USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1870-1879 > Part 2
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
Given under our hands this twenty-eighth day of February, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and seventy.
F. E. HOWARD, N. LEONARD, JR., CHARLES PERKINS,
Selectmen of
West Bridgewater.
A True Copy,-Attest :
ELI WHEELER, Constable.
31
P
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
-
Marriages recorded in West Bridgewater in the year 1869.
No.
Date of Marriage.
Names of Bridegrooms and Brides,
1
Jan. 27
Horace Bartlett and Abbie Howard.
2
Feb. 11
Ruel W. Dunbar and Mary A. Lothrop.
3
April 3
Warren Gould and Amy A. Pratt,
4
June 6
Cornelius Sullivan and Mary Murphy.
5
July 4
Frank W. Lufkin and Ella A. Hancock.
6
Aug. 29
William L. Woodworth and Adelia W. Dunbar.
7
Sept. 1
Lucius Gurney and Catherine L. Leach.
8
Sept. 30
Melvin L. Webber and Mary E. Newhall.
9 Oct. 31
Winslow F. Holmes and Huldah J. Leach.
10
Nov. 17
George E. Hayward and Susan A. Holmes.
11
Nov. 24
James A. Fobes and Harriet C. Durham.
12
Dec. 22
Eben C. Safford and Julia A. Millett. .
The intention of marriage between the following persons has been recorded, but no certificate of their marriage has been re- turned to this town.
1 Aug. 12
George E. Bates and Frances Leonard.
2 |Oct. 2 Charles Edgecomb and Catherine R. Curtis.
5
32
Deaths registered in West Bridgewater in the year 1869.
No.
Date of Death.
Names of the Deceased.
Age.
Disease or Cause of Death.
1,
Jan.
6,
Patrick Frahar,
47
Consumption.
2,
66
20,
Susannah L. Savery,
64
8
7
Cancerous Humor.
3,
Feb.
9,
Jacob Talbot,
71
5
23
Consumption.
4,
23,
Seth Leonard,
59
7
8
Typhoid Fever.
5 ,
March 1,
Frank A. Washburn,
1
10 Erysipelas.
6,
6.
14,
Elizabeth V. Richards,
38
3
24 Heart Disease.
7,
66
18,
Ira Morey,
86
1
12
Dropsy.
9,
April 2,
Caroline B. Alger,
44
1
Consumption.
10,,
.May
1,
Eliza C. Bacon.
17
2
4 Dropsy.
11,
66 8,
Hannah W. Hammond,
35
9
14 Puerperal Fever.
12,
June 20,
Annie Eddy,
2
6
21
Scalding.
13,
July
4,
Caroline R. Alger,
23
11
23
Consumption.
14,
26,
Otis Alger,
76
5 Heart Disease.
15,
Aug, 12,
William T. Perkins,
2
3
20 Cholera Infantum.
16,
66
27,
James P. Fav,
9
15 Cholera Infantum.
17,
28,
Herbert Washburn,
18
Cholera Infantum.
18.
.6
29,
Margaret Dunn,
42
Cancer.
19,
Sept.
6,
Nancy Dewyre,
38
Dropsy.
20,
60
7,
Ida M. Jacobs,
1
3
17
Scalding.
21,
Oct.
2,
Richards,
7
5 Debility.
22,
66
17,
Jonathan Howard, 2d,
60
10
4 Bilious Fever.
23,
66
20,
Thomas Pratt,
74
10
27 Bright's Disease.
24,
Nov. 13,
Alice D. Richards,
2
5
5
Croup.
25,
16,
Amanda R. Tisdale,
41
7
13
Congestion of Lungs.
26,
.6
17,
Hattie A. Soule,
6
2
6
Croup.
8,
21,
Clara E. Snell,
17
2
21
Scarlet Fever.
Yrs.
Ms. Ds.
The number of births registered in said town in the year 1869 is 36.
AUSTIN PACKARD, TOWN CLERK.
33
-
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
At the close of another school year it becomes our duty to present for your consideration the Annual Report of the general condition of our schools.
