Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1854, Part 2

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Publication date: 1854
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 30


USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1854 > Part 2


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DISTRICT No. 11.


Summer Term-Miss Eliza J. Hastings, Teacher .- This was a small school of seven scholars, but a very successful term. The examination placed this school in rank with the best. The recitations were prompt, uttered in a full tone of voice,-some of them very superior.


Winter Term-Miss Jane Walker, Teacher .- The school was small, and there was some lack of the promptness exhibited in the summer school. Still there was a commendable degree of progress made.


This is one of the districts which the Committees of former years have thought might be merged in those around it. The present Com- mittee are of the same opinion. It has but eleven scholars between 5 and 15. Those in the district think differently, however, and during the season they have repaired what was a dilapidated school-house, and made it much more inviting and comfortable. Very commendable.


DISTRICT NO. 12.


First Division-Summer Term-Miss Elizabeth J. Hale, Teacher .- Of this term of this school, Rev. Mr. Hine, then a member of this Commit- tee, writes. "The teacher of the common school No. 12, is doing exceed- ingly well. She is systematic and thorough in her instructions and in discipline. The scholars are improving much under her instruction in reading, pronunciation, and tones of voice. If the school does not suc- ceed well and the scholars learn; the fault will not be the instructor's.


11


The singing introduced between the exercises was very gratifying to the Committee ; and appeared to quicken interest and animation on the part of the scholars."


The examination of the school at its close by the present Committee fully sustained the above representation.


Autumn Term-Misses Caroline Brown and Eliza J. Hastings, Teach- ers-Miss Brown commenced and progressed very successfully with this school for some three-fourths of the term, when her health failed and she was compelled to leave. She has taught successfully several terms in this and other schools, and the Committee are happy to learn that her health has been restored, and express the fond hope that she will long be the useful, respected and happy Mrs. Keith, as she has been the successful teacher of children and youth. After Miss B. left, Miss Hastings took her place and completed the term. As the school had stopped so near the close of the term, only a part of the scholars returned, and it was not possible for the teacher to secure the interest that she otherwise might have done. Still the examination was commendable.


Winter Term-Mr. Philo D. Willis, Teacher .- Mr. Willis has been the successful teacher of this school for the winter and some other terms, for several years past, and it is sufficient to say, that his success in this term has been as hitherto. He is deliberate, systematic and thorough. A larger measure of animation would make him still superior.


Second Division-Summer Term-Miss Julia Twing, Teacher .- Of this school Mr. Hine, who made the first and second visitations, writes: "The teacher of the 2nd Division is doing well, order and discipline good. Singing here, also made a very profitable and pleasing exercise. This first effort of the teacher indicates that she will excel in this pursuit." The views of Mr H. as thus expressed were confirmed by the examina- tion at the close of the term.


Autumn Term-Same Teacher .- This term was like that before it, a successful one. The general appearance and progress of the school were . very satisfactory.


Winter Term-Miss Jane E. Hastings, Teacher .- Miss Hastings suc- ceeded well with this school as did her predecessor, and as she did herself with the summer term of No. 11. At each visitation the school appeared well, and the examination gave evidence that both teacher and pupils had been faithful.


Third Division-Miss Emerancy Howard, Teacher .- There have been three terms of this school, as of the other divisions of the district, and during the same seasons of the year. The three terms were by the same teacher. Mr. Hine made the first and second visitations of the summer term, and what he says of that is equally true of each of the others. He writes,-" The teacher of the 3d Division has a large and difficult school. Some too young and small-enough in the alphabet for one. She is a la- borious and faithful teacher."


To gain some idea of the task of this teacher, let any person imagine him- self shut up with seventy little wild Irish and French children ; untamed as young colts, and many of them unable to understand a word spoken to them; engaged in the very laudable work of trying to teach them to read and spell the English language, and to behave like good children; that person will have a very correct idea of the reality. It is enough to say that such has been the position, and such the labor of Miss H., and that her charge made some progress in the right direction.


