ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1861-62.
ALSO, THE
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK,
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 26, 1862
BOSTON:
S. CHISM, — FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE,
No. 112 Congress Street.
1862.
r% *-t A A A
r-\
REPORT.
In obedience to State law, and in accordance with
established usage, the School Committee present their
Annual Report.
Our school year opened with very favorable cir-
cumstances. A Teachers' Institute, commencing Mon-
day, April 8th, and continuing through the week,
was an event to us of unusual interest, and highly
enjoyed by a large and intelligent company of teach-
ers, as well as the citizens generally of this town and
vicinity. The town showed their appreciation of the
object of the gathering, by offering, in a unanimous
vote, the use of their fine Hall, warmed and lighted,
for the sittings of the Institute.
A motion was made to appropriate a sum of money
to defray necessary expenses, but this was objected
to by the friends of education, who pledged them-
selves to furnish all the bodily comforts of board, lodg-
ing and transportation, which might be needed by
the members of the Institute. Proverbially generous
and hospitable as are the people of Acton, we never
felt more sensibly their liberality than in the present
instance ; it was so cheerfully, so gladly rendered,
that their kindness was made doubly acceptable and
doubly valuable. The Institute was a great success.
With the great-hearted and generous Joseph White
for presiding officer, aided by Professors Russell, Ten-
ney, and Slocum, Rev. Mr. Northrop, Dr. Sharpe, Mr.
Philbrick, Rev. Dr. Hamlin, Hon. Henry K. Oliver,
and finally by a highly intelligent and apprehensive
audience, it could not well be otherwise.
The lectures of Prof. Russell, on elocution and
training the voice, were practical and valuable.
Those of Professors Tenney and Slocum were spirited
and scientific. Mr. Northrop is always earnest and
interesting. Dr. Hamlin gave us a full and graphic
account of the government and educational system
of Turkey, speaking incidentally of the great improve-
ments introduced by the missionaries ; these being
matters which he had seen, and heard, and felt, his
facts and descriptions were highly relished by the
great company which gathered there to hear him.
Nothing, however, seemed to wake up the heart of
the whole assembly, more than the patriotic and
liberty-loving sentiments casually introduced, and
especially by Hon. H. K. Oliver, in the closing ad-
dress.
Is it not a little remarkable, that, at that very
moment, the great rebellion was breaking out in the
bombardment and burning of Fort Sumpter ? Nor
was it a less interesting fact, to this town at least,
that in this same hall, where so peacefully we had
been, day after day, listening to words of wisdom from
the lips of men whom we love and delight to honor —
there should be, on Monday, April 15th, a hasty
assembling of our brave Co. E, with their strong
hearts and ready arms, in answer to the call of the
President for men to defend the capital. Their part-
ing words, their passage through Baltimore, their
reception at Washington, their occupation of the
Senate Chamber, and all their doings in the three
months' service, are they not all written in our hearts
as well as in the chronicles of the day !
This we may safely say; they assembled with
alacrity, marched bravely, even through bloody Bal-
timore, to the defence of the capital and the govern-
ment, performed faithfully every duty, returned in
safety, and were received with joy by a great assem-
blage of people from all the country.
We write these facts here not merely to make
record of them, but to note their influence and signi-
ficance.
We are certain the Institute had a very good effect
on all our teachers, enlarging their store of knowledge,
giving them new ideas, new or improved methods of
teaching, and more just and correct impressions of
the important work they are called on to perform.
The people generally, too, were interested, and
their minds and hearts more thoroughly enlisted in
the cause of common school education than ever.
Nor was the call made on their liberality without its
good influence. We all found it simple truth that it
is more blessed to give than to receive. The only
complaint we heard was that there were no more to
entertain and the time so short.
Then what are we to learn from this loud call our
country makes to us for defenders in this day of her
sore trial ? Surely this : That the young men from
our common schools must mainly supply this great
demand ; that they not only make the best soldiers
the country ever saw, but can do anything else
they set themselves about. We learn, too, that while
we live on the same continent with barbarians and
barbarian institutions, we must be prepared to defend
the cause of liberty, not with argument merely, but
with strong arms, clear heads, and brave hearts. It
was a remark frequently made by Mr. Woodbury,
that * a good school had a great deal of the military
about it." So we think ; and that our military, from
the 15th of April to the present hour, is the grand
result of the common school. We fully believe the
world never saw an army rising so suddenly from the
common business of life, in which promptness of
action, quick apprehension, and ready obedience and
an ability to do anything and everything, were more
notably displayed than in the great army of young
men who have left our homes and our schools to fight
the battles of liberty.
The first public work of the committee after organ-
ization and attending the daily sittings of the Insti-
tute, was the permission given to our nine young
lady teachers to commence their schools without the
formalities of another examination. We had a life-
long acquaintance with them all, save one; knew
well of all their former success in teaching ; had seen
them constant in their attendance at the Institute,
and deeply interested in all the exercises ; for these
reasons we had great faith in their willingness and
ability to perform successfully the great work com-
mitted to them.
We considered it very fortunate that every one of
them could teach music so far as required to render
the exercises of the school-room cheerful, orderly, and
lively. We are happy to say, that in our frequent
visits to the various schools, we found our best hopes
and highest wishes fully realized.
The teachers were earnest, devoted and faithful ;
scholars generally attentive, diligent and obedient.
With such a state success is certain.
During the winter term three of our nine teachers
were new men. Two of them were [from Tufts Col-
lege and one a graduate of Dartmouth. The remain-
ing six were the same as last year. The schools were
all visited by the committee at least every two weeks
in the spring and fall terms ; in the winter term some
of them still more frequently. In all our visits we en-
deavored to serve the best interests of the school by
encouraging and supporting the teachers in all their
arduous labors as well as by exciting the scholars to
make a great effort to do well their part, both in their
studies and their behavior.
We will present as bjrierly as may be our view of
the several schools.
i
WftST SCHOOLS.
Alden Fuller, Esq., Local Committee)^^ \
The primary department was taught by Miss. C. E.
Mayhew, spring, fall and winter terms. She is well
known to you as a faithful and successful teacher ;
constantly improving in her methods of teaching and
power of governing her school. At the close of the
fall term she was made the recipient of a very pretty
present, showing the mutual good will existing in the
school. Her winter term exceeded in order and im-
8
provement any former effort. During the final exami-
nation we began to note the various classes a "good,
etc.," but finally found that we must write them all
"good" or "very good," which we were right glad
to do.
The higher department in the spring and fall terms
was in the care of Miss Sophia S. Harris. In view
of the cause of the failure of that excellent teacher,
the gentle Miss Hersey, last year, we were fully de-
termined, that so far as in us lay, there should be a
teacher in this school who would not easily be broken
down in her government or her health.
Miss Harris, while she is an excellent teacher, is able
to govern any school we have. Her success in this
effort was very good. During the spring term the
old spirit of disobedience appeared very often ; was
met by gentle words and kind admonitions ; these
failing, more earnest means were resorted to with
very positive good effect. The fall term was a per-
fect success. The order, interest and improvement
of the whole school was very satisfactory. The last
day showed the work of the term in a very pleasant
manner. Among the exercises deserving particular
notice were those of the first grammar class, physi-
ology and the various compositions, especially the
valedictory. The whole affair finally closed with the
presentation to the teacher of some valuable and ap-
propriate presents by the scholars, tokens of their
kind regards and warm good wishes.
The higher school in winter was taught by Mr. A.
C. Fish, of "Wisconsin. He came here with the best
recommendations, and proved by his success that he
well deserved them. His government was efficient,
his motto being, " Do right," thus appealing at once
to the better feelings of the entire school. He had,
too, a motto for daily work and universal application,
"I paddle my own canoe;" thus teaching by the re-
frain of the old song, self-reliance, the necessity of a
continual effort with every one to do his own work
in order to strengthen his own hands, and to make
vigorous, clear, and capable, his own mind. The full
success of this manner of teaching was seen in every
day's work by those visiting the school during term
time, and some of the best results were shown to the
great company assembled in Robinson's Hall, at the
close of school. These exercises were all good, and
the large audience were well pleased with the school,
and with the teacher especially. Where every effort
is successful, it is a delicate matter to specify.
Among the declamations, we were most pleased
with that of young Holman. The singing showed
good taste, both in selection and execution. The In-
dependent, read by Miss Huggins and Miss Whitney,
containing the compositions of the school, displayed
earnest thinking and good writing.
An interesting performance was the public notice
of those who had not been absent or tardy, or who were
for other reasons scholars of merit, by the giving to
each a beautiful book, presented by the teacher. The
exercises were pleasantly closed by some eloquent
and appropriate remarks by the teacher, and a part-
ing song by the school.
10
SOUTH SCHOOLS.
Emerson F. Fuller, Local Committee.
The Primary School for the year was taught by
Miss L. C. Faulkner. She is one of our very best
teachers. Those who wish to know her real worth
must see her, as we have, moving around in her school,
a guardian angel; ever faithful and always correct in
all her teachings, giving her heart and soul for the
good of the school, and so becoming life and soul to
them all. Her effort has been a daily success in each
of the three terms. It was always pleasant, when
wearied or discouraged, to drop into this school ; it
makes life look all fresh again.
The examination at the close of the fall term was
a great day with the school and the crowd of inter-
ested visitors who filled the school-room. The lessons
in arithmetic and geography, and the reading and
spelling, were excellent ; the speaking and singing
select and well done.
The winter term, however, was the crowning effort.
The order, progress, and general character of the
school, was all that we could ask.
At the examination every effort was successful.
The reading, recitations in geography, arithmetic,
and grammar, would have been called good any-
where ; while the speaking and singing showed good
taste, correct teaching, and long and patient practice.
The higher school was placed in care of Miss M.
C. Harris. She is well known in town as a teacher,
having had charge of five of our schools, and has
made teaching a business for some years. It is no
mean praise to say that Miss H. was able to keep the
11
school up to the high rank at which it has stood un-
der former teachers.
The school is large, and numbers among its mem-
bers many excellent scholars, who are striving to fit
themselves for stations of usefulness in future life.
Such scholars have a happy influence on their associ-
ates, giving tone and character to all around them.
This school, like every other in town, partook largely
of the spirit of the times. Marching and running,
military exercise and martial music banished entirely
the bat and ball and every other boyish play. We
were glad to see more training of muscle, strengthen-
ing of bone, connected with our schools ; for on health
and strength, and good development of body, depend
in a great degree all our mental power and usefulness.
When the true and proper use of bodily exercise is
better understood and practised, then we may confi-
dently look for the perfection of health and vigor,
both of body and mind.
The examination was a pleasant affair. The read-
ing, exercises in arithmetic and grammar, and the
recitation in history, were all very good. Speaking
of select pieces, and the singing, showed skill, taste,
and tenderness, especially in allusion to those " not
lost, but gone before."
The higher department, in winter, was placed in
charge of Mr. F. C. Nash, of Tufts College. We were
well pleased with this young man, and were always
happy to witness his energy, spirit, and kindness, in
school, as well as the loving, obedient, and respectful
manner of all the larger portion of the scholars. This
teacher labored faithfully and perseveringly, not mere-
ly during school hours, but at all times where he could
12
aid in the progress and increase the interest of his
pupils in the business before them; holding weekly
meetings for spelling, speaking, reading, and correct-
ing compositions, etc.
The examination was an honest display of the exact
state of the school. While there was an abundance
of blundering among the smaller scholars, the larger
divisions appeared remarkably well. Classes in read-
ing, grammar, and philosophy, merit distinct and ap-
proving notice. Some of the declamations were good.
The compositions read by the writers were short and
pithy, full of good thoughts, well expressed and evi-
dently original, speaking clearly and earnestly on sub-
jects in which the writers were personally interested.
The closing performance was the presentation to
the teacher of a heavy gold pencil, by Miss Minerva
Shattuck, in behalf of the school. It was a tasteful
and significant gift, speaking clearly of the thought-
ful love of the school for a kind and faithful teacher.
NORTH SCHOOL.
James Keyes, Jr., Local Committee.
Mr. Keyes placed Miss M. J. Harris in this school
for the spring and fall terms. She is a teacher of
good experience, has always been successful in her
schools, both in her government and instruction.
This is a small school, and one in which it is difficult
to maintain that life and spirit so absolutely neces-
sary to great success. There were some very prom-
ising scholars in school, and for the comfort of the
teacher and the good of the school, we were very glad
13
there were. The teacher's work is sufficiently diffi-
cult and trying with good material ; without it, no
one can know a teacher's discouragement and anxiety
but by making the experiment. Miss H. labored
constantly, faithfully, and with good success ; for, as
we have often had occasion to say, success in school
is the result of labor, persistent and well-directed
labor. Our great regret in connection with this
school was, that there were no more partakers of its
benefits.
The winter school was taught by Mr. Peck, the
teacher of last year. He is everything in school
but just master ; pleasant and polite in his manner ;
clear, methodical, and correct in all his teachings, his
success would have been great and certain but for this
one defect. We believe it was not because he did not
possess the power of government, but that he did not
fully realize the necessity for using it. There are
many good scholars in this district, and while they
must have been annoyed by the easy state of things
aroundUhem, performed their parts exceedingly well.
The class in the higher arithmetic and in grammar
made good progress. The compositions were well
written and well read.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.'
William A. Wilde, Committee.
Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, of this district, was em-
ployed to teach this school. Her success in her efforts
last year gave promise of a good school this season.
14
The school always appeared well when visited ; was
quiet, orderly, and studious. Under the gentle but
effective rule of this teacher, everything seemed to
move on day by day smoothly and happily. There
was no dash or display, but a steady and regular
effort to accomplish the true mission of the school.
The order, improvement, and general character of the
school were very commendable. The examination
was well attended by parents and others, and gave,
at a glance, the pleasant result of a happy school.
We noticed especially the reading and grammar, the
singing and compositions. In both these last exer-
cises, one who had suddenly left them, with the dew
of his childhood yet fresh upon him, was tenderly
remembered.
The winter term was commenced by Mr. Wiggin,
a graduate of Dartmouth. We were well pleased
with his manner of managing a school, with the thor-
oughness and precision of his instructions, and we
think it is equally true that the school all hold him
in high esteem for his efforts among them. We had
the most pleasant anticipations of his entire success.
Indeed we expected this school would stand far higher
than ever, and equal if not exceed the best in town.
But in week the teacher vanished, and the
school came to a sudden and untimely end.
CENTRE SCHOOLS.
The higher department of the spring and fall terms
was placed in care of Miss S. A. Dole. She is well
and favorably known as a teacher in this district.
She entered the school with spirit and hope; pursued
15
her course earnestly and faithfully; and though she
did not give perfect satisfaction to every one, deserves
much praise for her long-continued labor and well-
directed efforts in her school.
The final examination was very pleasant, showing
good improvement in all the various studies pursued
during the term; satisfying the large company of
visitors that this had been a happy and prosperous
school.
The Primary School was taught by Miss Clara
Wetherbee during the year.
She has the very desirable power of maintaining
order among her little folks, and at the same time
keeping wide awake their interest in the real business
before them. This faculty of pleasant government
and its good results were the most notable features
of the school.
The examination at the close of the fall term was
largely attended by parents and friends, who wit-
nessed the performances of the school with great in-
terest and hearty approval.
The winter term was a happy repetition of her
former efforts. The same cheerful energy, patient
labor, and constant effort, which gave character to
the summer terms, were here seen every day. Good
order and general improvement were quite commend-
able. We notice in particular the grammar class, the
recitations and the singing. The greatest satisfaction
was felt and expressed by visitors most deeply inter-
ested in the school.
The higher department of the winter school was
placed in care of L. Conant, Jr., the efficient teacher
of last year. We have had occasion to say many
16
good things of this teacher, and could say still more,
were any words of ours needful to inform the town
of the manifold labors and abundant success of this
our highly favored citizen. His history is written in
something better and more enduring than a school
report — in the minds and hearts of grateful pupils
and thankful parents.
For these many years he has done in our schools
important and enduring labor. The government and
instruction in this school were of the most correct,
energetic, and efficient character. No error or mis-
take, however slight, was suffered to pass without due
notice by the teacher. He went on the great fact,
that all scholars, the moment they enter the school
expect to be governed, and if need be, punished; they
expect, too, to be required to do their whole duty in
regard to study as well as behavior. Even good
scholars need looking after. Franklin says, " The eye
of the master doth more work than both his hands."
This is a general fact, and as applicable to the school-
room as to the workshop or the farm. The teacher
who fails to understand the demands of the times in
regard to the maintenance of vigorous discipline, will
find that he is rapidly losing the love and respect of
his school and community, while all he will gain will
be their pity or their contempt.
We introduce here, for the benefit of those who do
not visit the schools, the work of a single day and of
every day in Mr. Conant's school.
DAILY ORDER OF EXERCISES IN THE CENTRE SCHOOL,
Winter Term.
Reading in Testament, two verses read by each scholar.
Second Class in Written Arithmetic.
17
Second Class in Reading and Spelling.
Third Class in Reading and Spelling.
RECESS.
Fourth Class in Reading and Spelling.
Class in History of United States.
Class in Elements of Grammar and Analysis.
First Class in Grammar.
Second Class in Analysis and Parsing.
AFTERNOON.
First Class in Analysis.
First Class in Reading and Spelling.
Second Class in Primary Geography.
First Class in Primary Geography.
Class in Grammar School Geography.
RECESS.
Class in Algebra.
Class in Primary Arithmetic.
Second Class in Mental Arithmetic.
First Class in Mental Arithmetic.
Third Class in Written Arithmetic.
First Class in Written Arithmetic.
(This recitation was usually heard after school hours.)
It will be seen in a moment that here is work to
be done which could be accomplished only by the
most systematic and persistent application. Every-
thing from morning till night went on like clock-
work. No sooner was one class retiring from recita-
tions, than the next would be seen advancing lightly
and actively to take their places. There was no aim-
less talk, but every word of the teacher went straight
to the point. In reading, errors of pronunciation,
accent, or inflection, were instantly and sharply cor-
rected. Errors in grammar were not overlooked;
double negatives, disagreement of the verb with its
nominative, and the use of "done" for did, received
especial attention.
18
The examination, though it happened on a most
inclement day, called out as many visitors as the
house would hold. The whole company were highly
gratified by the thoroughness with which everything
was done. Every class and every scholar appeared
before us, all striving in real earnest to do their best ;
and we are glad to say they all did well and most of
them very well. Good progress was made in all the
studies pursued ; in reading, spelling, and grammar,
the improvement was most marked and satisfactory.
The school, take it altogether, was one of unusual
excellence, and teacher and scholars merited and
received the highest commendation.
The scholars themselves got up some pretty songs
and some very appropriate declamations, which gave
a pleasant variety to the examination ; but the main
labor of the teacher — and it was very great — was
spent on the common and useful branches of an every
day education.
EAST SCHOOL.
James E. Billings, Local Committee.
Miss Susan A. Davis has had the charge of this
school for some years. She has established a character
for faithfulness, energy, and enduring patience, of the
most desirable order. Few teachers are so generally
loved and trusted both by parents and scholars.
When a teacher is seen every day performing her
important duties with an abiding feeling of responsi-
bility, not to her employers merely, but to the higher
19
powers as well, every one bestows on her their respect
and confidence. A teacher having this manifest ap-
proval of the people and of her own heart, is in a
condition which enables her to do great service in
her school, both to mind and body, morals and man-
ners of her pupils.
This work was done, and well done, by this teacher.
The whole course of the schoo], and especially the fall
examination, showed excellent progress in study and
development of mind, which were very pleasing to a
large company of visitors.
The winter term opened with this teacher at her
post of duty, as ready and fresh for her work as if
this were her first effort. She managed her large
school with care and prudence, and at the time with
a decision and energy which never faltered. The
results, as we saw them every few days, were of the
most pleasant character.
The school was respectful, orderly, and studious,
deserving the approbation of the committee and the
thanks of the district.
The examination was very fully attended. Parents
and other visitors were much pleased with the exer-
cises, the order and good appearance of the pupils.
Indeed they might well be proud of their school.
Thoroughly interested parents cooperating with an
efficient and devoted teacher will make a good school,
even in a small, old, and inconvenient house. This
school was never in a better state than at the present
moment, which, considering its uniform good standing
for many years, we consider high praise of this young
lady teacher, and yet no more than she richly deserves.
We have thus endeavored to give the town a very
brief account of the several schools.
20
Of our own doings we shall say but little. They
are already recorded. Our aim has ever been to sup-
port and encourage the teachers ; to give all proper
and needful aid in government and in all their efforts
to keep the school in good working order, leaving
details and execution entirely in the hands of the
person in charge. We have always ventured earnest-
ly to suggest the great propriety of teaching the use-
ful rather than ornamental, the common rather than
the higher studies, and of these we have more partic-
ularly insisted on the most systematic and thorough
training in reading, spelling, and practical grammar.
A perfect acquaintance with these is absolutely nec-
essary, even to a decent education.
The proposition to have a new school-house in the
West District has been warmly advocated. There are
some objections. If we build a new house there, we
must do the same thing at the South and in the Centre,
for the accomodations are about the same at each
place ; and more than this, if a change of house is
really needed in any district, it is in the East. Their
house is more worn, smaller and more inconvenient
in proportion to the number of scholars than any
other in town ; and finally, with our resources very
much diminished and our expenses heavily increased
by this grievous war, it seems to us very desirable no
outlays of money, except those which are called for
by absolute necessity, should be made at least for the
present.
The school-houses should be kept in good repair,
and made as comfortable as possible. This is good
economy and good policy. The better the condition
21
of our houses are the less will they be abused and
defaced. The more comfortable and healthful they
are, so much the more can be done in study and vig-
orous thinking; for earnest and profitable study can
well be done only when the laws of health are per-
fectly obeyed.
If it is not thought too great an outlay in these
hard times we would earnestly suggest the propriety
of discarding at once the old " box stoves " and sub-
stituting Chilson's cast iron ventilating stove. We
advocate this all the more readily because we have
had for some years on most of our houses half a ven-
tilator; the upper and more expensive half, but no
provision for admitting pure vital air from the abun-
dant supply in the outer world. It will be seen at
once that our ventilators have been about as useful as
an old bachelor or half a pair of scissors ; we hope the
town will think best to add the other half, making the
whole affair healthful and perfect.
In view of the possibility that State aid may fail
us in these war times, we hope the town will do their
best in providing the means of carrying on our
schools the coming year ; for although it is a time of
trial and suffering, it is no time to abate our interest
in the cause of universal education. It is no time to
cripple the energies and diminish the usefulness of
the schools for the whole people. If they ever need-
ed it, they especially need fostering now, while the
attention and the heart of the people are absorbed
in other matters.
Present welfare and the future honor of our town
depend in great measure on the success of our efforts
in the diffusion of knowledge.
22
Inasmuch as the present rebellion, which shakes
the country to its deep foundations, is the offspring
of ignorance and wickedness, it must be met and
overcome by intelligence and virtue.
We feel certain the town will forgive our frequent
allusions to the war now raging, when they remem-
ber that all we see, or hear, or read, speaks to us of
its sad work ; warning us with an earnest voice to be
ready for any and every emergency ; especially when
we miss so many familiar faces from almost every
school, and feel that even now they may be engaged
in the deadly strife of battle. We could never be
reconciled to this state of things were it not for
the bright hope that universal freedom is to be the
grand and final result.
HARRIS COWDREY,
For the Committee.
23
EXPENSES OF THE SOUTH SCHOOL.
South Acton, Feb. 21, 1862.
Amount received from Town Treasurer, $370 84
Balance on hand from last year, 6 18
$377 02
SPRING TERM.
Miss Martha Harris, 10 wks., at $4 75 per wk., $47 50
" Charlotte C. Faulkner 9 weeks, at $4 00, 36 00
FALL TERM.
" Martha Harris, 10 weeks, $4 75, 47 50
" Charlotte C. Faulkner, 10 weeks, $4 00, 40 00
WINTER TERM.
Mr. F. C. Nash, 11 weeks, at $10 00 per week, 110 00
Miss Charlotte C. Faulkner, 11 weeks, $4 75, 52 25
$333 25
id for wood,
28 13
" building fires and sweeping '.
u washing house,
" 2 chairs, 2 brooms,
" lock, pails, and chalk,
house,
3 00
135
1 50
115
a team to town,
$377 02
368 88
50
$368 88
Balance due the District,
$8
14
E.
FULLEK.
24
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $370 85
Received of J. Blodget, 90
■ $37175
Paid for wood, 23 00
" Clara Wetherbee, teaching 20 weeks, 75 00
S, A. Dole, « 20 « 92 50
? L. Conant, Jr., 12 weeks, winter term, 120 00
" Clara Wetherbee, winter term, 48 00
" care of the house, building fires, etc., 6 78
$365 28
Balance in my hands, $6 47
Harris Cowdrey.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
March 15, 1862.
Length of School, Summer and Fall, each 12 weeks.
" a " Winter, 11 weeks and 4 days.
Money left over last year, $20 96
Received from Town, 220 00
$240 96
Paid Teachers' Salary, 226 19
" for wood, 8 50
Making fires, 3 00
Cleaning house, 1 12
Repairs on house, chalk, dipper, and broom, 1 55
$240 36
Leaving a balance of 60 cents over.
W. A. Wilde.
25
EAST SCHOOL.
Paid Miss S. A. Davis, Spring Term, 10 wks.,
$4 75, $47 50
li Miss S. A. Davis, Fall Term, 13 weeks,
$4 75, 6175
a Miss S. A. Davis, Winter Term, 16 wks,,
§6 50, 104 00
« For wood, 23 05
" building fire, 2 00
" washing house, 125
" window curtains, 1 11
" broom, 30
" paH, 20
« chalk, 20
« 2 dippers, 10
a glass and setting, 60
u repairing lock and key, 50
$242 56
Eeceived of the Town, $220 00
Balance in Committee's hands last year, 29 94
249 94
242 56
Balance in Committee's hands, 7 38
James E. Billings.
WEST SCHOOL.
July 13, 1862.
Appropriation, $370 85
26
SPRING TERM.
Paid Miss Sophia Harris, for 10 weeks, at
iC
$5 00,
Miss Mayhew, for 10 weeks, at $4 00,
FALL TERM.
$50 00
40 00
66
Miss Harris, for 10 weeks, at $5 00,
Miss Mayhew, for 10 weeks, at $4 00,
WINTER TERM.
$50 00
40 00
a
66
A. C. Fish, for 11 weeks at $10 00,
Miss Mayhew, for 11 weeks at $4 50,
Isaac Reed, for wood,
for making fires,
$110 00
49 50
16 75
4 00
a
for chalk,
25
66
66
66
for washing floors,
for 3 tin dippers,
for 5 brooms,
Leaving in my hands,
Alden ]
1 50
36
125
$363 61
7 24
Fuller.
NORTH DISTRICT.
App
ropriation, $220 03
Paid for 2 1-2 cords wood,
1125
66
66
66
66
for sawing "
Jennie M. Harris, for 18 weeks,
L. V. N. Peck, for 3 months,
for building fires,
2 81
8100
120 00
2 00
217 06 $217 06
Balance, $2 97
James Keyes, Committee.
27
STATISTICAL TABLE FOE 1861-62.
.2
H
2
£
a
g
00
1
45
IH
s
Districts.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
o
o
U2-B
u_ a
1%
a
a
>-)
o
a
s
A
■a
1
i
o
"S
3
o
a
<
.g
cg
O
d
'o
A
o
W2
«w
o
i
i
g
>
<
O
E
|
«o
u
>
O
6
u
P
6
Si
2 a
o
6
8
u
1
o
"3
3
m
SPRING.
Centre,
( S. Augusta Dole,
) Clara Wetherbee,
24
$19.00
$47.50
.36
31
1
0
00
11
2i
15.00
37.50
37
35
0
3
00
12
West,
( Sophia Harris,
{ Carrie E. Mayhew,
24
20.00
50.00
36
31
1
0
00
4
24
16.00
40.00
46
35
0
5
00
1
South,
( Martha C. Harris,
| Lottie C. Faulkner,
24
19.00
47.50
49
40
1
0
00
9
n
16.00
36.00
46
34
0
9
00
9
East,
S. Augusta Davis,
n
19.00
61.75
34
29
0
1
00
1
S. East,
Nellie J. Fletcher,
3
18.00
54.00
39
32
1
0
00
11
North,
Jennie M. Harris,
24
19.00
47.50
32
26
1
2
00
7
234
$161.00
$421.75
335
293
5
20
FALL.
Centre,
( S. Augusta Dole,
I Clara Wetherbee,
24
$18.00
$45.00
33
28
3
0
40
9
24
15.00
37-50
38
35
0
0
50
8
West,
( Sophia Harris,
{ Carrie E. Mayhew,
24
20.00
50.00
38
31
1
0
4
24
16.00
40.00
53
47
0
6
50
5
South
( Martha C. Harris,
( Lottie C. Faulkner,
24
19.00
47.50
47
39
2
0
40
6
24
16.00
40.00
47
37
0
4
50
12
East,
S. Augusta Davis,
24
19.00
47.50
38
32
1
3
25
1
S. East,
Nellie J. Fletcher,
3
18.00
54.00
40
36
1
0
20
6
North,
Jennie M. Harris,
2
19.00
38.00
31
25
1
3
6
224
$160.00
$399.50
366
310
9
16
WINTER.
Centre,
Luther Conant,
U
$40.00
$120.00
54
50
21
0
30
12
West,
South,
A. Crosby Fish,
21
40.00
110.00
57
55
15
0
200
7
Fred. C. Nash,
2|
40.00
110.00
52
46
25
1
East,
S.. Augusta Davis,
4
26.00
104.00
37
32
4
1
60
2
S. East,
Geo. T. Wiggin,
3
40.00
120.00
39
North,
L. V. N. Peck,
3
40.00
120.00
45
40
18
2
40
184
$226.00
$684.00
284
223
53
3
WINTER PRIMARY.
Centre,
Clara Wetherbee,
3
16.00
$48.00
41
36
0
20
5
South,
Lottie E. Faulkner,
2|
18.00
49.50
52
44
60
7
West,
Carrie E. Mayhew,
2|
18.00
49,50
49
40
80
9
84
$52.00
$147.10
142120
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
In obedience to a vote of the town, the following
report is subjoined. It will be seen that all the
details which by law are required to be collected and
recorded by the Town Clerk, have not been given.
Perhaps it would be improper to do so.
Such items as are of general interest, it is believed,
will be found embodied therein. In this connection,
the attention of those upon whom the responsibility
rests, is called to the importance of having as full and
perfect returns of all Births, Deaths, and Marriages,
that occur in town, as possible, that our records may
be reliable and complete.
Persons noticing any errors or omissions, will con-
fer a favor by giving notice thereof to the Clerk.
BIRTHS IN ACTON IN 1861.
Jan'y 7, — A son to Orra and Catherine Boncey.
" 9, Carrie Etta, daughter of Aaron C. and Harriet
Handley.
" 11, Carrie Evelyn, daughter of Edwin and Mary
Fletcher.
« id, Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eliza A.
Phillips.
" 21, Daniel, son of Dennis and Betsey Shehan.
" 31, Cora, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Bouil-
lard.
29
Feb. 16, Albert L. Brooks, son of Henry and Harriet E.
Brooks.
" 18, Charles Ellis, son of Charles and Percis P. Rob-
inson.
Albert F., son of Simon and Nancy D. Robbins.
A son to Andrew and Eliza Hapgood.
Mar. 16, Lottie Evelina, daughter of Reuben and Caro-
line M. Handley.
Harry V., son of Yarnum and Sarah L. Tuttle.
In Townsend, Geo. P., son of Yarnum B. and
D. Elizabeth Mead.
Edgar Henry, son of Enoch and Emeline Hall.
Milton Lewis, son of Thomas and Martha Tay-
lor.
Usher Jones, son of Francis and Charlotte L.
Brown.
A son to Reuben and Lydia Green.
May 4, Loretta Tuttle, daughter of John E. and Emma
E. Hosmer.
Fred Augustus, son of Augustus and Carrie A.
Hosmer.
Charles Eddy, son of George W. and Caroline
B. Bradford.
James William, son of James and Joanna Ogle.
David Thomas, son of Richard and Eliza Kins-
ley.
June 15, John, son of Daniel and Elizabeth Jane Mur-
pky-
" 17, Pierce, son of John and Eliza Powers.
July 17, Mary, daughter of Michael and Ellen Phalen.
" 25, George Leonard, son of David W. and Harriet
Hosmer.
" 26, Cordelia Elizabeth, daughter of Joel F. and
Sarah E. Haywood.
Aug. 7, Michael, son of John and Julia McCarthy.
" 13, Mary Helen, daughter of James and Margaret
Todd.
a
25,
a
26,
Mar.
16,
a
W.
a
18,
a
25,
April
2,
a
12,
a
29,
May
4,
a
5,
a
5,
a
16,
a
22,
30
Aug. 25, Frank Ellsworth, son of George M. and Char-
lotte Maria Pike.
Sept. 17, Ellen Elizabeth, daughter of Martin B. and Hen-
rietta Moore.
" 17, A son to Henry and Adeline Haynes.
" 17, Mary Spaulding, daughter of Elisha H. and
Mary E. Cutler.
Oct. 8, A son to Gilbert T. and Sarah A. Webber.
" 26, Albert, son of Thomas and Maria Russell.
Nov. 1, Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann
Dane.
" 9, Harriet Eliza, daughter of John and Laura A.
Johnston.
" 16, Rosanna, daughter of Marian and Rosa Miner.
Dec. 4, Bernard, son of Michael and Margaret Harring-
ton.
25 males, and 14 females.
Total 39.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN 1861.
Date of Marriage Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 20 — William F. Newton of Marlborough, and
Nellie A. Wheeler of Acton.
2. Feb. 13 — Elias E. Haynes and Abby E. Wright, both
of Concord.
3. Feb. 21 — Asaph Parlin, Jr., and Candace M. Pike, both
of Acton.
4. Feb. 24 — Joseph F. Carr of Acton, and Emerline M.
Pierce of Jaffrey, N. H.
5. April 7 — T. Frederick Noyes and Sarah C. Livermore,
both of Acton.
6. May 2 — William E. Stearns and Carrie E. Lothrop,
both of Acton.
7. May 8 — James Miller of Sutton, C. E., and Ann
Maria Craven of Sudbury.
31
8. May 24 — "Winthrop E. "Wood and Lydia Ann Bruce,
both of Acton.
9. June 19 — James L. Parker of Acton, and Frances Em-
eline Goding of Sudbury.
10. July 3 — Calvin Cummings and Eliza A. Brown, both
of Acton.
11. Aug. 2 — Gustavus D. Pike of Topsfield, and Sarah
Jane Tuttle of Acton.
12. Aug, 22 — George A. Faxon and Minnie C. Ingalls,both
of Boston.
13. Sept. 1 — Samuel Patch, Jr., of "Weston, and Elizabeth
Jane Noyes of Concord.
14. Oct. 11 — David W. Hapgood of Boston, and Ann M.
Stockwell of Acton.
15. Oct. 13 — Albert T. Edmonds and Sarah A. Sawyer,
both of Acton.
16. Oct. 20 — Daniel F. Tarbell of Acton, and Georgiana
Saunders of Sudbury.
17. Nov. 7 — Levi Wetherbee and Mrs. Abigail Chaffin,
both of Acton.
18. Dec. 3 — Solomon Fletcher of Groton, and Mary Sophia
Phillips of Acton.
19. Dec. 8 — Charles H. Tuttle of Boston, and Loretta
Tuttle of Acton.
DEATHS IN 1861.
Date of Death.
Jan'y 2 — Mrs. Eunice Conant, wife of Abraham Conant,
Esq., aged 67 years.
Feb'y 16 — Hattie Skinner, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah
Skinner, aged 5 years.
" 17 — Aaron, son of Charles and Ann Wheeler, aged
2 years 2 months.
« 22 — Dolly Smith, widow of Ebenezer Smith, aged 90
years.
32
March 1 — Caroline F. Wheeler, daughter of Jona and Mary
A. Wheeler, aged 20 years.
" 10 — Mrs. Betsy Brown, widow of Nath'l G. Brown,
aged 77 years. *
" 16 — Charles A. Faulkner, son of Winthrop E. and
Martha A. Faulkner, aged 18 years.
" 18 — Lucy Oliver, widow of Abijah Oliver, aged 83
years.
April 11 — Calvin F. Piper, son of Calvin W. and Dolly M.
Piper, aged 6 years.
" 23 — Captain Silas Jones, son of Aaron Jones, aged 74
years.
" 14 — Lena, daughter of Christine and Louisa Her-
mann, aged 2 years.
May 6 — Mr. Edward Wetherbee, senior, aged 79 years.
" 22 — Mr. Jedediah Tuttle, aged 76 years.
" 24 — John W. Schouler, son of William and Elizabeth
Schouler, aged 2 years.
" 30 — William A Schouler, son of William and Susan
Schouler, aged 10 years.
June 4 — Edson H., son of Henry and Louisa Barker,
aged 1 year.
" 12 — Mrs. Louisa W. Adams, wife of Nathaniel S.
Adams, aged 48 years.
" 12 — Mrs. Clarinda B. Pickens, wife of Bradford
Pickens, aged 31 years.
" 16 — Margaret Conolly, daughter of Patrick and Kate
Conolly, aged 3 years.
« 24 — Kate Conolly, daughter of Patrick and Kate
Conolly, aged 17 years 6 months.
July 23 — Ann Conolly, daughter of Patrick and Kate Con-
olly, aged 5 years.
Aug't 20 — Abraham Conant, Esq., aged 77 years 10 mos.
« 21 — Mr. Joel Wright, aged 68 years 1 month.
« 24 — Eoscoe P. Walker, son of Samuel and Harriet
Walker, aged 10 years.
33
Aug. 28 — Francis T. Robbins, son of Francis and Nancy
Bobbins, aged 9 years
Sept'r 9 — Harry V., son of Varnum and Sarah L. Tuttle,
aged 5 months.
" 12 — Mrs. Abby K. Farnum, daughter of Jonas K. and
Phebe Putney, aged 29 years.
" 13 — Mr. Emery P. Smith, aged 29 years 6 months.
" 17 — Miss Jennie M. Keith, aged 19 years 1 month.
" 19 — Sargent "W. Adams, son of Nathaniel S. and
Lucy W. Adams, aged 22 years.
" 19 — E. Lucian Bobbins, son of Silly and Joanna Rob-
bins, aged 22 years.
Oct'r 1 — Mr. Lemuel Hildreth, (a native of "Westford),
aged 80 years.
" 26 — Albert F., son of Simon and Nancy D. Robbins,
aged 8 months.
u 27 — John Hannon, son of Michael and Mary Hannon,
aged 7 years.
Nov'r 1 — Atwood Mortimer, son of Alonzo L. and Eleanor
Tuttle, aged 3 years 9 months.
« 30 — Augustus Hosmer, son of Samuel Hosmer of
Harvard, aged 28 years.
Total, - - - - - 36
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Cleric.
:4
SELECTMEN'S REPORT,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1861, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1862.
RECEIPTS. $7321 49
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid James Keyes for N. East School, $220 00
James E. Billings, for East School, 220 00
W. A. Wilde, for. S. East School, 220 00
Dr. H. Cowdrey, for Centre School, 370 85
A. Fuller, for West School, 370 85
E. F. Fuller, for South School, 370 84
f 1772 54
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid Jas. Keyes, Jr., for repairs on North
school house, $2 00
G. T. Webber, for stove pipe for the
South school house in 1860, 3 06
Do., for stove and pipe for the South
East school house, 18 74
Eben Davis, for repairs on East school
house, 2 00
A. Fuller, for repairs on West school
house, 3 15
F. Dwight, for labor and material for
South school house, in April, 1861, 5 28
Do., do., in Sept. and Dec, 9 38
$43 61
35
SCHOOL BOOKS, PRINTING, Etc.
Paid for printing report of school commit-
tee for '60, '61, $28 00
Dr. H. Cowdrey, for school books for
the year '60, 30 00
W. D. Tuttle, for printing and re-
cording by-laws, 4 00
J. Tuttle & Co., for order book, 1 87
B. Tolman, for printing town warrants, 8 50
" " selectmen's rep't, '61, 7 50
" " overseer's do., '61, 4 00
Dr. Cowdrey, for examining teachers,
superintending schools, and writing
report for '60, '61,
D. Wetherbee, for tax book,
W. D. Tuttle, express and postage on
books,
B. Tolman, printing notices,
" <{ warrant for town
meeting,
60 00
4 00
L
2 91
1 25
L
1 50
$153 53
REPAIRS ON TOWN BUILDINGS, Etc.
Paid J. M. Wright, 4 1-2 days' labor re-
pairing buildings on town farm, $6 75
Windows and lumber for same, 1 80
J. M. Wright, new hearse house, 125 00
Windows and blinds for same, 6 00
T. G. F. Jones, painting flag-staff and
railing around the monument, 6 08
A. & O. W. Mead, 7 M. shingles for
the town farm buildings, 21 00
Geo. H. Harris, oiling railing in town hall, 25
$166 88
36
ABATEMENT AND DISCOUNT ON TAXES.
Paid W. E. Conant, abatement on taxes/60, $18 90
" " discount on taxes, 248 14
$267 04
ROADS AND ^BRIDGES.
Paid J. W. Livermore, breaking roads, '61, $3 00
Nathan Brooks, 52 hours, " "
Daniel Fletcher, 342 " « «
Samuel Hosmer, 59 " « «
L. W. Piper, 61 «
A. L. Tuttle, 198 «
Moses Hayward, 135 " " "
Geo. C. Wright, 264 " « "
A. A. Tuttle, 108 "
J. W. Teel, 157 « «
Charles Wheeler, 44 « « "
E. C. Parker, 32 hours' breaking roads,
Henry Brooks, 106 "
Chas. Tuttle, 201 «
Thomas Taylor, 18 «
W. H. Reed, 10 «
A. S. Fletcher, "
J. W. Wheeler, 22 "
Francis Kinsley, sluice in road near
D. Wetherbee's, '56,
Francis Kinsley, interest on same,
" " building road in S.
Acton, 111 00
Henry Haynes, repairs on roads, 1859,
'60, 3 50
Martin Pike, repairs on road near
Robbins' mill, 14 75
D. Harris, repairs and railing bridge
near do., 8 00
Amount carried forward, $375 03
6 50
42 75
7 37
7 62
24 75
16 86
33 00
13 50
19 62
5 50
4 00
13 25
25 12
2 25
1 25
80
2 75
6 00
1 89
37
Amount brought forward, $375 03
H. Brooks, repairs on road near J.
Whitney's, 8 00
Carles Tuttle, repairs on road near
town farm, 12 12
Daniel Fletcher, stone and work on
bridge near the powder mill, 73 82
Do., repairs on bridge near Dwight's
factory, 2 00
G. W. Gates, lumber for powder mill
bridge, 29 39
Cyrus Fletcher, lumber and work on
do., 52 41
Geo. L. Prescott, lumber, do., 21 21
1858, 1 89
A. A. Tuttle, repairs on road near E.
C. Brown's, 7 62
E. Davis, railing bridge near L. Davis', 5 00
" repairs on bridge near A.
Chaffin's, 5 00
M. Hannon, grading S. Acton and
Assabet road, 61 00
George Conant, gravel for same, 18 00
Town of "Westford, running line and
setting stone post between West-
ford and Acton, 63
Do., between Carlisle and Acton, 2 40
Setting stone posts between Littleton
and Acton, 1 28
A. S. Fletcher, stone posts for new r'd, 1 60
" " « " town line, 3 00
railing on Dwight bridge, 75
$682 15
(( • u
38
APPROPRIATION FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
Paid W. E. Faulkner, for Acton Davis
Guards, $203 70
W. E. Faulkner, for families of do., 220 15
A. Fuller, reception of do., 334 15
Z. Taylor, for soldier's families, 1039 86
Horace Tuttle,for carrying 23 soldiers
to Lowell on the 16th April, '61, 11 50
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Daniel Tuttle, for support of poor,
'60, '61, $171 00
W. F. Conant, balance as per over-
seers' report, '61, 39 37
TOWN OFFICERS.
$210 37
PaidD.W. Tuttle, services as town clerk, $15 00
" " collecting and record'g
41 births, 8 20
" " recording 42 deaths, 6 20
" " " 19 marrriages, 1 90
" " issuing 4 dog licenses, 40
Zoheth Taylor, services as selectman, 20 00
" " running lines and es-
tablishing bounds between West-
ford, Carlisle, Littleton, Boxboro',
Concord, Acton, 7 00
Zoheth Taylor, receiving and paying
out aid to soldiers' families, 10 00
Alden Fuller, services as selectman, 17 00
Jonas K. Putney, do., do., 15 00
" " running and estab-
Amount carried forward, $100 70
39
Amount brought forward, $100 70
lishing town lines between West-
ford, Carlisle, Littleton, 3 00
Dan'l Wetherbee, services as assessor,
4 days,
James Tuttle, do., do., 7 days,
W. D. Tuttle, do., do., 7 1-2 days,
" " copying taxes,
" " assessor's returns,
W. F. Conant, collector,
u " constable,
6 00
10 50
1125
2 00
1 50
75 00
4 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
6 30
5 85
6 00
1 17
42
$213 95
Paid Eben. Conant, interest on note, $106 83
~W. F. Conant, journey to pay interest, 1 00
George W. Sawyer, tolling bell for 17
deaths in '60, '61, 3 40
Geo. W. Sawyer, tolling bell for 10
deaths in '61, '62, 2 00
Eri Huggins, do., 9 do., '60, '61, 1 80
A. T. Edmonds, do.. 6 do., '61, '62, 1 20
J. E. Harris, do., 16 do., '61, '62, 3 20
P. Tenny, for insuring town house, 38 50
W. D. Tuttle, running line between
Acton and Boxboro', 2 00
Do., surveying and making sketch of
burying ground, 5 00
Sawyer & Edmonds, 10 1-2 gallons
fluid for town hall,
Do., opening town hall 13 times,
Do., teachers' institute,
Do., opening town hall 7 times,
Do., broom,
Amount carried forward, $184 67
40
Amount brought forward, $184 67
Horace Tuttle, opening town hall,
teaming safe, ringing bell, etc., 6 00
C. Twitchell, repairs on hearse, 2 85
Daniel Tuttle, digging graves and at-
tending funerals for 27 persons, 43 74
Do., returning 28 deaths, 2 80
Edwin Sawyer, hearse runners, 30 00
" " fitting same to body, 1 00
$271 06
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, Feb. 26, 1862.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the treasury Feb. 26, 1861,
State Military Bounty, 1860,
State, for armory rent, 1860,
State tax, 1861,
County tax, 1861,
Town grant, 1861,
Highway deficiencies,
Overlay on taxes,
State School Fund,
Use of town hall,
Dog tax,
Town of Boxboro',
Grass on town common,
$7321 49
$1259 25
367 00
50 00
303 00
880 24
4200 00
10 57
164 57
72 54
6 32
4 00
2 50
150
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for support of schools,
repairs on school houses,
school books and printing,
repairs on town buildings, etc.,
Amount carried forward,
1772 54
43 61
153 53
166 88
$2136 56
41
Amount brought forward, $2136 56
abatement and discount on taxes, 267 04
roads and bridges, 682 15
appropriations for soldiers and aid
of soldiers' families,
1809 36
support of poor, '60, '61,
210 37
town officers,
213 95
miscellaneous expenses,
271 06
State Tax,
303 00
County Tax,
880 24
$6773 73
in the treasury Feb. 26, 1862,
$547 76
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN,
Fef, 26, 1862. Dr.
To balance, as per report, Feb. 26, '62, $547 76
Amount due from the State for aid fur-
nished families of soldiers, under Act
Chap. 222 of 1861, and payable about
July, '62, 1194 21
Am't due from State for armory rent, '61, 50 00
$1791 97
Cr.
Amount due Eben Conant, on note, $1000 00
Interest on the note, 40 00
$1040 00
Balance in favor of the town, Feb. 26, 1862, $751 97
Without including the balance due as per overseer's report
for 1862.
ZOHETH TAYLOR, ) Selectmen
ALDEN FULLER, i of
JONAS K. PUTNEY, ) Acton.
ANNUAL
EEPORT OF THE SELECTMEN
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FEOM FEB. 26, 1862, TO FEB. 26, 1863:
A3iT> THB
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
ALSO, THB
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK,
A>1> THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE YEAR 1862-3,
CONCORD:
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN ,
1863.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received, $21,264 34
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid.
George C. Wright, for West School, $336 93
Emerson F. Fuller, for South School, 336 93
Jonas Blodgett, for Centre School, 336 93
Daniel F. Tarbell, for South East School, 200 33
James Keyes, for North School, 200 33
James E. Billings, for East School, 200 33
Town of Littleton, for tuition, 5 50
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid.
For repairs
on the North School House,
$8 83
«< <(
11 Centre School House,
30 91
(< <(
11 West School House,
22 25
«< <<
" South School House,
30 40
<< it
South East School House,
7 21
$1,617 28
$99 60
SCHOOL BOOKS, PRINTING, &c.
Paid.
For Printing Reports of Selectmen, Town Clerk,
and School Committee, $42 00
For Printing Reports of Selectmen and Over-
seers of Poor,
For Printing Town Warrants,
" " Notices of war meetings, &c,
Voting List,
William D. Tuttle, for Tax Book,
James Tuttle & Co., for Order Book,
Dr. Harris Cowdrey, for examining teachers,
superintending schools, and writing report
for 1861-2,
Express, postage, &c,
11 50
10 50
8 50
5 00
2 17
3 50
60 00
6 23
$149 40
ABATEMENT AND DISCOUNT ON TAXES.
Paid.
W. F. Conant, abatement on Taxes, $44 55
J. E. Cutter, discount on Taxes, 296 57
$341 12
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid.
Daniel Fletcher, for repairs on Powder Mill
Bridge, $53 00
Nathan L. Pratt, for stone and teaming for
Powder Mill Bridge,
Elisha H. Cutler, for repairing sluice,
" land damage for new road,
Simon Hosmer,
Barker & Noyes, "
Elisha H. Cutler, for breaking roads 21 hours,
James W. Wheeler, do., 8 hours,
Joseph Estabrook, do., 54 hours,
Martin Pike, do., 38 hours,
Luther Conant, Jr., do., 73 hours,
Albert A. Tuttle, do., 28 1-2 hours,
A. L. Tuttle, do., Ill hours,
Henry Brooks, do., 38 hours,
James E. Billings, do., 16 hours,
Winthrop F. Conant, for building 95 rods wall,
at $1,20 per rod,
Do., for stone for railing,
12 87
2 00
75 00
105 00
10 00
2 62
1 00
6 75
4 75
9 12
3 56
13 87
4 75
2 00
114 00
3 50
$423 79
5
APPROPRIATION FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
Paid.
For State aid to families, $2,576 25
Bounties to 23 three years' volunteers, 2,875 00
Bounties to 38 nine months' volunteers, 3,800 00
$9,251 25
APPROPRIATION FOR TOWN BUILDINGS.
Paid the Town Hall Building Committee, $1,500 00
»
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
Winthrop F. Conant, support of Widow Lewis
Chaffin, for 1861,
$10 75
" clothing for Geo. Bullard,
for 1861,
8 20
for Philips family for 1861,
22 21
for Alfred Brown, for 1861
, 4 00
for Mary A. Law, for 1861
., 1 75
" for aid granted foreigners
for 1861,
2 00
for Noah A. Gray,
1 81
Jas. E. Billings, for Elmira Johnson, for 1861,
7 14
" for Sarah Childs and Adaline
Bobbins, for 1861,
12 00
for John Whitney, for 1862,
4 53
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for Alfred Brown, for
1862,
3 00
for Mary N. Smith, for
1861-2,
41 81
" for Charles Puffer for
1862,
61 81
0. J. Davis, for services on Town Farm,
95 97
" for wardrobe,
6 00
J. K. Putney, for 2 cows for Town Farm,
62 00
J. Tuttle, & Co., merchandise for Town Farm,
179 63
Daniel Jones, for merchandise for Town Farm,
19 67
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid.
William D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk, $15 00
• " col. and recording 43 births, 8 60
$544 28
William D. Tuttle, recording 33 deaths,
" recording 17 marriages,
James E. Billings, services as Selectman,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, do.,
Jonas K. Putney, do.,
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Assessor, 9 1-2 days,
James W. Wheeler, do., 7 1-2 days,
Eben Davis, do.,
Wm. D. Tuttle, making Assessors' returns,
Winthrop F. Conant, collecting Taxes,
" services as Overseer of Poor
Daniel Tuttle, do.,
' ' journey to C ambridge and Harvard,
Simon Hosmer, do.,
For making report of Overseers for 1861,
$5 30
1 70
35 00
25 00
8 00
14 25
10 75
9 00
1 00
75 00
•, 4 00
a5 00
, 4 50
5 00
5 00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
Eben Conant, Interest on Note,
Concord Bank, Note and Interest,
Prescott Bank, Note and Interest,
Albert T. Edmonds, for opening Town Hall,
11 times,
" for opening Vestry 3 times,
" for sawing and splitting
9 feet wood,
Henry Hartwell, opening Town Hall 12 times,
11 6 gallons fluid,
" tolling bell for 10 deaths,
A. T. Edmonds, tolling bell for 5 deaths,
James Harris, for wood for Town Hall,
John Grimes, for wood for Town Hall,
H. J. Hapgood, tolling bell for 5 deaths,
J. Blodgett, for stakes for lotting out burying
ground,
Thomas Moore, for 21 1-2 days' work on burying
ground,
T. G. F. Jones, for damage caused by dog,
Isaiah B. Perkins, damage caused by dog,
George M. Brooks, for advice respecting Dog
Law, &c, 7 00
Joseph Haynes, for damage, caused by snow on
highway, 8 00
$60 00
2,915 95
507 75
3 40
, 1 50
1 60
3 40
5 04
2 00
1 00
2 15
2 31
1 00
2 00
26 87
37 03
20. 57
$242 10
Charles D. Francis, for damage caused from
upsetting carriage by the causway near the
Powder Mills,
Winthrop F. Conant, for summoning 37 persons
to take oath of office,
Zoheth Taylor, for expense in the Robert Chaf-
fin dog case,
John Tenney, for digging graves and attending
funerals with hearse.
George E. Johnson, for repairs on hearse,
Elbridge Robbins, for land for burying ground
and interest,
Recruiting expenses,
Francis Dwight, expenses on hearse,
" digging graves and attending
funerals for 28 persons,
Francis Dwight, for returning 32 deaths,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for 2 ballot boxes,
Wm. D. Tuttle, notifying Highway Surveyors
to pass over books to their successors,
$188 25
4 50
17 00
9 90
6 50
305 34
'46 32
75
45 36
3 20
1 50
s
50
?4
f-C
$4,237 69
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, FEB. 26, 1863.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1862, $547 77
State Tax, 1862, 1,818 00
County Tax, 1862, 747 03
Town Grant, 1862, 2,000 00
Town Grant for Schools, 1,500 00
State School Fund, 79 78
Highway Deficiencies, 16 21
Overlay on Taxes, 148 62
Dog Tax, 53 10
For use of Town Hall, 3 90
For Monument Books, 1 80
For old Hearse House, 4 00
City of Boston, for Paupers, 50 62
Grass on Town Common, 1 62
Town of Sudbury, for Tuition, 15 00
Town of Concord, 22 50
Town of Sudbury, for support of'Chas. Puffer, 61 81
Insurance of Town Hall, 1,500 00
From Town Farm,
$32 19
From State, for Armory rent, 1861,
50 00
State aid to Jan. 1, 1862,
731 05
Borrowed money,
11,879 34
<t01 OC/| o\
' spi£±,.£U'± OHt
EXPENDITURES
For Support of Schools,
$1,617 28
Repairs on School Houses,
99 60
School Books, Printing, &c,
149 40
Abatement and Discount on Taxes,
341 12
Roads and Bridges,
423 79
Appropriations for soldiers and Aid for
soldiers' families,
9,251 25
Appropriations for Town Buildings,
1,500 00
Support of Poor,
544 28
Town Officers,
242 10
Miscellaneous expenses,
4,237 69
State Tax,
1,818 00
County Tax,
747. 03
<tOA f)71 P.A
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1863,
$292 80
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN, FEB. 26, 1863.
Dr.
To balance, as per report, Feb. 26, 1863, $292 80
Amount due from the State for aid furnished
families of soldiers, 2,952 35
Amount due from State, Armory rent, 1862, 50 00
$3,295 15
Cr.
Amount due on Notes, $9,479 34
Interest on Notes, 286 25
$9,765 59
Balance against the Town Feb. 26, 1863, $6,470 44
without including the balance due as per Overseers' report for 1863.
JAMES E. BILLINGS, )
JONAS K. PUTNE7, [ Selectmen of Acton.
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, )
REPORT
OF THE
I
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE, IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL 1, 1863.
Articles on Hand, April 1st, 1863.
1 pair oxen, $125; 1 horse, 70,00 ; 10 cows, 275,00,
3 shotes, 35,00 j 20 fowls, 7,50 ; 7 tons hay, 105,00,
35 bushels corn, 35,00; 75 bushels potatoes; 33,75,
10 bush, oats, 7,00; 6 bush, barley, 6,00; 2 bush, beans 5,00,
1 bush, peas, 1,50 ; 75 lbs. beef, 5,25 ; 375 lbs. pork, 37,50,
110 lbs. ham, 11,00; 72 lbs. lard, 8,64; 40 lbs. candles, 6,00,
61 lbs. dried apples, 3,66; 5 bbls. apples, 5.00,
1 bbl. soap, 4,00; 1 bbl. vinegar, 4,00; soap grease, 1,25,
6 lbs. tallow, .60 ; 69 M skewers, 24,15 ; 10 bush, ashes, 1/25
Wood for skewers,
$470 00
147 50
68 75
18 00
, 44 25
25 64
8 66
9 25
, 26 00
4 00
$822 05
RECEIPTS.
For oxen, $236,68 ; cows, $30,00 ; calves, 33,68,
Apples, 162,09; peaches, 11,50; potatoes, 36,93,
Poultry, 18,89; hay, 42,42; straw, 6,08; grapes, .50,
Eggs, 8,74; oats, 11,50; corn, .68; old iron, 1,58,
1 shote, 4.00 ; hide, 4,41 ; use of oxen, .40,
Skewers, 59,62; milk, 257,91,
Amount of articles on hand,
$300
36
210
52
67
89
22
50
8
81
317
53
$927
61
822
05
$1,749 66
10
EXPENDITURES.
Meat, $61,75; butter, 48,41; molasses, 21,25, $131 41
Farming tools, 23,87 ; flour, 37,05; cheese, 16,03, 76 95
Sugar, 9,96; tea, 4,88; coffee, 7,88; fish, 8,28, 31 00
Fluid, 2,68; kerosene oil, .38; tobacco, 7,03, 10 09
Bread, 3,22; blacksmith's bill, 17,60; barrels, 18,37, 39 19
Expense of going to market, 23,£1 ; earthenware, 6,49, 30 10
Peas, .57; beans, 2,74; brooms, .75; nails, 1,03, 5 09
Sour milk, 2,26; cloth and clothing, 54,84, 57 10
Rope, 1,40; grass seed, 2,56; garden seeds, 1,17, 5 13
Salt, 4,29; apples, 4,00; raisins, .56; lime, 1,00, 9 85
Whitewash brush, .83; trees, 2,40; use of bull, 2,25, 5 48
Matches, .40; cash to paupers, 1,27; spirits, 1,04, 2 71
Spices, 2,03; stove polish, .8; solder, .17; yeast, .50, 2 78
Essences, 34; oil, 1,13; potash, 2,92; chalk, .12, 4 51
Washboard and bucket, .50 ; weighing oxen, .12, 62
Scraps and powder, 1,23; ox work, 2,00; ox balls, .12, 3 35
Rice, .44; coffee mill, .50; wheel grease, .30, 1 24
Saleratus, .34; pills, .25; camphor, .38; soap, 2,47, 3 44
Mustard, .16; glass and putty, .46; sulphur, .40, 1 02
Starch, .20; lemons, .17; cream tartar, .53, 90
Vinegar and barrel, 2,60; clothes-pins, .16, 2 76
Harness, 25,00; doctor's bill, 2,91, 27 91
Pasturing cattle, 20,00 ; oxen, 216,00, 236 00
Heifers, 30,00; shotes, 14,71 ; tar, .30; stone posts, 3,00, 48 01
Lumber, 3,34; wood for skewers, 6,75; eggs, .16, 10 25
Pump, 10,00 ; mending shoes, 4,32, 14 32
Rye meal, 7,20 ; corn meal, 9.31, 16 51
Shorts and oil meal, 13,44; plaster, .91, 14 35
Newspaper, 2,00 ; use of wagon, 7,33, 9 33
Services of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Wetherbee, 225 00
James E. Billings, services, 5 00
Jonas K. Putney, " 5 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, services, 5 00
$1,041 40
Amount of Inventory, April 1st, 1862, $805 17
Interest on Farm, 239 40
$1,044 57
$2,085 97
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of Expenditures, , $1,04140
Amount of Receipts, 927 61
Cash from town treasury to balance account, 113 79
$1,041 40
11
•Total amount of Expenditures,
Amount of inventory, April 1st, 1862,
Interest on Farm,
Total amount of Receipts,
Amount of Inventory, April 1st, 1863,
$1,041 40
805 17
239 40
$2,085 97
$927 61
822 05
$1,749 66
$336 31
7 00
$329 31
15 00
Cr. — By work on the road,
Expense of victualing foreigners,
Total amount of supporting Poor in Almshouse, $314 31
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported in
the Almshouse, 6 ; average, 6 ; present number, 6 ; cost per week,
$1,01.
James E. Billings, ) Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, >■ of
J. K. W. Wetherbee, ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1863.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS IN ACTON, IN 1862.
No. Date of Birth. Names.
1. Jan. 17, Martha Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Aaron M. and Au-
gusta C. Jones.
2. Jan. 24, Lyman Edwards Conant, son of Luther, Jr. and Celeste
J. Conant.
3. Feb. 5, James Francis Parker, son of James L. and Francis Em-
eline Parker.
4. " 7, Nettie Cora Fuller, daughter of Emerson F. and Sarah W.
Fuller.
5. " 7, Mary Magovern, daughter of John and Winnie Magovern.
6. " 7, Eugene B. Jones, son of James W. and Amanda M.
Jones.
7. "13, Edith Maud Farrar, daughter of Henry and Lydia An-
geline Farrar.
8. Mar. 8, John Haggerty, son of William and Mary Haggerty.
9. " 29, Daniel Moore, son of Thomas and Ellen Moore.
10. " 29, Rufus Augustus Tenney, son of Rufus A. and Mary A.
Tenney.
11. Apr. 4, Abbie Etta Estabrook, daughter of Joseph and Nancy
Estabrook.
12. " 5, Carrie Josephine Jones, daughter of T. G. F. and Louisa
0. Jones.
13. " 5, (In Bedford,) Elmer Ellsworth Jackson, son of Loring
M. and Hattie S. Jackson.
14. " 8, Mary Conway, daughter of John and Julia Conway.