By the generous sum appropriated by the town the past year for school purposes, we have been able to retain or secure the services of many accomplished teachers, whose good influence will long be felt in our schools. We have been compelled to part with others who have been induced to take other and more lucrative situations elsewhere. Good teachers are always in demand and command good wages.
Each of the nine schools has continued in session, or will upon their close, thirty two weeks. Three of the schools have not yet closed on account of delay in procuring teachers. Three have continued each in charge of one teacher during the entire year. In others there have been a few changes, which, though not desirable, often have to be met with. But we are pleased to congratulate the town upon the general prosperity of its schools, in all of which there has been marked progress.
In a meeting of our body, held at the commencement of the past school year, the following sums were appropriated from the Town Appropriation for the support of teaching in the several schools :- To each of the Grammar Schools $50 per month, to each of the Primary Schools $28 per month, to the East School $36 per month in the Summer and Fall terms, and $44 per month in the Winter term, to all other schools $32 per month.
34
The cost of the several schools when all bills have been paid will be as follows :-
COCHESETT SCHOOL.
Wages of Grammar Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$412 50
" Primary 66
241 00
Fuel for both schools,
29 12
Incidentals,
17 95
$690 57
CENTRE SCHOOL, (Grammar Department.)
Wages of Teacher. for thirty two weeks,
$378 00
Fuel,
39 62
Incidentals,
23 89
$441 51
CENTRE SCHOOL, (Primary Department.)
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$241 00
Fuel,
20 12
Incidentals,
9 52
$270 64
NORTH SCHOOL.
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$256 00
Fuel,
26 70
Incidentals,
3 05
$285 75
NORTH CENTRE SCHOOL.
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$256 00
Fuel,
27 50
Incidentals,
6 00
$289 50
35
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$256 00
Fuel,
17 95
Incidentals,
5 78
$279 73
EAST SCHOOL.
1
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$310 00
Fuel,
17 75
Incidentals,
11 20
$338 95
JERUSALEM SCHOOL.
Wages of Teacher for thirty two weeks,
$256 00
Fuel,
3 75
Incidentals,
55
$260 30
Paid to the School Committee of East Bridgewater for Beaver
School,
$178 25
for charts and cards,
7 00
" land to enlarge the Cochesett lot,
43 00
Total cost of schools,
$3095 96
Town appropriation for the support of schools,
$3000 00
School Fund,
171 92
$3171 92
The special appropriation of $300, voted by the town at the last Annual Meeting for the purpose of defraying the expenses of repairs and improvement of the School Property has been used as follows :-
36
CENTRE SCHOOLS.
For improving lot,
$2 00
" whitewashing fence, 15 00
" painting, 87 69
" posts,
$2 00
$106 69
Cochesett School, for fencing,
124 95
North Centre "
65 00
North
" for repairs,
10 63
South
" painting
25 00
Jerusalem
" repairs,
3 00
Total expense of repairs and improvement,
$335 27
The expense of our schools for the next school year will certainly be no less than it has been for the past. The pay of good teachers is constantly increasing and as we wish to place our schools in charge of the best of teachers we must offer them good wages as an inducement to remain.
Your Committee would recommend the town to raise three thousand dollars, the same amount as raised last year, for the support of schools the coming year, feeling confident that it is the least amount which is sufficient to meet their expenses.
They would also recommend the town to raise the sum of three hun- dred dollars, the same as raised last year, to defray the expense of necessary repairs and improvement of school property.
The Assessors report the number of persons in town the past year, between the ages of five and fifteen, to be 387. The number reported the preceding year was 435, and the cost per capita has been nearly $8.19,6, which is not far from the average of the amount appropria- ted in other towns for each scholar. This town was formerly far be- low the average in this respect, but by the enterprise and liberality of our citizens, the school appropriation has gradually increased year af- ter year, and is now an amount which meets the necessities of the town and secures us better schools.