12


DISTRICT NO. 13.


Miss Susan A. Perry, Teacher .- This school has been taught three terms by the same teacher. Each of them were very successful. Miss P. has taught here five of the last six terms, and with complete success. She has also taught the school at an earlier date. She possesses the fac- ulty of bringing wild elements of young humanity into order in a very eminent degree. The children of foreigners knowing nothing of disci- pline, and, if possible caring less than nothing for it, when brought un- der her influence and authority, become orderly and systematic, and un- der her instruction rapidly advance in knowledge. Nor is her kindness less apparent towards her pupils, than her ability to maintain order. The successive prudential Committees of this district have done well to secure her services so long. Could they be had, we would say secure them longer.


SELECT SCHOOLS.


Depot Village .- In the Spring, a select school for small children was kept in this village by Miss Caroline Brown, who succeeded exceedingly well in her efforts to instruct the little ones attending her school.


A fall term was taught in the same place by Miss A. Elizabeth Atch- inson. Over fifty different scholars attended during the term, and the teacher's labors were crowned with very flattering success.


Such is our report. We hope an advancement has been made in some respects, in the cause of education during the year. We desire that from this stand-point, there may be a steady progress up to the highest state of perfection which it is possible to attain. We have suggested and recom- mended what we believe will conduce to this result. " We ask that these suggestions and recommendations may be carefully considered, and that that course may be pursued respecting them which the enlightened and mature judgment of our fellow citizens shall suggest.


In the closing language of the report of 1853, "The cause of educa- tion has to do with the peace and prosperity of society, as well as with the highest interests and happiness of the immortal mind."


Respectfully submitted, L. H. WAKEMAN, School CHAS. D. FOSTER, Committee G. M. FISK. of Palmer.


1


.


-


STATISTICS OF THE SCHOOLS.


In the column of " Average Number," the fractions have been omitted.


No. 1 .- HIGH SCHOOL.


Place.


Teacher.


Wages Time per month. in months.


Whole No.


Average number.


Thorndike.


Henry L. Boltwood.


$45 45



19


12


Depot Village.


66


47


39


Three Rivers.


66


66


22


3


29


NO. 2 .- DISTRICT SCHOOLS .- SUMMER TERM.


No. of Districts.


Teacher.


Wages per mo.


Time in months.


Whole number.


Average number.


1, Old Center.


P. R. Lamberton.


$14


4


32


21


2, T. Rivers, 1st D. A L. McClintock.


18


3


37


26


2 . "


2d D.


L. C. Putnam.


15


3


51


33


3, Depot, 1st D.


M. C. Atchinson.


16


31


50


27


3, Depot, 2d D.


E. F. Clark.


16


31


60


46


4, Mason.


Jane Shaw.


15


3


17


12


5, Foster.


A. L. Smith.


13


3


12


9


6, Burley.


M J. Chamberlin.


14


4


20


12


7, Shaw.


S. A. Bemis.


15


21


12


8


8, Shearer.


M. A. Moulton.


13


23


24


16


10, Bondville.


C. P. Brown


15


3


29


22


11, Hastings.


E. J. Hastings


12


3


7


12, Th'ndike, 1st D|E. J. Hale.


6 :


2d D. J. Twing.


15


3


36


27


יו


3d D. E. Howard.


13


3


74


55


13, Duckville.


S. A. Perry.


19


3


64


50


No. 3 .- AUTUMN TERM.


No. of Districts.


Teacher.


Wages per month


Time in months.


Whole number.


Average number.


2, 1st D.


Jane C. Harvey.


$17


23


37


23


2, 2d D.


L. C. Putnam.


15


3


61


34


12, 1st D.


J. E. Hastings.


15


3


45


32


12, 3d D.


E. Howard.


15


3


!


74


65


13.


Susan A. Perry.


19


2


57


46


66


66


24


19


13


C. Brown and


19


3


38


30


12, 2d D.


Julia Twing.


