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FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 2126 00103 294 0
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON,
WITH THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE
Year ending March 1, 1876.
FLINT
SALEM. PRESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY MERCURY. I876.
121
Flint Public Library Middleton, Mass.
Rare Book Collection
MIDDLETON
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON,
FOR THE
Year ending March 1, 1876. 6
SALEM : PRESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY MERCURY. 1876.
REPORT.
Selectmen's Department.
TOWN OFFICERS' BILLS.
Joseph A. Batchelder, as Selectman and Assessor $47 00
Samuel Peabody, 47 00 66
Jesse W. Peabody,
66
66 47 00
Henry A. Wilkins, as Treasurer 25 00
John B. Sinclair, as Constable.
15 00
Samuel G. Campbell,
10 00
Joseph A. Batchelder, as Town Clerk . 8 00
Joseph A. Batchelder, recording births, deaths, etc. 17 75
Martin J. Cheney, as School Committee. 30 50
Alpheus P. Noyes, as School Committee in 1874 21 80
Andrew W. Peabody, collecting taxes . 79 70
J. A. Batchelder, auditing accounts, 1874 6 00
E. W. Wilkins, 66 66 66
6 00
$360 75
Highways and Bridges.
Ward 1, Levi Curtis, Surveyor, appropriation $174 00
66 2, Benj. Howe, 66 124 00
" 3, Jason Richardson“ 89 00
4, Otis L. Wilkins, “ 75 00
66 5, Farnham Stiles, “ 72 00
066 6, Benj. T. McGlauflin, Surveyor, appropriation 68 00
7, Perley W. Richardson, 66 84 00 60
8, George P. Wilkins,
166 00
" 9, Edward \V. Wilkins, 66 66 53 00
" 10, James Flint,
95 00
66
Henry A. Wilkins & Son, nails and spikes . 5 89
William H. Beverly, drawing timber for bridge. 3 75
I. F. Atwood, labor on bridge . 1 60
Elijah Richardson, labor on bridge 17 30
George P. Wilkins, labor on bridge 2 35
4
James Flint, extra labor 2 50
Jason Richardson, labor and cash paid. 27 20
Farnham Stiles, extra labor 2 00
Levi Curtis, posts and lumber. 7 90
Joseph Averill, for gravel in 1874 7 00
Thomas Hoyt & Co., nails, hinges, and spikes
3 59
E. W. Wilkins, plank, &c., for bridge
21 13
David Stiles, blacksmith bill, for work
4 69
Benjamin Howe, extra labor.
12 50
Jesse W. Peabody, labor and cash paid
30 25
Town of Danvers, repairing bridge.
108 34
Calvin Putnam, lumber for bridge
16 76
William Peabody, labor on highway
19 60
Isaiah B. Peabody, for posts.
. 50
William H. Hutchinson, labor on highway
00
Hiram Berry, hauling lumber
. 00
George F. French, labor on bridge.
2 00
C. W. Saunders & Co., lumber for paper mill bridge
180 42
Town of Peabody, for stone work. 196 00
Boston, Lowell and Nashua Railroad, transportation . 9 60
Elijah Richardson, labor on new bridge 39 13
Calvin Putnam, for lumber for bridge 41 28
Edward Dernier, labor on bridge. 35 00
Jesse W. Peabody, labor on bridge.
10 00
D. A. Perley, for holts on bridge.
10 30
D. A. Small, altering bolts
2 00
Hiram Berry, hauling lumber.
2 25
George F. French, paint and labor 12 00
James Flint, journey to Danvers, &c 1 25
H. A. Wilkins & Son, spikes and nails 5 75
Calvin Putnam, lumber for old bridge. 17 30
E. Hayward, hauling lumber, &c ... 8 00
Jesse W. Peabody, cash paid and labor on bridge 6 18
Edward Sargent, labor on bridge. 3 00
$1884 31
Amount received of Peabody
$289 73
Amount received of Danvers .
77 29- 367 02
$1517 29
5
Snow Bills.
George P. Wilkins, removing snow $20 00
Benjamin T. McGlauflin, removing snow.
