USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1860-1880 > Part 3
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Valuation and Tax Books, 12 78
Record Book for School Committee, 2 00
Samuel Harding, for Land near the Common, . 25 00
5
Paid for relaying Bridge ant Wall near the Methodist Meet- ing House, 80 42
Daniel P. Emerson for covering Stone, 72 00
William R. Roundy, for hauling Gravel, 51 50
E. Parsons, for Gravel for Highways, 8 00
S. Harding, for ringing the Bell,. 30 00
for Plow-beam and Pick Handle, 2 08
Nath'l Abbott, mowing South Burying Ground,
2 00
J. Bryant, for Blacksmith Work,
6 00
Wood for Town Hall.
3 50
Repairs 50
Assistance rendered transient Paupers, 1 50
Perambulating Town Lines, 4 50
Expressage, Postage and Stationery
2 25
Insuring Town Hall against Fire, 12 50
Labor on Tophet Road, 50 00
$445 36
DELINQUENT HIGHWAY TAXES.
Ward No. 1. $12 93
" 2, 27 06
66 3, 16 38
“ 4, 51 20
66
66 5, 2 84
$110 41
TOWN OFFICERS' BILLS.
Treasurer and Collector for Services, $50 00
Town Clerk, 8 00
Collecting, recording, and indexing Births. Marriages and Deaths, 7 70
Making official returns. 4 00
Preparing Valuation for Printing, 5 00
Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor.
82 61
Travel and Expense out of Town, 79 17
Assessors, for taking Valuation and making return. 225 00
School Committee, for Services, . 59 50
6
Constable, for Services, 4 50
Sexton, for return of Deaths to Town Clerk, 70
$526 18
ABATEMENTS.
On Tax List of 1854, $1 73
..
. . 1857 12 54
6.
1858, 7 54
66
1859.
12 51
46
. . 1860 37 55
$71 87
RECAPITULATION.
Paid for support of Poor, $1,180 45
Town Officers' Bills,
526 18
Expended for Schools,
941 33
Highways,. 90 49
Abatements, 71 87
State and County Taxes, 734 62
Paid for School Books,.
98 88
Paid for Interest Money,
39 07
Miscellaneous Expenses, . 445 36
Delinquent Highway Taxes, 110 41
$4,238 66
GENERAL ACCOUNT
TOWN STOCK.
Cash in the hands of Treasurer, March 1st, 1861,
$75 48
Due on Tax List of 1859, 45 55
Due on Tax List of 1860, . 529 65
Due from the Town of Marblehead, for Jane Skinner, 245 00
School Books to be charged in next assessment, 63 88
Delinquent Highway Taxes, 110 41
$1069 97
7
TOWN DEBT.
Due the North School District,
$47 01 Jonathan Southwick, 500 00
John Danforth, Jr .. 200 00
Warren Newhall, 500 00
$1,247 01
1,069 97
Balance against the Town, .177 04
JOHN DANFORTH, JR., ) Selectmen, Assessors, ADREW MANSFIELD, and
JOSEPH SMITH. Overseers of the Poor.
Lynnfield, March 1st, 1861.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD,
FOR 1860-61.
REPORT.
In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth, the School Committee respectfully present their
ANNUAL REPORT.
During the first part of the school year, a vacancy ;oc- curred in the Board of School Committee, by the removal from town of Mr. Israel A. Parsons, Jr. The vacancy was filled by the election of Mr. Joseph Smith, by the Board of Selectmen and the remaining members of the Board of School Committee, as prescribed by law in such cases.
Before the commencement of the schools, your Com- mittee satisfied themselves of the literary qualifications of the several teachers employed ; but their capacity to gov- ern a school well, could not be decided till upon actual trial.
We find it much more difficult to obtain teachers who are good disciplinarians, and can govern a school judi- ciously, than to find those of the required literary qualifi- cations. In cities and large towns, teachers are employed by the year, and when committees have obtained such as are able and faithful, they are continued in the schools, greatly to their advantage.