15. " 14, Flora Bigelow Stearns, daughter of Horatio H. and
Betsey A. Stearns.
16. May 7, Ann Connolly, daughter of Patrick and Kate Connolly.
17. " 7, Harry Howard Haynes, son of Abel Gr. and Martha A.
Haynes.
18. " 13, Hattie Sophia Wetherbee, daughter of Hiram W. and
Sophia B. Wetherbee.
19. " 19, Dora E. Curtis, daughter of Nehemiah and Martha C.
Curtis.
20. June 5, Alma Wilson Forbusb, daughter of Luther R. and
Louisa M. Forbusb.
21. " 7, Michael and Mary Hayes, twin children of Michael and
22. " Bridget Hayes.
13
23. June 11, Hattie Mabel Johnson, daughter of Geo. E. and Mary
Louesa Johnson.
24. " 21, Alma V. Knight, daughter of George W. and Frances
Ann Knight.
25. " 28, Herbert Franklin Robbins^ son of Simon and Nancy D.
Robbins.
26. July 1, Mary Ellen Griffin, daughter of Morris and Catherine
Griffin.
27. " 7, A son to Francis, 2d, and Sarah E. Tuttle.
28. " 10, Daniel Lyman Veasey, son of Daniel L. and Sarah Vea-
sey.
29. " 26, John Ogle, son of James D. and Joanna Ogle.
30. " 29, Walter Eugene Frost, son of George H. and Susan M.
Frost.
31. Aug. 7, Julian Shaw Eayrs, son of Julian W. and M. Maria
Eayrs.
32. Oct. 5, George William Tuttle, son of William D. and Elizabeth
B. Tuttle.
33. " 6, Jerry Henry McCarthy, son of Dauiel and Mary McCar-
thy.
34. " 17, Abner Crosby Hoar, son of John S. and Lydia P. Hoar.
35. " 29, Alphonso Adalbert Wyman, son of Oliver C. and Caro-
line M. Wyman.
36. " 29, A son to Elbridge and Mary E. Robbins.
37. Nov. 4, Josephine Puffer, daughter of Henry and Julia Ann Puf-
fer.
38. " 7, Bertha Sophie Tuttle, daughter of Varnum and Sarah L.
Tuttle.
39. " 13, Arthur William Tayloij son of Moses and Mary E. Tay-
l lor.
40. " 14, Frank Ellsworth Wetherbee, son of Daniel and Clarissa
Wetherbee.
41. " 22, John Francis Coughlin, son of John and Margaret
Coughlin.
42. Dec. 15, Abbie Powers, daughter of John and Eliza Powers.
43. " 21, Ella Elizabeth Tuttle, daughter of Alonzo L. and Ellen
Tuttle.
Males, 23 ; Females, 20.
MARRIAGES RECORDED, IN 1862
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Nathaniel E. Cutler, of Acton, and Sarah A. Cheney,
of Georgetown.
2. Feb. 13, Elbridge J. Robbins and Ellen Maria Ames, both
of Acton.
14
3. Feb. 26, Robert H. Logan, of Concord, and Augusta 0. Conanf ,
of Acton.
4. Mar. 1, Michael Flynn and Catherine Coughlin, both of Acton.
5. Apr. 26, John C. Keyes, of Cambridge, and Maria Adeline
Flagg, of Acton.
6. May 1, Hiram B. Livermore and Laura E. Prouty, both of
Acton.
7. July 4, Nathan Frazier Hapgood, of Acton, and Mary McCollum,
of Westford.
8. Aug. 28, George B. Parker and Fanny Wheeler, both of Acton.
9. Aug. 28, William Chaplin, Jr., and Sarah F. Simpson, both
of Acton.
10. Sept. 13, Josiah B. Holder and Sarah A. Sbattuck, both of Acton.
11. Oct. 13, Daniel Mahoney and Mary McMahar, both of Acton.
12. Nov. 25, Bradford Pickens and Louisa Angenett Noyes, both
of Acton.
13. Nov. 27, Horace W. French, of Abington, and Sarah Augusta
Dole, of Acton.
14. Nov. 27, Isaac Marion Shurtleff, of Middleborough, and Sarah
Elmira Atwood, of Acton.
15. Dec. 25, Isaac W. Brown and Harriet Augusta Haynes, both
of Acton.
16. Dec. 25, A. T. Haynes and Sophia Taylor Tuttle, both of Acton.
17. Dec. 31, Luke Tuttle and S. Sophia Harris, both of Acton.
In addition to the above, the following parties have obtained Certifi-
cates of Marriage, and it is presumed have made proper use of the
same, but the certificates not having been returned by the officiating
clergymen, no record of them has been made by the Clerk : —
Lewis E. Fletcher, of Acton, and Abbie J. Herrick, of Stow ;
Thomas N. Chase, of Hanover, N. H., and Mary Maria Tuttle, of Ac-
ton ; Augustus Newton, of Acton, and Lucy Ann Puffer, of Stow.
DEATHS IN ACTON, IN 1862.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age.
1. Jan. 30, Charles H. Handley, aged 19 yrs.
2. Feb. 1, Sarah A. Phillips, widow of William Phillips, aged
48 yrs. 8 mos.
3. Apl. 6, James D. Ogle, aged 27 yrs.
4. Apl. 9, Mary Conway, daughter of John and Julia Conway,
1 day.
15
5. Apl. 14, Frank Wetherbee, son of Daniel and Clarissa Wether-
bee, aged 7 yrs. 8 mos.
6. Apl. 15, Daniel Atwood, aged 61 yrs. 7 mos.
7. May 14, Rufus A. Tenney, aged 33 yrs. 10 mos.
8. May 20, Thomas D. Mallain, son of Daniel and Joanna Mallain,
aged 5 yrs. 3 mos.
9. June 8, Bridget Hayes, wife of Michael Hayes, aged 31 yrs.
10. June 20, John E. Riley, son of Michael and Hannah Riley, aged
1 yr. 6 mos.
11. June 20, Mary Hosmer, wife of Samuel Hosmer, aged 45 yrs.
5 mos.
12. July 6, Cyrus Wheeler, aged 59 yrs. 5 mos.
13. July 11, Infant child of Francis Tuttle, 2d, aged 4 days.
14. July 22, Abigail Wetherbee, wife of Levi Wetherbee, aged 66
yrs. 10 mos.
15. Aug. 8, Herbert A. Frost, son of George H. and Susan M.
Frost, aged 2 yrs. 6 mos.
16. Aug. 20, Lucy Jane Shattuck, wife of William R. Shattuck,
aged 33 yrs.
17. Sept. 7, Alma V. Knight, daughter of Geo. W. and Frances
Ann Knight, aged 2 mos. 17 days.
18. Sept. 15, William E. Giles, son of Israel H. and Lucy Giles,
aged 19 yrs. 5 mos.
19. Oct. 4, Carrie A. Frederick, daughter of William A. and
Margaret Frederick, aged 9 mos. 13 days.
20. Oct. 14, David Sweat*, aged 58 yrs. 11 mos.
21. Oct. 19, Mary Marshall, aged 74 yrs. 7 mos, a native of
Tewksbury.
22. Oct. 24, Joel Oliver, aged 84 yrs.
23. Oct. 31, Charles E. Robinson, son of Charles and Percis V.
Robinson, aged 1 yr. 8 mos.
24. Nov. 25, Elisha Comstock, aged 72 yrs. 7 mos.
25. Nov. 14, Sally Bright (widow), aged 74 yrs.
26. Dec. 25, Michael Quinn, aged 55 yrs.
Soldiers in the United States Service.
27. July 5, Warren R. Wheeler, son of William Wheeler, aged 21
yrs. Died at Fort St. Phillip, near New Orleans.
28. July 7, Frank Handley, son of Abraham B. and Susan E.
Handley, aged 20 yrs. 11 mos. Died at Fort St.
Phillip, near New Orleans.
29. Sept. 1, James M. Wright, son of Abraham and Maria Wright,
aged 35 yrs. Died in Hospital at Philadelphia.
30. Nov. 16, James R. Lentil], son of William and Mary Lentill,
aged 18 yrs. Died at New Orleans.
MILITARY RECORD.
While the present condition of our country, engaged as it is, in a
bloody, civil war, to sustain the authority of the government and to pre-
serve our national existence, must be deeply deplored by every one —
paralyzing as it does our industrial interests, swallowing up the accumu-
lated wealth of years, burdening the nation with debt and the people
with taxes, and calling for the sacrifice of so many of our brothers and
sons — still, when the terrible necessity comes, as come it sometimes
will to every nation, it is a source of patriotic pride to know that we
have so many among us, who are willing to leave their homes and fire,
sides to encounter the dangers of the battle-field, and the more deadly
malaria of a Southern climate, that the honor and integrity of the nation
might be sustained, and those free institutions which were handed down
to us by our fathers preserved, and transmitted unimpaired — a priceless
heritage — to future generations.
And while we gladly look forward to the time when we shall again
united and prosperous people, when this gigantic and atrocious con-
spiracy to compass the destruction of a government, fraught with the
best interests of mankind, shall have been suppressed, and the condi-
tions of a true and lasting peace fully secured, we would honor the
names of those who, in the darker hours of our country's history, stood
up manfully in its defence. And we have thought it well that the
names of the men of Acton, who have gone forth in their country's ser-
vice since the beginning of the Rebellion, should find a place here — a
Roll of Honor — of which Acton may well be proud.
Whole quota of Acton, 126 ; credited to Acton, 126 ; entered the
service from Acton, 129.
LIST OF OFFICERS AND PRIVATES, COMPANY E, 6th REGI-
MENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS.
Wm. H. Chapman, 1st Lieut.
George W. Rand, Id Lieut.,
Silas P. Blodgett, 3d Lieut.,
A. S. Fletcher, 4th Lieut.,
(Left April 16th; returned August 3d, 1861.)
THREE MONTHS' VOLUNTEERS.
Daniel Tuttle, Captain.
Luke Smith, 1st Sergeant,
Geo. W. Knight, 2c? Sergeant,
Henry W. Wilder, 3c? Sergeant,
G. W. Wilder, 4th Sergeant.
17
THREE MONTHS VOLUNTEERS
Cbarles Jones, 1st Corporal,
John F. Blood, Jr., 2d Corporal,
Luke J. Robbins, 3d Corporal,
Levi Robbins, \ih Corporal.
(Continued.)
Musicians :
George Fay Campbell,
George Russee.
George F. Blood, *
John A. Brown, *
Henry L. Bray, —
Charles A. Brooks, *
Edward D, Battles, *
James L. Durant,
Aaron J. Fletcher, *
Abel Farrar, Jr., —
Henry Gilson,
Nathan Goss, *
William H. Gray, *
Gilman S. Hosmer, *
William S. Handley, *
Charles Handley (deceased)
George Jones, —
Waldo Littlefield,
Henry W. Lazell, *
James Moulton, *
PRIVATES.
Charles Mcrce, *
John Putnam, *
Yarnum F. Robbies, —
William Reed, —
William B. Reed, *
John H. P. White, *
Charles W. Reed,
George A. Reed,
Luke J. Robbins, *
Eph. A. Smith, *
Andrew J. Sawyer, —
Edwin Tarbell, *
John Whitney,
William F. B. Whitney,
Eben F. Wood,
Samuel Wilson,
Hiram Wheeler,
John Wayne. *
Charles Moulton, *
The above is a complete list, we believe, of Captain Tuttle's com-
pany ; three of whom went from Stow, three from Littleton, two from
Boxborough, one from Quincy, and one belonged to Baltimore.
Those marked with a star, have re-enlisted for three years ; those
with a dash, for nine months.
LIST OF OFFICERS AND PRIVATES, COMPANY E, 26th REGI-
MENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS.
WHO WEST FROM ACTO>" WITHOUT BOtTVTY FROM TOTV>\
(Went into Camp September 15th, 1861: left for Ship Island November 19th, 1861.)
THREE YEARS MEN
William H. Chapman, Captain,
William F. Wood, 1st Lieut., .
Silas P. Blodgett, 2d Lieut.
Musicians :
Augustus W. Hosmer,
Silas M. Stetson.
18
three years' men. — (Continued.)
PRIVATES.
Brooks Charles A.,
Blood John F., Jr., 3
Burroughs Samuel R.,
* Brown John A.,
Cram George B.,
Cram John B.,
Fletcher Aaron J.,
Fiske James W.,
Goss Nathan,
Handley William S.,
Handley Abram,
Handley Frank,
* Handley George,
Haynes Elias E.,
Hall Delet H.,
Hosmer Gilman S.,
Kinsley Frank,
Loker Jona W.,
Loker William H.,
Lentill James R.,
Lazell Henry W.,
Moulton James,
Morse Charles,
Moore Patrick,
Putnam John,
Powers Michael,
Bobbins Luke J.,
Smith Luke,
Sheehan Timothy,
Sawyer George W.,
Sheehan Dennis,
* Smith Eph. A.,
Taylor Daniel G.,
Tarbell Edwin,
Teel Warren L.,
Wood James H.,
Whitney William F. B.,
Wheeler Warren R.,
Wheeler Everett,
Wheeler Addison,
Wheeler Lincoln E.,
White John H. P.,
Wayne John.
Hospital Steward:
Wm. H. Gray (discharged),
Those marked thus [*] were not credited to this town by the State Authorities.
Three Years' Men, in different Kegiments, enlisting without a bounty
from this town.
Daniel R. Briggs, Co. B, 1st Cav.,
George M. Pike, Co. B, 1st Cav.,
*Wm. E. Pike, Co. B, 1st Cav.,
A. E. Conant, Co. F, 30th Regt.,
G. A. Jones, Co. I, 38th Regt,
J. Keenan, Mozart Regt., N.Y.,
E. A. Jones, band of 16th Regt.,
J. Rollins, Co. D, 12th Regt.,
J. M. Wright, Co.B, 1st Bat. Inf.,
C. A. Hanscom, " "
John Meaher, Co. I, 26th Regt.,
Chas. Moulton, Co. I, 38th Regt.,
M. Johnson, Co. F, 13th Regt.,
Eri Huggins, Co. A, 26th Regt.,
J. A. Huggins, Co. A, "
Eri Huggins, Jr., 2d Wis. Regt.,
W. B. Gray, Co. E, 24th Regt.,
G. H. Simpson, Co. B, 13th Regt.,
R. C. Conant, Co. G, 32d Regt,
J. A. Mead, Co. K, 39th Regt,
G. F. Blood, Co. D, 2d Regt,
Daniel Gray, 13th Regt.,
Daniel Lovering, 13th Regt.,
*G. I.Chapman, Co.D,llth Regt.,
Wellington Chickering, in Navy,
Robert J. Tufts, in Navy.
Not credited to Acton.
19
THREE YEARS MEN.
VOLUNTEERS "WHO RECEIVED THE TOW>* BOUNTY.
J). L. Yeasey, Co. A, 1st Regt.,
* E. S. Sears,
*G. W. Parks,
H. W. Wetherbee, Co. E, 26th
Regt,
W. B. Reed, Co. E, 26th Regt.,
J. W. Fitzpatrick, "
Marivan Miner, " "
John A. Howard, " "
Benj. Skinner, " "
L. M. Jackson, " "
Edwin B. Taft, "
M. McKinney, Co. E, 26th Regt.,
Henry Brown, " "
* E. L. Battles, "
*E. J. Brown, "
Henry H. Pike, 1st Cavalry,
H. M. Lovejoy, Co. B, 40th Regt.,
L. W. Bowers, Co. E, 33d Regt.,
* E. W. Stevens, "
* J. Callahan, Co. F, 40th Regt.,
*0. B.Sawyer, Co.B,
* A. A. Sawyer, <: "
* Frank Burns, " "
The above went to fill the first quota of Acton, twenty-three in
number.
Those marked thus L*] were recruited from other towns, and not credited to Acton.
Nine Months' Men who received the town bounty, forming a part of
Company E, 6th Regiment.
(Enlisted August 31st, 1862; time expires May 31st, 1863.)
Aaron C. Handley, Captain,
Aaron S. Fletcher, 1st Lieut.,
Geo. W. Rand, 2d Lieut.,
Geo. W. Knight, 1st Sergeant,
Andrew J. Sawyer. 2c? "
F. H. Whitcomb, 3d
Levi H. Robbins, 4th
Isaiah Hutchins, Corporal,
William Morrill,
Frank E. Harris, Corporal,
AbelFarrar, Jr.,
Henry L. Bray, "
Yarnum F. Robbins, "
Daniel H. Farrar, Musician.
Wm. D. Clark, Wagoner.
George T. Ames,
Hiram Butters,
Charles H. Blood,
Elbridge Conant,
William Chaplain, Jr.,
Oscar Dwelley,
Charles W. Fletcher,
Chauncey U. Fuller,
John S. Hoar,
F. D. K. Hoar,
Walter 0. Holden,
Eugene L. Hall,
PRIVATES.
Henry Hapgood,
Marshall Hapgood,
George Jones,
Albert Moulton,
Lewis J. Masters,
George N. Pierce,
John H. Pollard,
George B. Parker,
William Reed,
Joseph N. Robbins,
Wm. F. Wood, Lieutenant Co.
K, 6th Regiment.
20
Nine Months' Men, enlisted in other Kegiments without a bounty
from this town.
J. R. Vangezel, Co. E, 6th Regt.,
R.Kinsley, Co. I, 48th Regt.,
* A. Newton, Co. E, 6th Regt.,
G. L. Shaw, Co. F, 47th Regt.,
G. Warren Knight, Co. E, 53d
Regt.
* Not credited to this town.
HONORABLY DISCHARGED.
J. F. Blood, Jr., Sept. 26, 1862,
George Handley,
Luke Smith, April 1, 1862,
D. G. Taylor, Sept. 26, 1862,
Daniel R. Briggs, Feb. 1, 1862,
Edwin A. Jones, August, 1862,
C. A. Hanscom, Nov. 25, 1862,
John S. Hoar, Nov. 27, 1862,
Geo. B. Parker, March, 1863,
A. S. Fletcher, resigned, March,
1863,
William H. Loker.
DIED WHILE IN THE SERVICE.
Augustus W. Hosmer, in camp, November 30th, 1861.
James R. Lentill, at New Orleans, November 16th, 1862.
Warren R. Wheeler, at Fort St. Phillip, July 5th, 1862.
Frank Handley, at Fort St. Phillip, July 7th, 1862.
Albert E. Conant, on shipboard on voyage home, January 31st,
1863.
John Keenan, unknown.
James M. Wright, in hospital at Philadelphia, September 1st, 1862.
Elbridge Conant, at Suffolk, Va., February 10th, 1863.
Marivan Miner, at New Orleans, 1863.
RECAPITULATION.
Three months' volunteers from Acton, 42 ; came home August 3d,
1861.
Three years' men, enlisting without town bounty, ... 75
" with " ... 23
Nine months' men who received the town bounty, _ . . 38
" " enlisted without the town bounty . 5
141
Not credited to this town, _ 15
Leaving the town's quota of 126
Discharged, 11 : died, 9.
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE,
Acton, March 20, 1863. Town Clerk.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOLS IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1863-3.
Gentlemen of the Committee :
Pursuant to a vote of the town, passed at the last April
meeting, authorizing the School Committee to choose a
Superintendent of Schools, we were chosen to fill that of-
fice, an office we had not sought, and which we accepted
with extreme reluctance ; feeling, as we did, that it was
not only one of much responsibility, but one, the duties of
which are of such a peculiar nature, that it would be im-
possible to give satisfaction to all ; especially those who
take pains to find fault.
If not acceptably to all, we have endeavored to perform
the duties that have devolved upon us honestly, and with a
view to the best good of the schools. From such observa-
tions as we had been able to make, before we were so in-
timately connected with the schools of this town, we judged
that they would compare favorably with those of any of the
towns around us. Our acquaintance with them the past
year has fully confirmed this opinion. YTe also think we
can truly say that their prosperity, the past year, has been
fully equal to that of former years.
We will now present a brief view of the several schools.
22
SOUTH SCHOOL.
E. F. Fuller, Local Committee.
The primary department of this school was taught for
the year by Miss Lottie C. Faulkner. We might write
much in praise of this teacher, and her methods of teach-
ing ; yet, we feel that the highest encomium we can bestow,
is to say that she has taught eighteen terms in her own dis-
trict, with the increasing respect and confidence of the pa-
rents and love of her scholars. The examinations, at the
close of the fall and winter terms, were attended by a large
number of parents and friends, whose countenances plain-
ly expressed the interest and pleasure they felt in the ex-
ercises, which were all very good indeed. We wish to
speak of the singing in particular, because all of the school
joined in this exercise — boys, as well as girls.
The higher department was taught, during the spring
and fall terms, by Miss Jennie M. Harris. Miss Harris is
a teacher of much experience, and had Avon a high reputa-
tion, which suffered none in this effort. She entered upon
her duties with that zeal and determination, before which,
the obstacles that are apt to arise in a school like this, must
surely disappear.
From our first visit, we felt satisfied that the committee
had made a wise selection. The successful termination of
the school, proved that we were not mistaken. The ex-
amination was well attended, and passed off pleasantly.
Among the classes we more particularly noticed, was the
first class in reading, the classes in arithmetic, and the class
in analysis.
Some maps, drawn by members of the first and second
classes in geography, were exhibited, which were neatly
and correctly drawn.
The winter term was placed in charge of Mr. Frederic
C. Nash ; the same teacher who taught the winter previous.
23
Mr. Nash is an excellent disciplinarian, and brought the
school to that degree of discipline, which we have rarely
seen in any other.
In all our visits, we were much pleased with the good
order and studiousness of the scholars. The closing ex-
amination was even better than we expected. The larger
scholars performed their parts in a manner that reflected
upon themselves and their teacher much credit ; and, among
the smaller ones, there was scarce a blunder.
The compositions were good ; some, in particular, were
excellent.
NORTH SCHOOL.
James Keyes, Local Committee.
The spring and fall terms of this school were placed in
charge of Miss Sophia S. Harris. Possessed of a vigorous
mind and healthy body, with a right good will to use them,
any school, under her care, could not well help being a
good one. It always gave us pleasure to visit this school ;
there was such an air of cheerfulness pervading the school
room, and the faces of the scholars always looked so pleas-
ant and happy. The closing examination proved that the
school had not only been a pleasant but very profitable one.
The classes in mental arithmetic, and the second and third
classes in reading, won for themselves much praise. We
are sorry that Miss Harris has seen fit to leave the ranks
of our teachers, where she has labored so long and success-
fully ; yet, we are aware that the school which she has now
entered, has claims to which all others are in a measure
subordinate. May her prosperity, in her new sphere of
life, be as great as that she enjoyed in the one she has left.
The winter term of this school was taught by Mr. A. E.
White, of Tuft's College. This was his first effort at school
teaching, and, although some difficulty arose at the first of
the term iu regard to the division of the advanced class in
24
reading, we consider it a very successful effort. Ambitious
himself to excel, and willing to labor to the extent of his
powers to advance the interests of his school, he instilled
into the minds of his pupils the same principles, which
caused them to study with unwonted zeal. The exercises
at the close, which varied but little from those of every day
of the term, exhibited that thoroughness in the branches
taught, which we like to witness. Where all the classes
appeared so well, we need not particularize. At the close
of the other exercises, the teacher was presented with a
beautiful. Bible, by one of the young ladies, in behalf of the
school, in a feeling and appropriate speech. So deep were
his feelings that, for some moments he could utter no word
in response ; yet, that very silence conveyed a more last-
ing impression than words could, that there existed be-
tween the teacher and his pupils a bond of friendship that
can never be severed.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
D. F. Tarbell, Local Committee.
The spring and fall terms of this school were taught by
Miss L. Arabella Walker, of Westford. She came before
us highly recommended as a successful teacher, and we felt
no hesitation in giving her our approbation.
During the first term, the good order and improvement
was such, as fully met our anticipations. The second term,
though by no means a failure, was not what we had reason
to expect. At the closing examination, some of the class-
es, and some of the scholars in particular, appeared well.
The school-room was beautifully decorated with a profusion
of wreaths and mottoes. These we like to see ; yet, the
adornment of the minds of the scholars should not be neg-
lected, for the adornment of the school-room.
The winter term was under the care of E. F. Richard-
son. As this teacher is a particular friend of ours, we feel
25
that we shall be excused from saying but little in regard to
his school, on the ground that we might be considered par-
tial. Suffice to say, that the teacher considered it one of
the pleasantest schools that he ever taught ; and that there
was little or no fault found in the district, which has been
proverbial for trouble with its schools.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Jonas Blodgett, Local Committee.
The primary department of this school, for the spring
and winter terms, was under the care of Miss Clara TTeth-
erbee, who has taught here several terms with uniformly
good success. Kind and affectionate in her manners, she
seems to lead children to do right, rather than force them.
Her little company, notwithstanding it was somewhat bro-
ken up by sickness, appeared very well at the close of the
winter term. The various classes, as they passed in re-
view before us, showed a degree of improvement com-
mendable to themselves and their teacher. There are some
very pretty singers in this school, and we enjoyed their
singing much ; yet, we think it would be more interesting
to hear all the little ones join in this healthful and cheer-
ing exercise.
The spring term of the higher department was taught by
Miss Nellie Cowdrey. Miss Cowdrey gained, from the
first, the respect and good will of her scholars, which made
governing easy. The school always appeared cheerful and
studious when we visited it. At the close, those classes
that were brought before us in a manner that we could
judge of their merits, did well. The declamations and
dialogues were good, though perhaps there was more of
them than it would be advisable to have at the examination
of a school like this, where there are so many classes.
We liked the appearance of this teacher in the school-room,
and think she would win a high reputation in this vocation.
26
Owing to the comparatively small number of scholars in
each department, the Local Committee thought proper to
unite them both in one, during the fall term. This ar-
rangement would save to the district the wages of one
teacher, and give the scholars the benefit of a longer win-
ter term. Miss Clara Wetherbee was placed in charge ;
and, although it made a large school, and a large number
of classes, she got along well, and brought the school to a
successful close. At the examination the classes appeared
well. The first class in reading, and second class in gram-
mar, we noticed in particular. The compositions, which
we consider a noticeable feature of any examination, where
there are advanced scholars, were good.
This school, during the winter term, enjoyed the advan-
tage of having for a teacher Mr. Luther Conant, Jr., who
had labored here successfully for two winters previous.
Mr. Conant has long been known to the town as a thorough
and efficient teacher ; and his history has been so often and
fully written, that we feel we can add but little to it. Suf-
fice to say, we consider him an excellent teacher for this
school. The examination, which was attended by a large
number of visitors, passed off well. The classes came be-
fore us the same as they would on any other day of the
term, the most of them answering promptly, and showing
good improvement. We noticed, in particular, the classes
in reading and spelling. If some of the scholars did not
make that proficiency they ought, the fault was their own ;
the teacher labored hard enough for them.
WEST SCHOOL.
George C. Wright, Local Committee.
The spring and fall terms of the primary department
were placed in care of Miss Susan C. Huggins. There are
many good scholars in this school, and some " big rogues,"
who need to be governed with firmness and decision. We
27
think the teacher labored hard to promote the interests of
the school, and in a measure was successful ; although her
success would have been greater, if she had enforced bet-
ter order. We will here say, however, that, if we have
been rightly informed, she was led into this error by over-
fearful parents, who, thinking she might be too severe,
cautioned her in regard to it. At the close the classes
generally showed a fair degree of improvement ; some of
the smaller ones did very well indeed.
The winter term was taught by Miss Clara H. Hapgood.
Feeling more confidence in her own powers, and entering
the school with a determination to bring it under good dis-
cipline, she was successful in that respect. The examina-
tion was very good, notwithstanding the school, during the
last part of the term, was much interrupted by sickness.
The classes spoke up promptly and distinctly, giving life
and interest to the exercises.
The spring and fall terms of the higher department were
under the instruction of Miss Clara H. Hapgood, the same
teacher who taught the winter primary. Miss Hapgood
labored in this school with good success. Some of her
methods of teaching we liked very well indeed ; especially,
for those branches which are learned principally by memo-
rizing. At the close of the school, which was well attend-
ed, the exercises passed off with much credit to both schol-
ars and teacher. Some very good maps were exhibited,
which were drawn by the classes in geography.
The winter term was taught by Mr. W. E. Eaton, of
Tuft's College. We consider the committee was most for-
tunate in securing the services of a teacher who could make
good the place of the excellent one of last winter. Believ-
ing that scholars like those under his care could govern
themselves, he threw them upon their honesty and self-
respect in such a manner that, Avith few exceptions, they
needed no reproof. One thing we noticed in particular in
28
regard to his teaching ; that he instructed his scholars as to
principles, so that they could tell " why they went through
a certain process," rather than that they simply " had gone
through it." This school possesses a large share of good
ability, which this teacher knew well how to direct, to
make the greatest possible advancement. Though much
interrupted by sickness, not only of its members, but of
its teacher, the school passed a very satisfactory examina-
tion. Among the classes which we noted as particularly
good, were the first class in reading, the class in analysis,
and the classes in arithmetic. The " Independent," which
was read by Missal Wheeler and Fuller, was a spicy little
sheet, abounding in humor and good sense. The singing
was excellent ; though, as we have before remarked, we
had rather hear all the school sing that can, — and we be-
lieve there are but few that cannot learn when they are
young. If the harmony is not so good, the loss of it is
more than made up by the pleasure we feel in seeing all
enjo}^ an exercise so well calculated to promote health and
happiness.
EAST SCHOOL.
James E. Billings, Local Committee.
The spring term of this school was taught by Miss S.
Augusta Davis. Miss Davis has taught this school several
terms with increasing good success. Mild but firm, she
manages to secure good order in her school, though there
are some " rogueish boys." We consider this district in-
deed fortunate in having so faithful and judicious a teach-
er. The examination at the close showed that neither
teacher nor scholars had been idle. The teacher of the
spring term, wishing to enjoy a longer season of rest than
the vacation afforded, the committee engaged the services
of Miss Nellie J. Fletcher for the fall term. Miss Fletcher
has been favorably known to the town as a teacher, for a
29
number of terms in her own district. From her good suc-
cess there, we felt confident she would do well in this
school. Nor were we mistaken. Her success was even
better than we expected. At the close, all the classes
showed a good degree of improvement. Some of the
smaller ones very good. The compositions, written in that
easy, natural style, which showed that the writers were
familiar with their subjects, were such as we like to listen to.
The winter term was taught by Miss S. A. Davis, the
same teacher as of the spring term. This, we think, was
her crowning effort. Though some of the bovs showed a
disposition to take advantage, and play the " rogue" the
first of the term, they were soon brought under good dis-
cipline, and the school went on pleasantly to the close.
The examination was excellent. All the more advanced
classes recited so promptly and correctly, showing such
marked improvement, that we hardly knew which to give
the preference. Some very pretty declamations were
spoken by the " little ones," and some very good compo-
sitions were read by one of the young ladies.
Thus far we have said nothing in regard to writing
books, although they were exhibited at most of the exam-
inations. Some of these showed a good hand-writing and
good improvement, but the majority were lacking one or
both of these. This is not as it should be, for we consider
it an important part of an education to be able to write a
neat, legible hanoj, notwithstanding the idea seems to be
gaining ground that, to be considered as having a great
mind and literary taste, a person must write in scrawls
that would shame the ancient hieroglyphics.
TVe have noticed that the writing of the best educated
in the days of " our fathers,"- was almost invariably neat
and legible, if not elegant. If Ave are not mistaken, this
branch was one of the three laid down to be taught in the
first schools established in the colonies. Is it not just as
30
important now as it was then ? Yet how many we find at
the present day who can talk a little French, or read a lit-
tle Latin or Greek, that cannot write their own names de-
cently. Parents, see to it that your children have the
requisite means to learn to write well ; and teachers should
prepare themselves to teach this branch more thoroughly.
Now a word to you, parents, about absenteeism, that
great hinderance to the better advancement of our schools.
Those who have preceded us in writing reports of the
schools, have said much at different times upon this sub-
ject, though no more than they ought. If you could only
be in your school houses, during school hours for one week,
and see how it breaks up classes and hinders the progress
of scholars, many of you would think differently from what
you now do ; and, not only think, but act differently. We
mean, you would send your children punctually to school.
If your childrens' bodies were suffering for food, would you
not consider a whole loaf, at the same price, better than
half? On the same reasoning, when the minds of your
children — immortal minds — are suffering and dwarfing for
the want of intellectual food and culture, is not a whole
term, at the same price, better than a part?
E. F. Richakdson, Superintendent.
REPORTS OF THE LOCAL COMMITTEE?.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation. 0336 93
Balance from last year, 8 14
Spring a>-d Fall Terms.
Paid Miss Jennie M. Harris, for teaching 16 weeks, at 84.50 per week,
Miss Lottie C. Faulkner. " " " 4J00 "
Wihtke Term.
3Ir. Fred C. Nash, for teaching 11 1-2 weeks, at S10.00 per week, 115 00
Miss Lottie C Faulkner, " 12 " 4,50
for wood,
" building fires and cleaning house,
" two brushes for blackboard, brooms, chalk, &c,
Balance,
S72 00
64 00
. 115 00
' 54 00
23 62
3 75
4 60
$336 97
8 10
£345 07
8345 07
March 4, 1863. E. F. Fuller, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL. ^
Appropriation. S200 33
Balance from last year, 2 97
Paid Miss Sophia S. Harris, for teaching 16 weeks, at S4,50 per week, 872 00
Mr. Alphonzo E. White, " 3 1-4 months, 113 75
" two cords of wood, 11 25
" building fires and care of house, 3 00
8200 00
Balance, 3 30
S203 30
8203 30
James Keyes, Jr., Committee.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year.
Received of W. A. Wilde,
Received of non-residents,
Paid Miss L. A. Walker, for teaching 15 weeks and 4 days,
Mr. E. F. Richardson, ll 3 1-2 months,
for wood,
" building fires and care of house,
" cleaning house, two brooms, pail, and chair,
" chalk and dipper,
S200 33
60
38 14
5 00
870 78
140 00
12 00
3 50
3 32
24
8244 07
8229 84
Balance, 14 23
8244 07
March 20. 1863. D. F. Tarbell. Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation. 8200 33
Balance from last year, 7 33
S207 71
Paid Miss S. A. Davis, for teaching 11 weeks, at 84.50 per week, 849 50
Miss E. J. Fletcher, " " " " " " 49 50
Miss S. A. Davis. " 15 '• " 6.50 " 97 50
for cleaning house, building fires, and two brooms, 5 03
" repairs on house, one dipper, 1 42
8202 95
Balance, 4 76
S207 71
March 21, 1863. James E. Billixgs, Committee.
32
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation, * $336 93
Received of Dr. Cowdrey, 6 00
Spring Term.
Paid Miss Helen Cowdrey, teaching 8 weeks, at $4,50 per week, $36 00
Miss Clara Wetherbee, " " " " 3.75 " 30 00
Fall Term.
Miss Clara Wetherbee, for teaching 8 weeks, at $4,50 per week, 36 00
"Winter Term.
Mr. Luther Conant, Jr., for teaching 14weeks, at $10,00 per week, 140 00
Miss Clara Wetherbee, " " " " 3,75 " 52 50
for wood,
" care of house and building fires,
" setting glass, pails, brooms and chalk,
Balance,
$342 93
21 00
4 50
2 00
$322 00
20 93
$342 93
J. Blodgett, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $336 93
Received of A. Fuller, 7 50
Paid Miss Susan C. Huggins, teaching 16 weeks, at $4.00 per week, $64 00
Miss Clara H. Hapgood, " " " " 4,50 " 72 00
" " " 13 " :t 4,50 " 58 50
Mr. W. E. Eaton, " 13 " " 10,00 " 130 00
for wood, 20 83
u taking care of house, 4 75
$344 43
$350 08
Deficiency, $5
March 20, 1863. G. C. Wright, Committee.
33
STATISTICAL TABLE FOR 18G2-3.
Districts.
Names op Teachers
o
c
« i
Tc.5
B
u
i-5
a
o
B
V
o>
bn
M
Amount of
Wages
o
■a £
i-
SB
a o
Ho
<
■ a?
> C5
0=M
t- o
M 2
B M
in
h
G
a
6
ft
03 S
5.2
ft
u
c
Si X!
c« ^
o
ft
spring.
South, .
Jennie M. Harris, . .
2
$18,00
$36,00
53
47
2
0
0
16
«
Lottie C. Faulkner, .
2
16,00
32,00
61
52
0
1
0
13
West. . .
Clara H. Hapgood, .
2
18,00
36,00
42
37
2
P
0
9
u
Susan C Huggius, .
2
16,00,
32,00
49
44
0
7
0
U
Centre, .
Helen E. Cowdrev, .
2
18,00
36,00
28
25
0
0
75
r.
(<
Clara Wetherbee, . .
2
15,00
30,00
35
32
0
0
0
4
East, . .
S. Augusta Davis,
23-4
18,00
49,00.
41
35
2
5
40
7
South East,
L. Aiabclla Walker, .
2
18.00
36,00
34
31
1
0
0
10
North, .
Sophia S. Harris, . .
2
18,00
36,00
27
25
2
4
0
12
188-4 $155,00
$323,00
370
8:;s
9
17
PALL.
South,
Jennie M. Harris. . .
2
$18,00
$33,00
47
40
5
0
75
7
«
Lottie C. Faulkner, .
2
16,00
32,00
58
53
0
1
75
20
West, . .
Clara H Hapgood, .
2
18,00
36,00
50
38
2
0
GO
7
«
Susan C. Huggius, .
2
16,00
32,00
52
44
0
0
35
7
Centre, .
Clara Wetherbee, . .
o
18,00
36.00
52
40
1
0
50
13
East, . .
Ellen J. Fletcher, . .
2841 18,00
49,50
42
36
2
G
40
4
South East,
L. Arabella Walker, .
2 ! 18,00
33,00
32
23
1
0
30
9
North, .
Sophia 8. Harris, . .
2
163-4
18,00
33,00
24
22
0
1
35
8
$140,00
$293,50
357
296
11
8
WINTER.
1
South, .
Fred. C. Nash, . . .
2 7-8
040,00
$115,00
59
54
18
0
80
11
•'
Lottie C. Faulkner, .
3
18,00
54,00
Gl
54
0
1
56
17
West, . .
W. E. Eaton, . . .
31-4
40,00
130,00
52
46
13
0
100
9
"
Clara H. Hapgood, .
31-4
18,00
58,50
58
46
0
1
40
1
Centre, .
Luther Conant, Jr., .
31-2
40,00
140,00
53
48
17
0
90
20
(<
Clara Wetherbee, . .
31-2
15,00
52,50
35
32
0
0
36
13
East, . .
S. Augusta Davis,
33-4
26.00
97,50
46
33
10
2
4G
1
South East,
E. F. Richardson, . .
31-2
40,00
140,00
31
27
0
9
30
1
North,
A.E.White, . . .
31-4
35.00
113.75
38
35
15
0
30
3
297-6*272,00
$901,25
433 !S80
73 13
1
ANNUAL
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN,
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM FEB. 26, 1863, TO FEB. 26, 1864.
AND THE
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
ALSO, THE
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK,
AND THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE YEAR 1863-64.
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1864.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received.
$20,146 90
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid.
Jonas Blodget, for Centre School,
George C. Wright, for West School,
Emerson F. Fuller, for South School,
Daniel F. Tarbell, for South East School,
Isaac T. Flagg, for North School,
Joseph Esterbrook, for East School,
$335 43
335 43
335 43
199 44
199 44
199 44
$1,604 61
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid.
?or repairs on the Centre School House,
$18 87
" " " West School House,
20 46
" " " South School House,
29 56
" " " South East School House,
11 50
11 " " North School House,
1 48
14 East School House,
1 40
$83 27
BOOKS AND PRINTING
Paid.
For Printing Warrants,
$4 50
(< <
' Dog Notices,
1 00
CI (
1 Selectmen's Report,
10 00
<( (
1 450 Pamphlet Reports,
06 25
«( (
1 Town Record Book,
4 50
< < «
1 Tax Books,
1 33
$87 58
ABATEMENT AND DISCOUNT ON TAXES.
Paid.
John E. Cutter, Abatement on Taxes, $14 83
John E. Cutter, Discount on Taxes, 450 25
$465 08
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid.
Hiram B. Livermore, for breaking roads 84
hours,
Nehemiah Curtis, for breaking roads 13 hours,
Joseph Noyes, for " " 27 "
Daniel Harris, for " " 8 "
Francis Kingsley, for repairs on highway,
Cyrus Fletcher, for railing highway and repairing
bridges,
Simon Robbins, for repairs on highway,
Silas Conant, for teaming stones for railing,
Julius M. Smith & Co., for joist for railing,
$10 50
1
62
3
37
1
00
7
69
11
97
7
91
5
50
8
81
$58 37
APPROPRIATION FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
Paid.
For State Aid, $2,314 64
Recruiting Expenses for 17 men, 1,718 00
$4,032 64
APPROPRIATION FOR TOWN BUILDINGS.
Paid.
Town Hall building committee, $6,163 79
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
Levi Dow, for keeping stranger,
For wood for Widow Lewis Ohaffin,
" groceries for Widow Lewis Chaffin,
City of Boston, for support of Sarah Childs,
Town of Concord for burial expenses of Elmira
Oliver,
$ 62
26 67
10 26
8 75
5 00
TOWN OFFICERS.
,Paid.
Edward F. Richardson, for examining teachers, su-
perintending schools, and writing reports, $40 00
James E. Billings, for services as Overseer of
the Poor, 5 00
Do. do., for two journeys to Cambridge, re-
specting Elmira Johnson, 4 00
Do. do., journey to Boston respecting Sarah
Childs and Adeline Bobbins, 2 00
Do. do., journey to Marlboro', respecting Emer-
son B. Handley,
Jonas K. Putney, for services as Overseer of Poor,
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
William D. Tuttle, 2 1-2 days taking inventory,
Do., making and copying taxes,
Wm. D. Tuttle, for services as Town Clerk,
Do., for collecting and recording 46 births,
Do., " recording 52 deaths,
Do., " " 9 marriages,
Do., making report and military record,
Samuel Hosmcr, for taking inventory and making
taxes.
Eben Davis, for do., do.,
John E. Cutter, for collecting taxes for 1862,
Jonas K. Putney, for services as Selectman,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, do., do.,
James E. Billings, do., do.,
2 00
t, 5 00
5 00
5 00
15 00
15 00
9 20
7 20
90
5 00
' 15 00
15 00
70 00
8 50
30 00
36 00
NOTES AND INTEREST.
Paid.
Joseph R. Vangesel, Note and interest, $62 76
George W. Parks, " " " 89 04
Francis E. Harris, " " " 53 75
$51 30
$294 80
Augustine Conant, Interest,
120 00
Frederick Rouillard, "
30 00
Daniel L. Veazey, "
6 00
Daniel Harris, "
18 00
Ebenezcr Conant, "
180 00
Joel Hanscom, "
40 80
David M. Hand ley,
12 00
$1
50
1
00
98
79
4
50
6
00
6
00
91
65
54 00
7
75
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
Levi Dow, for notifying dog owners to get their
dogs licensed,
Levi Dow, for killing two dogs,
Daniel H. Wethcrboe, for services on town farm,
For coffin for Michael Quinn,
Concord Fire Engine Co.,
Francis Kingsley, for stone posts for burying
ground,
Do., for building wall at the burying ground,
Thomas Kingsley,
For town pump,
Wm. D. Tuttle, for stone posts for bounds and set-
ting same on the common, 1 00
For surveying and making plan and deed of land
sold John Fletcher, 2 25
Alonzo Tower, for damage caused by defective
highway, 75 00
For insurance on Town Hall while building, 53 50
" for five years, 150 00
Albeit T. Edmonds, for opening vestry for Town
meetings,
Do., for tolling bell for twenty deaths,
Daniel Jones, for goods delivered Mrs. Harriet
Robbins,
James A. Balch, for tolling bell for four deaths,
George Prouty, " " " five "
Hiram J. Hapgood, " " twelve "
George E. Johnson, for burial straps,
For furnace, settees, lamps, &c, for Town Hall,
Luke Smith, for collecting and taking care of
bell metal,
Wm. D. Tuttle, for eight days' labor at burying
ground,
Francis Dwight, for coffin and robe for J. D. Ogle,
2 00
4 00
19 88
80
1 00
2 40
.2 50
489 88
2 00
10 00
, 6 95
$612 35
Do., for burial of 42 persons, 82 86
Do., for making return of 40 persons to Town
Clerk, 4 00
Henry M. Smith, for burial of nine persons, 18 00
Fitch burg R. R. Co., for transportation of soldiers
in 1862, 15 15
George C. Wright, for settees for West School, 12 35
Express, 4 66
Stationery, 1 75
$1,233 12
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, FEB. 26, 1864.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1862,
$292 80
State Tax, 1863,
2,424 00
County Tax, 1863,
747 03
Town Grant, 1863,
4,000 00
Town Grant for Schools,
1,500 00
Overlay on Taxes,
265 48
Highway Deficiencies,
21 20
Dog Tax,
45 00
State Aid to Jan. 1st, 1863,
2,416 01
State bounty for soldiers,
2,647 17
Town of Sudbury, for tuition,
10 00
Borrowed money,
5,395 27
Money from State for May training, 1862,
87 50
For old bell,
119 59
From State, for burial of J. D. Ogle and M.
Quinn,
10 00
Armory rent,
50 00
Town of Concord, for tuition,
20 60
For old iron and ashes, >
21 25
State school fund,
74 00
<$Of| 1,jfi HA
<fl>ZiU, I'iU \)\J
EXPENDITURES.
For support of schools,
$1,604 61
repairs on school houses,
83 27
books and printing,
87 58
abatement and discount on taxes, 465 08
'0~
8
For roads and bridges,
appropriation for soldiers and families,
" " Town buildings,
support of poor,
Town Officers,
- notes and interest,
miscellaneous expenses,
State tax,
County tax,
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1864,
58 37
4.032
64
6,163
79
51
30
294
80
612
35
1,233
12
2,424
00
747
03
t
$17,857
94
<■
$2,288 96
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN FEB. 26, 1864.
Dr.
To balance as per report, Feb, 26, 1864, $2,288 96
amount due from the State for aid furnished
families of soldiers, 2,870 92
$5,159 88
AMOUNT DUE ON NOTES.
Cr.
By Cash of Daniel Harris,
$805 34
Eben Conant,
4,500 00
Frederick Rouillard,
1,700 00
Silas P. Blodgct,
795 27
David M. Handley,
200 00
Daniel L. Veazey,
100 00
Mathew McKiuney,
100 00
Charles H. Blood,
100 00
Joel Hanscom,
680 00
Augustine Conant,
4,000 00
Isaac T. Flagg,
100 00
James Keycs, Jr.,
600 00
John Wood,
500 00
Elbridge J. Bobbins,
500 00
Interest on Notes,
570 24
1864,
$15,250 85
Balance against the Town Feb. 26,
without
including the balance due as per
Overseers'
report for 1864,
$10,090 97
AMOUNT OF STATE AID PAID EACH PERSON.
Paid.
Mrs. Charlotte M. Pike,
$144 00
Maria Fisk,
144 00
Sally Veazey,
144 00
Betsey M Sawyer,
144 00
Betsey Shehan,
144 00
Hattie S. Jackson,
144 00
S. H. Wetherbee,
144 00
Rosa Miner,
144 00
Margaret Fitzpatrick,
144 00
t Rebecca C. Wright,
116 00
Joanna Moulton,
104 00
Catherine Dwelley,
60 00
Henrietta Gross,
52 00
Nancy Huggins,
52 00
Charlotte Blood,
52 00
Anna E. Robbins,
52 00
Sarah J. Taft,
52 00
Sarah J. Skinner,
52 00
Martha Wayne,
52 00
Berintha W. Sawyer,
27 43
Eliza W. Reed,
14 00
Sarah Callahan,
35 60
Huldah Moulton,
36 00
Mary A. Butters,
36 00
Helen M. Clark,
36 00
L. W. Bowers,
35 00
F. L. Whitcomb,
26 28
Sarah A. Hutchins,
13 14
H. C. Holden,
13 14
Maria Morrill,
13 14
Eliza Kingsley,
73 20
Fannie Parker,
2 57
S. F. Chaplin,
13 14
JAMES E. BILLINGS, '
)
JONAS K. PUTNEY,
y Selectme?
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, J
i
Acton, Feb. 26, 1864.
2
$2,314 64
REPORT OF TOWN HOUSE BUILDING COMMITTEE,
RECEIPTS.
Received of the Town Treasurer,
$8,153 67
EXPENDITURES.
Paid for material and building town house, $7,663 79
" " furnace, settees and other fixtures, 489 88
1,153 67
Or.
By lumber, oil, nails, &c, on hand,
" furnace, settees, &c,
$75 00
489 88
Total expense of the house,
$564 88
$7,588 79
Daniel Wetherbee,
Samuel Hosmer,
James Tuttle,
Cyrus Fletcher,
David M. Handley,
A. M. Rowell,
Luther Conant,
Building
Committee.
REPORT
OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE, IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING APRIL V 1864.
ARTICLES ON HAND, APRIL 1, 1864.
1 pair oxen, $175,00, 1 horse, 70,00, 9 cows, 300,00, $545 00
3 shotes, 48,00, 30 bush, corn, 42,00, 12 bush, oats, 9,00, 99 00
5 bush, beans, 12,50, 3-4 bush, peas, .93, 22 fowls, 8,25, 21 68
55 bush, potatoes, 33,00, 1-2 bbl. soap, 2,50, 350 lbs.
pork, 43,75, 79 25
75 lbs. beef, 6,00, 4 bbls. apples, 4,00, 36 lbs. candles, 5,40, 15 40
soap grease, 1,25, 1 bbl. pickles, 3,00, 10 lbs. tallow, .90, 5 15
vinegar, 3,00, 53 M. skewers, 26,50, 100 lbs. ham, 14,00, 43 50
59 lbs. lard, 8,26, 3 1-2 tons hay, 70,00, 37 lbs. dried
apples, 3,33, 81 59
10 bush, ashes, 1 25
$891 82
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $344,62, apples, 178,71, calves, 46,96,
skewers, 40,13, cows, 146,50, pork, 20,61,
beef, 18,79, hay, 39,86, labor, 70,00, poultry,
eggs, 14,70, turnips, 6,85, onions, 5,41, hide,
lard, 3,82, pasturing, 1,75, peas, .15.
$570 29
207 24
9,70,
138 35
5,20,
32 16
5 72
$953 76
12
EXPENDITURES.
Cloth and clothing, $29,12, boots and shoes, 16,13, 845 25
Skewer timber, 4,50, castings, 4,61, earthen ware, 2,50, 11 61
Sugar. 14,13, molasses. 24,82, tea, 5,33, coffee, 7,44, 51 72
Meat, 56,61, butter, 48,44, cheese, 16.43, fish, 7,77, 129 25
Flour, 47,00, rye meal, 10,37, corn, 2,37, Indian meal, 14,87, 74 61
Salt, 4,90, onions, 5,20, bread, 1,86, tobacco, 6,55, 18 51
Yeast, .40, saltpetre, .28, spices, 3,99, starch, .24, 4 91
Salaratus, .40. camphor, .10, lemons, .13, 63
Raisins, .52, oil, 2,15, soap, 1,07, rosin, 1,00, ■ 4 74
Wickiug, .39, grass and garden seeds, 5,14, milk, 2,53, 8 06
Cider, 1,70, nails, .73, lampblack, .4, powder, .60, 3 07
Spirits, .75, cords, .71, tools, 13,59, blacksmith's bill, 17,25, 32 26
Crockery, .98, plaster, 3,50, potash, 2,15, bone meal, .40, 7 03
Sawing bill, 1,11, whips, .38, ladders, 4,28, 5 77
Bill, 3,75, barrels, 10,31, lumber, 1,05, glass and putty, .52, 15 63
Stove polish, .6, paper, .10, repairing pump, 5,00, 5 16
Use of bull, 1,00, labor, 1,75, newspaper, 2,20, 4 95
Cash to paupers, .75. wooden ware, .49, 1 24
Expenses to Boston, 15,49, Dr. Cowdry's bill, 7,58, 23 07
Use of pasture, 20,00, coffin, 7,20, cows, 59,25, *' 86 45
Heifers, 83,30, shotes, 23,77, brooms, 1,25, 108 32
Salve, .23, matches, .50, use of wagon, 6,50, 7 23
Use of winnowing mill, 50
Services of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Wetherbee, 275 00
James E. Billings' services, 6 00
Jonas K. Putney's " 6 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee's services, 6 00
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1863,
Interest on farm,
$942 97
$822 05
239 40
$1,061 45
$2,004 42
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of receipts,
$953 76
xVmount of expenditures,
942 97
Cash on hand, '
$10 79
Total amount of expenditures,
$942 97
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1863,
822 05
Interest on farm,
239 40
$2,004 42
13
Total amount of receipts, $953 76
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1864, 891 82
SI. 845 58
$158 84
Expense of victualing foreigners, 10 00
Total expense of supporting poor in Almshouse, $148 84
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported in
the Almshouse, 6 ; average, 5 1-4 ; present number, 5.
James E. Billings, ) Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K. W. Wetherbee, ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1864.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS RECORDED IN ACTON, IN 1863.
No. Date of Birth. Names. Names of Parents.
1. Jan. 11, In Worcester, Hattie Emily Smith, daughter of Henry
M. and Abbie B. Smith.
2. Jan. 12, Frank F. Webber, son of Gilbert T. and Sarah A.
Webber.
3. Jan. 15, William Wilson Schouler, sob of William and Elizabeth
G. Schouler.
4. Jan. 28, Fred Everett Cutler, son of N. E. and Sarah A.
Cutler.
5. Feb. 1, Frederic Stearns Mead, son of Varnum B. and D. Eliz-
abeth Mead.
6. Feb. 4, Addie Henrietta Barker, daughter of Henry and Louisa
M. Barker.
7. Feb. 8, John Frederic Kinsley, son of Thomas and Maria
Kinsley.
8. Feb. 13, Rosalia Etta Fredericks, daughter of William A. and
Margaret Fredericks.
9. Feb. 17, In Littleton, Mary Kate and Margaret Ellen Gubbins,
10. " " twin children of James and Margaret Gubbins.
11. Feb. 18? In New Ipswich, N. H., Evergene Adelia and Eugene
12. " " Appleton Avery, twin children of James E. and Har-
riet B. Avery.
13. March 3, Carrie Evelyn Jones, daughter of Elnathan Jr. and
Elizabeth Jones.
14. March 6, Walter A. Richardson, son of Charles F. and Mary
Richardson.
15. March 11, Mabel Loraine Livermore, daughter of fliram B. and
Laura E. Livermore.
16. March 25, Florence Perkins, daughter of Isaiah B. and Mary
E. Perkins.
17. April 21, Albert McDonald, son of George and Mary McDonald.
18. April 21, Kate Conway, daughter of John and Julia Conway.
19. May 2, A daughter of Henry H. and Ellen A. Hale.
15
20. May 24. Freddy Hand, son of George W. and M. Augusta
Rand.
21. May 26, John Franklin Hosmer, son of Cyrus and M. Matilda .
Hosmer.
22. May 30, Gilman Henry Parlin, son of Asaph, Jr., and Candace
M. Parlin.
23. June 5, Herbert Melvin Taylor, son of Thomas and Martha A.
Taylor.
24. June 11, Frederic Brooks Noyes, son of Thomas F. and Sarah
t C. Noyes.
25. June 13, Robert Howard Todd, son of James and Margaret C.
Todd.
26. July 4. Emma Teel, daughter of William H. and Mary E. Teel.
27. July 15. James Paul Hayward, son of Joel F. and Sarah E.
Hay ward.
28. July 16, Myrtilla Richardson, daughter of Edward F. and Fran-
ces H. Richardson.
29. Aug. 2, Herbert Augustine Conant, son of Luther, Jr., and
Celeste J. Conant. #
30. Aug. 3, William Murphy, son of Daniel and Elizabeth J. Mur-
phy.
31. Aug. 6, Elmer Ellsworth Handley, son of Reuben and Caroline
M. Handley.
32. Aug. 12, Mary Chase, daughter of Thomas N. and M. Maria
Chase.
33. Aug. 22, Thomas Haggerty, son of William, 2d, and Catherine
Haggerty.
34. Sept, 12, Nixon Ball, son of Lewis F. and Martha D. Ball.
35. Sept. 14, In Stow, George Alvah Edson, son of James T. and
Susan T. Edson.
36. Sept, 23, Nellie Haggerty, daughter of William and Mary Hag-
gerty.
37. Oct. 2,-Estelle D. Heath, daughter of Edwin H. and Isabella
M. Heath.
38. Oct. 26, James Hannon, son of Michael and Mary Hannon.
39. Nov. 10, A son to James L. and Frances E. Parker.
40. Nov. 13, Frank Cleveland Wright, son of George C. and Susan
H. Wright.
41. Nov. 20, Elizabeth Griffin, daughter of Morris and Catherine
Griffin.
42. Nov. 23, Etta Cora Temple, daughter of John and Lottie A.
Temple.
43. Dec. 18, Viola Sophia Tuttle, daughter of Luke and S. Sophia
Tuttle.
44. Dec. 26, A son to Henry A. and Mary O. Dwelley.
Born in Acton, 38 ; males, 23 ; females, 15.
16
MARRIAGES IN ACTON, IN 1863.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Loren James Bradford, of Japan, and Miss Hattie A.
Burroughs, of Acton.
2. April 1, Henry Hartwell, of Acton, and Miss Augusta H. Pen-
niman, of Concord.
3. April 3, James Wheeler and Miss S. Jennie Rowell, both of
Acton.
4. May 6, John White and Miss Sarah A. Rouillard, both of Acton.
5. Aug. 2, Charles A. Brown, of Fitchburg, and Miss Anna B.
Atwood, of Acton.
6. Sept. 12, Edward C. Cutcliff and Mrs. Louisa A. Marble, both
of Acton.
7. Oct. 10, George M. Kendall and Miss Henrietta Conant, both of
Acton.
8. Oct. 18, George F. Keyes and Miss Arabella W. Priest, both of
Acton.
9. Nov. 25, George Conant, of Acton, and Miss Leora E. Willis,
of- Stow.
DEATHS IN ACTON, IN 1863.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age of Deceased.
1. Jan. 15, Mrs. Hattie R. Conant, aged 26 yrs. 8 mos. 25 days.
2. Jan. 22, Widow Nabby F. Hayden, aged 73 years.
3. Feb. 5, Mr. John Harris, aged 88 yrs. 10 mos.
4. Feb. 14, Nathaniel B. son of Charles F. and Melisa Jordan,
aged 2 yrs. 7 mos.
5. Feb. 15. Mr. Joseph Brabrook, aged 83 yrs. 6 mos. 16 days.
6. " " Carrie M., daughter of William A. and Lydia J. Wilde,
aged 6 yrs. 4 mos. 3 days.
7. March 25, Mrs. Lucy B. Noyes, wife of Capt. Joseph Noyes,
aged 53 yrs.
8. March 28, Patrick Phelan, son of Michael and Ellen Phelan,
aged 16 yrs. 4 mos. 21 days.
9. April 1, Mr. Reuben Wheeler, aged 81 yrs.
10. " 18, Mr. Lovell Spaulding, aged 69 yrs. 1 mo. 23 days.
11. " 21, Franklin Loker, son of Henry and Mary M. Loker,
aged 19 yrs. 10 mos. 9 days.
12. April 26, Mrs. Mary M. Bowers, wife of Luke W. Bowers, aged
30 yrs. 10 mos. 6 days.
13. April 27, Carrie Evelyn, daughter of Edwin and Mary J. Fletch-
er, aged 2 yrs. 3 mos. 15 days.
17
14. April 28, Mr. Henry Puffer, aged 37 years.
15. May 2, Lavina W., daughter of Luke W. and Mary M. Bowers,
aged 2 yrs. G mos.
16. June 2, Mr. Joel Conant, aged 75 yrs.
17. " 3, Capt. Robert P. Boss, aged 59 yrs
18. " 9, Mr. Abel Robbins, aged 71 yrs. 9 mos.
19. July 2, Franklin B., son of Isaiah B. and Mary E. Perkins, aged
9 yrs. 7 mos.
20. July 4, Olvin H., son of Joseph and Naney Estabrook, aged 5
yrs. 11 mos. 4 days.
21. July 8, Silas F., son of Silas Jr., and Almira Conant, aged 6
yr.<. 9 mos. 13 days.
22. July 11, Jeremiah, son of James and Catherine Hurley, aged
10 yrs. 1 roo. 25 days.
23. July 15, Nellie Celeste, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Esta-
brook, aged 3 yrs. 10 mos. 17 day.-.
24. July 20, Edna C. Taylor, daughter of Zoheth and Marthaetta
Taylor, aged 8 yrs. 8 mos. 27 days.
25. July 24, Nellie C, daughter of Moses and Nancy 31. Hay ward, .
aged 6 yrs. 11 mos. 18 days.
26. July 27, Bertha Sophie, daughter of Varnum and Sarah L. Tut-
tle. aged 8 mos. 20 days.
27. Aug. 1, Miss Lucy Jennings, aged 75 yrs. 10 mos. 15 days.
28. Aug. 25, Mrs. Hannah Hapgood, widow of Ephraim Hapgood,
aged 77 yrs.
29. Aug. 30, Mr. William Hosmer, aged 59 yrs. 1 mo. 15 days.
30. Sept. 4, Mr. John Tenny, aged 35 yrs 6 mos. 10 days.
31. " 11, Mrs. Mary J. Fletcher, wife of Edwin Fletcher, aged
30 yrs. 5 mos.
32. Sept. 15, Flora Abbie, daughter of Henry M. and Abbie B.
Smith, aged 4 yrs. 5 mos. 6 days.
33. Sept. 29, Mrs. Mary Knight, wife of Simeon Knight, aged 82
yrs.
34. Oct. 1, Miss Mary A. Pierce, aged 17 yrs. 3 days.
35. " 15, Alfred Adams, son of Nathan S. and Louisa W. Adams,
aged 18 yrs.
36. Oct. 25, Miss Martha J. Hyde, aged 19 yrs. 3 mos. 14 days.
37. " 28, William W., son of William and Elizabeth G. Schouler,
aged 9 mos. 13 days.
38. Oct. 29 Ida Everlena, daughter of Winthrop E. and Lydia A.
Wood, aged 1 yr. I mo. 17 days.
39. Nov. 3, Mrs. Mary Matilda Hosmer, wife of Cyrus Hosmer,
aged 26 yrs. 9 mos. 11 days.
40. Nov. 25, Mr. Henry Hapgood, son of John and Mary A. Hap-
good, aged 21 yrs. 9 mos. 20 days.
41. Dec. 5, Mrs. Sarah Hosmer, widow of Mr. Samuel Hosmer, aged
94 yrs. 7 mos. 13 days.
3
18
SOLDIERS IN THE UNITED STATES SERVICE.
No.
1. Jan. 31, Albert E. Conant, Co. F, 30th Reg., died on voyage
home from New Orleans.
