. At a town meeting held on the 6th
of April, thirteen hundred dollars were appropriated " for the payment of
expenses of recruiting volunteers."
1864. On the 4th of April the town voted
one thousand two hundred and eighty five dollars for the same purpose.
1865. April 29th, Four thousand two
hundred and eighty- nine dollars and three cents were appropriated to reimburse
citizens " who had subscribed and paid money for raising volunteers."
The selectmen in 1866 reported that Hinsdale
had furnished eighty five men for the war, and the town clerk in 1870 reports
that Hinsdale furnished but seventy three men, when the fact is, that Hinsdale
furnished at least one hundred and fifty men; for it furnished its full quota on
every call of the President for men, and at the end of the war had a surplus of
fifteen over and above all demands. None were commissioned officers. The whole
amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war,
exclusive of State aid, was nineteen thousand and ninety nine dollars and eighty
two cents ($19,099.82).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of
enlisted men, and which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as
follows:
In 1861, $103.14;
in 1862, $860.64;
in 1863, $1,682 ;
in 1864, $2,000;
in 1865, $1,400.
Total amount in four years, $6,045.78.
The ladies of Hinsdale contributed in garments
and money for the soldiers, independent of their own labor, to the value of
three hundred and fifty dollars.
LANESBOROUGH
Incorporated June 21, 1765. Population in
1860, 1,308; in 1865, 1,292. Valuation in 1860, $641,549; in 1865, $661,048.
The selectmen in 1861 were Stephen T. Whipple,
William A. Talcott, Ezra H. Sherman; in 1862 and 1863, Stephen T. Whipple, Ezra
H. Sherman, Luther H. Washburn; in 1864, Stephen T. Whipple, Jared D. Northale,
William H. Meade.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was William A. Fuller. The town treasurer in 1861, 1862, and 1863, was
Jedediah W. Newton; in 1864, William A. Fuller; in 1865, Charles B. Whitney.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to act
upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 10th of December; at which the
selectmen were authorized to expend such sums from the treasury as they may deem
necessary for the relief of the families of volunteers, who are in the military
service, and belong to Lanesborough, as the law in relation thereto provides.
1862. August 28, The selectmen were
authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who would
enlist in the military service, either for three years or for nine months, and
be credited to the quota of the town.
1863. No meeting of the town, in its
corporate capacity, appears to have been held during this year, at which votes
were passed having relation to the war.
1864. April 11th, The town voted to pay
a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer who would
enlist in the military service of the country for three years, and be credited
to the quota of Lanesborough; and the treasurer was authorized to borrow
whatever sums of money were necessary to pay the same. This was continued
until the end of the war.
The selectmen, in 1866, reported that
Lanesborough furnished one hundred and thirty men for the war, which was about
its proportion, and which was a surplus of seven over and above all demands.
None were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and
expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of that raised for State
aid, was twelve thousand nine hundred and forty seven dollars and ninety one
cents ($12,947.91). A considerable amount was also raised by private means,
which is not included in the foregoing.
The money raised and appropriated by the town
for State aid to the families of soldiers during the four years of the war, and
afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows :
In 1861, $50.40;
in 1862, $629.08 ;
in 1863, $1,292.00;
in 1864, $1,104.00;
in 1865, $780.17.
Total amount, $3,856.45.
LEE
Incorporated Oct. 21, 1777. Population in
1860, 4,420; in 1865, 4,034. Valuation in 1860, $1,731,778; in 1865, $1,682,411.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were William G.
Merrill, Edwin Morgan, Sylvester S. May ; in 1863, Sylvester S. May, John Stall
man, George R. Sturges; in 1864, Sylvester S. May, William G. Merrill, James
Bullard; in 1865, James Bullard, William G. Merrill, Alonzo Bradley.
The town clerk in 1861 and 1862 was Thomas
A. Omar; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, Jonathan F. Cook. The town treasurer in 1861,
1862, and 1863, was Otis S. Lyman; in 1864 and 1865, Joseph C. Chaffee.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
consider war matters, was held May 4th, which was opened with prayer by Rev.
Nahum Gale, D.D. Voted, that a military company of at
least sixty four men be enrolled " to hold
themselves in readiness for a call into active service." On motion of
Marshall Wilcox, Esq., it was
Resolved,
That the inhabitants of Lee deem it important that the Government of the United
States should have the hearty and earnest encouragement and active assistance of
every loyal citizen in suppressing the treasonable rebellion which aims at the
overthrow of our laws and the Constitution of the land; and that as citizens of
Lee, actuated by a love of our country and of universal liberty, we are ready to
share in the common effort of sustaining our Government; and, as a town, we
assure those of our citizens who shall enter into the service of the Government
as volunteer soldiers, that their families dependent upon them shall be well and
honorably provided for and sustained during their entire absence.
The resolution was unanimously adopted, and
the selectmen were authorized to borrow three thousand dollars. Isaac C. Ives,
William Taylor, Harrison Garfield, and John Branning were joined with the
selectmen in the expenditure of the money. The selectmen were also authorized to
procure a suitable room for drilling purposes.
1862. April 6th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow money for the payment of aid to the families of volunteers.
July 21st, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for
three years' service who has enlisted, or who may enlist, to the number of
thirty seven, said bounty to be paid when properly mustered in and credited;
and the select men were authorized to borrow thirty seven hundred dollars to pay
the same. August 28th, It was voted to pay the same amount of bounty to
volunteers for nine months' service, to be paid by notes running for nine months
with interest; but if any volunteer "thus raised be dishonorably discharged,
said note to be void." October 11th, It having been found that the notes thus
given could not be negotiated, and were therefore unsuited for the purpose, the
town voted to pay the bounty in money.
1863. July 25th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow money to pay State aid to the families of drafted men.
September 26th, Voted, to raise seven thousand two hundred and forty seven
dollars and fifty two cents to settle bounty money, as provided in section 9th
of chapter 218 of the Acts of 1863.
1864. April 9th, The bounty for volunteers
for three years' service was fixed at one hundred and twenty five dollars, which
was the amount paid to each until the end of the war. Several meetings were held
during the year to appropriate money for State aid and recruiting purposes, and
power was given to the selectmen to recruit men, borrow money, and pay bounties.
The town of Lee, according to the return
made by the selectmen in 1866, furnished two hundred and ninety five men for the
war; but as the town furnished its full quota of men upon every call of the
President, and had a surplus of fifteen at the end of the war, over and above
all demands, it is clear that the number furnished must have been at least four
hundred, including those who paid commutation money. Fifteen were commissioned
officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on
account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was twenty one thousand six hundred
and fifty four dollars and fifty six cents ($21,654.56). This is exclusive of
the money contributed by citizens to encourage recruiting, which was quite large
in amount.
The sum raised and expended by the town
during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of soldiers, and
which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $1,367.71;
in 1862, $4,905.59;
in 1863, $6,253.61;
in 1864, $5,149.55;
in 1865, $3,100.00.
Total amount in four years, $20,776.46.
In regard to the work done by the ladies of
Lee, William J. Bartlett, Esq., writes, "that $1,005.17 in cash was sent to the
Christian Commission during 1863 and 1864, of which the ladies of Lee
contributed $470.10; they also sent four boxes of comfortable things to the
soldiers, valued at $175." A lady informs us that, "besides the four boxes sent
by the ladies of Lee to the Christian Commission, several other boxes, far more
valuable, were sent by them to the hospitals, of which no record has been
preserved. I remember one worth one hundred dollars, sent to Miss Dix at
Washington. As to the value and destination of the other boxes, or their number,
I cannot speak definitely."