37
By the report of our Superintendent it appears that the number of scholars attending our schools the past year is somewhat less than the number returned by the Assessors. The loss in attendance may per- haps be accounted for when we consider the fact that many scholars who would wish to pursue the higher or high school branches are un- able to do so here, and either do not attend school at all or attend high schools or academies in other towns. In our opinion a high school is necessary in our town at the present time as a means for the farther improvement and education of those who are now scholars.
During the past year there have been two changes in your Board of School Committee. In November 1869 a vacancy was occasioned by the resignation of Chas. M. Reed which was promptly filled by the appointment of Edward S. Hersey to the position until the next an- nual meeting in March 1870. At the same time our Superintendent, Cyrus Leonard, resigned that position on account of urgent business which required his constant attention, and the Committee in a special meeting elected Edward S. Hersey, one of their number, to that office. Mr. Leonard was appointed to the charge of the South School in place of Chas. M. Reed resigned.
Your Committee have endeavored to perform their duties faithfully and efficiently. Judging from the report of our Superintendent, our schools were never in a better condition than at the present time. The exceptions to the general prosperity of our schools which we are pleased to state are very limited, should only stimulate us to renewed exertion in securing teacher's whose ability has been tried, or who have been thoroughly prepared for the great work of training the immortal mind.
CYRUS ALGER, DAVIS COPELAND, EDWARD S. HERSEY, F. E. HOWARD, CYRUS LEONARD, BENJAMIN PERKINS, ERLAND THAYER,
School Committee of West Bridgewater.
38
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,
FOR THE YEAR 1869-70.
Appointed at a late day by the School Committee to the position of Superintendent made vacant by the resignation of the former able and efficient incumbent of the office, Mr. Cyrus Leonard, I have not been able to visit our schools only during the winter term. In this time I have made frequent visitations to the different schools and have en- deavored to the best of my ability to ascertain their true condition and observe their progress in the different branches. The notes I have taken, together with the information I have gained from Mr. Leonard of the condition of the schools during the Summer and Fall terms, I will present to our citizens in a report as succinct and com- plete as will do justice to all.
LENGTH OF THE SCHOOLS.
Each of the nine schools has continued in session 10 weeks in each of the Summer and Fall terms, and all, with the exception of the Cen- tre Grammar, South and East Schools have been in session 12 weeks during the winter, making a total of 32 weeks for each of these schools. The South School was closed for five weeks on account of the sickness of the teacher, but is now in session. The Centre Gram- mar and East Schools, not progressing during the winter term to the satisfaction of the Committee, were closed after being in session a few weeks, by the resignation of the teachers. They are now in session and progressing satisfactorily. The action of the local committee in both cases after mature deliberation, was prompt and decisive.
39
THE TEACHERS.
During the past year our schools have generally been in charge of able and enthusiastic teachers who have served the public faithfully and efficiently, and I am pleased to congratulate the Committee in be- ing so fortunate as to secure their services.
The Centre Grammar School remained in charge of Miss Josephine C. Austin, its former teacher, during the Summer and Fall terms. In the winter term the Committee secured the services of Mr. James A. Francis, a graduate of the Bridgewater State Normal School and a teacher of some experience, who resigned his position after remaining six and one half weeks. His place was filled by Mr. J. Martin Dill, a recent graduate of the same school.
The Centre Primary School has remained in charge of Miss Sarah W. Alden during the entire year.
The Cochesett Grammar School remained in charge of Mr. Artemus Wiswall, its former teacher, the entire year until about four weeks from the close of the winter term, when he resigned his position to take a more important and lucrative one in West Roxbury. The va- cancy was supplied by Mr. Josiah S. Bassett, a recent graduate of the Bridgewater State Normal School.
The Cochesett Primary School has been taught the entire year by Miss Irene S. Wood, its former teacher.
The Jerusalem School has remained in charge of Miss Helen S. Dunbar for each of the three terms.
The South School was in charge of Miss Sybel Williams during the Summer and Fall terms. In the winter term her services were se- cured for the North School, and Miss Ella F. Churchill, a graduate of the Bridgewater State Normal School and a teacher of experience, filled the position.