2. Feb. 9, Elbridge Conant, son of Silas and Eliza Conant, aged 21
yrs. 7 mos. 19 days, died at Suffolk, Va., of brain fever.
3. Feb. 15, Marivan Miner, Co. E, 26th Reg., aged about 50 yrs.,
died at New Orleans of consumption.
4. April 4, Wm. H. Loker, Co, E, 26th Reg., son of Henry and
Mary M. Loker, died in action, aged 21 yrs. 10 mos.
5. April 10, George W. Knight, Co. E, 53d Reg., son of Simeon
and Lucinda P. Knight, aged 20 yrs., died at or near
New Orleans.
6. July 10, John H. P. White, Assistant Quartermaster of 26th
Reg., aged 46 yrs., died at New Orleans.
7. Aug. 9, Henry W. Laselle, Co. E, 26th Reg., son of Charles and
Harriet Laselle, died at New Orleans, aged 19 yrs. 5
mos.
8. Oct. 13, Eri Huggins, Co. A, 26th Reg., died at New Orleans,
aged 55 yrs. 9 mos. 5 days.
9. Nov. 29, Lieut. Geo. L. Sbaw, Co. F, 47th Reg., died in Bos-
ton, aged 26 yrs., of disease contracted while in the
service.
10. Jan. 14, Wm. B. Reed, Co. E, 26th Reg., son of William and
Lucy D. Reed, aged 21 yrs., died at Franklin, La.
11. Aug. — , Mathew McKinney, Co. E, 26th Reg., died at or near
New Orleans.
12. Dec. 1, Lieut. John A. Howard, 3d Corps d'Afrique, died at St.
James Hospital, New Orleans, of fever.
MILITARY RECORD.
The past year has been an eventful one in the history of the nation,
as of the town. In the great struggle for national existence, though
success has not always attended our arms, yet upon a careful survey of
the whole field of operations, it will be seen that important advantages
have been gained, and that while the limits of the rebellion have been
greatly narrowed down, its military strength and resources have been
seriously impaired.
While the burdens of the war press heavily upon the resources of
the nation, taxing to the utmost the financial skill of the government
to maintain its credit, yet the people have not abated one jot of heart
or hope, and if we mistake not. cost what it may, are to-day more than
ever determined that the struggle shall not cease till the rebellion is
crushed and every obstacle to the nation's permanent peace and pros-
perity forever removed.
The " military situation " so far as Acton is concerned, is decidedly
encouraging. Thus far we have fully met every requisition of the
government, and have a sufficient surplus placed to our credit to meet
any further demands that may be made upon us, at least for some time.
It appears that in estimating the quotas of the different towns, on the
late call for 500,000 men, the results of the draft of July 10, 1863,
were taken into consideration by the government, and that the quota
of Acton, in addition to the proceeds of that draft, for the said 500-
000, was Jif teen, a number less by two than was at first reported, and
raised by the recruiting committee ; so that at the present time we
have an excess of two raised on that call, in addition to thirty-nine re-
enlisted men and six new recruits, making in all an excess of forty-
seven men with which to meet the call just made for another 200,000,
and for future drafts, should there be any.
Much credit is due to the town's recruiting committee for their per-
sistent and well directed efforts in filling the several quotas, and thus
bringing about these desirable results.
The results of the draft of July 10, 1863, may be summed up as
follows :
Number drafted, 35. Of this number 20 were examined and ex-
empted ; 12 were examined and accepted ; 1 enlisted prior to the
draft ; 1 enlisted subsequent to the draft ; 1 failed to report ; making
in all, 35. Of the 12 accepted, 11 procured substitutes, and one paid
the commutation fee, thus making the net proceeds of that draft, 14.
20
Th9 names of those who procured substitutes, paid commutation
money and enlisted, are as follows :
Waldo G. Dunn, enlisted, Sylvanus Hunt, enlisted.
who Procured Substitutes.
Those
Charles Sweatt,
James L. Parker,
Edwin A. Jones,
Alonzo Hapgood,
Varnum B. Mead
Merrick Puffer,
Edwin Tuttle paid commutation money.
S. F. Hosmer,
Charles Robbins, 2d,
John R. Houghton,
George Conant,
Hiram Hapgood.
Re-enlisted Men and Volunteers
It was hoped that a complete list of those who have re-enlisted from
this town might be obtained in season for this report, but as the re-
turns from the several regiments in the field have not all been sent in
to the Adjutant General's office, and the work of re-enlistment is still
in progress, it was found impossible to do so.
The following is a list of those who are known to have re-enlisted,
and of those who have lately entered the service from this town.
Many additions will undoubtedly be made to the number within the
next thirty days. — ' t
Re enlisted Men, {Veterans.)
Capt. Wm. H. Chapman,
1st Lieut. Silas P. Blodget,
2d Lieut. Elias E. Haynes,
Privates Henry Brown,
11 Samuel R. Burroughs,
11 John B. Cram,
Geo. W. Cram,
Nathan Goss,
Wm. S. Handley,
11 A. J. Huggins,
Delctte H. Hall,
" Abram Handley,
" Gilman S. Hosmer,
" Loring M. Jackson,
Francis Kinsley,
James Moulton,
" Charles Morse,
" Benjamin Skinner,
" Dennis Sheahan,
Warren L. Teel,
Thomas Wright,
Privates James H. Wood,
Wm. F. B. Whitney,
" John Wayne,
" Lincoln E. Wheeler,
Robert C Chaffin,
" George W. Sawyer,
" James W. Fiske,
" James Braut,
" Richard Casey,
11 George Dale,
John C. Fink,
" Joseph Fasser,
" Wm. H. Herring,
" Richard C. Hess,
" Charles McGuire,
Peter W. Perry,
" Henry Roselle,
" Frederic R. Stromier,
John Smith,
" George A. Schaffer,
" [David Kirk.
Total, 39 men exclusive of officers.
21
Volunteers Lately Entered the Service.
Thomas Kinsley,
Oscar Dwelley,
1 Albert Rouillard,
Eugene L. Hall, enlisted, not sworn into service.
Emery Lothrop, " " " "
Charles Young, 11th Regiment.
Total, 6.
Wm. D. Tuttle, Town Cleric.
Acton, March 25, 1864.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOLS IN ACTON,
FOR THE YEAR 1863-64.
Gentlemen of the School Committee :
It has been a question of some moment for us to decide,
whether to say nothing about the existing evils connected
with our schools, and write the least we possibly could
and have it pass for a report, or to express our thoughts
more fully, and risk being censured for trying to make
some great display of literary talent, as some would sneer-
ingly call it ; and, for making an extravagantly large
printer's bill. The latter course we have, however, de-
cided to pursue.
And first, Ave wish to speak of our school-houses ; and
in no very flattering term seither. We know there are a
plenty ready to say, they are good enough ; what would be
the use to build better ones, for the scholars to tear in
pieces. If you should build ever so good ones, it would
not be long before they would look as bad as these we
now have. Why, they exclaim, " some of our school-
houses have not been built comparatively but a short
time, and just look at them" That is what we say, look
at them, and carefully to ; and we think you will come to
the sage conclusion, that they are ill planned, poorly built
23
shammy things. Now we want candidly to ask those who
think they are well arranged for the convenience and
health of scholars, and teachers, and are good enough, if
they can give any description of them ; if they can tell
what color they are painted, or whether they are painted
at all. My word for it in nine cases out of ten they could
not do it. How should they ? They never go inside of
them, unless it is to some school-meeting in the evening,
when there is a prospect of some trouble being fermented.
We suppose many will consider this plain language ; and
indeed it is so. But we believe if they could see the de-
fects of our school-rooms, as we have for the past two
years, they would think it none too much so. We are not
believers in the oft repeated assertion, that our scholars
would injure and deface a good new house, as quick as
they would an old dingy thing, with benches without
paint or varnish, and walls without paper. We do not
believe the children and youth in this town are so much
worse than they are in others ; and we know they have
large, convenient, and even ornamental school-houses in
other towns, and they are kept well too. We believe if
this town would build some good school-houses, conven-
ient and well finished, that our scholars would take pride
in keeping them so. This, in a measure, is proved by the
fact, that the house in the South East District was, a few
years ago, well repaired and the walls papered ; and, not-
withstanding the Committee who put it on was censured
for wasting money by so doing — as the scholars would
tear it off in one term — it remains neat and whole to this
day, and a credit to him. We do not think it a good way
to cultivate feelings of respect for public property, by
having constantly before the eyes of our children defaced
benches, dingy walls, and plastering hanging from the
ceiling here and there, in a manner to tempt even those
not inclined to mischief, to hit it a poke and tumble it
24
down ; any more than it would be a good way to cultivate
thoughts of purity and chastity, by constantly presenting
to the view pictures obscene and immoral. We think all
should be as willing to be taxed to raise money to build
good school-houses for their children to attend school in, as
they would be to raise money to build a good town house
to attend town meeting in, and we think if the town is able
to have a town house worth some eight thousand dollars,
it is able to have school-houses worth as much.
Sustaining Teachers. — We believe there is no greater
evil connected with our common schools, (certainly not if
we except absenteeism,) than that of not fully sustaining
teachers. This perhaps will apply more particularly to
schools in the country, than to those in cities, where
parents well understand that any interference on their
part with the rules and regulations of teachers will not be
tolerated. In cities, teachers usually teach years in the
same school, while in the country, with few excep-
tions, if the same teacher is retained in one school for
two, or three terms at most, it is an instance truly worthy
of comment. Now the question arises, what makes the
difference? Simply this: in the first instance parents
mind their own business, and allow those who are chosen
for that purpose, to say when a teacher is doing right, or
when he is not ; in the second instance parents are con-
stantly intermeddling with teachers, and finding fault with
every little thing that don't please them. A small speck
seen in a school's horizon at the first of the term, is talked
about and magnified, until to the view of many it be-
comes an awful cloud, enveloping in utter darkness all
good qualities. We do not wish to be understood, that
we would retain in school a teacher, who did not in any
respect try to do their duty, or who were wholly unfit for
the position ; by no means — we would dismiss them at
once. But committees and parents do not always agree
25
as to what teachers ought to be dismissed, and what not.
Frequently parents are heard to say, what is the use to
keep such a teacher in school ; they are not doing any
good, the money is only being thrown away. Now*upon
what foundation are such remarks usually based ; simply
this ; they have heard the teacher has done thus and so.
He has made rules that they don't think there is any need
of, or that are right ; and that he has requested exercises of
the scholars, that never was asked of them when they went
to school. Ask them if they have been into the school to
see if they have been rightly informed, and they will an-
swer, oh, no ! we have not been near the school. On the
other hand the Committee visits the school ; sees and in-
vestigates for himself, and finds altogether a different state
of affairs from what flying reports say; and can see no
sufficient reason for dismissing the teacher. Ah ! if some
people only knew how deeply they often injure others by
censuring them before they know whether they have been
rightly informed in regard to them or not, or know what
the real motive was that actuated the censured party, or
by what circumstances they were surrounded, how much
trouble it would save in the world, especially in schools.
Oft-times we hear it said of teachers, they are so proud and
haughty they cannot speak to any one, when all the while
they are yearning for the warm grasp of some friendly
hand, and a word of encouragement from some parent
who sends children to their school. Perhaps it would be
well for those who are so particular about etiquette, to
bear in mind that, when a stranger comes into their place
to stop, they not he, are the ones to speak first without a
formal introduction. We think a safe rule to go by in re-
gard to the support of teachers is to do by them under all
circumstances, as we would wish to have a child of our
own d*one by, if they should go among strangers to teach.
4
26
Absenteeism. — Although, in our former report we spoke
of this, we cannot forbear saying a few words now ; for
we believe it is one of those evils that can be remedied
only by being constantly kept in view. Why is it that
parents will be so blind to their own interests, and that of
their children as not to have them attend school punctu-
ally, if possible, and derive the full benefit of the money
that is expended for them. The problem in one of the
old arithmetics about the time it would take a toad to get
out of a well, that fell back two feet every night, for three
he got ahead in the daytime, would be a good one for
those scholars to work out, who for every three days' at-
tendance are absent two. They would probably find it
would take ten or twelve terms to make that advancement
they ought to in less than half that time. A teacher usu-
ally has enough to do in school hours, without being hin-
dered and perplexed by scholars who were absent the day
before, coming to him and asking him where this and that
lesson is. Besides they are a dead weight upon their
classes, always tending to keep them back. It is a pity
that all parents could not have the infinite pleasure of
teaching one term of school ; then, though they might not
like, they would acknowledge the justness of what we
have said.
We will now give a brief view of the several schools
and teachers.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
E. F. Fuller, Local Committee.
The Primary Department of this school, for the spring
and fall terms, was taught by Miss Lottie C. Faulkner,
the same honored teacher who has had charge of it so
long. Under her guidance this school has made great ad-
vancement ; not only intellectually but morally. A real
live working teacher, neither sparing pains nor labor for
the improvement of those committed to her care, she has
27
earned a reputation that any one might well feel proud
of. At the examination of the school all the classes
showed excellent improvement. Most of the writing-
books — of which there were forty-two — looked neat
and were well written, considering that most of the
writers were but eight and ten years old — some even
less than eight. It was evident that good attention had
been paid to this branch of study. Another thing was
also evident, and that was the advantage of having the
same teacher a succession of terms. The singing by both
boys and girls was excellent. Miss Faulkner not wishing
to teach the winter term, the Committee finally decided to
engage the services of Miss Helenette Colby, of War-
ner, N. H., the teacher who taught the spring and fall
terms of the higher department. Miss Colby labored
with much zeal to keep the school up to its former high
standing ; and we are pleased to say that the examination
showed that she had successfully done this. Her method
of teaching in this. school, though differing in some re-
spects from their former teachers, was on the whole, so
nearly the same, that it did not take the scholars so long to
get acquainted with them, as is usually the case when a
new teacher enters a school. The gymnastic exercises in
which all the school engaged were well performed, inter-
esting and we believe useful. The higher department for
the spring and fall terms, was taught by Miss Colby.
The school was a profitable one to those scholars who tried
to govern themselves, and also avail themselves of the
good instruction the teacher gave in the various branches
taught. At the closing examination individual scholars,
more than classes, showed good improvement. With the
right stimulus to action this teacher is capable of taking
high rank. The winter term of the higher department,
was taught by Mr. A. E. White, the same teacher who
taught the North school the winter previous. Of this
28
teacher we need say but little ; his labors will speak for
him, as long as those scholars who stood faithfully and
honorably by him shall live. We believe that many,
who had before been dull, backward scholars will, as years
roll away, look back with feelings of gratitude to this
teacher as a true friend ; who toiled faithfully for their
greatest good against all opposition and censure. One
thing all admitted, even those who opposed him most,
that their children learned first rate, and were not abused.
The examination showed just what we expected, thorough-
ness and great improvement. At its close, the scholars,
to show their respect and appreciation, presented the
teacher with a beautiful album and gold ring.
NOKTH SCHOOL.
Isaac T. Flagg, Local Committee.
The spring and Ml terms of this school were taught by
Miss Angenette Wheeler, of Acton. This was her
first effort at school teaching, and we think a very good
one. Mild and pleasant in her intercourse with her schol-
ars, she so gained their good will that governing was easy.
She labored earnestly for the advancement of her little
charge, and was successful beyond our expectations, as
the examination showed. Gymnastic exercises were in-
troduced to the pleasure and profit of the school. The
winter term of this school was placed in charge of Me. B.
T. Kinsman, of Tuft's College. Mr. Kinsman is a young
man of fine abilities, though quiet and unassuming in the
school-room. Some difficulty arose in this school in re-
gard to the division of the class in the higher reader,
which was referred to us to decide. We decided in favor
of the division the teacher had made ; not however to
please him, but because we believed it right. In our
visits to the school we noticed that the teacher seemed in-
clined to lead his scholars to do right by good example,
29
rather than use coercive measures ; a course that would
perhaps he questionable, where there are rogueish boys
who need both combined. The classes generally made
fair improvement ; the spelling classes in particular were
very good. At the close of the examination the teacher
was presented with a handsome album, which showed the
esteem and good will of his scholars.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
D. F. Tabbell, Local Committee.
Miss Claka Weathebbee had charge of the spring and
fall terms of this school. Miss Weatherbee has long been
known to the town as a teacher of merit ; and we think
her reputation suffered none by her effort in this school.
In all our visits the school appeared quiet and orderly ;
and the happy faces of the scholars showed that they were
enjoying the hours of school. The examination passed off
pleasantly, and showed a degree of improvement credita-
ble to scholars and teacher. The winter term was placed
in care of Mb. Omab A. Flint, of this town. We knew
Mr. Flint to be a young man of excellent moral character,
and a fine scholar ; and had no fears in giving him our ap-
probation to enter the school but what he would keep a
good one, though it was his first term. And he did keep
a good and profitable school, for all those scholars who
went to school, not to dictate as to what they should or
should not do, but to obey the requirements of the teacher,
and strive to the best of their ability to learn. We believe
if the intentions of all in the district to promote the inter-
ests of the school had been as good as the teacher's, there
would have been no occasion to find fault. The examina-
tion was a good one, better even than we expected ; slew-
ing good improvement in the classes generally, a/d in
some very good. The writing books showed gooo1 atten-
tion had been paid to them. We think this teaser will
yet win a good reputation as such. /
30
WEST SCHOOL.
Geo. C. Wright, Local Committee.
The primary department of this school was taught for the
year by Miss Susan C. Huggins. Miss Huggins has im-
proved greatly as a teacher since the first term she had
charge of this school. In our visits, Ave found the order
nearer what we could wish, and her methods of teaching
superior to what they had been. As an inevitable result
of this, the school* made good improvement. This was
plainly evident at the examinations, which were credit-
able to both scholars and teacher, and we think in-
teresting and gratifying to the parents and friends who
were present.
The higher department was under the instruction of
Miss Clara II. Hapgood, for the spring and fall terms.
Miss Hapgood commenced her labors with her accustomed
zeal, and had it not been for her failing health, owing to
too much care and anxiety on account of sickness at home,
would have merited that approbation which she has al-
ways won. The labor required to govern and teach a school
like this, though one of the best in town, is so exhausting
that a teacher needs to expend all their powers of body
and mind in it to carry it forward with that success which
would be expected. Under the circumstances, the ex-
amination was as good as we anticipated ; showing that
the school, if not the most profitable, was not an unprofit-
able one. We hope, after a rest to recruit mind and
body, Miss Hapgood will again engage in the work of
teaching, for which she is well fitted.
The Winter term was taught by Mr. E. Crosby,
of Tuft's College. Mr. Crosby is a superior scholar and
has j good faculty of imparting his ideas to others. Kind
and courteous with his scholars, he early won their esteem
and govjd will, so that none but inveterate rogues would
try to tare advantage. The examination was an honest
31
affair, without gilt or varnish, and was very satisfactory
to us and the large number of visitors present. There
are some excellent classes in this school, that would re-
flect credit upon an academy; for instance, the class in
Analysis, and first class in Arithmetic. The wonder is,
how the teacher accomplished so much under the un-
favorable circumstances of an inconvenient and crowded
school-room and so large a number of classes.
EAST SCHOOL.
Joseph Esterbrooks, 'Local Committee.
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were placed
in charge of Miss Jennie M. Harris, an old teacher,
who had earned a good reputation by her success in
several of the schools in town. We always found the
school, while under her care, orderly and studious ; each
scholar seeming to know their proper place and business.
The school was much broken up by sickness, and five
of its members were removed by death. Xot withstanding
these interruptions, the examination was quite good.
Among the classes we noticed more particularly, were those
in Geography, the first division in Written Arithmetic
and the Primer class. The writing books looked neat
and showed good improvement.
In consequence of some misunderstanding between the
Committee and two female teachers who both laid claim
to the school, it was decided to employ a male teacher for
the Winter term. Accordingly the services of Mr. H.
E. Elliot, of Tuft's College, were engaged. Mr. Elliot,
is a young teacher, of but little experience, but he entered
the school with the determination to have a prosperous
one, and to a good degree was successful. Full of life
and animation, he kept his scholars wide awake and in
good working order. The examination showed that the
classes in general had made fair improvement. Some
32
of them, especially in Reading and Spelling, did very-
well . The exercises in Mental Arithmetic were deserving
of particular commendation.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Jonas Blodget, Local Committee.
The primary and higher departments were united into
one school during the Spring and Fall terms, and Miss
Nellie J. Fletcher placed in charge. We think Miss
Fletcher had good courage to undertake to govern and
teach such a school as this, which, though not much larger
than some others in town, requires much firmness and
decision in government, and composed as it was of all
ages and sizes, there was a large number of classes. The
teacher labored hard, and if some thought the order was
not all that could be desired, they must bear in mind the
disadvantages under which the teacher was placed, and
that none but those of the most vigorous mind and body
could successfully meet the demands made upon them in
such a school. At the examination, the classes in Mental
Arithmetic, the smaller classes in Reading and the classes
in Geography, we noticed more particularly. This school
exhibited the best register of any of the schools ; twenty-
six being neither absent or tardy the first term, and
twenty-seven the second.
Miss Fletcher also had charge of the Winter Primary.
Here she performed a good work ; bringing the school
under good discipline, and advancing the scholars in a
thorough and efficient manner. The examination was
interesting to all present ; all the classes doing well and
showing that the school had been a profitable one.
The higher department for the Winter term was again
taught by Mr. Luther Conaxt, Jr. This teacher's
history is already before the town, written by himself,
in many of our schools, by his labors to advance their
33
interests. Suffice it for us to say, we think he has written
no higher page than that of last winter. The examination
was indeed a good one, the classes answering promptly
and correctly, proving that both teacher and scholars had
labored earnestly in the good work of education.
In closing, we would say, that we think the schools,
as a whole, have enjo}~ecl a good degree of prosperity the
past year. Better attention has been paid to Heading,
Spelling and Writing ; hence the schools stand higher in
this respect than they did a year ago. Composition and
Declamation have also claimed their share of attention in
most of the schools, and with very good results, as we
were pleased to witness at many of the examinations.
There has been no change in the text books for the
last year, although we should have liked to introduce
Wilson's new series of Keaders, the best, we think all will
say who carefully look them over, yet published. The
main reason why we did not try to introduce them at the
commencement of the Winter term was, because the agent
was round so near the time for the schools to commence,
that we supposed the store-keepers and many of the
scholars would have their supply of books purchased, and
object to making the change. We hope, however, to see
them introduced the next term.
We would not have the idea prevail, because we have
spoken thus plainly in our report, that there are no true
friends of common schools in the town of Acton, by no
means ! for we know there are many. All that is needed
is for them to take a firm, decided stand as such, ever
bearing in mind the great truth once uttered by the
learned John Quincy Adams : < ' That the best legacy a
man could leave the world is a family of well educated
cildren, who would be useful ornaments to society."
E. F. RICHARDSON, Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMITTEES.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, S335 43
Balance from last year, 8 14
Spring and Fall Terms.
Paid Miss H. Colby, for teaching 16 weeks, at S4.50 per week, $ 72 00
" " L. C. Faulkner, " 4.00 " 64 00
Winter Term.
Paid Mr. A. E. White, for teaching 12 weeks at S10.00 per week, 120 00
" Miss H. Colby, '• " 4.50 " 54 00
" for wood, cleaning house and building fire, 26 75
•• <i. T. Weber, for cleaning stove-pipe, 125
•' fur two chairs. 1 16
" pails, brooms, dipper and chalk, 3 71
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, S335 43
S358 30
Appropriation. $335 43
Balance from last j ear, 20 93
Spring and Fall Terms.
Paid Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, for teaching 9 1-2 weeks, at $4.50 per
week. $ 42 75
" Nellie J. Fletcher, for teaching 10 weeks, at $4.50 per week, 45 00
Winter Term.
Paid Mr. Luther Conant, Jr., for teaching 15 weeks, at $10.00 per week, 150 00
•' Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, " •• 4.U0 " 60 00
" for wood, care of house, and building fire, 32 25
•• setting glass, pails, brooms and painting blackboard, 3 67
" " cleaning and fixing funnel, 1 25
$334 92
Balance, 21 44
March 19, 1864. J. Blodget, Committee.
§343 57
S342 8;
Balance, 70
February 23, 1864. E. F. Fuller, Comvxittee.
$335 43
3.3
Spring and Fall Teems.
Paid Miss C. H. Hapgood, for teaching 16 weeks at S4.50 per week, S72 00
" S. C Huggius, '• ■• 4.00 ,l 64 00
Winter Term.
Paid Mr. E. Crosby, for teaching 12 weeks at £10.25 per week, 123 00
'• Miss 8. C. Hoggins. " 10 " 4.50 «« 45 00
>; F. Wyman, for building fire, &c, 3 50
" for wood, brooms and chalk, 27 65
S335 15
Balance, 23
March 18, 1.864. G. C. Wright, Committee.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Spring and Fall Term?.
S199 44
14 23
S213 67
S 72 00
105 00
20 00
3 87
S200 87
12 80
Paid Miss C. Wetherbee. for teaching 16 weeks, at 84.50 per week,
'• Mr. O. A. Flint, 12 " 8.75 "
" for wood, and washing house.
" li cleaning stove-pipe, building lire, and chalk,
Balance,
February 24, 1864. D. F. Tarbell, Committee.
" SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, S199 44
Balance from last year, 3 30
S202 74
Spring and Fall Terms.
Paid Miss A. Wheeler, for teaching 10 weeks, at S3. 50 per week,
'; " '• 8 " 83.62 1-2 "
Winter Term.
Paid' Mr. B. F. Kinsman, for teaching 14 weeks, at S8.75 per week,
" for wood, building lire, and sweeping house,
" '• broom, cravons, &c,
$200 90
Balance, 1 84
March 4, 1864. Isaac T. Flagg, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, S199 44
Balance from last year, 4 76
S204 20
Spring and Fall Terms.
Paid Miss Jennie M. Harris, for teaching 20 weeks, at S4.50 per week, S 90 00
'• Mr. Herbrrt Elliot, " 10 " 10.00 " 100 00
" lor wood, building lire, cleaning house, 13 75
" chalk and broom, S204 20
February 20, 1864. Joseph Estabrook, Committee.
8 35 00
29 00
122 50
13 75
65
36
STATISTICAL TABLE FOR 1863-64.
DISTRICTS.
Centre,
South,
i<
West,
East,
South East.
North,
Centre,
South,
u
West,
East,
South East,
North,
Centre,
South,
East,
South East,
North,
03
3
o .
o
<~
,2 a.
u
■9^
a.
id
u
o
"3
a 5
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
«*i 2
%B
M.S
a
>-3
a
4)
P.
a>
to
o .
!&
■***
£5
Average nun
of Bcholan
Number ove
years of ag
Z
!
u
■S3
o
<a o
do • r!
*g
OB 4)
SPRING TERM.
Nellie J. Fletcher,
2 1-4
$18 00
$40 50
57
52
1
0
23
0
Helenette Colby,
2
18 00
36 00
47
41
3
0
6
0
Lottie C. Faulkner,
2
16 00
32 00
56
50
0
3
20
0
Clara H. Hapgood,
2
18 00
36 00
46
40
2
0
12
0
Susie C. Huggins,
2
16 00
32 00
48
35
0
7
4
0
Jennie M. Harris,
2 1-2
18 00
45 00
42
34
2
0
3
0
Clara Wetherbee,
2
18 00
36 00
28
25
1
2
8
0
Angenette Wheeler,
2 1-2
14 00
35 00
25
23
1
3
4
0
17 1-4
$136 00
$292 50
349
300
10
15
PALL TERM.
Nellie J. Fletcher,
2 1-2
$18 00
$45 00
54
49
0
0
27
30
Helenette Colby,
2
18 00
36 00
49
41
6
0
14
56
Lottie C. Faulkner,
2
16 00
32 00
57
48
0
1
18
67
Clara H. Hapgood,
Susie C. Huggins,
2
18 00
36 00
48
40
2
0
5
56
2
16 00
32 00
52
40
0
6
4
48
Jennie M. Harris,
2 1-2
18 00
45 00
32
24
0
0
0
36
Clara Wetherbee,
2
18 00
36 00
25
20
0
1
3
16
Angenette Wheeler,
2
14 50
29 00
22
18
0
3
1
31
17
$136 50
$291 00
339
280! 8
11
WINTER TERM.
Luther Conant, Jr.,
3 3-4
$40 00
$150 00
47
42 15
0
11
75
Nellie J. Fletcher,
3 3-4
16 00
60 00
31
29 0
2
12
35
Alphonso E. White,
3
40 00
120 00
61
54 23
0
10
55
Helenette Colby,
3
18 00
54*00
58
50 0
0
12
60
Erastus Crosby,
3
40 00
123 00
61
54 22
0
8
90
Susie C Huggins,
3
18 00
54 00
52
41 0
0
1
45
Herbert Elliott,
2 1-2
40 00
100 00
41
33 8
0
2
30
Omar A. Flint,
3
35 00
105 00
36
23 10
0
1
13
B. F. Kinsman,
3 1-2
35 00
122 50
26
22 11
1
4
44
28 1-2
$283 00
$888 50
453
348
89
3
REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1865,
INCLUDING THE
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS IN 1864,
ALSO,
The Report of the School Committee,
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1865.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received, $19,532 74-
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid.
George C. "Wright, for West School,
James E. Harris, for South School,
William W. Davis, for Centre School,
Daniel Fletcher, for South East School,
Isaac T. Flagg, for North School,
Joseph Estabrook, for East School,
Town of Littleton,
$377
04
377
04
377
04
224
19
224
19
224
19
5
50
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid.
George C. Wright, for repairs on West school
house, . $9 86
James E. Harris, do. do., South do., 82 97
William W. Davis, do. do., Centre do., 1 48
Isaac T. Flagg, do. do., North do., 19 64
Joseph Estabrook, do. do., East do., 34 90
BOOKS AND PRINTING.
Paid.
Harris Cowdry, for books delivered to the town, $4 00
" " do. do., to poor families, 9 12
Daniel Jones, do. do., J. Whitney's children, 121
$1,809 19
$148 85
Vil
iliam D.
Tuttle, for highway tax book,
1 08
roi
printin.
g dog notices,
1 75
a
tt
town warrants,
5 00
u
u
voting list,
7 50
a
u
• selectmen's report,
9 50
u
u
pamphlet reports
74 79
u
u
notices to road builders,
1 25
$115 20
DISCOUNT ON TAXES.
Paid John E. Cutter, discount on taxes, $510 23
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid.
E. C. Parker, for repairs on highway in '62, $3 34
Isaac Barker, " " '63, 5 38
Luther Conant, Jr., " " '63, 6 00
Francis Kinsley, " " '64, 19 13
" K grading hill in West Acton, 1,385 00
" " building sluice on gravel pit
road, * 5 00
William W. Davis, for repairs on highway, 6 55
Nehemiah Curtis, " " 13 07
Silas Conant, Jr., " " 3 00
" " " breaking roads, 1 67
James E. Billings, " " ' 3 33
$1,451 47
APPROPRIATIONS FOR SO
Paid.
For State Aid,
Recruiting twenty-two men,
Entertaining 'Co. E, April 19,
LDIEI
'64,
fcS AND FAft
$1,858 69
4,499 67
50 00
[ILIES.
$6,408 36
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
James E. Billings, journey to Boston respecting
Sarah Childs, $1 50
James E. Billings, journey to Waltham respect-
ing John H. Whitney, 3 00
For support and burial expenses of Wm. Kendall, 20 00
of Thomas Law, 3 57
Catherine Chaffln, 11 22
William Murphy, 13 94
Clarissa Nutting, 52 00
u
u
of
u
u
u
a
((
u
u
l(
a
For support of Sarah Childs, 12 00
" " " Mrs. J. W. Fitzpatrick, 11 11
wood for Widow Knapp. 7 00
Dr. Harris Cowdry, for attending Catherine
Chaffin. 3G 00
Dr. Isaiah Hutching, do. do., William Murphy, 29 12
REST
NOTES AND
INTE
Paid.
Ebenezer Conant, note and interest,
$1,0
Daniel L. Veazey,
a
107 21
Charles H. Blood, "
a
113 17
Augustine Conant.
a
240 00
Frederick Rouillard,
n
90 00
Daniel Harris,
a
46 32
Isaac T. Flagg,
t<
6 00
Joel Hanscom,
41
40 80
Elbridge J. Bobbins,
U
25 00
Silas P. Blodgett,
..
72 G7
David M. Handley,
U
12 00
$200 4G
81,830 47
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid.
Edward F. Richardson, for examining teachers, superin-
tending schools and making report, $50 00
Samuel Hosmer, for taking inventory and making taxes
ten days,
Samuel Hosmer,. for copying valuation,
Eben. Davis, for taking inventory and making taxes,
nine and one-half days,
William D. Tuttle, for taking inventory and making
taxes,
copying assessors' valuation book,
" taxes,
two days making money tax,
distributing tax books,
collecting and recording 29 births,
recording 43 deaths,
" 26 marriages,
services as town clerk,
John E. Cutter, for collecting taxes for '63,
James E. Billings, for services as selectman,
Jonas K. Putney, " "
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
$330 32
u
u
a
u
a
u
u
a
a
u
u
u
a
u
u
u
t(
(C
a
u
a
u-
a
u
25
00
7
00
23
75
18
75
7
00
3
12
5
00
1
00
5
80
G
30
2
60
20
00
75
00
38
00
12
00
30
00
6
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
Luther Conant, Jr., for meeting County Commissioners, $1 50
Daniel Tuttle, " " " " 1 50
Daniel H. Wetherbee, for labor at the East Cemetery, 49 00
Zoheth Taylor, " « "
William D. Tuttle, " " "
" " for material and fencing do.,
Phineas Wetherbee, labor at West Cemetery,
Francis Conant, for repairing town hall chimney,
William D. Tuttle, services in letting out hill at West
Acton,
Daniel Fletcher, for building wall at cemetery,
Dr. H. A. Barrett, professional sendees rendered Dixon
and Ogle,
George W. Todd, for transporting firemen to Acton,
John E. Cutter, for summonsing 21 persons to take oath
of office, March 5, '63,
" " " do. do., 7 persons, April 10, '63,
" " " do. do., 22 persons, March 4, '64,
" " " getting dogs licensed,
" " " stamps on notes,
For set of measures,
Moses Tajdor, for sendees in reducing number of en-
rolled militia,
Varnum B. Mead, do. do.,
Daniel Wetherbee, do. do.,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, do. do.,
James E. Billings, do. do.,
George Proiury, for tolling bell for 5 deaths,
George Harris, do. do., 1 do.,
Quince3r A. Fletcher, do. do., 23 do.,
Hiram J. Hapgood. do. do., 8 do.,
For table for town hall,
" wood do. do.,
George M. Brooks, for advice respecting grading hill at
West Acton,
George Harris, for opening town hall 77 times,
For 33 gallons oil and 1 pint fluid,
2 dozen lamp wicks,
coal for town hall,
two dampers for stove in town hall,
seven lamp chimnies for town hall, •
one chimney brush for town hall,
one broom,
cleaning and leveling cellar of town hall,
repairing and putting up pump,
glazing at town hall,
repairing clock and taking care of same,
7
50
3
00
4
24
5
00
8
50
3
00
27
00
25
00
6
00
2
62
88
2
75
1
00
2
58
1
50
3
00
8
75
8
00
8
25
10
36
1
00
20
4
60
1
60
22 00
6
06
2
00
60 00
29
30
72
31
39
1
25
87
17
25
1
50
50
15
24
2G
Fletcher and Tarbell, for burial of 40 persons, 80 00
" u " recording 45 deaths,
u " " coffin for state pauper,
Levi Dow, for damage to sleigh on highway near John
Hapgood's,
For rope for monument,
lamps for town hall,
express, postage and stationery,
8527 45
4
50
9
85
11
00
2
25
34
00
7
10
CONDITION OF- THE TREASURY FEBRUARY 26, 18G5.
Receipts.
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1864, $2,286 66
State Tax for 1864^ 2,424 00
County Tax for 1864, 746 10
Town Grant for 1864, 5,000 00
" " for schools, 1,700 00
Highway Deficiencies, 57 33
Overlay on Taxes, 127 76
Corporation Tax, 479 40
State Aid to Jan. 1st, 1864, 2,431 21
School money from town of Concord, 20 00
Borrowed money, 3,893 30
Cash of E. F. Richardson, for school books, 29 11
State School Fund, 83 72
Cash from town of Groton, for support of
Clarissa Nutting, 52 00
Received for use of Town Hall, 122 50
Cash from Almshouse, 10 79
For lumber, oil, &c," G8 86
819,532 74
Expenditures*
For support of schools, $1,809 19
repairs on school houses, 148 85
books and printing, 115 20
discount on taxes, 510 23
roads and bridges, 1,451 47
appropriation for soldiers and families, 6,408 36
support of poor, 200 46
Town Officers, 330 32
notes and interest, 1,830 47
miscellaneous expenses, 527 45
For State tax, 2,424 00
County tax, 746 10
$16,502 10
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1865. $3,030 64
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN FEB. 26, 1865.
Dk.
To balance as per report, Feb. 26, 1865, $3,030 64
amount due from the State for aid
furnished families of soldiers, *2,188 47
$5,219 11
AMOUNT DUE ON NOTES.
Cr.
By Cash of Jonas K. Putney, $1,077 30
John R. Whitcomb, 500 00
Calvin Harris, 200 00
James A. Billings, ' 200 00
Daniel Harris, " 805 34
Frederick Rouillard, 1,700 00
David M. Handley, 200 00
Mathew McKinney, 100 00
Joel Hanscom, 680 00
Augustine Conant, 4,000 00
Eben Conant, 3,500 00
Silas P. Blodgett, 1,211 27
James Keyes, 600 00
John Wood, 500 00
Elbridge J. Bobbins, 500 00
Daniel Wetherbee, ' 1,500 00
Isaac T. Flagg, 100 00
Interest on notes, 823 00
$18,196 91
Balance against the Town Feb. 26, 1865, without
including the balance due as per Overseers'
report for 1865, $12,977 80
AMOUNT OF STATE AID PAID EACH PERSON.
Paid.
Mrs. Betsey M. Sawyer, $144 00
Charlotte M. Pike, 144 00
Maria Fisk, 144 00
Mrs. Betsy Shehan,
S. II. Wetherbee,
Catharine Dwelley,
• Margaret Moore,
Sally Veazey,
Margaret Fitzpatrick,
Mr. Thomas Kinsley,
Miss Henrietta Goss,
Mrs. Joanna Monlton,
Elvira Young,
Annie Dole,
Martha Wayne,
Anna Whitney,
Fannie Stevens,
Sarah J. Skinner,
Charlotte Blood,
Hattie S. Jackson,
Anna E. Robbins,
Sarah J. Taft,
Johanna Colman,
Nancy Huggins,
Mary Hurley,
144
00
144
00
144
00
132
00
103
20
98
80
96
00
GO
00
54
00
52
00
52
00
52
00
44
28
42
42
36
00
35
00
35
00
33
57
31
00
19
28
17
00
13
14
ft1 870
James E.
Billings,
\ Selectmen
Jonas K.
Putney,
of
J. K. W.
Wetherbee, .
; Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1865.
REPORT OF THE
R E C E I V T S A N I) E X P E N 1) 1 T U B E S ,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE, IN ACTON,
Fou the Year Ending April 1st, 1865.
ARTICLES ON HAND, APRIL 1st, 1865.
1 pair oxen, $210, 1 horse, 70,00, 8280 00
9 cows, 360, 2 shotes, 35,00,
3 1-2 tons hay, 105, 12 bush, corn, 18,00
7 bush, rye, 12,25, 8 bush, oats, 6,40,
47 bush, potatoes, 37,60, 10 fowls, 5,00,
300 lbs. pork, 60,00, 100 lbs. beef, 15,00,
76 lbs. ham, 16,72, 25 lbs. butter, 7,50,
18 lbs. lard, 3,78, 15 lbs. candles, 3,00,
4 lbs. tallow, .56, 26 lbs. dried apple, 5,20,
1 lb. tea, 1,50, 3 lbs. coffee, .39, 2 lbs. sugar, .40,
3-4 bbl. flour, 9,00, 3 bush, beans, 6,37,
55 M. skewers, 27,50, skewer timber, 4,00,
1 bl)l. soap, 4,00, 1 bbl. pickles, 2,0U,
1 bag salt, 3,00, 10 bush, ashes, 1,25,
1 bush, rye meal, 1,75, 1 bush. Indian meal, 1,50,
$1,033 67
395
00
123
00
18
05
42
60
75
00
24
22
6
78
5
76
2
21)
15
37
31
50
6
00
4
25
3
25
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $422,85, oxen, 713, $1,135 85
apples, 125,07, pork, 73,19, eggs, 9,20, 207 46
skewers, 61,40, poultry, 25,73, 87 13
calves, 24,50, labor, 17,00, shote, 8,00, 49 50
boarding E. C. Brown, 4,00, squashes, 2,50, 6 50
keeping pedlers, 4,00, hide, 5,51, 9 51
straw, 21,70, peaches, 12,00, peas, .33, 34 03
old iron, 2,25, pasturing calf, 1,10, 3 35
11
For use of horse, .25, use of oxen, .75,
cash of P. Smith, .58, hat, .30,
potatoes, 3,25. work at cemetery, 10,25,
work on road,
1
00
88
13
50
11
33
$1,560 04
EXPENDITURES.
Flour. 817.25, butter, 89,71, cheese, 14,98, $151 94
Molasses, 42,94, sugar, 15,89, tea, 11,50, 70 33
Coffee, 13.57. meatr.sl.99. fish, 7.00, tripe, 3,36, 105 92
Rye, 26,80, meal, 79,90, salt, 8,23, 114 93
Cloth and clothing, 60.70, shoes, 1.10, bread, 2,58, 64 38
Spices, 5.24. saleratus, .12, starch, .24. sage, .42, 6 02
Cream of tartar, .40, soap, .21, yeast, 1,00, oil, 3,53, 5 14
Soda, .34. saltpetre, .50, spirits, .17, seeds, 4,29, 5 30
Camphor, .24, potash. 7,03, matches, .60, 7 87
Sour milk, 7,20, medicines, 1.12. tobacco, 7,66, 15 98
Grass, 2,00, hay, 34,27, plaster, 2,00, 38 27
Scraps, 12,18, skewer timber, 9,75, sink, 2,50, ■ 24 43
Tools, 8,58, earthen ware, 5,59, tin ware, 2,50, 16 67
Glass and putty, .90, nails, 1,62, castings, 1,26, 3 78
Grafting, .75, repairing pump, 5,00, ropes, 1,42, 7 17
Brooms, 1.50, whips, .42, oil cloth, .80, shot, .36, 3 08
Coffin and robe, 7,50, cash to paupers, 1,85, 9 35
Grape vines. 2,00, twine and wicking, .62, 2 62
Newspaper, 2,70, use of winnowing mill and cradle, 1,00, 3 70
Use of bull, 2,00, use of pasture, 20,00, 22 00
Shotes, 16,50, blacksmith's bill, 16.40, 32 90
Stove, 15,00, Dr. Cowdry's bill, 5,25, 20 25
Cows, 44,00, oxen, 525,45, barrels, 5,25, 574 70
Use of wagon and cart, 8,00, expenses to Boston, 7,99, 15 99
Weighing oxen, 24
Services of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. TTetherbee, 300 00
James E. Billings' services, 6 00
Jonas K. Putney's services, 6 00
J. K. W. AVetherbee's, services, 6 00
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1864, $891 82
Interest on farm, 239 40
$1,640 96
81.131 22
$2,772 18
12
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of expenditures, $1,640 96
Amount of receipts, $1,560 04
Cash from town treasury to balance account, 80 92
$1,640 96
Total amount of expenditures, $1,640 96
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1864, 891 82
Interest on the farm, 239 40
$2,772 18
Total amount of receipts, $1,560 04
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1865, 1,033 67
:,593 71
$178 47
Expense of victualing foreigners, 10 40
Total amount of supporting poor in Almshouse, $168 07
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported
in the almshouse, 5 ; average number, 4 ; present number, 3 ; cost
per week, 81 cents.
James E. Billings, \ Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K. W. Wetherbee, } Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1865.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS RECORDED IN ACTOX, FOR THE YEAR END-
ING DEC. 31st, 18G4.
No. Date of Birth. Names of Children. Names of Parents.
1. Jan. 4, Iii Concord. Eunice Elizabeth Malloy, daughter of
Thomas and Fanny Malloy.
2. Jan. G, Frank Marion Shurtleff, son of Isaac M. and Sarah
E: Shurtleff.
3. Jan. 20, Estella L. Hosmer, daughter of John E. and Emma
E. Hosmer.
• 4. Feb. 28, Alice Gertrude Gardner, daughter of George and
Violetta F. Gardner.
5. Feb. 28, George Frank Kendall, son of George M. and Henri-
etta Kendall.
G. March 5, Hiram Edward Gates, son of George W. and Mary
Gates.
7. March 19, Albertie S. T utile', daughter of Varnum and Sarah
L. Tuttle.
8. May 2, Herman Otis Hartwell, son of Henry and Augusta H.
Hartwell.
9. May 10, Frank Lovell Hosmer, son of David W. and Harriet
C. Hosmer.
10 — 11. June 4, Helen Lizzie Davis; and Freddie Warren Davis,
twin children of William W. and Martha Davis.
12. June 11, Carrie Estella White, daughter of John and Sarah A.
White.
13. June 26, Abbie McDonald, daughter of Walter and Louisa G.
McDonald.
14. July 12, Alice Marion Lamb, daughter of Charles B. and
Marion M. Lamb.
15. July 15, Edgar Horace Johnson, son of George E. and Mary
L. Johnson.
1G. Jul}' 16, Patrick Powers, son of John and Eliza Powers.
17. Aug. 1, Mary Ann Hammond, daughter of Thomas W. and
Mary Alice Hammond.
14
18. Aug. 23, A son to Daniel and Mary McCarthy.
19. Sept. 8, Charles Lincoln Wood, son of Winthrop E. and
Lydia A. Wood.
20. Sept. 18, George Robinson, son of Charles and Percis V.
Robinson.
21. Sept. 21, Horace Frederic Tuttle, son of William D. and Eliz-
abeth B. Tuttle.
22. Oct. 8, Rosella Estabrook, daughter of Joseph and Nancy
Estabrook.
23. Nov. 13, Arthur B. Robbins, son of Simon and Nancy D.
Robbins.
24. Dec. 1, Samuel H. Tuttle, son of Francis 2d and Sarah E.
Tuttle.
25. Dec. 11, Arthur Edwin Holirfan, son of Nelson and Charlotte
A. Holman.
26. Dec. 12, Arthur B. Weld, son of Marcellus and Maria L.
Weld.
27. Dec. 24, A daughter to Warren and Lydia A. Houghton.
28. Dec. 24, Albert Henry Smith, son of Henry M. and Abbie B.
Smith.
Aug. 20, 1863, Mary Elizabeth Cash, daughter of Hugh and Re-
becca B. Cash.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON, IN 1864.
No. Date of Marriage. Karnes of Parties.
1. Jan. 2, Augustus B. Clarke, of New York Cit}T, and Miss Helen
E. Cowdrey, of Acton.
2. Jan. 2, Nelson Holman, of Harvard, and Miss Charlotte A.
Conant, of Acton.
3. Jan. 7, Charles II. Kidder, of Acton, and Miss Frank S. Fiske,
of Saco, Me.
4. Feb. 2, Justin Brigham, of Acton, and Miss Ann McGurty, of
Stow.
5. March 13, John F. Blood, Jr., and Miss Emma F. Robbins,
both of Acton.
6. March 22, Norman Chaplin, of Acton, and Miss Lucinda A.
Bride, of Berlin.
7. April 6, Henry L. Sawyer, and Miss Lucy A. Fuller, both of
Acton.
8. April 20, William F. B. Whitney, of Acton, and Miss Annie
McNernie, of Boston.
9. April 21, Silas P. Blodget, and Miss Anna E. Jones, both of
Acton.
10. March 31, Cyrus Hosmer, of Acton, and Miss Mary E. Hutch-
ins, of Westford.
15
11. April 28, Joseph Noyes, of Acton, and Mrs. Dolly Piper, of
Boston.
12. April 30, Jeremiah Sheahan, of Acton, and Miss Hannah Col-
lins, of Concord.
13. July 10, Francis E. Harris, and Miss Mandana S. Robbins,
both of Acton.
14. Sept. 6, Francis E. White, of Needham, and Miss Sarah E.
Knight, of Framingham.
15. Sept. 1, Albert T. Edmonds, of Acton, and Miss Mary M.
G-arfield, of Wayland.
16. Sept. 7, Edwin C. Parker, of Acton, and Miss Hannah Hv
Barry, of Ovid, N. Y.
17. Oct. 8, 'Patrick Maloney, of Acton, and Miss Catherine Love,
of Concord.
18. Oct. 19, Lewis E. Fletcher, and Miss Lucy E. McCraken, both
of Acton.
19. Oct. 30, George F. Proctor, of Littleton, and Miss Susannah
C. Chaffin, of Acton.
20. Nov. 20, Walter A. Gilmore, and Miss Emeline A. Robbins,
both of Acton.
21. Nov. 20, Warren B. Ball, and Miss Sophia L. Chaplin, both of
Acton.
22. Nov. 27, Allen G. Smith, of Westford, and Miss Harriet E.
Robbins, of Acton.
23. Dec. 4, Henry Brown, of Acton, and Miss Carrie A. Brooks,
of Stow.
24. March 7, Marcellus Weld, of Acton, aud Miss Maria L. Gold-
smith, of Andover.
25. Dec. 18, Charles II. Edmonds, and Miss Annie Briggs, both
of Acton.
26. Oct. 10, Peter Lynch, of Acton, and Mrs. Joanna Ogle, of
Stow.
DEATHS RECORDED IN ACTON, IN 1864.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age of Deceased.
1. Jan. 5, Elmer Ellsworth Jackson, son of Loring M. and Har-
riet Jackson, aged 1 year, 9 months.
2. Jan. 11, Mrs. Louisa Fredericks, aged Qb years.
3. Jan. 14, Livonia W. Thomas, daughter of Henry C. and
Amanda M. Thomas, aged 4 yrs. 8 mos. 27 days.
4. Feb. 11, John Murphy, son of Daniel and Elizabeth J. Mur-
phy, aged 2 yrs. 7 mos. 26 days.
5. March 17, Mr. Benjamin F. Ilapgood, aged 58 yrs. 4 mos, 14
days.
6. March 17, Mr. Nathaniel Hapgood, Jr., aged 47 }ts.
7. March 20, Mr. Lewis Rouillard, aged 80 yrs. 4 mos.
k;
8. April 8, Mr. Richard Moulton, aged 65 yrs, 0 mos.
9. Feb. 22, Mr. William Kendall, of Dracut, aged 56 yrs.
10. April 27, Mrs. Sally Hosmer, wife of Mr. Jonathan Hosmer,
aged 81 3-ears.
11. May 8, Everett Giles, son of Israel II. and Lucy Giles, aged
12 j'rs. 8 mos. 8 days.
12. May 28, John Nye, son of John and Clara F. Nye, aged 2
yrs. 9 mos.
13. June 8, Mrs. Clara B. Nutting, aged 44 yrs.
14. June 16, Mrs. Julia L. Edmonds, aged 40 yrs.
15. June 24, Miss Fatty Smith, aged 80 yrs.
16. June 27, David T. Kinsley, son of Richard and Eliza Kinsley,
aged 3 yrs.
17. June 28, Hattie E. Teel, daughter of William II. and Mary E.
Teel, aged 1 yr.
18. July 6, Mrs. Lucinda W. Robbins, aged 59 yrs. 10 mos. 12
days.
19. July 15, Albert F. McDonald, son of George and Mary Mc
Donald, aged 1 yr. 2 mos. 24 days.
20. July 17, Abbie McDonald, daughter of Walter and Louisa G.
McDonald, aged 21 days.
21. Juhy 31, Mrs. Catherine E. Chaflin, widow of Lewis Chaffin,
aged 39 yrs.
22. Aug. 1, Robert H. Todd, son of James and Margaret C. Todd,
aged 1 yr. 1 mo. 18 days.
23. Aug. 15, Lyman Edwards Conant, son of Luther Jr., and
Celeste J. Conant, aged 2 yrs. 6 mos. 21 days.
24. Aug. 24, An infant child of Daniel and Mary McCarthy, aged
1 day.
25. Sept. 7, Mrs. Dolly H. Wright,, widow of Mr. Joel Wright,
aged 70 }rrs. 11 mos.
26. Sept. 8, Herbert Augustine Conant, son of Luther Jr., and
Celeste J. Conant, aged 1 yr. 1 mo. 7 days.
27. Sept. 11, Mary A. Kinsley, daughter of Richard and Eliza
Kinsley, aged 13 yrs. 3 mos.
28. Sept. 17, Mr. Simon Turtle, aged 71 yrs. 7 mos. 10 days.
29. Sept. 19, Martha C. Cutler, daughter' of Elisha II. and Mary
E. Cutler, aged 5 yrs. 0 mos. 24 days.
.30. Sept. 20, Mr. James Ke3Tes, aged 89 yrs. 7 mos. 7 days.
31. Oct. 9, Freddie W. Davis, son of William W. and Martha
Davis, aged 4 mos. 5 days.
32. Oct. 16, Dora E. Curtis, daughter of Nehemiah aud Martha
C. Curtis. .
33. Oct. 30, Mrs. Hannah McCarthy, aged 84 yrs.
34. Nov. 10, Mr. Jonas Handley, aged 57 yrs.
35. Noa\ 25, Mr. Artemas M. Rowell, aged 42 yrs. 1 mo. 8 days.
36. Dec. 14, Mr. William Reed, aged 83 yrs. 4 mos. 14 days.
37. Dec. 22, Mr. John Putnam, son of Cyrus and Eliza Putnam,
aged 30 yrs. 8 mos. 20 days.
17
Hilton, son of Richard
Moulton, aged 22 yrs. 2 mos. 9 days.
38. Dec. 27, Mr. Charles H. Moulton, son of Richard and Joanna
SOLDIERS IN U. S. SERVICE.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age of Deceased.
1. April 10, Francis Kinsley, 2d, Go. E. 2Gth Regt., aged 21 yrs.
6 mos. 20 days, son of Thomas and Maria Kins-
ley, died in Acton, while on furlough.
2. Nov. 10, Thomas Kinsley, Jr., Co. E. 26th Regt., aged 1G yrs.
son of Thomas and Maria Kinsley, died at Camp
Fry Hospital, in Washington, D. C, of disease
contracted while in service.
3. Dec. 8, John A. Brown, color bearer in Co. E, 26th Regt.,
aged 25 yrs., died in hospital, at Winchester, Va.,
of a wound received in the battle of Winchester.
4. Sept. 19, Eugene L. Hall, Co. E, 26th Regt., aged 19 yrs. 6
mos. 8 clays, son of Enoch and Emeline Hall, was
killed at the battle of Winchester, Ya.
5. May 13, Cyrus H. Stockwell, son of Ira and Maria Stockwell,
aged 31 yrs. 10 mos., died at New Orleans, La.,
of a wound received at the battle of Sabine Cross
Roads.
•
William D. Tuttle, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 25, 1865.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE YEAR 1864-65.
To the Citizens of Acton :
The School Committee respectfully submit their annual
report.
As we review the character of our schools the past year,
we believe we can truly say that they have, in a good degree,
been successful. To be sure they have not attained that
excellence at which we aim, but have made general progress.
We see not a few imperfections in them, but these are to be
found in every department of human effort. Although what
the common schools accomplish for our youth is invaluable,
yet many might improve the advantages they afford much
better. There are scholars in town who possess a tolerably
good knowledge of the common branches, and have more or
less acquaintance with some of the higher ones, but these
are comparatively few. We believe our schools furnish the
opportunity, for every scholar of common abilities, of
acquiring a fair knowledge of the common branches before
they become of proper age to leave school.
We think, as a general thing, parents feel a commendable
degree of interest in the prosperity of the schools. This is
evinced by their occasional visits and large attendance at
examinations. Every parent should feel that he has a great
personal interest in the district school ; that when it is in
successful operation he is being greatly benefited, but when
it is going wrong he is a great loser. The common school
has done a great deal for Massachusetts. While in point of
territory she is but a scrap of the country's surface, and
while other states are outstripping her in population, almost
rivalling empires, Massachusetts is heard and honored in the
2
councils of the nation. If we would have her continue
to occupy her distinguished position ; if we would not have
her sink unseen and unheard among majestic states, we must
nurse, with a mother's affection and much expense, her
common school system. It is said that nothing develops the
talents of a people like war, and doubtless the North is
indebted in no small degree to the success she has already
achieved in her conflict with the South, to the general diffu-
sion of knowledge among her people. Knowledge enables
a people to avail themselves of the appliances of war, and to
employ with discretion the resources of the land.
As we have already remarked, our schools are not free from
imperfections, to some of which we would call the attention
of the town. We refer to them in a general manner, not
wishing to be personal.
Attendance. Considerable time and money are thrown
away by scholars being tardy and absent. The average
attendance in some of the schools seems much below what it
need to be, some terms it being but little more than seventy-
five per cent. If this were the case with all our schools,
several hundred dollars of the sum appropriated by the
town would be absolutely lost. This shows that there are
not a few parents who either do not know where their children
are during school hours, or else do not appreciate education
as they ought. Parents can in a great measure correct this
evil. If our schools are what they should be, scholars are
made both wiser and better by being punctual and regular,
and the rising generation of men and women will be more or
less cultivated and accomplished according to the improve-
ment of the privileges the common schools afford. It
presents a bad omen for the future prospects of a lad to hear
of his playing truant. If parents would save their children
from degradation and perhaps crime, they must not suffer it.
If a youth is so indifferent to study as to run away from
school, there is reason to fear he may be engaged in some
vicious employment while absent. A scholar not only loses
the hours he is absent, but discourages the teacher's efforts
in his behalf, is thrown off the track with regard to his
studies, and thereby mortifies and discourages himself. The
money and time devoted to our schools is more precious than
diamonds, and the children of parents who lightly esteem
them are to be pitied. Not a few children receive all the
opportunities for education they ever enjoy in the common
schools, and such certainly have no school hours to idle away.
We think some of the children of this town are taken out of
school quite too young. The services of those who are
made to forego the privileges of school in so early youth must
be very valuable.
Thorough Instruction. In some of our schools we witness
a lack of thorough teaching. A sufficient amount of ground
is passed over, but only the surface is touched. Half under-
standing a principle does not give a scholar a practical
knowledge of it. We desire that our children may possess
such an education as they can employ in the various transac-
tions of life. Merely committing rules to memory does not
furnish such an education. The scholar needs to become
acquainted with the principles upon which the rules are
founded. To acquire this knowledge requires thorough
instruction and close application, but when attained it is
invaluable. When explaining a principle, the teacher must
aim to get the attention of his pupils. It amounts to but
little to talk to sleepy or inattentive scholars. Children
often need more than is found in the text book to animate
them. Almost any one can read off questions, but to
elucidate principles in an attractive manner requires talents
of a high order. A good deal of oral instruction may be
given in connection with every branch of study, and should
be, even if quite so many questions are not put out from the
book. The eye may be made to assist the understanding in
no small degree. One knows what he sees with his own
eyes. By means of the blackboard, maps, charts and globes,
a great deal of knowledge may be presented to the eye
which helps to a ready comprehension of the subject. A
good teacher will seek as many channels as possible through
which to impart instruction. It should be required of the
pupils to answer correctly. A mistake of a word or two
may perhaps altogether destroy the sense, so that not getting
it all right may render useless what is acquired. To write
compositions is a very profitable exercise. It learns one to
spell correctly, to think comprehensively, to argue sensibly,
and converse elegantly. It assists in acquiring a knowledge
of grammar, and cultivates a power of thought and expression
very desirable in life. Scholars should be encouraged by
parents and teachers to write compositions. We believe
many of our pupils are inclined to drop the study of Mental
Arithmetic much too soon. Children should be put into this
branch of study early, and not dismiss it until they have
mastered the series now in use in our schools.
Character and Manners. It is not right for a teacher to
be indifferent to the moral conduct of his scholars. Some
may think it none of their concern if their scholars do quar-
rel, use profane language, and trespass on neighboring fields
and orchards, but this is a wrong view to take of the subject.
A good character in a child is of the first importance ; unless
he possesses it, whatever intellectual attainments he may
arrive at, his life will doubtless be fruitful of more evil than
good. It is the duty of teachers to see, so far as they are
able, that nothing inconsistent with strict morality transpires
in or about the school house. To instruct children " to love
the Lord their God with all their hearts," and " to do unto
others as the}' would that others should do unto them," com-
mends itself to all good people.
Scholars should be taught good manners also. Ill maimers
appear worse in an intelligent person than in one who is
ignorant ; whereas virtue and affability often hide a good
deal of ignorance, and make many friends. True politeness
is a virtue and pleases everybody.
Employing Teachers. The Local Committee occupy
positions of much responsibility. It may sometimes be
thought that it is of no very great consequence whom they
engage, as the Examining Committee can reject the candidate
if found incompetent; but the best way is to start right.
When a good teacher is employed the success of the school
may be considered almost certain.
It is indispensable that a teacher be well acquainted with
the branches he is expected to teach, for there is no object
in sending a scholar to school unless he can learn something'
after he gets there. He should have an excellent character,
for we wish our children placed under correct influences.
He should be a person of discretion, so that he may take no
unjustifiable steps. He should be patient and amiable. If
he is constantly finding fault, not satisfied with the perform-
ances of his scholars when they do the best they can, they
will lose their respect for him and not try to do anything.
He must be of diligent habits as there is always work enough
to do in the school room.
A few dollars extra expense must not be taken into the
account. A good school of six weeks is worth more than a
decidedly bad one of any length. We should think more of
the character of the school than of its length. What benefit
can an incompetent teacher be to a school? The pay he
receives is in part or wholly thrown away, and time, which
ean never be recalled, runs to waste. Idleness and bad
habits are engendered, and years may not obliterate their
evil effects.
Appropriation, By the additional appropriation of two
hundred dollars to the sum granted last year, we have been
able to maintain our schools the usual length. This addition
has proved just about an offset for the increase of teachers'
wji^es, and other expenses incident to our schools. Had it
not been made, the educational interests of the town would
not have hem properly cared for. We think the town may
consider itself fortunate in having its school system carried
on to the usual extent these times, at only an eighth
additional expense. It is very certain this cannot be done
the ensuing year, even with no more schools than at present.
The more attention we pay to education, the better able we
shall be to cancel the debt into which the war and other mis-
6
fortunes have plunged us. It seems as though so long a
time ought not to elapse between the winter and spring
terms, as is the case in some of the districts. It is also
evident to all who are in any wise acquainted with the schools
in the South and West Districts, that they each very much
need an additional department. Sixty scholars crowded into
one school room, under one teacher, is quite too many. In
so large a school, consisting of pupils differing so much in
their attainments, there must necessarily be a good many
classes ; but a few minutes can therefore be devoted to each
class, and the opportunities for instruction must be limited.
