USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > North Reading > Town of North Reading Annual Report of the Town Officers 1859 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
RECEIPTS
AND
EXPENDITURES
OF THE
Cowon of Horth Reading,
FROM MARCH 1, 1858, TO MARCH 1, 1859;
AND THE
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
BOSTON: PRESS OF W. & E. HOWE, 39 MERCHANTS ROW. 1859.
RECEIPTS
AND
EXPENDITURES
OF THE
Coton of Horth Reading,
FROM MARCH 1, 1858, TO MARCH 1, 1859 ;
AND THE
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
BOSTON : PRESS OF W. & E. HOWE, 39 MERCHANTS ROW. 1859.
OVERSEER'S REPORT.
NAMES, AGES AND CONDITION OF THE
INMATES OF THE ALMSHOUSE.
AGES.
Jotham McIntire, died June 23d, 70 years.
Stephen McIntire, left March 24th, 30
Olive McIntire, left March 24th,
37
Jane McIntire, 29
John P. McIntire,
5
Mahitabel Kenny, died June 11th,
82
66
Stephen W. McIntire, left March 24th,
6 weeks.
Phebe Flint, infirm,
63 years.
Rebecca Floid, insane,
52
Joseph W. Pratt, died Feb. 5th, 1859,
57 66
George A. Green, left March 24th,
10
George Smith,
5
66
Martin E. Smith,
2 66
Joseph Sawyer,
49
Whole number, 14
Average « 8₺
Present
7
Assistance has been rendered to 60 travelling and transient pau- pers, as occasion required.
3
INVENTORY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
2 Oxen, $150 00
6 Cows,
190 00
6 Swine,
84 00
Grain and Meal,
7 00
Hay and Straw,
219 00
Fowls,
13 00
Wood and Lumber,
427 85
Farming Utensils,
273 79
Household Furniture,
254 47
Provisions,
154 86
Seeds,
5 00
Manure,
75 00
$1853 97
EXPENSES CONNECTED WITH THE POOR AT THE ALMSHOUSE.
Paid for W. I. Goods and Groceries,
$96 67
Flour, .
61 61
Grain and Meal,
153 64
66 Meat,
40 86
66 Fish,
8 77
66 Bread,
10 58
Clothing, Bedding and Shoes,
51 54
66 Stock bought,
118 00
Household Furniture,
33 84
66 Farming Utensils,
20 81
66
Hired Labor, 231 21
66 Bridge Plank, .
40 55
66 Blacksmith's Bill, 8 61
6. Sawing Lumber, 20 27
66 Horse Hire,
7 58
Seeds bought,
7 43
66 Repairs on Buildings, 6 69
66 Physician's Bill, 45 75
Coffins, Robes, &c., 17 86
66 Miscellaneous Expenses, 22 71
66 Salary of Keeper, 229 17
$1234 15
4
CREDITS AND RECEIPTS.
By Stock and Swine Sold, $26 84
" Produce Sold,
" Wood Sold, 124 19
" Lumber Sold, 70 74
11 48
" Labor done off the Farm, 58 85
" Lumber for Bridges, 23 84
" Entertainment of Sundry Persons, 29 28
345 22
Balance against the Almshouse, $888 93
EXPENSES CONNECTED WITH THE POOR OUT OF THE ALMSHOUSE.
Paid for John Banker and Family, $17 00
Addison McIntire's Family,
6 00
Physician's Bill for same,
14 00
66 Nursing same, .
7 00
Eben. Eaton's Family for Supplies,
23 30
" House Rent for same,
15 62
Physician's Bill for same, 4 25
Funeral Expenses for same,
11 03
Physician's Bill for Helen Smith, 8 50
City of Salem, for N. McIntire and Family, 23 62
House Rent for same,
24 00
Town of Wenham, for Henry A. Williams, 4 00
Daniel Whitney, for Supplies and Wood, . 4 45
66 Samuel B. Cross, for Supplies, . . .
4 00
" Mrs. Cox, for Wood, 2 75
169 52
Expenses of the Poor in and out of the House, $1058 45
JOHN EAMES, Overseers BENJAMIN EAMES, of
THOMAS RAYNER, Poor.
March 1, 1859.
5
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
ORDERS DRAWN BY THE SELECTMEN.