17


3


29


21


14


STATISTICS OF THE SCHOOLS, (CONTINUED.)


No. 5 .- WINTER TERM.


No. of Districts.


Teacher.


Wages per month.


Time in months.


Whole number.


Average number.


1.


S. E. Morgan.


$22


13


27


13


1.


Eliza Turner.


20


1


27


13


2, 1st D.


Sarah Sedgwick.


21


3


53


40


2, 2d D.


Jane C. Harvey.


17


3


55


51


3, 1st D.


Wm. E. Morgan.


34


3


48


34


3, 2d D.


H. Merrick.


20


3


50


34


4.


J. Carpenter.


20


3


24


14


5.


A. L Smith.


16


33


18


15


6.


M. C. Atchinson.


18


3


12


10


7.


A. A. Knight.


22


18


17


10


8.


M, J. Chamberlin.


15


1


35


29


9.


James Kealy.


25


29-11


11


9


10.


A. A. Gamwell.


30


3


49


29


11.


Jane Walker.


16


3


11


9


12, 1st D.


P. D. Willis.


35


3


54


39


12, 2d D.


J. E. Hastings.


15


3


39


27


12, 3d D


E. Howard.


18


3


74


60


13.


S. J. Perry.


26


75


53


DIVISION OF SCHOOL MONEY.


$196.32


Districts.


No. of Scholars.


$1700 divided on the Scholar by the Assess'rs.


$300 divided by the Committec.


School Fund, and $49.50 Merrick


Fund divided equally. ($ 245.82.)


Total.


Amount to each Scholar in each District.


No. 1.


27


$60.39


$29.24


$18.91


$108.54


$4.02


2.


157


351.19


18.91


370.10


2 357


3.


118


263.95


18.91


282.86


2.397


4.


29


64.87


24.76


18.91


108.54


3.743


5.


16


35.79


48.84


18.91


103.54


6.471


66


6.


28


62.63


27.00


18.91


108.54


3.876


7.


16


35.79


48.84


18.91


103.54


6.471


8.


24


53.68


22 41


18.91


95.00


3.958


66


9.


7


15 65


43.98


18.91


78.54


11.22


!!


10.


43


96 18


9.91


18.91


125.00


2.907


" 11.


11


24.60


45.02


18 91


88.53


8.048


4 12.


193


431.72


18.91


450.63


2.335


13.


91


203.56


18.91


222.47


2.444


Total.


760


$1700.00


$300.00


$245.83


$2245.83


SELECTMEN'S REPORT.


The Selectmen chosen to report the receipts and expenditures of the Town for the past year, in detail, respectfully submit the following :


RECEIPTS.


Balance in the Treasury, March 10, 1854,


$253 86


Amount received of Chester Strong for Taxes, 1852, 2,001 81


66


66


6.


66


Parker W. Webster for Taxes, 1854.


8,277 39


State for support of State Paupers, 126 59


Town of Pelham, for support of John D. Bolsten, 12 00


Pedlers' License, 10 00


66


66


6.


Circus


30 00


66


Caravan


20 00


66


State School Fund,


196 32


66


66


:


on account of Poor Farm, 39 93


66 of Liquor sold by Town Agent, 367 00


rent of Town Hall, 12 00


66


Town of Monson for Schooling in District No. 8, 15 57


$12,799 22


EXPENDITURES.


SCHOOLS.


High School.


Amount Paid.


Mr. Henry L. Boltwood, Teacher, Salary, $500 00


66


for money appropriated by School Committee, 10 00


Sylvester Hine, Repairs and Books for High School,


4 50


Charles D. Foster, Wood for


3 08


Levi H. Wakeman, for services on School Committee Report, 1853, and for canvassing School Districts,


23 90


Levi H. Wakeman, Books furnished School Districts No's 2, 12 and 13, 12 50


18 50 Levi H. Wakeman, Wood and sundry articles for High School, for expenses on School Committee Re- port, 1854, 8 75


for numbering scholars, 9 00


Amount carried forward,


$590 23


:


School District No. 10, for District order paid from Town Treasury in 1853, 9 15


66


6.