In towns where Prudential Committees, who are chosen annually, are authorized to engage the teachers, there is frequently a change in teachers, which results to the dis- advantage of the school. The committee of one year,
12
who may have employed a successful teacher, may be suc- ceeded by another committee the next year, who may em- ploy a different teacher, perhaps without experience, and who, to say the least, must spend some time to become acquainted with a new school.
The School Committee of the town under the present law are elected for three years, one-third annually. This committee therefore have opportnuity, from year to year, to become acquainted with the teachers ; and if the town should leave the power to contract with the teachers in their hands, as the law provides, unless the town votes otherwise, there would be less changes in the schools, and their success made more certain.
SOUTH SCHOOL. Summer Term.
TEACHERS-MISS NEEDHAM AND MISS LEATHE. Whole number of scholars, 60
Average attendance, - -
50
This school was commenced by Miss Needham on the 16th of April, and continued under her charge five weeks ; after which it was continued by Miss Mary A. Leathe, dur- ing twenty weeks, making the school twenty-five weeks in length, exclusive of a vacation of five weeks. This school, under the mild but firm government of Miss Leathe, succeeded finely. There was that good under- standing between teacher and scholar which is so neces- sary to the welfare of a school; a conscientious de- sire to do her duty on the part of the teacher, and in return therefor the love and respect of her scholars, ren- dering the school both pleasant and satisfactory. The closing examination gave proof of the thoroughness of the several classes in their different studies.
13
SOUTH SCHOOL. Winter Term. TEACHER-W. L. FLAGG.
1
Whole number of scholars,
56
Average attendance, - - 461
The school commenced on the third day of December, and continued for three months. During the first weeks of the school, the government was such as the committee could not approve, but after advice the teacher improved, till the school became quiet and orderly. The school then made commendable progress in the various branches taught. At the closing examination there was declama- tion and the reading of composition, which were credita- ble performances. On this occasion there were present a large number of the parents, and of the friends of educa- tion, who took an interest in the school.
CENTRE DISTRICT.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Summer Term. TEACHER-MISS MARY E. BANCROFT.
Whole number of scholars, 30
Average attendance, 26
Length of school, 5 months.
Miss Bancroft sustained her former reputation as a teacher, and under her instructions the pupils made great advancement in their several studies, and at the closing examinations gave satisfaction to all present.
SENIOR DEPARTMENT.
Summer Term.
TEACHER-MISS E. A. DAMON.
Whole number of scholars, 35
Average attendance, - 242 Length of school, 5 months. -
Miss Damon made great effort to interest her pupils in
14
their studies, and make them thorough, which is very es- sential. The number of pupils was not large, and those that continued through the term made commendable im- provement. Some of the older scholars made great pro- gress in Arithmetic and Algebra, and the general charac- ter of the school was good.
Winter Term.
TEACHERS-MISS I. P. FELCH AND A. L. TRASK.
Whole number of scholars, 58
Average attendance, - 4032
Length of school, 23 months.
This was the union of the two schools in this district, and, under the instruction of Miss Felch, was doing well as could be expected,-everthing considered,-but after two weeks Miss F. saw fit to resign, without just cause, much to the injury of the school.
Miss Trask succeeded Miss Felch, and continued through the term. She was inexperienced in teaching, but feeling confident of success, she entered upon her duties. She possessed superior literary attainments, but was without that firmness which is needed in the school-room, having no government over the school. At the closing examina- tion, there appeared to be little or no improvement in most of the scholars.
NORTH DISTRICT.
Summer Term.
TEACHER-MISS C. E. PERKINS.
Whole number of scholars, 30
Average attendance, - 2324
Length of school, 6 months.
Miss Perkins, having charge of this school last winter, was able to commence where she left off with the school,- having taught them thoroughly as far as they went. And
15
during this term her pupils made rapid progress in all the branches taught. At the close of the term Miss Perkins saw fit to resign, much against the wish of the Committee, and a majority of the inhabitants of the District.