12 50
William H. Beverly
11 65
Jason Richardson,
66
10 30
Benjamin Howe,
66
66
10 00
Porter I. Gould,
66
2 50
Levi Curtis, 66
9 00
Perley W. Richardson,
66
6 00
Wm. H. Hutchinson,
66
3 00
Joseph H. Fletcher,
1 50
Francis Peabody,
60
4 40
William Peabody,
66
14 20
Farnham Stiles,
12 75
Jeremiah Fuller,
66
66
5 00
$122 80
State Aid Account.
Orders drawn from March 1, 1875, to March 1, 1876 ....... $230 96
Miscellaneous Bills.
Foote & Horton, printing Town and School Reports $39 51
Thomas S. Cummings, repairing pound 1 00
E. S. Phelps, administering oaths 1 00
Benj. T. McGlauflin, labor on cemetery . 233 00
Edward Sargent, labor preparing stakes for cemetery
1 50
Jesse W. Peabody, cash paid 66 66
1 50
A. Tyler, care of cemetery, returning deaths, cash for rod. . .
13 50
Calvin Putnam, lumber for privies. 22 25
Wm. A. Phelps, labor and lumber for ditto 13 02
H. D. Phelps, 66
8 47
George F. French, painting
66
6 21
H. A. Wilkins & Son, locks
66
E. H. Brabrook, shades and fixtures
18 25
Samuel Hall, bulletin board for Town Hall. 7 35
A. G. Douglass, for 100 black bass 135 00
Henry F. White, cash for printing, teaming and screens. 16 00
David Stiles, for iron rods for fishway . 7 95
Henry F. White, car fare and expenses, on fish 18 30
.
6
Isaac R. Gates, labor and lumber for fishway 25 91 Joseph A. Batchelder, writing deeds and lease. 2 25 Samuel Peabody; cash paid for valuation book. 1 25 Joseph A. Batchelder, journey to Lawrence and Lynnfield .. . 2 00 Jesse W. Peabody, journey to Lawrence and car fare . ..... 1 90
Joseph A. Batchelder, postage, expressage and car fare, &c .. 8 65 Farnham Stiles, services as sealer of weights and measures .. 1 00
Jos. A. Batchelder, labor in cemetery, perambulating lines, &c 7 00
Samuel Peabody, 66 10 00
Jesse W. Peabody, 66 66
66 10 00
Samuel G. Campbell, boarding D. Gillespie. 3 00
H. A. Wilkins, two journeys to Danvers, and cash paid 3 25
Samuel G. Campbell, care of Town Hall .
90 00
66 wood, coal, oil, &c 72 65
William Peabody, damage for flowage. 50 00
W. W. Ripley, damage for injury received on highway. 65 00
Abatements of taxes 70 66
Amount of interest paid 831 54
$1,800 53
School Department. CENTRE SCHOOLS.
Mary A. Gage, teaching Grammar School, 24 weeks. $240 00
J. Edgar Blake, teaching Grammar School, 12 weeks 168 00
Jennie Lamson, teaching Intermediate School, 12 weeks. 96 00 Lizzie T. Colcord, teaching Intermediate School, 12 weeks 102 00
Olive R. Graves, teaching Primary School, 36 weeks 306 00
Sanger, Hood & Currier, coal 59 25
Potter, Batchelder & Co., coal .. 63 00
R. B. Safford, coal . 12 61
Jeremiah Fuller, wood 11 25
B. P. Richardson, wood .. 5 67
E. N. White, services as janitor, 24 weeks 28 75
F. L. Esty, services as janitor, 12 weeks 24 00
J. G. Leavitt, sawing wood . 2 25
T. Carlin, sawing wood . 3 00
F. E. Campbell, sawing wood. 1 25
E. N. White, sawing wood 1 00
· $1,124 03
7
NORTH SCHOOL.
L. G. McIntire, teaching, 36 weeks
$330 00
H. A. Stiles, wood 19 93
Farnham Stiles, wood. 23 25
Flint Esty, sawing wood
15 25
G. E. Soper, care of fires
, 00
G. W. Burgess, care of fires
1 00
H. E. Howe,
1 00
C. B. Wilkins,
..