LENOX
Incorporated Feb. 26, 1767. Population in
1860, 1,711; in 1865, 1,667. Valuation in 1860, $821,416 ; in 1865, $827,539.
The selectmen in 1861 were Phineas Cone, Luther
Sears, Luther S. Butler; in 1862, Henry W. Taft, Luther S. Butler, William
Deming, Jr.; in 1863, William Deming, Jr., Luther S. Butler, Chauncey E. Dewey;
in 1864, William Deming, Jr., Phineas Cone, Chauncey E. Dewey; in 1865, Albert
G. Belden, Chauncey E. Dewey, Luther S. Butler.
The town clerk in 1861 and 1862 was William
S. Tucker; in 1863, Willis C. Cook; in 1864 and 1865, David E. Bangs. The town
treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was George J. Tucker; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, Josiah
C. Arnold.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to act
upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 6th of May; at which the
following preamble and resolutions were read, and unanimously adopted:
Whereas,
The rebellion, which has been for many months in progress in the Southern
portion of the country, has, through the forbearance of the Government, and in
the hope of a peaceful solution of existing difficulties, been allowed to assume
formidable and dangerous proportions, and its leaders, aiming at nothing less
than the subversion of the Government, have inaugurated an offensive war; And
whereat, it is the duty of all citizens in this time of peril to stand together
for the support of the CONSTITUTION and the UNION, and to be ready for any
sacrifice and any duty which the defence and preservation of our free
institutions may require; And whereas, the citizens of the town of Lenox, in the
preparation for and conflict of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION, manifested a zeal and
devotion worthy of emulation by their sons and successors, therefore
Resolved, That the sum of one thousand
dollars be, and it hereby is, appropriated for the purpose of disciplining the
militia of the town, furnishing them with arms and equipment's, and for the aid
and equipment of such inhabitants of the town as shall engage in actual service
in the militia of the Commonwealth, or of the United States.
Resolved, That a committee of five be
appointed, who shall be authorized to expend a sum of one thousand dollars, or
any part thereof as they shall deem advisable; and that they be authorized to
expend thereof a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, in furnishing arms,
equipment's, and military instruction to the militia of the town, under such
rules and regulations as they may prescribe.
Resolved,
That the town will pay to any inhabitant thereof, being a non-commissioned
officer or private, who shall voluntarily engage in the service of the United
States, the sum of five dollars per month in addition to the pay allowed by the
Government, upon the production of a certificate from the aforesaid committee
that he is an inhabitant, and of his said service, payable at such time as the
committee shall deem proper.
It was then voted that Henry W. Taft,
Albert Langdon, William Deming, Jr., William D. Sedgwick, and Luther S. Butler "
be the aforesaid committee." An adjourned meeting was held on the 13th of May,
at which the first resolution was amended by inserting $2,000 instead of
$1,000."
1862. At a legal meeting held on the 3d
of March, five hundred dollars were appropriated for the payment of State aid to
the families of soldiers. On the 22d of July the town voted to pay a bounty of
one hundred dollars to each of eighteen men who would volunteer for three years
in the military service to fill the quota of the town, the bounty to be paid
when mustered in and credited; and Albert Langdon, James H. Collins, David Ł.
Bangs, and Chauncey Sears were appointed to assist the selectmen in recruiting
the volunteers. At a meeting held on the 25th of August, it was voted to pay
the same amount of bounty to volunteers enlisting to fill the quota of the town
on the call for nine months men. The selectmen were authorized to borrow, not
exceeding thirty five hundred dollars, for the payment of bounties and for State
aid.
1863. On "the first Monday in April" the
town appropriated fifteen hundred dollars for State aid to soldiers' families.
On the 5th of October, several of the citizens
having been drafted, and each having paid three hundred dollars commutation
money, the town voted " that it is right and just that this burden should be
equally and ratably divided among the inhabitants of the town, and not be
permitted to fall upon a few individuals, some of whom are ill able to bear it."
It was then voted that three hundred dollars be paid to each of the drafted men
who had paid commutation to that amount.
1864. On the 11th of April twelve
hundred dollars were appropriated for the payment of State aid. On the 31st
of May the selectmen were authorized to borrow money, and to pay to each person
who furnishes a substitute, and has him credited to the quota of Lenox, the sum
of one hundred and twenty five dollars. June 16th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow money to reimburse citizens for money contributed by them
to encourage enlistment's to fill the quotas of the town under the last two
calls of the President for men. December 17th, The selectmen were authorized
to borrow three thousand dollars to pay bounties.
1865. Two meetings were held April 3d
and 15th, at which thirty eight hundred dollars were appropriated for the
payment of State aid to soldiers' families. June 20th, The selectmen were
authorized to raise money, and pay each citizen the money which he had
contributed to pay bounties and encourage recruiting during the war.
The selectmen in 1866 reported that Lenox
furnished one hundred and sixty men for the war, which, exclusive of those who
paid commutation, is about the correct number. Lenox at the end of the war had a
surplus of sixteen, over and above all demands. Seven were commissioned
officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on
account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was fourteen thousand six hundred
and forty two dollars and fifty seven cents ($14,642.57).
The amount raised and expended during the
four years of the war for State aid to the families of soldiers, and which was
afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $982.89 ;
in 1863, $2,516.55 ;
in 1864,$2,936.71;
in 1865, $2,200.00.
Total amount in four years, $8,636.15.
" The ladies of Lenox organized a Soldiers' Aid
Society in
1861, and were constantly sending on boxes
of clothing and
other articles until the close of the war."
MONTEREY
Incorporated April 12, 1847. Population in
1860, 758; in 1865, 737. Valuation in 1860, $306,184; in 1865, $292,117.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were Newton
Brewer, Merrick D. Mansir, Daniel A. Garfield; in 1863, Lemuel J. Townsend,
Reuben R. Brewer, Orin H. Munson; in 1864, Albert Rewey, Orin H. Munson, Amos E.
Langdon; in 1865, Orin H. Munson, Norman S. Sears, Virgil S. Abbott.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was A. J. Fargo. The town treasurer in 1861 was W. C. Langdon; in
1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, John G. Mansir.
1861. No action appears to have been
taken by the town concerning the war during this year.
1862. The first legal town meeting, to
consider matters relating to the war, was held on the 31st of July; at which
the selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred and ten dollars to
each volunteer to the number of ten, who would enlist for three years and be
credited to fill the quota of the town. They were to recruit the men "in such
manner as they might select," and to pledge the credit of the town for the
amount of money they might require. Mr. John D. Bidwell paid of his own means
a gratuity of ten dollars to each of the ten men who subsequently enlisted.
October 21st, The town ratified the action taken by the selectmen in filling the
quota of the town, under the call for volunteers for nine months; they having
paid to each volunteer who enlisted for that term of service, and was credited
to Monterey, a bounty of one hundred dollars. It was also voted to pay that
amount of bounty to any one who should thereafter enlist to the credit of the
town, either for three years or nine months, and an additional sum of five
dollars w to any persons who will now enlist to fill a supposed deficiency of
four."
1862 March 2d, The selectmen were directed
to continue the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers, as
heretofore. November 3d, The payment of State aid to the
families of such volunteers as had died in the
service of their country was directed to be continued the same as hitherto ;
also to the families of drafted men.
1863. June 14th, Twenty five hundred
dollars were appropriated for recruiting purposes to fill the quota of the town
; and the selectmen were authorized to employ, if necessary, agents to aid them
in their work. They were also authorized to pay two hundred and fifty dollars
to each person who would procure a substitute, said amount to be paid when the
substitute was mustered in and credited to the town. Five persons availed
themselves of this offer.
