USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1858-1867 > Part 20
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Walker, Chas. T.
1 50
10
Winn, Elizabeth, H'rs of,
28 00
1 40
Whittemore, Mrs. Sarah,
56 00
2 20
Wood, Peter,
1 50
1 50
Wright, Samuel, .
1 50
1 50
Y.
Young, Thos.
1 50
Young, Thos. Jr. .
1 50
1 50
Younce, John
1.50
1 50
Young, Alex'r,
1 50
Young, Edward
1 50
1 50
York, Sam'l S.
1 50
10
Young, David
1 50
1 50
Young, Benj. F.
1 50
10
Young, Edward, Jr.
1 50
1 50
12 00
94
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
NON-RESIDENTS.
A.
Adams, Paul,
$28 00
$
$
$
Aylward James,
3 20
16
Alden, David,
14 40
Aldridge, Albert M.
12 00
60
Adams, Geo. S.
88 00
4 40
Allison, Wm.
12 00
60
Austin, Arthur W.
128 00
16 00
5 60
Andrews, Joseph,
32 00
1 60
Allen, Henry W. .
40 00
2 00
Adams, Orlestus J.
4 00
Albee, Joseph A. .
3 20
B.
Bacon, Henry,
3 20
16
Bradford, Wm. R.
56 00
56 00
Binney, Moses, .
22 40
1 12
Bartlett, John T.
12 00
Bent, Chas. H. W.
4 00
Brown,-
27 20
Buckley, Wm.
3 20
16
Bellows, Dr. A. J.
24 00
Bell, Dr. Luther V.
24 00
1 20
Burridge, J. C.
6 40
32
72 00
Bicknal, Wm. H.
13 60
67
Bruce, Chas. W. .
16 00
Barney, Reuben,
12 00
Bailey, Enoch,
22 40
Baker, Wm S.
12 00
60
Bibrian, Joseph,
3 20
16
Brown, Amos,
20 00
Butterfield, Geo. P.
1 60
08
Binney, H'rs of Amos,
96 00
4 80
Bolles, James,
11 20
56
Bancroft, Henry,
16 00
80
Bean, Ivory,
4 80
24
Bennett, John B.
4 00
Blodgett, H'rs of E. U.
2 40
12
Brown, Geo. Jr.
3 20
Burnett, J.
4 80
C.
Chipman, Geo. W.
32 00
Coffin, Sam'l,
14 40
72
Connel, Pat'k
4 20
Cutter & Parker,
13 60
68
Clark, Augustus N.
40 00
Cottrel & Brooks,
24 00
1 20
Conlan, John,
60 80
Clark, Joseph H. .
20 00
1 00
Chaffee, Knowlton S.
64 00
1 00
·
Billings, F. A.
72 00
95
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Collett, J. R.
$8 00
$
$
Crowningshield, Geo.
12 00
12 00
Cutter, H'rs of E. F.
36 00
1 80
Chase, Wells,
9 60
Calley, Benj.
14 40
72
Cooper, Geo. D.
12 00
Cutter, Henry,
3 20
16
Cutter, H. & Co.,
24 00
1 20
Chapin, Naham,
3 00
40
Cosgrief, John,
9 60
Collier, P. H.
1 00
20
Carter, A. J.
8 00
Cutter, James H. .
12 00
60
Conant, Leonard, and others,
32 00
60
Churchill, Joseph M.
8 00
40
Churchill, Sarah, .
20 00
1 00
Carter, Josiah H. .
40 00
2 00
Chandler, Wm.
8 00
Child, Francis,
3 20
Chilson, Gardner,
12 00
60
Clark, H'rs of James,
20 00
Cutter, Asa,
36 00
1 80
Cotton, Nath'l,
9 60
48
Campbell, Abner R.
12 00
4 00
Campbell, Jer'h,
12 00
60
City of Cambridge,
96 00
4 80
Chandler, Wm.
5 60
5 60
Clapp, Elbridge, .
8 00
Cambridge Water Works,
24 00
1 20
D.
Dixwell, John J. .
124 00
11 20
Dupee, John,
4 00
Davis, Daniel,
4 80
24
Douglass, Rob't, .
58 40
1 80
Draper, Martin,
8 00
40
Dana, Jamas,
9 60
Dana, J. and B. Parker,
20 00
Dix, Joel,
49 60
Davis, John C.
24 00
Doane, John, Jr. .