We think, if these districts desire it and accommodations can
be had to carry them on, the town should not hesitate to ap-
propriate money to supply each of them with another school.
If they are increasing in population the town can well afford
to educate the children.
School Houses. The town may not think it judicious just
at present to engage in erecting new school houses, or re-
modelling old ones ; but this is a subject that should claim
our earnest attention at the earliest practicable time. To be
sure a good school house is not everything ; a good teacher
is of more importance. If a scholar is determined to excel,
he will most likely do so whether he goes to school in ;t
good or bad school house ; but we think, to make the place
where our children pass so much of their time, healthy, com-
modious and attractive, would give a new impulse to the
cause of education, and be an honor to the town.
District System. This town is fortunate in never having
had the District System to contend with ; but now that the
subject of new school houses is about to be considered, we
find there are those who are in favor of it. We regret there
are any disposed to advocate such a measure. So far as Ave
are aware, this system has been fought against by all
educators of note who have said anything upon the subject,
for a long time. The Hon. Horace Manx, Hon. Barxus
Sears, and the Hon. George S. Boutwell, as well as the
present learned Secretary of the Board of Education, have
7
done all they could, for the last twenty-live years, to eradicate
it from the state. One town after another has given it up,
until it only remains here and there, and that to be deprecated.
The idea of popular education is, to see that all the children
have an equal opportunity of acquiring a common school
education ; not that the children of the rich may enjoy it,
and those of the poor go uncared for, or that a rich and pop-
ulous district may erect an elegant school house, while a
poor and thinly populated one may have only a miserable
apology for one. In this matter it is hoped that the friends
of education in all parts of the town will exercise a liberal
spirit, rather than adopt a narrow or. sectional policy.
Instead of now being the time to inaugurate the District
System, it would be just the time to set it aside, if it existed.
High School. We hope the town will soon regard it for its
interest to raise money to sustain a High School a* part of the
year. Until it does, we would recommend to those more
particularly interested, to sustain one during the fall months
for their individual benefit. The Selectmen have judiciously
offered the lower room in the Town Hall for the purpose,
and we hope another autumn may witness a High School in
successful operation. Most certainly our more advanced
scholars ought to have an opportunity to pursue branches of
learning which cannot be sufficiently attended to in our com-
mon schools. Several of our young ladies are now attending
the Normal School in Framingham. We wish more might
attend this or a similar institution. It would be an excellent
thing for our teachers, so far as they are able, to attend
Teachers' Institutes. Unless we do more for the cause of
education in town, or send more of our scholars out of town
to school, Acton cannot furnish her own teachers. Private
schools are now going on in the South and West Districts.
CENTRE DISTRICT.— Upi>er Department.
Miss S. Augusta Davis, ) ™ ,
Mr. Luther Con ant, Jr., \
This school has had experienced teachers the past year.
Miss Davis is a good scholar and gives practical instruction.
8
She had no large scholars, so that we could not look for that
proficiency which we might otherwise expect. Her examina-
tion, however, showed that she had been faithful and indus-
trious. The classes, particularly in Reading and Intellectual
Arithmetic, showed good improvement. The singing was
pronounced by good judges to be very fine.
Mr. Conant, who had taught this school several successive
winters, consented to take it another winter. His reputation
as a teacher, and his interest in the cause of education, are
well understood. He is energetic and well qualified, and
frequently labored with his scholars beyond the usual hours.
At his examination, although the recitations were lengthy, so
thorough had been his instructions, that but few questions
were missed. A large class in Written Arithmetic per-
formed all the examples put them. The compositions and
rehearsals were good, and the singing, as at the close of the fall
term, delightful.
Primary Department.
Miss Angenette AVheeler, Teacher.
This school has been a successful one. No child, for whom
nature has done anything, can grow up a dunce under Miss
Wheeler's instruction. She is fertile in her expedients to
make the children learn, and accomplishes her object. We
think the parents have much reason to feel gratified at the
appearance of their children at both her examinations. If
these pupils continue to improve as they have commenced,
many of them must make fine scholars. Their gymnastic
exercises were useful and pleasant, and their recitations
evinced an unusual understanding of what they had been
over.
AVEST DISTRICT.— Upper Department.
Miss Elizabeth H. Lawrence, \ m 7
-kit i> th --»*• c teachers.
Mr. B. F. Martin, )
This is a very large, forward, and interesting school. The
teacher has a vast amount of labor to perform, and it is only
by pursuing her duties with steadiness and patience that she
4
9
can satisfactorily succeed. In order to go through with all
the recitations each day, but a few minutes can be allowed to
each class. Miss Lawrence was extremely thorough in her
instructions, and laborious in her efforts. Her examination
was one of interest. The exercises in Reading and Mathe-
matics showed that these branches had been thoroughly
taught. We think the district fortunate in securing for the
winter term Mr. Martin, of Tuft's College. He possesses
talents well adapted to the school room, dispatching business
with ease and celerity. The Reading, Writing and Drawing
of Maps — indeed, the improvement in all the branches —
showed that the school had been a busy one. The recitation
of an extract from a discourse by Dr. Nott, and a compo-
sition on Liberty, deserve to be noticed. Geometry, and
several of the higher English branches, are pursued in this
school.
Primary Department.
Miss Susan C. Huggins, Teacher.
In a school composed of so many small scholars, the
teacher needs to be calm and diligent. The exercise of an
uneven disposition, or an indifferent feeling toward the
school, would have a very bad effect. Miss Huggins is of
gentle habits and always at work. There are a great many
recitations to hear iii this school, if the children are small.
We thought when we first visited it the classes read without
much regard to sense or inflection, but at the last examina-
tion we observed a marked improvement in this important
branch ; also in spelling and defining words. The classes
generally recited with promptness, and what is quite desir-
able, spoke so that they could be understood.
SOU'lTI DISTRICT.— Upper Department.
Miss Jennie M. Harris, \ m 7
tvt tvt n o \ Teachers.
Mr. N. C. Scoville, )
The activity and experience of Miss Harris, combined
with her other qualifications, render her well qualified to take
charge of a large school. A person of a dull temperament
10
should never be found in such a place. She gives every
class and every scholar a fair chance. Although she had
more to do than should be required of any one teacher, yet
she divided her efforts so judiciously that the improvement
in all the branches was very evident. We found most of the
school in Kobinson's Mental Arithmetic, which pleased your
Committee very much. At the close of the fall term, the
scholars manifested their attachment to her by the presenta-
tion of a handsome gift.
Mr. Scoville, the winter teacher, was a Cambridge
student. Several large boys were dissatisfied with some of
his arrangements the first of the term ; farther than this,
both parents and scholars were well pleased with him. He
had several good classes in Reading and Geography, and
some fine scholars in Arithmetic ; a number pursued Algebra.
Primary Department.
Miss Martha M. Wetherbee, \
Miss Lottie C. Faulkner, > Teachers.
Mrs. Eliza O. Daniels, )
This school has had a new teacher each term. Miss
Wetherbee taught the spring term. She was devoted to
her business, beloved by her pupils, and respected by the
district. Much to our regret, during the succeeding
vacation, she was seized with a violent illness, of which she
has recently died, mourned by scholars and friends.
The district was very fortunate in being able to procure
Miss Faulkner as her successor. She had taught the
school many successive terms, and was therefore able to com-
mence where Miss Wetherbee left off. She is an excellent
teacher, always contriving something new to interest the
children. She infuses an active spirit into her pupils, and
makes them understand their lessons. Her examination was
an* interesting occasion, every class answering promptly and
appearing well. Among the Declamations was one in which
the echo was imitated in a charming manner.
Miss Faulkner declining to teach the winter term, was
succeeded by Mrs. Daniels. She taught the elementary
11
principles faithfully. This is the kind of teaching primary
schools require. Punctuation was considered a subject of
importance, and Orthography was practically taught.
SOUTH EAST DISTRICT.
Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, ) T 7
Mr. Edward F. Richardson, ] Ieac,wrs-
We thought when we first visited this school in the spring,
that the scholars seemed to possess hut a limited knowledge
of their books ; but, as we afterwards visited it from time to
time, we found it assuming a more encouraging aspect. The
discipline of the school was good. The scholars seemed
attached to their teacher, and advanced step by step until the
close of the fall term, when the improvement became very
evident.
Under the instruction of Mr. Richardson, a well-known
and successful teacher, the school continued to make progress
during the winter term. The classes at examination recited
very well in Intellectual and Written Arithmetic, and
showed a decided improvement in Reading and Writing.
We think as much has been accomplished during the year as.
could reasonably be expected.
EAST DISTRICT.
Miss Amelia D. Comstock, Teacher.
Whenever we visited this school we found the scholars
respectful and well behaved. During their recitations,
whether the questions were put by the teacher or the Com-
mittee, they usually gave good attention. We always found
the teacher industrious, and interested in. the prosperity of
the school. She evidently made considerable use of the
blackboard in the Mathematics and Geography. The scholars
were able to put fine maps upon the board. At her exam-
inations some very good problems were wrought in Arith-
metic and Algebra. We think the school advanced
considerably during the year.
NORTH DISTRICT.
Miss Emilie W. Loker, \
Miss Lucy Flagg, > Teachers.
Miss L. A. McCutchins, j
The summer term was taught by Miss Loker. The
12
school was small, and the children for the most part young,
so that we could not reasonably look for great attainments.
The teacher, however, was faithful and industrious, and the
school advanced under her instructions.
The winter term was commenced by Miss Flagg. When
engaged she was well known to be a person of superior
education, and an unusually successful teacher. After teach-
ing one month an opportunity presented itself, and being
prompted by a sense of duty, she left for a more extensive
field of usefulness among the contrabands in Washington.
She was succeeded in her office by Miss McCutchins,
also a fine scholar. She won the affections of her pupils and
the admiration of the district, and did much to elevate the
school. At her examination it was evident that she had
performed a good deal of labor, and enjoyed the co-operation
of her scholars. The singing was fine, and a rehearsal, in
which the loyal states wrere represented, was especially
pleasing and attractive.
SCHOOL CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATION.
The number of children in town between the ages of five
and fifteen, as ascertained on the first day of May last by the
Assessors, was 378.
Appropriation for the support of schools, 1864-5, $1,700 00
Appropriation from State School Fund, 83 72
Total amount, $1,783 72
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar
between the ages of five and fifteen, $4 49
Respectfully, in behalf of the School Committee,
William W. Davis, Chairman,
Centre District, William W. Davis,
West " George C. Wright,
South " J. E. Harris,
So. East " Daniel Fletcher,
East " Joseph Easterbrook,
North " Isaac Flagg,
School Committee.
FINANCIAL
Centre School.
Appropriation, $377 04
Balance from last year, 21 44
Amount of teacher's wages,
Paid for fuef,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$398 48
March 18, 1865. Wm. W. Davis, Committee.
$346
75
24
87
6
62
20
24
$398 48
West School.
Appropriation, $377 04
Deficiency of last year, 7 45
Amount of teacher's wages, $335 50
Pnid for fuel and incidentals, 37 00
$369 59
$372 50
Deficiency this year, 2 91
March 18, 1865. George C. Wright, Committee.
South School.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Received of Frank Brown,
Amount of teacher's wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Deficiency this year,
March 18, 1865, J. E. Harris, Committee.
$377 04
10 98
5 10
$393
$396
3
12
$361 72
25 37
9 14
23
11
14
South East School.
Appropriation, $224 19
Balance from last year, 12 80
Amount of teacher's wages,
Paid for fuel and incidentals,
Balance to next account,
$236 99
March 18, 1865. Daniel Fletcher, Committee.
6210 00
24 99
2 00
$236 99
East School.
Appropriation, $224 19
Amount of teacher's wages, $180 00
Wood and incidentals, 14 25
Balance to new account, 29 94.
6224 19
March 18, 1865. Joseph Easterbrook, Committee.
North School.
Appropriation, $224 19
Balance from last year, 1 84
Amount of teacher's wages, $201 50
Paid for fuel, 14 00
Incidentals, 7 26
Balance to new account, 3 27
$226 03
$226 03
March 18, 1865* Isaac T. Flagg, Committee.
15
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REPORTS OF
THE SELECTMEN
AND
OTHER OFFICERS,
OF THK
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26th, 1865, TO FEBRUARY 26th, 1866,
INCLUDING THE
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS IN 1865.
ALSO,
The Report of the School Committee.
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1866.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received, $21,436 16
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS
Paid.
O. W. Mead, for West School,
J. E. Harris, for South School,
W. W. Davis, for Centre School,
John Fletcher, 2d, for South East School,
Isaac T. Flagg, for North School,
Joseph Estabrook, for East School,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for Centre Singing School,
John Fletcher, Jr., for West Singing School,
$531 08
531 08
381 09
226 58
226 58
226 58
$2,122 99
)0l,
$150 00
150 00
$2,422 99
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid.
J. E. Harris, repairs on South School House, $46 89
O. W. Mead, repairs on West School House, 48 06
W. W. Davis, repairs on Centre School House, 21 22
Joseph Estabrook, repairs on East School Ho., 26 85
For furniture and fitting up school rooms at
South and West school districts, 559 03
For fencing around East School House, 18 00
$720 05
BOOKS AND PRINTING
Paid.
For printing Selectmen's Report,
printing pamphlet do.,
printing warrants,
tax books,
books for military record,
school books,
$11 00
71
50
8
50
2
25
7
67
47
71
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid.
T. W. Hammond, for breaking roads, $13 33
Charles Wheeler, " " 1 62
Joel F. Hayward, " " 4 76
William H. Teel, " " 12 50
John Conant, " " 4 00
Antoin Bulette, " " 10 83
Daniel H. Wetherbee, labor on highway, 11 33
Albert Moulton, laying wall, 33 88
Francis Kingsley, building sluice, 4 00
Abraham H. Jones, repairing sluice, 10 00
Luther Conant, Jr., labor on highway, 12 75
Simon Tuttle, " " 17 00
Daniel Tuttle, " u 3 58
Fletcher and Tarbell, rep. on powder mill bridge, 5 35
$148 63
$144 93
DISCOUNT AND ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Paid.
John E. Cutter, discount on taxes, $624 34
" " abatement of taxes, 115 74
,S AND FAM
$1,086 69
42 50
80 00
30 50
«p«*±v v/o
APPROPRIATIONS FOR S<
Paid.
For state aid,
transportation of soldiers in
soldiers' drill, May 1860,
Mrs. Rebecca C. Wright,
3LDIER
1862,
[ILIES.
$1,239 69
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
For support of Sarah B. Childs,
" Winefred A. Hews,
" William Murphy,
" Geo. W. Robbins, at reform sch.
medical assistance for Mary A. Law,
one pair shoes for do.,
assisting travellers,
Daniel H. Wetherbee, groceries for almshouse,
Do., for labor,
James E. Billings, journey to Boston,
$14 00
19 75
2 48
>h., 37 00
10 00
2 50
3 55
3, 50 00
80 92
3 00
$223 20
NOTES AND INTEREST.
Paid.
Jonas K. Putney, note and interest,
John Wood, "
Silas P. Blodget, "
Elbridge J. Robbins,
David M. Handley, "
Daniel Wetherbee, "
Matthew M. Kenney,
Ebenezer Conant, interest,
Augustine Conant, "
Frederick Rouillard, "
James Keyes, "
Joel Hanscom, "
Daniel Harris, "
John R. Whitcomb, "
Calvin Harris, "
James A. Billings, "
Isaac T. Flagg, "
John E. Cutter, "
iterest,
$1,143 01
a
552 50
u
167 71
u
534 85
a
214 70
u
1,562 50
u
119 25
195 00
360 00
90 00
€0 00
40 80
48 32
30 00
12 00
12 00
6 00
3 69
$5,152 33
TOWN OFFICERS,
Paid-
William W. Davis, for examining teachers,
superintending schools and making report,
William D. Tuttle, for taking inventory and
making taxes,
Do., for copying taxes,
Do., distributing tax books,
Do., collecting and recording 32 births,
$G0 00
31
00
3
00
1
00
0
40
6
William D. Tuttle, recording 12 marriages,
Do., recording 36 deaths,
Do., services as town clerk and making report,
Samuel Hosmer, taking inventory and making
taxes,
John E. Cutter, for collecting taxes for 1864,
James E. Billings, for services as selectman,
Jonas K. Putney, u "
J. K. W. Wetherbee, u "
1
20
5
60
•t, 20 00
25
00
100
00
37
50
11
75
25
00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
For coal for town hall,
wagon for town farm,
express, postage and stationery,
John E. Cutter, for revenue stamps,
Do., summoning fourteen persons to take oath,
Do., getting advice of George M. Brooks,
Do., getting dogs licensed,
Do., teaming coal for town hall,
Ivory Keyes, for two stone posts and teaming,
N. S. Faulkner, tolling bell for eight deaths,
Hiram J. Hapgood, " six "
Quincy A. Fletcher, " fifteen "
George H. Harris, for taking care of town clock,
Do., for fifteen gallons oil,
Do., two lamp chimneys,
Do., repairing armory,
Do., washing floors,
Do., one register,
Do., one dozen lamp wicks,
Do., one door bolt,
Do., one tub,
Do., repairing lock,
Do., varnishing doors,
Do., opening town hall forty-two times,
Fletcher & Tarbell, for attending twenty-six funerals,
Do., returning thirty-five deaths,
$327 45
$16 06
54 00
6 82
3 65
1 75
2 00
2 00
1 50
5 00
1 60
1 20
3 00
25 00
15 40
24
25
3 50
9 00
50
13
25
25
50
37 00
52 00
3 50
$246 10
CEMETERY EXPENSES,
Paid.
Samuel Hosmer, for labor at east cemetery, 9 63
Do., for stakes, 75
Do., stone posts, gate irons and hanging gate, 9 50
William D. Tuttle, for labor,
Horace Tuttle, drawing stone,
Daniel H. Wetherbee, for labor,
Martin Pike, "
John Cohollon, "
Daniel McCarthy, "
Daniel Fletcher, for laying wall,
John Harris, for mowing brush in north cemetery,
Charles Hastings, for labor at west cemetery,
Do., land for west cemetery,
William D. Tuttle, for surveying west cemetery,
Do., printing deeds and circulars,
Do., recording deeds,
Fletcher & Tarbell, for gate at east cemetery,
13
83
61
00
10
25
6
00
12
12
6
50
36
15
10
50
45
00
107
58
3
00
3
00
75
5
00
$340 56
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY FEB. 26, 1866.
Receipts.
Balance in treasury, Feb. 26, 1865,
$3,030 64
State tax for 1865,
4,324 00
County tax for 1865,
667 13
Town grant for 1865,
6,000 00
Town grant for schools,
2,000 00
Overlay on taxes,
58 41
Corporation tax,
290 35
State aid, to Jan. 1, 1865,
1,925 50
Borrowed money,
2,800 00
State school fund,
92 99
Armory rent,
95 19
Use of town hall,
121 95
School money from town of Concord,
20 00
" " Sudbury,
10 00
-— - fliiljiOD 10
Expenditures.
For support of schools,
$2,422 99
repairs on school houses,
720 05
books and printing,
148 63
roads and bridges,
144 93
discount and abatement of taxes,
740 08
appropriation for soldiers and families,
1,239 69
support of poor,
223 20
notes and interest,
5,152 33
For town officers, 327 45
miscellaneous expenses, 246 10
cemetery expenses, 340 56
state tax, 4,324 00
county tax, 667 13
$16,697 14
Balance in treasury Feb. 26, 1866, $4,739 02
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN, FEB. 26, 1866.
Dr.
To balance due, as per report, Feb. 26, 1866, $4,739 02
amount due from state for aid furnished
families of soldiers, 1,386 69
- <fpu,i^o *±
AMOUNT DUE ON NOTES.
Cr.
By cash of Daniel Harris,
Frederic Rouillard,
$517 70
1771 34
Joel Hanscom,
700 40
Augustine Conant,
Ebenezer Conant,
4,116 00
3,769 00
Silas P. Blodget,
Isaac T. Flagg,
James Keyes,
1,251 48
105 50
623 00
Calvin Harris,
202 60
James A. Billings,
John R. Whitcombj
202 60
506 50
David M. Handley,
James E. Billings,
1,745 90
1,120 10
Balance against the town Feb. 26, 1866, with*
out including the balance due as per over-
seers' report for 1866, $10,506 41
AMOUNT OF STATE AID PAID EACH PERSON.
Mrs. Margaret Moore, $144 00
S. H. Wetherbee, 107 20
Betsey Shehan, 96 00
Betsey M. Sawyer, 72 00
Maria Fisk, 72 00
Mr. Thomas Kingsley, 67 12
Mrs. Catherine M. C. Dwelley,
56
40
Mary Hurley,
52
00
Charlotte M. Pike
5
48
00
Anna Whitney,
46
40
Johanna Colman,
44
15
Julia F. Nelson,
42
00
MeCann sisters,
40
00
Mrs. Alice Brooks,
34
00
Fannie Stevens,
30
00
Martha Wayne,
27
00
Lubey,
25
71
Mr. Michael Powers,
25
71
Mrs. Joanna Moulton,
18
00
Elvira Young,
13
00
Nathan Goss,
26
00
«JpJL,vOU \
JAMES
E.
BILLINGS,
\ Selectmen
JONAS
K.
PUTNEY.
»
of
J. K. W
". WETHERBEE,
) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1866.
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE, IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1866.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1st, 1866.
9 cows $540,00 ; 1 horse, 125,00, $665 00
3 shotes, 48,75 ; 12 fowls, 7,44,
375 lbs. pork, 75,00 ; 50 do. beef, 6,00,
4 1-2 tons hay, 67,50 ; 10 bush, rye, 10,00,
17 bush, corn, 17,00 ; 11 do. oats, 6,60,
50 do. potatoes, 30,00 ; 100 lbs. ham, 20,00,
6 lbs. butter, 3,12 ; 30 do. lard, 6,60,
1-2 bbl. flour, 6,12 ; 2 lbs. tea, 2,50,
3 lbs. coffee, .36 ; 15 lbs. candles, 2,40,
1-2 bbl. soap, 3,00 ; 1-2 do. pickles, 1,00,
1 bush, beans, 3,00 ; 2 galls, molasses, 1,46,
1 bush, rye meal, 1,00 ; 2 do. Indian meal, 2,00,
skewer timber, 2,00 ; 15 bush, ashes, 2,50,
2 lbs. sugar,
$990 09
RECEIPTS.
For oxen, $488,00 ; milk, 427,18,
horse, 150,00 ; skewers, 75,80,
calves, 23,15 ; beef, 33,25,
peaches, 23,83 ; apples, 12,40,
potatoes, 3,50 ; eggs, 4,63,
squashes, 1,32 ; hide, 5,04,
drag plank, 1,50 ; keeping pedlar, 1,00,
straw, 10,45 ; work at cemetery, 15,00,
56
19
81
00
77 50
23
60
50
00
9
12
8
62
2
76
4
00
4
46
3
00
4
50
34
$915 18
225
80
56
40
36
23
8
13
6
36
2
50
25 45
$1,276 05
11
EXPENDITURES.
For flour, $50,75 ; butter, 85,44, $136 19
molasses, 37,68 ; sugar, 19,18 ; tea, 11,04, 67 90
coffee, 10,82 ; meat, 96,13 ; fish, 20,15, 127 10
meal, 53,32 ; cheese, 19,63 ; bread, 3,03, 75 98
shorts, 28,49 ; oil meal, 4,20, 32 69
cloth and clothing, 60,06 ; shoes, 13,39, 73 45
tools, 14,03 ; nails, 2,53 ; oil, 4,81, 21 37
corn, 7,60 ; vinegar, 2,50 ; spices, 5,28, 15 38
cream tartar, 1,78 ; yeast, .56 ; saleratus, .12, 2 46
matches, .65 ; solder, .57 ; rosin, .42 ; whips, .20, 1 84
potash, 2,64; soap, 2,04; brooms, 1,35, 6 03
rope, .30 ; wicking, .57 ; onions, 4,50, 5 37
camphor, .48 ; beans, 7,75 ; plaster, 7,02. 15 25
tallow, 2,80; medicines, 1,84; bone dust, 1,32, 5 96
lime, .25 ; salt, 3,55 ; soda, .73 ; starch, .30, 4 83
raisins, .86 ; seeds, .50 ; rice, .56 ; tobacco, 11,65, 13 57
milk, .14 ; tin ware, .35 ; stove polish, .25 ; ink, .10, 84
candles, .10 ; earthen ware, 3,27 ; stationery, .25, 3 62
lead pipe, 9,72 ; plow points, .55 ; apples, .25, 10 52
salt petre, .22 ; wheel grease, .25 ; barrels, 1,65, 2 12
blacksmith's bill, 15,40 ; pasturing oxen, 19,85, 35 25
skewer timber, 4,82 ; sawing lumber, .27, 5 09
newspaper, 2,50 ; doctor's bill, 3,00 ; shotes, 15,00, 20 50
use of bull, 2,25 ; use of winnowing mill, .50, 2 75
weighing oxen, .12 ; expenses to Boston, 7,69, 7 81
expenses on well, 8,13 ; cash to paupers, 3,00, 11 13
oxen, 190,00; horse, 146,00; cow, 50,75, 386 75
horse cart, 25,00 ; wagon, 54,00, 79 00
cart harness, 4 00
services of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Wetherbee, 300 00
James E. Billings' services, 6 00
Jonas K. Putney's " 6 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee's " 6 00
$1,492 75
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1865, $1,033 67
Interest on farm, 239 40
_ $1,273 07
$2,765 82
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of expenditures, $1,492 75
Amount of receipts, $1,276 05
Cash from town treasury to balance account, 216 70
$1,492 75
12
Total amount of expenditures, $1,492 75
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1865T 1,033 67
Interest on farm, 239 40
Total amount of receipts, $1,276 05
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1866, 990 09
$2,765 82
$2,266 14
$499 68
Expense of victualling foreigners, 9 50
Total amount of supporting poor at almshouse, $490 18
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported
in the Almshouse, 5 ; average number, 3 1-2 ; cost per week,
$2,69.
James E. Billings, } Overseers
Jonas K. Putney,
J. K. W. Wetherbee,
*s, } Overseei
\ of
1RBEE, ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1866.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON, IN 1865.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child and Parents' Names.
1. Jan. 1, Charles Brooks, son of Heniy and Harriet E. Brooks,
2. Jan. 6, William Charles Conghlin, son of John and Margaret
Coughlin.
3. Jan. 27, Elmer Rouillard, son of Frederick and Sarah RouiL-
lard.
—••4. Jan. 31, Minnie Sophia Harris, daughter of Francis E. and
Mandana S. Harris.
5. Feb. 11, Nelson Augustus Cobleigh, son of Ephraim and Har-
riet E. Cobleigh.
6. Feb. 15, Etta May Sawyer, daughter of Henry L. and Lucy
A. Sawyer.
7. Feb. 28, Nellie Maria Frost, daughter of George H. and Su-
san M. Frost.
8. April 18, Fannie Marcella Houghton, daughter of John R.
and Martha E. Houghton.
9. April 20, Adelaide Louise Richardson, daughter of Osman D.
and Mary E. Richardson.
10. May 7, Daniel Reddin, son of Patrick and Hannah Redclin.
11. May 20, Ana Sophia Jones, daughter of Elnathan, Jr., and
Elizabeth Jones.
12. June 13, Florence Idella Noyes, daughter of Joseph and Dolly
M. Noyes.
13. June 15, Agnes Wormsley Garnmell, daughter of Robert and
Agnes Gammell.
14. July 1, Jennie Louise Colman, daughter of George W. and
Louise M. Colman.
15. July 13, Warren Henry Jones, son of James F. and Elizabeth
Jones.
16. July 13, Fred Lyman Farrar, son of Henry and Lydia A.
Farrar.
17. Aug. 23, Warren Edson Taylor, son of Thomas and Martha
A. Taylor.
18. Aug. 23, Mary Ellen Haggerty, daughter of William and
Catherine Haggerty.
. 19. Aug. 26, A daughter, to Nathaniel Y. Trickey.
20. Sept. 4, Susan Elizabeth Billings, daughter of Luther and
Martha A. Billings.
21. Sept. 13, Edward Malloy, son of Thomas and Fannie Malloy.
22. Sept. 17, Arlon U. Jackson, son of Loring M. and Harriet S.
Jackson.
14
23. Sept. 18, Carrie Bell Hay ward, daughter of Cyrus and Mary
P. Hay ward.
24. Sept. 22, A son, to Luther, Jr. and Celeste J. Conant.
Zo. Sept. 30, Ida Lilian Reed, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Jane
Reed.
26. Oct. 18, Delmon Gustavus Barker, son of Henry and Louisa
M. Barker.
27. Oct. 31, Mary Josephine Hannon, daughter of Michael and
Mary A. Hannon.
28. Nov. 1, Luke Harris Tuttle, son of Luke and S. Sophia Tut-
tle.
29. Nov. 15, Herbert Arnold Hapgood, son of Andrew and Eliza
A. Hapgood.
30. Nov. 18, Edwin Barker Hoar, son of John S. and Lydia P.
Hoar.
31. Nov. 23, Rockwood Miles, son of Warren and Maria J. Miles.
32. Dec. 3, Katie Haggerty, daughter of William, 2d, and Mary
Haggerty.
Males, 16 ; females, 16.
MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN THE TOWN OF ACTON,
IN 1865.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. April 9, Mr. L. V. N. Peck, of Acworth, N. H., and Miss
Mary Jane Harris, of Acton.
2. May 14, Mr. William A. Walker, of Sudbury, and Miss Emma
Louisa Merritt, of Acton.
3. May 25, Mr. George W. Davis and Miss Mary Jane Bur-
roughs, both of Acton.
4. June 10, Mr. Samuel Oscar Lamcer and Miss Mary Frank
Mann, both of Marlborough.
5. Sept. 3, Mr. David Calahan and Miss Ellen Calhyne, both of
Acton.
6. Sept. 5, Mr. James E. Weston and Miss Ellen C. Hubbard,
both of Acton.
7. Sept. 14, Mr. Henry Hanson, of West Cambridge, and Miss
Elizabeth Hay ward, of Acton.
8. Oct. 5, Mr. John Wayne, of Acton, and Miss Maggie Seelye,
of Boston.
9. Oct. 22, Mr. Henry J. Rowe, of Candia, N. H., and Miss
Lizzie S. Richardson, of Acton.
10. Nov. 26, Mr. Sanford Wheeler, of Acton, and Miss Susan E.
Guptill, of North Berwick, Me.
15
11. Dec. 7, Mr. Nathaniel H. Penniman and Miss Eliza A. Rich-
ardson, both of Acton.
12. Dec. 7, Mr. William B. Davis, of Acton, and Miss S. Maria
Dwight, of North Wrentham.
13. Dec. 24, Mr. Benjamin F. Flint and Mrs. Sarah Jane Phillips,
both of Acton.
DEATHS IN ACTON, IN 1865.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age.
1. Jan. 7, Mr. Zoheth Taylor, aged 37 yrs.
2. Jan. 17, Winifred H. Hewes, aged 29 yrs.
3. Jan. 23, Milton F., son of Thomas and Martha A. Taylor,
aged 3 yrs. 10 mos. 22 days.
4. Jan. 31, Mr. Silas Sweatt, aged 80 yrs.
5. Feb. 3, Mrs. Margaret C, wife of Mr. James Todd, aged 23
yrs. 8 mos. 10 days.
6. March 22, Dr. John M. Miles, aged 63 yrs. 5 mos.
7. March 26, Edmund F. Hannon, son of Michael and Mary A.
Hannon, aged 5 yrs. 11 mos. 18 days.
8. April 10, Widow Charlotte H„ Davis, aged 60 yrs. 8 days.
9. April 30, Mrs. Eunice Wilbur, aged 75 yrs. 1 mo. 20 clays.
10. May 18, Mrs. Susan B. Davis, wife of Mr. Ebenezer Davis,
aged 62 yrs.
11. June 16, Miss Lucy Barnard, aged 37 yrs.
12. June 17, Mrs. Harriet Handley, wife of Mr. Aaron C.
Handley, aged 39 yrs. 8 mos. 9 days.
13. June 19, Carrie Etta Handley, daughter of Aaron C. and Har-
riet Handley, aged 4 yrs. 5 mos. 10 days.
14. July 19, Mrs. Lydia Jane Wild, wife of Mr. William A. Wild,
aged 37 yrs. 4 mos.
15. Aug. 3, Mr. George W. Bobbins, aged 84 yrs. 6 mos.
16. Aug. 17, Mrs. Rebecca Billings, aged 84 yrs. 11 mos.
17. Aug. 17, Mrs. Caroline E. Wyman, wife of Mr. O. C. Wy-
man, aged 37 yrs. 8 mos. 22 days.
18. Aug. 22, Frank C. Wright, son of George C. and Susan H.
Wright, aged 1 yr. 9 mos. 9 days.
19. Sept. 7, Mr. Charles Robbins, aged 79 yrs. 10 mos.
20. Sept. 15, Mrs. Sally Haynes, aged 84 yrs. 6 mos.
21. Sept. 20, Widow Esther Barker, aged 82 yrs. 2 mos. 5 days.
22. Sept. 29, Mrs. Anna E. Robbins, wife of Mr. Luke J. Rob-
bins, aged 27 yrs. 3 mos. 27 days.
23. Sept. 30, Mrs. Mary Robbins, aged 75 -yrs. 4 mos. 9 days.
24. Oct. 2. Widow Sarah W. Noyes, aged 80 3<rs. 8 mos.
25. Oct. 3, John, son of Patrick and Bridget Gallaghar, aged 1
yr. 9 mos.
16
26. Oct. 5, Mrs. Lucy Mead, aged 64 yrs. 2 mos. 9 days.
27. Oct. 6, Francis, son of Patrick and Bridget Gallaghar, aged 5
yrs. 6 mos.
28. Oct. 8, Mary Ellen Kelley, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Kel-
ley, aged 7 yrs. 8 mos. 18 days.
29. Oct. 11, Mrs. Joanna Lynch, wife of Peter Lynch, aged 36 yrs.
30. Oct. 10, Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Murphy, wife of Mr. Daniel
Murphy, aged 34 yrs.
31. Oct. 17, Mrs. Celeste J. Conant, wife of Mr. Luther Conant,
Jr., aged 32 yrs.
32. Oct. 20, Miss Lucy M. Robbins, aged 35 yrs. 4 mos. 16 days.
33. Oct. 25, Mr. John Powers, aged 38 yrs.
34. Dec. 29, Widow Hannah Butterfield, aged 87 yrs.
William D. Tuttle, Town Clerk.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1866.
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
EAST CEMETERY.
Expenditures.
For printing deeds and circulars,
$9 00
mowing brash,
16 37
raking and burning do.,
9 58
stakes, and lotting up squares,
6 38
grading avenues,
16 25
completing wall and putting up gate,
67 15
Receipts.
For five lots deeded,
$5 00
wood sold,
3 00
Received of town, by order,
116 73
WEST CEMETERY.
Expenditures.
For laying out and grading avenues, mowing
$124 73
$124 73
brush and setting bound stones,
stakes for lots, and numbering,
deeds and circulars,
recording deed,
record book,
postage and envelopes,
$52 18
4 11
9 00
60
75
88
$67 52
$81 50
Receipts*
For thirty lots deeded,
repairing lots,
wood sold,
Received from town,
$30 00
4 50
2,00
45 00
Balance in Committee's hands,
NORTH CEMETERY.
Expenditures.
For mowing and raking brush,
$13 98
$10 50
18
It will be seen, by an examination of the Report of the Select-
men, that a very large part of the expenditures incurred for the
Cemeteries were for the purchase of land for the West Cemetery,
and for building the wall and gate for the Cemetery in the east
part of the town. But a small sum has been expended for im-
provements in the interior of the Cemetery grounds. In the East
Cemetery the avenues have been nearly completed, and many lots
have been staked out. In the West thirty lots have been deeded
and sundry improvements commenced. What is now wanted is
the co-operation of proprietors in dressing up their lots in a neat
and tasteful manner, and we cordially invite and earnestly entreat
all owners of lots, either in the new or old grounds, to begin the
good work the coming season. We spend large sums in the erection
of monuments, testifying of our love for friends departed. Shall
we not see the surroundings of these made attractive ? We trust
that it will soon be considered a moral, if not a religious duty, of
every owner of a lot in our cemeteries to root out every brier and
bush, as well as everything of an unornamental character, in his
grounds. When this is done, and the town has completed the im-
provements it has begun, we shall have cemeteries to which it will
be pleasant to pay an occasional visit.
And should proprietors of lots take earnest action in this mat-
ter, we feel sure the town will not grudge a small, annual expendi-
ture for their general improvement.
Wm. D. Tuttle, } „
Samuel Hosmer I ^eme^
Charles Hastings,/ Oomwto*.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAK, 1865-6.
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1866.
REPORT
To the Citizens of Acton :
The School Committee respectfully submit their annual
report.
It is a matter of deep interest to the town of Acton,
whether or not the cause of education is well carried on.
Other subjects may seem of more immediate importance,
but, so far as its future prosperity or the happiness and use-
fulness of the rising race is concerned, there is no greater
interest to which it can attend. There is almost as much
difference between an intelligent community and an ignorant
one as there is between light and darkness. In the former
we see thrift and enterprise, and everything to which the
hand of industry and ingenuity is applied returning a rich
reward, while, in the latter, a description of the customs,
character and conditions of the people generations ago will
substantially describe them at the present day.
It is an honor to a town to raise up good scholars, and the
number of such scholars will depend upon the interest felt
by the citizens in the cause of education. It is not to be
understood when we are making efforts to educate our youth,
that they are the only ones that will be benefited, for not a
few of them will settle in other towns and other states, and
an intelligent mind will have an influence wherever it goes.
If wise legislation is applied to the states recently in rebel-
lion, their fine climate, fertile fields and great rivers will,
doubtless, attract thither not only great numbers from
Europe, but not a few from New England will establish
themselves here and there throughout its rich and wide
domains ; and it will make a great difference respecting the
future condition of the Southern people whether or not these
emigrants are intelligent and God-fearing men. The subject
of education then is of national importance, and it may well
be a source of satisfaction to feel that we are doing some-
thing for the welfare of the whole country as well as for
ourselves, when we are attending to the educational interests
of the town.
We have not yet the number of families in town which
makes it imperative upon us to support a High School, yet
such a school would be a splendid thing for this town. It is
just what our young people need, and some of them very
much desire. Your Committee believe such a school would
be worth more than it would cost to sustain it, — that, after
it became established, it would prove a source of emulation,
attraction and wealth. The High School, taught in the
centre of the town last fall, was considered by all as a very
profitable one. We wish we might have such a school for
the year round, until such time as the town shall regard it
for its interest to support a similar one.
State of the Schools. We think the prosperity of the
schools, the past year, has been such as to afford encourage-
ment to the friends of education in the town. Doubtless
some of them might have been conducted in a more efficient
manner, and many of the scholars might have better appre-
ciated and improved their privileges. Although, with but
one exception, taught by females, we have usually found a
fair degree of discipline, and in most of the schools a com-
mendable application to study.
The Local Committee have evinced an increased interest
in their respective schools, thus showing that they feel, more
than ever, the responsibilities of their office, which is one of
much importance. A great trust is committed to their
hands. We think the teachers, without exception, have
endeavored to exert a correct influence over the minds of
their pupils. They have visited each other's schools to some
extent. This is a good practice, for, however well we may
think we understand our business, it is wise occasionally to
observe how others manage who are engaged in a like
occupation. We would call the attention of the town to the
fact that the smaller districts have the advantage over the
larger ones with respect to length of schools, but, as they
have no money to spare, we would recommend a small
additional appropriation for the village districts.
We have occasion of gratitude to God for the general
health the children of our schools have enjoyed the past year.
Care of School Houses. The additional schools, put in
operation in the South and West Districts, have proved
highly satisfactory. It was somewhat expensive starting
them, but it was money well expended. Nothing would
induce the people of those districts to return to the old
arrangement. These schools being established, it has been
thought best to let the subject of new school houses rest a
year or two. We would therefore recommend to the Local
Committees, while the old school houses continue to be occu-
pied, to keep them in comfortable repair. Let the doors
and windows and all parts of the house be kept tight, with
the exception of being well ventilated, so that the health of
our children need not be jeopardized by sitting in a current
of air. If the stove or chimney is out of order, let them be
put in good condition if they can be ; if not, they should be
removed and new ones put in their places. The grounds
around the school houses should be kept looking respectable,
and the teacher should be expected to see that the inside is
as attractive as circumstances will admit. The young ladies
should volunteer their services to assist in keeping the school
room well swept. It is very unpleasant for the Committee,
when they visit a school, to find the room covered with dirt.
Many of our school rooms, however, are kept remarkably
neat.
Reading, A good deal of attention should be given to
this subject. Probably time enough is bestowed upon it,
but we believe better instruction in man}' cases might be
given. A scholar who understands well what he reads can
get along better with any other branch to which lie may
attend. Children ought to be faithfully instructed in this
branch while quite young. We have sometimes known
6
mothers to do a good deal towards making their children
good readers, by reading to them, in a lively and interesting
manner, such pleasant stories and dialogues as they can com-
prehend, at the same time instructing them to read in a
similar manner.
We have, also, often observed that the children of those
parents who have a good understanding of their mother
tongue, and using it correctly in conversation, have, as a
general rule, a much better command of language, and
appear better in society than other children. We see then
that the teachers in our primary schools should understand
well the art of teaching children to read. But a knowledge,
of this department is not to be learned from imitations
merely ; the sense must be comprehended. They should there-
fore strive to interest their pupils in the subject of the lessons,
asking questions upon it, and frequently giving examples of
the manner in which a sentence should be read ; and when
the scholar comes across a word with which he is not
familiar, he should be required to spell it out, pronouncing
one syllable after another, giving a good pronunciation of
the whole word at the end. Poor readers, as far as practi-
cable, should be kept in classes corresponding to their
requirements, and no class should hurry from one lesson or
text book to another until it is qualified to do so.
Committing short pieces to memory, is a good exercise for
young children in this department. The spelling book and
dictionary should be freely used in connection with this
branch of education.
Classification, There should be as few classes in school
as possible, consistent with the attainments of the pupils.
The less the number of classes, the more opportunity for
instruction the pupils will enjoy. It is usually very difficult
keeping a school classified according to our liking, as some
of the scholars are, more or less, absent, and a portion of
them attend school only a part of the year, while others
attend constantly. There is also a great difference both in
the capacity and inclination of children to acquire knowj^
edge. Some learn easy and others hard. Some love to
study, while others have little taste for it. Some have a
great partiality for a particular branch, while others care
about the same for one study as another. These differences
in the attendance and characteristics of children make it
necessary, in our upper departments, to have a good many
classes. Still we should bring as large a number as practi-
cable together at a recitation. A large class can see and
hear as well as a small one.
In giving out a lesson, the most forward scholar should
not be made a criterion, nor the most backward one, but the
average abilities of the class should be considered. It is
quite desirable to hear a recitation in each branch every day,
but when they are so numerous that justice cannot, in good
measure, be done them, it is better to hear them less frequently ;
but regularity should be observed at any rate. We think if
better scholarship was required before pupils were admitted
to the upper departments, it might help this matter of classi-
fication to some extent. Such an arrangement might also
produce more of a spirit of emulation among the scholars.
Teachers. No matter how good school houses we may
build or how much money appropriate, unless we obtain
good teachers, the cause of education will not flourish. It is
right that we should expect a good deal of our teachers.
The position they occupy should not be sought by those who
are not willing to labor. To give out lessons and see that
they are recited precisely according to the book, does not
constitute even a decent teacher. She may be remarkable
for her power to communicate and explain definitely the sub-
juct of the lesson, and still not do the whole work. She
must get the scholars' attention, put a good many questions,
and ascertain whether the scholar understands or cares to
understand the subject. Because a scholar can repeat a rule
in Arithmetic, or a demonstration in Geometry, does not make
that he understands it. Not only his memory but his reason-
ing powers must be brought into exercise, and principles
established in the mind. A free use of the blackboard is
indispensable in giving instruction in the Mathematics.
8
There are many questions in Geography to which the
scholars' attention should be called. Beginners in Grammar
need to be attracted to that study by something more than
the text book furnishes, else they may pursue it for several
terms without much profit. Writing Compositions is a good
exercise for older scholars in this department. A scholar
may go through Philosophy, reciting so well from memory
as apparently to have a perfect lesson every day, and yet, if
he is not questioned upon the principles of that science, and
an interest in it awakened in his mind, the time he has
bestowed upon it is nearly lost. Memory may make super-
ficial scholars, but it takes knowledge to make practical
ones.
What we should endeavor to secure, then, is laborious
teachers, and those who are qualified to set before their
pupils incentives to industry.
CENTEE DISTEICT. — Upper Department.
Miss Emma L. Stevens,
" Emeline Jewell,
" Angie Wheeler,
Mr. James Fletcher,
Miss Stevens taught the summer term. She was of
pleasant manners, conscientious in her endeavors, and tried
hard to keep a good school.
The ensuing term was commenced by Miss Jewell, a
teacher of experience,' and well qualified in all respects for
her position. But, after teaching three weeks, it became
necessary for her to relinquish her charge on account of
sickness of friends. Her place was at once occupied by
Miss Wheeler, whose good scholarship, fidelity to her work
and love for her occupation, render her well qualified for the
office of teacher. She carried the school through successfully.
Good scholars made rapid progress, and dull ones improved
under her instructions.
Mr. Fletcher taught the winter term. The school was
fortunate in having so able and industrious a teacher. It
was admirably conducted. At its examination the first class
>■ Teachers.
in Mental Arithmetic, the class in Algebra, and several
classes in Geography, attracted our attention.
Primary Department.
Miss Anna F. Blanchard, ) T }
" S. Eldora Esterbrook, $ leacners'
This school has had inexperienced teachers the past year.
It is pleasant to give some of our more advanced scholars,
who desire to teach and appear to have the requisite qualifi-
cations, an opportunity to try their hand at it. By doing so
we shall be likely to find some, at least, who will become an
honor to the office.
Miss Blanchard taught the summer and fall terms. She
was quite dignified among her pupils, — maintained a reason-
able degree of order, kept her school room looking neatly,
and, we believe, gave fair satisfaction to the district.
Miss Esterbrook took charge of the winter school. She
manifested much interest in her business, and displayed a
good degree of activity. At her examination several of the
classes recited very well, especially a class of beginners in
Grammar. The recitations were well chosen and attractive.
WEST DISTRICT.— Upper Department.
Miss Nellie A. Brown, ) ™ ,
" LlBBIE A. MCCUTCHINS, £ leaCtierS'
This school deserves a high rank among the schools in
town. There are some advanced scholars here. Geometry,
Philosophy, and some other of the higher English branches
receive attention to a considerable extent, and not, we think,
to the detriment of the common ones.
Miss Brown taught the summer and fall terms. She en-
deavored to make her school a profitable one.
Miss McCutchins had charge during the winter. She had
previously taught in another part of the town with unusual
success, and was no less successful here. The scholars
seemed to appreciate their advantages, and pursued their
10
studies with much zeal. At the close of the examination the
scholars presented the teacher with a splendid book. In the
evening this school, together with the other departments, had
a very successful exhibition.
Intermediate Department.
Miss Julia Ann Putnam, ) ™ ,
- Ellen C. Browne, $ leacfiers-
The progress of this school during the year has been en-
couraging. Miss Putnam had the management of it during
the summer and fall terms. The scholars gave their atten-
tion at their recitations, which were conducted in a faithful
and profitable manner, and the school prospered under her
instructions.
She was succeeded by Miss Browne, who carried on the
school during the winter term with equal success. There
was a liveliness and interest in this school which it always
gives your Committee pleasure to witness. The scholars
excelled, considering their age, in Mental Arithmetic and
Grammar.
Primary Department.
Mrs. Fannie A. Stevens, ^
Miss Addie T. Willard, > Teachers.
" Mary S. Balou, )
Your Committee consider the primary schools of no less
importance than the higher ones. They watch over them
with equal solicitude. In science, as well as in what per-
tains to character, children need the best of training. If
they are not started right and do not get attached to their
books while young, their success is doubtful.
We think this school has made commendable progress
during the year. Mrs. Stevens taught it during the summer.
She was very industrious and the school improved under her
care.
Miss Willard had charge the ensuing term. She is well
qualified to instruct children, presenting to their minds such
11
knowledge as they are qualified to understand. The hours
of study were enlivened by useful and interesting exercises.
At the examination the school showed good improvement,
especially in Reading and Arithmetic.
Miss Balou conducted the school during the winter. We
were well pleased with the manner in which she carried it on.
The scholars were well drilled in what they went over,
thereby laying a good foundation for the future. The classes
appeared very well at examination, and the pieces recited
were well adapted to their years.
SOUTH DISTRICT. — Upper Department.
Miss Helenette Colby, > m 7
» Clara H. Hapgood, \ ^chers.
This school, during the summer and fall terms, was under
the care of Miss Colby. She had before taught in the dis-
trict, and had the confidence of both parents and scholars.
She maintained a good degree of discipline with little exer-
tion, and taught the school with success. At the close of
the school the scholars manifested their good will by making
her a valuable present.
She commenced the winter term, but, being taken sick,
her place was supplied by Miss Hapgoocl, a tine scholar and
experienced teacher. At the examination the drawing of
maps, repeating of rules and illustration of principles, made
it evident to the Committee that the school had flourished
under her management.
IXTERMEDI ATE DEPARTS EXT.
Miss Lottie C. Faulkner, Teacher*
This has been a profitable school the past year. It is very
well classified. This, doubtless, arises from having the same
teacher so many successive terms. Securing Miss Faulkner
as teacher, insures success. Her instruction is practical,
which is the kind we want in these days, for we live in
practical times.
12
At her examination the scholars would uniformly bear
questioning in those rules which they had been over. They
also spoke with much distinctness. Their recitations were
judiciously selected, and their gymnastics performed in an
amusing and skilful manner.
Primary Department.
Miss S. M. Davight, ) rp -,
" J. S. CONANT, $ leaC"erS>
Miss D wight taught this school during the summer and
fall in a lively and efficient manner. Her discipline was
good, and when her classes came out to recite, they gave
their attention to her instructions as though they thought them
of importance. The teacher who has the talent to get the
attention of her pupils is pretty sure to be successful. The
examination was very satisfactory, showing that the scholars
had been minutely taught in the elementary principles, some
pleasant exercises introduced, and instruction given with
vigor and accuracy.
Miss Conant taught during the winter. It was her first
attempt, but after she got started she carried on the school
successfully. She seems to possess the qualities of a good
teacher. The classes appeared very well at examination,
especially in Reading, which is a very important branch in
this department,
SOUTH EAST DISTRICT.
Miss Nellie J. Fletcher, Teacher.
This and the Intermediate Department in the South Dis-
trict are the only ones that have gone through the year with-
out a change of teachers. We wish there might be fewer
changes in the future. The teacher who is acquainted with
the character and attainments of her pupils has a very good
start. Miss Fletcher has taught quite a number of terms
here with satisfaction to the district. During the summer
and fall terms there was an unusual number of scholars
13
neither absent nor tardy. Of the classes at the examination,
we noticed one in Mental Arithmetic and the classes in
Geography as being very good. Writing here received a
good degree of attention. The closing exercise was unusu-
ally appropriate.
NORTH DISTRICT.
Miss L. A. McCutchins, > rp 7
" Amelia D. Comstock, 5
Miss McCutchins taught this school last year with satisfac-
tion to all. She continued to conduct it with much profit.
The scholars seemed to appreciate their advantages, and
assiduously pursued their studies. The result was a good
school and an excellent examination.
Miss Comstock took her place in the winter. The scholars
continued to study with zeal, so that, at the close of the
term, we could readily conclude that good advancement had
been made, especially in Intellectual and Written Arithmetic.
EAST DISTRICT.
Miss Amelia D. Comstock, > ™ ,
« Fannie E. Brigham, \ Teachers.
What we have before said of Miss Comstock's success in
this school, as well as in the North District, may, with equal
propriety, be said of her efforts here the present, year. She
taught the summer and fall terms, and the school made
progress under her care.
Miss Brigham took charge the winter term. It was her
first attempt at teaching, and therefore quite an undertaking
for her, but we think she managed the school better than
most young teachers would have done. Whenever we vis-
ited the school we found her conducting the recitations in a
satisfactory manner, calling the attention of the pupils to
those particulars which the subjects naturally suggested.
We were a good deal interested in the examination, especially
in the classes in Intellectual Arithmetic, and in the other
mental exercises. . At the close a beautiful book was present-
ed the teacher in a handsome manner.
14
SCHOOL CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATION.
The number of children in town between the ages of five
and fifteen, as ascertained on the first day of May last by the
Assessors, was 386.
Appropriation for support of schools, 1865-66, $2,000 00
Share of State School Fund, 92 99
Received for scholars attending our schools from
other towns, 30 00
Sum total, $2,122 99
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar between
the ages of five and fifteen inclusive, $5,18.
Respectfully, in behalf of the School Committee.
Wm. W. Davis, Chairman,
Centre District, Wm. W. Davis,
West "
O. W. Mead,
South
J. E. Harris,
South East
John Fletcher,
East "
J. ESTERBROOK,
North "
Isaac Flagg,
School Committee,
FINANCIAL.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages.
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
March 17, 1866.
$381 09
20 24
$367 25
17 89
8 67
7 52
$401 33
$401 33
Wm. W. Davis, Committee.
WEST £
Appropriation,
Deficiency of last year,
SCHOOL.
0. W.
$531 08
L1 80
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
$483 50
39 00
14 65
Deficiency this year,
March 17, 1866.
MeAd, C
$529 28
$537 15
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Deficiency last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
March 17, 1866.
$531 08
3 11
$466 35
47 75
13 87
$527 97
$527 97
J. E. Harris, Committee.
16
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last }rear,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$228 58
March 17, 1866. John Fletcher, Committee.
$226
58
2
00
$174 50
15
00
7
15
31
93
$228 58
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $226 58
Balance from last year, 29 94
Amount of teachers' wages, $200 00
Wood and incidentals, 32 68
Balance to new account, 23 84
$256 52
$256 52
March 17, 1866. Joseph Esterbrook, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $226 58
Balance from last year, 3 27
Amount of teachers' wages, $205 00
Paid for fuel, 16 00
Incidentals, 3 82
Balance to new account, 5 03
$229 85
$229 85
March 17, 1866. Isaac Flagg, Committee.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1866, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1867,
, INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1866.
ALSO, THE
Eeport of the School-Committee,
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1867.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received,
$16,266 76
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid.
O. W. Mead, for West School,
J. E. Harris, for South do.,
W. W. Davis, for Centre do.,
John Fletcher, 2nd, for South East do.,
Isaac T. Flagg, for North do.,
Calvin Harris, for East do.,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for South Singing School,
$611
00
611
00
427
70
244
40
244
40
244
40
$2,382
90
1,
150
00
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Paid.
J. E. Harris, for repairs on South Sch. House, $71 23
Calvin Harris, do. do. East do., 6 25
Isaac T. Flagg, do. do. North do., 3 36
Wm. W. Davis, do. do. Centre do., 9 05
John Fletcher, 2nd, do. do. South East do., 4 35
BOOKS AND PRINTING.
Paid.
For printing Selectmen's report, $12 50
" " pamphlet reports,
94 35
" " town warrants,
8 50
" Collector's book,
1 12
" tax books,
87
" record books,
50
u books and maps, for schools,
26 98
$2,532 90
$94 24
$144 82
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid.
John Chaffin, for breaking roads 625 hours,
J. W. Livermore, do. do. 94 hours,
John F. Blood, do. do. 66 1-2 do.,
Luther R. Forbush, do. do. 127 do.,
James W. Wheeler, do. do. 340 3-4 do.,
E. F. Fuller, do. do. 191 do.,
A. H. Jones, do. do. 265 do.,
Silas Conant, Jr., do. do. 222 -do.,
Simon Hosmer, do. do. 154 do.,
Samuel Hosmer, do. do. 72 1-4 do.,
Orlando Leland, do. do. 315 do.,
Thomas P. Sawyer, do. do. 229 do.,
Daniel Tuttle, do. do.,
Elias Hajrnes, do. do. 142 do.,
Moses Taylor, do. do.,
Calvin Harris,* do. do. 96 do.,
Jonas K. Putney, for lumber and labor on
bridge near Cash's Mills,
Francis Kinsley, for building sluice on the
road near the house of Jas. W. Wheeler,
Do., for repairing sluice in West Acton,
John Harris, for repairing bridge on Lowell
road,
Do., for one guide post,
J. R. Bassett, for land damage in building
road,
Cyrus Fletcher, for railing two bridges near
William Schouler's,
Do., for repairs on Powder Mill Bridge,
John Fletcher, 2d, do. do.,
Samuel Hosmer, for repairing road near the
house of Aaron Chaffin,
Daniel Tuttle, for work on highway,
$104
17
15
67
11
08
21
17
56
79
31
83
44
17
37 00
25
68
12
04
52
50
38
16
27
60
23
66
14
71
16
00
$3 26
50
00
2
00
4
60
6
00
50
00
28
12
9
92
7
00
3
75
1
78
$532 23
$166 43
$698 66
DISCOUNT AND ABATEMENT ON TAXES.
Paid.
John E. Cutter, abatement on taxes, $30 63
Francis Dwight, discount on taxes, 407 00
$437 63
APPROPRIATIONS FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
State Aid.
Paid.
Hiram W. Wetherbee,
$140 00
Rebecca C. Wright,
112 00
Hattie W. Wilder,
112 00
Rebecca Bigelovv,
112 00
Daniel L. Veazey,
84 00
William F. B. Whitney,
109 00
Alson R. Sumner,
84 00
Luke Smith,
84 00
John S. Hoar,
84 00
Maria Kinsley,
56 00
Eliza Conant,
56 00
Johanna Colman,
52 00
Paul Hay ward,
51 00
Gilbert G. Stevens,
50 40
Patrick Moore,
48 00
Dennis Shehan,
48 00
William Reed,
42 00
Mary Hurley,
18 00
Julia F. Nelson,
10 00
«i 35° 4 0
For fall encampment,
387 00
$1,739 40
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
James Keyes, for support of Lydia Rob-
bins,
For support of Mary A. Law,
" George W. Robbins, at reform school,
" support of Sarah B. Childs,
" ■" Mrs. N. F. Haynes and
family,
" support of William F. B. Whitney and
family,
" assistance rendered Mrs. Hiram Hunt,
G. A. Cady, for entertaining travellers,
Winthrop F. Conant, for assisting foreign
pauper,
James E. Billings, journey to Stow after
George Berry,
Do., journey to Maiden respecting Mrs. N.
F. Ha^ynes and family,
Do., journey to Boston respecting W. F. B.
Whitney and family,
$98 33
4
00
26
00
17
25
36
53
71
75
12
00
9
75
2
00
1
50
3
75
3
00
$285 86
NOTES AND INTEREST.
Paid.
Ebenezer Conant, note and interest,
$1,868 25
Augustus Conant, interest,
240 00
David M. Handley, do.,
102 00
Frederic Rouillard, do.,
90 00
'Silas P. Blodgett, do.,
68 61
James E. Billings, do.,
6Q 00
Daniel Harris, do.,
48 32
Joel Hanscom, do.,
40 80
James Kcyes, do.,
30 80
John R. Whitcomb, do.,
30 00
James A. Billings, do.,
12 00
Isaac T. Flagg, do.,
6 00
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid.
Wm. AY. Davis, for examining teachers,
superintending schools, and making
report, $75 00
John E. Cutter, for collecting taxes for 1865, 125 00
William D. Tuttle, for taking inventory and
making taxes, 30 00
Do., for copying taxes, writing bond, and
warrant, 5 00
Do., for services as Town Clerk, 25 00
Do., for recording 40 births, 12 00
Do., " " 23 deaths, 4 30
Do., " " 16 marriages, 2 40
Samuel Hosmer, for taking inventory and
making taxes, 25 00
Luther R. Forbush, for taking inventory
and making taxes for 1865, 24 50
Do., for taking inventory and making taxes
for 1866,
James E. Billings, for services as Selectman,
Jonas K. Putney, " "
J. K. W. Wetherbee, "
$2,602 78
25
00
38
00
13
30
25
00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
William D. Tuttle, for journey to Sudbury
to make out certificate of election of
representative, $2 00
Daniel H. Wetherbee, for services on the
town farm, 112 70
$429 50
44
00
6
40
10
00
18
56
1
75
462
00
Dan'l II. Wetherbee, for journey to Tewksbury, 1 20
For one pair oxen for town farm, 215 00
Hastings & Cutler, for rent of school room, 50 00
Cyrus Fletcher, for returning 24 deaths to
Town Clerk, 2 40
Do., for attending 22 funerals with the
hearse,
Do., for repairing old hearse,
J. E. Cutter, for getting dogs licensed,
Do., coal for town hall,
Do., summoning 14 persons to take oath of
office,
For new hearse,
Hiram J. Hapgood, for tolling bell for 3
deaths, 60
George W. Sawyer, for tolling bell for 16
deaths, 3 20
James Tuttle, for rent of school room two
years, 100 00
George H. Harris, for opening town hall 34
times,
Do., for 16 gallons oil,
Do., for cleaning town hall,
Do., broom for town hall,
Do., floor brush for town hall,
Do., repairing town clocks,
Do., 6 chimnies for town hall,
Do., taking care of town clocks,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, for 1 1-2 clays' time
' to Hudson and Yvrorcestor, to contract
for hearse,
Do., expenses to Hudson and Worcester,
Do., for 4 1-2 yards cloth, to repair old
hearse, 7 48
Do., sponge, pail and feather duster, for
hearse, 3 92
Do., express, postage and stationery, 8 52
James E. Billings, for journey to Boston
respecting State Aid, 3 00
33
25
12
95
1
67
40
1
25
1
50
75
25
00
3
00
3
60
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid.
Ivory Keyes, for two stone posts, 84 00
Charles Hastings, for expenses on West
Cemetery, 54 55
Martin Pike, for mowing brush in East
Cemetery, 11 CO
$1,136 10
8
John Harris, for mowing brush in North
Cemetery, 7 00
Samuel Hosmer, for five days labor in East
Cemetery,
Do., for stakes,
Luke Smith, for labor,
William D. Tuttle, for labor,
Do., for trees,
Do., for joist,
D. H. Wetherbee, for labor,
John Cohollen, for labor,
9
00
33
1
00
9
00
1
00
1
45
15
00
3
00
$116 33
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, FEB. 26, 1867.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in treasury, Feb. 26th, 1866,
$4,739 02
State Tax for 1866,
2,760 00
County Tax for 1866,
731 51
Town Grant for 1866,
2,500 00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,225 00
Highway Deficiencies,
59 79
Overlay on Taxes,
50 75
Corporation Tax,
339 07
State Aid to Jan. 1st, 1866,
1,233 36
State School Fund,.
