resorting to physical force, to accomplish an object so much desired as a correct
return, but all to no purpose. The law is a dead letter." " I believe the town
clerks discharge the duties of their office with as strict fidelity as any grade of
officers in the Commonwealth ; but the Legislature has seen fit to impose a fine of
ten dollars for neglect of duty in making their returns, while all other persons,
whose duty is much less onerous, go free."
Newton. — Births, "Probably above one hundred in reality."
Ttnosborouoh. — Marriages. "Most of our people go to Nashua, N. H.,
where they are married without being published." — Deaths. " The sexton has
never made a return of deaths ; the minutes for the return were obtained by going
to the sexton and copying from his book (very imperfectly kept), and by informa-
tion received from friends of the deceased, when particularly called on by me."
Westford. — Deaths. " I am unable to make an accurate return, although I
have distributed blanks and requested that they should be filled up and returned
to me. The return contains about one half the number which have taken place."
WoBURN. — "The returns are as perfect as I could possibly make them; I
have spent more time, and been to more trouble than any previous year, yet it is
not correct" — Births. " It has been impossible for the assessors to ascertain
births happening in some families, even upon inquiry of the father or mother;
some forget, when called upon for information, tliat any event of the kind has
happened in their families, it being with them an occurrence not at all uncom-
mon ; others, I presume, do not wish to have it known that the population of the
town is increasing so fast as it actually is. The following will show the number
of births returned, and the sources from which the information is derived." "I
am inclined to think that these are all the births that have happened in Wobum
for the past year. The fact that only three quarters of the whole number of
births are returned to me from proper sources, will give you some idea of the
difficulties of making out a full and perfect record. The fault is not owing to
the assessors; they do all their duty. I think if the duty of ascertaining births
rested with town clerks, or with the prudential district committees rather than the
town committees, some of the difficulties which have arisen might be obviated ;
and make it the duty of fathers to return, to proper persons, all births happening
in their families within a limited time, or be subject to a fine ; and further make
Digitized by VjOOQIC
NOTES. 16
it the duty of every person appointed to receive such returns to prosecute all vio-
lations of the law, or be fined himself." — Marriagea. " The whole number of
marriages was thirty. The number of intentions of marriage entered with me
was fifty -six; nearly one half of those published in town were not married here."
No Returns of births from Mon, Ashhy, Concord^ and Slow; and of deaths
from Firamingham, SotnervUU, and ffatertown,
WORCESTER COUNTY.
Auburn. — Marriages. " Although the number returned is very small, yet it is
believed that it is correct It is accounted for by ihc fact that a large proportion
of persons, intending marriage, make a short tour to Connecticut, and come back,
having carried their intentions into effect under the liberal and summary laws of
that State."
Berlin. — Marriages. " Three couple have been married by clergymen out of
town, who have not made returns to me."
Blackstone. — Births. " The return is not as accurate as I could wish, but
as much so as could be made from the information obtained." — Deaths. ** Not
accurate in some respects. Many of our population are foreigners, from whom it
is almor<t impossible to obtain information."
Dudley. — ^** The clergymen are very prompt in making their returns, the sexton
rather negligent, and the school committee made no return at all, nor will they,
unless there is a penalty in the law, or a greater compensation to induce them."
HoLDEN. — Births. " I believe the return is correct.** — Marriages. " 1 believe
the number to be correct"
NoRTHBOROuoH. — BiHhs, " The same old difficulty remains yet, about get-
ting the information out of which to make our returns ; the return probably em-
braces less than one half of the births in this town for the year. Only two out
of five of the school committee have made any return at all ; they were furnished
with blanks containing the proper directions for their proceedings, also a request
endorsed on them, to be returned on or before the first of June. It would be
about as cheap to pay the fine and let the whole business go, as to try to keep the
records under present circumstances. There are several deficiencies in the rec-
ord of deaths, also some in the marriage record."
Oxford. — Births. " The school committee did not choose to collect any, and
did not return any for record. The town clerk for the past year died about the
firet of February, and ho had made no record since the last return ; consequently
there are none to return, except the few which I have picked up in my vicinity."
— Deaths. "I return what occurred after the decease of the former town clerk."