48 00
Damrell & Moore,
20 00
Donahoe, Pat'k,
16 00
80
Damon, James,
56 00
8 00
2 40
Dresser, Jacob A.
16 00
Dimick, Calvin,
168 00
Doe, Josiah M.
60 00
Duffee, James,
4 00
Delano, Winslow T.
16 00
Dalrymple, William,
3 20
16
Day, Ralph,
32 00
1 60
Driver, Thomas,
2 40
Dickman, Isaac, .
2 40
E.
Edwards, George,
.
.
20 00
1 00
96
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Edgerly, Daniel, .
$8 00
$
$ 40
$
English, Jerome A.
6 40
Everett, Erastus D.
28 00
Everett, Oliver,
.
20
Estes, Israel,
12
60
Elliott, Thomas J.
93 60
1 60
4 52
English, --
16 00
80
F.
Folsom, -, Esq.
6 40
32
Frost, Walter,
40 00
2 00
Flanders, Geo. M. or owner unkn.
16 00
Furber, William H.
32 00
1 60
Furber & Parker,
16 00
80
Fogg, George S. .
28 00
1 40
Farnham, Henry,
4 00
Foss, Jacob,
12 00
60
Flynn, -.
6 40
Fussard, William,
20 00
Fogg, Dr. -
16 00
French, George,
32 00
Flecher, William,
4 00
French, Miss Hannah, .
56 00
Fisk, Paschal,
6 40
32
French, Benjamin,
16 00
4 00
60
Ford, Enos, & J. H. Cary,
4 00
20
G.
Granville, Orrin H.
8 00
1 60
32
Gilman, John F. .
12 00
60
Gibbons, Barney,
3 20
Gustine, Edward,
16 00
Garven, Edw'd,
14 40
Goss, Abial,
24 00
1 20
Gale, And'w J.
8 00
Garrett, H'rs of Robt.
12 00
60
Gilbert, Timo. & Co.
16 00
80
Greenough, David S.
8 00
40
Griffin, Danl.
: 00
H.
Haynes, Amos,
64 00
6 00
Holmes, Chas.
16 00
80
Houghton, Amory,
436 00
436 00
Halburg, Chas. B.
5 60
Hodgden, Phineas S.
4 00
20
Hawkins, N. Carlton,
132 00
6 60
Same, guard'n for Alice E. Hawins,
128 00
6 40
Hall, Elam W.
4 80
23
Hale, Edward,
114 40
Hopkins, Terance,
8 00
40
Holden, Simon P.
12 00
60
Haskell, Thos.
25 60
1 28
Hunnewell, John, .
3 20
House, Manuel, .
4 00
·
97
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Harden, Wm. P. .
.
$ 8 00
$
$ 40
$
Haseltine, J. Cutter,
32 00
32 00
Haynes, Charles, .
68 00
Huston, John,
16 00
Hastings, Oliver, .
22 40
Hill, Samuel L ..
32 00
1 60
Hunnewell, Heirs of William,
8 00
40
Hamlin, Eleazar,
30 40
1 52
Holmes, Hiram,
184 00
Hall, Lewis,
8 00
40
Hastings, James P.
12 00
60
Hill, Dr.
4 00
20
Harrington, Sylvester,
40 00
2 00
Holt, John V.
8 00
8 00
Harper, Edward,
4 00
20
Hamlen, Nicholas,
8 00
Hayward, A. H. .
12 00
Hood, Harvey,
14 40
72
Hancock, Heirs of John,
112 00
5 60
Hancock, Charles,
44 00
2 20
Henderson, Robert,
4 80
24
Hegan, John,
2 40
2 40
Henry, Heirs of John, .
24 00
J.
Jordan, Mrs. Anna D. .
24 00
Judkins, Benjamin,
24 00
1 20
Jackson, S. S.
36 00
36 00
Jordan, Christ.
5 60
Johnson, Charles B.
28 00
1 40
Johnson, George,
28 00
1 40
Johnson, Heirs of Jotham,
20 00
Johnson, Henry A.
28 00
1 40
Johnson, Samuel T.
28 00
28 00
Johnson, William,
28 00
Jewett, Gorham, .
20 00
1 00
Joy, Elizabeth,
680 00
34 00
Jenks, Charles A.
52 00
2 60
K.
Keef, John, .
5 60
Kent & Co., E. T.
48 00
King, Mrs. Cordelia,
4 00
20
Kinkade, Mrs. Sarah,
24 00
Kimball, Oliver D.