The East School during the Summer and Fall terms, was taught by Miss Young, a graduate of the Normal School. In the winter term the services of Mr. Warner were secured, who resigned after having taught five weeks. After some necessary delay, the school was placed in charge of Miss Susan O. Thomas, of the Normal School, and is now in session.
The North School, was taught by Miss Hattie E. Brown, a teacher of experience, during the Summer term, and by Miss Elliot, a gradu- ate of the Normal School, in the fall. In the winter term, it was in 5
40
charge of Miss Sybel Williams, who had taught for three terms in the South School.
The North Centre School, was taught by Miss Mary Lincoln in the Summer term, by Miss Clara L. Gray in the Fall, and by Miss Caroline Howard, a graduate of the Normal School, during the winter.
It will be observed, that most of the changes in teachers took place during the winter term. I would remark here that constant change is a disadvantage to both teacher and school, and it should be the aim of the Committee to secure permanent teachers, and of teachers to se- cure permanent situations, in order that the best interests of the school be secured.
THE SCHOLARS.
The number of scholars attending our schools during the Summer term was 335 ; during the Fall term 334; and in the Winter term 343. The number of scholars attending each school during each term can be ascertained by referring to the Table of Statistics ; also the number of persons attending under five and over fifteen years of . age.
There seems to be a growing tendency for parents to take their children, especially the boys, out of school before they are fully pre- pared for the great work of active life. The intelligence of the people is the greatest source of our power as a Nation ; and it seems fitting that those who are to make and execute our laws in the future, should be thoroughly and judiciously educated, which can be done in some cases only in the early part of life. Too much time cannot be given them. The advantages secured by our Common Schools are worth a whole fortune, and should be carefully improved. In a country town like ours where the scholars are brought up under good influences, and are comparatively free from those vices incident to large villages and cities, we expect that our schools will be pleasant and agreeable; and I am pleased to state that in my visits to the different schools, I have found the large majority of the scholars willing and anxious to learn, intelligent, and deporting themselves commendably both in school and when out at recess engaged in their different plays. They re- quire however, and I can say they have had, the constant care and at- tention of teachers without which the best of scholars would finally make the worst of schools.
41
THE DISCIPLINE.
Although the Committee sanction the use of Corporal Punishment as a last resort in enforcing discipline, I am pleased to state, that cases of this kind have been very few, and that good order has been secured in most cases, by the firm yet pleasant manner of the teacher, and in a rigid adherence to the rules of the school, which have been few and necessary. In some cases of rank insubordination, the rod has been applied with good effect.
A respect for the teacher by the scholars, and a mutual good will between them, are necessary to every good school. A respect for the teacher should be cultivated, and first secured by the counsels and support of the parents and friends of the scholars, and the Committee, and also by the teacher, by showing all concerned that he under- stands his business. As a result, a mutual good will will spring up between them. In my opinion, the true cause of the two partial fail- ures in our town the past winter, was that the teachers endeavored to gain the good will of the scholars before they did their respect, thus placing the effect before the cause. First, cultivate a respect, and pleasant feelings will follow ; endeavor to gain their good will, at the outset, by giving them unnecessary liberties, and they will eventually become the masters of the school, and your anticipated success will become a failure.
All punishment is designed to affect the mind. In a very few cases, it can be affected only by causing bodily pain. In such cases, where there is rank disobedience, corporal punishment should certain- ly be used. Where scholars are so hardened that even this will not affect them, it is the best for the interest of the school, that they should be suspended.
Corporal punishment should be used judiciously. In some cases a gentle word of advice, spoken by a sympathetic teacher, will reach the heart of a refractory pupil, and prove to be the germ from which will spring high purposes and resolves, resulting in the building up of a noble character, to refine and elevate mankind, while perhaps blows applied hastily, would produce the opposite effect from that which was intended.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY.
