Central Police Station, 1932

The records of the Police Department cover the late twentieth to mid-twentieth century activities of police officers and the police court. They reflect the changes and the growth of a city which had its beginnings in 1846 with a population of 10,125 to one which experienced tremendous expansion through the influx of individuals from all over New England, Canada and Europe seeking work in the mills and small factories along the Merrimack River.


EARLY HISTORY OF THE MANCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mayor Hiram Brown appointed George T. Clark as the City of Manchester's first City Marshall on September 9, 1846. Clark had to post a $300 bond as surety prior to being sworn in. For his services, he earned $250 per year, paid in quarterly payments.

An ordinance passed on September 25, 1846 outlined his duties. "He shall, to the utmost of his power, preserve the public peace, and prevent all riots, disorders and unlawful practices within the City". He was also to pass through the streets, lanes and alleys of the city to take notice of all nuisances, obstructions and impediments and then to prosecute violators. Other responsibilities included observing defects in the highways and streets, and all causes of sickness and sources of filth.

Aiding City Marshall Clark in his duties were Assistant Marshalls, D.L. Stevens and James Wallace and Night Watchmen Aretas C. Knight, Josiah Spaulding, Joseph C. Davis and Nathaniel Knowlton. Police Officers were Luther M. Brown, John M. Harvey, Charles Chase and Charles Clough.

The City jail was located in the southwest corner of the newly built City Hall (1845). In the 21st century, it functions as the vault for the Manchester City Archives.

Record Sub-groups

Police Court/Municipal Court: Civil Cases, 1846-1959
Police Court/Municipal Court: Criminal Cases, 1846-1945
Police Court/Municipal Court: Ledgers, 1876-1959
Police Court: Ledger/Day Journal, January 1, 1884-January 9, 1886
Police Commissions, 1874-1894
City Farm/House of Corrections,1895-1905
Police Records (Complaint Books), 1868-1925
Scrapbook of Michael Joseph Healey, 1899-1901


Return to archives home page