26 40
1 32
Kinsley, Chester W.
24 00
Kelley, Levi,
4 80
24
Kent, John,
40 00
Kimball, James J., heirs of,
4 00
20
Kelley, John, heirs of, .
4 00
20
Kelley, Thomas, heirs of,
.
1 60
08
L.
Livermore, Geo. W.
4.00
20
Lucas, Edw'd G.
.
.
.
22 40
1 12
13
98
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abaten't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Lawrence, Daniel,
$32 00
$
$1 40
$
Lynde, A. N.
3 20
17
Lansberry, G. A.
3 20
Littlefield, Rufus,
24 00
15 20
Learned, Luke,
6 40
32
Lynde, Stephen H.
32 80
Lund, -
3 20
Larkin, Abm.
3 20
Lord, H'rs of Thos.
16 00
16 00
Learned, H'rs of Benj. G.
6 40
32
Libbey, Alvah,
6 40
32
Leach, J. F.
.
24 00
M.
Merritt, James E.
10 40
Mclaughlin, John,
8 00
Merrill, Lewis F. .
52 00
Mead, Mich'l,
6 40
McLane, James.
3 20
16
Minot, Chas.
112 00
16 00
4 80
May, Samuel P.
12 80
Marshall, Alfred,
24 00
Miller, Miss Mary,
9 60
48
Morse, James D. .
: 00
Mills, James L. & Sons,
24 0
4 00
Murdock, II'rs of Asa,
40 0
2 00
McQuade, James,
3 20
Morrill, Hiram P.
28 00
Martin, Darius,
8 00
40
Munroe, Henry F.
16 00
80
Maltman, Rob't .
4 00
20
Martin, Newhall, .
8 80
44
Marshall, Daniel,
6 40
6 40
Marshall, James, .
30 40
1 52
McDermot, Thomas,
20 00
1 00
Mullen, Catherine, heirs of, .
5 60
Murray, James, .
4 00
Mitchell, Cushing,
4 00
Mahoney, John J.,
80 00
16 00
3 20
Marsh, S. H., heirs of,
12 00
60
Munroe, Edmund,
56 00
2 80
Meacham, Pond and others,
56 00
2 80
Meacham, George,
72 00
3 60
Meacham & Porter,
72 00
Merrill, John J. .
16 00
16 00
Magoun, Aaron B.
70 40
3 52
Morse, Ozias,
56 00
Murdock, John,
12 00
60
McGern, Peter,
4 00
Mead & Hapgood,
8 00
N.
Norcross, J. W. .
8 00
Nichols, John P. .
50 40
2 52
Mixer, Chas. H. S.
80 00
McAlister, Rich'd,
20 00
99
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Nickerson, Joseph,
$20 00
$
$1 00
$
Newman, Robert E.
8 00
40
Nichols, J. B.
16 00
Norton, Heirs of Andrews, .
56 00
2 80
o.
O'Connell, J.
5 60
Osborn, Richard, .
32 00
1 60
P.
Page, Benjamin,
14 40
Pierson, Henry, .
2 40
2 40
Parker & Shimmin,
16 00
Peak, John, .
16 00
Peacock, Freeman,
56 00
2 80
Paul, James, & Co.
8 00
40
Poor, Mrs. Lydia,
12 80
64
Poor, Mrs. Frances,
24 00
1 20
Plant, Anthony, .
8 00
Prescott, Calvin S.
44 00
2 20
Prescott & Brothers,
32 00
1 60
Prescott, Heirs of S. Dana,
48 00
2 40
Powers, Heirs of John C.
9 60
Pollard, Luther,
24 00
1 20
Pond, Miss Zebiah R.
1 80
24
Peppard, George W.
8 00
40
Preston, Jonathan,
8 00
40
Pedrick, Joseph, .
4 00
20
Pingree, David,
48 00
2 40
Pettengill, Charles R. .
36 00
Pattee, Joel,
8 00
40
Parker, Benjamin,
4 00
Pierce, Abner,
1 60
Proctor, Abel,
.
.
4 00
R
Russell John,
21 60
1 08
Roberts, J. W. & A. J.
44 80
4 00
: 04
Rogers, Geo. M. .
24 80
1 24
Rice, Samuel,
12
60
Robinson, T. S. G.
3 20
16
Reynolds, Wm. J.
6 40
32
Rogers, Samuel,
8 00
Richardson, James M.