6.


David Knox, 1853, 1,427 60


..


66


16


Amount brought forward.


$590 23


District No. 1,


Amount of orders paid,


99 48


2,


3,


66


66


66


66


287 00


..


66


66


66


36 00


60


5,


66


66


39 00


6.


66


6,


66


..


..


122 00


..


7.


66


66


108 50


..


66


8,


..


66


66


92 68


.6


9,


66


66


66


79 44


" 10,


.6


66


144 00


" 11,


.6


66


66


36 00


66


" 12,


524 37


" 13.


..


..


66


167 04


$2,657 04


HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.


Amount Paid.


Gilbert Barker, for money expended and labor in repairing Bridges at Three Rivers,


$624 05


Glibert Barker, repairing Bridges in District No. 6, 75 50


D. L. Harris, for labor on Three Rivers Bridge, 193 86


10 55


F. A. & C. S. Latham,


..


15 00


John Barnes,


66


8 00


Hiram M. Randall, 66 66


66 60


5 74


Phillip P. Potter, for Timber and Plank "


148 00


Van Renssellaer Shearer, for 66


14 25


Josiah Wood, for injury received on Three Rivers Bridge,


5,00


Royal Buffington,


to team on


66


35 00


John A. Squires, Castings for


66 66


19 32


Jonathan McElwain, for labor on Bridge, Thorndike,


3 50


David Tenney, for building railing near Three Rivers.


24 00


John Bacon, for labor on North Road,


35 00


6 on Northampton Road,


20 50


Pliney Cooley, for building one-half Bridge between Palmer and Brimfield, 137 50


Adolphus Strong, for building new Road near Thorndike.


702 28


Hiram Powers, for repairing Bridge,


2 50


S. D. Cooley,


2 00


Tyler Smith, 66 66 66


10 00


Amos L. Mason, "


9 72


S. G. Shaw, repairing Highways and Bridges, 66


3 00


John Strickland,


"


6


5 25


John Ward,


66


6 75


M. K. Ferrell,


Burleys' Bridge,


2 00


O. N. Powell,


5 00


Joseph S. Hastings, for repairing Highways and Bridges, 14 18


Amount carried forward.


$2,151 80


66


. 61


4,


14 35


Reuben Rodgers,


6.


.6


William B. Twing, “


66 66


17


Amount brought forward. $2,151 80


Freeman Foster, for building Stone Bridge. 5 00


John Gamwell, for repairing Highway, 1 00


Berlin Shearer, for removing stone from under the bridge near Alanson Merrick's,


15 00


Henry Smith, for Plank for Bridges,


44 14


Alvin Hastings


13 15


Jonathan Cooley, repairing


1 50


Daniel Cook,


2 25


Israel Boyden, for injury received on Highway,


10 00


John A. Squiers, for repairing Roads and Bridges, 14 00


30 67


George Moores, for repairing sundry


22 89


Ruggles, Sears & Co., for Bolts for


5 55


Enos Calkins, for repairing


66


2 00


$2,318 95


SUPPORT OF POOR.


Amount Paid.


Martin Shaw, for services on Poor Farm, 1853.


$140 90


J. S. Loomis, for Coffins for sundry poor, 25 00


William Holbrook, for Medical attendance, 37 50


E. B. Shaw, for supporting Charles Wyman, Pauper.


150 00


John Bacon,“


Michael Gates, 66


32 50


Rufus Bacon,


Lucy Ann Bacon, 10 00


Asa Strickland. .. Thomas Pepper,


19 33


..


(child) Franklin Pierce, Pauper,


26 25


John Trim. 6: Christopher Trim,


10 00


Hepsibeth Parsons,


Molly Ferry,


26 00


George Fleming, ..