For Expenses of the Poor in and out of the House,
$1058 45
FOR SERVICES OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Charles P. Howard, as Town Clerk, . . .. $12 00
Charles P. Howard, for Recording Births and Deaths, and other Services, 27 60
39 60
Sumner S. Abbott, for Services as Treasurer and Collector, 45 00
Sumner S. Abbott, for other Official Duties, ...
5 00
Sumner S. Abbott, for obtaining Records of Births and Deaths, 4 40
54 40
John Eames, for Services as Selectman, Asses- sor and Overseer of the Poor, 58 00
Benjamin Eames, do. do. do., 40 24
Thomas Rayner, do. do. do., 28 58
Thomas Abbott, for Services as Moderator, ..
3 00
129 82
Earl Guilford, for Services as Superintending School Committee,
15 00
George K. Parker, for Services as Superintending School Committee, 24 50
George H. Flint, for Services as Superintending School Committee, 4 00
Daniel Flint, for Services as Superintending School Committee,
5 00
Thomas N. Jones, for Services as Superintending School Committee,
8 50
57 00
Sylvester Eaton, for Services as Constable,
..
15 00
Fred, A. Upton, for 66
2 00
....
17 00
Amount carried forward,
$1356 27
6
Amount brought forward, $1356 27
John Eames, for Journeys out of Town, ...... 12 00
Benjamin Eames, for Journey out of Town, .. 4 00 Thomas Rayner, for Journey out of Town, .. 4 50
20 50
EXPENSES OF COMMITTEES.
John Eames, as Committee on Road, . .... . . $2 50
Benjamin Eames, as Committee on Road, . .. 2 00 Thomas Rayner, as Committee on Road, 2 00 John F. Hammond, to purchase Land for Com- mon, &c., 4 00
10 50
EXPENSE OF ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Peter McCabe, for widening Central and Chestnut Streets, and building Road from Chestnut to Haverhill Street, . 110 00
Lumber for Bridges,
20 77
Repairing Bridges, 11 95
88 20
Extra Highway Work,
230 92
$1618 19
DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOOL MONEY.
Franklin School District, 204 87
School District, No. 1,
256 63
No. 2, 199 87
66
66 No. 3, 187 31
66
No. 4, 200 87
1049 55
Amount carried forward,
$2667 74
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Amount brought forward, $2667 74
Paid for Printing Annual Report, ......
$34 50
Tax Books, Bills, Blank Books, &c., 9 31
Interest on Notes, . 208 75
66 Gravel,
6 44
Improving the Common,
498 79
66 School Books,
8 22
66 State Tax,
259 16
County Tax,
456 09
66
Over Taxation of sundry persons, .
13 06
66
Abatement of Taxes, 38 30
66 Surveying Road, 2 00
20 00
66 Book Case,
14 50
Repairs on Town Hall,
3 70
66
Town of Lynnfield, for State and County Tax,
7 43
Report Cards,
5 00
66
Bills not collectable,
13 00
Advertising,
6 75
Paints and Oil, for Almshouse, 69 60
Labor of Painting Almshouse, ....
32 34
J. P. Convers, for Deeds, . 5 00
Town of Reading, for Surveying Town
Lines,
2 00
Clearing Snow from Highway, . . . . .
9 85
1723 79
$4391 53
JOHN EAMES, Selectmen BENJAMIN EAMES, of THOMAS RAYNER, North Reading.
North Reading, March 1, 1859.
Building Wall,
8
TREASURER'S REPORT.
CREDITS AND RECEIPTS.
Balance from last year's Account, $ 410 61
Tax List committed to collect, 3069 98
Hired Money, 700 00
Received of Massachusetts School Fund, . ...
49 55
for Rent of Town Hall,
21 40
for Engine Hose,
40 00
of Earl Gifford, for over pay on bill,
5 00
66 for License, .
3 00
of Frederick A. Upton, for Sales of Liquors, 6 41
Paid to the Order of the Selectmen, ...
4391 53
Balance against the Town in favor of the
Treasurer,
85 58
Outstanding Notes,
4100 00
Interest on the same, .
187 00
Total Liabilities of the Town,
$4372 58
SUMNER S. ABBOTT, Treasurer.
March 1, 1859.
TOWN AGENT'S REPORT.
To Stock furnished by the Town, March 1st, 1858, ... $120 00
Paid for Liquors, .