Monterey was reported in 1866 as having
furnished fifty eight men for the war, which is less than the actual number. It
had a surplus of eight at the end of the war, over and above all demands. Three
were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended
by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was three thousand
eight hundred and forty eight dollars and forty four cents ($3,848.44).
The amount raised and expended by the town
during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of volunteers,
and which was subsequently refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows :
In 1861, $35.19 ;
in 1862, $377.13 ;
in 1863, $1,079.00;
in 1864, $988.33;
in 1865, $550.00.
Total amount, $3,030.65.
Of the ladies of Monterey, the town clerk
says, w All through the war they prepared clothing and other necessary articles
for the soldiers."
MOUNT WASHINGTON
Incorporated June 21,1779. Population in
1860, 221; in 1865, 233. Valuation in 1860, $79,294; in 1865, $87,676.
The selectmen in 1861 were D. P. Turner, Isaac
Spurr, Milo Smith; in 1862, Orrin C. Whitlock, Gilbert Race, Cyrus Lampson ; in
1863, Robert Campbell, Samuel Slater, D. P. Turner;
in 1864, D. P. Turner, Isaac Spurr, Samuel
Slater, Jr.; in 1865, Orrin C. Whitlock, Isaac Spurr, Samuel Slater.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, and 1864, was
Ira Shutt; in 1863 H. S. Goodale; in 1865, Samuel Slater, Jr. The town treasurer
in 1861 and 1862 was Milo Smith; in 1863 and 1864 Ira Shutt.
1861. No legal town meeting appears to
have been held, to act upon matters relating to the war, during this year.
1862. At a regular town meeting, held
on the 30th of August, it was voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty
dollars to each volunteer who should enlist in the military service of the
United States and be credited to fill the quota of Mount Washington.
1863. The only action by the town, in
its corporate capacity, which had reference to the war during this year, was at
a town meeting held on the 9th of August; at which the selectmen were authorized
to borrow whatever money might be necessary to pay during the year State aid to
the families of soldiers.
1864. On the 4th of April the selectmen
were authorized to borrow money for aid to the soldiers9 families. August
25th, The selectmen were authorized to pay to each volunteer, who should enlist
for three years' service, and be credited to the town, a bounty of one hundred
and twenty-five dollars; and they were directed " to enlist troops for this
purpose.'
1865. April 3d, Voted, to raise money to
pay State aid to the families of volunteers during the year.
Mount Washington furnished twenty men for the
war, which was in exact fulfilment of all demands made upon it. None were
commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was one thousand eight
hundred and eighty-five dollars ($1,885.00).
The amount of money raised by the town for the
payment of State aid to the families of soldiers during the four years of the
war, and which was afterwards reimbursed to it by the Commonwealth, was as
follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $236.95;
in 1863, $245.00;
in 1864, $609.00;
in 1865, $150.66.
Total amount, $1,241.61.
NEW ASHFORD
Incorporated Feb. 26, 1781. Population in
1860, 239 ; in 1865, 178. Valuation in 1860, $112,993 ; in 1865, $108,662.
The selectmen in 1861 were Elihu Ingraham, Jr.,
Alfred Jordon, Jotham Beach; in 1862 and 1863, Elihu Ingraham, Jr., William B.
Dewey, Van Ness Mallory; in 1864, Elihu Ingraham, Jr., Van Ness Mallory, Quincy
A. Roys; in 1865, Elihu Ingraham, Jr., Hosea Beach, Phinehas Harmon.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was Phinehas Harmon; the town treasurer for the same period, Hosea Beach.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters in relation to the war, was held on the 5th of November; at
which it was voted * to pay the family of Charles Goodell fifty dollars, he
having volunteered in the military service of the United States."
1862. August 18th, Voted, to pay a
bounty of seventy five dollars to each volunteer "who has already enlisted" in
the military service, and been credited to the quota of the town.
1863. At a meeting held on the 2d of
March it was voted to pay to each volunteer, who shall enlist and be credited to
the quota of the town, a bounty of one hundred dollars. On the 6th of August
this bounty was increased twenty five dollars.
1864. February 18th, The bounty to each
volunteer who should enlist and be credited to the town was fixed at one hundred
and twenty five dollars, and so remained until the end of the war. The money
to pay which was to be raised by taxation.
New Ashford furnished twenty three men for
the war, which was a surplus of one over and above all demands. None were
commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of that paid for State aid to
soldiers' families, was one thousand three hundred and eighty five dollars
($1,385.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for aid to the families of soldiers during the four years of the war,
and which was afterwards repaid to it by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $52.00;
in 1862, $76.00;
in 1863, $144.00;
in 1864, $68.40;
in 1865, 00.
Total amount, $340.40.
NEW MARLBOROUGH
Incorporated June 15, 1759. Population in
1860, 1,782; in 1865,1,649. Valuation in 1860, $616,976; in 1865, $616,727.
The selectmen in 1861 were Harry Rhodes, Martin
E. Sheldon, James Andrew; in 1862, Martin E. Sheldon, J. Andrew, Grove Gaylord;
in 1863, J. Andrew, Aaron Smith, Warren Walker; in 1864, Warren Walker, Nathan
A. Chapin, Henry Sisson; in 1865, Warren Walker, Nathan A. Chapin, William C.
Kasson.
The town clerk in 1861 was Salmon K.
Norton; in 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, Seth Pease. The town treasurer in 1861
and 1862 was Dyer Stanard; in 1863, Theron Warner; in 1864 and 1865, Benjamin
Wheeler, Jr.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 2d of December, with
special reference to the act of the extra session of the Legislature respecting
the payment of State aid to the families of soldiers; at which, after proper
consideration, it was voted that the selectmen be instructed to provide every
volunteer's family, belonging to the town, with all the aid named in the
act referred to; also that they have authority
to borrow whatever money they may require for that purpose.
1862. A special town meeting was held on the
23d of July, to take action in regard to furnishing the quota of men required of
the town in the recent call of the President for three hundred thousand
volunteers, for three years' military service; at which it was voted that the
selectmen be authorized to direct the town treasurer to borrow a sum of money
sufficient to pay to each volunteer the sum of one hundred and twenty five
dollars, to be paid when such volunteer has been accepted and sworn into the
service; provided the number does not exceed the quota of the town. To this
amount, George Stevens, Esq., a citizen of the town, added, from his own means
and of his own accord, the sum of five dollars to each of the bounties.
Another meeting was held on the 29th of August, at which the selectmen were
authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each person who shall
volunteer for nine months' service, and be mustered in and credited to the quota
of the town; and to authorize the treasurer to borrow money sufficient to pay
the same.
1863. A meeting was held on the 22nd of
September, at which the following vote was passed :
Voted,
To raise the sum of two thousand seven hundred and thirty five dollars and
ninety cents, as the proportion of the town of New Maryborough, for reimbursing
the Commonwealth for bounty money, assumed by said Commonwealth; and appropriate
the same for the payment of said proportion, in accordance with section 9,
chapter 218, of the Acts of the Legislature of 1863.
1864. At the town meeting held April
4th, five thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars were appropriated " to pay
bounties to volunteers who have enlisted, or may enlist," to fill
the quota of the town, said bounty to be paid
when the volunteer is mustered in and credited; and " to reimburse those who
have paid money on subscription for the above purpose."
Another meeting was held on the 4th of June, at
which the town voted to instruct the selectmen to enlist thirty men, " in
anticipation of a future call of the President of the United States for more men
for the military service; " and the town treasurer was authorized to borrow
money to pay the same. On the 5th of December, Grove Gaylord and Warren Walker
were chosen a committee " to procure men enough for the military service to
clear the town from draft, in anticipation of a future call from the
President." The treasurer was authorized to borrow money.