Templeton. — Births. " The return is very imperfect, not containing probably
more than one fifth of the whole number in the jown. The school committee in-
formed me that they had made arrangements with the assessors to get and make
to me a return. I forward all which I obtained from them."
No Returns from Upton,
Digitized by VjOOQIC
16 SIXTH REGISTRATION REPORT.
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.
Amherst. — Births. "Very nearly complete, although obtained at considera-
ble trouble on my own part, for, had it been led to the school committee, it would
not have been one third the return as made." — Marriagts, " All returned." —
Deaths, **I return all that have come to my knowledge, having received but
eight certificates from the sextons. It is impossible tor the town clerk to make
full returns, with the very little aid he receives ; and until the Commonwealth or
town are willing to pay sextons and others as much for services as they can
earn in sawing wood, they will, on the calculation of loss and gain, take care not
to trouble themselves to make reports. As it is here, the clerk must do all, or
nearly all, or the work is not done, and the returns must be made very incom-
plete."
Belchektown. — ^''The returns are, in the main, correct, although it has cost
me considerable effort to get them." — Births, *' I have had no return from the
school committee, but have registered them as they have come to my knowledge,
and from information received of oui physicians. There seems to be no interest
manifested among parents to have the births of their children registered, and
there are therefore, without doubt, a few which I have not returned." — Marriages
and Deaths. " I believe the returns are correct"
Easthampton. — Births, "The school committee have made no return. I
have been waiting for them to make a return ; therefore I have not the informa-
tion that I should have had if it had not been their duty to make a return. I think
that if it was made the duty of the town clerk, or some other man, to get the in-
formation and make the return, and a reasonable compensation given, the returns
would be more perfect than they now are. If you want your returns correct, the
less number employed in making them the better. It might be otherwise in
cities, but I think that^ in the country, if the returns were made wholly by one
man, they would be more correct" — Marriages. "I return two, which is all that
have been solemnized in town. Some have gone out of the State." — Deaths. " We
have no sextons, which is the case with one half of the towns in the Slate."
Enfield. — Marriages. — "All which have taken place; although four couples,
not included in the list, have been married out of tlie Commonwealth."
Greenwich. — "The return was obtained from the attending physicians; it is
not definite."
MiDDLEFiELD. — Marriages Vind Deaths. — "A true copy of the record, and as
full as I am able to give."
Pelham. — Births and Deaths. " I have no return or record."
Prescott. — Marriages. " There have been twelve couple published the past
year, but only one half that number have been married in Prescott, as appears by
the return, which I think is correct"
South Hadlet. — Births. "I believe the return to be correct Several mills
were burnt in May, 18-16, and, within six months, sixty five families lefl town,
from whom no return could be obtained, which accounts for the falling off from
previous returns."— .Wiimogw. " Probably two not returned." — Deaths, " The
return does not include those in the second parish. I have endeavored to obtain
Digitized by VjOOQIC
NOTES. 17
them, but have not yet succeeded ; there were not probably more than three or
four in that parish."
Ware. — Deaths, "The return is imperfect; probably but about three fourths
of the real number."
WiLLiAMSBDRo. — Marriages, "All that have been returned to me, but the
whole number is probably ten or twelve."
No Returns from J^ormch; of births from Chesterfield and Easthampton ;
and of births and deaths from PeUiam.
HAMPDEN COUNTY.
Blanopord. — Marriages, "All that have been returned to me, but I think
not more than two thirds that have taken place."
GRAifvii.LE. — Marriages. "Clergymen fail to make returns to me regularly.
I have supplied the record as far as my knowledge allows." — Deaths, "For the
past year there have been no returns rendered to the town clerk. There is no
regular sexton in Granville, although there are eight gra\ e-yards."
Palmer. — Deaths, " I as yet have never been able to get any returns of deaths
in our place, but we are making ariangements this year so as to get them as
nearly as we possibly can."
West Spriivofieu). — Births, " As was the case last year in regard to the
return of births, so it is this; not one has been returned to me by the committee.
I let them have one set of the blanks you sent me in the spring, and as they have
not returned them up to this date, my last day according to law, I think they are
blanks still. While f am liable to a fine for not returning the list to you, the
school committee do as they please about collecting and sending them to me for
record and return."