132 90
From County Commissioners, for grading
.
hill near the house of Geo. C. Wright,
149 36
Armory rent for 18Q5,
125 00
Do. for 1866,
150 00
From Town of Quincy, for aid furnished
Mrs. Hiram Hunt,
12 00 *
For burial of Winifred A. Hews,
5 00
School money from Town of Sudbury,
5 00
Fall encampment,
387 00
Cash of James Tuttle,
600 00
Use of town hall,
62 00
«ifi oca 7g
EXPENDITURES.
For Support of Schools,
$2,532 90
Repairs on School Houses,
94 24
Books and Printing,
144 82
Roads and Bridges,
698 66
Discount and Abatement on Taxes,
437 63
For State Aid and Soldiers' Fay,
Support of Poor,
Notes and Interest,
Town Officers,
Miscellaneous Expenses,
Cemetery Expenses,
State Tax,
County Tax,
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1867, $2,557 03
1,739
40
285
86
2,602
78
429
50
1,136
10
116
33
2,760
00
731
51
— 813,
709
73
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN FEB. 23, 1867.
Dr.
To Balance due as per Report, Feb. 26,
1867, $2,557 03
Amount due from State for Aid furnished
Soldiers and their Families, 1,424 40
83,981 43
AMOUNT DUE ON NOTES.
Cr.
By Cash of Ebenezer Conant,
Joel Hanscom,
Augustine Conant,
David M. Handle}',
John R. Whitcomb,
James A. Billings,
Calvin Harris, -
James Keyes,
Isaac T. Flagg,
Daniel Harris,
Silas P. Blodgett,
James E. Billings,
Frederic Rouillard,
Balance against the Town Feb, 26, 1867,
without including the Balance due as
per Overseers' Report for 1867,
82,058 00
700
40
4,116
00
1,745
90
506
50
202
60
214
60
627
60
105
50
840
86
1,117
47
1,120
10
1,771
34
— 815
,126
87
811,145
44
JAMES E. BILLINGS,
JONAS K. PUTNEY, } Selectmen of Acton.
J. K. W. WETHERBEE,
J
Acton, Feb. 26, 1867.
2
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE, IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1867.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1st, 1867,
4 1-2 tons bay, $135.00 ; 11 bows, G60.00, $795 00
1 horse, 100.00 ; 2 shotes, 25.00 ; 11 fowls, 6.82,
450 lbs. pork, 67.50 ; 110 lbs. beef, 14.30,
118 1-2 lbs. ham, 27.77 ; Gb bush, potatoes, 35.75,
80 lbs. lard, 12.00 ; 12 lbs. butter, 4.56,
1 bush, beans, 4.00 ; 2 1-2 do. rye, 3.12,
13 lbs. candles, 1.95 ; 9 do. dried apple, 1.62,
5 lbs. oheese, .60 ; 2 do. tea, 2.00 ; 12 do. tallow,. 1,20,
25 lbs. soap grease, 1.50 , 1-3 bbl. soap, 1.67,
1 bbl. pickles, 2.00 ; 15 bush, ashes, 2.50,
10 M skewers, 6.00 ; skewer timber, 4.00,
131
82
81
80
63
52
16
56
7
12
a 57
3
80
3
17
4
50
10 00
$1,120 86
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $759.89 ; oxen, 210.00,
apples, 96.00 ; calves, 78.03,
cow, 70.00 ; potatoes, 73.00,
beef, 24.14 ; cart and harness, 32.00,
shote, 10.00 ; skewers, 23.96 ; pork, 3.98T
poultry, 7.01 ; eggs, 2.45 ; squashes, 2.57,.
hide, 4.57 ; drag plank, 2.50,
keeping pedlers, 3.25 ; use of oxen, 1.75,
Cash from Town Treasury,
$96i> 89
174
03
143
00
56
14
37
94
12
03
7
07
5
00
$1,405
10
215
00
$1,620
10
11
EXPENDITURES.
For oxen, $216.00 ; cows, 304.00 ; shotes, 13.00, $533 00*
meal, 108.93 ; oil-meal, 56.90 ; beef, 76.22, 242 05
flour, 60.00; butter, 72.77 ; clothing, 39.03, 171 80
molasses, 36.32; cheese, 25.92; hay, 33.65, 95 89,
sugar, 14.35; tools, 13.01; labor, 18.75, 46 11
blacksmith's bill, 14.48 ; shoes and boots, 8.35, 22 83
coffee, 9.82 ; grass seed, 13.74 ; tea, 5.90, • •'■ 29' 46
beans, 8.50 ; medicine, 2.25 ; spices, 4.68, , , 15 43
fish, 6.48 ; plaster Paris, 6.20 ; barrels, 4.15, , 16 83
bread, 3.25; salt, 5.33 ; vinegar, 4.05, 12 63
oil, 3.30 ; lard, 2.50 ; tallow, 3.85 ; potash, 2.42, 12 07
tripe, 2.50 ; earthen ware, 2.50 ; brooms, 2.25, 7 25
newspaper, 2.70; skewer timber, 8.00; onions, 1.45, 12 15
tobacco, 3.40; cream tartar, 1.50; raisins, 1.98, 6 88
oats, 1.15 ; tin ware, 1.00 ; soap, 1.30 ;nails, 1.07 ; ink, .18, 4 70
dried apple, 1.25 ; matches, 1.20 ; repairing harness, 1.70, 4 15
cash to paupers, 1.85 ; milk, .25 ; calf, 2.00 ; castings, .78, 4 88
saltpetre, .25 ; peas, .60 ; tar, .20 ; ox labor, 2.25, 3 30
wooden ware, 1.20 ; yeast, .64 ; wicking, .46 ; starch, 23, 2 53
doctor's bill, 2.50 ; rosin, .20 ; soda, .34 ; whiting, .08, 3 12
rope, ,60 ; sawing lumber, .70 ; use of bull, 4.75, 6 05
expenses to Boston, 13.60 ; do. to Brighton, 2.00, 15 60
services of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Wetherbee, .300 00
James E. Billings' services, 6 00
Jonas K. Putney's " 6 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee's « 6 00
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1866, $990 09
Interest on farm, 239 40
$1,586 71
$1,229 49
$2,816 20
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of receipts, $1,620 10
Amount of expenditures, 1,586 71
Cash on hand, $33 39
Total amount of expenditures, $1,586 71
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1866, 990 09
Interest on farm, 239 40
$2,816 20
12
Total amount of receipts, $1,405 10
Amount of inventory, April 1, 1867, 1,120 86
$2,525 96
$290 24
Expense of victualling foreigners, 17 60
Total amount of supporting poor at Almshouse, $272 64
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported
in the Almshouse, 6 ; average number, 4 ; present number, 3 ; cost
per week $1.31.
James E. Billings, \ Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K, W. Wetherbee, J Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1867.
Acton, March 20, 1867.
This is to certify that I have examined the above reports and
find that the same appear to be correct.
Wm. D. Tuttle, Auditor.
TOWN -CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON, IN 1866.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child and Parents' Names.
1. Jan. 1, Nelson A. Mead, son of O. W. and Mary E. Mead.
2. Jan. 8, Frank Harlan Tuttle, son of Wm. D. and Elizabeth B.
Tuttle.
3. Feb. 4, David Thomas Kinsley, son of Richard and Eliza
Kinsley.
4. Feb. 13, Mary Alice Knights, daughter of George W. and
Francis A. Knights.
5. Feb. 18, Charles Barry Parker, son of Edwin C. and Hannah
H. Parker.
6. Feb. 24, Julia McCarthy, daughter of Daniel and Mary
McCarthy.
7. Feb. 25, Eugene Clifford Stevens, son of Frank and Frances
Stevens.
8. Feb. 28, Lyman Davis Robbins, son of Simon and Nancy D.
Robbins.
9. March 5, George Edgar Robbins, son of John M. and Lydia
Ann Robbins.
10. March 14, Elliot Prouty Livermore, son of Hiram B. and Laura
E. Livermore.
11. March' 21, Joseph William Livermore, son of George W. and
Carrie A. Livermore.
12. March 25, Walter J. Curtis, son of Nehemiah and Martha C.
Curtis.
13. April 19, Oscar Pratt, son of Henry and Aria T. Pratt.
14. April 19, Willie A. Sumner, son of Alson R. and Carrie A.
Sumner.
15. May 12, Harry Edson Hosmer, son of John E. and Emma E.
Hosmer.
16. May 13, Stevens Hay ward, son of Joel F. and Sarah E. Hay-
ward.
17. June 5, Theodosia Bertha Wright, daughter of George C. and
Susan H. Wright.
18. June 11, Adelbert Francis Mead, son of Varnum B. and D.
Elizabeth Mead.
19. June 20, Almon H. Gilmore, son of Walter A. and Emma A.
Gilmore.
20. June 25, Hattie Adell Davis, daughter of George W. and Mary
J. Davis.
21. July 25, Honora Callanan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Cal-
lanan.
14
22. July 25, Julia Lane, daughter of Morris and Mary Lane.
23. July 31, John Sidney White, son of John and Sarah A. White.
24. Aug. 10, Julietta Wilkins, daughter of William and Henrietta
Wilkins.
25. Aug. 24, Florence Elizabeth Faulkner, daughter of William
H. and Caroline A. Faulkner.
26. Aug. 25, Frank Arthur Teel, son of William H. and Mary E.
Teel.
27. Aug. 31, Erminie Louisa Davis, daughter of Alvin A. and
Mar}^ Davis.
28. Sept. 1, Millard Johnson Handley, son of Reuben and Caro-
line M. Handley.
29. Sept. 18, William Dawson, son of James and Margaret
Dawson.
30. Oct. 11, Abbie Francis Coughlin, daughter of John and Mar-
garet Coughlin.
31. Oct. 19, Mary Raddin, daughter of Patrick and Hannah
Raddin.
32. Oct. 31, Catherine Hayes, daughter of Michael and Mary
Hayes.
33. Nov. 1, Alice Pauline Hay ward, daughter of Paul and Alice
L. Hayward.
34. Nov. 15, , daughter of Daniel L. and Sally Veasie.
35. Nov. 16, William D wight Davis, son of William B. and S.
Maria Davis.
36. Nov. 18, Lizzie L. Boynton, daughter of Frank M. and Diantha
11. Bo3Tnton.
37. Dec. 2, Ada Violetta Gardner, daughter of George and
Violetta F. Gardner.
38. Dec. 19, Ilattie Evelyn Wheeler, daughter of Sanford and
Susan E. Wheeler.
[Omitted last year inadvertently.]
1865.
Aug. 24, Isabel Richardson, daughter of Edward F. and Frances
H. Richardson.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN 1866r
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Farties.
1. Feb. 2, Mr. Edward B. Richards, of Chelmsford, and Mrs.
Lydia A. Farmer, of Pepperell.
2. Feb. 26, Mr. josiah W. Bride and Miss Esther J. Willard,
both of Acton.
3. March 6, Mr. Charles W. Fletcher and Miss Angie H. Tarbell,
both of Acton.
15
4. March 6, Mr. Orin Bartlett and Miss Frances Ann Wheeler,
both of Lowell.
5. March 20, Mr. Charles W. Parker, of Freetown, N. Y., and
Miss Emma Wlieeler, of Acton .
6. May 29, Mr. Joseph W. Whcrren, of Elliot, Me., and Miss
Hepsa A. Fletcher, of Aeton.
7. May 31, Mr. Charles A. Harrington, of Wisconsin, and Miss
Mary Jane Faulkner, of Acton.
8. July 3, Mr. Edward L. F. Randolph, of Springfield, and Miss
Hattie A. Harris, of Acton.
0. July 2*), Mr. Joseph Day, of South Dedham, and Mrs. Jane
E. Brown, of Boxboro\
10. August 12, Mr. Patrick Callanan, of Aeton, and Miss Annie
Griffin, of Boxboro'.
11. Sept. 11, Mr. Joseph R. Bassett and Miss Clara Wetherbee,
both of Acton.
12. Sept. 23, Mr. Henry W. Sawyer, of Mason Village, N. H.,
and Miss Sarah E. Lawrence, of Stow.
13. Nov. 6, Mr. Abel Farrar, Jr., and Miss Delina Borden, both
of Acton.
14. Not. 6, Mr. Daniel H. Farrar and Miss Susan P. Fletcher,
both of Acton.
15. Nov. 29, Mr. Charles A. Phillips and Miss Annie M. Mitchell,
both of Acton.
16. Dec. 30, Mr. James P. Clare and Miss Elclora V. Wyman,
both of Acton.
DEATHS IN ACTON, IN 1866.
Ko. Date of Death. Names of Deceased.
1. Jan. 2, Nelson A., son of Oliver W. and Mary E. Mead, aged
one day.
2. Jan. 14, Mrs. Mary E. Mead, wife of O. W. Mead, aged 33
yrs. 7 mos. 6 days.
3. Jan. 15, Mr. Stephen Weston, aged 43 yrs. 6 mos.
4. Jan. 20, Mrs. Sophia L. Chaplin, wife of William Chaplin,
aged 50 yrs. 1 mo. 25 days.
5. Jan. 27, Mr. Artemas Roweil, aged 69 yrs. 1 mo. 13 days.
6. March 1, Mrs. Eliza Powers, aged 43 years.
7. March 1, Patrick Powers, son of John and Eliza Powers, aged
1 yr. 6 mos.
8. March 9, Jennie Wetherbee, daughter of Daniel 11. and Lucy
Wetherbee. aged 7 yrs. 1 mo. 21 d;»\ ;.
9. March 9, Mr. Ephraim Hosmer, aged 78 yrs. 9 mos.
10. March 11, Henrietta J. Harris, wife of George II. Harris,
aged 31 yrs. 5 mos. 12 days.
1(3
11. March 13, Mrs. Lydia P. Robbins, widow of Eben Robbins,
aged 76 years.
12. April 21, Walter J., son of Nehemiah and Martha C. Curtis,
aged 1 month.
13. June 2, Julia, daughter of Daniel and Mary McCarthy, aged
3 months.
14. June 18, George O. Phillips, son of Win. II. and Sarah A.
Phillips, aged 15 yrs. 5 mos. 1G days.
15. July 6th, Mr. Luther Conant, aged 80 yrs. 5 mos. 22 days.
16. Aug. 23, Mrs. Lavina Knapp, aged 74 years.
17. Aug. 28, Mrs. Susan B. Hay ward, wife of Stevens Hay ward,
Esq., aged 76 years.
18. Sept. 12, Mrs. Louisa M. Blanchard, aged 74 years.
19. Sept. 24, Mrs. Sarah Graham, aged 94 years.
20. Nov. 3, Frank Harlan, son of Wm. D. and Elizabeth B.
Tuttle, aged 9 mos. 26 days.
21. Nov. 16, Mr. Benjamin W. Seamans, aged 50 years.
22. Dec. 23, Mr. Phineas Taylor, aged 77 }ts. 3 mos. 8 days.
William D. 'Buttle, Town-Clerk.
Acton, March 20, 1867.
REPORT OF CEMETERY-COMMITTEE.
WEST CEMETERY.
Receipts.
Cash on hand Feb. 26, 1866,
$13 98
" received for seven lots sold,
7 00
" " for grading two lots,
3 00
" " from Town-Treasurer,
40 00
$63 98
Expenditures.
Cash paid Ira Stockwell, for labor,
$38 50
" " for moving gravel,
6 88
" " for postage and stationery,
28
Cash in Committee's hands, March 15, 1867,
18 32
$63 98
EAST CEMETERY.
Receipts.
Cash for two lots sold,
$2 00
Cash from Town-Treasurer,
69 33
$71 33
Expenditures.
Paid for mowing brush and lotting up squares,
$25 00
grading grounds,
22 00
joist,
1 45
Paid Luke Smith, for work,
1 00
for trees set out,
1 00
for stakes,
33
. for lettering stakes and avenue boards,
14 55
for two stone-posts,
4 00
$69 33
2 00
Cash in Committee's hands, March 20, 1867,
$71 33
NORTH CEMETERY.
Expenditures.
Cash paid for mowing brush, $7 00
Receipts.
By cash from Town-Treasurer, $7 00
William D. Tuttle, \ CemetenJ
Samuel Hosmer, } !^emet^
Charles Hastings, J C™™tit*e.
Acton, March 20, 1867.
LIQUOR-AGENT'S REPORT.
Amount of Liquors Sold to February 20, 1867.
39 gallons whiskey, $128 70
14 " gin, 71 40
113 " rum, 317 98
Stock on
15 gallons whiskey,
1 " gin,
2 " brandy,
15 " rum,
hand, February 20, 1867.
$49 50
5 10
23 74
42 64
$120 98
$639 06
54 gallons whiskey,
15 " gin,
2 " brandy,
128 " rum,
Agent's salary,
Government license,
Expenditures.
$154 22
66 17
20 56
343 48
25 00
25 00
$634 43
Net gain to the town,
Acton, Feb. 20, 1867.
$4 63
D. J. Wetherbee, Liquor- Agent.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL-COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL-YEAR, 1866 -'67.
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1867.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton :
The School-Committee respectfully submit their Aunual
Report.
^Ye believe the Town does not intend the cause of Educa-
tion should languish. During the last two years it has
added five hundred and twenty-five dollars to its appropria-
tion for schools. This is an addition of about one-third the
amount formerly raised for the purpose, and enables us to
maintain our schools about twenty-eight weeks during the
year. If the Town did not increase its appropriation for
educational purposes as its wealth and resources increased, it
would not be true to its own interests. Amidst the hurried
activities of life its citizens ought not to forget that a subject
that relates to the future character and prosperity of its
youth, should occupy no ordinary place in their consideration.
Very likely some of this money has not been expended to
the best advantage, but wTe believe it has been the object of
each member of the Committee to make the best possible use
of it.
We thiuk that each succeeding year parents evince a
deeper interest in the culture of their children, and that the
Committee endeavor to exercise more caution in the selection
of teachers. The more money the Town raises, the more
particular the Committee ought to be to secure teachers who
understand the most approved methods of imparting instruc-
tion, and of performing the greatest amount of labor while
the schools are in session. Much more can be accomplished
now in the same time than was the case in former 3'ears, and
although in respect to some tilings inventive genius may
seemed to have reached its utmost limits in regard to public
instruction, there is doubtless room for still further improve-
ment. It is true, as a general thing, that a town like this
cannot command so able teachers as the more wealthy and
populous ones, but when we are fortunate enough to get good
teachers we should offer them all the encouragement to
remain we can afford. We believe our schools are conducted
to some extent, at least, in a manner to promote the moral as
well as intellectual culture of the pupils. The moral facul-
ties of children need cultivation, in order to promote their
growth, as well as the intellectual. Some of our children
receive but little of this instruction at home, which makes it
the more necessary that they should receive it at school.
What kind of a citizen does a man make who has no fear of
God before his eyes, or conscientious regard for what is
right? Whatever his intellectual attainments may be he is
certainly a dangerous member of society, and the more so
for his education for culture is power. A parent wishes to
contemplate his child in the future, not merely as a scholar,
but as a religious being, guided by philanthropic and chris-
tian principles, and contributing his share to all benevolent
institutions and the general good of mankind.
The health of our children is another thing to be cared for
in our schools. The teacher should see that as even a tem-
perature as possible is kept in the school-room. It is dan-
gerous to have it range at blood heat at one time, and in half
an hour after be down to nearly freezing point. The smaller
children need attention at noon and recess. Thej should be
required to put their hats on when they go out, and not be
allowed to sit in a current of air when they come in. When
the eye of the parent cannot be on their little ones, the eye
of the teacher should be. The health of a child is very
precious. Most of our schools are now taught throughout
the year by females, and it is generally conceded that they
succeed as well in the instruction and management of the
schools as males. Still we believe some of our schools at
certain times demand male teachers, — those who can admin-
ister correction forthwith and on the spot. In order to keep
up a proper degree of discipline a female might sometimes
have to make a too free use of the expelling power. There
are cases when this is absolutely necessary, but the less of it
a teacher can get along with the better, as we do not want to
make vagrants of our children. None but very able female
teachers should be employed to take charge of our winter
schools.
There have been two cases of somewhat general insubor-
dination in school, one in the Centre and the other in the
South-East District ; but we will pass over this disagreeable
subject by simply remarking that the fewer cases of this kind
we have to report in these days of improved humanity, the
more agreeable it will be to all good citizens throughout the
town.
We don't know as this town is troubled more with truancy
than many others, but we do know that some of our boys are
sometimes seen loitering along the streets, or lounging about
public places, when they ought to be in school. Such
scholars are a disgrace to themselves and a dishonor to their
parents. It is bad enough to lose the money appropriated
for their education, but this is of small account compared
with the degradation to which they are tending. There are
others who absent themselves at examinations. This is a
source of mortification to the teacher, and makes the school
appear to disadvantage. The teacher is not to be blamed for
these evils. It belong to parents to see that their children
do not play truant or absent themselves at examinations.
The Committee have endeavored to put such teachers into
our schools as had a very good knowledge of the common
English branches, and more or less acquaintance with some
of the higher ones ; but we believe no observing person can
go the round of our examinations without becoming con-
4
vinced that our common schools cannot be expected to fully
meet the educational wants of the town. We think the time
has conic, whether the town realizes the fact or not, when a
school should he established in which some of the higher
branches of education should be thoroughly taught.
Many of our school-houses have been cold and uncomfort-
able for many years, and they are continually growing worse.
The subject of new ones must therefore soon come before the
town, and we trust the citizens' will be prepared to meet it
with their accustomed promptitude and liberality.
Quackenboss' Grammar has'been exchanged, the past year,
for Kerl's. The former was quite a good and comprehensive
system of Grammar, but it was not popular with the
teachers or a favorite book with the scholars. Kerl's Gram-
mar is a splendid book. It takes the subject up in an
attractive manner, and embraces a very general knowledge of
the science. "Kerl's Elements" may seem rather hard for
beginners, but with judicious teachers we believe it is as
near what is required as can be obtained. The "Common
School >' really ought not to be taken up except by the first
class. It is better to pursue the other until a considerable
knowledge of this branch of study is acquired.
In consequence of an act of the legislature of I860, mak-
ing a somewhat different distribution of the income of the
State School Fund, this town received the last year about
forty dollars more than heretofore. There are four private
schools now in progress in town, consisting of about one
hundred and ten pupils.
Hints to Teachers. We believe our schools are generally
conducted pretty well, but we suppose none of our teachers
claim perfection in their employment. We think, with the
exception of some of the older scholars, it is better for
classes to stand when they recite. This is a more lively
attitude, and the class presents a better appearance. We are
frequently troubled at examinations with scholars reciting in
a low and feeble tone of voice. This is not on account of
any weakness of the lungs, for these same children may be
heard when at play as well as others. It is a serious draw-
back to the appearance of the school, and an occasion of dis-
appointment to those who come in to witness its progress.
Children need to be exercised considerably in loud speaking
and distinct articulation.
It is no unusual thing, when we visit schools, to observe
questions passed over only imperfectly answered. Such
answers may be equivalent to no answers at all. The scholar
should be required to give the answer as it is in the book, or
in language that contains the same idea. If a child is
allowed to get into a careless, indifferent method of expres-
sion, the habit may adhere to him through life, marring his
appearance and impairing his usefulness.
The subject of Grammar should receive more attention in
some of our schools. It is not a very attractive study with
beginners, but becomes more so by giving attention to it,
and is of every-clay importance to everybody.
Perhaps in no branch has there been more improvement
made during the year than in Robinson's Intellectual Arith-
metic. Three years ago this book was but indifferently
attended to. We believe a small class in the West District
were the first to go through it, but they were quickly fol-
lowed by a few in the Xorth and East and quite a class in the
South Districts. We trust every school in town will soon
furnish scholars who can master the book.
CENTRE DISTRICT. — Titer Department.
Teachers: Miss Emeline S. Jewell, Miss Edith E. Frost,
Mr. Daniel C. Farr, Mr. Harris C. Hartwell.
Miss Jewell, a teacher of much experience and uniform
success, taught the summer term. Both parents and pupils
worked harmoniously with her, and her management of the
school was successful. Miss Frost had charge of the school
in the fall. Her manners were genial, she was energetic and
decided, and her discipline was good. Her examination did
not do her justice, but some parts of it were good and it was
evident the school had advanced during: the term. She was
succeeded in the winter by Mr. Farr. He was an estimable
young man, but some of the scholars taking advantage of his
youth and inexperience, he resigned his charge at the end of
six weeks. He Avas followed by Mr. Hartwell, who, though
mild and considerate, was firm in his government, and
carried the school through the remaining five weeks with
entire success. The public exercises at the close of the
school were very gratifying.
Primary Department.
Teacher: Miss Carrie E. Lawrence.
This school is composed of bright, intelligent children, and
Miss Lawrence proved herself the right teacher in the right
place. She had entire control of her pupils, and everything
appeared neat and systematic. A great deal of precision
was manifest in all her arrangements. She made study
pleasant, and the scholars almost invariably came out to
recite with well prepared lessons. Her examinations were
interspersed with gymnastic and other exercises, and the
large number of visitors were highly pleased.
WEST DISTRICT. — Utter Department.
Teachers: Miss L. A. McCutchins, Miss A. Wetherbee.
Miss McCutchins resumed her labors here in the spring.
Her abilities as a teacher are well understood. Her field of
labor was an encouraging one, for there are many good
scholars here, and they study with an earnestness and con-
stancy that does them credit. Co-operating as they did with
their accomplished teacher, their progress, both in the com-
mon and some of the higher branches, was rapid, and the
examination at the close of the fall term surpassed those we
usually witness in a common district school.
Miss Wetherbee took charge in the winter. She had been
a teacher many years, came highly recommended, and taught
with much diligence and thoroughness. In giving instruction
we observed she left her scholars, in a reasonable degree, to
depend upon themselves. This, though not always agree-
able to pupils, is nevertheless essential to their permanent
progress. The discipline the latter part of the term was not
altogether creditable to some of the scholars. With this
exception her examination compared very well with former
ones in this district. A large class in Intellectual Arithmetic
added interest to the occasion.
Intermediate Department.
Teacher: Miss E. C. Brown.
This teacher enjoyed the affection and confidence of her
scholars, and taught throughout the year with success. She
did not exert herself so much to make a splendid show at
examination as she did to give her pupils positive, obvious
attainments. At the close of her school in the fall there
seemed to be a want of activity and sprightliness in some of
the exercises, but at the examination of the winter term the
school appeared to advantage, especially in Reading and
Arithmetic. There are scholars in this school who require
vigorous trainino:.
Primary Department.
Teachers: Miss Mary S. Ballou, Miss Cornelia C. Ballou.
This department, during the year, has been under the in-
struction of diligent and judicious teachers, and is getting a
fair start in the first principles of education. It requires
considerable genius to present knowledge to these young
minds so as to make the pursuit of it interesting. The dry
questions in the text-books do not afford all the stimulus they
need. There is a great deal besides to which it is necessary
to call their attention, and which it is important for them to
know. We were well satisfied with the examination of this
school, both at the close of the fall and winter terms.
SOUTH DISTRICT. — Upper Department.
Teachers: Miss Helenette Colby, Miss Mary E. Clement.
We are able to speak of this school in terms of much
commendation. It deserves a high rank among the schools
of the town. We think for several years it has not appeared
better than at the close of the winter term. There are
10
several excellent scholars in Written Arithmetic, and a
splendid class in Robinson's Intellectual. The recitations in
Grammar and other branches deserve much praise. The
school appeared well under Miss Colby's management, and
Miss Clement performed her duty with gratifying results.
Old text-books and new were alike familiar to her. If there
were any scholars during the winter term who failed to im-
prove their advantages, we hope they have reflection enough
to realize their mistake.
Intermediate Department .
Teachers: Miss Lottie C. Faulkner, Miss Amelia D.
Comstock.
Under the instruction of these faithful and experienced
teachers this department could not fail to flourish. Miss
Faulkner expects her scholars to get their lessons, — their
Heading lessons as well as others. She is very explicit in
her explanations, and makes the most of her time. Her
scholars always love her, and the district never fails to ap-
preciate her services. No branch is slighted, and her miscel-
laneous exercises are always interesting.
The winter term was taught by Miss Comstock. Under
her instruction the reputation of the school was sustained.
The first principles of education received clue attention, a
good degree of system and discipline were always apparent,
and her examination indicated a commendable industry and
perseverance on the part of both teacher and scholars.
Primary Department.
Teachers: Miss Julia S. Conant, Miss Evelina Davis.
Both these teachers arc good scholars, and they entered
upon their business with activity and enterprise. Miss
Conant exercised her scholars considerably upon the black-
board, which is an excellent method of interesting children.
She had the faculty of getting their attention, which is of the
first importance in any school. At her examination in the
fall we were gratified with the results of her labors, espec-
ially in the important branch of Reading. She was sue-
11
cceded in the winter by Miss Davis. Her school was pretty
large, and she, being young and inexperienced, was not able
to keep so good a degree of discipline as was desirable. At
her examination, however, the deportment of her school was
good, her scholars were well classified, and the recitations
generally commendable.
SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT.
Teachers: Miss Amelia D. Comstock, Miss Sarah Loker,
Miss Emily Loker, Mr. L. H. Ewings.
This school has its share of lively, interesting scholars,
and perhaps more than its share of those who are ready to
play truant and trouble the teacher. Considering their ages
there are some very good scholars in Arithmetic, Geography
and Writing. During the summer and fall terms this school
prospered under the management of Miss Comstock. The
scholars were ambitions, neatness and order prevailed, and
everything appeared encouraging. The winter term was
commenced by Miss Sarah Loker. She taught two weeks
with success, when a yearly school being offered her in
another part of the State, she resigned her place to Miss
Emily Loker, who, after teaching about three weeks and
finding some of the scholars hard to manage, retired from
her position. She was succeeded in her office by Mr. Ew-
ings, who, after being relieved of certain scholars, taught the
remaining two months with profit to the district, and had a
good examination. This school requires, in the winter, a
male teacher of energy and decision. Of the twenty-eight
scholars who attended this school in the winter, seventeen
were from Acton, six from Sudbury, and five from Concord.
Concord promptly pays a satisfactory sum for the tuition of
her scholars. Sudbury now pays nothing, giving as a reason
that she provides within her own limits ample accommoda-
tions for her pupils. The member of the Committee from
this district thinks he shall object to her scholars attending
longer on such conditions.
12
EAST DISTRICT.
Teachers: Miss S. Augusta Davis, Mr. Daniel S. Davis,
We think this school has made steady and substantial im-
provement during the year. Both the teachers were resi-
dents of the district, and doubtless felt more than ordinary
interest in the advancement of their neighbors' children.
Miss Davis taught with the success which might be expected,
considering her scholarship and experience. She kept a
minute record of the recitations and deportment of her
pupils. This is calculated to stimulate them to make efforts
to excel, and might be a good system for other teachers to
adopt. Under her instructions the more important parts of
Geography received especial attention, and both she and her
successor taught Robinson's Intellectual and higher Written
Arithmetics with success.
NORTH DISTRICT.
Teacher: Miss Angie Wheeler.
We can speak of this school in the most encouraging
terms. The scholars here study with an interest that knows
no abatement. They have everything to encourage them,
for their teacher is very thorough in all the branches taught,
and her interest in her business is such as to inspire anima-
tion in any school. There are fine scholars here in all the
common branches, especially in Reading and Grammar, and
Algebra and History are successfully taught. The examina-
tion of this school at the close of the winter term afforded an
example of the progress scholars will make when under the
instruction of energetic and well qualified teachers for
several successive terms.
13
SCHOOL CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATION.
The number of children in town between the ages of five
and fifteen, as ascertained on the first day of May last by the
Assessors, was 328.
Appropriation for support of schools, 1866-7, $2,225 00
Share of State School Fund, 132 90
Received for scholars attending our schools from
other towns, 25 00
Sum total, $2,382 90
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar between
the ages of five and fifteen inclusive, $6.78.
Respectfully, in behalf of the School-Committee,
Wm. W, Davis, Chairman.
Wm. W. Davis, ^
O. W. Mead,
J. E. Harris,
John Fletcher,
Calvin Harris,
Isaac T, Flagg,^,
School
> Committer
14
FINANCIAL.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
$427 70
7 52
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of School-House,
Deficiency this year,
March 18, 1867.
$408 75
23 60
4 40
$435 22
$436 75
1 53
Wm. W> Davis, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Deficiency last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of School-House,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
March 18, 1867.
$611 00
4 89
$553 50
37 50
7 00
6 30
1 81
$606 11
$606 11
O. W. Mead, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Received of F. Brown,
Amount of teachers' wages*
Paid for fuel,
Care of School-House,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$611 00
2 37
$558 50
33 75
6 25
12 24
2 63
$613 37
$613 37
March 18, 1867.
J. E. Harris, Committee.
15
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$244 40
31
93
$251
95
15
00
6
50
2
88
$276 33
$276 33
March 18, 1867.
John
FLfcfCHER, C
EAST
Appropriation*
Balance from last year,
i
SCHOOL
$244 40
23 84
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$236 50
22 00
5 92
3 82
$268 24
$268 24
March 18, 1867,
Calvin Harris, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL,
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
March 18, 1867.
$244 40
5
03
$227
00
16
00
4
84
1
59
$249 43
$249 43
Isaac T. Flagg, Committee.
16
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ANNUAL EEPOETS
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
TOWN OF ACTON,
FEBEUARY 26, 1867, to FEBEUARY 26, 1868,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in 1867.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CONCORD:
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1868.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Amount received, $15,415 42
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid.
O. W. Mead, for West school, $645 10
Luther W. Piper, for South school, 645 10
Charles Little, " Centre " 450 45
John Fletcher, 2d, for Southeast school, 244 69
Isaac T. Flagg, u North u 244 68
Calvin Harris, " East " 255 82
TOWN OF LITTLETON FOR SCHOOLING.
Paid.
Carrie A. Jewett and Eri J. Raymond, $4 00
$2,489 84
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Paid.
L. W. Piper, for repairs on South school-house, $14 42
O. W. Mead, for repairs on West school-house, 27 22
Calvin Harris, for repairs on East school-house, 15 30
Isaac T. Flagg, for repairs and shingling North
school-house, 68 07
Charles Little, for repairs on Centre school-
house, 9 80
John Fletcher, 2d, for repairs on Southeast
school-house, 11 88
O. W. Mead, for shingling West school-house, 58 50
Do., for repairs on West school-house in 1866, 32 96
$238 15
BOOKS AND PRINTING.
Paid.
For school-books, $64 12
" printing warrants, 7 50
" " Selectmen's reports, 12 50
" " Selectmen's, Town Clerk's, and
School Committee's reports, 86 94
" town order books, 13 25
" highway books, 1 26
" collector's book, 1 00
" record book for cemetery, 15
" scholarship and deportment cards, 12 25
ROADS AND BRIDGES
Paid.
Charles F. Richardson, for breaking roads,
Nehemiah Curtis, for labor on highway in 1866,
John F. Blood, for labor on highway,
Luther Billings, for breaking roads, 64£ hours,
Israel H. Giles, for breaking roads, 46 hours,
Cyrus Fletcher, for repairs on Powder-Mill
bridge,
$2
33
10
00
2
40
11
90
9
20
2
00
$198 97
$37 83
DISCOUNT AND ABATEMENT ON TAXES.
Paid.
Francis Dwight, for abatement on taxes, $46 93
John E. Cutter, discount on taxes, 522 98
$569 91
APPROPRIATIONS FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES.
Paid.
Soldiers for May drill, 1866, $114 50
Rebecca C. Wright,
Rebecca Bigelow,
Hattie W. Wilder,
Alson R. Sumner,
Johanna Col man,
Sarah J. Davidson,
Hiram W. Wetherbee,
Luke Smith,
William Reed,
John S. Hoar,
Paul Hayward, 10 00
Eliza Conant, . 8 00
Maria Kinsley, 8 00
Daniel L. Veaze}r, 6 00
96
00
96
00
96
00
51
00
41
00
40
00
35
00
12
00
12
00
12
00
$637 50
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid.
Dr. I. Hutchins, for services rendered
stranger,
For George W. Robbins, at reform school,
" support of Sarah B. Childs,
" nursing Thomas F. Law,
James Adams, for coffin for T. F. Law,
Thomas F. Hammond, for burial of T. F.
Law,
Dr. John W. Osgood, for attending Thomas
F. Law,
City of Charlestown, for support of W. F.
B. Whitney, in February, 1867,
Town of Harvard, for support of Rhoda
Burnham,
For assistance rendered travellers,
James E. Billings, journey to Natick, re-
specting Thomas F. Law,
Do., journey to Maiden, respecting Mrs. N.
F. Haynes and Family,
Do., journey to Bolton, respecting settle-
ment of Rhoda Burnham,
Do., journey to Harvard, respecting settle-
ment of Rhoda Burnham,
$2 50
19
50
18
00
26
00
8
00
5
00
28
00
5
00
3
50
2
00
3
00
3
00
3
00
2
50
$129 00
INTEREST ON NOTES.
Paid.
Calvin Harris, Interest,
Augustine Conant, "
Frederick Rouillard, "
Joel Hanscomb, "
Daniel Harris, "
Ebenezer Conant, "
Silas P. Blodget, "
David M. Handley, "
James A. Billings, "
James E. Billings, "
Lydia R. Keyes, "
Isaac T. Flagg, "
$12
00
240
00
90
00
40
80
48
32
120
00
65
47
102
00
12
00
90
96
36
00
6
00
$863 55
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid.
Win. W. Davis, for examining teachers,
superintending schools, and making
report, $75 00
Francis Dwight, for collecting taxes, 80 00
William D. Tuttle, for taking inventory and
making taxes, including copying taxes
and making returns, 43 50
Elisha H. Cutler, for taking inventory and
making taxes,
Luther R. Forbush, do.,
William D. Tuttle, for services as Town
Clerk,
James E. Billings, for services as Selectman,
Jonas K. Putney, " "
J. K. W. Wetherbee, " u
25
00
25
00
25
00
35
00
14
00
20
00
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Paid.
Yor one pair oxen for town farm, $230 00
Hastings & Cutler, for rent of school-room
for 1866,
Abel Farrar, Jr., for services on town farm,
For express, postage and stationery,
For sealing standard weights and measures,
Cyrus Fletcher, for coffin and robe for
Luther Hay ward,
Do., for removing two bodies in West Cem-
etery,
Do., for shingling almshouse,
Do., for returning 30 deaths to Town Clerk,
Do., for attending 22 funerals with the
hearse, 55 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, for journey to Sudbury to
make out election return of representa-
tive,
Do., for collecting and recording 35 births,
Do., for collecting and recording 21 mar-
riages,
Do., for collecting and recording 29 deaths,
George W. Sawyer, for taking care of town
clock,
Do., for 28 gallons oil,
Do., cleaning town clock,
50
00
25
00
6
41
10
50
12
75
2
00
43
50
3
00
2
50
10
50
3
15
4
90
10
00
1G
80
1
50
$342 50
Do., 237 pounds coal, 1 75
Do., 36 lamp wicks, 60
Do., setting 2 lights glass, 56
Do., 1 broom, 38
Do., washing floor, 2 00
Do., opening town hall 54 times, 40 50
Do., tolling bell for 12 deaths, 2 40
H. J. Hapgood, for tolling bell for 7 deaths, 1 40
James Tuttle, for rent of school-room, 50 00
W. C. & O. Shepard, for rent of school-
room, 50 00
Albin Whitcomb, for damage done to
wagon on the highway, 6 00
George M. Brooks, for advice, 2 00
$745 10
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid.
Wm. D. Tuttle, for paint for cemetery posts, $0 99
Work at cemetery, 2 00
Charles Hastings, for West do., 40 00
Samuel Hosmer, hinges, setting stone posts,
and hanging gates at the East do., 10 35
Cyrus Fletcher, for two gates to cemetery, 8 25
Martin Pike, for labor at cemetery, 24 00
885 59
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, Feb. 26, 1868.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the Treasury, Feb,
, 26, 1867,
$2,557 03
State Tax for 1867,
4,600 00
County Tax for 1867,
819 29
Town Grant for 1867,
2,500 00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,325 00
Highway Deficiencies,
54 79
Overlay on Taxes,
124 31
Corporation Tax,
573 39
State Aid to Jan. 1, 1867,
1,200 00
Cash from State for Soldiers'
Drill,
25 40
State School Fund,
164 84
Cash for School Books.
2 37
For Armory Rent for 1867,
150
00
Burial lots in cemetery,
4
00
Use of town hall,
98
75
Stock sold at town hall,
7
93
Use of hearse,
2
00
Cash of Elias Haynes for highway taxes,
1
43
School money from town of Concord,
20
00
Cash from town farm,
33
39
" for running-part of old hearse,
25
00
" for military drill,
114
50
" for poll taxes,
12
00
&1n 415 42
EXPENDITURES.
For Support of Schools,
$2,489
84
Repairs on School Houses,
238
15
Books and Printing,
198
97
Roads and Bridges,
37
83
Discount and Abatement on Taxes,
569
91 •
Appropriation for Soldiers and Families
, 637
50
Support of Poor,
129
00
Interest on Notes,
863
55
Town Officers,
342
50
Miscellaneous Expenses,
745
10
Cemetery Expenses,
85
59
State Tax,
4,600
00
County Tax,
819
29
4111 1 757 93
V 1 1 5 1 'M £0
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1868, $3,658 19
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE TOWN, Feb. 26, 1868.
Dr.
To Balance due as per Report, Feb. 26, 1868, $3,658 19
Amount due from State for Aid furnished
Soldiers and their Families, 667 00
$4,325 19
AMOUNT DUE ON NOTES.
Cr.
By Cash of Ebenezer Conant,
82,058 00
Joel Hanscom,
700 40
Augustine Conant,
4.116 00
David M. Handle}',
1,745 90
John R. Whitcomb,
536 50
James A. Billings,
202 60
Calvin Harris,
214 60
Lydia R. Keyes,
627 60
Isaac T. Flagg,
105 50
Daniel Harris,
840 86
James E. Billings,
2.237 57
Frederic Rouillard,
1,778 10
$15,163 63
Balance against the Town, Feb. 26, 1868,
without including the balance due as
per Overseers' Report for 1868, $10,838 44
JAMES E. BILLINGS, ) Selectmen
JONAS K. PUTNEY. } of
J. K. W. WETHERBEE, j Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1868.
2
REPORT OF THE
EECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1868.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1st, 18G8.
8 tons hay, $184.00 ; 12 cows, 730.00,
1 horse, 240.00 ; 76 bush, corn, 114.00,
14 fowls, 10.50 ; 3£ bush, barley ,5.25,
550 lbs. pork, 77.00 ; 1 bbl. soap, 6.00 ;
1 bbl. pickles, 2.00 ; 30 lbs. soap grease, 1.80,
2 bush, potatoes, 2.00 ; 30 lbs. candles, 5.40,
2 bbls. apples, 6.00 ; 65 lbs. ham, 14.30
80 lbs. lard, 11.20 ; 20 bush, ashes, 5.00,
2 lbs. butter, 1.00 ; £ bbl. flour 7.75,
i bush, meal, 90 ; 47 lbs. dried apples, 8.46,
36 M skewers,
$914
00
354
00
15
75
83
00
3
80
7
40
20
30
16
20
8
75
9
36
23
40
$1,455 96
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $1,017.83; carrying milk, 28.00, $1,045 83
cows, 98.00; horse, 75.00; oxen, 238.42, 411 42
calves, 60.00 ; skewers, 41.16 ; potatoes, 42.00, 143 16
peaches, 17.42 ; lard, 1.12 ; grapes, 2.50, 21 04
apples, 75.14 ; eggs and paper, 2.59 ; pumpkins, .35 78 08
$1,699 53
Cash from town Treasury, 355 00
$2,054 53
11
EXPENDITURES.
For oxen, $230.00; cows, 245.00; horse, 240.00, $715 00
meal, 89.06 ; oil, meal and shorts, 244.41, 333 47
beef, 45.53 ; flour, 84.35 ; butter, 47.02, 176 90
clothing, 21.36 ; molasses, 24.40 ; cheese, 18.74, 64 50
hay, 45.45 ; sugar, 17.04 ; tools, 6.87, 69 36
labor, 16.00 ; blacksmith's bill, 16.13 ; beans, 250, 34 63
fish, 9.32 ; boots and shoes, 7.25 ; fowls, 1.50, 18 07
bbls and boxes, 6.73 ; grass-seed, 9.93 ; potash, 5.67, 22 33
rope, 45 ; chimney and stove-polish, 20 ; surcingle, 75, 1 40
buffalo robe, 14.00 ; repairing harness, 62 ; cement, 34, 14 96
bug-poison, 1.14; doctor's bill, 14.40; expenses to
Boston, 4.20, 19 74
weighing hay, 1.20; newspaper, 1.40; lumber, 2.62, 5 22
use of cart, 1.50 ; use of wagon, 75 ; use of bull, 3.50, 5 75
use of sleigh, 50 ; pasturing, 14.00 tripe, 1.88, 16 38
tallow, 4.94 ; coffin, 13.00 ; board of Mrs. Bowker, 4.00, 21 94
books, 32 ; nails, 50 ; earthen ware, 94 ; raisins, 1.32, 3 08
repairing pumps, 3.80 ; wooden ware, 1.40 ; starch, 16, 5 36
castings, 3.45 ; tea, 9.70 ; bread, 2.46 ; brooms, 1.00, 16 61
camphor, 12 ; tobacco, 10.66 ; spices, 3.47, 14 25
medicine, 1.85, coffee, 4.94; apples, 1.20, 7 99
- matches, 1.20: vinegar, 3.00; ink, 08, 4 28
soap, 34 ; rice, 39 ; plaster Paris, 2.25, 2 98
cream tartar, 45 ; saleratus, 44 ; saltpetre, 05, 94
oil, 3.74 ; salt, 7.81 ; ox labor, 75 ; oats, 50, 12 80
services of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Farrar, Jr., 325 00
James E. Billings's services, 6 00
Jonas K. Putney's " 6 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee's " 6 00
Amount of inventory April 1st, 1867, $1,120 86
Interest on farm, 239 40
$1,930 94
1,360 26
$3,291 20
RECAPITULATION.
Amount of receipts, $2,054 53
Amount of expenditures, 1,930 94
Cash on hand, $123 59
Total amount of expenditures, 1,930 94
Amount of inventory April 1st, 1867, 1,120 86
Interest on farm, 239 40
3,291 20
12
Total amount of receipts, $1,699 53
Amount of inventory April 1st, 1868, 1,455 96
3,155 49
135 71
Expense of victualling foreigners, 22 44
Total amount of supporting poor at almshouse, $113 27
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported
in the Almshouse, 7 ; average number, 3J ; present number, 5 ;
cost per week, 66.
James E. Billings, ) Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K. W. Wetherbee, ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1868.
Acton, March 24, 1868.
This is to certify that I have examined the reports of the Select-
men and Overseers of the Poor for 1867, so far as the figures and
method of presenting the financial affairs of the town are con-
cerned, and believe them to be correct.
¥m. D. Tdttle, Auditor.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS IN ACTON, IN 1867.
No. Date of Birth. Xame of Child and Parents' Names.
1. Jan. 7, Carrie S. Richardson, daughter of Osman D. and Mary
E. Richardson.
2. Jan. 9, Hattie Augusta Haynes, daughter of Elias E. and
Abbie E. Haynes.
3. Jan. 10, Josie Cristell Tuttle, daughter of Joseph F. and Jen-
nie E. Tuttle.
4. Jan. 13, Oren Mortimer Kidder, son of John M. and Sarah E.
Kidder.
5. Jan. 18, George Laforest Robbins, son of Elbridge J. and
Ellen M. Robbins.
6. Feb. 2, Melvin Ephraim Cobleigh, son of Ephraim and Harriet
E. Cobleigh.
7. Feb. 13, George Crampton, son of Charles A. and Martha E.
Cramp ton.
8. Feb. 18, Ann Maria Gallagher, daughter of Patrick and
Bridget Gallagher.
- 9. Feb. 27, Freddie W. Reed, son of Reuben L. and Mary A.
' Reed.
10. March 31, Willie Francis Butterfield, son of Francis B. and
Anna M. Butterfield.
11. May 14, Lylian M. Wilbur, daughter of William P. and Olive
M. Wilbur.
12. May 25, Loria Grace Wild, daughter of George and Etta F.
Wild.
13. June 12, Fred Stanley Whitcomb, son of Frank and Frances
L. Whitcomb.
14. June 20, Brown, son of Charles A. and Betsey A.
Brown.
15. June 23, Mary Ellen Brackett, daughter of William H. and
Ellen L. Brackett.
16. June 29, Bertha May Hartwell, daughter of Henry and Augusta
H. Hartwell.
17. July 8, Sarah Ellen Hammond, daughter of Thomas W. and
Mary A. Hammond.
14
18. Aug. 21, John William Haggerty, son of William 2d and
Catherine Haggerty.
19. Aug. 25, Florence Amelia Gaddis, daughter of John and Jen-
nie Gaddis.
20. Sept. 4, Adie Estelle Houghton, daughter of Warren and
Lydia A. Houghton.
21. Sept. 10, Emily Gertrude Harmon, daughter of Michael and
Mary A. Harmon.
22. Sept. 13, Martha Fletcher Smith, daughter of Henry M. and
Abbie B. Smith.
23 and 24. Sept. 16, Mary D. and Susan P. Farrar, daughters
of Abel, Jr. and Delina Farrar.
25. Sept. 20, Lizzie Etta Mellen, daughter of Benjamin and Lizzie
Mellen.
26. Oct. 2, Margaret Ann Trainor, daughter of Hugh and Honora
Trainor.
27. Oct. 3. Frank Herbert Billings, son of James E. and Tamson
Billings.
28. Oct. 10, Hattie M. Johnson, daughter of Oscar S. and Susan
B. M. Johnson.
29. Oct. 12, Alice Maria Gates, daughter of Albert and Maria W.
Gates.
30. Oct. 23, Warren Oscar Robbins, son of Simon and Nancy D.
Robbins.
31. Oct. 28, Freddie Walter McDonnell, son of George and Mary
McDonnell.
32. Oct. 30, William Granville Whitney, son of William F. B. and
Anna Whitney.
33. Nov. 2, Hattie Frances Sumner, daughter of Alson R. and
Carrie A. Sumner.
34. Nov. 12, Horace Herbert Robbins, son of Luke J. and Mary
W. Robbins.
35. Dec. 21, Blanchard, son of Luke and Jerusha M.
Blanchard.
Males, 15 ; Females, 20.
MARRIAGES SOLEMNIZED AND RECORDED IN 1867.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Mr. Marcus M. Raymond, of Lowell, and Miss Martha
M. Sawin, of Acton.
2. Jan. 1, Mr. George W. Knowlton and Miss Angie H. Wheeler,
both of Acton.
3. Jan. 9, Mr. Hiram Chase and Miss Julia E. Edmonds, both of
Acton.
4. Jan. 23, Mr. Edwin Fletcher, of Acton, and Miss Susan Smith,
of Dan vers.
15
5. Jan. 23, Mr. D. James Wetherbee and Miss Augusta A. Put-
ne}^, both of Acton.
6. Feb. 3, Mr. Luke J. Robbins and Miss Mary Warren Blodget,
both of Acton.
7. Feb. 14, Mr. Samuel R. Burroughs and Miss Ella Augusta
Hay ward, both of Acton.
8. March 23, Mr. Elbridge Wheeler, of Concord, and Miss Su-
sanna P. Wetherbee, of Boxborough.
9. May 5, Mr. George H. Harris and Miss Angenetta Wheeler,
both of Acton.
10. May 29, Mr. Jonas T. Houghton, of Hudson, and Miss Mary
J. Hapgood, of Bolton.
11. June 20, Mr. Delette H. Hall and Miss Susie A. Wetherbee,
both of Acton.
12. August 17, Mr. Josiah H. Chase and Miss Anna F. Noyes,
both of Concord.
13. Aug. 31, Mr. Joseph Stewart, of Lunenburg, and Mrs. Lucinda
B. Brown, of Fitchburg.
14. Sept. 10, Mr. Thomas F. Trow, of Bolton, and Miss Abbie
Hamant, of Dedham.
15. Sept. 19, Mr. Ira V. Hall and Mrs. Caroline B. Bradford, both
of Acton.
16. Sept. 23, Mr. Francis Colburn, of Boston, and Miss N. Anna
Hamant, of Medfield.
17. Oct. 5, Mr. Waldo G. Dunn and Miss Fannie M. Burnham,
both of Acton.
18. Oct. 13, Mr. Selden Kimball and Miss Eliza A. Kelly, both of
Lowell.
19. Nov. 21, Mr. James E. Heywood and Miss Mary E. Hanscom,
both of Concord.
20. Nov. 28, Mr. William V. Norton and Miss Lauraetta W. Reed,
both of Acton.
21. Dec. 25, Mr. Myron F. Going, of Acton, and Miss Maria W.
Taylor, of Littleton.
DEATHS IN ACTON IN 1867.
No. Date of Death. Xames of Deceased.
1. Jan. 5, Mrs. Nancy Bryant, aged 40 yrs. 5 mos. 4 days.
2. Jan. 15, Mr. John Hapgood, aged 64 yrs. 11 mos. 5 days.
3. Jan. 20, Miss Rosena T. Jones, aged 15 yrs. 3 mos. 12 days.
4. Jan. 22, Carrie S., daughter of Osman D. and Mary E. Rich-
ardson, aged 15 days.
5. Jan. 24, Mrs. Hannah B. Smith, aged 42 }ts. 6 mos. 23 days.
6. Jan. 26, Alice P. Hay ward, daughter of Paul and Alice L.
Hayward, aged 2 mos. 23 days.
16
7. Feb. 1, Ada Violetta Gardner, daughter of George and
Violetta F. Gardner, aged 2 mos.
8. Feb. 15, Mr. William Chaplin, aged 55 years.
9. Feb. 18, Mr. Henry Skinner, aged 38 yrs.
10. Feb. 21, Mr. Luther Hayward, aged 57 yrs.
11. Feb. 21, Mrs. Sarah W. Milliken, wife of Benjamin Milliken,
aged 44 }ts.
12. March 15, Josie C. Tuttle, daughter of Joseph and Jennie E.
Tuttle, aged 2 mos. 8 days.
13. April 6, Mr. Ivory Keyes, aged 62 yrs.
14. April 25, Mrs. Rhoda Reed, wife of Isaiah Reed, aged 45 yrs.
6 mos. 8 days.
15. May 6, Mrs. Naomi Chaffin, widow of John Cbaffin, sen., aged
86 yrs. 2 mos. 27 days.
16. May-12, Mr. Edward Wetherbee, aged 56 yrs. 11 mos. 9 days.
17. May 15, Ida J. Nye, daughter of John and Clara F. Nye, aged
9 mos.
18. May 17, Mr. James Keyes, aged 58 yrs. 1 mo. 11 days.
19. May 22, at Cincinnati,' Ohio, Mr. Lowell F. Wood, of Acton,
aged 41 yrs.
20. May 28, Mrs. Cynthia Chaffin, wife of John Chaffin, aged 55
yrs. 11 mos. 2 days.
21. Aug. 28, Mr. Benaiah Robbins, aged 83 yrs.
22. Sept. 17, Susan P., daughter of Abel jr. and Delina Farrar,
aged 1 day.
23. Oct. 7, Mrs. Sarah L. Tuttle, wife of Varnum Tuttle, aged
37 yrs.
24. Oct. 28, Lylian M. Wilbur, daughter of William P. and Olive
M. Wilbur, aged 5 mos. 14 days.
25. Nov. 23, Mrs. Rebecca F. Cummings, aged 82 yrs.
26. Dec. 16, Eva A. Jones, daughter of Aaron M. and Augusta
Jones.
William D. Tuttle, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 23, 1868.
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
WEST CEMETERY.
Receipts.
Cash on hand, March 15, 1867,
received for seven lots sold,
ic u tt repairing lots,
" " grass and loam,
" from Town Treasurer,
" due committee,
Expenditures.
For grading lots and avenues,
" laying wall and grading,
" teams, hauling stone and gravel,
" posts and rails,
" marble tablets,
$18 32
7
00
13
33
3
20
40
00
1
75
$83 60
$22
50
30
50
16
00
8
96
5
64
$83 60
EAST CEMETERY.
Receipts.
Cash on hand March 20, 1867,
For grass sold,
44 wood "
" four lots sold,
From Town Treasurer,
$57 59
Expenditures.
For mowing and raking brush and clearing up grounds, $30 00
" paint and labor at cemetery, 2 99
" gates, hinges, setting posts and hanging gates, 18 60
Cash paid Town Treasurer for lots sold, 4 00
Cash on hand March 2, 1868, 200
$2 00
5 00
1 00
4 00
45 59
$57 59
Acton, March 2, 1868.
3
Wm. D. Tuttle,
Samuel Hosmer,
Charles Hastings, J
( Cemetery
TOWN LIQUOR-AGENT'S REPORT.
Expenses and Amount on Hand and Bought for year ending
March 1, 1868.
Whiskey,
Gin,
Brandy,
Alcohol,
Rum,
Agent's salary,
$653 35
$148 00
53
23
20 50
33
63
372
93
25
00
Amount on Hand, March 1, 1868.
Rum, $44 77
Whiskey, 22 30
Gin, 10 35
Alcohol, 8 09
Amount Sold for year ending March 1, 1868.
Rum, $343 21
Whiskey, 135 25
Gin, 46 49
Alcohol, 29 69
Brandy, 21 68
$661 83
Net gain to town. $9 48
REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TOWN OF ACTON,
SCHOOL. YE^lR, 1867-68.
CONCORD:
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1868.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of the town of Acton :
The Superintendent and School Committee respectfully sub-
mit their Annual Report.
The attention of the citizens of the town is annually called
to the condition of their Common Schools and the cause of
education in their midst. The purpose to be accomplished in
this, should be far above the gratification of an idle curiosity,
or the desire to find something to feed the spirit of criticism
and censure. That is not the wisest course which seeks to
magnify errors or increase defects. The cause of education
constantly encounters obstacles in its advancement, the removal
of which requires the co-operation, not only of those immedi-
ately connected with our schools, but of all the friends of educa-
tion and lovers of good order, morality, and the elevation of
humanity. Without this co-operation the work of removing
these obstacles becomes extremely difficult if not impossible.
The existence of many defects in our Common Schools, clearly
indicates a want of interest in town, in the great subject of
education. We do not say, indeed, that parents are not
sufficiently interested and anxious for the education of their
children, (though this statement might be true in some instances,)
but that the real value and importance of education as an
aid in advancing humanity and perpetuating the noblest bless-
ings God has given to man, are not sufficiently realized. Our
country's freedom can rest securely on no other basis. Long
ago it was said by a wise and good man, u If the time shall
22
ever come when this mighty frabric shall totter; when the
beacon of joy that now rises in a pillar of fire, a sign and won-
der of the world, shall wax dim, the cause will be found in the
ignorance of the people. If our union is still to continue to
cheer the hopes and animate the efforts of the oppressed of
every nation ; if our fields are to be untrod by the hirelings of
despotism ; if long days of blessedness are to attend our coun-
try in her career of glory ; if you would have the sun continue
to shed his unclouded rays upon the face of freedom, then edu-
cate all the children in the land. This alone startles the tyrant
in his dreams of power and rouses the slumbering energies of
an oppressed people. It is intelligence that reared the majestic
columns of national glory, and this alone can prevent them from
crumbling to atoms." We should not forget that there are
great and important blessings to be secured, not only for our-
selves and our children, but for humanity, by advancing the
interests of education.
We do not know as our town is behind other towns of the
state in its interest in the cause of education, but we are confi-
dent that duty demands that we should not be idly content with
the present condition of things in this respect.
The last published reports of the State Board of education
give the standing of the town so far as it can be shown by num-
bers.
In the table showing the comparative amount of money appro-
priated by the different towns in the State for the education of
each child in the town between five and fifteen years of age,
Acton is the one hundred and seventieth.
According to the percentage of taxable property appropriated
for school purposes, Acton is the one hundred and forty-second.
According to the average attendance of the children upon the
public schools, Acton is the fifty-sixth. This, to be sure, is
not a very bad position in a list of three hundred and thirty-
five towns; being above the average in these three respects.
23
But let us not suppose that this covers the whole ground, or
that there is no room for improvement in these respects.
We believe that the use of the scholarship and deportment
cards introduced by vote of the town one year ago, has had a
decidedly beneficial effect in stimulating the scholars and in
bringing Teachers and Parents into co-operation. Their use
enables the parent to know the standing of the scholar in the
various studies pursued, and also whether, and how many times
they are absent or tardy. We think they have generally indica-
ted the correct standing of the scholars, though it is possible that
some teachers not being familiar with their use, have not been
quite careful enough in their numbering. We earnestly recom-
mend their continued use, with some slight alterations.
The promise made by the Superintendent, to publish in the
annual report the names of those who were neither absent nor
tardy during one, two, or three terms, has also had the effect to
promote constant attendance and punctuality, and the Roll of
Honor is presented with the published details of each school.
Besides those whose names are given, the Registers indicate that
there are many more who have striven to be thus favorably
mentioned and who are equally deserving of praise for their
efforts in this direction. Quite a number have been absent or
tardy only one day or one half day, and several of these, we
have reason for believing, were detained by unavoidable, and
sometimes melancholy circumstances. We believe we have
given the names of all those who came fully up to the require-
ments we mentioned at the opening of the schools, and while we
regret that we must withhold the names of so many who are
really deserving, we rejoice that the list is so large.
19 were neither absent nor tardy three terms.
32 " " " " " two "
105 " " " " " one "
24
School Buildings.
We presume that all will agree in the statement that we need
some better school buildings. Some of them are unfit for the
purposes for which they are used, and there are none which of
themselves give evidence of great interest in the cause of edu-
cation on the part of the town.
The impression which they make upon the scholars is not
such as to lead them to appreciate the value and importance of
education. Much of the surroundings of our school-houses is of
a repulsive character. They can and ought to be made attrac-
tive both externally and internally. Maps and charts should
find a place upon walls which are now barren of every impres-
sion to the mind except that of reckless disregard of propriety
and neatness. More attention and outlay in this direction
would promote the prosperity of our schools.
Teachers.
Without good teachers we cannot have good schools. It is a
trite saying, but nevertheless a true one " as is the teacher so is
the school." The teacher's habits, temper of mind, devotion to
duty and interest in her work, will make an impression upon
those under her care. How important that this impression be
of the right kind, and how important therefore is it that great
care and judgment be exercised in the selection of teachers who
are thus to mould and direct, in a greater or less degree, the
subsequent course of our children. We need good disciplina-
rians. That kind of discipline is most desirable which draws
by love ; and is vastly more effective than that which drives by
fear. We have seen teachers who prided themselves upon their
ability to govern, who, after all, were lacking in the ability to
create in their pupils a love for good order. The necessity of
obedience, and the reasonableness of the requirements made,
they never attempted to show. Their will was law ; and to this
the child must yield unquestioning submission. It is not so
25
much a power to crush the activities of the child that is desira-
ble, as it is an influence that can guide and direct those activi-
ties in their proper channel. It is not so desirable that children
. should not dare to do wrong as it is that they should not desire
to do wrong.