553 37
Salaries,
71 46
$744 83
By Stock on hand, March 1, 1859,
$44 24
Received by Sales, 693 53
$737 77
Loss,
7 06
$744 83
$4305 95
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF NORTH READING,
FOR THE YEAR 1858-9.
FRANKLIN DISTRICT.
Teachers, - MISS MARY J. CUTTS, MISS MARY B. HAWKES.
SUMMER. WINTER.
Length of School in weeks, 20. 11.
Wages per week, $6 00. $6 00.
Amount paid, $120 00. $66 00.
Whole number of Scholars, 46. 44.
Average attendance, 37. 34.
This School was well conducted ; the scholars were generally inter- ested in their studies, and rendered cheerful and prompt obedience to the requirements of the teacher. The closing examination showed a very commendable improvement in every department of study. The first class in Colburn's Arithmetic solved the hardest examples in a very satisfactory manner. Miss Cutts is a well qualified teacher, and made many friends in the District, who "would gladly have retained her in their employ, had circumstances permitted.
2
2
The Winter term was instructed by Miss Hawkes, an experienced and well known teacher. There was not manifest during the term that enthusiasm, that has often distinguished this School. There seemed to be a want of sympathy between teacher and scholar. The closing examination, however, showed that the efforts of the teacher had not been profitless. The recitations in Arithmetic, Geography and Grammar, were very creditable.
DISTRICT NO. 1.
Teacher, - MISS SARAH S. GOODHUE,
SUMMER. WINTER.
Length of School in weeks, 16. . 13.
Wages of teacher per week, $7 50.
$7 50.
Amount received, . $120 00. $97 50.
Whole uumber of scholars,
74. 62.
Average attendance,
53.
46.
During the Summer term, the teacher happily succeeded in main- taining the discipline of the School, which at all times when visited, exhibited a quiet and orderly appearance, very satisfactory. Several of the more advanced scholars unavoidably left before the close of the term, detracting somewhat from the appearance of the School. To your Committee there appeared to be a lack of exact and com- prehensive knowledge of the studies pursued ; the minds of some of the scholars had evidently been too much pre-occupied by sports outside the school-room.
The Winter term did not differ in any essential point from the preceeding one. The conduct of the scholars was praiseworthy, respectful and orderly. Miss Goodhue labored assiduously and per- severcingly, and her pupils witnessed as much improvement, as from attendant circumstances, we were led to expect.
Although this District has been to a considerable expense in removing their house, purchasing lot, &c., we are satisfied, that the present accommodations are insufficient for the highest prosperity of the School. To expect one teacher in a mixed School of some seventy scholars, to maintain discipline, to teach some sixteen a-b-c-d- arians the first rudiments of education, to drill the remainder in Reading, to teach them Arithmetic, Geography and Grammar, to pay
3
some attention to Writing, and that in all these studies, the scholars will advance understandingly and profitably, is fallacious. To pro- vide a recitation-room and an assistant teacher, might be temporarily advantageous. Undoubtedly, the better course would be, that advised by the " Secretary of the Board of Education," a union with the Franklin District and the establishment of a Graded School. That the separation of these Districts was a great mistake, few, if any, now deny. For the inhabitants of these Districts " Again to unite, would be only to confess that they are wiser now, than at the time of separation."
DISTRICT NO. 2.
Teachers, - MISS ABBIE J. RICHARDSON, MISS MARRION E. SMITH.
SUMMER. WINTER.
Length of School in weeks, 20. 14.
Wages of teacher, $5 00. $6 50.
Amount received by teacher, $100 00. $91 00.
Whole number of scholars, 39. 42.
Average attendance, 27.
This was the third engagement of Miss Richardson in this School, in which she has proved herself " A workman that needeth not to be ashamed. The classes were well arranged, and the recitations were conducted in a very satisfactory manner. The closing exami- nation witnessed some improvement in Reading, a branch in which this School had been proverbially deficient. The classes in Arith- metic, Geography and Grammar, showed good improvement. Some very fine Map-Drawings were exhibited, showing patient industry and skill, on the part of both teacher and scholars,
The Winter term was under the administration of Miss Smith, an experienced and efficient teacher, and is progressing harmoniously and profitably. From our knowledge of the School, we think we hazard nothing in saying, that the closing examination will show, that good order has been maintained, that there has been a marked improvement in Reading, that the classes in Geography, Grammar and Arithmetic understand well the ground gone over ; the class in Colburn's Arithmetic being superior to any similar class in town.
