USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1862-1879 > Part 15
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
(14)
15
19. June 23, Ellen Elizabeth Lane, daughter of Morris and Mary Lane.
20. June 24, Josie Ida Tuttle, daughter of Joseph F. and Jennie E. Tuttle.
21. Aug. 13, Martha Chandler Pratt, daughter of Windsor F. and Mary Pratt.
22. Aug. 16, Minnie Gertrude Bassett, daughter of Joseph R. and Clara Bassett.
23. Sept. 13, Eugene Lazelle Hall, son of Delette H. and Susan A. Hall.
24. Oct. 4, Charles Carlton Taylor, son of Moses and Mary E. Taylor.
25. Oct. 10, Ann Maria Coughlin, daughter of John and Mar- garet Coughlin.
26. Oct. 15, Minnie H. Brooks, daughter of Henry and Harriet E. Brooks.
27. Oct. 31, Ellen Raddin, daughter of Patrick and Hannah Raddin.
28. Nov. 5, A daughter to Charles A. and Martha E. Crampton.
29. Nov. 16, Margaret Paulina Schouler, daughter of William and Elizabeth Schouler.
30. Nov. 17, Harry Grant Robbins, son of Luke J. and Mary W. Robbins.
31-2. Nov. 22, John and James Dooley, twin children of Rich- ard and Johanna Dooley.
33. Dec. 16, A daughter to E. A. and Nellie Albee.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN 1868.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Mr. Levi H. Robbins and Miss Mary C. Tuttle, both of Acton.
2. Jan. 16, Mr. Aaron C. Handley and Miss Lydia W. Tuttle, both of Acton.
3. Jan. 27, Mr. John A. Walker, of South Groton, and Miss Betsey Maria Whitcomb, of Boxborough.
4. March 25, Mr. Isaiah Reed and Mrs. Sarah Jane Davison both of Acton.
5. May 3, Mr. Samuel J. Smith and Mrs. Lucy A. Chamberlain, both of Acton.
6. April 22, Mr. William A. Ingham, of Lowell, and Miss Nancie H. Fletcher, of Acton.
7. April 30, Mr. Horace R. Hosmer, and Miss Carrie H. Smith, both of Acton.
16
8. May 12, Mr. Stephen A. Oglesby, of Marion, and Miss Laura E. Durkee, of Acton.
9. June 2, Mr. Edwin Newton and Miss Georgianna S. Clough, both of Acton,
10. June 14, Mr. John Whitcomb, of Harvard, and Miss Hellen P. Tower, of Stow.
11. July 11, Mr. William H. Brooks and Miss Lucy R. Stearns, both of Stow.
12. Sept. 3, Mr. Charles J. Willis, of Acton, and Mrs. Mary A. McDowell, of Littleton.
13. Sept. 5, Mr. Henry H. Hanscom and Miss Ora L. Jones, both of Acton.
14. Nov. 8, Mr. Edwin R. Rouillard, of Boston, and Miss Eliza A. Harris, of Acton.
15. Nov. 22, Mr. Charles H. Cash, and Miss Charlotte E. Davis, both of Acton.
~ 16. Dec. 2, Mr. Isaac G. Reed, of Acton, and Miss Jane Maria Broatch, of Middletown, Conn.
DEATHS IN ACTON, IN 1868.
No. Date of Death. Names of Deceased.