6 00-$401 43
EAST SCHOOL.
Helen W. Averill, teaching, 12 weeks $96 00
Ellen M. Stiles, teaching, 10 weeks
85 00
A. P. Noyes, wood
23 44
J. B. Thomas & Co., Wood.
16 50
John Gage, sawing wood. ..
4 00-$224 94 .
Amount of School Fund appropriated for apparatus
12 01
Balance due the schools.
452 39
$2,214 80
Balance due the schools last year.
$250 63
Town appropriation for schools
1600 00
Cash received from State school fund
239 30
Cash received from dog licenses
124 87-$2214 80
INCIDENTAL SCHOOL EXPENSES.
George F. French, setting glass $5 60
Frank Porter, 2 chairs. 3 75
Ropes & Upton, stove, grates, &c. 3 35
Wm. A. Phelps, repairs and lumber. 3 31
Farnham Stiles, material and labor, &c 7 00
Hiram A. Stiles, zinc.
1 00
Robert B. Safford, cash for school supplies 7 64
Foote & Horton, advertising 1 00
Affa Nichols, use of well 3 00
William Seaver,
1 50
Thomas Hoyt & Co., crayons, ink, brooms, pails, &c. 19 54
John Gage, repairs on schoolhouse 1
75
H. A. Wilkins, school supplies 12
$69 56
8
Overseers' Department. EXPENSE OF SUPPORTING THE POOR.
Timothy Donovan, for lodging travellers $201 90
Amos Richardson, Jr., for board of A. Richardson 1 00
Hiram Bryer, for wood for A. Richardson. 2 50
B. P. Richardson, bill for wood for A. Richardson 13 35
66
66 straw 66
1 00
Jeremiah Fuller, wood for 66
3 25
G. W. Daniels, for sawing wood for 66 . 13
Dr. E. S. Phelps, for medical attendance for A. Richardson. . . 50
Dr. C. Metcalf, 66 66
5 00
Hiram Bryer, for board of 225 00 66
Asa Howe, for house rent for G. W. Daniels 39 00
Thomas Hoyt & Co., for supplies for G. W. Daniels 71 37
23 05
66 66 for drawing wood for " 66
3 00
Jeremiah Fuller, for wood for
66
66
6 50
City of Salem, supplies for H. Mansfield 11 62
City of Lowell, for aid rendered P. Gillespie 31 85
Essex County House of Correction, for Richard Green 4 28 City of Lynn, for aid rendered C. Peabody's wife. 148 20
J. H. Allen, for coffin and trimmings for Mrs. Deaigneau 15 00
Elizabeth Wilkins, for watching with
50
Thos. Hoyt & Co., for supplies for 66
66
. . . . 22
Mrs. H. T. Sheldon, for washing for 66
66
.... 1 00
Moses Peabody, for watching with
.... 2 50
Addison Tyler, for burial of
00
Mrs. L. M. Peabody, for services rendered“ 66
. .. .
20 00
Mrs. Martha Kimball, for watching with "
66
. . .
1 00
A. W. Peabody, for services rendered 66
. . . . 5 60
B. P. Richardson, 66 66
... . , 00
Dr. E. S. Phelps, medical attendance for " 66
.
12 00
Thomas Hoyt & Co., for supplies for Mrs. Irving 4 29
B. P. Richardson, for services rendered “ 6 00
J. H. Allen, for coffin and trimmings for 12 00
15 00
Hiram Bryer, care and board for Alden Stiles
James Durrah, for watching with “ 66 2 00
W. P. Davis, for medical attendance to Alden Stiles 6 00
Alonzo Sheldon, for watching with 66
2 00
66
B. P. Richardson, for wood for 66
9
Albert Sheldon, for watching with Alden Stiles 2 00
D. Kimball, for aid rendered 66
5 00
B. P. Richardson, for aid rendered 66 66 2 00
A. W. Peabody, for aid rendered 66 2 25
Banjamin Howe. for aid rendered 66 25
W. H. Hutchinson, services and cash 66
3 81
Thomas Hoyt & Co .. for supplies for Mrs. M. Kimball. 131 25
Thomas Hoyt & Co., for supplies for S. McIntire 36 00
Addison Tyler, for burial of D. Irving. 5 00
Town of Peabody, for board, clothing, and medical attendance of Israel Estey 174 00
Town of Danvers, for aid rendered Richard Tierannan. 20 65
Abisha Higgins, for board of Eben Saunders 14 10
B. P. Richardson, for services rendered tramps 18 80
66 66 for horse hire 6 75
66
for car fare 4 50
6.