1865. At a town meeting held on the 6th
of March, it was voted to "raise twenty seven hundred dollars, to be paid to
those who have paid, or help to pay, commutation money; and that said money be
paid by the treasurer of the town to said persons, on the 1st of January, 1866."
New Marlborough furnished, according to the
returns made by the town clerk in 1870, one hundred and fifty nine men for the
war, which, including the men who paid commutation, is about its exact
proportion; but which does not include twenty four men who enlisted in
Connecticut regiments, and for which the town received no credit. New
Marlborough filled all of its quotas, and at the end of the war had a surplus of
twenty two over and above all demands. Three were commissioned officers. The
whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the
war, exclusive of State aid, was twenty five thousand seven hundred and seventy
eight dollars and fifty two cents ($25,778.52).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for aid to soldiers' families, and
which was afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $61.20;
in 1862, $1,050.53;
in 1863, $2,527.52;
in 1864, $1,757.20;
in 1865, $1,500.00.
Total in four years, $6,896.45.
OTIS
Incorporated June 13,1810. Population in
1860, 998 ; in 1865, 962. Valuation in 1860, $256,822 ; in 1865, $311,595.
The selectmen in 1861 were Elam P. Norton,
Samuel A. Jones, Pardon Perry; in 1862, Samuel A. Jones, Nathaniel J. Kenyon,
Pardon Perry; in 1863, Alanson Crittenden, Marcus Phelps, Lorenzo Webb; in 1864,
Alanson Crittenden, Isaac J. Norton, Amos D. Cotton; in 1865, Elam P. Norton,
Samuel Hamilton, John Hunter.
The town clerk and town treasurer during
all the years of the war was Joseph L. Waters.
1861. May 11th, The town voted to pay
each soldier seven dollars a month while in the service, and State aid to each
family ; provided " the Legislature does not make the pay of the soldiers as
good as the foregoing."
1862. March 3d, The selectmen were
authorized to pay State aid to the families of volunteers. July 19th, Voted, to
pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who
shall enlist for three years, and be credited
to the quota of the town. August 26th, The selectmen were authorized to pay the
same bounty to volunteers for nine months' service.
1863. April 6th, Voted, to raise by tax
fifteen hundred dollars for State aid to soldiers' families. November 3d, The
selectmen were instructed to use whatever money may be received from the State,
as the proportion of Otis of bounty money paid to volunteers, "to cancel the
indebtedness of the town for the same, and for no other purpose."
1864. March 7th, The selectmen were
directed to pay "the same bounty to colored men enlisting to the credit of the
town, as we pay to white men." May 9th, The bounty for three- years volunteers
was fixed at one hundred and twenty five dollars. The selectmen were
authorized to borrow two thousand dollars for recruiting purposes, " and to
refund to the ten drafted men who entered the service or paid commutation
money, each, the sum of one hundred dollars." June 24th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow three thousand dollars for recruiting purposes. August
31st, Voted, w that the agents of the town for recruiting be directed to pay
four tenths of the cost of a substitute to any enrolled militia-man of said town
who will put a substitute into the army, said substitute to answer on the
present quota of the town; said payments not to exceed four hundred dollars for
a three years man, three hundred for a two years man, and one hundred for a one
year man." Fifteen hundred dollars were appropriated for this purpose.
December 1st, The treasurer was instructed to borrow two thousand dollars
for recruiting purposes, provided the men subject to draft raise five hundred
dollars.
1865. March 6th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow whatever money was necessary to pay State aid to the
soldiers' families.
Otis furnished one hundred and thirteen men for
the war, which was a surplus of eleven over and above all demands. One was a
commissioned officer. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the
town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was thirteen thousand seven
hundred and forty one dollars and seventy four cents ($13,741.74).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for the payment of State aid to the families of soldiers during the
four years of the war, and which was afterwards repaid to it by the
Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $700.73;
in 1863, $1,590.00;
in 1864, $2,073.40;
in 1865, $1,030.80.
Total amount, $5,394.93.
PERU
Incorporated July 4, 1774. Population in
1860, 499; in 1865, 494. Valuation in 1860, $218,200; in 1865, $214,930.
The selectmen in 1861 were Turner Joy, Dwight
Rockwell, B. J. Geer; in 1862, B. J. Geer, E. W. Pierce, J. M. Stowell; in 1863,
E. W. Pierce, J. M. Stowell, S. Shamway; in 1864, E. W. Pierce, S. Shamway,
James Barnes; in 1865, E. W. Pierce, J. M. Stowell, J. S. Barnes.
The town clerk during the years 1861, 1862,
and 1863, was S. B. Fench; in 1864 and 1865, S. S. Bowen. The town treasurer
during all the years of the war was Ebenezer Haskell.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
consider matters relating to the war, was held May 13th; at which it was voted
that " the treasurer borrow five hundred dollars to be appropriated to the
benefit of volunteers in our country's service, and their families, if needy;
that each volunteer shall receive eight dollars a month aid, or such sum as the
district convention may
agree upon. All of said appropriations are
to be subjected to a committee of three."
1862. July 19th, Voted, "that the
treasurer borrow the sum of five hundred dollars to pay bounties offered to the
four volunteers, as far as it will go." September 17th, Voted, "to pay all
the nine months volunteers that have been, and that hereafter may be, secured
for our present quota, one hundred and twenty five dollars each." Voted,
"that each of the above named volunteers shall receive twenty five dollars in
hand as Boon as sworn into service, and that Mr. Edwards shall receive one
hundred and twenty five dollars at that time."
1863. September 21st, Voted, "to adopt
the measures contained in section 9, chapter 218, of the Acts of 1863, and raise
money as there provided."
1864. March 22d, Voted, "that the selectmen
be instructed to procure as many volunteers as may be thought necessary to fill
our quota, by appropriating for each what money the law allows ; and the sum
that may be expended beyond the one hundred and twenty five dollars, or the
limit of the law, be, and is hereby voted, and the selectmen be instructed to
assess on the polls and estates of the inhabitants of Peru said sum." The
selectmen were authorized to use the credit of the town to pay bounties. August
1st, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each
volunteer " to fill the present call." The treasurer was authorized to borrow
six hundred and twenty five dollars. One man in each school district was chosen
to canvass the town for recruits. December 5th, The selectmen were directed to
raise as many recruits as possible in anticipation of other calls, "without
limiting the amount of bounty paid."
Peru furnished forty four men for the war,
which was a surplus of three over and above all demands. None of them were
commissioned officers. The whole amount appropriated and expended by the town
for war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was three thousand three hundred and
sixty dollars ($3,360.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers during the
four years of the war, and which was afterwards repaid to it by the
Commonwealth, is as follows:
In 1861, $72.83;
in 1862, $311.03;
in 1863, $319.50;
in 1864, $240.00;
in 1865, $225.00.
Total amount, $1,168.36.
PITTSFIELD
Incorporated April 21, 1761. Population in 1860, 8,045 ; in 1865, 9,679.
Valuation in 1860, $5,059,907 ; in 1865, $6,378,878.
The selectmen in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and
1865, were John C. West, Henry Colt, and Chauncey Goodrich.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, 1863, and
1864, was James Warriner; in 1865, James M. Barker. The town treasurer during
all of these years was Josiah Carter.
1861. A large meeting of the citizens of
Pittsfield was held on the 18th of April; at which a committee was appointed to
aid the volunteers of the Pittsfield company, which had been ordered to join the
Eighth Regiment at Springfield and proceed to Washington for a service of three
months; and to make suitable provision for the comfort of their families during
their absence. At a legal town meeting, held on the 22d of May, the action of
the citizens' committee was approved; and the committee were authorized to
continue in the performance of their duties.