1. Jan. 15, Mr. Maverick Wyman, aged 79y. 2m.
2. Jan. 21, Widow Hannah Rouillard, aged 84y. 11m. 4d.
3. Jan. 22, Mr. Nathan Buttrick, aged 81y. 4m. 18d.
4. Jan. 26, Widow Sally Robbins, aged 81y.
5. Jan. 26, Ana Sophia Jones, daughter of Elnathan, Jr., and Elizabeth Jones, aged 2y. 8m. 6d.
6. Jan. 27, Mr. Aaron Chaffin, aged 76y. 4m. 24d.
7. Feb. 7, Mr. Stevens Hayward, Esq., aged 81y. 11m. 28d.
8. Feb. 23, Lizzie Etta Mellen, daughter of Benjamin and Lizzie Mellen.
9. Feb. 18, Helen Lizzie Davis, daughter of William W. and Martha C. Davis, aged 3y. 8m. 14d.
10. Feb. 29, Mr. William Conant, aged 58y. 3m.
11. Mar. 2, Widow Nancy Sweatt, aged 78y. 8m.
12. Mar. 8, Mr .. Simeon Conant, aged 77y. 8m. 16d.
13. Apr. 7, Mrs. Susan A. Mead, wife of Oliver W. Mead, aged 28y. 10m. 17d.
14. Apr. 10, Mr. Asa Oliver, aged 59y.
15. Apr. 11, Mr. John Brown, aged 54y. 8m.
16. Apr. 20, Mr. Jonathan B. Davis, aged 78y. 5m. 22d.
17. Apr. 22, Widow Nancy Sprague, aged 70y. 8m.
18. June 19, Nellie J. Fletcher, aged 27y. 2m.
17
19. July 14, Mr. Michael Shurrey, aged 66y.
20. July 17, At Hamilton, Mo., Mr. Emory A. Symonds, aged 22y. 1m. 17d.
21. Aug. 4, Mr. Calvin Taylor, aged 74y. 6m.
22. Sept. 2, Mrs. Sarah Wild, wife of Mr. Joseph Wild, aged 81y.
23. Oct. 19, Mrs. Harriet E. Brooks, wife of Henry. Brooks, aged 33y.
24. Oct. 22, Minnie H. Brooks, daughter of Henry and Harriet E. Brooks, aged 7d.
25. Oct. 26, Mr. John Cobleigh, aged 74y.
26. Oct. 28, Mr. John Davey, aged 80y. 4m. 7d.
27. Nov. 16, George Farwell Richardson, son of Edward F. and Frances H. Richardson, aged 8m. 21d.
28. Dec. 22, Hattie M. Fuller, aged 27y.
29. Dec. 30, Mr. Luther Davis, aged 81y. 3m.
30. Sept. 10, At Stoneham, Mr. Elijah C. Brown, aged 59y. 8m. 10d.
31. March 20, At Lowell, Mrs. Nancy Parker, wife of Elbridge G. Parker, aged 41y. 9m. 20d.
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Town-Clerk.
ACTON, March 20, 1869.
3
REPORT OF CEMETERY-COMMITTEE.
WEST CEMETERY.
CHARLES HASTINGS, Superintendent.
DR.
Cash rec'd for 4 lots,
$4 00
66 grading 3 lots,
2 27
66 66 " Tablet, 69
6.
" Loam sold,
3 50
66
66 '. Hay 1 00
of Dr. Green (donation), .
10 00
66
" Town-Treasurer, 25 00
$46 46
CR.
Cash paid for 11 1-2 days' labor,
$28 75
66 66 teaming,
4 25
" fencing,
75
" due Committee March 1, 1868,
1 75
" in
hands March 1, 1869, 10 96
$46 46
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, SAMUEL HOSMER, CHARLES HASTINGS,
Cemetery Committee.
ACTON, March 1, 1869.
(18)
ANNUAL REPORT .
OF THE
SCHOOL-COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL-YEAR 1868-9.
CONCORD: PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN. 1869.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton:
YOUR School-Committee feel able to report the condition of our schools during the year, as on the whole, prosperous. We say this, although several of our teachers have partially or wholly failed, and the best of them would be the first to acknowledge their own distance from perfection.