for cash paid . : 25
B. P. Richardson, for express .
25
66 for postage.
65
66 for services as Overseer 35 50
Benjamin Howe, for services as Overseer 7 50
A. W. Peabody,
90
66
for horse hire 1 00
66
for services as Overseer 13 25
$1,418 31
Due from North Reading, for Mrs. S. McIntire ... $36 00 Due from North Andover, for Kimball family . .131 25 Received from Lynnfield . 81 55
Due from State, for D. Irving 10 00
66 Billerica
5 14
Unsettled bills of last year paid . 159 00
Unsettled bills for next year. .107 50
Whole cost for supporting the poor .1,102 87
$1,525 81 $1,525 81
66 for car fare 2 00
.
10
Summary of Expenses.
Town Officers' Bills . $360 75
Highways and Bridges 1,517 29
Removing Snow 122 80
State Aid Account ... 230 96
Miscellaneous Bills 1,800 53
Appropriations for Schools 2,214 80
Incidental School Expenses 69 56
Expense of Supporting the Poor
1,102 87
$7,419 56
HENRY A. WILKINS, TREASURER, IN ACCOUNT CURRENT WITH THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON, FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1876.
DR.
To balance in treasury, March 1, 1875
$3154 16
To cash of North Reading 72 00
North Andover . 53 19
S. G. Campbell, for use of hall. 50 55
Lynnfield
48 00
Lynnfield , 81 55
State Treasurer, for corporation tax 48 71
State Treasurer, for bank tax 158 55
State Treasurer, for State aid 268 00
State Treasurer, from school fund . 239 30
County Treasurer, dog tax refunded
124 87
Danvers National Bank. on note
600 00
Different persons, on notes
5308 00
A. W. Peabody, interest on note 7 26
Town of Peabody, for work on bridge
93 73
Different persons, for cemetery lots
63 75
B. T. McGlauflin. 17 00
S. G. Campbell, for use of hall 221 75
J. W. Peabody, for plank . 3 12
T. Hoyt & Co., for school books 172 96
A. W. Peabody, Collector 6815 65
Collector's note for unpaid taxes . 673 12
$18,275 22
11
CR.
By cash paid State Treasurer, State tax of 1875 $700 00
Danvers Savings Bank, on notes 5,100 00 Danvers National Bank. on note 600 00
Different persons, on notes 870 00
As interest on town notes. 814 04
On Selectmen's and Overseers' orders 7,690 04
Balance in treasury . . 2,501 14
$18,275 22
H. A. WILKINS, Treasurer.
Middleton, March 1, 1876.
Assessors' Valuation of Property.
Real estate . $395,600 00
95,826 00
Personal estate.
$491,426 00
Number of polls, 250.
Tax on polls
500 00
Tax on real and personal estate, at $1.52 per $100 .. .7,469 67
$7,969 67
Amount voted by the town for current expenses $4,000 00
66 schools 1,600 00
66
66 highways 1,000 00
State Tax. .. 700 00
County Tax. 480 90
Overlay on Taxes 188 77
$7,969 67
12
Financial Condition of the Town.
LIABILITIES.
Amount due Danvers Savings Bank $5500 00
Amount of town notes on interest 7676 65
Amount of outstanding orders. 84 39
Amount due the schools ... 452 39
Amount of unsettled bills.
150 00
$13,863 43
ASSETS.