Winter Term. TEACHER-MISS MARY E. BANCROFT.
Whole number of scholars, 39
Average attendance, 33
Length of school, 3 months.
Miss Bancroft was transferred from the Primary School, in the Centre District, to this. Her former success war- ranted the change. She labored faithfully for her charge ; the school increased in numbers and learning; and at the close, the scholars appeared well, were prompt in their reci- tations, and gave us some specimens of declamations which did credit to the declaimers. This we think to be the most successful school during the year.
DISTRICTS.
TEACHERS.
TERMS.
and fifteeen years of age .. ....
Number of children between five
tend School, of all ages. ..
Whole number Scholars who at-
Number of Females.
Number of Males.
Average attendance.
cluding board.
Wages of Teachers per month, in-
Amount received by the Teacher,
Length of School in weeks
SOUTH. Miss S. J. C. Needham, Mary A. Leathe, Mr. W. L. Flagg.
Summer. 58 60 2
Winter.
47 56
1 461
$24 00 150 00 25 45 00 135 00 12
CENTRE. Miss Eliza A. Damon,
Summer. Winter.
31 35 51 58
2
403
28 00
78 45 113
Amanda L. Trask, S
Primary.
Mary E. Bancroft.
Summer. 24 30
1
26
16 00
80 00 20
NORTH. Miss Carrie E. Perkins, Mary E. Bancroft.
Summer. 30 30 Winter.
32|39
1
233 33
21 00 126 00 24 26 00 72 00 12
1
24,1
24 00 120 00 20
Isabella P. Felch, l
...
..
50
1
as pay.
16
17
In the education of our youth, more pains should be taken by the teachers in reading, spelling, and writing.
These are the elementary branches, and no efforts should be spared to make the pupil an adept in them. More care should be taken in the selection of books ; most of our reading books are beyond the mind of the pupil, and in the selection, those should be taken adapted to their capacity. Children should understand what they read, and be made to feel the sentiments they utter from the book. No ar- bitrary rules will ever make a good reader; but give them something they can understand, and which enlists their sympathies, and nature will furnish accent that can- not be learned from rules. More attention should be paid to spelling in all of our schools. If the pupil is a poor speller when he leaves school, there are ten chances against one of his ever correcting it. Some, whose writing almost equals the copper-plate, mar their manuscript by bad spelling. Writing, in the Centre and South Districts, dur- ing the winter, was very much neglected. That may partly be attributed to the largeness of the schools, but more from neglect on the part of the teachers.
Parents should take more interest in visiting the schools during the terms. It encourages the children, lightens the burdens of the teacher, and infuses new life through the whole school.
Notwithstanding the few visits during the term, we were glad to see so many at the closing examinations of the different schools, and think, if repeated through the coming year, we shall see the results.
During the past year there has been much tardiness on the part of the scholars in some of our schools,-more irregularity in their attendance. Whose fault it is we are unable to say. If on the part of the parents, we hope
18
they will remedy the evil. If on the part of the pupil, we would recommend that the teachers be furnished with deportment with cards, instructions to send them to the parents or guardian every week for their inspection.
HOME EDUCATION.
Home education, has, ordinarily, a marked influence up- on the character of the child in all the relations of society. We first see this influence showing itself in the common schools. It requires but little observation to distinguish between the child who has, and the child who has not, been subjected to salutary parental influences. Here at home, are made the first lasting impressions upon the infant mind. The child is so constituted at first, as to look to its parents for an explanation of all the mysteries by which it is sur- rounded, and for direction in relation to duty. And the decision of the parent in these infant years is decisive. Not long since we heard two little boys disagreeing about something of which they were talking. One said the thing was so, but the other denied it, when the first settled the question, at least in his own mind, by saying he knew it was so, for his father said it was. Here we see what an influence parents have over their children in their early years. Their word is decisive. Let us then realize that we are training our children for good or for evil as our conversation and our conduct may be. Were all parents faithful to their duty in the home education of their child- ren, we should be spared the pains of seeing so many un- reliable persons in society. With all the means of educa- tion and improvement, how frequently is it, that when we think we see in the distance a man walking, on acquain- tance we find but the mere shadow of a man, one utterly
19
unreliable in the business of life. From daily observation we cannot doubt that much of the recklessness and want of responsibility, which is so often apparent, is the result of bad family government.