Yet of the twenty-one teachers employed in town during the year, at least two-thirds should be classed as excellent and successful, and at least one third of the whole number deserve still higher praise. When we consider the combina- tion of qualities necessary to make a first-rate teacher, it will seem a matter for congratulation that so large a proportion of ours have been more than excellent. Four of the schools have not changed teachers during the year, so that seventeen teachers have been employed for seven schools. Some changes are, of course, unavoidable, as good teachers leave the profession, or those have been employed who are found to be ill adapted to their work. But the advantage to a school of having a good permanent teacher has been abund- antly demonstrated, and the Committee would make every effort to retain those who prove themselves well fitted for their places.
We have spoken of teachers as if the success or failure of a school rested with them entirely, but we do not forget the aid that may be given in either direction by parents and
4
pupils. A teacher of experience and tact, with good physical health and a willingness to work, will have a good school in the face of opposition and. discouragement. On the other hand a young teacher, or one too modest to properly govern a school, may yet succeed well, if she can have the aid and sympathy of all those interested in the welfare of the school. Very few who have not tried it appreciate the amount of hard · work required in one of our common schools. We speak, of course, of a teacher who feels her responsibility, and does all in her power to benefit her pupils.
Unless the mind of the teacher is active and wide awake, the scholars are sure to be dull and listless. If the teacher passes lightly over the hard places in the lessons, the scholars will do no better. Then the teacher has need of ready tact and the quickest perception to govern well the children with differing temperaments and different home training. She must be patient with the dull ones, sharp to look after the roguish, and watchful lest she " show partiality" to the bright and the docile.
No wonder that the inexperienced teacher should some- times think the task too hard-that she should become con- fused and disheartened-then give up trying to have things right, and only go the round of daily duties with as little trouble as possible. It is then that visits to the school by the parents, and encouraging words can do great good. The teacher sees that some one takes an interest in the school- that she will receive the reward of praise and gratitude if it is deserved, and will not so easily endure idleness and dis- order, when there are others to observe it beside herself.
In the statistical table subjoined, we have added a column showing the number of visits by parents and others, exclud- ing the Superintendent's visits, during each term.
We should be sorry to state how large a proportion of those small numbers represent children, and persons out of the district. We respectfully urge parents to be more atten-
5
tive to this matter, and to visit their schools at least once every term. They will certainly find their own interest in the school increased, as well as that of their children, and, having seen for themselves, will not be obliged to depend upon " they say " for a knowledge of what is done in the school-room. Seeing too, the difficult work of the teacher, they will be more inclined to sympathize with, and help her.
As directed by vote of the town last year, the Committee had reprinted the " Rules for the preservation of School- Houses," and posted copies in every school. In some in- stances, teachers have neglected to fulfil strictly their re- quirements, but we think that less injury has been done this year, than in some former years.
The only change in text-books made during the year has been the substitution of Guyot's for Cornell's series of Geographies. The latter had been a long time in use in our schools, and some parts of the old edition were absolutely worthless. The new edition was an improvement, but so different from the old as to make different classes in the same grade almost a necessity. Some change was demanded and as Prof. Guyot's series seemed to the Committee superior to any other, it was introduced at the beginning of the school year.
The method of teaching the subject in the new book was so different from that to which both teachers and scholars had been accustomed that at first the change was not agreeable to all. But, after one year's trial the Committee believe the experiment fully justified, and that we have only begun to realize the good results coming from the change.
We have in Guyot's books " map questions sufficient to compel a careful examination of the map-a method of map- drawing, furnishing to every pupil, irrespective of any special taste for drawing, the means of making an accurate map "- and a description of the physical features of the various coun- tries at once clear, picturesque and exhaustive.
4
6
It is the design of Prof. Guyot that map-drawing should hold a prominent place in Geographical teaching, and, in some of our schools, good progress has been made in that direc- tion. It is confidently expected that more will be done as our teachers become better acquainted with the methods so fully described in their text-books.