We need also teachers thoroughly qualified for their work ;
nor is it always those who are generally regarded as the most
advanced in scholarship who are best qualified for the teach-
er's work. One may be, as some of our teachers have been,
excellent in the higher mathematics and other branches, and yet
be wanting in a knowledge of the elements of language. In most
of our schools there is manifest a want of thoroughness in ele-
mentary principles. This defect can only be remedied by
employing teachers who are themselves thorough in this respect,
and who will not neglect this, for that which may be better
calculated to make a display.
A frequent change of teachers, though in some cases impera-
tively demanded, is more often detrimental. A teacher who is
well acquainted with her pupils, who has already a knowledge
of their attainments, habits of study, capacity, and disposition
can more readily comprehend and adapt herself to her work,
than one who has all this to learn. This must be apparent.
It is wisdom therefore to retain, if possible, those who have
succeeded passably well, and have no marked deficiency unless
important advantages are to be secured by change. We think
some of our schools have suffered by too frequent changes.
School Registers.
Many of the School Registers have been imperfectly returne'd,
and several teachers have forfeited their legal claim to compen-
sation by not making correct returns. More care is needed
upon this work. We might quote several unpardonable mis-
takes and omissions, but we forbear, only suggesting that here-
after such defects ought not to be passed over in silence.
26
Text-Books, and Course op Study.
We believe there is an urgent demand for a revision of the
text-books in use in the town, and that a change, in some at
least can be made, which will be of decided advantage to the*
schools. Those now in use have been used for several years
with the exception of KerFs Grammars, which were introduced
about two years since. Important improvements have been
made, and are being constantly made in books to aid the pupil
in acquiring an education. The process of arriving at desired
results is often shortened, and the method of fixing important
principles in the mind improved. The most uninteresting study
can be made more or less attractive by the manner in which it
is presented to the pupil, and the most attractive method is
certainly most desirable- As it is unwise to furnish heavy,
awkward, and clumsy tools to workmen who are not sufficiently
strong to use them to advantage, so is it unwise to furnish our
children with books beyond their age and capacity. There is
a uniformity in the books used in town which is commendable.
Is there adaptability ? We are of the opinion that a change in
all the text-books would be beneficial, and that a change in
Arithmetics and Grammars is imperatively demanded. In say-
ing this, we do not desire to call in question the wisdom of
those by whom they were introduced. We know not how long
Robinson's series of Arithmetics have been in use in this town,
but we are confident that there are several series much to be
preferred to this. The introduction of KerFs Grammar may be
regarded as an experiment; which has proved unsuccessful.
We have not seen a class during the past year using this work,
which manifested any considerable degree of interest. Teach-
ers, without an exception have united in the opinion that it is
not as good as others. The continued use of this book will, we
are confident be followed by an abatement of interest in this
branch of study. With the best of books it cannot be made
too attractive.
27
We are well aware of the complaints and often opposition
which usually attend a change of school-books, and we think
there is sometimes ground for this ; but we are confident that a
careful examination of many of the text-books now in use, and
an understanding of the difficulties to be surmounted in their
use, would render manifest the necessity of a change.
We must here say something also respecting the studies pur-
sued. In most of our schools there is too great a variety, and
too many classes. This is an evil, altogether too prominent to
be longer tolerated. Parents should seriously take this matter
into consideration, and not permit their children to take up a
higher study, until they are masters of those which should pre-
cede it. The laws of the state require instruction to be given
to all the children who may attend school, in orthography, read-
ing, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, the history
of the United States, and good behavior. They also make alge-
bra, vocal music, drawing, physiology and hygiene elective, as
the school committee may deem expedient. Algebra is far
more generally taught than history, but who will say that it is
of more practical value ? Physiology and hygiene, or the laws
of health, are very much neglected, while attention is paid to
geometry, ancient history, and other of the branches which be-
long to the high school and academy rather than the common
school.
But a still greater evil or mistake lies in the superabundance
of arithmetic in all our schools, and upon this point we cannot
better express our ideas than in the language of the school com-
mittee of a town in Essex county, in their report for 1867 :
u Probably more than half the time is devoted to that great
hobby of New England schools, arithmetic; while the remaining
time is given to the eight or ten other studies usually found in
our district schools. The best classes are the arithmetic classes,
and the reputation of the teacher, and of the whole school, not
un frequently rests on the feats performed by the first class in
28
arithmetic on the day of public examination. Woe to the
teacher who has not a first class in arithmetic. Arithmetic
should receive its appropriate attention, but it should not take
the time of other equally important studies.
"If the great problem of life could be solved by any arithmet-
ical process, if children had no other faculties than those of
calculation that need to be exercised, then ' The science of
numbers and the art of computing by them,' might properly
receive a large portion of the pupil's time. But is it not quite
as important that a child's moral and perceptive faculties should
be developed as his reasoning? Does not his usefulness, his
happiness and his success in life, depend quite as much upon the
right training of the former as of the latter ? If so, then ought
not a change to be made ? That course of instruction that will
impart the greatest amount of useful information, and best fit
the children for the duties of life, is the course that should be
adopted by every teacher
" One great reason why self-educated men are practical work-
ers is that they learn nothing they do not want to use, and so
learn it well. Concentration gives them strength. Napoleon
dispensed with tents and luggage in his great armies, taking
only what he wanted to use — the sword and the bayonet. It
seems to me — and the conclusion has been growing stronger
each year, during twelve years' experience in public school
teaching, that much that children are required to learn might be
omitted with little detriment to them. A matter-of-fact teacher
would look at his work in something of this manner : These
boys are, most of them, to become farmers, mechanics and la-
borers. All the scholastic education they receive will be gained
here. These girls will, most of them become the wives of far-
mers, mechanics and laborers. What instruction is absolutely
essential to these boys and girls to fit them for the duties of
life ? First they must learn to read, write and spell the Eng-
lish language. These are often sadly neglected. Almost every
29
man, in whatever occupation engaged, is called upon to write
more or less every day of his life. Writing involves spelling,
aud both are unmistakable evidences of culture or want of it.
Teach these thoroughly. They are of vastly more practical
value than arithmetic — the trite and venerable maxim that the
study of arithmetic is the best discipline of the mind, to the
contrary notwithstanding. A knowledge of arithmetic sufficient
to enable men and women to keep accounts correctly, will suf-
fice, letting alone the mental discipline of the reasoning facul-
ties, so often harped about."
We think the following also from the school Reports pub-
lished by the Board of Education for 1866, is worthy of con-
sideration : " The correct use of the English language is a
most desirable accomplishment, and is worth a long and patient
practice, even if for its sake we should shorten the time devoted
to other studies. For example, considering the small practical
value of difficult arithmetical processes to the great mass of
men, might we not profitably adopt a shorter and simpler course
of instruction on this subject ? "
Our large arithmetics contain much that might be useful to
a professor of mathematics, but a smaller amount might suffice
for the wants of men engaged in the common pursuits of life.
And may it not be because we undertake to teach too much and
teach it imperfectly, that after all the study of arithmetic in
schools, men of business construct their own rules, and from
their own experience learn accuracy and despatch ? Long ago
an eminent educator said, " I have no doubt that we teach too
much mathematics. Our children begin at five and continue
the study of arithmetic and kindred subjects till sixteen. May
not a part of this time be better spent in acquiring a ready con-
trol of the resources of our language ? All men have occasion
to express their thoughts, and in this country, perhaps, more
than elsewhere, the power of correct and vigorous expression
is indispensable." Let us carefully consider this matter and
30
adopt that course which will best fit the rising generation for
the practical duties of active live.
We cannot speak of the schools in town the past year, com-
pared with former years, but we think they have generally
improved to an extent which would satisfy reasonable expecta-
tions. Let us strive to make them still better.
E. DAVIS, Superintendent.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Carrie E. Lawrence.
Fall, " « «
Winter — Josie L. Hosmer.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer — 34, average 29,
Fall — 35, « 32.
Winter— 37, " 31.
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months.
Fall — 2 J
Winter — 3 "
Wages of Teachers per Month.
Summer — $24 per month.
Fall — $24 « "
Winter — $22 " «
The teacher of the Summer and Fall terms, having been con-
nected with the school for several previous terms, was welt- pre-
pared to enter at once upon that course which would secure the
permanent advancement of those under her care. The advantages
31
derived from retaining a successful teacher were apparent in
these terms. The teacher aimed at thoroughness, and the
examination at the close of the Fall term clearly manifested her
success in this aim. Miss Hosmer, who had charge of the
Winter term, had never taught, and did not readily comprehend
the teacher's work, but made much improvement in the progress
of the school, and the examination was commendable to teacher
and pupils.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy for
Three Terms — Susie Tuttle, Nellie J. Hanscom, Jenny E.
Berry, Etta Taylor, Lizzie Roth, Willie Richardson.
Two Terms — Sophia C. Fletcher, Katie J. Kingsley.
One Term — Hattie Reed, Rosie Jones, Anna Pike, Luella
Smith, James Tuttle, Arthur Pike, Frank Pike, John Roth
Wilbur Fisk.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
HIGHER DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss Prisciila Little.
Fall— " " "
Winter — Mr. Omar W. Folsom.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer — 22; average, 20.
Fall— 20; " 19.
Winter — 45; " 38.
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months.
Fall — 2
Winter — 3 "
32
Wages of Teachers.
Summer — $27 per month.
Fall — $27 " "
Winter — $46 " "
Miss Little, who had charge of the Summer and Fall terms
was an earnest, faithful, and industrious teacher. She aimed to
have all recitations thoroughly understood, and in this suc-
ceeded to a great degree. The most prominent defect in her
method is in teaching too much, — in not leaving enough to be
done by the pupil. The true aim of education should be to
develop, cultivate and strengthen the mind, rather than to pour
into it a certain amount of knowledge. The winter term, under
the care of Mr. Folsom, at its commencement gave promise of
accomplishing much good work, but a spirit of insubordination
and disregard of propriety detracted from its prosperity. The
examination was creditable to teacher and pupils, but not so
much so as it would have been with a deeper interest on the
part of the pupils.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms — Josie Forbush.
Two Terms — Ada C. Davis, Lizzie S. Taylor, Davis Richard-
son, S. Taylor Fletcher.
One Term — Almeda Litchfield, Theresa Kingsley, Ida M.
Pike, Allie Burnham, Elvira A. Wheeler, Herbert Blodget, Wil-
lie C. Jones, Simeon D. Taylor, Charles Barton, Charles Rich-
ardson, Jonathan P. Blodget.
33
WEST SCHOOL.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss M. Rebecca Nason.
Fall — " " " "
and Miss Mattie E. Ayres.
Winter — Miss Mattie E. Ayers.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer —
-32; average, 28.
Fall —
32 ; « 30.
Winter —
31; " 29.
Length of Schools.
Summer —
- 2 months.
Fall —
2J «
Winter —
3 «
Wages of Teacher.
Summer —
- $22 per month.
Fall —
22 " "
Winter —
24 " «
This school has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity during
the year. Miss Nason conducted the school during the summer
and part of the fall, with marked success. She possessed those
peculiar qualities which fit her for such a position. In her
teaching and discipline, she was ever mindful of the faet that
those under her care were children, and not men and women.
Having an opportunity to enter a wider field of usefulness,
she left the school during the fall term, and Miss Ayres suc-
ceeded her. During the remainder of the fall and the whole of
the winter term, she conducted the school with good results.
The examination at the close gf the winter term indicated com-
mendable progress, and showed a good degree of interest.
5
34
Roll of Honor,
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy for
Three Terms — George Mead.
Two Terms — George Hutchings, John Hoar.
One Term — Ida McDonald, Inez Wyman, Cornelia Hayward,
Cordelia Hayward, Jennie Eager, Eddie Hayward, Wallace
McDonald, Willie Teel, Elsworth Hapgood, Irving Hapgood.
WEST SCHOOL.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss Sarah A. S. Taylor.
Fall — " Edna L. Whitcomb.
Winter — " Jennie H. Ayres.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer — 33 ; average, 30.
Fall— 32; " 30.
Winter— 31 j " 27.
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months.
Fall — 2 J "
Winter— 3 "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer — $24 per month.
Fall— $24 « «
Winter— $28 " "
All the teachers employed in this school the past year, had
had considerable experience in teaching. Those of the summer
and fall terms had acquired a commendable reputation in an
adjoining town, and being considerably acquainted in the dis-
trict, commenced their terms under favorable circumstances.
35
The teacher of the summer term labored under the disadvantage
of somewhat impaired vocal power. Her pupils seemed to be
sympathetically affected, and the school did not, as a conse-
quence, appear as interesting as it otherwise would. Good
progress was made in most of the studies, and some excellences
were apparent. The examination of the fall term showed still
farther improvement, and during the term we were much pleased
with Miss Whitcomb's manner of teaching, and governing. Thor-
oughness in the recitations was a prominent feature during the term.
The teacher of the winter term had the advantage of extensive
experience, and came well recommended. The progress of her
school rendered apparent her power to control her pupils, and
was less marked with insubordination *than had been some pre-
vious terms. Considerable progress was apparent in most of
the studies pursued, and the examination, which was well at-
tended, and conducted with order, was regarded as evidence of
a successful school.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms — Lizzie A. Eager, Flora S. Davis.
Two Terms — Emma A. Mead, Nellie G. Hoar, Lizzie G.
Rowell, Sumner Wright, Horace E. Whitcomb, Lewis C. Has-
tings, Frank S. Davis, Edwin E. Davis.
One Term — Lilla A. Hay ward, Florence Hayward, Emma
Hall, Lizzie M. Robinson, Jennie Kingsley, Nellie Taylor, Charles
H. Teel, George Gardner, Frank Derby.
WEST SCHOOL.
HIGHER DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss Mary Stacy.
Fall — « Lizzie A. Chase.
Winter — " Lucy M. Emery.
36
Whole Number of Scholars*
Summer — 27; average, 25.
Fall— 28; « 25.
Winter— 38; " 37.
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months.
Fall— 2 J "
Winter — 3 "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer — $28 per month.
Fall— $28 « "
Winter— $33 " "
This school, through the year, has been under the care of good
teachers. Miss Stacy, who taught the spring term, was a supe-
rior teacher, — thoroughly qualified, — of pleasing manners,
and refined and correct taste. Her school was well man-
aged, and the influence and spirit of the teacher was appar-
ent in the general deportment of the pupils out of school as
well as in. The progress in the studies pursued was even and
thorough, and all that ought to be desired. The fall term,
though hardly equal to the other two, was marked by some
favorable features, and the examination was satisfactory.
The winter term was one of unusual interest and eminent
success. We cannot speak in too high terms of the teacher
and school. In this school there are a great variety of studies,
and it has been difficult so to classify it as not to throw a heavy
burden on the teacher. It ranks first in town in respect to the
advancement of the pupils.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three terms — Ellen M. Hosmer, Emma Hosmer, Julien A.
Mead, Ainsworth Hastings.
37
Two terms — Henry A. Mead, Clifford Barrett.
One term — Estella A. Mead, Jennie Wheeler, Ella Whitcomb,
Alice R. Barrett, Nellie M. Rowell, Maria P. Hastings, Frank
0. Leland, Sherman H. Barrett, Walter Hastings, Warren H.
Mead, Frank C. Hayward, Webster Hayward.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss Victoria Willis.
Fall, " " "
Winter — Miss Ella A. Bacon.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer — 28, average 26.
Fall— 31, " 27.
Winter— 42, « 39.
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months. *
Fall— 2i "
Winter— 3 "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer — $20 per month.
Fall— $20 * "
Winter— $26 " "
Both of the teachers in this school were beginners. Primary
Schools are invariably trying to a teacher, often taxing the
patience severely. But few teachers achieve marked success in
a Primary School. This requires a peculiar adaptedness for the
position, which we do not often find. Miss Willis possessed a
good degree of acquired ability, and entered upon her task with
38
earnest wishes for success, but did not find herself fully pre-
pared to meet and overcome all the obstacles she was unex-
pectedly called to encounter. Consequently the schools were
not as successful as they might have been. Miss Bacon, though
like her predecessor, wanting in experience, became more
readily " master of the situation." Comprehending more
readily the nature of her work, she was untiring in her efforts to
accomplish it. She won the kind regard of her pupils, and led
them along with cheerfulness, in the way of improvement.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy for
Three Terms —
Two Terms — Charles Worster, Michael Hannon.
One Term — Mary Haggerty, Mary Phelan, Lizzie Richard-
son, Willie Dow, Alonzo Dow, Frank Taylor, George Worster,
John Haggerty, Willie Warren, Norman Davidson.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT.
Teachers.
Summer
— Miss Lottie C. Faulkner.
Fall —
U U it 11
Winter -
— " Juliette A. Osgood.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer
— 28; average, 27.
Fall —
36; " 32.
Winter -
-33; " 30.
Length of School.
Summer
— 2 months.
Fall —
2J «
Winter -
- 3 "
39
Wages of Teacher.
Summer — $26 per month.
Fall— $26 ■ %
Winter— $26 " "
The summer and fall terms were under the care of Miss
Faulkner; and to say this, is equivalent to saying that the
schools were eminently successful. Though she has her own
method of teaching, we found her ready to adopt practical sug-
gestions made by the Committee. The thorough training of the
pupils in the elements of language, and vocal exercises, mani-
fested itself in clear and distinct enunciation. Thoroughness
was a marked feature of this school. The mental powers of the
pupils were constantly active to an unusual degree, and compre-
hended the studies pursued. Miss Osgood, who had never
taught before, could hardly be expected to make good the place
occupied by one who was personally acquainted with the pupils
and experienced in teaching. She entered upon her winter's
work with an earnest desire to succeed. Her acquired abilities
were amply sufficient to warrant success, and although the
school necessarily appeared to a disadvantage when compared
with previous terms, yet we by no means regard it as a failure.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three terms — Lucy A. Jones, Mary F. Worster.
Two terms — Hannah Worster, M. Minnie Jones, Georgie A.
Gates.
One Term — Hattie E. Fletcher, Nellie Phelan, Jennie A,
Tuttle, Emma M. Conant, Nellie A. Hannon, Lizzie E. Fletcher,
Julia Haggerty, Carrie J. Clough, Anna Law, Nelson Haynes,
Sidney L. Richardson, Willie Rynn, Eddie F. Conant, Wilbur
Jones.
40
SOUTH SCHOOL.
HIGHER DEPARTMENT.
Teacher.
Miss Amelia D. Cumstock, all the terms
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer
— 31, average, 29.
Fall —
30; " 26.
Winter -
- 39 ; " 35.
Length of School.
Summer
— 2 months.
Fall —
2J "
Winter -
-3£ "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer
— $27 per month.
Fall —
$27 * "
Winter -
- $33 " "
This school during the year has been under the supervision
of the same teacher, and in an eminent degree has shown the
advantages to be derived by retaining teachers who know their
pupils, and who, consequently must have more interest in them
than a stranger would be likely to have. Miss Comstock's
method of teaching is such as is admirably calculated to make
thorough scholars. She has not aimed at display, a result too
often secured by mere superficial teaching, but has thoroughly
instilled principlos into the minds of her pupils. We have
never witnessed or heard of a spirit of insubordination existing
on the part of any of the scholars. The quiet, amiable
disposition of the teacher, her entire devotedness to her work,
and the ready compliance of her pupils with her requirements,
and their studious habits combined together, have made this
41
school eminently successful during the year. There has been
no abatement of interest ; and the examination at the close of the
winter term clearly indicated that this school ranks first in town,
in regard to the advancement made during the past year.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms — Anna A. Tuttle, Willie E. Wood. '
Two Terms — Sophia E. Symonds, Nellie L. Tuttle, Ellen L.
Jones, Clarence H. Jones, Charles C. Larrelle.
One Term — Etta Prentiss, Hattie E. Jones, Mary E. Blood,
Mary A. Rynn, Margaret J. Maillain, Georgie E. Tuttle, Hattie
E. Handley, Danie F. Hayward, Frank H. Jones, Samuel Jones,
Frank Conant, George C. Conant, Charles E. Fuller, Jonathan
P. Fletcher, James P. Brown, Burton H. Butte, Frank J.
Butte.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Teachers.
Summer — Mrs. Angie W. Harris.
Fall —
Winter — Miss Ella S. Randall.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer — 14; average, 11.
Fall— 13; " 11.
: " 17.
Winter— 20;
Length of School.
Summer — 2 months.
Fall — 2
Winter— 3£
42
Wages of Teachers.
Summer —
Fall —
Winter —
The summer and fall terms of this school gave marked evi-
dence of the advantages to be derived from retaining a teacher
who understands her work and is acquainted with those under
her care. Every effort made by teacher and pupils was in the
right direction, and the result was regular progress. In point
of nearly all the essentials of a good school, this, we think,
stands first in town. Under the care of Miss Randall, during
the winter term, the school made all the progress which was to
be reasonably expected, though perhaps not quite as much as it
would have made under the former teacher, and in saying this
we would not in the least disparage the interest or ability of the
teacher of the winter term. With the experience and acquaint-
ance with the pupils possessed by her predecessor, we doubt
not her success would have been more remarkable. It is not
often that teachers succeed so well in their first term. We
were much gratified by the examination of the school at the
close of the winter term.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms —
Two Terms — Cora Rouillard, Granville Rouillard, Freddie
Rouillard.
One Term — Irving A. Flagg.
43
EAST SCHOOL.
Teachers.
Summer — Miss Emma Wetherbee.
Fall, " " «
Winter— " Charlotte A. Dutton.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer
— 33, average 27.
Fall —
29, " 23.
Winter -
- 40, " 34.
Length of School.
Summer
— 2 i months.
Fall —
2* "
Winter -
- 3J "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer
— $24 per month.
Fall —
$24 " "
Winter -
— $33 " "
The summer and fall terms were under the care of Miss
Emma Wetherbee. She had never taught before, except a pri-
vate school of a few weeks in the same neighborhood. These
schools were not as successful as they would have been had the
teacher possessed more accurate acquirements and the advant-
ages of experience by which she had profited. There was a
want of confidence on the part of the pupils, manifest at the ex-
amination of the fall term. Miss Dutton, who had charge of
the winter term, had had experience in teaching, and was more
successful. She gave the school a good start in the right direc-
tion. She infused not a* little of her own earnestness into her
pupils, and many of them became very much interested in the
studies pursued, and consequently made marked improvement.
44
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms —
Two Terms — Susie A. Wetherbee.
One Term — Emma Perkins, Amelia F. Perkins, Lizzie M.
Perkins, Hattie A. Harris, Elvira S. G-iles. Sarah F. Robbins,
Roswell Wetherbee.
SOUTHEAST SCHOOL.
Teachers.
Summer and Fall — Miss Martha T. Whitcomb.
Winter— " Ellen 0. Clark.
Whole Number of Scholars.
Summer and Fall — 25; average, 18.
Winter— 31; " 27.
Length of School.
Summer and Fall — 4J months.
Winter— 3 J "
Wages of Teachers.
Summer and Fall — $26 per month.
Winter— $32 " "
This school though interrupted in the Summer by a contagious
disease in the vicinity, made good advancement in all the terms.
Both teachers employed seemed to understand their work, and
heartily to engage in it. Five scholars have attended this school
from Concord, and seven from Sudbury. We were notified by
the Committee of Concord that they had made ample provision
for the education of their scholars in their own town, and should
object to paying for their schooling in Acton. We were also
45
informed that the town of Sudbury had declined to render com-
pensation for the schooling of those from that town. We did
not, however, refuse them admission to the school. One of the
parents in Sudbury at least, has expressed a willingness to pay
a reasonable sum for the privileges enjoyed in this school, and
this may be the case with others. It would relieve the commit-
tee from some embarrassment if this matter could be amicably
adjusted by the towns interested.
Roll of Honor.
The following scholars have been neither absent nor tardy
for
Three Terms — Lester N. Fletcher.
Two Terms —
One Term — Winnie Dole, Etta Johnson, John H. Dawson,
E. Eddy Fletcher, Walter Chaffin.
Acton, March, 1868.
E. DAVIS, Chairman.
0. W. Mead,
John Fletcher, 2d,
Calvin Harris,
Isaac T. Flagg,
Charles Little,
Luther Piper,
School Committee.
GENERAL SUMMARY.
Amount of money raised by the town for School
purposes, for 1867-8 - * - - $2,325 00
Income from the State School Fund =■ - - 164 84
Total) for School purposes - - - $2,489 84
46
Divided as follows, viz: Centre, $450.45; West, $645.10;
South, $645.10; North, $244.68; East, $255.82; South-
East, $244.67.
Number of children reported by the assessors be-
tween the ages of 5 and 15 - - - 302
Number attending school in the year under 5 - 4
Number attending school in the year, 15 and over 89
Number of different scholars of all ages who have
attended school in town in the year - - - 427*
In the Centre, 90; West, 113; South, 127; North,
21 ; East, 42 ; South East, 34*.
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar
reported by the assessors .... $7 70
Whole sum of money used for School purposes di-
vided by the whole number of scholars who have
attended school in the year - - - - $5 83
For amount expended in repairs of school buildings,
see Selectmen's Report, p. 3.
* Including 5 from Concord and 7 from Sudbury.
47
FINANCIAL
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Deficiency last year,
Balance to new account,
$450 45
$414 00
22
09
• 1
05
1
53
11
78
$450 45
$450 45
Charles Little, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-room,
Sundries,
Balance to new account,
$645
10
1
81
$588 00
43
97
7
00
4
30
3
64
$646 91
$646 91
O. W. Mead, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOLS.
Appropriation,
^Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-room and fires,
Balance to new account,
$645
10
2
63
$586 75
34
52
8
25
18
21
$647 73
$647 73
Luther Piper, Committee.
48
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Incidentals,
Balance to new account,
$244 68
1 59
$213 50
16 00
5 53
11 24
$246 27
$246 27
Isaac T. Flagg, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Balance to new account.
$255 82
3 82
$235 50
16 50
7 64
$259 64
$259 64
Calvin Harris, Committee.
SOUTHEAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-room and fires,
Deficiency this year,
$244 67
2 00
$221
20
6
00
00
00
$247
00
33
$246 67
$246 67
John Fletcher, Committee.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM FEB. 26, 1868, TO FEB. 26-, 1869,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in 1868.
ALSO, THE
HEPORT OF THE SCHOOL-COMMITTEE,
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN TOLMAN.
1869.
S E E.E C T M E X ' S R E P 0 R T
Receipts.
Amount received, $16,880 94
EXPENDITURES.
Support of Schools.
Paid L. W. Stevens, for West school,
L. W. Piper, for South do.,
Charles Little, for Centre do.,
George Wilde, for South-east do.,
Isaac T. Flagg, for North do.,
Calvin Harris, for East do.,
SG38
16
638
16
445 £0
242
05
242
05
253
07
$2
.450
09
Repairs of School-Houses.
Paid George Wilde, for shingling South-east
school-house, $70 94
Do., for repairs on South-east school-
house, 2 75
Do., for chair, broom, pail and dipper, 1 92
Do., for crayons and book, 77
L. W. Piper, for repairs on South school-
house, 4 51
Do., for chair, brooms, pails, crayons and
dipper, 4 97
L. W. Stevens, for repairs on West school-
house, 3 10
Do., for stove for West school-house, 14 00
Do., for brooms, crayons, &c, 3 75
Calvin Harris, for repairs on East school-
house, 4 05
Charles Little, for repairs on Centre school-
house, 12 50
Do., for brooms, crayons, &c, 3 50
Isaac T. Flagg, for repairs on North school-
house, 15
Do., for pail, dipper and crayons, 1 40
8128 31
Books and Printing. #
Paid Benj. Tolman, for printing warrants, $7 50
" " " " Selectmen's
report, 16 50
Do., for printing Selectmen's, Town
Clerk's, and School-Committee's reports, 92 12
Do., for printing Teachers' cards, 10 00
Do., for printing Rules for the protection
of school-houses,
William D. Tuttle, for Collector's book,
L. W. Piper, for teachers' books,
for printing road notices,
5
00
1
00
3
33
3
00
Roads and Bridges.
Paid Daniel Tuttle, for labor on road,
Benjamin Hapgoocl, for breaking roads,
Alonzo Tuttle, " " "
Francis Hay ward, " " "
Charles F. Richardson " "
Barzillia H. Lawrence, " "
Frank Hosmer, " "
John F. Blood, " "
" " " for repairing sluice,
Andrew Hapgood, for breaking roads,
Israel H. Giles, " " "
Luke J. Robbins, " " "
Francis Kinsley, for repairing sluice in
South Acton,
Daniel L. Veazey, for repairing sluice on
Lowell road,
Ambrose Heald, teaming stone for same,
Cyrus Fletcher, for lumber for railing
bridges,
Cyrus Fletcher, for nails and labor on
bridges,
W. E. Faulkner, for breaking roads,
Joel H. Conant, for labor on the road,
Luther Billings, for breaking roads,
Tilley Robbins, for labor on the road,
For lumber for Powder Mill Bridges,
For labor and nails for " "
Daniel' Wetherbee, for building road from
the Turnpike to near his house,
$10
95
6
40
44 87
9
40
8
00
15
40
2
40
6
30
7
10
19
00
4
30
19
40
17
05
30
00
6
00
76
01
23
90
12
37
7
10
19
20
2
20
196
32
28
30
50 00
$621
Highway Surveyors.
Paid Barzillia H. Lawrence,
Daniel Fletcher,
Daniel Tuttle,
John F. Blood,
E. F. Fuller,
L. W. Piper,
A. L. Tuttle,
Daniel Harris,
W. H. Reed,
Charles Wheeler,
Charles Robbins,
Obed A. Symonds,
David M. Handley,
Silas Conant and J. E. Billings, for Benjamin
Hapgood,
129
80
62 49
50
00
19
90
108
15
40 83
28
05
68
42
82
91
60 30
19
50
36
60
33
77
21
90
Roads by Order of County Commissioners.
Paid Simon Tuttle, for repairing and building
road from the centre of the town to the
Cemetery, $500 00
Francis Kinsley, for repairing road near
the house of J. K. Putney, 300 00
John Grimes, for repairing road near El-
bridge Robbins' saw-mill, 200 00
Thomas Moore, for repairing road near
Concord line, 150 00
J. E. Billings, for repairing road near the
houses of Luther Davis, Jonathan
Wheeler, Charles Robbins, Geo. Keyes,
and near the Centre Cemetery, 169 59
Daniel Harris, for material and labor
railing the road near Elbridge Robbins'
saw-mill, 96 65
Daniel Harris, for widening sluice, 7 00
" " " ditching for the same, 1 50
" " " repairing road near the
house of J. E. Billings, 44 68
Luke Smith, for building and repairing
bridges near Elbridge Robbins' saw-mill, 1 70 00
Do., for blasting and teaming ledge near
the house of S. F. Hosmer, 42 18
Henry M. Smith, for Dry Bridge, 100 00
$762 62
$1,781 60
Discount and Abatement on Taxes.
Paid John E. Cutter, for discount on taxes
for 1868, $475 59
John E. Cutter, for abatement of taxes
for 1867, 86 56
$562 15
Appropriations for Soldiers and Families.
Paid Soldiers, for May Drill and Fall Encamp-
ment,
Alson R. Sumner,
Hiram W. Wetherbee,
Rebecca C. Wright,
Hattie W. Wilder,
Rebecca Bigelow,
$1,590 90
27 00
18 00
85 33
96 00
96 00
Support of Poor.
Paid For medical attendance and supplies for
Mrs. Murphy,
Express on Rufus Tenny's trunk,
A. Farrar, expenses to Westboro', for Geo.
Bullard,
Mrs. N. F. Haynes, for supplies,
Coffin and robe for child,
Dr. French, attending Haynes' family,
Sarah B. Childs, for fuel,
Journey to Maiden, respecting Haynes
family,
for assistance rendered travellers,
" support and burial of Asa Oliver,
" George W. Robbins, at Reform School,
$13 50
50
2
80
34
62
10 00
10 00
16
00
3
00
5
75
48
32
13
00
$157 49
Interest on Notes.
Paid Augustine Conant, interest, $240 00
James E. Billings, " 131 47
Cyrus Conant, " 120 00
Frederick Rouillard, " 102 00
David M. Handley, " 102 00
Paid Daniel Harris,
interest,
48 32
Joel Ilauscomb,
u
40 80
Lydia R. Keys,
a
36 00
John R. Whitcomb,
«
30 00
Calvin Harris,
((
24 00
James A. Billings,
a
12 00
Isaac T. Flagg,
u
6 00
$892 59
Town Officers.
Paid Rev. Edwin Davis, for examining teach-
ers, superintending schools, and mak-
ing report, $85 00
William D. Tuttle, for taking inventory,
copying and making taxes,
50 00
W. D. Tuttle, for services as Town-Clerk,
25 00
Elisha H. Cutler, for taking inventory
and making taxes,
25 00
Luther R. Forbush, for taking inventory
and making taxes,
25 00
J. E. Cutter, for collecting taxes,
80 00
James E. Billings, for services as Select-
man,
36 00
Jonas K. Putney, do., do.,
14 50
J. K. W. Wetherbee, do., do.,
20 00
Town Committee, for expenses incurred
in opposing the annexation of West
Acton to Boxboro', 1,49
$1,859 49
Miscellaneous Expenses.
Paid James Tuttle, for rent of school-room,
$50 00
Cutler Brothers, " " "
50 00
John E. Cutter, for summoning thirty
persons to take the oath of office,
3 75
Geo. W. Sawyer, for taking care of town clock,
10 00
" " " cleaning clock,
1 50
" " " 20 galls, oil for Town Hall,
10 70
" " " coal,
9 84
" " " eight chimneys,
1 00
" " " washing floor,
3 00
" u " one broom,
50
" " " opening T.Hall 37 times,
27 75
" " " tolling bell for ten deaths,
2 00
8
Paid N. S. Faulkner, for tolling bell for 17 deaths
in 1867-8, 3 40
H.J. Hapgood, for tolling bell for 5 deaths, 1 00
Cyrus Fletcher, for attending 21 funerals
with hearse, 52 50
Do., for recording and making return to
Town-Clerk, of 32 deaths, 3 20
William D. Tuttle, for journey to Sud-
bury, to make out election return of
Representative,
Do., for recording 16 marriages,
Do., " " 31 deaths,
Do., " collecting and recording 33 births,
Do., for recasting grade of road from Ac-
ton Centre to Cemetery,
for express, postage and stationery,
' Horse-cart for Town Farm,
' Hay-wagon " " "
4 paper hangings for Almshouse,
4 whitewashing "
' nails for shingling "
' moving logs from highway near Francis
Bobbins' saw-mill,
2
50
2
40
5
10
9
90
5
00
9
72
67
00
19
50
3
54
3
50
2
47
5 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid Charles Hastings, for West Cemetery,
CONDITION OF THE TREASURY, FEB. 26, 1869.
State Tax for 1868,
County Tax for 1868,
Town Grant for 1868,
Town Grant for Schools,
Town Grant for Highways,
Highway Deficiencies,
Overlay on Taxes,
Militia Bounty,
Corporation Tax,
State Aid to Jan. 1st, 1868,
. 26, 1868,
$3,658 19
1,840 00
848 55
3,500 00
2,325 00
900 00
88 04
175 22
1,565 50
868 28
613 00
State School Fund,
Liquor Licenses,
Liquor Tax,
Pedlers' License,
School money from town of Stow,
Use of Town-Hall,
From town of Lincoln, for support and burial
of Asa Oliver,
Received from Town Farm,
134
09
125
00
11
62 ,
• 6
00
2
54
54
00
[
48
32
123
59
$16,886
94
Expenditures.
For Support of Schools, $2,459 09
Repairs on School-houses, 128 31
Books and Printing, 138 45
Roads and Bridges, 621 97
Highway Surveyors, 762 62
Roads, as per order Count}^ Commis-
sioners, 1,781 60
Discount and Abatement on Taxes, 562 15
Appropriation for Soldiers and Families, 1,913 23
Support of Poor, 157 49
Interest on Notes, 892 59
Town Officers, 1,859 49
Miscellaneous Expenses, 365 77
Cemetery Expenses, 25 00
State Tax, 1,840 00
County Tax, " 848 55
$14,356 31
Balance in the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1869, $2,530 63
Financial Condition of the Town, Feb. 26, 1869.
Dr.
Tobalancedueasperreport,Feb.26, 1869, $2,530 63
Amount due from State, for aid furnished
soldiers and their families, 407 00
Amount due from the State for rent of
Armory, 150 00
$3,087 63
10
Amount Due on Notes.
Cr.
By Cash of Ebenezer Conant,
Joel Hauscom,
Augustine Conant,
David M. Handley,
John R. Whitcomb,
James A. Billings,
Calvin Harris,
Lydia R. Keyes,
Isaac T. Flagg,
Daniel Harris,
James E. Billings,
Frederick Rouillard,
$2,058 00
700 40
4,116
1,745
00
90
536
50
202
60
202
60'
627
60
105
50
840
86
2,237 57
1,778 10
$15,151
Balance against the Town, Feb. 26, 1869,
without including the balance due as
per Overseers' Report for 1869, or a
balance of about $550, due for re-
pairing roads, as per order of the
County Commissioners, $12,064 00
James E. Billings,- "i Selectmen
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K. W. Wethehbee, ) Actons
Acton, February 26, 1869.
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1869.
Articles on Hand April 1st, 1869.
13 cows, $880.00 ; 1 horse, 250.00 ; 6 tons hay, 108.00, $1,238 00
28 bus. oats, 21.00 ; 60 bus. corn, 66.00 ; 1 shote, 30.00, 117 00
23 fowls, 1725 : 28 M. skewers, 21.00 ; 50 lbs. ham, 9.00, 47 25
125 lbs. pork, 22.50 ; 3 bbls. soap, 15.00 ; 2 bbls. apples, 7.00, 44 50
50 lbs. soap-grease, 3.00 ; 80 lbs. lard, 16.00 ; pickles, 1.00, 20 00
10 bus. potatoes, 8.00 ; 18 do. ashes, 3.60 ; 1-2 lb. tea, .60, 12 20
lot skewer timber, 2.00 ; 12 lbs. apples, 1.20 ; 25 lbs.
candles, 4.50, 7 70
$1,486 65
Receipts.
For milk, $1,172,86 ; apples, 190.87 ; sweet corn, 1.50,
cow, 42.00 ; calves, 47.25 ; pork, 20.67,
potatoes, 27.00 ; berries, 32.73 ; eggs, 8.74,
skewers, 51.25; grapes, 1.68; squashes, 1.00,
poultry, 4.10 ; use of wagon, 3.50,
keeping pedler, .50 ; pickles, .25,
iron, .86, keeping colt, 8.40,
Cash from Town Treasury,
$1,365
23
109
92
68
47
53
93
7
60
75
9
26
$1,615 16
86
50
$1,701
66
12
Expenditures.
For cows, $253.00 ; shotes, 30.75 ; potatoes, 28.65, $312 40
meal, 29.23 ; rice meal, 95.36 ; oil meal and
shorts, 221.02, 345 61
grinding grain, 6.66 ; sugar, 26.42 ; butter, 84.50, 117 58
fish, 2L07; beef, 92.98; flour, 82.20, 196 25
cheese, 21.97; tallow, 3.24; beans, 9.39, 34 60
molasses, 31.15; tobacco, 12.47; bread, 3.89, 47 51
clothing, 18.32 ; knives and forks, 2.62 ; oats, 9.00, 29 94
tripe, 4.62; plaster Paris, 6.53 ; potash, 12.31, 23 46
horse-cart, 67.00 ; hay-wagon, 19.50 ; boots and
shoes, 12.12, 98 62
blacksmith's bill, 11.68; barrels, 8.63; pasturing, 13.59, 33 90
tea, 18.25 ; coffee, 7.07 ; salt, 7.65 ; oil, 3.70, 36 67
super-phosphate, 16.89; tools, 28.50; spice, 2.94, 48 33
expense to Boston, 9.15 ; grass-seed, 11.07, 20 22
medicine, .25 ; tin- ware, 1.05 ; straw, .52 ; rope, .90, 2 72
bridle, 5.00 ; tugs, 4.00 ; mending harness, .57, 9 57
skewer timber, 3.75 ; filing saw, 30 ; soap, 1.30, 5 35
pails, 1.75; ox-labor, 3.00; cream tartar, .80, 5 55
making cider, 1.00 ; newspaper, 1.70 ; mason work, 1.50, 4 20
butchering, .75 ; labor, 1.05 ; use of bull, 3.50 ; nails, .97, 6 27
ink, .10 ; vinegar, 2.00 ; saltpetre, .06 ; starch, .29, 2 45
matches, 1.30 ; rice, .39 ; saleratus, .50 ; stove polish .10, 2 29
crockery, .40 ; snuff, .45 ; brush, .37 ; wicking, .43, 1 65
brooms, 1.45 ; clothes pins, .08 ; flypaper, .25 ; glue .14, 1 92
spider, .50; bucket, .45; raisins, 1.25, castings, 1.06, 3 26
services of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Earrar, Jr., 360 00
" James E. Billings, ■ 6 00
" Jonas K. Putney, 6 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee, 6 00
$1,768 32
Amount of inventory, April 1st, 1868, $1,455 96
Interest on farm, 239 40
$3,463 68
Recapitulation.
Amount of receipts, $1,701 QQ
Amount of expenditures, 1,768 32
Amount due from Town Treasury to balance account, $Q6 66
13
Total amount of expenditures, $1,768 32
Amount of inventory April 1st, 1868, 1,455 96
Interest on farm, 239 40
Total amount of receipts, $1,615 16
Amount of inventory April 1st, 1869, 1,486 65
$3,463 68
$3,101 81
$361 87
Expense of victualing foreigners, 17 20
Total amount of supporting poor at Almshouse, $344 67
Whole number of persons (exclusive of foreigners) supported in
the Almshouse, 8 ; average number, 4 3-4 ; present number, 6 ;
cost per week, $1.40.
James E. Billings, \ Overseers
Jonas K. Putney, > of
J. K. W. Wetherbee, j Poor.
Acton, April 1st, 1869.
TOWN-CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON, IN 1868.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Parents' Names.
I. Jan. 21, Florian W. Fiske, son of James W. and Maria Fiske.
- 2. Feb. 2, Herbert Ernest Reed, son of George and Anna E.
Reed. t
3. Feb. 23, George F. Richardson, son of Edward F. and Frances
H. Richardson.
4. March 10, Joseph Chesson Parker, son of Edwin C. and
Hannah H. Parker.
5. March 23, Eugene Lazelle White, son of Abram and Marietta
E. White.
6. March 26, Mary Calanan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen
Calanan.
7. April 10, Hattie Belle Harris, daughter of Frank E. and M.
Sophia Harris.
8. May 2, Etta Augusta Tuttle, daughter of Alonzo L. and
Ellen C. Tuttle.
9. May 5, Fred Walter Gilmore, son of Walter A. and Emma A.
Gilmore.
10. May 5, Daniel McCarthy, son of Daniel and Mary McCarthy.
II. May 23, Emma Elvira Fiske, daughter of Robert and Susan
A. Fiske.
12. May 27, William Schoular Randall, son of Freeman L. and
Amelia A. Randall.
13. June 1, Frank Emerson Wood, son of Winthrop E. and
Lydia A. Wood.
14. June 6, Arthur Bradford Davis, son of William B. and S.
Maria Davis.
15. June 8, Arthur Harris McDonnell, son of Albert and Tina
McDonnell.
16. June 10, Carrie Maria Dunn, daughter of Waldo G. and
Fannie M. Dunn.
17. June 18, James Roland Wetherbee, son of D. James and
Augusta A. Wetherbee.
18. June 21, Carlton Carroll Conant, son of Silas, Jr. and Cath-
erine Conant.
(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 Boxbofough.
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. bate 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. 14dk
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. I6d.
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. lm. 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 II. 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.
lOd.
31. March 20, At Lowell, Mrs. Nancy Parker, wife of Elbridge
Gr. Parker, aged 41y. 9m. 20d.
William D. Tuttle, Town-Clerk.
Acton, March 20, 1869.
REPORT OF CEMETERY-COMMITTEE.
WEST CEMETERY.
Charles Hastings, Superintendent.
Dr.
Cash rec'd for 4 lots,
" grading 3 lots,
" Tablet,
" Loam sold,
'• Hay "
of Dr. Green (donation),
" Town-Treasurer,
Cr.
Cash paid for 11 1-2 days' labor,
" " " teaming,
" " " fencing,
" due Committee March 1, 1868,
m
hands March 1, 1869,
$4 00
2 27
69
3 50
1 00
10 00
25 00
$28
75
4
25
75
1
75
10
96
$46 46
$46 46
Acton, March 1, 1869.
William D. Tuttle, .
Samuel Hosmer,
Charles Hastings
:tle, \
igs, j
Committee.
(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
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 Avatchful 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 Reserved, 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-
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.
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 rqay 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 7 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
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
clashes 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 Eouillard 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
subjects gone over, and to think for themselves. Her own
energy and enthusiasm could not fail to stimulate tjie 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 Acadenty. 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 ©pened by Miss Hazelton, of Plym-
outh, N. H., a teacher of some experience and thorough
education. She worked hard, though almost discouragec
from the first, for while she was well qualified to instruct*
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
Xorth 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. \Ve 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 wTith the Geography classes. Maps had been drawn
Ijy 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 prajsed 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. L. W. Piper,
Calvin Harris, L. W. Stevens,
Isaac T. Flagg, Geo. Wilde.
Acton, March 25, 1869.
FINANCIAL
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
Centre
School.
$445
60
11
78
es,
393
25
27
25
fires,
5
20
31.
68
$457 38
$457 38
Charles Little, Committee.
- West School.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
$638 16
3 64
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
$589 55
41 87
6 00
4 38
$641 80
$641 80
L. W. Stevens, Committee.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
South School.
$638 16
22 05
3S,
fires,
$599 50
42 25
9 00
9 46
$660 21
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
$660 21
L. W. Piper, Committee.
(13)
14
East School.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
$253 07
7 64
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
$239 00
15 75
3 67
2 29
$260 71
$260 71
Calvin Harris, Committee.
South-East School.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-room and fires,
Balance to new account,
$242 05
13 00
$207 00
20 00
6 00
22 05
$255 05
$255 05
George Wilde, Committee.
North School.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
$242 05
11 24
Amount of teachers' wages,
Paid for fuel,
Care of school-room and fires,
Desk book,
Balance to new account,
$229 50
16 00
4 00
90
2 89
$253 29
$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
Sinn appropriated by the town for each scholar report-
ed by Assessors, $7 54
ROLL OF HONOR.
CESTUE. HIGHER.
Those who have been
neither absent or tar-
dy for three terms.
Ada C. Davis,
Susie Tuttle,
Willie Jones.
Those who have been
neither absent or tar-
day for two terms.
Josie A. Forbush,
Lizzie Taylor,
Almeda Litchfield,
Delia Stearns,
Addie Tuttle,
Sophia Fletcher,
Herbert Blodgett.
Those who have been
neither absent or tar-
day for one term.
Eliza Wheeler,
Ida M. Pike,
Nellie Hauscom,
Katie Kinsley,
Clara Stearns,
Jonathan Blodgett,
Herbert Noyes,
Waldo Hauscom>
Willie Davis,
John Roth.
centre, primary. Lizzie Roth
Jennie Berry,
M. Etta Taylor,
Ida Hale,
Wilbur Fisk,
Frank Fike.
Rosie Jones,.
Herbert Fiske,
Willie Richardson,
Lyman Tuttle,
Willie Kinsley,
Albert Sawyer,
Eoswell Tuttle,
Arthur Tuttle.
WEST, HIGHEST.
Maria Hastings,
Annie C. Hastings.
Ellen Blanchard,
Carrie A. Jewett,
Warren Fairbanks,
Walter W. Hastings,
Julie Mead.
WEST,
INTERMEDIATE.
Nellie G. Hoar,
Lizzie G. Rowell,
Nellie F. Handley,
Emma Stockwell,
Lucie H. Hayward,
Lilla A. Hayward,
Lewis C. Hastings.
Flora S. Davis,
Emma C. Hall,
Mary Hurley,
Rose E. Arnold,
Emma A. Mead,
Frank S. Davis,
Edwin E. Davis,
G. Sumner Wright,
George A. Gardner,
Arthur W. Stevens,
Horace Whitcomb,
Charles Teel.
WEST, PRIMARY.
John S. Hoar,
Austin E. Lawrence.
Cornelia Hayward,
Cordelia Hayward,
Ella S. Teel,
George Y. Hutchins,
Alphonso Wyman.
Cora M. Arnold,
Susie C. Hayward,
Laura Stockwell,
Mary S. Cutler,
Lottie E. Handley,
Hattie M. Whitcomb,
Delette Handley,
Eddie Hayward.,
Crosby Hoar,
Willie T. Mason,
George V. Mead,
Willie A. Teel,
Wallace McDonald,
Arthur W. Houghton
17
SOUTH, HIGHEST.
Anna A. Tuttle.
Mary A. Rynn,
Frank II. Jones, '
Willie E. Wood,
Danie F. Hayward.
Charlie C. Laselle,
Burton H. Butters,
Jonathan P. Fletcher,
Nelson H. Tenney,
Nellie L. Tuttle,
Sophia E. Symonds,
Ellen L. Jones.
SOUTH,
INTERMEDIATE.
Lucy A. Jones.
Nellie Wilder,
Nellie Hannon,
Addie Jones,
Mary Wonster,
Nellie Tuttle,
Frank Butters,
Georgie A. Gates.
Minnie Jones,
Jennie Tuttle,
Nellie Conant,
Mary Davidson,
Emma Billings,
Emma Handley,
Anna Law,
Hattie Fletcher,
Lizzie Fletcher,
Willie Rynn,
Eddie Conant,
Charley Laselle,
Anson Piper,
Wilber Jones.
south, primary. John Rynn
James Hannon,
Michael Hannon,
Frank H. Bulette.
Lizzie Richardson,
Myrtie Richardson,
Martha Jones,
Nellie Dean,
Usher Brown,
Arthur Jones,
Willie Warren,
George W. Worster,
Frank Haynes,
Norman H. Davidson,
John F. Angell.
Susie A. Wetherbee.
Hattie Harris,
Sarah F. Bobbins,
Amelia F. Perkins,
Lizzie M. Perkins,
Roswell Wetherbee.
Nellie E. Batchelder,
Susie A. Batchelder,
Emma F. Estabrook,
Ida R. Kstabrook,
Frank Wetherbee,
Butterfield Harris.
south-east.
Winnie Dole,
Lester N. Fletcher.
Isabella Dawson,
Mary L. Fairbanks,
Etta J. Johnson,
Addie C.Jones,
John Dawson,
Albert N. Gates,
George E. Gates.
north.
Julie Ina Rose.
Freddie Rouillard,
Lizzie A. Veazie,
Lyman D. Veazie.
Cora Rouillard,
Annie P. Cash,
George Rose,
Bertie Russell,
Irving A. Flagg.
SCHOOLS.
(Centre,
sWest,
'SOUTH,
| Higher,
I Primary,
Highest,
Intermediate.
Primary,
Highest,
Intermediate.
Primary,
)East,
)South-East,
.North,
Ventrf i Higher,
LENTRE, |rrimary)
TEACHERS.
sWEST,
'SOUTH.
( Highest,
] Intermediate
( Primary,
( Highest,
J Intermediate
( Primary,
)EA8T,
)South-East,
\NORTH,
/Centre,
( Higher,
) Primary,
f Highest,
'West, \ Intermediate
[ Primary,
f Highest,
(Intermediate.
Primary,
>EA8T,
)SOUTH-EAST,
.North,
)SOTJTH,
SUM.UEU.
Hiss Carrie E. Lawrence;
" Ella F. Lawrence,
" Lucy M. Emerv,
11 Martha T. Whitcomb,
" Sarah M. Newhall,
" Amelia D. Oomstock,
" Carrie M. Hapgood,
" J. E. Schouler,
" Emma Wetherbee,
•' Ellen 0. Clark,
Mrs. Angie W. Harris,
Totals,
. Fall.
Miss Carrie E. Lawrence,
" Ella F. Lawrence,
" Lucy M. Emery,
" Martha T. Whitcomb,
" Sarah M. Newhall,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
" Carrie M. Hapgood,
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
" Emma "Wetherbee,
" Ellen 0. Clark,
" Mrs. Angie TV. Harris,
Totals,
Winter.
Mr. Luther Conant,
Miss EttaEouillard,
" S. F. Wright,
Miss Jennie A. Conant,
Miss Martha F. Hazelton,
" Emma I. Draper,
Miss Sarah M. Newhall,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
" Carrie M. Hapjrood,
{ Miss Cornelia C. Ballou,
[ " Emma M. Buffum,
Miss Hattie A. Bruce,
Corrinna Shattuck,
Mrs. Angie W. Harris,
Total Winter Term,
Aggregate for year,
2
2
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-2
2 1-4
2 1-4
23 3-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-2
2 1-2
2 1-2
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
2 1-4
$27
22
32
24
20
27
26
20
26
26
26
26 24 5-!
35 30
8276
$27
24
25 1-2 8285
2 1-2, $50
2 1-2 22
3 1-2
3
3 34
33 14 8331
1 32 1-2 8892 1014 894
25 14
26
32
21 34:
26 2-3
27
23 2-5
22 2-3
14 3-o 1
274
24
1-2
20 1-2
28
34
217-11
31
31
23 2-5
19 1-3
14 3-5
'A
z -
6
4 ™<
317 280.3
44 36.5
38 32
28 1-3
27 1-2
34
33 3-5
37 1-4
30 4-5
3-vi
25 1-2
19 1-2
340
143
0 87
134 422
15
Total average percentage of attendance during the year, 88 26-100.
REPORTS OF
THE SELECTMEN
— AND —
OTHER OFFICERS
—OF THE—
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1869, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1870,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in 1869.
— AESO, THE—
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PRINTED BY TOLMAN & WHITE,
221 "Washington Street, Boston.
1870.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATIONS AND RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance of last year,
$2,530
63
Borrowed of J. K. Putney,
650
00
Town grant,
5000
00
Town grant for schools,
2325
00
Regular town grant for highwa37s,
1200
00
Special town grant for highways,
300
00
Overlayings on taxes,
70
77
Overlay ings on road taxes,
8
10
State tax,
2300
00
County tax,
936
33
State aid to Jan. 1st, 1869,
384 57
Corporation tax,
767
29
Military account,
253
80
Militia bounty,
738
50
Uniforms for Davis Guards,
1080
00
Armory rent, 1868,
150
00
State school fund,
150
92
Dog fund,
89
25
For timber, QQ feet,
1
98
Graham witness fees,
3
50
For use of Town Hall,
94
75
From George Kendall, for expenses
incurred
respecting his father,
20
00
From sale of Cemeteiy lots,
8
00
EXPENDIT
URES.
SCHOOLS.
SUPPORT OF
Appropriation for 1869,
$2,325 00
State school fund,
150
92
— $2,475 92
(3)
PAYMENTS.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid Moses Taylor, for Centre School,
Levi W. Stevens, for West
E. F. Richardson, for South
William B. Davis, for East
John White, for North
George Wilde, for Southeast
$448
642
642
254
243
243
65
53
53
79
71
71
REPAIRS OF SCHOOL-HOUSES.
Paid Moses Taylor, repairs on Centre sch. house, $6 55
Incidentals,
Levi W. Stevens, repairs on West "
Incidentals,
E. F. Richardson, repairs on South "
Wm. B. Davis, repairs on East "
Incidentals,
George Wilde, repairs on Southeast "
Incidentals,
4
60
132
24
3
62
10
45
24
46
1
52
7
25
1
05
REPAIRS OF HIGHWAYS.
$2,475 92
Paid Joseph Noyes,
Daniel Fletcher,
Samuel Hosmer,
Ai Robbins,
John Conant,
G. W. Li verm ore,
L. R. Forbush,
Daniel Harris,
John White,
J. W. Loker,
Simon Tuttle,
George H. Harris,
John R. Houghton,
E. H. Cutler,
Antoine Bulettc,
James Tuttle,
J. H. Conant,
Moses Taylor,
$191 74
$73 25
76
50
42
55
67
63
39
50
46
60
108
15
92
40
45
81
24
00
78
40
36
71
149
90
120
90
37
70
162
06
176
41
53
11
»-
$1,431 58
SPECIAL REPAIRS OF HIGHWAYS AND SLUICES.
Paid Benj. Hapgood, for repairing road in his
district, 852 00
Ai Robbins, for repairing gravel pit road, 63 10
Nathan Brooks, for repairing road in his
district, 17 00
Richard Kinsley, for repairing road near
his house, 10 00
Daniel Tuttle, for repairing road and build-
ing sluice near the centre of the town, 91 85
Do., for repairing road and building sluice
in the centre of the town, 102 97
Moses Taj'lor, for repairing roads in his
district, 25 00
Thomas Kinslej*, for repairing sluice near
the house of Samuel Chaffin, 5 00
James Tuttle, for repairing roads in South
district, m 600 00
Simon Tuttle, for repairing roads in his
district, 25 00
E. H. Cutler, for repairing road near the
house of William Reed, 15 00
J. E. Billings, for repairing road near the
house of William Wheeler, 5 40
Thomas Kinsley, for work done on road
near the house of Mrs. Harriet Davis, 2 50
Simon Hapgood, for gravel and work near
the house of William Wheeler, 5 00
William W. Davis, for widening bridge on
the road leading to his house, 2 50
George Chandler, for work done on bridge
near Robbins' saw-mill, 2 50
$1,024 82
REPAIRS OF HIGHWAYS BY ORDER OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.
Paid Francis Kinsley, balance for repairing road
near Nagog Pond, $86 50
Thomas Kinsley, for laying wall and build-
ing sluice near house of S. F. Hosmer, 20 50
Daniel Tuttle, for repairing road near East
Cemetery, 56 00
Do., repairing road near Robbins' saw-mill, 51 90
Simon Tuttle, for railing the road near East
Cemetery, 92 47
6
Paid Thomas Kinsley, for repairing road near
East Cemetery, 2 50
Simon Tuttle, balance for repairing road
near East Cemetery, 345 00
E. J. Robbins, for repairing road near the
house of John White, 60 00
Thomas More, balance repairing road
near Concord line, 51 00
Daniel Harris, for repairing drive-way near
Robbins' saw-mill, and for gravel, 9 50
J. K. Putney, for gravel for road near his
house, 5 00
John Grimes, balance repairing road near
Robbins' saw-mill, 75 00
Louis Rouillard, for building road near
NagogPond, 66 50
Do., for gravel for the same, 8 00
J. E. Billings, for building sluice near Rob-
bins' saw-mill, * 15 50
William Reed, for putting in sluices near
his house, 26 10
E.J. Robbins, repairing road in his district, 13 20
BREAKING ROADS.
Paid John Conant, $9 00
Daniel Harris, 9 00
J. H. Conant, 6 20
W. H. Reed, 4 40
J. Noyes, 6 60
L. R. Forbush, 6 38
Ai Robbins, 2 60
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Town of Ashby, on account of Lot Fitch, $85 83
George M. Brooks, for advice,
Town of Natick, for Mary A. Law,
City of Boston, for Mrs. Childs,
Express to Natick,
Samuel Hosmer, journey to Boston respect-
ing Mrs. Nancy Baldwin,
For John Whitney,
Joseph Noyes, journey to Natick,
For assistance rendered travellers,
Town of Westboro', for George F. Bullard, 8 75
10
00
78
25
16
40
60
3
50
6
00
3
00
5
75
:1, 8
75
$984 67
$44 18
$218 OS
EXPENSES OF TOWN FARM.
Paid for j-oke of oxen, $275 00
Abel Farrar, for balance of salary for
1868, 66 66
Simon Tuttle, for repairs on Town Farm
barn, 74 10
Coffin and robe, for Titus Williams, 14 76
INTEREST.
Paid Augustine Conant,
$240 00
Frederick Rouillarcl,
102 00
Lydia R. Keyes,
36 00
Daniel Harris,
48 32
Joel Hanscomb,
40 80
James E. Billings,
131 47
David M. Handley,
102 00
Cyrus Conant,
120 00
John R. Whitcomb,
60 00
Isaac T. Flagg,
6 00
Luther Billings,
12 00
Incidental interest,
7 68
PRINTING.
Paid Benjamin Tolman, for printing warrants
, $12 50
for report of Selectmen,
21 00
for report of Selectmen, School Commit-
tee and other Town Officers,
107 43
for voters' lists,
12 00
for burial permits for Town Clerk,
2 50
MILITARY.
Paid for special duty June 16th, 1869,
$253 80
May drill and Fall encampment,
738 50
Uniforms,
1,080 00
$430 52
$906 27
$155 43
$2,072 30
STATE AID.
Paid Hiram W. Wetherbee, $18 00
Alson R. Sumner, 30 00
Hattie W. Wilder, 96 00
Rebecca C. Wright, 48 00
Emily C. Harding, 88 00
Joanna Moulton, 20 00
CEMETERY.
Paid Martin Pike, for mowing Cemetery, $23 70
Wm. D. Tuttle, laying out lots, 75
Henry M. Smith, do. 1 00
Samuel Hosmer, for furnishing posts and
work, 2 00
BRIDGE NEAR WETHERBEE'S MILLS.
Paid J. E. Billings, for lumber, $243 26
" iron, 6 64
" nails, 5 67
" labor, 178 43
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Dr. Cfharles Little, Supt. of Schools, $85 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Assessor, 40 00
Phineas Wetherbee, do. 25 00
L. R. Forbush, do. 25 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk, ( 25 00
John E. Cutter, collecting taxes, * 80 00
Wm. W. Davis, services as Selectman, 36 00
E. J. Robbins, " " 20 00
Charles Robinson, " " 14 00
TOWN HOUSE.