No Returns of births from Ludlow and West Springfield; and of deaths from
Granville and Palmer,
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Bernaroston. — Births. " The return was prepared by Dr. E. W. Carpenter,
one of the most respectable physicians in this town, and is, I believe, perfectly
accurate. Dr. Carpenter labors in this matter for the good of the public, and for
posterity. Will not every town in our beloved Commonwealth do as well ? I
trust it will soon be so." — Marriages, " This town is situated on the line of the
State of Vermont; in that State, persons are married without any previous pub-
lidhinent; many persons, therefore, go from this town to Vermont to be married ;
the number I have no means of knowing, probably four or five couple annually."
CoLERAiifE. — Births and Marriages. "The returns are as perfect as could be
made from the facts received at this oflSce."
Greenfield. — Births and Deaths. "Never returned to me." — Marriages.
"All that have been returned to me."
Heath. — Births. "The school committee made their return so incorrectly
that I cannot record thom." — Marriages. " None returned in the form for return
to the Secretary's office."— De/iM^. " All that have been returned to the clerk's
office, though but a small part of the whole number."
3
Digitized by VjOOQIC
18 SIXTH REGISTRATION REPORT.
Letde5.— Bir«^. "Substantially correct"— Jfomc^M. "All that bare
taken place." — Deaths. " Full, and substantially correct"
Orange.— £^tr^. "Tiie return of the school committee was very imperfect
in part of the town, and, so far as I have been able, I have supplied the deficien-
cies, but many names and dates are still omitted."
Shutesbdrt. — Birtht and Deaths. " No return has been made to me."
Sunderland. — Deaths. "The return is not perfect, but is more so than any
former one I have made."
Warwick. — Births. " A correct return of all that have occurred in town ;
our school committee have spared no pains in their duty in this matter, and T be-
lieve they have been successful in making a very correct return to me." — Mar-
riages. " All that have taken place." — Deaths. " I believe the number is cor-
rect"
No Returns from Conv>ay^ Norlhjieid and Rowe; of births and deaths from
Greenfield and Shuiesbwy; of marriages from Heath.
BERKSHIRE COUNTY.
Alford. — Deaths. " The return is far from being correct, because the town
has not complied with the requirements of the act, and chosen a sexton. I have
obtained the particulars myself."
Becket. — Births and Deaths. " No returns have been made to me."
Dalton. — Marriages and Deaths. " No interest is taken by any one to make
returns, or inform the clerk of marriages or deaths. Of the mortality among chil-
dren, which is greater than usual, I have not been able to obtain the particulars."
Florida. — Marriages. " For the return for this town, I would refer the Secre-
tary to the justices of the peace in the town of Stamford, Vt The fees and de-
lays consequent on a publishment of the banns of matrimony are more than the
contracting parties are generally able to bear."
Hancock. — Marriages. " People about to marry generally avail themselves of
the privilege of going into the State of New York to have the ceremony per-
formed. This is the second year of my serving as town clerk, and I have never
been called upon to publish a couple as yet, for the reason as above stated."
Lanesborough. — Births. " The list is as correct and specific as circumstances
will admit"
hEZ.— 'Births. " The record is not so full as it ought to be. I have exerted
myself, since I came into office, to get as many as possible ; but afler all, I am
satisfied that not half of the number of births is on record. I spoke early to one
of the school committee, who well knew his duty, but he has not made a single
return."
New Ashford.— BiH^. "I believe, all that have taken place. I have ob-
tained them by personal application to the parents."
Plainfi eld.— Bir^. " The school committee of Plainfield thinking the com-
pensation for ascertaining and reporting births to the town clerk insufficient, and
believing that no penalty is annexed to the neglect, they have ever omitted to do
it altogether. I have taken much pains to ascertain the births (although I think
the compensation altogether inadequate), yet, probably, I have not returned every
Digitized by VjOOQIC
NOTES. 19
one." — fkcUks. " No sexton has ever reported to me a death. I have learnt the
deaths, as well as I can, from the clergymen of the place."