We have sadly felt the need of wall maps, and it is the in- tention of the Committee to supply the want as soon as pos- sible. It seems to us that we cannot afford to leave our school-rooms destitute of such constant and impressive, though silent teachers. Two of the school-houses, the North and East, retain their sets of Fowle's Outline Maps, nearly or quite complete. In the others, no vestige remains, though it is presumed that all were supplied at the same time. This fact is no encouragement for furnishing new ones, but it is- hoped that such careless destruction may be prevented in the future, especially if the maps are in constant use, and regard- ed as helps by the scholar. This appears to be the case in the two districts mentioned, and what can be done there, is. not impossible in other districts.
The same reason that required a change in Geographies renders some change in Readers necessary-namely, a new edition, largely introduced into the schools, with different. paging and some new matter. In this case we deem it the better plan to introduce entirely new books, as the old ones have become very familiar from long use, and the less ad- vanced classes, especially, would feel more interest in some- thing new. A better classification also might be accom- plished, as many scholars, anxious for some change, have been using books altogether above them.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
IN the higher department the teacher for the summer and fall terms was Miss C. E. Lawrence, who had before earned
7
a high reputation in the district, by teaching well for several terms in. the primary department. She proved herself equally active and capable in the more advanced school. She was willing to work hard herself and so incited her scholars to diligence. At the examination the school appeared to be perfectly regulated, and in good working order. All the classes showed thorough instruction and good progress. The pieces selected for recitation were excellent and well recited. ·
Mr. Luther Conant took charge of the winter term, and entered upon his duties with his accustomed energy. His well-known success as a teacher makes any praise here super- fluous. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it in the best manner. The prevalence of scarlet fever in the neighborhood about the middle of the term, diminished the attendance very much and the school was closed from Jan. 20th to Feb. 23d. Notwithstanding the interruption the term was a very profitable one to the scholars, and good pro- gress was made.
Miss Ella F. Lawrence taught the primary department during the summer and fall, to the general satisfaction of the district.
In the winter term Miss Etta Rouillard taught the first seven weeks, and Miss S. F. Wright the remaining three weeks. Both these teachers were beginners, and the school made less advancement than would have been expected under teachers of more experience.
WEST SCHOOL.
THE higher department has had two superior teachers, and 'fully sustained its good reputation. * During the summer and fall Miss Emery continued to conduct the school with an amount of physical and mental vigor that few can equal. It was her aim to have her pupils understand thoroughly the .
8
subjects gone over, and to think for themselves. Her own energy and enthusiasm could not fail to stimulate the minds of her scholars, and it was a source of much regret to the Committee that other duties compelled her to resign her po- sition at the close of the fall term. We can only hope that she may be equally useful and successful in another sphere.
Miss Conant succeeded her and made the winter term a pleasant and profitable one. She has had much experience as a teacher, is active and efficient. There are many good scholars in this school and the examination, which was well attended, was an occasion of much interest. The reading classes especially, showed excellent drill, and the readiness and clearness of the answers from all the classes gave evidence that no branch had been neglected. The dialogues, compo- sitions, and recitation of select pieces would have been called good in a High-School or Academy. At the close of the exercises the teacher received from her pupils two vases filled with beautiful flowers, a very pleasant evidence of mutual sympathy and co-operation.
Intermediate Department .- Miss Whitcomb had charge of this division during the summer and fall. We knew that she was a well qualified teacher, with considerable experience and expected a superior school. In some departments of study our expectations were not disappointed. In others we thought her method of teaching defective. Still, fair pro- gress was made, and the examination was worthy of praise in many particulars. We noted an apparent " want of in- terest " on the part of the scholars, perhaps chargeable in some degree to their age, but indicating also a lack of earnestness and enthusiasm on the part of the teacher.