Balance in treasury, as per Treasurer's account
$2501 14
School books on hand. 94 79
Due for use of hall . 42 35
Due for State Aid reimbursements
262 96
Due from North Reading
36 00
Due from North Andover
131 25
Due from Billerica
5 14
Due from State
10 00
Due for cemetery lots .
111 00
Balance against the town
.10,668 80
$13,863 43
Decrease in town debt. $465 48
JOSEPH A. BATCHELDER, Selectmen SAMUEL PEABODY, of
JESSE W. PEABODY, Middleton.
Middleton, March 1, 1876.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON,
FOR THE
Year ending March, 1876.
SALEM : PRESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY MERCURY. 1876.
REPORT.
The following Report of the schools in the Town of Middle- ton for the year ending March, 1876, is respectfully submitted:
NORTH DISTRICT. Miss L. GERTRUDE MCINTIRE, Teacher.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Wages of teacher per month,
$34
$36
$40
Length of school in weeks,
12
12
12
Whole number of scholars,
58
52
41
Average number of scholars,
35
40
Number over 15 years of age,
3
4
7
Number under 5 years of age,
1
This was Miss McIntire's first attempt at teaching. At the commencement of the spring term, there was some question in the minds of the Committee, whether she would be able to continue a mixed school of so large a number of scholars, successfully ; but she soon adapted herself to the work, with such aptness as to secure the good will of the scholars, and gain the confidence of the parents and the Committee.
From her system of teaching, and an earnest love for the work in which she is engaged, we are persuaded to believe, that Miss McIntire will make an excellent teacher.
The examination, though not all that could be desired, was on the whole creditable, and proved that a good work had been accomplished.
4
EAST DISTRICT.
Spring and Fall Terms, HELEN W. AVERILL, Teacher ; Winter Term, ELLEN M. STILES, Teacher.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Wages of teacher per month,
$32
$34
$34
Length of school in weeks,
12
12
10
Whole number of scholars,
29
26
30
Average attendance,
21
21
24
Number over 15 years of age,
2
The winter term of this school closed two weeks earlier than was anticipated, consequently there was no examination.
We consider that the teachers employed were amply quali- fied to give instruction ; and if the scholars did not make as much improvement as could be desired, it was in part their own fault.
CENTRE PRIMARY SCHOOL. OLIVE R. GRAVES, Teacher.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Wages of teacher per month,
$34
$34
$34
Whole number of scholars,
44
43
32
Average number of scholars,
35
35
25
Number under 5 years of age,
1
Perhaps a larger number of parents are interested in this school, than in any other school in the town, as the families represented here, are scattered over a large circle, the num. ber of scholars about forty, and in most instances but one or two from each family. Owing to the severity of the weather, and sickness of some of the scholars, the examination was not so well attended as usual ; those present, however, appeared to be well interested. Two little girls, one eight and the other seven years of age, have not been tardy during the year, and only one of them absent. A good number of schol ars have been advanced to the intermediate school during the year.
5
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Terms, JENNIE LAMSON, Teacher. Winter Term, LIZZIE T. COLCORD, Teacher.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Wages of teacher per month,
$32
$34
$34
Length of school in weeks,
12
12
12
Whole number of scholars,
34
28
31
Average attendance,
30
25
27
Number over 15 years of age,
1
This school has suffered much during the two years last past by frequent change of teachers.
As was remarked in our report of last year, several scholars in this school were disposed to be disobedient, and through the Spring and Autumn terms were the cause of considera- ble trouble.
When Miss Colcord took charge of the school, here was an element strongly inclined to govern the teacher. By careful management, a change was brought about in a short time, and the teacher began to assume control of the scholars. This power gradually increased, until good discipline was estab. lished and maintained until the close of the term.
The examination exercises were all good; but we think the geography classes deserve special mention. Those were better than any we have ever before heard in this school.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Terms, MARY A. GAGE, Teacher. Winter Term, J. EDGAR BLAKE, Teacher .
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Wages of teacher per month,
$40
$40
$56
Length of school in weeks,
12
12
12
Whole number of scholars,
34
33
43
Average number of scholars,
30
30
38
Number over 15 years of age
5
8
15
6
We think that Miss Gage was an earnest and thoroughly practical teacher, and one who secured the respect and good will of most of her scholars. She left at the close of the Fall term to go south.