1862. March 3d, The selectmen were
directed to pay State aid to the families of volunteers according to the
statutes of the Commonwealth, and two thousand dollars were appropriated for
that purpose. August 2d, The selectmen were directed to recruit men to
fill the quota of the town, and to t ^+ bounty of one hundred dollars to each
volunteer who shall enlist for three years and be credited to Pittsfield. The
following resolution was adopted:
Resolved,
That the forces of the United States should be adequate to suppress domestic
insurrection and to repel foreign invasion; and that, in order to maintain the
authority of this Government and the integrity of the Union, the militia of the
United States ought at once to be placed upon a war footing, so that a million
of soldiers, if necessary, in addition to the Federal armies now in the
field, may be in readiness to respond immediately to any draft which may be made
by the Government of the United States. August 25th, The bounty to each
volunteer was raised to one hundred and fifty dollars. The treasurer was
authorized to borrow money.
1863. No action appears to have been
taken by the town in regard to bounties during this year. The selectmen
continued to recruit men as before.
1864. March 7th, A vote of thanks was
passed to the gentlemen who had made a record of, the volunteers belonging to
Pittsfield and compensation was allowed "to the recruiting officers." June
27th, The selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty
five dollars to each volunteer enlisting to the credit of the town, and the
treasurer was authorized to borrow money to pay the same. December 7th, The
bounty was increased to one hundred and fifty dollars, and so remained until the
end of the war.
Pittsfield furnished twelve hundred and one men
for the war, which was a surplus of eighty two over and above all demands. Fifty
eight were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and
expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was one
hundred and twenty thousand and ten dollars and seventy two cents ($120,010.72).
The amount of money raised and expended for State aid to the families of
volunteers during the four years of the war, and afterwards reimbursed to the
town by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $976.12;
in 1862, $5,161.34;
in 1863, $8,162.00;
in 1864, $1,200.00;
in 1865, $10,781.53.
Total amount, $36,980.99.
RICHMOND
Incorporated June 21, 1765. Population in
I860, 914; in 1865, 913. Valuation in 1860, $489,346; in 1865, $502,277.
The selectmen in 1861 were Martin Slosson, H.
B. Stevens, John Fairfield; in 1862, Martin Slosson, Alanson E. Gaston, John
Fairfield; in 1863, Lewis C. Sherrill, Alanson E. Gaston, E. S. Rowley; in 1864
and 1865, E. S. Rowley, John Fair-field, George Cook.
The town clerk in 1861 and 1862 was E.
Williams; in 1863 and 1864, John Sherrill, 2d; in 1865, H. B. Stevens. The town
treasurer in 1861 was E. Williams; in 1862, John A. Sharp; in 1863, Rufus L.
Hall; in 1864, John Sherrill, 2d; in 1865, H. B. Stevens.
We have been unable to obtain a full and
consecutive abstract of the votes passed at the various town meetings, in
relation to the war during the four years of its existence. Several were held
each year, at which money was appropriated for the payment of bounties to
volunteers, and State aid to their families.
In 1866 the selectmen made a return, in
which they stated that the number of men furnished by Richmond for the war was
seventy two, which was probably the number of enlisted men who were inhabitants
of the town, and did not include those who were enlisted in other places, or who
paid commutation money, and were credited to Richmond ; for the town must have
furnished at least ninety five men, as it filled its quota upon every call made
by the President, and at the end of the war had a surplus of five over and above
all demands. Two were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money
appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State
aid, was seven thousand six hundred and ninety dollars ($7,690.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of
volunteers, and which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as
follows:
In 1861, 00;
in 1862, $231.15;
in 1863, $594.19;
in 1864, $624.50;
in 1865, $300.00.
Total amount in four years, $1,749.84.
"The ladies of Richmond sent several boxes of
clothing, books, dried fruits, sweetmeats, and other necessaries and comforts,
to the soldiers in the field and hospitals, at different times during the war."
SANDISFIELD
Incorporated March 6, 1762. Population in 1860, 1,589; in 1865, 1,411.
Valuation in I860, $544,922 ; in 1865, $612,943.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were Lucian
Hotchkiss, Edward C. Wolcott, Milton Abbey; in 1863, Lucian Hotchkiss, Edward
Phelps, Joshua M. Sears; in 1864 and 1865, Samuel C. Parsons, Orlow Wolcott,
Edward Ingham.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was W. W. Langdon. The town treasurer during the same period was John O.
Barker.
Sandisfield is one of the very few towns in the
Commonwealth from which we have failed to obtain a full and consecutive
narrative of its proceedings during the war. We know, however, in general terms,
that meetings were held during each year, at which money was appropriated for
the payment of bounties to volunteers, and State aid to their families.
By the return made by the selectmen in 1866,
they claim to have furnished one hundred and sixty eight men for the war, which
we believe to be almost, if not exactly, correct; for Sandisfield filled its
quota upon every call made by the President for men, and at the end of the war
had a surplus of thirteen over and above all demands. One was a commissioned
officer. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on
account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was thirty thousand one hundred and
forty four dollars ($30,144.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for State aid to soldiers families,
and which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $25.42;
in 1862, $515.01;
in 1863, $1,636.90;
in 1864, $1,532.34;
in 1865, $1,450.00.
Total in four years, $5,159.67.
SAVOY
Incorporated Feb. 20,1797. Population in
1860, 904; in 1865, 866. Valuation in 1860, $268,439; in 1865, $273,400.
The selectmen in 1861 were Willis W. Barnett,
Emerson L. Mason, Orin Tower; in 1862, Melvin Bowker, Caleb Brown, Edward Mason
; in 1863, Melvin Bowker, George Hall, Ambrose B. Perkins; in 1864, Emerson L.
Mason, Henry P. Tyler, Willis W. Barnett; in 1865, Harrison Snow, Henry P.
Tyler, Ambrose B. Perkins.
The town clerk during all the years of the
war was Harrison Snow. The town treasurer in 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864, was
William Sherman; in 1865, Henry F. Bliss.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 21st of September; at
which "the town, by a yea and nay vote, twenty three yeas to
seven nays," voted w to hire a sum not
exceeding one thousand dollars, in anticipation of money that may be reimbursed
by the State, to pay aid to the families of soldiers."
1862. At a town meeting held on the 23d
of July, it was voted to raise, by assessment "upon the inhabitants of the
town, according to what they are actually worth," a sufficient
amount of money to pay a 'bounty of one hundred
dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for three years' military service,
and be mustered in and credited to the town; also, to exempt from taxation their
property, while in the service; also, to assess a tax of one dollar upon each
poll, "for the benefit of the volunteers, in addition to their bounty;" also, to
pay each volunteer " ten dollars in advance, and the balance when mustered in
and credited." At a meeting held on the 8th of September, it was voted to pay
the same amount of bounty to volunteers who enlist, and are credited, in the
nine months' service; and on the 15th of November the selectmen were authorized
to pay the same amount of money to men who may be drafted, belonging to the
town.
1863. At the town meeting held on the
11th of April, it was voted to raise one thousand dollars for the payment of
State aid to the families of volunteers; and on the 13th of November the
selectmen were directed to continue the payment of State aid to the families of
deceased soldiers.
1864. At a meeting held on the 28th of
March, w the chairman of the selectmen was directed to go to Boston and
ascertain if the quota of the town on the previous calls had been filled;" and
that " he be authorized to secure volunteers to fill all calls up to the present
time, if they can be obtained at a reasonable rate.” On the 6th of June the
town voted to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars w to each
recruit who enlists to the credit of the town, up to March next."