The winter term was opened by Miss Hazelton, of Plym- outh, N. H., a teacher of some experience and thorough education. She worked hard, though almost discouraged. from the first, for while she was well qualified to instruct,
9
she lacked the requisite tact to govern such a school. Find- ing herself unable to make the term profitable, she resigned her place after one month, and was succeeded by Miss Dra- per. The general appearance of the school was at once im- proved, and satisfactory progress was made during the remainder of the term. The examination was well attended though the day was very stormy and the classes generally appeared very well. The recitation of select pieces, and dialogues gave a pleasant variety to the exercises.
The primary school was a decided success. Miss Newhall begun the year, a young teacher, with no experience, but at once gave evidence of being well fitted for the work she had undertaken. The school was always found in good order, and the children occupied with something useful. Decided improvement was manifest at each examination, and the num- ber of pleased spectators present showed that the faithful teacher was not unappreciated. The school-room was un- comfortable and unsightly, but for all that it was a pleasant place to visit, for it was kept neat and tidy, and the occu- pants seemed always bright and happy. We hope Miss Newhall may continue long in the same school, for good teachers are nowhere more needed than in the primary de- partments.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
MISS COMSTOCK has retained her place in the advanced sec- tion of this school throughout the year, and uninterrupted good progress has been made. The teacher insists upon exactness and thoroughness, so that comparatively little ground is gone over, but the scholars do more studying than in most schools where longer lessons are given, and the examinations showed that the work undertaken had been well accomplished. We marked several of the recitations at
10
the last examination as worthy of special praise, but will only mention the reading in concert by the whole school, and the gymnastic exercises with dumb-bells. We would like to see the latter in all of our schools. We take pleasure in adding, in behalf of the scholars, that they seemed equally interested with the teacher in making their school as nearly perfect as possible.
In the Intermediate department Miss Hapgood has proved herself a competent and faithful teacher. Her constant kind- ness and gentleness assured her scholars that she was inter- ested in their welfare, and in return, they regarded her with gratitude and affection. We sometimes thought that she showed too much tolerance of heedlessness both in recitation and deportment, for the best good of her school, and we often felt a lack of life and enthusiasm in both teacher and pupils. But there was abundant evidence of good teaching at each examination, and the school made steady progress.
The Primary department has had four teachers, and, of course, has been less a success than the other divisions. The teacher in the summer was a novice in the art. Though well qualified to instruct, and willing to work, she did not mani- fest the quiet persistence necessary to insure order and dili- gence in such a difficult school, so the work of teaching became a hard task for her, and the term a less profitable one for the scholars.
Miss Faulkner taught in the fall with her accustomed suc- cess. Her tact and experience, aided by unflagging industry, seemed to transform the disorderly and idle children into enthusiastic learners. All of her instruction was excellent, and the improvement of the school all that could be desired. We would especially mention with praise a thorough and con- tinuous drill in pronunciation and articulation, and also the requirement that the scholar should give a clear and complete answer to every question. Too many of our teachers are negligent in this respect, accepting from the scholar a word
11
or two, and finishing the sentence themselves, or leaving it incomplete. It is possible, and very important to form good habits in this regard in the Primary-School, for clear expres- sion and clear thinking are likely to go together.
Miss Ballou, a teacher of experience and many excellent qualifications, begun the winter term, but her quiet and gentle ways were not adapted to the school, and she resigned dur- ing the fourth week. She was followed by Miss Buffum, of North Berwick, Me., who had better success and finished the term quite profitably.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
MISS CLARK continued in charge of this school through the summer and fall. We could find much to praise in her management. The room was always neatly kept, and the scholars quiet and orderly ; the lessons were well studied, and generally recited correctly. In these respects her school was almost a model. But the more important part of her duties-namely, the teaching-was less perfectly performed. She was satisfied to ask just the questions in the book, or to listen, while the reading classes went through the prescribed lessons, so there was evident at examination a lack of anima- tion and of thorough drill, though the deportment of the scholars was entirely satisfactory.