West Stockbridoe. — "I have delayed making my returns beyond the time
required by law, hoping to be able to make ray records more perfect ; but I can-
not obuin the information."— -BtrtA* and Marriages. " I think the returns are
perfect" — Deaihs* " I shall never be able to make a perfect record of deaths. I
suppose there have been twenty-five or thirty during the last year, but I can re-
turn but eleven."
No Returns from Cheshire, Great BarringUm, and Sandisfield; of births and
deaths from Becktt ; of deaths from Dcdton and Stockbridge,
NORFOLK COUNTY.
Brooeline. — Births, "The return is believed to be correct; it was made
from inquiry made at each house in town." — Marriages. ** All which I have
been informed have taken place; but one of the clergymen has made any re-
turn." — Deaths. " A correct return."
CoHASSET. — Deaths. " As we have no superintendent of burying grounds, and
every man employs whom he will to bury his dead, it is with much difficulty that
correct information is obtained. I think it should be made the duty of clergymen
to fill your certificates and return them to the clerk, and, if five cents wont induce
them to do it, fine them fifty dollars if they don't"
Medwat. — " The whole number has not been returned ; it is hoped that the
records next year will be more full."
RoxBURT. — "The returns are very nearly correct, as much so as is possible,
having given a careful attention to the subject myself." — Births. "The returns
were taken by a person authorized by the school committee, who went to all the
families in the city."— ^orriog-w. " The form of certificate of intention of mar-
riage which I obtained from you I have continued to use, and the blanks have
been filled up by me at the time of publishment, thereby saving the trouble and
inconvenience to the persons who solemnize the marriage, who are required to do
it at that time." — Deaths. " The returns were made by the undertakers, who
filled out blanks which I obtained from your office, which I sent to them."
Stouohton. — Births. " This return is a most wretched afiTair, imperfect in
numbers, many not being returned at all, and some with only the month the birth
took place. It is as returned by the school committee, save some few corrections
which occur from my own knowledge." — Deaths. " The return is believed to
contain the full number."
Wetm ouTH. — Deaths. " The return is not correct, one of the school commit-
tee (to whom I am indebted for the return of deaths) not having made any return,
his district comprismg from one 6iih to one fourth part of the town."
No Returns from Braintru.
BRISTOL COUNTY.
DiOBTON. — Deaths. " I suppose there have been more within the last year, but
they have not been reported to me in a way which I could record, and I have
made personal inquiries for most I have recorded."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
20 SIXTH REGISTRATION REPORT.
Fairhaven. — Births. " The school committee again refuse to do their duty
in ascertaining them, consequently there are no returns." — Deaths. "One sexton
only has made his return to the clerii's office."
Norton. — Marriages. " I have published twenty -one couples ; only eight have
been returned, and seven of them by one person. I presume all the persons have
been married. I have shown the law to a number of clergymen ; if they have
joined any persons in marriage, they have not made any returns to me."
Pawtdckkt. — Births. "I believe the return comprises the whole during the
year, and the information is as full and correct as I have been able to obtain, aA.er
visiting every family, personally, under the direction of the school committee.
My opinion is, that, if it were made the duty of town clerks to collect births and
deaths, the returns would be much more complete and satisfactory." — Marriages.
" The returns are as near complete as the information supplied to me by clergy-
men will admit I hope the next will be more perfect, as T have adopted the plan
recommended of getting the information myself, as far as practicable." — Deaths.
"The return is very incomplete, owing, mainly, to the sexton's failure in getting
the necessary information ; I have been obliged to collect them mostly by per-
sonal inquiries."
Sebkonk. — Deaths. " None returned."
Taunton. — Births. " The returns have been faithfully drawn off from the
separate records of each member of the school committee."
No Returns of births from Fairhaven ; and of deaths from Dartmouth and
SeekonL
PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
Abington. — Births. "There have probably been some others, concerning
which I have not been able to obtain information."
Carver. — Births and Deaths. " I have received no returns."
East Bridoewater. — Deaths. "The returns are incomplete as to number,
and in some other respects. There are two sextons, only one of whom has made
a return to me."
HiNOHAM. — Births. " I have been waiting for a full return, presaming that
this does not contain the names of all the children, and have concluded to wait no
longer, but return the names of all that I have received."
Marshfield. — Births. " No others have occurred." — Marriages. " All that
have taken place, with the exception of one, which has not been returned to me."