11 20
56
Rice, Chas. B.
9 60
Richardson, Richard,
20 00
1 00
Reynolds, Thos.
8 00
Rogers, Wm. S. .
56 00
2 80
Raymond, E. A. .
28
1 40
Randall, Mrs. Mary,
20 00
1 00
Russell, Aaron W.
22 40
1 12
Redman, Lawrence,
9 60
Rugg, Erastus,
8 00
40
Rand, H'rs of Benj.
96 00
4 80
Rand, Samuel,
92 80
4 64
Rand, H'rs of James,
20 00
1 00
.
8 00
.
.
100
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Railroad Co. Fitchburg,
,
$60 00
$
$3 00
$
Railroad Co. Eastern, .
·
64 00
3 20
S.
Sprowl, Andrew,
16 00
80
Small, George,
14 40
Smith, C. A.
S 00
South Down Company,
40
Stearns, Joshua B.
68 00
68 00
Stetson, Joshua, .
6 40
32
Sehrowl, Leopold,
9 60
48
Seiberliek, Lorenz,
4 00
20
Smith, S. A.
16 00
Stevens, Dr. John,
12 00
60
Sullivan, Richard,
440 00
22 00
Same, Trustee,
66 40
3 32
Spring, Isaac H.
80 00
4 00
Sweeney, Patrick,
4 00
Sargent, John,
00
1 20
Saunders, Wm. A.
16 00
80
Sinclair, Samuel, .
4 80
24
Shipley, Horatio,
9 60
4 00
28
Smith, Stephen,
3 20
16
Stone, Thaddeus,
4 00
Swain, John,
4 80
24
Smith, Edwin P.
3 20
Stevens, James M.
14 40
14 40
Stockbridge, L. N.
4 80
24
Skinner & Sweet,
8 00
Sauren Edwin,
4 80
Stimson, Robert W.
8 00
40
Shapleigh, John W.
20 00
Squires, John P. .
9 60
47
Starbird, Nathaniel W.
24 00
Sumner, Mrs. Amelia B.
12 00
2 40
48
Sawyer, Albert J.
24 00
Spear, Albert,
44 00
2 20
Stearns, 2d, Wm.
110 40
Sanborn, Christopher P.
14 40
14 40
Smith, T. P., heirs of, .
6 40
32
Simonds, Washington,
12 00
60
Stone, Calvin,
16 00
80
Stearns, Jas. W .. trustee of,
67 20
67 20
Sprague, Joseph E., heirs of,
81 60
4 08
Stearns, William,
67 20
3 36
Silver, Mrs. Eliza,
75 20
3 75
Stearns, Miss Harriet, executrix of
Miss Caroline Stearns,
83 20
4 16
Stearns, Miss Harriet,
83 20
4 16
Stearns, Wm. S. and sisters,
71 20
3 56
T.
Tufts, James W. .
8 00
40
Twombly & Lamson,
154 40
7 72
Trull, Samuel C. .
: 00
40
Topham, F. L.
.
4 00
4 00
.
.
80 00
Railroad Co. Boston and Lowell. .
101
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Teel, Jonathan W. et al.
$40 00
$
$
$
Topliff, Benjamin,
20 00
4 00
Taylor, D. D.
14 40
72
Teasdale, Geo.
17 60
Tyler, Joseph H. .
5 60
28
Trull, Willard,
12 00
12 00
Thompson & Abbott,
12 00
60
Tenney, William P.
12 00
12 00
Tapley, Mrs. Lydia,
6 40
Thomas, George A.
16 00
Teel, Amasa,
40 00
8 00
Tufts, Daniel,
140 00
7 00
Tube Works, American,
480 00
24 00
Tufts, Gilbert,
52 80
2 64
Trofeter, Edward T.
16 00
4 00
60
U.
Ursuline Community, or Js. A. ?
760 00
38 00
Healey, .
.
Upham, Asa,
14 40
72
W.
Woodbridge, Francis,
12 00
60
Wellington, Chas. W. .
47 20
12 00
Wheeler, Geo. W.
25 60
West, Geo. W.
41 60
Wright, Benj. S. .
16 00
80
Whitten & Raymond,
40 00
Woodbury, Wm.
24 00
Welch, Benj.
40 00
Whipple,
3 20
18
Woodward, Geo. M.
20 00
1 00
Ward, H'rs of Art's,
200 00
10 00
White, Daniel,
16 00
80
Woodward, Henry,
36 00
Ward, Wm.
