William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 2

The town-clerk in 1861 was George A. Collamore; in 1862, 1863, and 1864, John W. Howard; in 1865, Austin Packard. The town-treasurer during all these years was George M. Pratt.

1861. The first legal town-meeting to act upon matters relating to the war was held on the 27th of April, at which it was voted to pay each volunteer belonging to the town while in actual service eight dollars a month, and one dollar and twenty-five cents a day spent in drilling, and money sufficient for the comfortable maintenance of his family; also to furnish arms and equipments to the military company, then forming, ‘when accepted by the State.’ The selectmen were authorized to expend two thousand dollars ‘for that purpose.’ July 30th, The treasurer was authorized to borrow money to pay State aid to the soldiers' families.

1862. The selectmen were authorized to borrow money to pay State aid to the families of volunteers living in West Bridgewater. July 18th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist for three years and be credited to the quota of the town, ‘to the number of twenty-three.’ A committee of one from each school district was appointed to act with the selectmen in procuring volunteers, ‘each to be paid two dollars a day while so engaged.’ August 18th, The bounty was increased one hundred dollars. August 22d, The bounty to volunteers for nine months service was fixed at one hundred and twenty-five dollars. It was also recommended that the recruits of West and East Bridgewater unite and form a company for nine months service; also, ‘that the whole town attend the meeting on Wednesday evening next at Agricultural Hall, Bridgewater, to encourage recruiting.’ Another meeting for a similar purpose was held on the 2d of September, and to create ‘a volunteer fund.’

1863. March 16th, Voted, to omit the poll tax on all soldiers and sailors belonging to the town in the United-States service, ‘if it can be done legally.’ November 3d, The selectmen were directed to pay State aid to the families of drafted men.