Paid John Fletcher & Sons, for 5,835 lbs. coal,
freight, teaming, and weighing,
George Sawyer, 500 lbs. coal,
" " 37 gallons oil,
Washing floors,
One broom,
One box lamp wicks,
Opening hall and committee rooms, 71
times,
Cleaning funnel,
A. D. Holt, for repairs on funnel,
$36 58
3
50
17
00
5
00
50
33
45
50
2
00
16
48
$300 00
$27 45
$434 00
$350 00
$126 89
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid Jonas Blodgett, auctioneer, on roads, $6 00
J. E. Cutter, insurance on town-bouse, 150 00
A. R. Sumner, for painting monument
and monument fence, 9 00
Richard Kinsley, building road near Cbarles
Twitchell's bouse, 68 00
Cjtus Fletcber, for work in armory, 225 51
Wm. D. Tuttle, viewing roads, by request
of Selectmen, 4 25
Do., writing lease of arnKny, 1 00
Do., grading road near Charles Twitchell's
house, 5 00
Express paid on reports and public docu-
ments, 2 80
Samuel Hosmer, for examining and reporting
on school-houses, 3 00
Francis D wight, for do., 2 00
L. R. Forbush, for express, 87
George F. Wetherell, for grave-stone for
Ezekiel Davis, 30 00
James Tuttle, for rent of school-room, 50 00
Cutler Brothers, for do., 50 00
T. F. Lawrence, filling hole where hay
scales stood, in West Acton, 6 00
J. E. Cutter, summoning 20 persons to take
oath of office, 2 50
Stamp on note, 35
Francis Dwight, superintending burials, 45 00
Do., making return of 17 deaths, 1 70
Wm. D. Tuttle, journey to Sudbury, to make
out election returns, 2 50
Do., postage on returns, - 30
Do., paid express on Assessors' book, 30
Do., making copy of town tax-book for 1869,
for State Department, 7 00
Do., express on law book, 30
Do., collecting and recording 28 births, 8 40
Do., recording 27 deaths, 4 70
Do., " 17 marriages, 2 55
Do., putting in sluice near his house, 5 00
Do., Collector's book, 1 12
George Sawyer, care of town clock, 10 00
Do., tolling bell 22 times for deaths, 4 40
Do., cleaning town clock, 1 50
J. E. Cutter, abatement of taxes', 47 89
Do., discount on taxes, 612 00
$1,370 94
10
Receipts and Expenditures from Feb. 26, 1869, to Feb. 26, 1870.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb. 26, 1869, $2,530 63
Appropriations, 8,825 00
Other receipts, 7,707 76
$19,063 39
EXPENDITURES;
Support of schools,
$2,475 92
Repairs of school-houses,
191 74
Repairs of highways,
1,431 58
Special repairs of highways,*
1,024 82
Repairs of highways by order of
County
Commissioners,
984 67
Breaking roads,
44 18
Support of poor,
218 08
Expenses of Town Farm,
430 52
Interest,
906 27
Printing,
155 43
Military,
2,072 30
State aid,
300 00
Cemetery,
27 45
Bridge near Wetherbee's Mills,
434 00
Town officers,
350 00
Town House,
126 89
Miscellaneous,
1,370 94
State tax,
2,300 00
County tax,
936 33
$15 781 1°
Balance in the Treasury Feb. 26,
1870,
$3,282 27
TOWN DEBT.
Ebenezer Con ant,
$2,067 6G
Augustine Conant,
4,135 33
Daniel Harris,
840 80
Frederick Rouillard,
1,778 10
Joel Hanscom,
700 40
James E. Billings,
2,237 57
David M. llandley,
1,715 90
Isaac T. Flagg,
105 90
L}Tdia It. Keyes,
027 60
Calvin Harris,
214 00
Luther Billings,
202 &U
John R. AVhitcomlN
506 50
Jonas K. Putney,
687 37
$15,849 99
11
Amount due from State aid,
Rent of armory,
Treasurer,
$300 00
200 00
3,282 27
$3,782 27
$12,067 72
WM. W. DAVIS, ) Selectmen
E. J. ROBBINS, } of
C.ROBINSON, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1870.
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1870.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1st, 1870.
12 cows, $840,00 ; horse, 250,00 ; 2 shotes, 40,00, $1,130 00
2k tons hay, 65,00 ; straw, 6,40 ; 9 bush, wheat, 15,75, 87 15
21 fowls, 15,75; 18 bush, ashes, 4,50; 114J lbs.
bacon, 26,00,
250bbls. pork, 50,00; 140 do. beef, 16,80; 54 do.
candles, 10,80,
50 bbls. lard, 11,50; 33 do. butter, 13,20; 1 bbl.
apples, 4,00,
1-2 bbl. soap, 2,50; pickles, 1,00; 50 bush, pota-
toes, 27,50,
5 M skewers, 3,00 ; 1 1-2 bush, meal, 1,65 ; beans, 1,00,
dried apple, .60 ; coffee, .50 ; tea, .65,
46
25
77
60
28
70
31
1
00
65
75
$1,408
10
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $1,281,00 ; carryingmilk, 84,00 ; calves, 32,20,81,397 20
hop-poles, 73,12 ; eggs, 10,51 ; old iron, 2,00, 85 63
beef, 43,40; hides, 16,08 ; pork, 4,77, 64 25
soap-grease, 6,31 ; potatoes, 94,05; straw, 10,42, 110 78
oxen, 255,00 ; berries, 32,83 ; grapes, 1,50, 289 33
oats, 14,40 ; skewers, 23,48 ; lard, 9,80, 47 68
apples, 242,60; onions; 1,48, 244 08
From Lucy A. Brown's estate, 52 98
$2,291 93
Recieved of treasury for oxen, $275 00
$2,566 93
(12)
823 46
23
80
263
00
7
40
105
88
69
52
11
99
125
46
13
EXPENDITURES. .
For grinding, 87,97 ; straw, .52 ; potatoes, 14,97,
paper, .05 ; butchering, 4,50 ; rice meal, 19,25,
cows, 214,50 ; pasturing, 42,00 ; driving, 6,50,
soap, .12 ; mending shoes and harness, 1,65 ;
wheat, 5,63,
shotes, 27,00 ; labor, 78,78 ; whip, .10,
whitewashing, 1,75 ; hay, 59,90 ; fish, 7,87,
barrels, 10,54; axle-bed, 1,00; bug poison, .45,
meal, 121,96 ; Mr. Jackson, 1,50 ; Titus, 2,00,
expenses to Boston, 6,33 ; weighing, .93 ; butter,
75,98, 83 94
beef, 39,74 ; castings, 1,53 ; basket, .45 ; turnips,
15.10,
repairing clock and pump, .84 ; stove, 5,00,
blacksmith's bill, 25,06 ; brush, .45,
newspaper, 1,73 ; tin ware, .75 ; Dr. Cowdry's bill,
30,00,
sleigh bells, 1,25 ; soap, 3,67 ; cheese, 16,78 ;
smoking hams, .80 ; oil meal, 192,23 ; shorts, 76,04,
plaster, 4,05 ; flour, 51,42 ; card, .50 ; beans, 3,37,
salt, 8,27; rice, 1,01 ; tea, 18,40; molasses, 26,67
saleratus, .78 ; kerosene, 2,43 ; hoes, 1,20 ; snath, 92,
pork, 17,03 ; tobacco, 4,32 ; sugar, 25,35,
matches, 2,20 ; ropes, 1,25 ; crackers, 5,38,
nails, 4,58 ; medicine, 2,96 ; soap, 1,96 ; chalk, .04,
vinegar, .50 ; glass, .55 ; raisins, 2,82 ; thread, .07,
saltpetre, .13 ; sage, .30 ; hops, .33 ; neats oil, 1,05,
pails, .70 ; sulphur, .10 ; shirting, 1,62 ; spice, 3,57,
mustard, .90 ; starch, .08 ; wicks, .43 ; broom, 1,00,
washing-machine, 12,50; yeast, .12; lantern, 1,10,
bags, .30 ; coffee, 2,40 ; peas, .99 ; phosphate, 7,98,
crockery, 1,14 ; turnip seed, .70 ; blacking, .08,
oyster shells, .10 ; clothes and cloth, 24,18,
scythes, 2,62 ; sponge, .10 ; grass seed, 7,37,
starch, .28 ; mop handle, 12 ; blueing, .06,
veal, 2,84 ; cream tartar, .75,
ox work, 4,00 ; use of bull, 4,50 ; cider, .90,
Mr. and Mrs. Abel Farrar, for their services, one
year, 375 00
Samuel Hosmer, for making report to Board of
State Charities, and report to, the town, 5 00
Do., for services as overseer of the poor, 8 00
Joseph Noyes, services as overseer, 8 00
Simon Tuttle, " " 8 00
81,802 34
56
82
5
84
25
51
32
48
21
70
69
07
59
34
54
35
5
13
46
70
8 83
9
54
3
94
1
81
5
99
2
41
13
72
11
67
1
92
24
28
10
09
46
3
59
9
40
14
Amount of inventory, April 1st, 1869, 1,486 65
Interest on farm, 239 40
$3,528 39
Total amount of receipts, $2,566 93
Amount of inventory, April 1st, 1870, 1,408 10
$3,975 03
$446 64
Victualling travellers, $29 00
Cash on hand, April 1st, 1870, $446 64
Cash from treasury, for oxen, 275 00
Income above expenses, $171 64
Loss of a cow, $75,00.
Whole number of persons (exclusive of travellers) supported in
the almshouse, 5 ; average number, 3 4-5 ; present number, 3.
Samuel Hosmek, ) Overseers
Joseph No yes, > of
Simon Tuttle, ) Poor,
Acton, April 1, 1870.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ACTON IN 18C9.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child and Parents' Names.
1. Jan. 30, Walter Clifton Gardner, son of George and Violette
F. Gardner.
2. Feb. 22, Ora Josephine Cobleigh, daughter of Ephraim and
Harriet E. Cobleigh.
3. Feb. 25, Jennie Robbi'ns, daughter of Levi H. and Mary C.
Robbins.
4. Feb. 27, Abby Pitman Colman, daughter of George W. and
Louise M. Colman.
5. March 2, Susie Mary Davis, daughter of Alvin A. and Mary
T. Davis.
6. March 27, George Cresswell Warren, son of George H. and
. Rebecca N. Warren.
7. April 14, Emily Bertha Hosmer, daughter of Horace R. and
Carrie H. Hosmer.
8. May 17, Robert Gardner Reed, son of Isaac G. and Jane
Maria Reed.
9. May 25, Hattie May Robbins, daughter of Simon and Nancy
D. Robbins.
10. May 26, Mary Ella King, daughter of Francis and Mary King.
11. June 5, Evelyn Stanwood Fletcher, daughter of Edwin and
Susan Fletcher.
12. June 22, Otis Moody Cutler, son of Nathaniel E. and Sarah
A. Cutler.
13. Aug. 4, Bessie Florence Winckle}^, daughter of John S. and
Rose Winckley.
14. Aug. 21, Charles A. Fletcher, son of Aaron S. and Sarah T.
Fletcher.
15. Aug. 24, Annie W. Brackett, daughter of William H. and
Ellen L. Brackett.
1G. Aug. 30, Mattie F. Randolph, daughter of E. L. F. and Hattie
A. Randolph.
17. Sept. 4, Lilla May Teel, daughter of William II. and Mary
E. Teel.
18. Sept. 20, Ernest Elwood Wetherboo, son of D. James and
Augusta A. Wetherboe.
(15)
16
19. Oct. 2, Mary Florence Fletcher, daughter of Aaron J. and
Mary E. Fletcher.
20. Oct. 30, Lilla Alice Thompson, daughter of Albert S. and
Martha A. Thompson.
21. Oct. 31, Frank Ellis. Fiske, son of James W. and Maria Fiske.
22. Oct. 31, Hannah Hayes, daughter of Michael and Mary Hayes.
23. Nov. 11, Emma Estelle Knowlton, daughter of George W.
and Angie PI. Knowlton.
24. Dec. 17, Lizzie Hannon, daughter of Michael and Mary A.
Hannon.
25. Dec. 22, Mary Augusta Davis, daughter of William B. and S.
Maria Davis.
26. Dec. 23, Emma Augusta Hartwell, daughter of Henry and
Augusta H. Hartwell.
27. Dec. 27, Henry Bertram Going, son of Myron F. and Maria
W. Going.
28. Dec. 30, Susie Lillian Kallock, daughter of Isaac M. and Sa-
lome C. Kallock.
Males, 8 ; females, 20 ; total, 28.
Nov. 21, 1868, Nina Eloise Taylor, daughter of Thomas and
Martha A. Taylor.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1869.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Mr. Frederick C. Nash, of Columbia Falls, Me., and
Miss Clara H. Hapgood, of Acton.
2. Jan. 21, Mr. Luther Conant and Miss S. Augusta Davis, both
of Acton.
3. Jan. 24, Mr. Oliver C. Wyman, of Acton, and Mrs. Hannah
Frost, of Lowell.
4. March 4, Mr. Zenas Folger, of Waltham, and Miss Ora A.
Hosmer, of Acton.
5. April 4, Mr. Oscar E. Preston and Miss Mary Sophia Fuller,
both of Acton.
6. April 8, Mr. Augustine Hosmer and Miss Susie H. Richard-
son, both of Acton.
7. April 29, Mr. Varnum Tuttle, of Acton, and Mrs. Mary M.
Jordan, of AVorcester.
8. May 16, Mr. George McWhirter and Miss Maria G. Holmes,
both of Concord.
9. Sept. 2, Mr. Addison B. Wheeler, of Acton, and Mrs. Berin-
tha W. Sawyer, of Westford.
10. Sept. 9, Mr. Sylvanus R. Hunt and Miss Marion M. Sears,
both of Acton.
17
11. Sept. 20, Mr. Henry S. Hapgood, of Acton, and Hattie M.
Webster, of Marlborough.
12. Nov. 11, Mr. Henry Brooks and Mrs.. Julia A. Munroe, both
of Acton.
13. Nov. 17, Mr. John W. Kittredge, of South Groton, and Miss
Ellen Franklin Taft, of Acton.
14. Nov. 18, Mr. Alfred A. Whitcomb, of Boxborough, and Miss
Seraphina Moore, of Stow.
15. Nov. 21, Mr. Lowell A. Jones and Miss Sarah A. Parmenter,
both of Acton.
16. Nov. 25, Mr. Julian Tuttle and Miss Hannah E. Livermore,
both of Acton.
17. Nov. 25, Mr. Henry T. Billings, of Worcester, and Miss Emma
F. Flagg, of Acton.
DEATHS IN ACTON IN 1869.
No. Date of Death. Names and Age.
1. Jan. 12, John W. Haggerty, son of William and Catherine
Haggerty, aged 1 yr. 6 mos.
2. Jan. 29, Mr. Nathaniel S. Adams, aged 56 yrs. 9 mos.
3. Jan. 30, George Adams, son of Nathaniel S. and Louisa W.
Adams, aged 17 yrs. 11 mos.
4. March 4, Susan Fiske, daughter of Robert and Susan Fiske,
aged 5 yrs. 5 mos.
5. March 7, Emma E. Fiske, daughter of Robert and Susan Fiske,
aged 9 mos. 12 days.
6. March 7, Herbert C. Fiske, son of Robert and Susan Fiske,
aged 2 yrs. 8 mos.
7. March 10, Mrs. Sophia H. Taylor, wife of Mr. Silas Taylor,
aged 77 yrs.
8. March 12, Jennie Robbins, daughter of Levi H. and Mary C.
Robbins, aged 15 days.
9. March 15, Miss Hattie S. Decoster, aged 21 yrs. 9 mos. 27 days.
10. March 16, Mr. Ebenezer W. Hayward, aged 56 yrs. 6 mos.
11. March 16, Mr.. Albert Adams, son of Nathaniel S. and Louisa
W. Adams, aged 24 yrs.
12. March 20, Irving A. Flags, son of Isaac T. and E. Maria
' o So '
Flagg, aged 13 yrs. 3 days.
13. July 9, Mr. Moses Treadwell, aged 60 yrs. 3 mos.
14. July 17, Mrs. Mary E. Conant, wife of Mr. John Conant, aged
46 yrs. 6 mos. 9 days.
15. Aug. 6, Mrs. Nancy Estabrook, wife of Mr. Joseph Estabrook,
aged 44 yrs. 2 mos. 6 days.
16. Aug. 16, Mrs. Damaris llandley, aged 63 yrs. 2 mos.
18
17. Aug. 16, Titus Williams, aged 63 yrs.
18. Aug. 22, Miss Ella E. Whitcomb, daughter of Joel II. and
Eliza J. Whitcomb, aged 18 yrs. 6 mos. 6 da3's,
19. Sept. 3, Miss Rhoda S. Walker, aged 20 yrs. 8 mos. 9 days.
20. Sept. 22, Mrs. Mary T. Davis, wife of Mr. Alvin A. Davis,
aged 32 yrs. 6 mos. 9 days.
21. Oct. 18, Delmar G. Barker, son of Henry and Louisa M. Bar-
ker, aged 4 yrs.
22. Nov. 16, Dr. Charles Little, aged 32 yrs. 9 mos.
23. Nov. 17, Mrs. Mary Ann Wood, wife of William F. Wood,
aged 41 yrs. 6 mos. 19 days.
24. Dec. 7, Miss Abbie Holclen, aged 41 yrs.
25. Dec. 11, Alice G. Gardner, daughter of George and Violette
F. Gardner, aged 5 yrs. 9 mps. 11 days.
26. Dec. 17, Mr. William M. Gilmore, aged 59 yrs.
27. Dec. 22, Mrs. Lovisa Randall, aged 85 yrs. 3 mos.
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 18, 1870,
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
WEST CEMETERY.
, Dr.
To cash on hand, February, 1869,
" 7 lots sold,
" grass,
" 10 loads loam,
Cr.
By cash paid Ira Stockwell, labor,
" " for teaming,
" on hand, February, 1870,
$10 96
7 00
1 00
1 25
$15 00
3 45
1 76
$20 21
$20 21
Charles Hastings,
For the Committee.
EAST CEMETERY,
Dr.
To cash received for 6 lots sold, $6 00
" " from town of Acton, 20 70
$26 70
Cr.
By cash paid Martin Pike, mowing brush in
Cemetery, $23 70
do. Samuel Hosmer, for work in Cemetery, 2 00
do. H. M. Smith, numbering^ lots, 1 00
$26 70
H. M. Smith, V Q
Samuel Hosmer, \ CommUtei
Charles Hastings, '
SGS, J
(19)
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
— OF THE —
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
— OF THE-
TOWN OF ACTON,
— FOR THE —
SCHOOL- YEAR 1869-70.
PRINTED BY TOLMAN & WHITE,
221 Washington Street, Boston.
1870.
REPORT
Citizens of Actox :•
Owing to failing health, Dr. Little resigned his position
of local committee for the Centre District, and chairman of
the Board, at the close of the Spring term of the schools.
At a meeting of the Selectmen and School Committee,
during vacation, Mr. Moses Taylor was chosen to serve out
the unexpired term of Dr. Little, as local committee ; and
we as chairman of the Board. We assumed the duties of
the office with extreme reluctance; — indeed, would hardly
have accepted at all, had we not cherished the hope that Dr.
Little, after a rest, would so far recover his usual health as
to assume the chairmanship again during the Winter. This
hope, however, proved delusive; for, ere that time arrived,
we sadly joined in the requiem over his mortal remains,
and saw them carried to their final resting place. In the
death of Dr. Little, the town lost an honored and respected
citizen, and the cause of education a devoted friend.
We claim your indulgence while we present a few
thoughts, which, we trust, will prove beneficial to our
schools.
School-Houses. — We heartily commend the action the
town took, at its March meeting, to immediately commence
the erection of one or more convenient buildings for the use
of schools. The action was not taken a moment too soon,
we can, from personal knowledge, most positively assert.
We repeat what we have said before on this point, that we
can never cultivate proper feelings of respect for property,
either public or private, in the minds of our children, by
constantly sending them to school in rooms that present
such an inconsistent, dilapidated aspect, as to render the
temptation irresistible to hit the hanging ceiling a poke, or
try their knives and pencils here and there, on the walls and
benches, all the while reasoning to themselves, — and not
far from the truth, — " can't make them look much worse."
We hope the town will take the same action each succeed-
ing year, until we have school-houses in every part of it
that we shall not feel ashamed of ; — fo,r what tends more
directly to degrade a town, and lower it in public estimation,
than a set of ' ' old tumble down school-houses " that will
not compare with the average of stables ? We know the
expense will be considerable, but we know, too, that we
cannot put our money where it will yield a more sure or
greater interest than in investing it in what will promote a
right and judicious education of our children. If there is
any class of, men who hang like a dead weight upon
progress, and the true moral and intellectual elevation of the
masses, it is those who shrug up their shoulders and groan to
think they cannot invest quite so much in government
bonds and bank stock, because they must pay a tax towards
promoting a truly worthy object. They are constantly
harping that scholars * ' would tear new school-houses to
pieces in a little while, so they would look as bad as the old
ones." Such men would set their sons to mowing grass
with a stub-scythe, for fear they would injure a better one,
or let their daughters get down on their hands to wash floors
to save the expense of a mop-handle. What, we ask, ought
to give us more pleasure, when age has crept upon us, and
our heads are whitened for the grave, than to think we
contributed cheerfully towards those means of education and
improvement that directly tended to place our sons and
daughters in positions of honor and trust ? And will not
these same sons and daughters, when far away they hear
some one speak in terms of praise of their native town, and
her educational facilities, proudly say : that is my town —
there I was educated ?
Discipline. — That there has been an evident lack of ef-
ficient discipline in some of our schools the past year, we
will not deny ; neither do we admit that the teachers hare
been wholly to blame. We know that, in some instances,
parents have hurled their anathemas at teachers, and said
they ought not to be retained in charge a single day, and
blamed the Committee because they were. We would like
to ask such, if they ever consider all the bearings of the
case, as the Committee has to. That there is usually a cor-
responding laxity of parental discipline at home; that a
first-class experienced teacher cannot always be obtained,
and the Committee must take a novice in the art, and help
them through as best they can. There are some who clamor
loudly for order just so long as the rules are applied to
somebody's children but their own ; but when their child-
ren are made to " toe the mark," the teacher is all wrong,
and no business to make such rules and regulations, and
inflict punishment in this manner or that. Ah ! parents, do
you ever stop to think, when using such language before
your children, that they may sometime be placed in cir-
cumstances where they will have the very life crushed out of
them by just such opposition? When, with proper en-
couragement, they might have become eminently successful.
To those who wish for better teachers, and a more efficient
discipline, as far as teachers are concerned, we would say :
we must raise the standard of wages, and attract them to us,
rather than repel by their meagerness. And yet, the rate
of wages is not the whole reason why many teachers will
not enter some of our schools. They well know there are
some scholars who do not intend to come under the dis-
cipline of any teacher, or any one, perhaps we might say.
Now we have got to depend mainly upon female teachers,
and cannot expect, in a majority of instances, to obtain
those who are physically competent to cope with vicious
6
scholars, — nor should we expect it. An excellent teacher
remarked to us, at the close of her Winter term, " I shall
not, for any consideration, enter into an engagement to teach
this school again ; for, besides hearing in a thorough manner,
some twenty recitations a day, they expect me to 'thrash'
some of the largest boys into obedience, which I consider
neither right nor proper to expect of any female." What
shall be done? Shall we continually submit to have our
schools broken up and become a by-word and reproach,
because some scholars will neither avail themselves of the
advantages afforded, nor let others ? Is it right or just to
let honest, industrious scholars be cheated out of their time
and money in this manner, as many are? The answer
is plain, the law must be enforced. Not that we would have
wrong, by any means, done to any scholar, but rather, that
justice be visited upon the few who are guilty, and not
injustice upon the many who are innocent.
Reading. — Good reading is to be. regarded as the most
important branch of education. It is, indeed, a great ac-
complishment ; and the common school is the place for
acquiring it. The teacher should not only understand the
pauses and pronunciation, but he should understand the
elocutionary department, so that he can read.a passage, and
give the various modulations of voice, as a perfect example
for his scholars to imitate. One paragraph, or one verse,
taken up at each lesson, and so thoroughly studied that each
member of a class can read it correctly, is better than pages
read over in the hasty careless manner that is practiced in
some schools. Good reading, like good music, thrills with
its magic power, and awakens an answering chord in every
breast.
Writing. — That this branch of education is altogether too
much neglected, those who examine the writing-books in
most of our schools will testify. What Henry Ward Beecher
says of dress will apply to writing. He says that "dress
does not make a man, but when a man is made he looks bet-
ter dressed up." So writing does not make ideas, but if a
person has ideas worth committing to paper, they certainly
ought to he written in a neat, legible manner. A few days
ago we received a communication from a publishing house
in Boston, with the agent's name signed in such a scrawling
manner that had we not seen it in print we must forever
have remained in ignorance as to what it was. Such writing
is a nuisance and imposition to the person who must try and
decipher it. Teachers should take more pains to thoroughly
qualify themselves to give instruction in this branch. They
should be able to illustrate to their scholars how the pen
should be held, and how the letters are formed. And when
the writing-hour comes, insist that every scholar gives his
undivided attention to it, and conforms to the explanations
and copy given them as models, else there will be but little
improvement.
Grammar. — This is usually considered by scholars a dull,
dry study, and teachers should understand and appreciate its
importance, so as to be wide awake in devising interesting
methods of teaching it. We would like to see Aids to Eng-
lish Composition introduced into all the higher departments
of school, to be taught in connection with grammar. In the
only school where it was introduced the past year, the teacher
assured us that the class, consisting of some twenty-five
members, were much interested, and certainly the results
were highly satisfactory. We have not a very high opinion
of those who think more of dead and foreign languages than
they do of our own. When we meet with such, we are
reminded of a young man who engaged to teach school in
the same town where we were once teaching. He was
brought before the chairman of the committee (with whom we
boarded) for examination, and, among other questions, was
asked, "What connects North and South America ?"
Scratching his head and looking quite perplexed, he finally
said, "he had not paid much attention to the common
branches ; he had been studying the higher, preparing to en-
8
ter college ; really, he had forgotten whether it was land or
water."
Arithmetic. — Of this branch we cannot say but what
there is time jsnough spent in studying it. Most children
commence it at the age of six or seven, and continue to drone
over it as long as they attend school, if to the age of twenty-
one. In one school we found Eobinson's Higher and Prac-
tical ; Greenleaf 's Higher, besides some four classes in alge-
bra. We thought this "too much of a good thing," and
requested that the algebra classes be combined into two, at
least, and that Greenleaf 's Arithmetic be excluded from the
list of studies. In another school we found the same written
arithmetics, algebra, and several classes in Eobinson's Men-
tal and Primary. We requested Greenleaf s to be excluded
from this school. Now, with the numberless classes or
divisions that a teacher must make — especially in a mixed
school — in arithmetic, it takes nearly one-half of each school-
day to hear these recitations ; much more, we think — and
we would not undervalue it — than its importance demands.
We believe one text-book on written and one on mental
arithmetic, is sufficient for our common schools. These,
with a teacher competent to teach them in a thorough, prac-
tical manner, will furnish a scholar with all the knowledge
he need have of this branch, to enter any of our higher
institutions of learning in half the time spent upon the
study now.
We now pass to a brief view of the schools and teachers,
for the last year, which, with the knowledge we have of
them, we will endeavor to give in an impartial manner.
West Primary School.— This school, throughout the
year, was under the instruction of Miss Sara M. Newhall.
Miss Newhall is an excellent teacher, and performed a work
in this school that will long be remembered by both pupils
and parents. Her examinations called forth much and well-
deserved praise for herself and scholars.
9
West Intermediate School. — This is a difficult school
to keep in working order, and needs a teacher of much firm-
ness and decision. Such an one was found in Miss E. I.
Draper, who had charge throughout the year. It gave us
much pleasure, at the examinations, to highly commend this
teacher for the labor she had performed, and many of the
scholars for the advancement they had made.
West Grammar School. This school was taught by
Miss Jennie A. Conant during the Spring and Fall terms,
who fully sustained her well-established reputation as a
teacher. The examination was well attended, and gave good
satisfaction. Miss Lizzie M. Burr taught during the Winter
term. Miss Burr is a good teacher, and had not a few
scholars so far demeaned themselves as to injure the govern-
ment, the school would have been a highly successful one.
This school contains some of the most advanced scholars of
any in town.
East School. — Miss A. J. Whittredge was placed in
charge during the Spring and Fall terms, and Mr. W. L.
Hurd during the Winter term. Both were inexperienced
teachers, and did not succeed so well as we could wish.
We think, however, it might have been otherwise, had the
teachers met with proper encouragement. Mr. Hurd came
well recommended, and is a young man of good abilities.
Xorth School. — This is a quiet and orderly school, where
the scholars appreciate the advantages afforded and try to
make the most of them. Miss Lottie A. Dutton was placed
in charge during the Spring term, and commenced the Fall,
but left, when part through, for reasons that hardly met our
approval. Mrs. Angie Harris finished the term with her
usual success. The Winter term was under the care of Miss
Sarah W. Loker. Miss Loker is a thorough scholar herself,
and an excellent teacher. Suffice it to say, that her instruc-
tion, and the advancement of the school, met our warm
approval.
10
South Primary School. — Miss Martha A. "Whitney was
placed in charge during the Spring term, and considering the
size of the school (part of the Intermediate were placed in
this school for this term), and that it was her first effort, did
very well. Miss Hattie E. Handley, also a "beginner," had
charge during the Fall term. The examination was very
pleasant indeed and showed that her labors had been a
decided success. Miss Whitney again had charge during
the Winter term, and governed and instructed the school
much to our satisfaction.
South Intermediate School. — The scholars belonging
to this school were divided, and part sent to the Grammar,
and part to the Primary, for the Spring term. The Fall
term was taught by Miss Whitney with fair success. The
Winter term was commenced by Miss Nellie M. Bradley.
Some of the scholars behaved so badly that she became dis-
couraged, and left the third day. Miss Handley succeeded
her, and did the best she could to restore order, but did not
succeed quite so well as we could have wished. There are
some rogues in this school -who need severe discipline.
South Grammar School. — This school had the advantage
of the same excellent teacher for another year. Miss Corn-
stock has labored here with such untiring industry that her
school, in many respects, has become a model one. The
examinations were of that high order that need no praise
from us. We will 'only speak of the large class in Aids to
English Composition ; every member answered promptly,
and not a question was missed.
South-East School. — This school was unfortunate
enough to have four teachers during the year. Miss Cor-
rinna Shattuck taught during the Spring term, how well,
we cannot say, as our predecessor left us no minutes. Miss
Lizzie S. Piper taught during the Fall term with excellent
success, considering it was her first effort at school teaching.
Her examination showed that the scholars had made good
11
improvement. Miss Piper has two good traits for a teacher :
energy and decision. The Winter term was commenced by
Miss Anna Randall, who, from lack of energy to either
govern or instruct, soon left. Miss Maria P. Hastings was
then engaged to finish the term. Miss Hastings passed one
of the best examinations of any teacher that ever came before
us, and we heartily wish her success in her first effort. And
had she maintained good order it would have been all we
desired. The examination was better than we expected ;
indeed, quite good. •
Centre Primary School. — This school had three different
teachers during the year. Miss Carrie M. Hapgood in the
Spring ; Miss Junia S. Bartlett in the Fall ; and Miss
Lizzie M. Priest in the Winter. We have no record of
Miss Hapgood's success. Both the other teachers won for
themselves much credit, for their good order and thorough
instruction. At the examinations, we were pleased to give
the scholars much praise for the prompt and correct manner
in which they recited.
Centre Grammar School. — Miss Piiest had charge of
this school during the Spring and Fall terms. Under her
instruction the scholars made good progress, and were
commended at the examination. The Winter term was
commenced by Rev. Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson had borne
the reputation of being an excellent teacher, and, we doubt
not, would have carried the school to a^succesful close had
his health proved equal to the task imposed upon it. That
failing, he relinquished his charge at the end of the fifth
week. E. F. Richardson was engaged to teach the remain-
der of the term. As to his success, we leave other and less
partial judges, to record.
Changes in Text-Books. — Town's series of readers,
which had been in our schools for a long time, were ex-
changed for Hillard's ; — a change which was much needed,
and, Ave believe, is giving universal satisfaction. At the
commencement of the year, the P. D. and S. system of pen-
12
manship was exchanged for the Spencerian. This, however,
after a fair trial, not proving what was desired, a subsequent
change was made for the Potter and Hammond series,
which, we think, in some respects, is superior to any we
have examined. We would advise a change in our mental
arithmetics as soon as possible. Eobinson's, which are now
in use, are altogether too difficult for ordinary intellects,
— they discourage to begin with. The fact is, most of the
problems require a good knowledge of written arithmetic
to solve them with any degree of facili%. This is not as it
should be, and we hope soon to see ' a more simple and
gradual book introduced.
E. F. RICHARDSON,
Chairman.
FINANCIAL.
SO
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
UTH
and fii
SCHOOLS.
-es,
E. F. Rich,
$642 53
9 46
Amount paid teachers,
Paid for fuel,
Furniture, care of rooms
Balance to new account,
$575
47
11
17
25
41
67
LRDSON
€
151 99
$651 99
CENTRE SCHOOLS.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Amount paid teachers,
Paid for fuel,
Care of rooms and fires,
$448 65
31 68
$449 96
26 37
4 00
$480 33
$480 33
Moses Taylor, Committee.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $243 71
Balance from last year, 22 05
Amount paid teachers,
$192 90
Paid for fuel,
20 00
Care of rooms and fires,
5 00
Balance to new account,
47 86
$265 76
$265 76
George Wilde, Committee.
(13)
14
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $243 71
Balance from last year, 2 $9
Amount paid teachers,
Paid for fuel,
Care of rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
Jom
$221 35
16 00
5 36
3 89
i White, C
I
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
:ast SCHOOL-
0
$254 79
2 29
Amount paid teachers,
Paid for fuel,
Care of rooms and fires,
Balance to new account,
$227 00
19 00
2 75
8 33
$246 60
$246 60
$257 08
$257 08
William B. Davis, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year*
Amount paid teachers,
Paid for fuel
Care of rooms and fires,
Balance to* new account,
$642 53
4 00
$594 00
39 25
6 00
7 28
$646 53
$646 53
Levi Stephens, Committee.
Number of children reported by Assessors^ between the ages of
five and fifteen, 306.
Amount of money raised by town, $2,325 00
Income from State school fund, 150 92
-*
Total for schools, $2,475 92
Sum appropriated by town for each scholar reported
by Assessors, $7 60
15
TABLE
3
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3
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<
p
o
o
cn?
OP?
o_
=
o
a
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
^5"
o o
s ***
5 g,
09
•a
a
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1
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3"
2
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<<
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$
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00
o
Spring.
Centre
( Grammar,
| Primary,
Miss Lizzie Iff. Priest,
2 1-4 S27 28 241-4
1
6
" Carrie M. Hapgood,
2 1-4 24 33 29 1-3
4
| Grammar,
" Jennie A. Conant,
21-4 33 25 23
7
West
I Intermediate^
" E. J. Draper,
2 1-4 26 27 24
10
( Primary,
11 Sarah M. Newhall,
21-4 22 31 301-4
11
South
( Grammar,
\ Primary,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
2 1-2 32 39 32 1-2
10
4
" Martha G. Whitney,
21-2 1 26 45 40
1
3
East,
" A. J. Whittredge,
21-4 26 30 23 1-3
1
2
1
South-East,
" Corrinna Shattuck,
21-4 26 25 23 2-3
1
1
1
North,
" Lottie A. Dutton,
Totals,
21-4 26 17l 14 1-2
1
_2
6
23
268
300
264 5-6
4
23
46
Fall.
Centre
( Grammar,
( Primary,
Miss Lizzie M. Priest,
21-4
27
33 27 34
4
8
" Junia S. Bartlett,
2 1-4
24 37 29 2-3
4
( Grammar,
" Jennie A. Conant,
21-2 33 29 251-2
6
3
"West
< Intermediate,
" E. J. Draper,
" Sarah 31. Newhall,
2 1-2 26 30 24
3
( Primary.
2 1-2 24 35 32 14
1
7
( Grammar,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
2 1-4 1 32 40 32
14
7
South
I Intermediate,
" Martha G. Whitney,
21-4 22 26 231-4
5
( Primary,
" Hattie E. Handley",
21-4 20 21 18 1-2
2
East,
" A. J. Whittredge,
2 1-4
26 30 25 1-4
1
1
0
South-East,
" Lizzie S. Piper,
21-4
26 29 25 1-3
2
3
1
North,
f Miss L. A. Dutton,
I Mrs. Angie Harris,
Totals,
21-4 26; 17 151-3
1
5
2
30
5
25 1-2 , 286
327
278 5-6
~45
Winter.
\ Grammar,
( Rev. Mr. Jackson,
1 Mr. E. F. Richardson,
11-41 40
Centre
13-4! 50! 45 36 3-4
25
4
( Primary,
Miss Lizzie M. Priest,
2 3-4 27 41 34 34
8
I Grammar,
" S. Lizzie Burr,
2 14 33 34 31
13
1
West
< Intermediate,
" E. J. Draper,
2 1-2 28 31 29 14
1
( Primary,
" Sarah M. Newhall,
2 1-2 | 24 33 30 1-2
10
( Grammar,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
314
&5 38 331-4
22
8
South
] Intermediate,
" Hattie E. Handley,
3
26 26 23 1-2
1
2
( Primary,
11 Martha G. Whitney,
3
24 26 211-2
East,
:r„«*
Mr. W. L. Hurd,
| Miss Anna Randall,
| " Maria P. Hastings,
2 34
1-2
40| 33 27
28
7
South-Laoi,
2
30 i 29 25
4
1
North,
Miss Sarah W. Loker,
Aggregate for the year.
31-2 30 23 19
_
8
80
~133
2
31 370 359 3111-2
~37
791-2
924
986
855 1-6
~128
REPORTS OF
The Selectmen and other Officers
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1870, TO FEBRUARY 27, 1371,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in 1870.
ALSO,
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
TOLMAN & WHITE, PRINTERS, 221 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.
1871.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATIONS AND
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended Balance of last year,
$3282 27
Borrowed of Wrn. Wheeler,
500
00
Regular Town Grant,
4500
00
Town Grant to build School Houses,
3000
00
Town Grant for Schools,
2325
00
Town Grant for Highways,
1200
00
State Tax,
2300
00
County Tax,
933
36
Military Account,
807
00
State Aid, to January 1st, 1870,
282
00
Corporation Tax,
768
14
Uniforms for Company E,
80
00
Armory rent, 1869,
150
00
School Fund,
185
54
From sale of old School House, East District, 105
00
East School House stove,
4
00
Surplus from Town Farm, last year,
477
07
Use of Town Hall,
131
25
Use of cellar,
10
48
Dog Fund,
77
11
$21 1 1£ 99
EXPENDITURES.
SUFPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid John E. Cutter, for Centre School,
L. W. Stevens, West
Wm. W. Worster, South
Wm. B. Davis, East
John White, North
Geo. Wilde, South East
(3)
$513
94
669
62
669
62
258
36
244
12
244
12
$2,599 78
SCHOOL HOUSE REPAIRS,
Paid L. W. Stevens, West District,
Wm. B. Davis, East "
John White, North "
J. E. Cutter, South East "
" Centre "
Win. W. Worster, "
AND INCIDENTALS.
$26
79
9
30
7
00
16
00
13
38
7
38
$79 85
REPAIRS OF HIGHWAYS.
Paid Daniel Fletcher, for 1869,
A. H. Jones,
Samuel Chaffin,
Jon. A. Piper,
J. E. Billings,
John Grimes,
Henry Haynes,
James Tuttle,
Jas. C. Wheeler,
John Harris,
Luther Conant,
Francis Pratt,
I. T. Flagg,
Addison B. Wheeler,
Adelbert Mead,
J. E. Cutter,
C. A. Crampton,
$5 80
Paid George W. Liver more,
Luke Hapgood, gravel,-
John Grimes, building bridge near the
house of Alonzo Tuttle,
William D. Tuttle, surveying road in
West Acton,
D. Harris, repairing bridges and roads,
James E. Billings, repairing and railing-
roads, near Wetherbee's Mills,
James Tuttle, putting in sluice near
Tarbell's store,
Wm. W. Davis, repairing road in the
centre of the town,
John Conant, widening and railing the
bridge near his house, and repairing
two other bridges,
57
30
85
00
54
30
89
85
41
60
32
54
124
94
26
50
36
71
64
00
75
00
37
96
26
40
145
03
79
35
39
00
&1 0-21 28
VJ-)«-JL aO
ND
BRIDGES.
$10 55
2
50
6^
00
6
00
18
62
13 40
26 50
222 22
132 84
Paid Luther Conant, relaying bridge, and re-
pairing road, near the house of L. R.
Forbush, 85 00
L. W. Piper, for straightening road near
his house, 55 14
Land for same, 20 00
Francis Pratt, repairing bridge near pow-
der mills, 4
A. G. Fay, for ditto, 10
A. B. Wheeler, building sluice, 12
A. L. Tuttle, work on gravel pit road, 24
Estate of Joel Hanscom, for work done
on road near the house of Luther Pi-
per, 13 00
Joel Hanscom, for land, 11 00
J. E. Cutter, repairing bridge, 15 00
A. H. Jones, for relaying sluice near
Dwight's Mill, 54 25 -
Hemy Haynes, 9 96
A. Mead, repairing sluices, 10 00
00
15
20
14
BREAKING ROADS IX
Paid George W. Livermore,
Antoine Bulette,
Addison B. Wheeler,
Daniel Fletcher,
James Tuttle,
E. H. Cutler,
J. B. Houghton,
Samuel Hosmer,
John Grimes,
George Harris,
Henry Haynes,
I A. Mead,
Simon Tuttle,
-70.
$10 40
37
40
8
50
17
40
17
40
14
60
16
00
2
40
5
80
3
00
5
30
8
75
9
15
8821 4:
$156 10
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid board for Mrs. Jonas Ilandley, 818 00
J. Billings, for Lot Fitch, 1868, 2 50
Samuel Hosmer, expenses to Natick, re-
specting Mrs. Luke Law, 60
Support of Julia A. Haynes, 10 25
Sarah Childs, 22 75
" James O. Fitch, 54 63
" Betsey J. Fitch, 10 00
Paid for funeral expenses of James 0. Fitch, 31 00
Joseph Noyes, journey to Boston respect-
ing James O. Fitch, and settling ac-
count, 4 00
Simon Tuttle, rent of house for Mrs.
Sarah White, 10 00
Simon Tuttle, journey to Boston, respect-
ing N. P. Haynes, 3 00
Do., journey to Bolton, 1 50
Luther Conant, support of Mrs. Sarah
White in Worcester, 27 50
EXPENSES OF TOWN FARM.
Paid J. W. Livermore, for hay, $50 00
J. E. Billings, pauper register, 1868, 3 50
Samuel Hosmer, work, 4 00
Benj. F. Merriam, stone, 25 00
Simon Tuttle, material for Town Farm
House, 65 60
Do., work done on Town Farm buildings, 182 87
Do., labor and material, 277 42
Cyrus Fletcher, work, 30 02
Coffin and robe for C}tus Handley, 15 60
Jos. Noyes, assistance rendered travellers, 6 00
Simon Tuttle, for paint,
" 32 rolls of paper,
" fixing for door,
u moving building,
u services as building committee,
John Grimes, labor,
Dr. Cowdrey, timber,
Francis Conant, labor and lime,
James Billings, 225 feet clapboards,
A. H. Hodgman, for work,
Cash paid,
For stove and funnel,
Cash for pump,
For lead pipe,
For lodging travellers,
Frank Robbins, sawing,
3
00
5
40
1
50
1
10
je, 6 00
18
00
2
92
30
62
9
00
7
00
75
3
50
10
00
1
25
50
43
93
$195
$804 48
INTEREST.
Paid Augustine Conant,
$292 00
Calvin Harris,
24 00
Jonas K. Putney,
39 00
Lydia R. Keyes,
36 00
Frederick Rouillard,
102 00
James E. Billings,
131 47
Daniel Harris,
48 32
D. M. Handley,
102 00
Joel Hanscom,
40 80
J. R. Whitcomb,
30 00
Luther Billings,
12 00
Cyrus Conant,
140 00
PRINTING.
Paid Tolman & White, for warrants, &c.,
20 00
Selectmen's reports,
16 70
Town Officers' reports,
93 35
Notices of cattle disease,
2 50
MILITARY.
Paid for uniforms for Co. E,
$80 00
May drill and Fall encampment,
807 00
STATE AID.
Paid Hiram W. Wetherbee,
$18 00
Hattie N. Wilder,
96 00
Rebecca C. Wright,
48 00
Joanna Moulton,
48 00
Emily C. Harding,
8 00
Nancy B. Richards,
57 33
Minnie A. Munroe,
62 53
$997 59
$132 55
$887 00
$337 86
CEMETERY.
Paid Martin Pike, for work in East Cemetery, besides
$5.50 worth of hay sold, $24 42
,
TOWN TOMB.
Paid William Reed, labor,
$69 60
S. L. Dutton, sharpening tools,
3 99
E. J. Robbins, for cash paid,
2 00
John White, granite,
10 00
Charles Wheeler, teaming,
66 00
A. Davis, sharpening tools,
4 20
John Harris, labor,
45 60
Daniel Harris, "
37 50
Luke Smith,
148 00
" " for cash paid,
15 62
Luke Tuttle, teaming,
14 00
Daniel Wetherbee, door,
30 66
Ai Robbins, labor,
45 00
William Reed, for granite,
60 00
William W. Davis, for cash paid,
4 00
" " " journey to Westford,
2 50
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid E. F. Richardson, Superintendent of
Schools,
$70 00
Estate of Charles Little,
20 00
William D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk
for the year ending March 6, 1871,
25 00
J. E. Cutter, collecting taxes,
80 00
Daniel Wetherbee, services as Assessor,
18 00
A. C. Handlev, " "
21 00
C. A. Harrington, " " "
18 00
William W. Davis, services as Selectman
, 36 00
E. J. Robbins, " " "
20 00
C. Robinson, " " "
14 00
TOWN HOUSE.
Paid John E. Cutter, for lead and oil,
" " " " teaming,
Francis Jones, painting,
Cyrus Fletcher,
J. Fletcher & Sons, 3,660 lbs. coal,
" " " freight,
" " " teaming,
" " " weighing,
Charles Robinson, 42J gals, kerosene,
for kerosene barrel,
$131
28
3
15
230
80
8
49
14
64
3
20
2
00
24
13
37
1
50
$558 67
$322 00
Paid Geo. Sawyer, opening town-hall 76 times,
7^ gallons oil at .50,
coal hod,
6 lamp chimneys,
1 broom,
setting glass,
washing floors,
care of clock,
52
05
3
75
1
05
80
50
50
6
00
10
00
$483 32
EAST SCHOOL HOUSE.
Paid James E. Billings,
For lead and oil,
$3,000 00
18 22
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid H. S. Hapgood, tolling bell for 5 deaths, $1 00
Levi W. Stevens, for examining school
houses in 18G9,
Lj^dia R. Keyes, on account of note,
Peter Tenney, for horse shed,
Francis Dwight, repairing hearse,
John Fletcher, Jr., for rent of Armory,
William D. Tuttle, for stationery,
Express on School Reports,
Running line on Town Common,
Meeting County Commissioners at West
Acton,
Express on Laws and Resolves,
Cash and express for Law Book,
For express,
John Fletcher, Jr., for reception of Mas-
sachusetts military,
Removing Tablets and painting Mon-
ument fence,
D. H. Hall, tolling bell for 7 deaths,
Cyrus Fletcher, for attending 13 funerals,
from Jan. 1, 1869, to April 1, 1869,
Making returns of 13 deaths,
Selectmen perambulating Sudbury line
and moving town bounds,
Perambulating Boxboro' line,
Carlisle "
Littleton "
Expenses incurred in running Stow line
and establishing bounds, 47 17
2
2
00
100
00
10
00
28
00
150
00
1
50
30
2
50
1
50
35
40
30
287 34
9
37
1
75
32
50
1
30
3
50
1
50
1
50
1
50
;,018 22
10
Paid J. E. Cutter, insurance on East School
house for five years, 61 50
Cyrus Hale, for express, 1 55
William W. Davis, postage and stationery, 1 00
W. D. Tuttle, express on Public Documents, 35
Do., journey to Sudbury to make out elec-
tion returns, 2 50
Do., postage on election returns, 50
Do., collecting and recording 24 births, 7 20
Do., recording 18 marriages, 2 70
Do., recording 18 deaths, 3 60
Do., express on law book, 30
Do., stationery and postage, 50
Francis Dwight, superintending 17 fune-
rals, 51 00
Expense on hearse, 2 00
" " sleigh hearse, 4 00
Making returns of 21 deaths, 2 10
J. E. Cutter, notifying persons to take
oath of office, 3 00
Stamp for William Wheeler's note, 25
D. Wetherbee, collector's book, 1 50
" " express, 25
Cutler Brothers, rent of School-room, 50 00
James Tuttle, « u " 50 00
James Blodgett, selling old School-house
in East District, 5 00
Geo. SawjTer, tolling bell for 9 deaths, 1 80
Geo. Ropes, plan for West School-house, 50 00
Levi Dow, highway damages, 10 40
E. Bobbins, use of tomb 20 years, 20 00
$1,018 28
RECEIPTS FROM FEB. 26, 1870, TO FEB. 27, 1871.
Unexpended balance as per Report of Feb. 26, 1870, $3,282 27
Appropriations, 11,025 00
Other Receipts, 6,810 95
$21,118 22
EXPENDITURES.
Support of Schools, $2,599 78
Repairs of School-houses and Incidentals, 79 85
Regular highway work, 1,021 28
Special repairs of highways and bridges, 821 47
Breaking roads, 156 10
11
Support of poor,
195 73
Expenses of Town Farm,
804 48
Interest,
997 59
Printing,
132 55
Military,
887 00
State aid,
337 80
Cemetery,
24 42
Town Tomb,
558 67
Town Officers,
322 00
Town-house,
483 32
East School-house-
3,018 22
Miscellaneous,
1,018 28
State Tax,
2,300 00
County Tax,
933 36
February
^Ifi fi01 Ofi
Balance in the Treasury
27, 1871, $4,426 26
TOWN
DEBT.
Ebenezer Conant,
$2,067 QQ
Augustine Conant,
4,135 33
Daniel Harris,
840 86
Frederick Rouillard,
1,778 10
Joel Hanscom,
700 40
James E. Billings,
2,237 57
David M. Handley,
1,745 90
Isaac T. Flagg,
111 50
Lydia R. Keyes,
527 60
Calvin Harris,
202 60
Luther Billings,
202 60
John R. Whitcomb,
506 50
Jonas K. Putney,
687 37
William Wheeler,
523 00
Owe for East School-house, about,
>
100 00
« " grave-stones for Mrs. Brown and
Titus Williams,
50 00
«1fi /Mfi oo
Amount due from State Aid,
$337 86
" " Treasurer,
4,426 26
$4 761 1°
Balance against the Town, $11,652 87
WM. W.
DAVIS, 1 Selectmen
E. J. ROBBINS, of
C. ROBINSON, ) Acton.
Acton, February 27, 1871.
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1871.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1st, 1871.
12 cows, $672.00 ; horse, 250.00 ; shotes, 13.00,
6 tons of ha}', 162.00; 5 bushels ashes, 1.25; 2 tur-
keys, 5.00,
250 lbs. pork, 40.00 ; 60 lbs. lard, 10.80 ; 40 lbs. can-
dles, 6.00,
26 fowls, 19.50 ; 140 lbs. bacon, 23.33,
3 bbls. apples, 6.00 ; 10 bush, potatoes, 5.00 ; f bbl.
soap, 3.00,
i bbl. flour, 4.75.
$935 00
168 25
56
42
80
83
14
4
00
75
$1,221 63
RECEIPTS.
For milk, $992.32 ; teaming milk, 84.00 ; calves, 48.77, $1,125 09
Hoop-poles, 35.01 ; eggs, 9.21 ; chickens, 8.75,
slabs, 7.71, 60 68
Lard, 6.50 ; potatoes, 33.00 ; berries, 20.00 ; grapes,
2.60, G2 10
Apples, 145 ; tomatoes, 1.00 ; cabbages, .50 ; skew-
ers, 2.10, 148 60
Oxen, 205.00 ; work of oxen, 6.30 ; teaming, 1.50, 212 80
$1,609 27
Received of treasury to pay for hay, 50 00
$1,659 27
(12)
13
EXPENDITURES.
For beans, $2.59 ; medicine, 4.10 ; mending boots, .67, $7 36
Repairing wagon, 5.75 ; bug poison, .75 ; whet-
stones, .37, 6 87
Raisins, 1.06 ; haying-tools, 8.02 ; card, .25, 9 33
Barrels, 13.55 ; oxen, 225.00 ; carving-knife, 1.00, 239 55
Pails, 1.50 ; making cider, 1.97 ; lantern, 1.25, 4 72
Butchering, 2.00 ; repairing pump, 3.00 ; pigs, 8.00, 13 00
Account books, .70 ; filing saw, 1.13 ; wrench, 1.25, 3 08
Whiffle-tree, .37 ; curtains, .42 ; pasturing cows, 38.50, 39 29
Cutting hoop-poles, 12.80 ; tin ware, 1.25 14 05
Weighing hay, 1.50 ; repairing harness, 2.25, 3 75
Smoking bacon, .70 ; hooping bbl. .40 ; wood-box, .25, 1 35
Blacksmith's bill 35.26 ; 1 pair reins, 2.75, 38 01
Nails, .83 ; brooms, 1.08 ; slippers, .75 ; kettle, .85, 3 51
Axe-helve, .30 ; grass-seed, 4.53 ; potatoes, 9.75, 14 58
Rope, .40 ; castings, 1.75 ; garden seeds, .42 ; hoe, .75, 3 32
Stove polish, .10 ; tomato plants, 1.05 ; hops, .20, 1 35
Handles, .64 ; spider, .50 ; basket, .92, 2 06
Paint, .57 ; varnish, 1.75 ; oil-cloth, 2.64, 4 96
Toweling, .90 ; clothing, 12.75 ; vinegar, .69, 14 34
Yeast, .10 ; crackers, .80 ; rice, .66 ; onions, 1.05, 2 61
Rosin, .18 ; can, .37 ; saltpetre, .18 ; squash, .44, 117
Axe, 1.25 ; use of bull, 3.00 ; oil, 4.36, 8 61
Labor, 142.09 ; nutmegs, .35 ; cloves, .13 ; matches,
1.85, 144 42
Cassia, .96 ; sugar, 26.41 ; tea, 19.05 ; starch, .14, 46 56
Pepper, .46 ; mustard, .47 ; cream tartar, 1.15 ; gin-
ger, .46, 2 54
Saleratus, .96 ; molasses, 16.84 ; cheese, 14.47, 32 27
Soap, 6.97 ; salt, 6.35 ; fish, 10.99 ; butter, 53.72, 78 03
Meat, 95.13 ; tobacco, 12.61 ; flour, 65.72, 173 46
Plaster, 4.40 ; corn, 6.85 ; rye, 1.86 ; oats, 10.94, 24 05
Corn-meal, 172.00 ; oil-meal, 154.46 ; shorts, 91.66, 418 12
Hay, 115.68 ; hen feed, 3.97 ; grinding, .48, 120 13
Teaming, 2.00 ; Dr. Cowdrey's bill, 16.00, 18 00
Services of John Blood and wife, 285 00
Luther Conant, making Report to Board of State
Charities, and Report to the Town, 6 00
Luther Conant, for services as Overseer of the Poor, 8 00
Joseph Noyes, " " " " " " " 8 00
Simon Tuttle, " « " " " " " 10 00
$1,811 45
Total amount of Receipts, 1,659 27
14
Drawn from Treasury, to balance account, $152 18
Received from Treasury to pay for hay, 50 00
Income less than Expenditures, $202 18
One hundred and six lodgers, also breakfast and sup-
per for each, $53,00.
Interest on the farm, 239 40
Expenditures in excess of* Receipts, 202 18
$441 58
Cr. By seventy-eight dinners furnished carpenters and
masons, 29 25
Cost of supporting the Poor, $412 33
Whole number of persons (exclusive of travellers) supported in
the almshouse, six ; average number, four and one-half ; present
number, four.
Luther Conant, \ Overseers
Joseph Noyes, > of
Simon Tuttle, ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1871.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
BIRTHS IN ACTON IN 1870.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child and Parents' Names.
1. Jan. 3, Fred W. Billings, son of James E. and Tamson
Billings.
2. Feb. 28, Elwyn Wheeler Harris, son of George H. and Angie
Harris.
3. March 12, Morris Andrew Lane, son of Morris and Mary E.
Lane.
4. March 19, Bertha Elizabeth Edmonds, daughter of Albert T.
and Maria M. Edmonds.
5. April 1, John Calnann, son of Daniel and Ellen Calnann.
6. April 12, Patrick Edward Trainer, son of Hugh and Hannah
Trainer.
7. April 29, Edith Sophia Dunn, daughter of Waldo G. and
Fannie M. Dunn.
8. May 2, Samuel James Staple, son of William H. and Jane
Staple.
9. May 17, Hattie Louise Tuttle, daughter of Alonzo L. and
Ellen O. Tuttle.
10. May 18, Velma Augusta Hosmer, daughter of Augustine and
Susie H. Hosmer.
11. May 21, Horace Mann Counter, son of John and Elizabeth J.
Counter.
12. May 25, Ida Marion Littlefield, daughter of Hanson and
Florence M. Littlefield.
13. June 29th, Alfred Dumont Holt, son of Abner D. and Abbie
J. Holt.
14. Jury 3, Lizzie Mannion, daughter of John and Julia Mannion.
15. July 4, Hobert Emery Mead, son of Oliver W. and Lucy M.
Mead.
16. July 23, Joel Foster Ha}^ward, son of Joel F. and Sarah E.
Hayward.
17. July 26, Charles Franklin Randall, son of Freeman L. and
Amelia A. Randall.
18. Aug. 14, Lucius Everett Hosmer, son of Lucius S. and Ella
F. Hosmer.
19. Aug. 29, Frank Lester Wyman, son of Charles and Lucia M.
Wyman.
(15)
1(3
20. Sept. 4, Allie May Preston, daughter of Oscar E. and Mary
E. Preston.
21. Sept. 24, Susan Edwards Conant, daughter of Luther and S.
Augusta Conant.
22. Oct. 1, Michael James Sheny, son of John and Bridget
Sherry.
23. Nov. 12, Lillian Francis Richardson, daughter of Edward F.
and Harriet F. Richardson.
24. Nov. 26, Edwin Mason Parker, son of Edwin C. and Hannah
H. Parker.
25. Dec. 25, Maria Marion Walker, daughter of John A. and
Betsey M. Walker.
2G. Dec. 27, Hattie Elvira Cobleigh, daughter of Ephraim and
Harriet E. Cobleigh
Males, 15 ; females, 11 ; total, 26.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1870.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 5, Mr. Lucius S. Hosmer and Miss Ella F. Tuttle, both
of Acton.
2. Jan. 13, Mr. Charles H. Staples, of Stowe, and Miss Isabella
C. Leland, of Acton.
3. March 17, Mr. John Conant, of Acton, and Mrs. Anna Eliza-
beth Foster, of Barre.
4. April 20, Mr. Isaac W. Flagg, of Boston, and Miss Emma
Wctherbee, of Acton.
5. April 24, Mr. Elwyn H. Whitcomb, of Boxborough, and Miss
Mary F. Houghton, of Acton.
G. April 28, Mr, Augustus Bunce, of Westford, and Miss Emily
W. Loker, of Acton.
7. May 11, Mr. William H. Wood, and Miss Hattie Tuttle, both
of Acton.
8. May 14, Mr. Hiram Dolby, of Lowell, and Miss Abbie A.
Gates, of Acton.
9. June 5, Mr. James D. Coburn, and Miss Marietta M. Graham,
both of Acton.
10. June 27, Mr. John P. Rouillard, of Cambridge, and Miss
Margaret Wa}rne, of Acton.
11. July 17, Mr. Samuel A. Guilford and Miss Ellen M. Keyes,
both of Acton.
12. Aug. 25, Mr. Alvin A. Davis and Miss Susan M. Smith,
both of Acton.
13. Oct. 13, Mr. William H. Norton, of Cambridge, N. Y., and
and Maiy F. Dix, of Boston.
17
14. Nov. 6, Mr. William S. Handley and Miss. S. Lizzie Rich-
ardson.
15. Nov. 16, Mr. Albert B. Brown and Miss Mary L. Stevens,
both of Acton.
16. Nov. 19, Mr. Neil Curry and Miss Mary Elizabeth Wheeler,
both of Acton.
17. Dec. 20, Mr. George W. Crampton and Miss Estella M.
Wright, both of Acton.
18. Dec. 25, Mr. David C. Cutler and Miss Estella A. Mead, both
of Acton.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN ACTON IN 1870.
Jo. Date of Death. Name of Deceased.
1. Feb. 16, Mrs. Eliza Conant, wife of Mr. Silas Conant, aged
65 yrs. 8 mos. 5 days.
2. Feb. 28, Mr. Cyrus Putnam, aged 72 yrs. 10 mos. 24 days.
3. March 5, Mr. Amos Handley, aged 70 years.
4. March 15, Mrs. Salome C. Kalloch, aged 25 yrs.
5. April 21, James Dooley, aged 1 yr. 5 mos., son of* Richard and
Joanna Dooley.
6. April 28, Mr. Ira Stockwell, aged 64 yrs. 10 mos.
7. May 24, Mrs. Hattie A. Randolph, aged 28 yrs. 7 mos.
8. June 10, at Port Deposit, Md., Charles A. Fletcher, son of
Aaron S. and Mary T. Fletcher, aged 9 mos. 20
days.
9. July 7, Eddie A. Sawyer, son of Henry L. and Lucy A. Saw-
yer, aged 2 mos. 1 day.
.0. July 28, Mrs. Eunice Maria Flagg, wife of Mr. Isaac T.
Flagg, aged 53 years.
.1. July 28, Mr. Isaac Bullard, aged 79 jts.
.2. July 29, Clara L. Bruce, daughter of Jeptha C. and Annie E.
Bruce, aged 1 3a*. 6 mos.
.3. Aug. 27, Miss Mary E. Page, aged 28 yrs. 6 mos.
.4. Sept. 3, Mrs. Orie L. Hanscom, wife of Mr. Henry Hanscom,
aged 22 yrs. 6 mos.
.5. Sept. 18, Mr. Winthrop F. Conant, aged 55 yrs. 3 mos.
16. Sept. 30, Lucius Hapgood, son of Andrew and Eliza Hap-
good, aged 19 yrs. 7 mos. 26 days.
17. Oct. 30, Mr. Cyrus Handley, aged 61 yrs.
18. Dec. 2, Mr. Joel Hanscom, aged 68 yrs. 8 mos. 23 days.
WILLIAM D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 26, 1871.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL-YEAR 1870-71,
TOLMAN & WHITE, PRINTERS, 221 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON.
1871.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton :
Your Committee are happy in being able to report the
condition of the schools as prosperous and healthy, and
generally successful. There have been no cases of open
rebellion during the past year, and yet some things have
happened which we wish could have been different. We
have endeavored to secure the best teachers possible, under
the circumstances, but still we do not claim perfection in
this respect. Good teachers are becoming more scarce every
year, and it becomes evident to every thinking mind that
we must pay higher prices than we have hitherto done, or be
satisfied with second-rate teachers. The latter we are not
disposed to do, for however low the wages paid, we find
occasion to employ the same strong language of criticism in
the one case as the other. Now one of two things, we as a
town must do, raise more money for schools, or have shorter
schools, which in our opinion are already far too short.
There are many circumstances which serve to affect our
schools favorably, or otherwise, which are not thought to be
very important in the minds of the community at large.
The qualities of a teacher are too frequently discussed in the
presence of the children, and an opinion given (thought-
lessly no doubt), which results unfavorably for the best
interests of the school. What we want to impress upon the
minds of the parents, is the importance of often visiting the
school, enquire after the welfare of the children, and how
they succeed at school, and not take " they say," or " I was
told," for what is done in the school-room. Did they do
this, I think they would sec what a hard task some teachers
have, and feel the need of lending them their aid, by giving
them a cheering word, and encourage them to go forward in
the high and noble work of teaching the young and tender
minds how to discharge the gaeat duties and responsibilities
which await them. Also, counsel their children, and if need
be, command them to love and respect their teachers, and
conform to all the rules and requirements of the school.