6 40
32
Wood, Benj.
40 00
Weston & Mason,
52 00
Whitmore & Hughes,
4 00
Weeks, Asa,
16 00
Wilson, Joseph,
8 00
Wilson, H'rs of Joseph B.
16 00
Warren, George, .
9 60
9 60
Whittaker, William H.
22 40
1 12
Wyeth, Noah,
24 00
Whitcomb, Lorenzo K.
12 00
Wells, George,
4 80
Williams, Heirs of Edson,
24 00
1 20
Warren, Gardner,
16 00
Waldron, B. F. .
20 00
1 00
Wait, Charles,
4 00
Williams, Oliver, .
4 00
20
Williams, Tillson,
8 00
40
Willis, David C. .
8 00
Whitney, Mrs. Lydia, .
4 80
1 60
16
Whittemore, N. M.
20 00
80
.
.
102
Tax Payers.
Assessed.
Abatem't.
Discount.
Uncollected.
Wheeler, Increase S.
360 00
$24 00
$16 80
Warren, George W.
20 00
1 00
Wyman, William,
24 00
1 20
Wood, Charles, & others,
.
144 00
7 20
Y.
Young, J. H.
.
20 00
Z.
Zane, Joseph,
4 00
20
$49,027 30 $708 00 $1609 82
$3,704 70
Dr. Town of Somerbille, in account with Colilliam Bonner, Collector of Taxes, Cr.
1862.
March 1. To cash paid at sundry times to Clark Bennett, Town Treasurer, 47,917 09
1861. March. 1862. March 1. By amount of uncollected Taxes for the years 1856, 1857, 1858 and 1859, as per Town Treasurer's Statement for 1860-1, 5,188 69
By balance from old account, 2,849 42
Less Abatements by Assessors, 4,901 10
287 59
By amount of uncollected Taxes for the year 1860, as per account cur- rent dated March 1, 1861, 2,317 61
Less Abatements by Assessors, 542 31
1,775 30
By amt. of Taxes assessed in 1861, 49,027 30
Less Abatements, 708 00
" Discounts, 1,609 82
" Uncollected, 3,704 70
6,022 52
·43,004 78
47,917 09
WILLIAM BONNER, Collector of Taxes.
Somerville, March 1, 1862.
The undersigned having examined the accounts of the Collector of Taxes, hereby certify that the above account current is correct.
Somerville, March 5, 1861.
AARON SARGENT, { Majority of HENRY F. WOODS § Auditing Committee
103
47,917 09
104
SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY, With location, valuation, and amount of insurance.
PROPERTY AND LOCATION.
VALUE.
INSUR- ANCE.
High School-House and land on Highland Avenue
$9,500
Philosophical Apparatus in do.
400
6,000
Piano in do.
250
Franklin School-House and land on Milk Street. .
6,000
3,000
Spring Hill
66
Broadway .
800
500
Prospect Hill
Washington Street
7,500
3,500
Brastow
Medford Street ...
5,000
2,500
Bell
66
Cherry Street ....
1,400
600
Forster
66
Sycamore Street. .
5,800
3,500
Jackson
Maple Street. .
4,000
2,800
Prescott
Pearl Street. .
18,500
10,000
Union
66
66
Prospect Street. .
1,800
500
Land corner of Broadway and Franklin Streets.
3,000
Land on Broadway, (Town Farm) ..
4,000
Land corner of Prospect and Washington Streets
720
Engine House, Armory, Stable, &c., on the above
5,600
3,000
Stable .
300
Land on corner of Prospect and Milk Streets.
1,000
Buildings on do.
800
500
Ledge on Milk Street.
2,000
Ledge on Bond Street
1,000
2 acres gravel land in Winchester.
700
Fire Engine, Somerville No. 1, and apparatus
1,200
5 Horses, Carts, Harnesses, Tools, &c., for Highways. . Town Pound on Town Farın.
1,310
900
Hearse and Hearse House.
100
Safe in Town Hall.
175
85,355
Harvard
Beacon Street.
1,400
500
1,300
600
Walnut Hill
Spring Hill.
.
100
TOWN OFFICERS.
1862.
SELECTMEN, Board of Health, Highway Surveyors, Fish Committee.
BENJAMIN RANDALL, HENRY A. SNOW,
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, ALBERT KENNESON,
CHARLES H. GUILD. .
TREASURER.