— Deaths. " No others have occurred."
Plympton. — The town clerk reports the returns as embracing every birth,
marriage and death which has occurred in the town.
No Returns from Middleborough ; of births and deaths from ZHur^m^f ; and
of deaths from Carver.
BARNSTABLE COUNTY.
Wellfleet. — Marriages. " All that have been returned to me, but not nearly
all that have occurred." — Deaths. " Probably the return contains one third of the
number which have occurred. We have three sextons in town, and I have asked
Digitized by VjOOQIC
NOTES. 21
them to keep a list of the deaths in their own parishes, but have received returns
but from one ; therefore you can see the inexpediency of depending upon them."
Yarmouth. — Marriages. " There have been two or three more, of which no
returns have been made at this office."
No Returns from Dennis and Tntro.
DUKES COUNTY.
TisBURT. — Deaths. " The return contains the best information I can furnish.
We have no sexton to attend to the duty required by law, consequently I have at-
tended to it myself, and have gathered the facts from physicians, and others.
There have been six or eight more than T have returned, but, as they have taken
place in a remote part of the town, I could not obtain the particulars, except at
considerable trouble and expense."
Digitized by VjOOQIC
22 SIXTH REGISTRATION REPORT.
Table I. 1. Abstract of the Returns of Births,
in the several Counties, for each month of the year ending April 30, 1847.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
BIRTHS.
23
Table I. 2. Births ; Plurality Cases.
Sex.
COUNTIES.
Mooch.
i
1
K
ii
1-^
5 i
ii
i
z.
1
oa
1
BariMtable.
Dukes.
Nantucket.
1
May, . .
June, • .
July, . •
Augast, •
September,
October, .
November,
December,
January, .
February, .
March, .
April, • .
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
Male, . .
Femsle, .
Not suted,
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated.
2
•
•
2
2
2
•
2
2
•
•
1
1
3
'2
*3
3
4
•
•
2
1
3
1
1
'5
J
1
J
*4
1
3
•
1
J
'4
4
*3
1
'2
•
•
5
'2
•
2
'1
3
fi
2
'2
2 !
2
'(\
4
'2 ;
! '2 ]
! '2 ;
'2 '2 ;
'4 '.
'2
2 !
'2 !
1 .
'2 !
2
•
1
1
•
1
1
"1
5
1 !
1 .
1 !
1 .
'2
2
2 '.
•
2
•
2
'4
*4
*3
1
•
•
•
'2
2
•
'4
1
•
•
'4
2
•
•
•
'4
2
1
1
'2
1
3
'2
•
"2
'2
2
1
1
"2
'2
"1
1
'2
'4
1 !
3 •
1 !
1 .
! 1
• 1
'2 '3
1
'2 !
'2 !
8
4
• 11
! 13
. 13
i 16
1 8
! *8
. 6
! '9
5
! 20
. 18
! '8
. 12
.' 10
6
• •
9
. 9
] i7
. 11
! 20
. 10
• •
Total, . .
Male, . .
Female, .
Not stated,
21
19
25
17
•
20
22
5 12
1 4
2 7
4 11
IH
14
12
10
10
4
8 4
4 2
1 143
1 113
Grand total.
.
40
42
4v
r> 16
fi isl 30
22
14
12 T)
2 256
Digitized by VjOOQIC
24
SIXTH REGISTRATION REPORT.
Table If. 1. Abstract of the Returns of Marriages,
in the several Counties, for each month of the year ending
AprU 30, 1847.
COUHTIXS.
6*
1
"3
i
<
i
1
1
z
i
i
6
2
1
1
1
<
Aiooui
not
staled.
Total
Essex, •
69
54
57
46
54
91
137
83
53
45
43
53
17
803
Middlesex,
136
104
81
86
98
158
193
126
127
88
68
118
3
1386
Worcester,
92
55
31
43
89
76
122
79
52
32
63
95
5
834
Hampshire,
18
10
12
8
19
20
31
18
15
9
12
15
1
188
Hampden,
21
22
14
15
21
23
32
20
10
10
18
26
1
233
Franklin, .
17
8
3
6
15
12
27
16
8
8
4
13
4
141
Berkshire,
11
8
4
11
11