Henry Eaton,


26 00


Seva Brown, 6. McFenney,


8 78


Daniel H. Lynds, 66


Mrs. Andrew Hall, 66


11 10


Town of Wilbraham.“ John Spear,


4 00


M. K. Ferrell,


Chipman Family,


6 00


Nancy Wright,


Charity Barker,


19 26


Overseers Poor, for assisting Shannon Family,


5 00


Sundry Poor,


33 50


E. Brown,


Paints and Nails, Poor Farm,


6 95


Rodney Davis,


House rent, State Pauper,


3 50


S. R. Lawrence & Co., Meat for Poor,


2 00


A. R. Murdock, Wood


66


66


1 32


Jonathan Cooley, labor on Poor Farm,


5 50


George Moores, Merchandise, Sundry Poor,


2 50


O. F. Packard & Co.,


6:


11 83


George Brown & Co.,


8 17


A. C. Billings,


66


66


3 65


S. G. Newton,


11 98


M. W. French & Co., " Poor Farm,


72 44


Rufus Fosket, Shingles for Poor House,


31 50


Samuel Dennison, supporting Charity Barker at Worcester, 42 65


66


66


$795 16


3


E. Brown, for Iron Spikes and Rope for


18


TOWN EXPENSES.


Amount Paid.


Edwards, Farnald & Co., for Fire Proof Safe, $199 23 Lambert Allen, for services on Committee of Abatements, 1853, 2 00


Elias Turner, for opening Graves and returning Deaths, 66


16 32


L. P. Putman, 66


66


1854, 10 62


Jonathan McElwain, “ 66 66


66


66


66


66


10 10


David Knox, 60


66


66


and services as Sexton, 38 00


E. Brown, for recording Births, Marriages and Deaths, 31 60


Samuel Bowles & Company, for Printing Town Officers' Reports for 1853, 28 00


T. V. Kent, for services on Burial Ground, Thorndike, 10 00 Andrew Beard, for money voted for services as Prosecuting Com. 20 00 Moses Barnes, for services as Liquor Agent, for 1853-54, 125 00


Joshua Graves, for two yoke of oxen, 220 00


for Interest, 30 00


Enos Calkins, for Liquor furnished Town Agent, 1853,


71 61


66 for services on Selectmen's Report and Pauper cases, 1853, 5 25


Seth A. Stimpson, for Posting Town Warrants, &c.


3 00


G. M. Fisk, for Printing Notices, 4 50


Chapman and Chamberlain, for Professional services, 91 00


Tapley, Bowles & Company, for Record Book, 8 00 F. M. Woodford, for Town Map, 3 00


Chester Strong, for Abatement Taxes, 1852, 211 96


David Knox,


1853,


211 39


Parker W. Webster, 66 1854, 189 20


66 Collecting Town and District Taxes,


115 00


66 Summoning Witnesses, Posting Warrants, and notifying Town Officers, 63 56


Selectmen, for expenses attending Court, &c., 16 12


Thompson & Warner. Liquors for town Agent, 315 85


Jacob H. Loud, (State Treasurer,) State Tax, 666 00


66 Interest on Note, 228 00


William Rice, County Tax, 1564 13


Henry Scism, Note and Interest, .


518 33


Enos Calkins 66 «


554 00


Postage and Express,


4 40


Stationery for Assessore, Selectmen and Treasurer, 9 17


$5,594 42


19


TOWN OFFICERS.


Amount Paid.


Gilbert Barker,


Selectman,


$40 00


George Moores, .


66


37 00


John A. Squier,


30 00


Ebenezer Brown.


Treasurer,


30 00


Enos Colkins,


Assessor,


34 38


Perlin Shearer,


37 00


Ephraim B. Gates.


66


35 00


Levi H. Wakeman.


School Committee.


74 00


Gorden M. Fisk,


,,


20 00


Charles D. Foster,


45 00


Sylvester Hine,


10 50


Gilbert Barker.


Overseer Poor,


21 50


George Moores,


6.


.€


20 00


John A Squier,


40 00


$474 38


TOWN DEBT.