CLARK BENNETT, - - Prospect Street.
COLLECTOR.
WILLIAM BONNER,
Washington Street.
TOWN CLERK.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, - Walnut Street.
ASSESSORS. JOHN C. MAGOUN, WILLIAM BONNER, CHAS. D. WILD
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GEORGE O. BRASTOW, CHARLES S. LINCOLN,
JOHN P. MARSHALL, GEORGE H. EMERSON,
GEORGE D. CLARK, JOHN G. HALL,
JOSEPH. E. HOWARD, AARON SARGENT,
CYRUS F. CROSBY. Y
AUDITORS. COLUMBUS TYLER, AARON SARGENT, HENRY F. WOODS
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
JOHN C. MAGOUN, ABRAM WELCH, CALEB KINGMAN
CONSTABLES.
HORACE RUNEY, ALEXANDER B. CLEARY, WILLIAM B. HIGGINS, CALEB BUCKNAM.
106
SURVEYORS OF WOOD, BARK AND LUMBER. EDWIN L. WEEKS, GEO. A. SANBORN, D. A. MARRETT
FENCE VIEWERS.
JOHN C. MAGOUN, MARK FISK, CALEB BUCKNAM
SEALER OF LEATHER. CHARLES MILLER.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. JOHN C. MAGOUN.
FIELD DRIVERS.
CALEB BUCKNAM, £ IRA THORPE, A. G. LOVEJOY,
THEODORE PALMER, WM. HIGGINS, CHARLES TRULL.
ERRATA .- Page 22, line 6 from bottom, Milk St. should be Washington St. Page 27, line 1, $198 95 should be $19,895 00.
REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, SELECTMEN, TREASURER,
AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES,
OF THE
TOWN OF SOMERVILLE,
for the year ending March 1, 1863.
BOSTON: C. M. & A. B. MORSS, PRINTERS, 66 MILK STREET. 1863.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF SOMERVILE.
The School Committee, on rendering account of their steward- ship, confess they have had no small degree of solicitude in the discharge of their various official duties, especially in their efforts in making a prudent and proper disposition of the means the town has placed in their hands.
The people of Somerville have not been backward in their efforts, and desire to make their schools rank favorably with those in other towns in the Commonwealth; and in this they have not been unsuccessful. But few towns have heretofore expended more money for the support of public schools. If their standing were to be determined by the amount appropri- ated-and the inference is not unnatural-they would be sure of an enviable rank. But this is not our only claim, nor does our duty here end. While we may be liberal in furnishing the means for carrying on the work of public instruction, we are not unmindful that a judicious economy and application of those means are properly demanded. A faithful discharge of duties on the part of Teachers and Committee is justly expected. To meet the just demands and expectations of our townsmen, is the sincere desire of the School Committee, and the con- sciousness of having discharged their duties to the satisfaction of their constituents, will be an ample reward for their labors
4
Are we doing all that may be justly expected ? Has the money which has been so liberally bestowed upon our schools been judiciously and profitably expended ? Do our schools realize all we have a right to expect from the means given and the efforts made to sustain them? Are our efforts made in the right direction ? These questions properly press themselves upon our consideration.
The School Committee feel that our teachers receive no more than their services justly demand. To secure a good teacher we must give him a just compensation for his labor. Frequent changes should be avoided ; and when a good teacher has been secured, we should be slow to part with him. Indeed any change is attended with risk, and is an experiment which should be tried with caution. Of course, the same remarks apply with equal force to female as well as male teachers.
Again, we all want capable and experienced teachers, who combine all the essential qualities required in a model instructor and disciplinarian ; who can adapt themselves to all the various traits of character in their pupils, and be able to adopt and administer such a system of school government, as shall har- monize with the conflicting ideas of the community. In no profession or calling, is there more desparity of ability and success, than in that of teaching. The same competition exists here as in other callings. And, if we want good teachers we must remunerate them accordingly.
The Committee also believe that the number of teachers now employed, cannot without detriment to our schools, be reduced. The whole number of pupils in town attending school, during the last year, was 1,851. To instruct this num- ber. 30 teachers have been employed, making an average of over 60 pupils to each teacher, a number sufficiently large, having a regard to the welfare of the school and the physical well being of the teacher. The Statutes of the Com-
5
monwealth (ch. 38, sec. 9) provide for even more than this. This section requires a female assistant for every public school having an average of fifty scholars.