1865. At a meeting held on the 13th of
March, the town voted to raise one thousand dollars for the payment of State aid
to the families of soldiers; and the selectmen were directed
to continue recruiting, w to keep the quota of
the town always full."
Savoy furnished about ninety five men for the
war, which was a surplus of ten over and above all demands. None were
commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, and including $2,466.84
raised by private subscription, was nine thousand two hundred and forty one
dollars and sixty three cents ($9,241.63).
The amount of money raised and expended during
the four years of the war for the payment of State aid to the families of
soldiers, and which was afterwards refunded by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $60.69 ;
in 1862, $669.47;
in 1863, $1,175.95;
in 1864, $651.00;
in 1865, $500.00.
Total amount in four years, $3,058.11.
SHEFFIELD
Incorporated June 22, 1733. Population in
1860, 2,621; in 1865, 2,461. Valuation in 1860, $1,103,-728; in 1865,
$1,206,820.
The selectmen in 1861 and the four succeeding
years were E. E. Callender, Abner Roys, Henry Burtch.
The town clerk in 1861 and 1862 was W. B.
Saxton; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, John D. Burtch. The town treasurer in 1861 was
W. B. Saxton; in 1862, 1863, and 1864, and 1865, John D. Burtch.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
consider war matters, was held May 4th. Oliver Peck was chosen moderator. It was
voted that the moderator and clerk of the meeting petition the Governor, in
behalf of the town, for w the immediate assembling of the Legislature of this
Commonwealth." " On motion of E. F. Ensign, a resolution passed at a legal
meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Sheffield, held on the 18th day of
June, 1776, was read, and ordered to be put on file." A committee of five was
appointed " to report a series of resolutions." The committee were G. A. Root,
E. F. Ensign, Z. Candee, Archibald Taft, and Leonard Tuttle. They reported, 1st,
That two thousand dollars be raised for the proper equipment and pay of citizens
who may volunteer in the military service; 2nd, That each volunteer be paid by
the town nine dollars a month while in the service; 3d, That the families of
soldiers shall receive comfortable assistance; 4th, That G. A. Root, Samuel H.
Bushnell, Leonard Tuttle, T. B. Strong, and H. D. Train be a committee with full
powers to expend the money; 5th, That said committee be authorized to borrow,
not exceeding four thousand dollars, on the faith and credit of the town ; 6th,
That said committee shall receive no compensation for services, "and that their
charges for necessary expenses shall be submitted to the selectmen for approval;
" 7th, The town treasurer was instructed to pay all drafts made upon him by said
committee; 8th, The committee was * to proceed immediately to form
a military company." The report was accepted,
with only one dissenting vote. The four thousand dollars was to be raised by a
tax; and the treasurer was directed to keep a separate and distinct account " of
all money raised and expended in conformity with the foregoing resolutions."
November 5th, Voted, that the sum of five hundred dollars, " or such part
thereof as may be deemed necessary, is hereby appropriated to the payment of
such bounty, and allowances to the wives, children, and parents of volunteers,
as is allowed by the laws of this Commonwealth."
1862. July 22d, Voted, to pay a bounty
of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer enlisting to the credit
of the town. A committee of one from each school district was appointed "to
solicit enlistment's, and to report to the chairman of the selectmen weekly."
The treasurer was authorized to borrow money, and the committee already
appointed was "to solicit subscriptions of money to be given volunteers."
August 23d,
1863. Voted, to pay a bounty of one
hundred dollars to each volunteer for nine months' service, and the selectmen to
borrow money for the purpose. A committee of five was appointed to procure
volunteers. November 4th, Voted, to borrow, not exceeding two thousand
dollars, for aid to the families of soldiers.
1864. September, Voted, to pay State aid
to the families of men who have been drafted. December 26th, Voted, to pay the
selectmen and recruiting officers fifteen dollars for each new recruit, and
twenty five dollars for each veteran recruit, enlisting
to the credit of the town; voted, to pay their
expenses, and three dollars a day while engaged in recruiting.
1865. April 4th, Voted, to raise three
thousand dollars to procure volunteers, and to fix the bounty at one hundred and
fifty dollars. The selectmen were authorized to borrow money to pay the
same. May 4th, The sum to be borrowed was increased to four thousand dollars.
June 18th, The selectmen
were authorized to recruit thirty five men
to fill the quota of the town " at the cheapest possible rate," and to borrow "
such sums of money " as may be required for that purpose.
1866. August 13th,
Voted, to recruit five men, and to pay each a
bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars; voted, that there be deposited
with the State Treasurer " one hundred and twenty five dollars each for ten men
for recruits." Henry Burtch was chosen " to investigate in regard to
re-enlistments for this town/9 December 13th, The selectmen were authorized to
borrow four thousand dollars, to pay bounties for thirty two men to fill the
quota of the town.
1865. April 3d, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow money to pay State aid to the families of volunteers. A
vote of thanks was passed to the selectmen who had served through the years of
the war, and who declined a re-election, for their services in procuring
recruits during the Rebellion.
Sheffield furnished two hundred and sixty nine
men for the military service, which was a surplus of eight over all demands.
Four were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money raised and expended
by the town for war purposes, exclusive of State aid, was thirty thousand and
thirty three dollars and sixty eight cents ($30,033.68).
The amount of money raised and expended by the
town for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers during the four
years of the war, and afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $80.36;
in 1862, $1,867.56 ;
in 1863, $4,859.71;
in 1864, $4.300.00;
in 1865, $3,400.00.
Total amount, $14,507.63.
STOCKBRIDGE
Incorporated June 22, 1739. Population in 1860,
2,136 ; in 1865, 1,967. Valuation in 1860, $976,256; in 1865, $1,323,883.
The selectmen in 1861 were Daniel Fairchild,
William Darbe, Reuben Lynch; in 1862, 1863, and 1864, Henry M. Burrell, William
Darbe, Henry D. Palmer; in 1865, M. Warner, Mason Van Deusen, Carl ton Curtis.
The town-clerk during all the years of the war
was E. Sey¬mour. The town-treasurer in 1861 was Nathan A. Waters; during the
years 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, E. Seymour.
1861. The first legal town-meeting, to act upon
matters relating to the war, was held on the 3d of May; at which it was voted to
borrow, not exceeding two thousand dollars, for the purchase of suitable clothes
and equipments for the volunteers who shall go into the military service from
"that town and vicinity." The selectmen were also directed to take charge of the
arms and equipments " now on their way from the Adjutant-General, that they may
be properly kept and returned when demanded/' June 15th, The selectmen were
directed to pay State aid to the families of volunteers, as provided by the laws
of the Commonwealth.
1862. April 7th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow, not exceeding one thousand dollars, for the payment of
State aid to the soldiers' families during the year. July 26th, Voted, to pay
a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer for three
years, when mustered into the military ser¬vice, and credited to the quota of
the town. The selectmen were authorized to immediately open a
recruiting-office, and to borrow money to pay the bounties. August 25th,
Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for nine months
service, and to borrow money to pay the same.
1863. August 1st, The selectmen were
directed to pay State aid to the families of drafted men the same as to the
families of volunteers; also, the expense of transportation of the drafted men
from Stockbridge to the military camp at Springfield, and to borrow money, if
necessary, for that purpose.
1864. November 3rd, The selectmen were
appointed to solicit subscriptions to pay bounties to volunteers who may enlist
to fill the quota of the town "under the last call of the President." Voted,
to abate the poll-taxes of all soldiers in the service belonging to Stockbridge.