The early settlers of New England watched over the education of their children with the deepest solicitude ; and they were subjected to the strictest parental authority, during the whole period of their minority ; and through life, they had childlike respect for their parents, and regard for moral obligation. This strictness on the part of our progenitors has sometimes been condemned as unnecessari- ly severe. But when we compare the result of such disci- pline with the result of the want of all discipline in many families, where children grow up without restraint, despis- ing their parents and regardless of the proprieties of social life, we cannot hesitate as to which is the wisest course.
Let all then be faithful in the discharge of their duty to their children. God says of the father of the faithful,-the faithful Abraham,-I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall obey me.
TEACHING, AND THE SENTIMENT TAUGHT.
The manner of teaching, and the sentiment taught, have an important influence upon the future character and wel- fare of the child. The active and sanguine should be watched, and directed in their impetuous course ; the fee- ble and timid should be assisted and encouraged by their · teachers. To say to children that they are stupid and can- not learn is discouraging and ruinous to their progress.
One of the first things that children should be taught,
20
is their nature, and capacities for improvement, and their moral responsibilities. The question is often asked, why it is, that, with all the advantages enjoyed by the im- proved condition of the common schools, the moral sentiment has fallen below the intellectual acquirements ? To degrade children in their own estimation, either intel- lectually or morally, has the same disastrous effect on their character and life. Such teaching, in express denial of that of the Great Teacher, who spake as never man spoke, explicitly declares of man by nature, (little children,) that of such is the kingdom of God ;. is, we think, suffi- cient to account for the moral delinquency which prevails in society. Such teaching would ruin angels. Children who are made to believe this, must have but little respect for themselves, and less for their Creator. And this teach- ing, probably, more than all other causes combined, has led to that disregard of the improvement of man's moral na- ture, of which complaint is made. Let us, then, receive the teaching of the Great Teacher, and impress deeply upon the minds of our children the injury they do them- selves in defacing by sin the perfect workmanship of the Creator. Then will they have a motive to do right, which they cannot but appreciate.
In closing their report, your Committee, though there may be a failure occasionally, for a single term, cannot but speak encouragingly of the town schools,especially when we take a retrospective view,-which, to some of us, extends back to years long since passed away,-and recall to. mind those quiet, studious and intelligent pupils who occupied. the seats of the' old schoolhouses, who have also passed away, hearing attentively the advice which it was our duty
21
to give ; and when we now see many of those scholars, whose countenances we shall never forget, and whose wel- fare cannot but be dear to us, efficient and approved teach- ers in towns, and in some of the largest cities in the Com- monwealth, and in the remotest States of the Union, doing honor to themselves, and reflecting credit on their native town.
Let parents and all who may be entrusted with the edu- cation of youth, take courage from the past, and, by in- creased devotion to the schools, hope more for the future.
J. NEWHALL, JAMES G. PERKINS, JOSEPH SMITH.
School
Committee.
Feb. 26, 1861.
FINANCIAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD,
FOR THE
Year Ending March 1, 1862.
WITH THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
chool Committee.
SALEM: PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE GAZETTE AND MERCURY. 1862.
FINANCIAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD,
FOR THE
Year Ending March 1, 1862.
WITH THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee.
SALEM: PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE GAZETTE AND MERCURY. 1862.
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for Support of Poor.