Jacob H. Loud, (State Treasurer,) Note,


$3800 00


Abel Calkin's Heirs,


3000 00


$6800 00


RECAPITULATION.


Amount Paid.


66


66


for Schools,


$2657 35


66


66


" Highways and Bridges,


2318 95


" Support of Poor,


795 16


66


" Town Expenses,


5594 42


66


66


" Town Officers,


474 38


$11,840 26


Total amount of Receipts,


$12,799 22


Total Amount of Expenditures, .. 11,840 26


Balance in the Treasury,


$958 96


Amount Due from Chester Strong, collection, 1852,


$138 73


66


66


Parker W. Webster,“ 1854,


678 95


66


66


66 State for Support State Paupers,


75 00


Heirs ef Oliver Ferry for the Support of Molly Ferry,


50 00


66


66


66 The Guardian of the Moore Children,


140 00


66


66


Ephraim Fenton, (Note,)


50 00


66


66


66 Bonded Passenger,


175 00


66


66


66 Superintendent Poor Farm for Produce Sold, 41 65


Amount carried forward,


$2,550 97


..


66


David Knox, 66 1853,


241 68


66


66


66


20


Amount brought forward, $2,550 97


" Town Monson Repairs on Bridges, 10 25


Note due, (April 1, '55,) 99 00


$1700 26


Balance in Treasury March 10, 1855,


958 96


Total Amount due the Town,


$2659 22


Due the several School Districts,


$1207 81


Outstanding Town Orders,


1 67


Due Superintendent Poor Farm Salary due, (April, 1, '55.)


250 00


$1459 48


Resources of the Town, $1199 74


All of which is respectfully submitted,


GILBERT BARKER, Selectmen GEORGE MOORES, of


JOHN A. SQUIER, Palmer.


21


REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.


For the support of Paupers for the year ending, March 1, 1855.


EXPENSES.


To Invoice of stock, Hay, Grain, Provisions, &c., as estimated March 1, 1854, $1418 54


To Interest on cost of Almshouse Establishment, 150 00


" Bills paid as per Pauper Account, 795 16


" Superintendent's Salary (due April 1, '55,) 250 00


$2,613 70


RECEIPTS.


By Invoice of Stock, Hay, Grain, Provisions, &c., as estimated March 1, 1855, $1519 88


By Amount received on account of Poor Farm, 39.93.


66 66 Due from State for support State Paupers, 75 00


6: " Heirs of Oliver Ferry for the support of Molly Ferry, 50 00


..


66


" Guardian Moore children, 140 00


66


66


66


" Bonded Passenger, 175 00


66


66


. " Ephraim Fenton, (Note,) 50 00


66


" Superintendent Poor Farm, for Produce Sold. 41 65


$2091 .46


Balance against Poor House Establishment,


$522 24


All of which is respectfully submitted,


GILBERT BARKER, Overseers GEORGE MOORES, of JOHN A. SQUIER, the Poor.


S


22


REPORT OF TOWN LIQUOR AGENT.


EXPENSES.


To Invoice of Liquors, Casks, &c., as estimated March 1, 1854. $249 00 Salary Liquor Agent, 100 00


" Freight Bills paid, 7 93


" Thompson & Wainer for Liquors. 315 85


$672 78


RECEIPTS.


By Invoice, Liquors, Casks, &c., as estimated March 1, 1855.


$281 56


Cash for Sales of Liquor. 367 00


$648 56


$24 22


Balance against Agency, Respectfully submitted,


GILBERT BARKER, Selectmen GEORGE MOORES, of


JOHN A SQUIER, Palmer.


Valuation Town of Palmer, 1854.


$1,267,907


Reduced Valuation,


7,607,442


3,000


Amount raised to defray Town Expenses, « Apply on Town Debt, For Schools, Number of Polls, 888


1,000


Poll Tax, $1 50.


2,525


Tax 60cts on $100.


ENOS CALKINS, Assessors PERLIN SHEARER, of


EPHRAIM B. GATES, Palmer.


5





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