1865. May 21st, Voted, to raise and assess
the sum of three thousand one hundred and sixty dollars, in addition to the
eight hundred appropriated April 4th, to fill the quota of the town, and to pay
what has already been paid by subscription. June 1st, The selectmen were
instructed to recruit twenty-five more volunteers, to apply to the next call
for men."
1866. November 7th, Rev. A. H. Dashiell,
Charles Goodrich, and Professor F. Hoffman were appointed to "take into
consideration the subject of erecting a monument to the memory of the soldiers
of Stockbridge who had fallen in the war."
1867. Stockbridge furnished about two
hundred and thirty-six men for the war, including those who belonged to other
places, and those who paid commutation-money, which was a surplus of twenty-six
over and above all demands. Eight were commis¬sioned officers. The whole amount
of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive
of State aid, was fifteen thousand and twenty-nine dollars and fifty-six cents
($15,029.56).
The amount of money raised and expended by the
town for State aid to soldiers9 families during the four years of the war, and
afterwards repaid to it by the Commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $378.64;
in 1862, $2,049.53; in 1863, $3,450.19; in 1864, $3,263.62; in 1865, $2,000.00.
Total amount, $11,141.96.
The ladies of Stockbridge organized a Soldiers'
Aid Society, and " held meetings almost every week during the war to do
soldiers' work, and forwarded at different times large quantities of
under-clothing and other valuable articles to the army and hospitals, to the
money value of several thousand dollars."
A very handsome brown-stone monument has been
erected to the memory of the men of Stockbridge who died for their country in
the war of the Rebellion. The cost of the monu¬ment was twenty-six hundred
dollars. It is erected near the centre of the village, to which it is an
ornament, as well as an honor to the memory of those who fell.
TYRINGHAM
Incorporated March 6, 1762. Population in
1860, 730 ; in 1865, 650. Valuation in 1860, $293,228 ; in 1865, $299,594.
The selectmen in 1861 were E. G. Hale, J. M.
Northup, J. G. Garfield; in 1862, E. G. Hale, J. G. Garfield, A. G. Sweet; in
1863, J. M. Garfield, G. W. Garfield, C. E. Slater; in 1864, E. G. Hale, H.
Clark, Orson Webster; in 1865, E. G. Hale, Daniel Clark, John Canon.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, 1863, and
1864, was J. W. Wilson; in 1865, Albert C. Heath. The town treasurer in 1861 was
Elijah Garfield; in 1862, Charles E. Slater; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, A. C.
Heath.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters connected with the war, was held on the 1st of July; at which
the selectmen were authorized to borrow money for the payment of State aid to
families of volunteers.
1862. April 7th, "Voted, that the
selectmen borrow and pay over to the families of volunteers, at the end of each
month, the amount the State allows." July 23d, Voted, to pay a bounty of
one hundred dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist within ten days for
three years' service, and be credited to the quota of the town. August 21st,
Voted, to pay three-
years volunteers a bounty of two hundred
dollars, and those for nine months one hundred dollars.
1863. April 6th, The selectmen were
authorized to borrow money for the payment of State aid to the families of
volunteers.
1864. April 4th, Voted, to pay a bounty
of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each volunteer for three years'
service. S. D. Thatcher was appointed recruiting agent for the town, with
authority to pay, if necessary, a bounty of three hundred dollars to three years
volunteers, under any future call of the President for men; and the treasurer
was authorized to borrow money for that purpose. Voted, to assess a tax of
thirty two hundred dollars.
1865. April 3d, Voted, to pay the
expenses heretofore incurred in recruiting volunteers to fill the quota of the
town ; and to raise fifteen hundred dollars by taxation, for recruiting purposes
in the future, and commutation money to drafted men. The amount of commutation
to free a man from service who hud been drafted and accepted was three hundred
dollars. The town allowed to each drafted man in Tyringham, who had been
accepted, two hundred and fifty dollars for commutation money; the remaining
fifty dollars he was to provide himself.
Tyringham furnished about seventy four men
for the war, which was the exact number required to fill its quotas under the
several calls of the President for volunteers. One was a commissioned officer.
The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of
the war, exclusive of State aid, was six thousand nine hundred and sixty dollars
($6,960.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for the payment of State aid to the
families of soldiers, and which was afterwards repaid to it by the Commonwealth,
was as follows :
In 1861, $310.14;
in 1862, $564.37 ;
in 1863, $656.00;
in 1864, $160.00;
in 1865, 00.
Total amount, $1,681.51.
WASHINGTON
Incorporated April 12,1777. Population in
1860, 948; in 1865, 859. Valuation in 1860, $299,622; in 1865, $289,398.
The selectmen in 1861 were Charles Crosier,
Edmund Spencer, James M. Chapel; in 1862, D. W. Dunham, Charles Crosier, Alanson
S. Pomeroy ; in 1863, Charles Crosier, Alanson S. Pomeroy, John M. Crane; in
1864 and 1865, D. W. Dunham, Simpson Bell, Charles Coates.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864,
and 1865, was J. S. Brooker. The town treasurer in 1861 and 1862 was John M.
Crane; in 1863, D. W. Dunham; in 1864, Samuel O. Brooker; in 1865, George
Abbott.
1861. There does not appear to have been
any formal town meeting held during this year, to act upon matters relating to
the war; although a number of popular meetings were held, at which addresses
were made by prominent gentlemen of the county, among whom were Charles M.
Emerson, of Pittsfield, Judge Page, William M. Walker, and others.
1862. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 1st of September; at
which it was voted to pay a bounty w of seventy five dollars to each of the
seven volunteers who enlisted for three years, and one hundred dollars to each
volunteer for nine months' service."
1863. There appears to have been no
action taken by the town in regard to the war, in its corporate capacity, during
this year; none probably having been necessary.
1864. On the 11th of April a town
meeting was held, at which it was voted w to raise one hundred and twenty five
dollars for each volunteer under the last call of the President; " also, " that
the selectmen be instructed to go to Boston, and, if possible, "procure a
sufficient number of men to fill the quota of the town." A gentleman for whom we
have a high regard, and who knew w all about it," writes: w War meetings were
held to encourage enlistment's, to help the noblest and best of governments the
sun ever shone upon; and young men volunteered, in cases not a few, where their
parents refused granting their requests to join the Union army, and being under
age were thus kept at home,"
Washington furnished about one hundred men for
the service, and filled its quota upon every call made by the President for men,
and at the end of the war had a surplus of one, over and above every demand made
upon it. Two were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated
and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was six
thousand dollars ($6,000.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for the payment of State aid to the families of soldiers during the
four years of the war, and which was afterwards reimbursed to it by the
Commonwealth, was as follows :
In 1861, $94.85 ;
in 1862, $662.08;
in 1863, $1,298.39;
in 1864, $977.21;
in 1865, $600.00.
Total amount, $3,632.53.
"The ladies of Washington met on various
occasions, and prepared lint and bandages for the wounded soldiers in
hospitals."
WEST STOCKBRIDGE
Incorporated Feb. 23, 1774. Population in
1860, 1,589; in 1865, 1,621. Valuation in 1860, $602,010: in 1865, $613,816..
The selectmen in 1861 were Franklin B. Cone,
Daniel A. Treat, Charles E. Rees; in 1862, 1863, and 1864, George W. Kniffen,
Henry T. Ford, Thomas W. Barnes; in 1865, Henry T. Ford, Charles S. Platt, John
P. Pomeroy.
The town clerk and town treasurer during
all the years of the war was William C. Spaulding.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to act
upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 18th of November; at which the
selectmen were authorized to pay State aid to the families of volunteers, as
provided by law. The treasurer was directed to keep a separate account of the
money so expended, and to report the amount at the next annual meeting.