4
DISTRICT NO. 3.
Teachers, - MISS CHASTINE EMERSON, MR. GEORGE OBER, SUMMER. WINTER.
Length of School in weeks, 18. 11.
Wages of teacher per week, $4 75. $8 00.
Amount received by teacher, $85 50. $88 00.
Whole number of scholars, 35. 27.
Average attendance, 25.
23.
Miss Emerson commenced this term without any previous experi- ence as a teacher; but having good literary qualifications, and a laudible desire to excel in her chosen vocation, she has kept a good School. The attendance of many of the scholars was irregular ; whenever this is the case it operates disadvantageously, and often developes itself unpleasantly at the close of the term. At the clos- ing examination, the School presented an orderly appearance, and much advancement as could be reasonably expected.
Mr. Ober, the teacher for the Winter term, fortunately gained the respect and attachment of his pupils, and as might be expected, there was a very perceptible advancement of the scholars under his care· This School is proficient in Reading. The recitations in Grammar, Geography and Arithmetic, evinced thoroughness and a good degree of improvement during the term.
DISTRICT NO. 4.
Teacher, - MISS CATHERINE F. FLINT.
SUMMER. WINTER.
Length of School in weeks, 20. 12.
Wages of teacher per week, $5 50. $6 00.
Amount received by teacher, $110 00. $72 00.
Whole number of scholars, 38. 39.
Average attendance, 27. 29.
The connection of Miss Flint with this school has been mutually pleasant and profitable. During the past year, it has been led stead- ily forward. The instruction in the several branches was given with clearness and patient fidelity ; and the general progress of the schol- ars was very satisfactory to those interested in the prosperity of the School. For thoroughness, tact, and persistant effort as a teacher, Miss Flint deservedly ranks high. The respectful demeanor of the larger scholars during the Winter term, was much to their praise.
1
5
GENERAL REMARKS.
In our visits to these Schools, we have endeavored to impress upon the minds of the scholars the importance of thoroughness in every department of study ; especially in the elementary branches. A want of this, lies directly in the way of successful advancement. Scholars have a desire for progress, - and it is laudable, - but to pass hastily and lightly the first principles, and go over much ground imperfectly, is not making much progress. Scholars never advance so slowly as when they go in this manner. This disposition to skim the surface is sometimes unwittingly fostered by parents, who meas- ure the improvement of their children, and the success of the teacher, by the amount gone over, instead of by what they really understand " Make haste slowly," should be our motto ; the mind, like the body, is of slow growth. We have endeavored to have every study learned thoroughly and understandingly ; not so much to store the memory with the words of the text book, as to have the scholars think, reason, and gain ideas.
This same principle holds good in relation to Reading, as in the other studies. Those schools that have read much, have not made so great improvement, as those that have read a very few lessons and been drilled upon them. To be able to read well, is no small acquire- ment; few, perhaps, can excel in this department, but by continued and well directed effort, few need be indifferent readers.
We have found a disproportion in the studies pursued. While almost every scholar, of suitable age, studies Geography and Arith- metic, many are found, who have almost completed their School terms without studying English Grammar. Why it is that a knowledge of the correct use of our mother tongue, is considered of so little importance, we are at a loss to conceive !
The Government of common Schools, what it should be, and how maintained, is a subject that has always received its share of public attention. All agree, that good order should be maintained, but about the means by which it is to be accomplished, there is a diversity of opinion. One class, would have the teacher rule entirely by love, and in no ease use the rod ; " We have never punished our children," say they, and by their appearance we are inclined to believe them. Others, are no advocates of such mild measures; if scholars do not obey the rules of the School-room, let them be punished ; but should their children receive a merited correction, then their theory is at
6
fault; "That alters the case ; " and then too often do they lend a willing ear to the story of their grievances, and in an unguarded moment condemn the teacher, and that too, in the presence of their children. Parents cannot be too cautious about receiving the testimony of their children. A strict inquiry into facts, would often change materially the face of the whole matter.