The average of attendance in the schools during the past year has been 278 or 81} per cent., which is very good compared with the
42
towns around us. I have placed in the Table of Statistics, the aver- age attendance of the scholars in each school during each term, the average per cent. of attendance in the same, the number of scholars perfect in attendance and punctuality, the number of tardy marks and the number of scholars not tardy, and I have also appended the names of those scholars in town, who have been neither absent or tar- dy, as a stimulus to better attendance, and an encouragement to those scholars whose names appear this year.
Attendance and punctuality are something over which the teacher has little control, and a criterion of his merit should not depend upon his record in the register. They have however a great deal to do with the prosperity of the school. If scholars are regular and prompt in attendance, it is evident that greater progress will be made than when they are absent a part of the time. Tardiness disturbs a school and forms a very bad habit, which will cling to the scholar through life. I would earnestly call the attention of the parents. to the great importance of these facts. I would also speak of another great hin- drance to the prosperity of the school, and that is, frequent excuses. In this, a radical reform is needed. Frequently scholars are excused when they have been just long enough to answer the call of their name. They therefore, lose the benefit of all the lessons for the half day, and their record of attendance stands as well at the end of the term, as those who have borne the burden and heat of the day. This is a positive injustice to all concerned. Either the excuses should be considered in the attendance, or be used in very rare cases.
THE BRANCHES TAUGHT.
In my visit to the different schools, I have carefully noticed the different methods of teaching the various branches. I have observed that although the methods have differed in many respects, still the general result has been the same, viz., thoroughness and commendable progress. In some of the schools there has been more thoroughness, than in others ; this is accounted for perhaps by the more thorough preparation of the teacher. But in all cases the progress made enti- tles both teacher and pupils to much credit.
In order to cultivate the power of the voice, attention should be given to the careful training of the scholars in the different vocal ex-
43
ercises, in connection with the exercises in reading. It has been in- troduced in some of our schools, and with good success.
In many of our schools, the larger scholars write their words in spelling, which is far better than spelling them orally.
Guyot's Series of Geographies have been used with good success the past year, and have produced the best results ; but in my opinion the highest book in the series prescribed by the School Committee, viz., Guyot's Intermediate Geography, is not sufficient for the wants of the most advanced scholars; and the introduction of Guyot's Common School Geography, would, I think, be a benefit to such, it being more full and comprehensive than the Intermediate.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Every person needs a practical education. The old adage "Teach your children what they will practice when they become men," was no more true at the time it was uttered, than it is now. but in these latter days it is frequently overlooked. Too much attention is paid to the mere words of the books, while the ideas are lost sight of. Scholars should not be taught like parrots to commit words merely, but like reasoning beings, who are soon to go out into practical life. It is too often the case that scholars after completing their course at school, when asked to perform a common practical example, find it difficult to do so, simply for the reason that through some fault of the teacher or themselves the idea of the rule disappeared in a cloud of words. The idea should first be understood, and then expressed in fitting words. . I am pleased to state that the teaching in our schools the past year has been practical, and that there is constant improve- ment in this respect.
The interest of the parents and friends in a school, is shown in some measure by the number of visits it receives. I would suggest the importance of more frequent visitations of our different schools. Parents should know of their children's progress and conduct in school; which can be ascertained in no better way than by visiting it, and seeing them engaged in their daily tasks. Scholars and teacher may be thus encouraged in their work, and as a result, the school may be improved.
EDWARD S. HERSEY, Superintendent.
ยท
44
NAMES. OF PUNCTUAL SCHOLARS.
-
All scholars whose names are marked thus (*) have been punctual during the entire year.
COCHESETT SCHOOL, (Grammar Department.)
Summer.
Fall.
Winter.
@Alice L. Lothrop,
Alice L. Lothrop,
Alice L. Lothrop,
Julia A. Dewyer,
Fannie E. Lothrop,
Cora Alger,
Katie A. Rumery,
Alice Tisdale,
Freddie Perkins,
*Lizzie J. Tisdale,
Lizzie J. Tisdale,
Lizzie J. Tisdale,
"Sarah J. Alger, Katie V. Shaw,
Sarah J. Alger,
Sarah J. Alger,
Fannie J. Rounds,
Addie Hancock,
Warren L. Jennings.