In the winter, the teacher was a much better instructress, but hardly as efficient as a disciplinarian. We had nothing to complain of however in the way of order, and the school made good progress. At the examination we were especially pleased with the Geography classes. Maps had been drawn by the pupils on the blackboard-very good maps too-and from them the countries were described in an interesting and thorough manner. The classes in Reading and Arithmetic also gave evidence of good instruction.
12
EAST SCHOOL.
THE summer and fall terms were again under the care of Miss Emma Wetherbee. She had the advantage of previous experience in the same school, and showed also a tact and efficiency in governing that many good teachers do not pos- sess. The school could always be commended for good behavior, and the recitations generally were creditable to both teacher and pupils. At the examination the scholars were especially praised for the interest they exhibited, and for the promptness and distinctness of their answers.
The teacher for the winter term was Miss Hattie A. Bruce, of Littleton. She seemed to understand her work, and secured in a good degree the approbation of both parents and scholars. The examination was well attended, and, in many respects excellent. The order seemed hardly as per- fect as under the former teacher, but there was evidence of improvement in the studies pursued.
NORTH SCHOOL.
MRS. HARRIS continued in this school throughout the year, and fully sustained her previous reputation. Higher praise than this we could hardly give, as she has been long known as one of our best teachers. The scholars are kept actively at work and have good thorough instruction in all depart- ments of study. The high standing and proficiency of this school are largely due to the labors of Mrs. Harris. At the last examination her scholars expressed their appreciation of her worth by an appropriate present.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHAS. LITTLE, Chairman. CALVIN HARRIS,
L. W. PIPER,
L. W. STEVENS, GEO. WILDE.
ISAAC T. FLAGG,
ACTON, March 25, 1869.
FINANCIAL.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation, Balance from last year,
$445 60 11 78
$457 38
Amount of teachers' wages,
393 25
Paid for fuel,
27 25
Care of school-rooms and fires,
5 20
Balance to new account,
31,68
$457 38
CHARLES LITTLE, Committee.
· WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
$638 16
Balance from last year,
3 64
$641 80
Amount of teachers' wages,
$589 55
Paid for fuel,
41 87
Care of school-rooms and fires,
6 00
Balance to new account,
4 38
$641 80
L. W. STEVENS, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
$638 16
Balance from last year,
22 05
Amount of teachers' wages,
$599 50
Paid for fuel,
42 25
Care of school-rooms and fires,
9 00
Balance to new account,
9 46
$660 21
L. W. PIPER, Committee.
5
(13)
$660 21
14
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
$253 07
Balance from last year,
7 64
$260 71
Amount of teachers' wages,
$239 00
Paid for fuel,
15 75
Care of school-rooms and fires,
3 67
Balance to new account,
2 29
$260 71
CALVIN HARRIS, Committee.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
$242 05
Balance from last year,
13 00
$255 05
Amount of teachers' wages,
$207 00
Paid for fuel,
20 00
Care of school-room and fires,
6 00
Balance to new account,
22 05
$255 05
GEORGE WILDE, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
$242 05
Balance from last year,
11 24
$253 29
Amount of teachers' wages,
$229 50
Paid for fuel,
16 00
Care of school-room and fires,
4 00
Desk book,
90
Balance to new account,
2 89
$253 29
ISAAC T. FLAGG, Committee.
Amount of money raised by town,
$2,325 00
Income from the State School Fund,
134 09
Total for School purposes,
$2,459 09
15
No. of children reported by Assessors between the ages of five and fifteen,
308
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar report- ed by Assessors, $7 54
ROLL OF HONOR.
SCHOOL.
Those who have been| Those who have been ; Those who have been neither absent or tar- dy for three terms.
neither absent or tar- day for two terms.
neither absent or tar- day for one term.
CENTRE, HIGHER.
Ada C. Davis, Susie Tuttle, Willie Jones.
Josie A. Forbush, Lizzie Taylor, Almeda Litchfield, Delia Stearns, Addie Tuttle, Sophia Fletcher, Herbert Blodgett.
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.