For several years, it has been the wish of some of the parents who have scholars attending this school, that a male teacher might be employed during the winter term. Serious doubts were entertained by some others with regard to the propriety of such a course ; and the committee were not fully decided in their own minds, whether the most satisfactory results would be obtained by this method, or not.
At the earnest solicitation of a large number of the parents, it was decided to make the change, (as an experiment), and after careful consideration, Mr. Blake was engaged for the winter term. A marked change was very soon perceptible in the appearance of the scholars outside of the schoolroom, and the committee found, on making a visit to the school, that the deportment of the scholars was changed for the better. Fre- quent visits proved that this change was radical, and good discipline was maintained throughout the term.
We are aware that a portion of the people interested, do not feel satisfied with the result of the experiment ; but the committee consider that they are warranted in pronouncing it . a success.
Mr. Blake labored under serious disadvantages at the com- mencement of the term, and we think there are very few teachers, who, without any experience, and under like circum- stances, would have conducted the school so creditably.
During the year 210 scholars have attended school. Of these, 25 were over 15 years and 2 were under 5 years of age.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Whole No. of scholars attending school,
199
182
177
Average No.
151
151
148
Average No. attending for the year,
152
All have been instructed in reading and spelling, and all of suitable age in writing. 158 have studied arithmetic, 111
7
geography, 53 grammar, 18 history, 3 algebra, and 6 have studied book-keeping.
The amount of money raised by the town for school pur. poses was $1,600 ; amount received from the state, $239.30; from dog licenses, $124.87 ; total, $1,964.17.
The whole number of scholars in the town on the first of May, 1875, between the ages of 5 and 15 years, was 226. This will allow to each scholar about $7.08 of the $1,600 appropriated by the town.
Taking from 210 (the whole number who have attended school,) 27, the number over 15 and under 5 years of age, and we have left 183, the number who have attended school, and are between the age of 5 and 15 years. If we take 183 from 226, the number in the town the first of May last, we have left 43 who have not attended school at all during the year.
In our report of last year, we called your attention to the average attendance of scholars for the year, which was 62 per cent. of the whole number that attended during the year. This year we find that the average for the year is 72 per cent. of the whole number, or a gain of 10 per cent. over last year. This we consider encouraging, and hope that next year will show a still larger gain.
Drawing, one of the branches of education for several years taught in our schools, has not received so much atten- tion the last year as we would like to have seen. Whether this is from disinclination on the part of scholars to practise drawing, or from the teachers not being prepared to give proper instruction, and thus through them the scholars lose interest in the subject, we are not prepared to answer. We shall be glad to see drawing receive its proper share of at tention in future.
An effort has been made several times to have vocal music taught in a practical manner in our public schools, but no very desirable results have been attained up to the present time. A few airs have been learned, and practised in a kind of routine manner by a portion of the scholars, but they lack expression and earnestness, and we believe that musical in-
8
struction thus far has been but little better than learning to repeat lines of poetry, with the voice pitched on some partic- ular key of the musical scale.
Without doubt the ability to learn and practise music is one of the faculties of the human mind. And why should it not be improved as well as any other faculty ? If it is wor- thy of cultivation, why not have music taught in our public schools ?
We will not claim that all are equally endowed with musi- cal powers, but all may be taught the elementary principles of music, and thus improve their "one talent," if it is only one that they possess.
A change in some of the text-books now in use, would per- haps create a better interest in some of the branches taught. The series of reading books now in use, have been in the schools a long time. And the geographies, we think, might be exchanged for some work better adapted to the require- ments of the schools. If all the books were furnished to the scholars at the expense of the town, a great favor would be conferred, and one which we think would in time be appreci- ated by all who are interested. Wherever this plan has been adopted, it has proved successful.
M. J. CHENEY, ) School Committee H. A. STILES, { of Middleton.
For Reference
Not to be taken from this room
,
INT
MIDDLETON)
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