Henry F. Sullivan,
Fannie H. Wiswall,
Percival H. Peckham, Freddie Perkins,
*Warren L. Jennings. . Warren L. Jennings, William Lynch.
COCHESETT SCHOOL, (Primary Department.)
Summer.
Fall.
Winter.
Grace Howard,
Emma F. Merritt,
Lizzie Sullivan,
"Mary A. Tisdale,
Mary A. Tisdale,
Mary A. Tisdale,
Lizzie Sullivan,
Ermind A. Perkins,
Ermind A. Perkins,
Lucia Alger, Lura M. Alger,
Lura M. Alger,
Sarah F. Alger, Louise Lothrop,
Augusta Dorgan,
Arthur H. Alger,
Dora M. Tisdale,
*Dora M. Tisdale, Julia Hancock, "Fannie F. Vosmus,
Dora M. Tisdale, Nathan Vosmus,
Arthur H. Alger,
Fannie F. Vosmus,
Julia A. Peckham,
Fannie F. Vosmus, Philip H. Crandon, George A. Vosmus,
Frank Perkins,
John J. Bracenham,
Bertha Peckham,
Julia H. Lynch,
Julia H. Lynch,
Katie V. Shaw,
William Lynch,
45
Fall.
Summer. "Hattie M. Jennings, Hattie M. Jennings, #Arthur H. Alger, May E. Jennings.
Arthur M. Morrison, Alton Peckham, George H. Peckham,
Orin Perkins,
Willie C. Marshall,
Lewis A. Vining, George A. Vosmus.
Winter. Hattie M. Jennings, Johnnie W. Alger, William Nixon, Willie C. Marshall, Carlton Lothrop,
CENTRE SCHOOL, (Grammar Department.)
Summer.
Fall,
Winter to Mar. 1, '70.
Lizzie Dunbar,
Dora L. Dunbar,
Mary L. Perkins,
Mary Dunbar, . Marion H. Packard,
Mary E. Dunbar,
Mina Folsom,
David R. Reed.
Edward W. Baker.
Annie P. Howland,
Marion H. Packard,
Frank Howard, Eddie Dunbar.
CENTRE SCHOOL, (Primary Department.)
Summer ..
Fall.
Winter.
Carrie Dunbar,
Mabel Dunbar,
"Laura Dunbar,
Laura Dunbar,
Mabel Dunbar, Laura Dunbar,
Jennie Howard,
Alice Packard.
Carrie Leonard, Edith Snell.
Maggie Lean, Julia Thornell,
Maggie Thornell, Freddie Folsom, Thomas Thornell.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Fall. Winter.
Abbie Bacon,
Eddie Keith,
Warren Keith,
Benj. E. Perkins.
Benj. E. Perkins, Warren R. Keith, George Turner.
Summer.
Annie Perkins, John Perkins.
46
Summer.
NORTH CENTRE SCHOOL. Fall. Winter. Annie A. Copeland. Miles Leavitt, Ernest L. Packard,
Summer.
SOUUH SCHOOL. Fall. Winter.
Andrew Buttomer, Dennis Buttomer,
Willie Donovan. Andrew Buttomer.
EAST SCHOOL.
Fall. Winter. (to Mar. 1, '70)
Josie Ryder.
Frank Horton.
JERUSALEM SCHOOL.
Summer.
Fall.
Winter. Minnie Hartwell,
Susie Hayward,
Fannie Linnehan,
Mary Sullivan,
James Sullivan,
Katie Egan,
*Lizzie Egan,
Lizzie Egan,
Lizzie Egan,
*Rosanna Linnehan, Hannah Linnehan, Willie Egan,
Wilton Copeland, Jonas Hartwell, James Sullivan.
Rosanna Linnehan.
Rosanna Linnehan,
Lizzie Langley.
Summer. Ernest W. Thayer.
47
TABLE OF STATISTICS.
TEACHERS, &c.
Length in months.
Wages per month.
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.