Arvilla Allen, Supplies furnished at Lynn, .. ·$194 22
Nelson Allen, Wife and Three Children, at Lynn,. 78 81
Stephen Brown, Board and Clothing at Ipswich,. 104 29
E. B. Emerson and Three Children, at So. Reading, 176 76
Edward A. Flagg, at Lynn, . 84 05
Robert Gowing, Sickness at Pawtucket,. 10 67
Peabody Gowing, Wife and Two Children at So. Reading, 24 00
Rebecca Gowing, Board and Clothing, 79 50 66
Charles K. Granville,. 10 10
Henry E. Granville, at Westborough,.
24 57
Lydia Hobson, at Salem,
9 00
Aaron Nourse, Board, $200, Clothing, $8.34,. 33 25
208 34 .
William Norwood, at Lynn, .
19 50
Aaron Richardson, 25 00
Mary Skinner,. 2 00
Charles P. Skinner, at So. Boston,
29 86
Fanny Skinner, Board and Care when sick, at Wilmington, 40 00
Mary J. Skinner and Child,. 48 35
Jennie Stevens, Child of M. J. Skinner, at Lawrence, 7 00
Mary Starkey, last Sickness and Doctor's Bill, at Salem, 60 38
Samuel Whitcomb, 5 00
$1274 65
Expended for Schools.
North District,. $239 94
Centre 359 95
South, 329 95
$929 84
J. Procter Ramsdell and Wife, at Lynn
6
C. & M. Cox, for Land near the Common, 7 06 Copy of Record, and Survey of Road, near Hart's Corner, . 3 50 Recording Deeds,. 1 50
Badges for Police, 3 30
Insurance on Town Hall,. 50
Assistance Rendered Transient Paupers,
3 50
Expressage, Postage, and Stationery, 2 63
$377 40
RECAPITULATION.
Paid for Support of Poor, $1274 65
Expended for Schools, 929 84
Highways and Bridges, .. 272 74
Paid to Families of Soldiers, 434 00
Abatements, 58 71
Delinquent Highway Taxes,
75 66
Town Officers' Bills,
371 64
Paid for School Books,
82 90
66
State Tax,. 192 00
66 Interest Money, . 50 00
Miscellaneous Expenses, . 377 40
$4119 54
Receipts and Credits.
Cash in Treasurer's hands, March 1st, 1861,
$75 48
Due on Tax List, 1859, .
45 55
66 66 1860,. 529 65
Money Assessed for Payment of State Tax,
192 00
66
County Tax, 766 85
66
.. 66
Town Expenses, 1800 00
66
66
66 Schools, 900 00
School Books charged in the Assessment, . 46 34
Delinquent Highway Taxes, 107 81
Overlay on all the Taxes, . 102 54
Received from the Town of Marblehead,
245 00
66 State School Fund, 29 84
Received from the Sale of Lots in Cemetery, 20 00
Legacy to Otis Norwood, 2 00
Dogs Licensed, 23 40
$4,886 46
GENERAL ACCOUNT.
Town Stock.^
Cash in the hands of Treasurer, March 1st, 1862, $106 56
Due on Tax List of 1859,.
14 08
1860, 56 35
1861. 589 93
Due from State, paid Families of Soldiers,. 434 00
Special Police at Camp, 125 00
" J. W. Skinner, Expenses of his Wife in 1860, 45 64
School Books to be charged in the next Assessment,. 82 90
Delinquent Highway Taxes, 82 95
$1,537 41
Town Debt.
Due the North School District, $47 01
" Jonathan Southwick,. 500 00
John Danforth, Jr., 200 00
66 Warren Newhall, 500 00
County Tax,. 766 85
$2013 86
1537 41
Balance against the Town, $476 45
. JOHN DANFORTH, JR., ) Selectmen, Assessors, ANDREW MANSFIELD, and WILLIAM SKINNER. Overseers of the Poor.
Lynnfield, March 1st, 1862.
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD,
FOR 1861-2.
REPORT.
