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Incorporated June 23, 1740.
Population in 1860, 3,522; in 1865, 3,318.
Valuation in 1860, $1,728,997; in 1865, $1,933,122.
The selectmen in 1861 and 1862 were
Manson D. Hawes,
Alanson Richardson,
John H. Lockey; in 1863,
Alanson Richardson,
Charles H. Merriam,
William F. Howe; in 1864,
John H. Lockey,
William F. Howe,
Alfred L. Burdett; in 1865,
William F. Howe,
Alfred L. Burdett,
Samuel Putnam.
The town-clerk during all the years of the war was
Joel C. Allen.
The town-treasurer for the same period was
Porter Piper.
1861. The first legal town-meeting to consider matters connected with the war was held on the 6th of May, at which a letter from
Joseph C. Burrage,
Alvah A. Burrage, and
Charles H. Burrage,—‘three noble brothers, sons of
Leominster, then residing in
Boston,’—addressed to the selectmen, was read as follows: ‘We desire to have the money herewith sent (seven hundred dollars
1) appropriated to the purchase of revolver-pistols, to be used by her patriotic citizens composing Company A, of the Ninth Regiment Light Infantry, in defence of the
Government and liberties of our country; feeling assured that our dear old native town will ever do her part in sustaining and defending the free institutions transmitted to us by our Fathers.’
A vote of thanks was passed, and the gift accepted ‘with feelings of lively gratitude,’ and with the assurance ‘that the love of right so nobly vindicated by the citizens of their native town in 1776 is still maintained and cherished here in 1861.’
Five thousand dollars were appropriated for aid to the families of volunteers, and to refund to citizens money advanced by them for proper outfits to citizens who had entered the military service.
September 2d, The selectmen were instructed to pay State aid to soldiers' families as provided by law.
1862. July 29th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and ten dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for three years and be credited to the quota of the town.
September 2d, Voted,