The money required for fuel, repairs and care of buildings must depend somewhat upon circumstances notfaltogether with- in the control of the School Committee. Strict regard for economy has been here observed and it is believed that less could not be well expended.
Then the question arises whether the efforts of teachers and Committee are well directed. The duties of the School Com- mittee are various, and sometimes of a perplexing character. They share with their fellow-townsmen the same interest in the welfare of their schools, and have not been unmindful of their trust. To the teachers, however, are we to look chiefly for the character and success of our schools. The system and course of study are similar, if not the same, as are in use throughout the Commonwealth. They aim chiefly to fit the pupil for the duties and common affairs of life ; to render him a good and upright citizen; in short, to qualify him for usefulness. The course of study is the same as that prescribed by the General Statutes. It is the result of much study and experience, and, although open to criticism, may be safely pursued.
The method of classification in our schools economizes and lightens the labor of teachers, as well as increases the amount of actual instruction to each pupil. The objection to this clas- sification, that it tends to reduce different minds to a level ; that, while it compels the inferior mind to perform tasks beyond its powers, it prevents the superior mind from exerting its proper strength; is met and obviated in a great degree by a system of promotion. By this a healthy emulation is incited. The pupil is taught to feel in the school, as in the world, that his progress in the main depends upon his own exertions, and that his rank in school as in society must rest upon merit.
The present method of examining schools in Somerville, adopted about two years since, is calculated to awaken in
6
teachers and pupils a desire to excel. The schools are divided into classes or grades. Sub-committees are appointed to exam- ine all of the same grade. A system of marking is adopted to show the proficiency of each class. In the examination, every element of importance is taken into account; such as deport- ment, progress, accuracy, age and number of pupils. By this method we are enabled to compare one school with another of the same grade, from the same stand point. We can also determine the comparative proficiency of our teachers, and point out their short comings. By comparing the reports with that of the preceding year, wo are enabled to approximate the progress of our schools from time to time. Teachers and pupils have manifested much interest in this method of exami- nation, and the Committee feel that it has been attended with a marked degree of success.
The time occupied in school is all that the physical and men- tal welfare of the pupil and teacher will warrant. Both must have exercise and relaxation. The air of the school room is never any too pure, even with the best means of ventilation ; and the minds of children are liable to be wearied under the strain of constant systematic study. It is even stated by some of our clearest observers and profoundest thinkers that the time daily employed in Massachusetts schools is too great, especially for our younger pupils. Time and experience, however, can only show upon what rule a portion of the day is to be set apart for the labor of the school room, having regard for the greatest possible progress consistent with the health of the pupil. It is difficult, even if not impossible, to fix the exact amount of labor in school which an individual pupil is capable of performing-much more difficult is the problem when applied to a whole school or community. No two pupils are of the same physical health and power of endurance. What would drive one to a premature grave, would be a mere diversion to another. We can make no rule without exceptions, and must rely upon long experience to determine the true one.
7
In answering the various questions which have thus far arisen, the Committee are fully aware that the true test is to be found in the actual condition of our schools and the progress the schools have made and are making. By this test we judge of the efficiency of our teachers. We do not expect to find every school all that we could desire. Nor shall we pretend that there is any school not open to criticism. On the con- trary, there is much room for improvement in all our schools. There exist evils that have seriously threatened to impair the usefulness, as well as to thwart the efforts of teacher and com- mittee.
Truancy has been the source of much complaint and annoyance. The evil has been felt the more for the reason that heretofore there has been no legal remedy to correct it. But there is a prospect that the statutes will soon provide means of correcting this evil. Irregular attendance in school, although in many instances impossible to provide against, has been the occasion of much regret. This evil can but retard the progress of the school. It is a great wrong to those who are constant in their presence, and renders it necessary in the teacher to perform much of his labor with imperfect success.
Imperfect sympathy between teachers, parents and committee is liable to exist, and has existed in some instances. This is perhaps but natural, since men are not infallible. These evils may in a measure be remedied by mutual effort on the part of teacher, parent and committee. Of these evils more may be said on another occasion.
Of our teachers now employed in our schools, the committee have rarely, if at all, had occasion to complain during the past year. Not an instance of a seeming or actual neglect of duty on their part can be recalled. On the contrary, they have mani- fested an unusual interest and solicitude to make our schools all that we have a right to expect and worthy of our support. It is not necessary to particularize. The most of our teachers have been employed for a number of years, and the measure of their success is well known. Teachers feel that it is to them
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