The School Committee of the Town of Lynnfield, for. the year ending on the first Monday of March, respect -. fully present their
ANNUAL REPORT.
In the several schools the same teachers have been em -. ployed during both the Summer and Winter Terms.
The whole number of children in town, between the ages of five and fifteen, is one hundred and forty.
For the past two years the town has raised for the sup -. port of schools nine hundred dollars. Under the heavy burdens resting upon our shoulders in consequence of the infamous rebellion, it is for the town to. consider, whether,. by the exercise of a careful economy. we can do with a. less sum the ensuing year.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Summer Term.
Length of Term, - - - - 25 weeks.
TEACHER, - MISS MARY A. LEATHE.
Whole number of scholars, - -
Average attendance; - -
50
This school was opened on the twenty-second of April,, by Miss Leathe, who had taught the previous Summer. She being an experienced teacher and acquainted with the scholars, entered upon her duties under favorable cir- cumstances. Although a large military encampment, du-
12
ring several months, was in the vicinity of the School- house, still, the teacher was able to govern her school well, and to interest them in their studies, as well as to impress upon their forming minds, the sentiment of patriotism or love of their country and government. They have learned a lesson which they never can forget, of the necessity of being good citizens and firm supporters of government. The teacher being deeply interested for two brothers in the. army, defending their country against a wicked rebellion, was well qualified to impress their minds with the duty of good citizens.
The term closed satisfactorily, giving evidence of pro- gress by the various classes in the studies engaging their attention.
Winter Term.
Whole number of scholars, - - 62
Average attendance, - 54
Miss Leathe, as teacher, was continued through the Win- ter Term of twelve weeks, assisted by Miss Cinderilla Newhall.
During a long and careful examination, the different classes exhibited a good understanding of the studies to which their attention had been directed. In Arithmetic, Algebra and Grammar, there were good scholars. The writing books were, kept neat, and shewed improvement. The school was large, and the duties of the teacher labo- rious, but she was competent for her place. The improve- ment during the term was very satisfactory. The order was good and creditable to the scholars, especially to the larger boys and young men present, as well as to the teacher. Parents and others evinced their interest in the school, by attending in large numbers.
13
NORTH SCHOOL. Summer Term.
TEACHER, - MISS CLARA FISKE.
Whole number of scholars,
26
Average attendance, - - 213
This school was commenced on the twenty-third of April, and with the exception of a vacation of six weeks, was continued to the fifteenth of November, being twenty- five weeks.
The kind and amiable deportment of the teacher soon secured the love and respect of her pupils, and good pro -- gress was made in the various studies pursued. The ex- amination at the close of the term was satisfactory to the committee, as well as to the parents and others, present on the occasion.
The Winter Term
of the North School was in charge of Miss Fiske.
Whole number of scholars, - - 32
Average attendance, - - - - 281
The length of this term was eleven weeks.
The several classes recited in a manner giving evidence of the thoroughness of their instruction.
In Colburn's Arithmetic difficult questions were readily answered. The classes in Arithmetic and Algebra gave evidence that they had studied understandingly. The writers had made good improvement, and their books were kept clean. The order was unexceptionable,-the bearing of the larger scholars was noted as praiseworthy.
The attendance in this school was remarkably good.
A large number of the parents and others were present at the examination.
This school has rarely, if ever, been more successful.
14
CENTRE SCHOOL. Summer Torm.
Whole number of scholars, - -
55
Average attendance, - 5.11
This school was commenced on the fifteenth of April, by Miss Mary A. Parsons, an experienced teacher, and was continued, with the exclusion of a vacation of five weeks, to the fourteenth of November, being a term of twenty-five weeks, and ended under the charge of the same teacher, as Mrs. Mary A. P. Bishop. The teacher being energetic in her manner and government, although the school is a mixed one, and large, succeeded in advancing her pupils in their various studies, and also impressing on their minds a patriotic regard for their country, her husband soon leaving her for the defence of his country, in the army.
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