1862. March 10th, Fifteen hundred
dollars were appropriated for State aid to the families of volunteers residing
in the town ; and the selectmen were authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred
dollars to each volunteer who should enlist for the term of three years, and be
mustered into the military service, and credited to the quota of the town. The
treasurer was authorized to borrow money to pay said bounties. It was also voted
to remit the payment of poll taxes assessed and paid by persons who have
enlisted, or who shall afterwards enlist, in the military service. August
18th, The selectmen were authorized to borrow money, and pay a bounty of one
hundred dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for nine months' service, and
be credited to fill the quota of the town.
1863. March 10th, Seventeen hundred
dollars were appropriated for the payment of State aid to the families of
soldiers during the year. July 27th, The selectmen were directed to pay the same
amount of State aid to the families of men who may be drafted as is paid to the
families of volunteers. December 29th, The selectmen were authorized "to draw
from the treasury fifteen dollars for every new recruit, and twenty five dollars
for every veteran recruit, enlisting to the credit of the town, to be paid
in advance of the premiums allowed by Government
1864. March 7th, Two thousand dollars
were appropriated for the payment of State aid during the year to the families
of soldiers residing in West Stockbridge. March 28th, Voted, to raise fifteen
hundred dollars by taxation for recruiting purposes. The selectmen were
authorized to borrow that amount, in anticipation of the tax, "as they may
require;" also, to raise one thousand dollars by taxation, to pay fifty dollars
to each volunteer " who has not received that amount of local bounty;" and to
refund to citizens money which they have voluntarily contributed to encourage
enlistment's. The selectmen were directed to make such arrangements as they
might judge expedient to procure volunteers to fill the quota of the town. April
8th, The selectmen were authorized to take such action " as they may deem proper
under the act of the Legislature approved March 28th, 1864; " which act allowed
money to be raised by taxation to pay bounties to volunteers, but limited the
amount to be paid to each volunteer to one hundred and twenty five dollars." On
the 9th of July, the town voted to avail itself of the provisions of this act.
August 9th, The selectmen were authorized to pay the bounty prescribed by the
act of March 28th, 1864, in gold.
1865. March 6th, Two thousand dollars were
appropriated for the payment of State aid to the families of soldiers during the
year. May 13th, Voted, to raise by taxation sixty five hundred dollars, to
refund money subscribed and paid by citizens to encourage recruiting.
West Stockbridge furnished one hundred and
sixty men for the war, which was a surplus of eight over and above all demands.
One was a commissioned officer. The whole amount of money appropriated and
expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid paid to
soldiers' families, was seventeen thousand and twenty six dollars and thirty two
cents ($17,026.32).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town during the four years of the war for the payment of State aid to the
families of soldiers, and afterwards reimbursed to it by the Commonwealth, was
as follows:
In 1861, $22.63;
in 1862, $1,217.02;
in 1863, $2,097.86;
in 1864, $2,161.04;
in 1865, $1,800.00.
Total amount, $7,298.55.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Incorporated June 21, 1765. Population in
1860, 2,611; in 1865J 2,563. Valuation in I860, $1,173,222; in 1865, $1,160,587.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were John R.
Bulkley, William E. Johnson, Nathan Field; in 1863 and 1864, Harvey T. Cole,
William E. Johnson, Daniel Dewey; in 1865, Calvin R. Taft, Daniel Dewey, William
E. Johnson.
The town clerk in 1861, 1862, 1863, and
1864, was Daniel Dewey; in 1865, Samuel T. Mather. The town treasurer in 1861,
1862, 1863, and 1864, was Harvey T. Cole; in 1865, J. H. Whipple.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to
act upon matters in relation to the war, was held on the 3d of June; at which
five thousand dollars were appropriated for State aid to the families of
volunteers belonging to Williamstown.
1862. March 10th, The selectmen were
directed to continue to assist the families of volunteers." Voted, to pay a
bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist
for three years' service, and be credited to
the quota of the town. Messrs. St. R. Hoxey, Harvey T. Cole, Calvin R.
Taft, and Daniel Dewey were chosen a committee, with authority to borrow thirty
one hundred dollars to procure volunteers and pay bounties. Two hundred
dollars were allowed for the personal expenses of said committee while in the
performance of their duties. September 6th, The same bounty was directed to
be paid to volunteers for nine months service.
1863. January 6th, The selectmen were
directed to recruit volunteers to fill the quota of the town, and to pay each
man, when properly credited to the quota of the town, a bounty of
one hundred and fifty dollars. March 14th, w
Voted, to pay State aid to the families of all persons belonging to Williamstown
in the military and naval service of the United States."
1864. August 8th, The selectmen were
authorized to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty five dollars to each
volunteer for three years' service, when credited to the quota of the town; and
to appoint " a recruiting agent to be nominated by a meeting of the enrolled men
of the town." A recruiting agent was appointed. December 20th, The same
bounty was directed to be paid to volunteers under the new call of the President
for more men ; and the selectmen were authorized to borrow money to pay said
bounties and the expenses of the recruiting agent. December 30th, "Voted, that
the selectmen vigorously prose cute the work of enlistment until there shall be
forty men enlisted."
1865. March 13th, The selectmen were
directed to continue the payment of State aid to the soldiers' families during
the year.
Williamstown furnished two hundred and
sixty men for the war, which was a surplus of eighteen over and above all
demands. Six were commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated
and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was
fifteen thousand four hundred and fifteen dollars ($15,415.00).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers during the
four years of the war, and afterwards reimbursed to it by the Commonwealth, was
as follows:
In 1861, $451.64;
in 1862, $2,045.27;
in 1863, $2,734.01;
in 1864, $4,300.00;
in 1865, $2,400.00.
Total amount, $11,930.92.
WINDSOR
Incorporated July 2, 1771. Population in
1860, 839; in 1865, 753. Valuation in I860, $337,275; in 1865, $303,324.
The selectmen in 1861 were James Whitmarsh,
Reuben Pierce, H. L. Allen; in 1862, Ellison Axtell, A. L. Clark, A. W. Warren;
in 1863 and 1864, C. Baldwin, H. N. Winslow, James Whitmarsh; in 1865, James
Whitmarsh, H. N. Winslow, George Hathawny.
The town clerk during all the years of the war
was Chapin Converse. The town treasurer in 1861, 1862, 1864, and 1865, was
Norman Miner; in 1863, Solomon Capen.
1861. The first legal town meeting, to act
upon matters relating to the war, was held on the 10th of May, at which a
committee was appointed to canvass the town for recruits for military service.
Another committee was appointed to confer with the authorities of the adjoining
towns to agree upon some uniform plan of recruiting. The town voted to pay each
volunteer credited to Windsor, while in the service, eight dollars a month, and
to furnish him with a uniform and equipment's, not to exceed in cost twenty five
dollars; also, to provide for the comfortable support of his family.
The town records do not give farther
particulars in regard to the ways and means used by the town to raise money and
furnish recruits, as the practice was to leave these matters with a committee,
with full powers to act as they thought best for the interest of the service and
the best good of the town.
Windsor furnished ninety eight men for the
war, which was a surplus of thirteen over and above all demands. None were
commissioned officers. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was nine thousand six
hundred and eighty seven dollars and seventy one cents ($9,687.71).
The amount of money raised and expended by
the town for State aid to the families of volunteers during the four years of
the war, and afterwards reimbursed by the Commonwealth, was as follows:
In 1861, $27.34;
in 1862, $647.91;
in 1863, $1,194.83;
in 1864, $1,139.00;
in 1865, $800.00.
Total amount, $3,809,08.
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