School government is, in some respects, like that under which we live ; it has penal laws, and the teacher is the Executive. We have been pleased, however, to observe an increased disposition in teachers, to rule by kindlier means, appealing to the better feelings, rather than to a dread of physical suffering. Kind words have a wondrous power. " A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger." We would have teachers use kind words, and on no occasion scold or fret ; it only makes bad scholars worse, and good ones indifferent. " He that ruleth his spirit, is better than he that taketh a city." Teachers should not let the scholars know, they have it in their power to vex them. Let them compass well the ground they intend to occupy, utter no unmeaning threats, but whatever they command, be sure to have performed, at the time, and in the manner prescribed.
Auxiliary to good government, in our system of education, and necessarily connected with it, is the sound moral influence which should pervade every School-room. We are aware, some think that this is no place for moral instruction, that it should be left for the Church and the Sabbath-School, Not so, says the law of Massachu- setts, and public sentiment has always sustained that law. In its own words, it enjoins on all " Instructors of youth, to exert their best endeavors to impress on the minds of the children and youth committed to their care and instruction, the principles of piety, jus- tice, and a sacred regard for truth ; love to their country, humanity and universal benevolence; sobriety, industry, and frugality, chastity, moderation and temperance, and those other virtues which are the ornament of human society, and the basis on which our republican constitution is founded ; and it shall be the duty of such instructors to endeavor to lead their pupils, as their ages and capacities will admit, into a clear understanding of the tendency of the above-mnen- tioned virtues, to preserve and perfect a republican constitution, and secure the blessings of liberty, as well as to promote their future happiness, and also to point out to them the evil tendency of the opposite vices," A compliance with this law will not be onerous
to any faithful teacher ; he will regard it as a privilege to do all that he can, for the moral culture of his scholars, and to call into action the kindly feelings of their hearts. Fit occasions will not be want- ing when this can be done, and a true sense of his responsibility will lead him to diligently improve them. Some teachers make a mistake, by being too formal and periodical in their attempts to enforce moral instruction. They seem to think, that a certain amount must be done, and set apart time, daily or weekly, in which to lecture their school ; and by an injudicious selection of time and manner, defeat the object they have in view. ›
If the teacher would successfully impart a knowledge of things lovely, and enliven the moral sensibilities, let him be wise in the selection of topics, and in the manner of presenting them. Incidents are constantly transpiring, which may be taken to illustrate the excellence of some virtue, or the deformity of the opposite vice. Let the instructor improve these, and fitting opportunities will often be found, when the minds of his pupils are not diverted by other things, and attendant circumstances favor the making of good moral impressions.
" If advice you would convey, There's a time you should convey it ; If but a word you have to say, There is a time in which to say it."
In conclusion, we would urge our coadjutors, the Prudential Committees, to magnify their office, and engage good teachers for the coming year. Remember that there are degrees of goodness, and contract with none but the best. Dr. Channing, said, " It is more essential to the prosperity of a School that it have a good teacher, than it is to the prosperity of a nation that it have wise and able rulers."
GEORGE K. PARKER, ) Superintending THOS N. JONES, School
DANIEL FLINT, Committee.
8
We append to this Report the names of those scholars that have not been absent or tardy. The promise of an honorable mention in the Report has been a great incitement to constancy.
FRANKLIN DISTRICT.
SUMMER.
WINTER. WINTER.
Marland S. Hewes,
Eliza A. Eaton,
Marland S. Hewes,
George Proctor,
Francis A. Abbott,
Moses E. Nichols,
Leora L. Upton,
Clarance A. Abbott,
Henry A. Upton.
Laura Whittredge.
Henry F. Abbott,
DISTRICT NO. 1.
SUMMER.
SUMMER. WINTER.
Hattie F. Abbott,
Hannah E. Eaton,
Sarah E. Merrill,
Sarah E. Merrill,
Henry C. Eaton,
Henry C. Eaton,
Fannie Campbell.
S. Eben Abbott.
Nathan P. Abbott.
DISTRICT NO. 2.
WINTER. Ella J. Kidder, Ella M. Campbell, Emma A. Campbell.
DISTRICT NO. 3.
SUMMER.
Sarah S. Holt.
WINTER. Abbie A. Holt, Theodore F. Gould. Mary F. Eaton.
DISTRICT NO. 4.
SUMMER.
George P. Tarbox, Sarah E. Tarbox.
WINTER. Warren W. Tarbox, Justin H. Orben,
George P. Tarbox,
Joseph D. Gowing, Carrie Graves.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.