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Incorporated March 22, 1853.
Population in 1860, 1,203; in 1865, 991.
Valuation in 1860, $527,890; in 1865, $577,389.
The selectmen in 1861 were
Joel A. Abbott,
James L. Eaton,
Charles P. Howard; in 1862,
Charles P. Howard,
Joel A. Abbott,
Isaac Flint; in 1863,
Daniel G. Abbott,
Benjamin Eames,
Albert H. Holt; in 1864,
Daniel G. Abbott,
John B. Campbell,
Albert H. Holt; in 1865,
Daniel G. Abbott,
Albert H. Holt,
Isaac Flint.
The town-clerk from 1853, and all through the war, was
Charles P. Howard.
The town-treasurer in 1861, 1862, and 1863 was
Alanson A. Upton; in 1864 and 1865,
Benjamin Eames.
1861. The first town-meeting to act upon matters relating to the war was held May 4th, at which it was voted to appropriate one thousand dollars for the relief of the families of soldiers who had already enlisted, and of those who might afterwards enter the military service, and five hundred dollars for the soldiers themselves.
September 27th, The town-treasurer was authorized to borrow ‘such sums of money under instructions from the selectmen as shall be wanted from time to time.’
1862. April 25th, Voted, to appropriate a sum of money not to exceed twelve hundred dollars for the support of the families of volunteers living in the town, two hundred dollars for the sick and wounded soldiers, and for the transportation and burial of the bodies of those who had already fallen in battle.
July 25th, The selectmen were instructed to enlist twenty-one men to fill the quota of the town under the pending call of the
President, and to pay each volunteer a bounty of one hundred dollars; also, to pay the same bounty to each volunteer who had already enlisted, ‘and who actually belonged to
North Reading.’
August 14th, Voted, to pay a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to each volunteer ‘to fill the next quota.’
A sum not exceeding forty-five hundred dollars was appropriated for that purpose; also one thousand dollars for aid to the families of volunteers.
1863. November 16th, Voted, to appropriate five hundred