Better suffer stmie things that you think are not quite right,
until they can be remedied, than to join with the multitude
to do evil, and condemn the teacher without an investigation.
We may succeed in obtaining the best of teachers, but unless
they have the sympathy of the parents, and their support,
the school will be next to a failure ; while on the contrary, a
second-rate teacher, aided by the parents and friends of the
school, may succeed admirably. Another reason why much
of the value of our schools is lost to the children, is the fact
that absences are so frequent. A little mist, or siioav, or the
good condition of the meadow for skating, an errand to be
done, or a little job of work, or a visit to be made, are all-
important reasons in the minds of some of the parents for
the children to stay away from school, and thereby an untold
amount of injury be done, not only to the children who
stay away, but to the whole school.
Oh, parents, see to it that blame and guilt are not found
in the skirts of your garments, and that half educated men
and women do not grow up in our midst, notwithstanding all
the privileges that they enjoy, and all the money and expense
the town is put to, to furnish them for us. Your Committee
wish that the people of the town could be made to feel the
importance which this subject demands, and let nothing less
than sickness keep their children away from the school-room,
and our word for it, our schools would feel the effects of
such a course, and result in a far greater amount of good to
the children, to ourselves, and the world at large.
School-Houses. — As this subject is now being agitated
by the town, perhaps nothing need be said by us, and yet
perhaps you will bear a word or two from us. You are all
aware that the town has built one new house, in the East
District, a nice and commodious one, which like a city on a
hill, or a lighthouse to a harbor, sheds its benign and blessed
influences all around, preparing us to shun the rocks and
quick-sands of ignorance and degradation, and fill well the
sphere alloted us in the great drama of life. There are
other houses which demand that something should immedi-
ately be done ; but in the eagerness of some of our friends,
we fear that we may overleap the bounds of propriety in
the minds of others, and the result be, that our houses will
remain about where they now are.
Your Committee, in view of the condition of the town,
would recommend a moderate appropaiation to repair and
beautify, and make attractive, our present school structures,
rather than throw them all aside and build new altogether,
believing that that course will well subserve the cause of
education in our town for at least a few years. But what-
ever may be done, we hope will be done with a union of
purpose, and a desire to promote the best interests of the
cause so near our hearts, believing that the investment is not
lost, but will repay as large a per cent, as any other we
could make.
Text-Books. — There has been no change recommended
during the year for two or three reasons. Within two or
three years there have been many quite extensive changes,
and although all may not think them the best that could be
made, yet for our part we think them very good, with one
exception, and that is Robinson's Mental Arithmetic ; it is
too difficult for the place it occupies, and we would advise
a change at the earliest practical moment, and one more
gradual, introduced .
6
Discipline. — This is a difficult part of our common
schools to control, and do justice to all parties and keep
clear of all snags, and is becoming more so every year.
Especially so when we consider the fact that Solomon, the
wisest of men, is considered an old fool in respect to the use
of the rod upon the children. Corporal punishment is be-
coming more unpopular eveiy day. We would not advise
the indiscriminate use of the rod, or punish for every little
frivolous thing ; neither would we abandon, wholly, the use
of it in our schools ; for there are, no doubt, cases where
the use of the rod would do an untold amount of good, and
bring the refractory scholar to terms better than to expel
him, and thus deprive him of the benefits resulting from a
good school, which he so much needs. I have a case or two
in my mind now, of this kind, in our schools, the past
winter.
We now pass to take a hasty glance of the schools and
the teachers of the past year.
West Primary. — This school was taught by Miss Anna
E. Hall, during the spring and fall terms, who fully sustained
her reputation of previous years. She was interested in her
scholars and her scholars in her. She labored hard, and
accomplished a good work, as the closing examination proved.
We were particularly interested in the map drawing of these
young scholars, on slips of paper, which were passed at the
examination, and think they did themselves and teacher much
credit by so doing, and We wish it was more generally prac-
ticed in our schools. The scholars showed their appreciation
of her efforts to instruct, by a well selected present at the
close. The winter term was taught by Miss S. Jennie
Wheeler, of not much experience, yet she seemed to feel at
home in the school-room, and won for herself and scholars
much commendation and praise, and not undeserved, as the
frequent visits and closing examination evidenced. She,
also, received a present from the scholars, as a token of their
esteem and affection.
West Intermediate. — The spring term was taught by
Miss E. P. Draper. She was a teacher of much firmness
and decision, and governed and instructed much to our satis-
faction. For the fall term, the school was divided between
the Primary and Grammar schools. The winter term was
taught by Miss Carrie L. \Yhitcomb, who came well recom-
mended, and labored well and hard, and nothing appeared to
be wrong, yet the closing examination did not quite meet our
expectations. There was a lack of energy and promptness
which we were unable to account for.
\Vest Grammar. — The spring term was taught by Miss
Edna M. Lowe, whose promptness of >manner instilled the
same into the scholars. The school appeared well whenever
we visited it, and a good degree of progress was attained in
the several branches attended to. The fall term was taught
by Miss Draper, of the Intermediate, whose school was
divided, thus giving more scholars and more work to this
teacher. Although there were too many studies, yet she
accomplished a good work, and will long be remembered by
scholars and parents, as deserving of much esteem and
respect, for her untiring efforts in behalf of the school, and
we award her our hearty approval.
The winter term was taught by Miss Hall, and now as
before, her quiet manner gained for her the respect of most
of her scholars. The school was a good success ; the
scholars appeared well and made good progress, every prob-
lem promptly and correctly worked and explained at the
close of the school. The Committee were perfectly satisfied,
and gave the school and teacher their unqualified approval.
The scholars of this school manifested their respect for their
teacher in the selection of a valuable present.
South Primarv. — The spring term of this school was
taught by .Miss Ada F. Goddard. This is a difficult school
to govern, and needs a teacher of firmness and decision,
which was found in Miss Goddard ; when visited the school
4
8
appeared well, and good progress was made. The fall term
was taught by Miss M. E. Edwards. She is a good teacher,
and under her instruction the school made good progress.
The winter term was taught by Miss Laura A. Brown. She
failing to gain the interest of the scholars in their studies,
did not get along as smoothly as we could have wished ; not,
however, wholly the fault of the teacher. Some of the
scholars need severe discipline ; and the school, the sympathy
of the parents, which they failed to give. There was a mis-
understanding in regard to the close, and there was no
examination.
South Intermediate. — This school enjoyed the advan-
tages of the same teacher, for the spring and winter terms.
The school was small ; hardly enough in the spring to create
a healthy ambition to excel in the minds of the scholars,
yet they seemed to make good progress in their studies.
The teacher was earnest in her work, and elicited a good
degree of approval from the Committee, at the several visits
made. For the fall term the school was divided between the
Primary and Grammar schools.
South Grammar. — This school had the advantage of the
same teacher throughout another year. This teacher and
school has been reported in such high terms in previous
reports, that nothing need be said by us. Suffice it to say,
that when visited by us, and at the examinations, the school
and the exercises of it were of such a character as to be
above criticism. All the exercises were excellent, but the
drawing of maps upon the blackboard, and the description
of them, were splendid. The exercise in gymnastics was
past description, and serves as a relief after hard study, and
better prepares them for continued toil and study than any-
thing else for the time spent iu the exercise.
Centre Primary. — This school had the benefit of the
same teacher, Miss Eudora K. Lawrence, throughout the
year. She came well recommended, and fully sustained
the recommendation. She went quietly, but earnestly, about
her work, and under her instruction the scholars made good
progress. Towards the close of the winter term there was
a falling off in attendance, and the school lacked the support
and sympathy of many of the parents, as is too often the
case with this school, and which is necessary in order for the
scholars to receive the full benefit of the school. Xo fault
of the teacher produced this result.
Cextee Grammar — The spring and fall terms of this
school were taught by Miss Lizzie M. Priest. She was one
who has had considerable experience in school teaching.
Her method of governing and instructing met with the
hearty approval of the Committee, and the examinations
were of that high tone that need no criticism ; being prompt
herself, she inculcated the same virtues in her scholars.
The winter term was taught by Mr. E. A. Daniels, a younsr
man of a quick, active mind and ready wit, and infused into
the school an interest for study and the acquirement of
knowledge and progress in whatever was undertaken, and a
desire to excel, which we have not often witnessed in this
school. The examination at the close gave evidence of thor-
ough training, and a good practical knowledge of the studies
pursued, and called forth the praise and admiration of the
Committee and others present.
East School. — This school has enjoyed the pleasure of
having the same excellent teacher, Miss Mary A. Tinker,
throughout the year, and a good and lasting benefit has been
the result. This school, previous to the past year, has been
below the average in deportment, and but little good accom-
plished. But a complete revolution has been made, and the
school at present, in many respects, is second to none in
town. The exercises of the school, whenever the Committee
have been present, have been very pleasing and above criti-
cism. The examinations at the close were highly interesting,
10
and deservedly called forth the approbation of the Com-
mittee and many of the parents of the district. Both teacher
and scholars received the hearty approval of all present.
South-East. — This school, in the spring term, was
taught by Miss Hattie E. Handley. At its commencement
it appeared very dull and uninteresting, and wanting in
energy and activity. Later in the term there was a marked
improvement, and toward its close it assumed a commendable
appearance, and the teacher did herself and the school much
credit by her quiet, yet earnest and persistent efforts to bring
about so desirable a change. The fall and whiter terms were
taught by Miss Allie H. Burnham. Under her thorough
training and drill the school made rapid progress. The
scholars became interested in their studies, and at the close
of the school we were able to speak in high terms of the
good order and marked progress of the school. The schol-
ars showed an interest in their studies, and gave good
evidence of having spent a pleasant and profitable term.
The exercises were all very good, but the outline maps
drawn by scholars from seven to twelve years of age, and
exhibited, gave us much pleasure, proving that they had
obtained correct ideas of Geography. Much of the benefit
of the winter term was lost on account of sickness of a large
number of the scholars, and the death of one, rendering it a
necessity, almost, to close the school. Had it not been for
this the school would have been far more pleasant and
successful.
North School. — This school was taught, in the spring
and fall, by Miss Nellie Hosmer. This was her first experi-
ence, and we heartily wished her success. There seemed to
be a lack of sympathy between teacher and scholars, yet a
good degree of study wras manifest ; the school appeared well
when visited, and at the close, had the discipline of the
school been of a higher tone it would have added much to
the credit of it and to our satisfaction. The winter term
11
was taught by Miss Junia S. Bartlett. She was an old
experienced teacher, and knew how to adjust the school and
put it in working order ; this she did, and whenever visited
by us, found teacher and scholars laboring together toward a
pleasant and profitable close. The school has not }ret fin-
ished, but from the knowledge we have of it and what
reports say of it, we have no fears in regard to its successful
close, and give to it and its teacher our hearty approval.
The column in the statistical table, showing the number
of visits of parents and others, does not include the Super-
intendent's visits each term.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman.
L. W. STEVENS,
JOHN WHITE,
WILLIAM B. DAVIS,
WILLIAM W. WORSTER,
Committee.
Acton, March 22, 1871.
FINANCIAL.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Paid teacher,
$469 25
" for fuel,
33 50
Care of school-rooms, fires, &c,
7 00
Balance to new account,
4 19
$513 94
$513 94
John E. Cutter, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" for care of room, fires, &c,
$258 36
8
33
$237
21
22
80
6
68
$266 69
$26Q 69
William B. Davis, Committee.
Appi
Balai
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOl
opriation,
ice from last 3*ear,
teachers,
for fuel,
for care of room, fires and furniture,
ice to new account,
$244
47
12
86
Paid
a
a
Balai
$240 00
17 50
6 25
28 23
$291 98
$291 98
John E. Cutter, Committee.
13
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $244 12
Balance from last year, 3 89
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" for care of room, fires, furniture, &c,
Balance to new account,
$225 00
16 00
5 35
1 66
$248 01
$248 01
John White, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" care of rooms, fires, &c,
Balance to new account,
$669 62
17
66
$587 50
40
05
9
03
50
70
$687 28
$687 28
William W. Worster, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $669 62
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" for care of rooms, fires, &c,
Balance to new account,
$669 62
L. W. Stevens, Committee.
580
00
47
74
6
00
35
88
Amount of money raised by Town, $2,325 00
Income from State School Fund, 185 54
«■ " Dog Fund, 89 25
Total for School purposes, $2,599 79
Number of children reported by Assessors, between the ages of
five and fifteen, 304.
Sum appropriated by town for each scholar reported by Assessors,
$7.65.
14
EOLL OF HONOR.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
one term.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
two terms.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
three terms.
WEST PRIMARY.
Nellie Walker,
Cordelia Hayward,
Edgar H. Hull,
Lottie E. Handley,
George Stockwell,
George V. Mead,
Mary S. Cutler,
Fred E. Cutler,
Fred S. Mead,
Mattie I. Houghton,
Clara Tuttle,
E. Crosby Hoar.
Laura Stockwell,
Mary Tuttle.
Ella Teele,
lues Wyman,
Alphonso Wyman,
Charles Cobleigh,
Herbert Taylor,
Warren Taylor,
Arthur Call,
James P. Hayward,
Freddie Cobleigh,
Cornelia Hayward.
WEST IXTERMEDIATE.
John S. Hoar,
Charles S. Hadley,
Ella S. Teele.
George Hutchins,
Alphonso Wyman;
WEST GRAMMAR
Frank Davis,
Warren A. Stevens,
George Gardner,
Emily Hall,
Flora Davis,
Nellie Handler,
Florence Hayward,
Emma Mead.
Lizzie Eowell,
Emma Stockwell,
Lizzie Blauchard,
Alice Call,
G. Sumner Wright,
Edwin Davis,
George Hutchins.
15
Roll of Honor, continued.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
one term.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
two terms.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
three terms
EAST SCHOOL
Cora Fiske,
G. D. Conant,
P. H. Moore.
OUTH-EAST
Mary Fairbanks,
Betsy Moulton,
Emma Pratt.
SOUTH GRAMMAR
Emma J. Handley,
Lizzie E. Fletcher,
Georgie A. Gates.
Daniel F. Hay ward,
Lucy A. Jones,
Anson Piper,
Frank J. Butters,
Wilbur F. Jones,
Willie J. Rynn.
Eugene R. Shapley.
SOUTH INTERMEDIATE
Michael Hannon,
Willie Dow,
Emma L. Billings,
Daniel Piper,
Walter Hayward.
Frank Haynes,
Frank Z. Taylor,
John Rynn.
SOUTH PRIMARY
Charles Haynes,
Usher J. Brown,
Freddie A. Brown,
George E. Haynes,
Charles Hager,
Henrietta Sawyer,
Ella Clark,
Alonzo Dow,
Arthur Jones,
Frank Harris,
Charlie E. Worster.
16
Roll of Honor, continued.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
two terms.
Those who have been neith-
er absent or tardy for
three terms.
CENTRE GRAMMAR
Herbert Fiske,
Sophia Fletcher,
Willie Sawyer,
Arthur Tuttle,
Arthur Pike,
Carrie J. Palmer.
Katie Kiusley.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
Alma Waldron,
Hattie Smith.
Ida A. Hale.
NORTH SCHOOL
Cora Rouillard,
Elmer Rouillard,
Oliver Dutton,
Freddie Rouillard,
Anna P. Cash,
Lizzie Veasey.
17
TABLE
ao
-
6
00
a
at
o
-
3
"c
w
o
■z,
"o
c
z
c
P,i
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
c
02^
s
c
s
X
Cm
Z
5
9
■A
■—
■i.
-
* o
=~ a
o
i
£
■—
o o
z
t
~z
-
-
>
Z
o
c
o
08
%
>
*
6
6
6
Summer.
^<-™ ) Grammar,
ntre 1 Primary,
Miss Lizzie M. Priest.
2 1-4
$30
37
30.9
3
8
" Eudora K. Lawrence.
21-4
26
39
28.8
2
7
( Grammar,
" Edna M. Lowe.
2
32
25
21.5
4
7
West < Intermediate.
" Emma P. Draper.
2
28
23
21.5
15
( Primary,
" Anna E. Hall.
2
25
30
28.5
18
I Grammar,
" Amelia D. Comstock.
2 1-4
33
27
23.4
3
South j Intermediate,
" Mary E. Edwards.
2
30
17
15.7
4
( Primary.
" Ada F. Goddard.
2
27
26
22
2
East,
" Marv A. Tinker.
13-4
32
30
28
4
South-East,
" Hatfie E. Handley.
2 1-4
3J
29
21.3
1
5
North,
" Nellie Hosmer.
Totals,
2
24
19
15
2
1
13
2
22 3-4
317
302
256.6
71
Fall.
Centre f Grammar,
centre j Primarv>
Miss Lizzie M. Priest.
2
30
27
22.6
15
•' Eudora K. Lawrence.
2
27
38
287
2
3
w- jpsss?;-
" Emma P. Draper.
2 1-2
32
39
35.5
14
" Anna E Hall.
21-2
3^
40
37 3
1
14
a-** isas?
u Amelia D. Comstock.
2 1-4
33
37
32.7
12
11
" Mary E. Edwards
2 1-4
30
41
38.5
2
East.
" Mary A. Tinker.
2 1-4
32
28
24
5
South-East,
" Allie E. Burnham.
2 1-4
30
24
19.9
16
North,
" Nellie Hosmer.
Totals,
2
24
20
17.9
1
4
1
1>
7
20
207
294
257.1
72
Winter.
Centre | Grammar,
1 Primary,
Mr. E. A.Daniels.
2 3-4
55
45
41
10
14
Miss Eudora K. Lawrence.
2 3-4
2*
47
30.8
11
( Grammar,
•• Anna E.Hall.
3
35
a5
30
14
37
West < Intermediate,
'; Carrie L. Whitcomb.
3
28
25
22.8
27
( Primary,
" S. Jennie Wheeler.
3
22
30
27 3
25
( Grammar.
'; Amelia D. Comstock.
3
40
35
3 \3
1>
9
South ] Intermediate,
M Mary E. Edwards.
2 1-2
30
27
23
2
( Primary,
" Laura A. Brown.
2 1-2
25
23
17.6
9
East.
" Mary A. Tinker.
2 3-4
40
36
34
9
South-East,
" Allie H. Burnham.
3 1-2
30
26
19
1
14
North,
" Juuia S. Bartlett.
Totals,
4
32
25
22
4
23
32 3-4
365
354
297.8
171
Aggregate for the year.
75 IT
~940
950
811.6
1
96
314~
Total average percentage of Attendance during the year,
85.32
REPORTS OF
The Selectmen and other Officers
OF TBJJ
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
FEBRUARY 26, 1871, TO FEBRUARY 27, 1872,
INCLUDING THE
Marriages, Births and Deaths in 1871.
ALSO,
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
BOSTON :
TOLMAN & WHITE, PRINTERS, 221 WASHINGTON STREET.
18 7 2.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATIONS AND RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance of last year
$4,426 26
Regular Town Grant,
4,000 00
Town Grant for School Houses,
4,000 00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,325 00
Town Grant for Highways,
1,500 00
Temporary Loans,
2,000 00
State Tax,
2,300 00
County Tax,
933 36
Military Account,
746 50
State Aid to Jan. 1, 1871,
250 00
Corporation Tax,
829 09
Armoiy rent, 1870,
150 00
School Fund,
160 83
Use of Town Hall,
105 78
Dog Fund,
125 03
National Bank Tax,
433 64
From town of Stow, School Money,
17 71
From town of Concord, "
15 00
Surplus on order of Wm. Reed, of Westford
12 80
Overlay on Taxes,
237 27
Interest on Taxes for 1870, paid after Nov.
1, 80 50
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid W. H. Faulkner, South District,
Wm. B. Davis, East "
Winsor Pratt, South East "
John E. Cutter, Centre "
Luke Blanchard, West "
John White, North "
$24,648 77
$651 02
258 36
229 63
605 60
605 60
244 12
$2,594 33
SCHOOL HOUSE REPAIRS AND INCIDENTALS.
Paid W. H. Faulkner, South District,
Luke Blanchard, West "
John E. Cutter, Centre, ' "
" u East "
John White, North <fc
$58 23
11 95
18 08
2 29
3 87
$94 42
REPAIRS ON HIGHWAYS, 1870.
Paid Isaac Reed, $107 65
A. H. Jones, 26 80
Isaac Reed, 1870, breaking roads, 1 20
REGULAR HIGHWAY WORK, 1871. *
Paid Reuben L. Reed,
Levi W. Stevens,
A. S. Fletcher,
L. R. Forbush,
Daniel Tuttle,
Benjamin Hapgood,
Daniel Harris,
John F. Blood,
John Harris,
W. F. Flagg,
E. J. Bobbins,
Moses Taylor,
T. P. Sawyer,
E. H. Cutler,
Francis Pratt,
1871.1
$75 40
98
60
79
60
69
75
31
00
31
60
57
42
38
00
25
00
110 00
24
10
24 40
37
95
105 80
70
35
$135 65
$878 97
SPECIAL BEPAIBS OF BOADS AND BBIDGES.
Gravel Pit Boad.
Paid A. L. Tuttle, labor and team,
Blacksmith's bill,
Powder and fuse,
Town Farm, for labor and team,
Other persons, labor,
Crampton's Boad.
Paid A. L. Tuttle, labor and team,
Town Farm team,
Powder,
Sundry persons, labor,
Bepairing cart for Crampton Bros.,
Paid Daniel Harris, for erecting road bounds
near the house of Pope & Lyman, $2 50
Joseph Noyes, work on road near the
house of E. C. Parker, 117 25
T. F. Lawrence, repairing sluice near
the house of J. W. Wheeler, 9 00
$276 67
15
32
15
66
108
45
326
62
$70 00
30 00
4
00
82
67
4
75
$742 72
$191 42
Paid Daniel Fletcher, railing the road and re-
pairing bridge at the powder mills, $43 75
Joseph Noyes, for repairs on turnpike, 482 50
Daniel Tuttle, work on the road from his
house to the Common, 27 25
Silas Conant, Jr., repairing sluice near
R. Fiske's, 16 00
L. W. Stevens, repairing sluice, cutting
brush, and repairing road near West
Acton, 11 00
W. F. Flagg, re-laying two sluices near
land of Ithamar Robbins, 13 50
C. Fletcher & Co., lumber for railing
road at the powder mills, 40 79
J. Noyes, for plank, powder mill bridge, 40 58
" repairs on road near the pow-
der mills, 9 00
W. W. Davis, work on the road from his
house to house of T. Kinsley, 37 94
Simon Tuttle, for lumber for railing road
near mills of Hugh Cash, 16 80
Francis Pratt, work on road near the
powder mills, 70 35
A. S. Fletcher, repairing sluice, 8 00
$946 21
COST OF ROADS CONSTRUCTED BY ORDER OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.
Paid W. D. Tuttle, making profile and setting
grade stakes at TV. Acton, $9 00
Reuben Handley, work, 300 00
Joseph Noyes, railing the new road at
W. Acton, 55 61
Luther Conant, work on new road near
Wetherbee's mills, 122 70
$487 31
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Luther Conant, for Mrs. Sarah B. Childs, $12 75
Mrs. C. H. Conant,' for board of Chas.
Edmonds, 12 weeks, 30 00
John Daily, for board of John Reynolds,
8J weeks, 49 70
Luther Conant, for house rent of Mrs.
Sarah White, at Worcester, 52 00
6
Paid Dr. Cowdrey, attendance of John Malo-
ney, a State pauper, $14 00
Dr. Cowdrey, attendance of John Rey-
nolds, a State pauper, 25 00
Dr. H. F. Barrett, surgical assistance to
John Reynolds,. 10 00
Luther Conant, journey to Lawrence,
respecting Mrs. Geo. Desmond and
family, 3 50
$196 95
EXPENSES OF TOWN FARM.
Paid Potter & Hopkins, for horse cart harness, $19 50
Luther Conant, road scraper, 10 00
Town farm, deficiency for 1870-71, 152 18
Yoke of oxen, 225 00
Francis D wight, for coffin and robe for
Rhoda Burnham, 15 00
DEBT.
INTEREST ON
TOWN
Paid Augustine Conant,
$292 00
J. K. Putney.
39
00
James E. Billings,
70
61
Isaac T. Flagg,
12
00
Lydia R. Keyes,
42
80
Frederick Rouillard,
102
00
Elizabeth Hanscom,
40
80
Daniel Harris,
48
32
Cyrus Conant, adm'r,
140
00
Calvin Harris,
12
00
D. M. Handley,
102
00
J. R. Whitcomb,
30
00
J. E. Cutter, interest on temporary loans, 54
57
Luther Billings,
12
00
William Wheeler,
30
00
TOWN
DEBT.
Paid temporary loans,
$2,000 00
James E. Billings,
100
00
Lydia R. Keyes,
500
00
$421 68
$1,028 10
$2,600 00
MILITARY ACCOUNT.
Paid John Fletcher, Jr., armory rent, $150 00
For May parade and Fall encampment, 746 50
$896 50
olman
PRINTING.
Paid Tolman & White, for town warrants and
reports, for March and April, 1871, $102 50
Tolman & White, for warrants for June
and November meetings, and notices
for the meeting for sufferers by the
Chicago fire,
6 50
STATE AID.
Paid Rebecca C. Wright,
$48 00
Joanna Moulton,
48
00
Nancy
B. Richards,
96
00
H. Brooks, guardian of M.
Monroe,
48
00
H. W.
Wilder,
96
00
H. W.
Wetherbee,
12
00
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid Martin Pike, for work in the East Ceme-
tery,
Martin Pike, for mowing brush in North
East Cemetety,
Samuel Hosmer, stakes for cemetery,
C. Hastings, for work in West Ceme-
tery in 1870-71,
Davis & Hosmer, iron work for cemetery,
Francis Dwight, two gates for cemeter}',
Francis Jones, painting new gates for do.,
H. M. Smith, grading avenues,
Daniel Tuttle,
T. Kinsley,
H. D. Parlin,
Julien Tuttle,
W. W. Davis,
Joseph Reed,
Luke Smith,
Three stone posts,
$30 10
5
20
2
39
35
00
9
38
10
00
1
60
4 00
13
00
5
00
2
00
1
00
7
00
3
50
36
00
3
00
$109 00
$348 00
$168 17
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid John E. Cutter, superintending schools,
Samuel Hosmer, taking invoice and
making taxes,
W. D. Tuttle, services as Town Clerk,
J. E. Cutter, Collector of Taxes,
Do., do., taking invoice and making taxes,
Luther Conant, services as Selectman,
E. J. Bobbins, " "
Joseph Noyes, " "
$90 00
33
45
25
00
80
00
50
36
00
00
20
00
20
00
$354 45
Paid
TOWN HOUSE EXPENSES.
Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, for paint
furnished in 1870,
G. W. Sawyer, 35 gallons oil,
Do., 1 cord of wood and cutting same,
Do., washing floors,
Do., taking care of Town clock,
Do., repairing roof on Town House,
Do., cleaning Town clock,
Do., opening Town Hall and Committee
Boom sixty- four times,
Do., taking care of cellar,
Do., tolling bell eight times,
Do., lamp-wicks,
Do., one broom,
J. E. Cutter, coal for Town Hall,
CENTBE SCHOOL HOU!
Paid H. M. Smith,
E. P. Bullard, for land,
Estimated value of old house,
" U remaining materials,
$15 13
12 25
8 00
5 00
10 00
2 50
1 50
34 75
3 00
1 60
64
50
27 98
$122 85
'SE.
$6,950 00
225 00
$7,175 00
$500 00
50 00
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid for gravestones for T. Williams and
Mrs. John Brown, $52 00
Lemuel Pope, appropriation for Deco-
ration Day, 150 00
W. D. Tuttle, express on public docu-
ments, 2 60
Paid W.D.Tuttle, stamp on H.Brooks' deed, $0 50
Do., trip to Sudbury to make out certifi-
cate of election,
Do., postage and express,
Do., collecting and recording 40 births
at 30c,
Do., recording 29 deaths,
Do., " 14 marriages,
Do., stationery,
J. E. Cutter for insurance of Centre
School House 5 years,
Do., copying Assessors' book, 1870,
Do., for abatement of taxes for 1869,
Do., " " 1870,
Do., for notifying Town officers to take
oath of office,
Do., for team for County Commissioners
to Westford road,
Do., for express,
Do., Collector's book,
Do., error on County tax, 1870,
Luther Conant, stationery and postage,
Cutler Bros., for rent of school room,
Francis Dwight, for attending funerals
for 26 persons,
Do., making returns of 25 deaths,
Do., for repairing hearse,
2
50
74
12
00
4
90
2
10
1
00
177
50
9
00
53
62
111
73
3
12
2
00
1
00
1
60
2
97
1
00
50
00
78
00
2
50
4
50
$736 88
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FROM FEB. 26, 1871,
TO FEB. 26, 1872.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb. 26, 1871, $4,426 26
Appropriations, 12,575 00
Other receipts, 7,647 51
324,648 77
EXPENDITURES.
Support of schools, - * 82,594-33
Repairs of school houses and incidentals, 94 42
Repairs on higkway, 1870, 135 65
Regular highway work, 1871, 878 97
Special repairs of highwa}*s and bridges, 1,880 35
Building roads by order of County Commis-
sioners, 487 31
10
Support of poor,
$196 95
Expenses of Town farm,
421 68
Interest,
1,028 10
Printing,
109 00
Military,
896 50
State aid,
348 00
Cemetery,
168 17^
354 45 1
Town officers,
Town House,
122 85
Centre schoolhouse,
7,175 00
Miscellaneous,
736 88
State tax,
2,300 00
County tax,
933 36
Town debt and temporary loans,
2,600 00
ft°3 4ft1 ()7
Balance in treasury Feb. 27, 1872,
$1,186 80
TOWN DEBT.
Ebenezer Conant,
$2,067 66
Augustine Conant,
4,135 33
Daniel Harris,
840 86
Frederick Rouillard,
1,778 10
Joel Hanscom,
700 40
James E. Billings,
2,132 07
David M. Handle}7,
1,745 90
Isaac T. Flagg,
111 50
Calvin Harris,
202 60
John R. Whitcomb,
506 50
Jonas K. Putney,
687 37
William Wheeler,
523 00
Owe for new road at West Acton,
200 00
•
fti *t fim °i
qj> 1 lI,00 1 L\f
Amount due from State aid,
$348 00
From State, care of sick State paupers,
75 00
Estimated value of Old Centre School House
and surplus materials,
550 00
Due from Treasurer,
1,186 80
fco 1 ^q or)
Balance against the Town,
$13,171 49
LUTHER CONANT, )., .
E. J. ROBBINS. {selectmen
JOSEPH NOYES, ) 0J JLCWn'
Acton, Feb. 27, 1872.
REPORT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON
For the Year ending April 1, 1872.
ARTICLES ON HAND, APRIL 1, 1872.
12 cows, $576.00 ; horse, 250.00 ; shotes, 20.00
4 tons hay, 130.00 ; 23 bushels ashes, 5.75,
2 turkeys, 5.00; 26 hens, 19,50,
150 lbs. pork, 18.00 ; 170 lbs. bacon, 20.40,
100 bush, potatoes, 40.00: soap, 2.50 ; butter, 14.00,
Corned beef, 4.00 ; flour, 4.00 ; sugar, 2.00,
2 bush, beans, 6.00 ; lard, 3.85,
$846
00
135
75
24
50
38
40
56
50
10
00
9
85
81,121 00
RECEIPTS.
Milk, 8925.15 ; teaming milk, 84.00,
Apples, 106.00 ; potatoes, 30.50 ; berries, 51.50,
Grapes, 8.00 ; tomatoes, 4.81 ; sweet corn, 2.52,
Turkeys, 26.60 ; pig, 6.00 ; calves, 17.33 ; cows, 78.00,
Eggs, 2.04 ; peas, 3.90 ; lard, 4.20 ; oxen, 160.32,
Hoop poles, 10.00 ; slabs, .60 ; cabbages, 2.00,
Shorts, 1.19; labor, 11.50,
From estate of Rhoda Burnham,
Labor on Gravel Pit Road,
Work of team on Gravel Pit and Crampton Roads,
" Centre School-house,
Received from treasury to pay for oxen,
81,951 36
$1,009
15
188
00
15
33
127
93
170
46
12
60
12
69
14
25
12
00
126 45
37
50
$1,726 36
225
00
(11)
12
EXPENDITURES.
For Cider, .60 ; cushion 1.00 ; pump, 6.50 ; paid Rev.
Mr. Wood, 2.00,
Stove lining, .87 ; pasturing cows, 26.00 ; pair of
shafts, 2.00,
Saw, 1.00; oatmeal, .50; shingles, 19.40; labor
shingling, 6.25,
Rep'g plow, 1.50 ; tin ware, 1.50 ; gobbler, 2.25,
Rep'g door, 2.85 ; plants, 2.50 ; hay cutter, 3.00,
Quilts, 5.45 ; whips, .57 ; sawdust, .24,
Filing saw, 1.20 ; rep'g pumps, 5.00 ; bucket, .58,
Beans, 4.84 ; nails, .80 ; pails, .63 ; grass seed, 4.03,
Garden seeds, 1.30 ; barrels, .40 ; hoe, .58 ; cast-
ings, .93 ; wash tub, 1.25,
Crackers, 3.69; turnip seed, 32; onions, 1.63;
polish, .16 ; rope, .50,
Can of ink, 1.80 ; plow, 15.00 ; haying tools, 4.01 ;
flypaper, .15,
Squash, .24 ; earthen ware, 2.80 ; rosin, .40 ;
glass, 1.19 ; axe, 1.33,
Hardware, .45; saltpetre, .15; tub, 1.20; putty,
.08 ; broom, .42,
Clothing, 28.96 ; boots and shoes, 10.50 ; salt,
7.71 ; blacksmith's bill, 26.92,
Shoeing oxen, 9.75 ; shotes, 22.00 ; part of har-
ness, 11.25,
Repairjof harness, 3.75 ; posts, .90 ; New England
Farmer 2 years, 5.00,
Plaster, 4.95 ; hoe, .60 ; shovel, 1.00 ; twine, .30 ;
axle grease, .25,
Lemons, 26 ; butchering hogs, 2.00 ; mustard, .25 ;
cocoa, .46,
Cream tartar, .13 ; raisins, 1.42 ; yeast, .54 ; Med-
icine, 4.92,
Thread, .21 ; soap, 4.36 ; pepper, .58 ; starch, 56 ;
ginger, .56,
Matches, 3.00 ; saleratus, 1.56 ; cloves, .29 ; cas-
sia, .49,
Pimento, .20 ; nutmegs, .56 ; potatoes, 37.46 ;
flour, 47.75,
Corn, 4.20 ; rye, 2.70 ; oats, 11.31 ; hen feed, 2.50,
Shorts, 68.34 ; oil meal, 215.45 ; molasses, 21.13,
Cotton cloth, 9.45; meat, 112.14; rice, 1.05;
fish, 10.12,
Coffee, 1.56; vinegar, 3.65; oil, 8.00; butter,
67.10,
Cheese, 23.71 ; tobacco, 15.99 ; tea, 15.05,
$10 10
28 87
27 15
5 25
8 35
6 26
6 78
10 83
4 46
6 30
20 96
5 96
2 30
74 09
43 00
9 65
7 10
2 97
7 01
6.27
5 34
85 97
20 71
304 92
132 76
80 31
54 75
13
For Sugar, 36.58 ; corn meal, 242.25 ; grinding, 1.65,
Dr. Cowdrey's bill, 21.50 ; labor, 167.50,
Drag, 7.00 ; hay and grain for oxen, 39.65,
Cows, 80.00 ; oxen, 225.00,
Services of "William H. Blood and wife,
Luther Conant, making Report to Board of State
Charities, and Report to the Town,
Luther Conant, for services as Overseer of the Poor
Elbridge J. Robbins,
Joseph Noyes,
u u
Total amount of Receipts,
Drawn from treasury to balance account,
" " pay for oxen,
Income less than Expenditures,
Interest on the Farm,
Drawn from Treasury,
Victualling 175 travellers,
Due from State for care of John Maloney,
Cost of supporting Poor on Farm,
Whole number of persons, exclusive of travellers, supported in
the Almshouse, six ; average number, four ; present number,
three.
$280 48
189 00
46 65
305 00
325 00
6 00
8 00
8 00
8 00
$2,154 55
1,951 36
$203 19
225 00
$428 19
$239 40
428 19
$667 59
$87 50
25 00
$112 50
$555 09
LUTHER CONANT, i Overseers
ELBRIDGE J. ROBBINS, } of
JOSEPH NOYES, j Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1872.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS RECORDED IN 1871.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1. Jan. 6, Hattie Elmira Tuttle, daughter of Julian and Hannah
E. Tuttle.
2. Jan. 18, Henry Lauriston Livermore, son of George W. and
Carrie A. Livermore.
3. Feb. 3, Bertha Louise Gardner, daughter of George and Vio-
letta F. Gardner.
4. March 2, Charles Simon Moulton, son of John D. and Hannah
D. Moulton.
5. March 7, Patrick Coughlan, son of John and Margaret Cough-
Ian.
6. March 9, George W. Richardson, son of Osman D. and Mary
E. Richardson.
7. March 10, Willie Swift Fletcher, son of Aaron S. and Sarah
T. Fletcher.
8. March 22, Lucius Graham Coburn, ) , . , ., -, - T
9. Everett Wetherbee Coburn, \ twm chlldren of Jas"
D. and Marietta M. Coburn.
10. March 27, Daniel Edward Jones, son of Daniel and Maria T.
Jones.
11. April 6, Stephen Travers, son of Stephen and Catherine Trav-
ers.
12. April 21, Henrietta Estella Cutler, daughter of David C. and
Estella A. Cutler.
13. April 25, Hattie Florence Fike, daughter of George M. and
Charlotte M. Pike.
14. May 2, Blanche Maide Bassett, daughter of Joseph R. and
Clara Bassett.
15. May 5, Fred Lincoln Whitcomb, son of Alben L. and Martha
M. Whitcomb.
16. May 15, Mary Jane Dooley, daughter of Richard and Joanna
Dooley.
17. May 21, a daughter to William H. and Jane Staples.
18. June 8, William Milnes, son of William and Maria Milnes.
19. June 16, Jessie Edith Currie, daughter of Neil and Mary.E.
Currie.
20. June 14, Fred Walter Teel, son of William H. and Mary E.
Teel.
(14)
15
21. Jul}7 6, Albert Eugene Bobbins, son of Levi H. and Mary C.
Bobbins.
22. July 21, Levi Lincoln Pratt, son of Windsor F. and Mary B.
Pratt.
23. Aug. 5, Bichard P. Lyman, son of Charles P. and Lucy E.
Lyman.
24. Aug. 24, Jane Baddin, daughter of Patrick and Hannah Bad-
din.
25. Sept. 3, Boy Stanwood Whitcomb, son of Elwyn H. and Mary
F. Whitcomb.
26. Sept. 19, a daughter to William and Henrietta Wilkins.
27. Oct. 1, Charley Jones Fletcher, son of Aaron J. and Mary E.
Fletcher.
28. Oct. 1, Freddie Ernest Fletcher, son of Chas. W. and Angeline
H. Fletcher.
29. Oct. 2, Edith Frances Coulter, daughter of Hugh and Mary
M. Coulter.
30. Oct. 3, Bertram Delette Hall, son of Delette H. and Susie A.
Hall.
31. Oct. 14, Mabel Louise Bobinson, daughter of Charles and Per-
sis V. Bobinson.
32. Oct. 20, Clarence Augustine Hosmer, son of Augustine and
Susie H. Hosmer.
33. Oct. 31, in Winchendon, Florence Adelia Bichardson, daugh-
ter of James E. and Sara B. Bichardson.
34. Nov. 1, James Daley, son of John and Ellen Daley.
35. Nov. 7, Alice Josephine Hoar, daughter of John S. and Lydia
P. Hoar.
36. Nov. 11, Harry Ernest Knowlton, son of George W. and An-
gie H. Knowlton.
37. Nov. 23, Mary Ella Counter, daughter of John W. and Alice
E. J. Counter.
Males, 22 ; females, 15 ; total, 37.
MABBIAGES BECOBDED IN 1871.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of Parties.
1. Jan. 9, Mr. Henry Veo, of 'Concord, and Miss Julia Hag-
gerty, of Acton.
2. Jan. 9, Mr. Michael Muna}* and Miss Minnie Wells, both of
Concord.
3. March 3, Mr. Thomas Clifford and Miss Katie McGraw, both
of Acton.
4. March 5, Mr. Lewis Boucher and Miss Lilia A. Taylor, both
of Acton.
16
5. April 20, Mr. Frank F. Hay ward, of Acton, and Miss Emily
N. Rogers, of Charlestown.
6. April 23, Mr. Bixby S. Woodward and Mrs. Hattie A. Brad-
ford, both of Acton.
7. May 7, Mr. John Haggert}', of Hudson, and Miss Mary Man-
gin, of Acton.
8. Aug. 6, Mr. W. A. S. Cutter and Miss Clara E. Stone, both of
Acton.
9. Sept. 11, Mr. James Tenney and Miss Katie Hyde, both of
Acton.
10. Oct. 2, Mr. Frank H. Young, of Jay, Vt., and Miss Mary A.
Young, of Newport, Vt.
11. Oct. 19, Mr. Alfred Sawyer, of Acton, and Miss Lucy A.
Walker, of Sudbury.
12. Nov. 19, Mr. Henry C. Wheeler, of Acton, and Miss Sarah J.
Tibbetts, of Concord.
13. Nov. 22, Mr. Hiram J. Hapgood and Miss Augusta A. Parker,
both of Acton.
14. Dec. 31, Mr. Robert Chaffin and Mrs* Mary W. Handley, both
of Acton.
DEATHS REGISTERED IN 1871.
No. Date of Death, Name of Deceased.
1. Jan. 27, Miss Georgiana Reed, aged 29 yrs. 3 mos. 11 days.
2. Jan. 30, Honor a Calanan, aged 4 yrs. 6 mos. 5 days.
- 3. Feb. 2, Mrs. Ann Reed, aged 67 yrs. 9 months.
4. Feb. 4, John Calanan, son of Daniel and Ellen Calanan, aged
10 mos. 3 da3's.
5. March 6, Mr. Samuel Haynes, aged 70 }ts.
6. March 26, George W., son of Osman D. and Mary E. Rich-
ardson, aged 17 days.
7. April 12, Mrs. Charlotte H. Crampton, aged 57 yrs. 6 mos.
12 days.
8. April 29, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Shattuck, aged 70 yrs. 8 mos. 17
days.
9. May 8, Miss Nellie J. Hanscom, aged 14 years.
10. June 4, Miss Lucinda Hosmer, aged 67 }-ears.
11. June 28, Mr. Jonas Heald, aged 80 yrs. 8 mos. 16 days.
12. June 30, John, son of David and Bridget Rynn, aged 11 yrs.
3 mos. 18 days.
13. July 14, Mr. William H. Reed, aged 35 yrs.
14. Aug. 20, Mr. Francis Kinsley, aged 18 yrs. 9 mos.
15. Aug. 21, John M., son of Luther R. and Louisa M. Forbush.
aged 11 yrs. 2 mos. 17 days.
16. Aug. 22, Miss Lizzie Flagg, aged 20 yrs. 8 mos.
17
17. Aug. 30, Lucius G., son of James D. and Marietta M. Coburn,
aged 5 mos. 8 days.
18. Sept. 4, Charles F., son of Freeman L. and Amelia A. Ran-
dall, aged 1 }T. 1 month, 9 days.
19. Sept. 18, Everett W., son of James D. and Marietta M. Co-
burn, aged 5 mos. 26 days.
20. Sept. 20, a daughter of William and Henrietta Wilkins, 1 da}'.
21. Sept 28, Evelyn W. Karcher, daughter of Charles F. and Mary
A. Karcher, aged 8 mos. 18 days.
22. Oct. 1, Mrs. Lucinda Jones, widow of Silas Jones, aged 84 yra.
23. Oct. 19, Mrs. Catherine Cutter, aged 76 yrs. 10 mos. 11 days.
24. Oct. 24, Mrs. Rhoda Burnham, aged 94 years.
25. Oct. 26, Mr. Nathaniel T. Law, aged 62 yrs. 11 mos. 17 days.
26. Oct. 27, Charles H. Dibble, son of Philo and Clementine Dib-
ble, aged 11 mos. 2 days.
27. Oct. 31, Mr. Levi Wetherbee, aged 86 yrs.
28. Nov. 26, Mrs. Susanna C. Chaffin, aged 71 yrs. 5 mos.
29. Dec. 3, Mr. Hiram W. Wetherbee, aged 51 yrs. 11 mos.
DOGS LICENSED IN 1871.
Males, 63, at $2 each, $126 00
Females, 5, at $5 " 25 00
Total, 68 $151 00
Clerk's fees, at 20 cents each, $13 60
Paid in to County Treasurer, $137 40
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Cleric.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TOWN OF ACTON,
SCHOOL-YEAR 1871-72.
BOSTON:
TOLMAN & WHITE, PRINTERS, 221 WASHINGTON STREET.
1872.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton:
In obedience to the requirements, both of custom and law,
the School Committee of Acton make this their Annual
Report.
They are happy to be able to state that the schools, with
two or three exceptions, have been successful, while in some
of them a marked degree of progress has been manifest. But
there is more or less difficulty connected with the task of
securing good teachers ; and the difficulty is increasing every
year, because other occupations offer more permanent employ-
ment, and in many instances more lucrative, with less criti-
cisms and less annoying circumstances connected therewith.
Teachers are constantly changing, and if we get a good
teacher we are not sure of her more than a term or two, ere
some other committee, with a little more money, takes her
away ; for so far as our knowledge and experience goes,
teachers' wages are lower in our immediate vicinity than in
many other places.
Another reason, which renders it difficult to secure jxros-
perous schools, is the fact that parents do not lend their aid
and influence on the side of the teacher, and drop a word or
two detrimental to their ability to teach a school ; and by so
doing encourage the scholars to a degree of disrespect which
makes it next to impossible for a teacher to maintain good
order, gain the respect of his or her scholars, stimulate them
to an earnest endeavor to improve themselves, and make the
best use of the time allotted them for school purposes.
The importance of this subject demands the sober, serious
attention of parents, and we hope and trust that it will re-
ceive it. The school also demands frequent visits from
parents and friends of the scholars, and must receive them,
if we would secure the greatest benefit from our schools.
We too frequently get wrong impressions of the school, by
taking reports that come to us on the wings of the wind ; but
rather let us often visit the school room and see for ourselves,
and speak an encouraging word to those gathered there, and
our word for it you will feel a greater degree of satisfaction,
and confer a blessing on the school of untold value. Another
reason is the fact, that tardiness and absences in some
schools are so frequent, that much of the value of the school
is lost. If you would watch the progress of a school where
the scholars are always prompt and punctual in their attend-
ance, and one the reverse of this, we think those whose duty
it is to see that scholars are prompt, would see such a differ-
erence in favor of the former that they would spare no pains
or expense to make our schools of such a character, and thus
secure much more benefit from them. We want to bring
the standard of our schools to a higher grade than they now
are ; and in order to do this let us parents, one and all, in-
terest ourselves in this matter, and do what we can to bring
about so desirable a result.
Music.
It is desirable to secure teachers, as far as possible, that
are able to practice singing and teach the same to their schol-
ars ; yet we would not make it one of the requisites of a
good teacher, but think no one can fail to see a decided dif-
ference in schools (other things being equal) , and give the
preference to those where singing is practised. None can
sing unless the}' feel pleasant and happy, and they do not
wish to lose the exercise ; therefore the tendencies are that all
parties will feel better, and everything in the school room
will be done with a better relish because of the singing.
Text Books.
The only change that has been made in text books the past
year is the removal of Robinson's Intellectual Arithmetic,
which was a very difficult book for the place, and Eaton's
introduced in its stead, at the commencement of the school
year ; and your Committee are of the opinion that the change
was a good one, and many of the teachers agree with them
in regard to the matter.
Discipline.
It is of the highest importance that good order should be
maintained in our common schools ; all will agree in regard
to the fact, but how to maintain it is the question that puz-
zles us more than anything else at the present time. Many
will clamor loudly for good order in our schools, while their
government of two or three children at home is very laxative,
and would not be tolerated by them in school for a single day.
But what is to be done ? It is all right when somebody's
else child is the mark, but a different thing when you meddle
with my child. Corporal punishment at the present day is
unpopular, and the idea is fast creeping into our schools that
scholars are not to be punished at all, do what they will, and
some of the parents, just as soon as their children are
touched, are offended at the teacher and waylay him or her
on their way to their boarding-place, and give them a piece
of their mind in no very gentle terms, and take their chil-
dren from school. So long as this is practised so long we
shall have trouble in our schools. A better way, in our
judgment, would be to keep your children at school, although
you felt that all was not quite right, and to seek a private
interview with the teacher, talk the matter over and set
things right, and not blaze it about so that the scholars get
the impression that the teacher is not of much account and
stands very low in the estimation of their parents.
School Houses.
Perhaps nothing need be said in regard to school houses,
as the subject is now before the town. One house was built
year before last, and one in the centre of the town last year,
and the prospect now is that two more will be built this year.
We would advise a liberal expenditure in the erection of the
houses, yet not so extravagant but that enough may remain
for furniture of the rooms, such as globes, wall maps, mot-
toes, &c, which are very much needed, and have not yet
been furnished, except in one instance, that of the East
district.
We will now take a glance at the schools and the teachers
of the past year.
East School. — The Spring and Fall terms were taught by
Miss Mary A. Tinker, who taught the year previous. Under
her excellent training the school gained rapidly in the differ-
ent branches taught, and although at the close sickness called
her suddenly away, with no examination, yet from the fre-
quent visits your Committee made, and knowledge gained
from other sources, we do not hesitate to say that good
progress was made, and scholars and teacher passed the time
pleasantly and profitably to themselves and all interested in
the school. The Winter term was taught by Miss R. S.
Cutler, who came to us well recommended, and fully sus-
tained her reputation as a teacher, as the frequent visits and
closing examination of the Committee can fully testify.
Also, quite a number of the parents present at the close of
the school expressed themselves well satisfied with the
progress made, and a desire that she should return in the
Spring. We also concur in this desire.
South- East. — The Spring term of this school was taught
by Miss Allie H. Burnham, its former teacher. She went
quietly, yet earnestly about her labors, and fully sustained
her previous well-earned reputation. The teacher and schol-
ars seemed interested in each other, and each desirous to
accomplish a good degree and amount of labor. This we
think was secured, as the visits of the Committee can fully
testify. The Fall term was taught by Miss Lizzie W. Beane,
whose abilities to teach were not questioned, but who failed
to gain the respect of her pupils, consequently the order
was not quite as good as we would like to have seen it ; yet
the school was not a failure, and a fair amount of work was
accomplished, and we trust that the experience of this term
will be serviceable to her in the future. The Winter term
was taught by Miss Alice C. Preston. Her reputation of
former terms was very good and we hoped that she would
succeed admirably, but for some reason she failed to gain
the respect of her pupils and interest them in their studies,
so that when visited the order was too laxative, and a lack
of life and interest in scholars and teacher was manifest
throughout the term.
North. — This school was taught in the Spring and Fall
by Miss Ella F. Reed, a resident of the district, and we
feared for her success, but as the term advanced we saw that
our fears were groundless, and that the teacher and schol-
ars became interested in each other, and in their labors, and,
although this was her first experience in teaching, a good
degree of labor was accomplished which was attended by
success throughout both terms. The Winter term was
taught by Miss Junia S. Bartlett, who has had much experi-
ence in school teaching, and under whose training the school
made rapid progress. When visited at the commencment,
and at the close, the school appeared well ; good order and
success attended her labors during the term, and we gave the
school our hearty approval. The scholars showed their re-
spect and esteem for their teacher by giving her a well
selected present at the close of the exercises on examination
day.
South Primary. — The Spring term was taught by Miss
M. A. Edwards, who was well recommended, and entered
upon her labors with a good degree of earnestness, and al-
though no examination was had, yet evidence of her ability
to teach and earnestness in her work were manifest when-
ever we visited the school, and fair success followed her la-
8
bors. The Fall and Winter terras were taught by Miss
Lottie C. Faulkner, who possesses, in an uncommon degree,
the faculty and ability to teach and interest her pupils ; and
we think we never visited a primary school where we were
so well pleased, and where the pupils were so well drilled,
and seemed to understand what they were doing so well, as
this school. Her manner of object teaching was excellent.
The teacher and school received the approval of the Com-
mittee and others present, and we trust that what has been
learned will be remembered, and practised in after years.
South Grammar. — This school has enjoyed the pleasure
of having the same teacher throughout the whole year.
The teacher, Miss Comstock, has often, and for some time,
been before the town in a number of reports, and is there-
fore too well known to need any remarks from us. There is
a thoroughness of manner about this teacher and school
which is very commendable, and the exercises were of such
a character as to need no criticism.
West Primary. — This school has had only one teacher,
Miss S. Jennie Wheeler, throughout the year. Her school
was large, too large for the. room, and the scholars were
somewhat crowded during the Winter term. But although
she had these difficulties to contend with, her order was
good, the pupils seemed interested in their studies, and the
teacher labored hard and accomplished a good work. The
school appeared well when visited by the Committee, and at
the close the teacher and scholars received the approval of
the Committee and of many parents who were present.
West Grammar. — This school has had three teachers dur-
ing the year. The Spring term was taught by Miss Annie
E. Hall, an old and a good teacher, possessed of amiable
qualities of mind, and kind almost to a fault, if such a thing
were possible. Some of the scholars took advantage of
her kindness in such a way as to make the discipline of the
school quite hard, her duties being arduous by having too
many classes. Your Committee dropped one study, put two
classes together, thereby reducing the number of classes
to three less than at first. She labored hard and accom-
plished a work for which she will long be remembered by
those interested, and at the close received the approbation
of the Committee, although there was no formal examination.
The Fall terra was taught by Miss Allie H. Burnham, a for-
mer acquaintance with the schools of Acton, and we cannot
add much to what has already been said in her favor as a
teacher. She found it a rather difficult school as regards
discipline, yet she labored hard for the good of her scholars,
and won the affection and regard of many of them, who ex-
pressed a wish that she should return again. The Commit-
tee were able to say at the close, she has done what she
could. The Winter term was taught by Wm. E. White,
from Dartmouth College. He was a young man of amiable
qualities, came well recommended as a teacher, and accom-
plished a good work. He treated the school kindly, and en-
deavored to govern by kindness and was partially success-
ful, but a few of the scholars took advantage of his kindness
and we feared an outbreak at one time, but one boy, who
seemed to your Committee to be the leader in every wrong
act, left when the school was about half through, with the
expression that he would not come to school if he must
obey orders, and from that time onward there was no more
trouble. At the examination many of the classes recited on
topics selected by the teacher, and drawn by the scholars at
the time of examination, so that the school was thrown upon
its own resources. We could not refrain from saying that
they acquitted themselves manfully and well, and our ap-
proval was given them and their teacher.
Centre Grammar. — This school has had three teachers for
the past year. The Spring term was taught by Miss Junia
S. Bartlctt, an old and experienced teacher, whose labors
were well planned and well executed.
10
The school for this term, for some reason or other, was
smaller than the previous term, or since ; yet the teacher and
scholars generally seemed united in the great purpose of
making the most of their time and advantages towards secur-
ing an education, and on the whole the school was a success.
The Fall term was taught by Miss Lizzie M. Priest, who
has taught in this school for several terms previous to this,
and now, as in former terms, the school did a good work,
and one that will long be remembered by many of the schol-
ars as among their pleasant and profitable school terms. The
teacher won for herself the approval of the Committee for her
prompt and untiring efforts for the good of the school.
The Winter term was taught by Mr. E. B. Vining, a young
man of good moral character, who entered upon his labors
with a determination of having a good school, and govern by
kindness. But some of the scholars did not choose to be
thus governed, acknowledging only brute force and the
motive of fear. Consequently the school was only a partial
success. The facts were that he did not have the sympathy
and co-operation of some of the parents, and was tried and
condemned before school commenced, before they knew
anything of him as a teacher ; and no teacher can succeed
under such circumstances. It is a very difficult task when
supported and aided by the parents. His previous success
as a teacher has been uniformly good.
Centre Primary, — The Spring term of this school was
taught by Miss Flora A. Hay ward, who was possessed of a
good education, having graduated and received a diploma at
a neighboring high school. This was her first experience,
and the Committee wished her success ; yet she failed to gain
the respect of her pupils to a very great degree. Conse-
quently her success was not so good as we wished it might
have been.
The Fall term was taught by Miss Lizzie M. Blood. Un-
der her training the school seemed to do well. She had the
faculty of gaining the esteem and respect of her pupils and
11
interesting them in their studies, breaking the monotony of
sehool exercises by an occasional song, and so a good work
was accomplished, and the teacher and the term will long be
remembered by them as among their pleasant and profitable
terms.
The Winter term was taught by Miss Allie H. Burnham,
whose talent for and interest in teaching has won for her the
love and respect of her pupils in different parts of the town ;
and here, as in other schools, she did not fail to interest her
scholars in a very large degree, thus making some of the
studies, which are frequently called dry and uninteresting,
the very reverse. Whenever this school was visited b}^ the
Committee it appeared orderly and studious ; and the closing
examination gave evidence to the Committee and others pres-
ent that teacher and scholars had labored hard, unitedly and
earnestly for the great object of obtaining an education, and
so prepare them for future usefulness in life ; and we accord
to teacher and pupils our hearty approval, and wish them
godspeed in the good work.
The column in the statistical table appended, showing the
number of visits of parents and others, does not include the
Superintendent's visits each term.
JOHN E. CUTTER, Chairman.
LUKE BLANCHARD,
W. H. FAULKNER,
JOHN WHITE,
WINSOR PRATT.
Acton, March 23, 1872. ,
FINANCIAL
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
$258 36
14 84
Paid teachers,
Fuel,
Care of school room, fires, &c,
Balance to new account,
$224 20
33 25
8 53
7 22
$273 20
$273 20
John E. Cutter, Committee,
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
(229 63
28 23
$257 86
Drawn from Treasury, $229 63
Balance from last year, 28 23
Paid teachers, $235 00
Fuel, 18 00
Care of house, fires, &c, 4 86
$257 8(y
Winsor Pratt, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $244 12
Balance from last year, 1 96
Paid teachers, $220 50
Fuel, 16 00
Care of house, fires, &c, 5 98
Balance to new account, 3 60
$246 08
$246 08
John White, Committee.
13
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last }rear, '
Paid teachers,
" fuel,
" care of house, fires, &.,
Balance to new account,
S605
60
43
16
$563
75
49
50
8
00
27
51
76
$648 76
Luke Blanch ard, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
" fuel,
" care of house, fires, &c,
Balance to new account,
$651
02
46
28
$640
00
38
00
15
25
4
05
$697 30
1697 30
W. H. Faulkner, Committee.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
" fuel,
" care of house, fires, &c,
Balance to new account,
$605 60
4
19
502
25
61
73
12
00
33
81
$609 79
$609 79
John E. Cutter, Committee.
Amount of money raised by Town, $2,325 00
Income from State School Fund, 160 83
" Dog Fund, 125 03
Total for School purposes, $2,610 86
Number of children reported by Assessors, between the ages of
five and fifteen, 310.
Sum appropriated by Town for each scholar, reported by Assess-
ors, $7.50.
14
ROLL OF HONOR.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those who have not been ab- Those Avho have not been ab-
sent or tardy for two terms. sent or tardy for three terms.
Centre Primary.
Hattie Smith,
Mary Hammond.
Flora Stearns,
Ella Tuttle,
Viola S. Tuttle,
Willie H.Kinsley,
Frank Pike.
Josiah Willard,
Albert H. Smith,
Freddie Hodgman,
Herbert Bobbins,
George W. Tuttle,
Arthur Tavlor,
Walter Richardson.
South Grammar.
Mary F. Worster,
Mary Phelan.
Emma J. Handley.
Emma L. Billings,
Jennie A. Tuttle,
Lizzie Richardson,
Sidney L. Richardson,
Michael Hannon,
Willie S. Warren,
Norman Davidson,
Anson Piper,
George E Haynes,
John Penny.
South Primary.
Hattie Wetherbee,
Frank Tavlor,
Usher J. Brown.
Nettie Fuller,
Eddie G. Poole,
Ella Clark,
Freddie A. Brown,
Etta C. Temple,
Etta P. Sawyer.
Josephine Hannon,
Martha E. Jones,
Carrie E. Jones,
Mary J. Jackson,
George Priest,
George H. Jackson,
Frank L. Jackson,
James Hannon.
West Grammar.
Nellie M. Taylor,
Lizzie Robinson,
Emma Stearns.
Lizzie L Walker,
Inez Wytnan,
Nellie Handley,
George Gardner,
Lilla Hay ward.
Austin Lawrence.
Emma Mead,
EllaTeele,
Hattie Whitcomb,
Warren A. Stevens,
John Hoar,
«
George Hutchins,
Eddie Havward,
Edgar H. Hall,
Alphonso Wvman,
El tie Wright,
Julius Streeter.
15
Roll of Honor, continued.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for two terms.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for three terms.
West Primary.
Annie Blanchard,
Mary Tuttle,
Lottie Handley,
Ellie Hapgood,
Arthur Blanchard,
Georgie V. Mead.
Crosby Hoar,
Bertie Mead.
Fred Mead.
Eddie Hoar,
Georgie Robinson,
Allie Gilmore,
Alphonso Wyman,
Ralph E. Streeter,
Fred E. Cutler,
Georgie M. Streeter,
Arthur W. Houghton.
East School.
Lizzie S. Billings,
Bessie M. Ball,
Cora Fisk,
Abbie Fisk.
Annie E. Elliott,
Florence Perkins.
Hattie A. Harris,
Amelia F. Perkins,
Lizzie Perkins,
Webster C. Robbins,
George H. Robbins,
Nixon Ball,
E. R. Conant,
C J. Robbins,
George Conant,
Charles H. Fiske.
South-East.
Mary Fairbanks,
Lucy Oliver,
Addie Jones,
Emma Pratt.
North.
Julia Ina Rose,
Sidney White.
Cora Rouillard,
Freddie Rouillard,
Elmer Rouillard.
Lizzie A. Cash.
16
TABLE.
a
oi
a) B
£
o
«
> «
££
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
o
o
Vh B
o o
a
O
a
u
<u
u
a
03
a
3
£
r under fi
s of age.
over fifte
s of age.
CO V
So
5s
CO
<u
bo
bx>
03
1818
*■< CO
£> B
bo
a
03
.a
<
gKgK
a 2f
S) 03
Spring.
n™*r.a S Grammar,
Centre. J Primary?
Miss Junia S. Bartlett,
21
$31 00
25
22
1
12
' Flora A. Hayward,
21
26 00
42
31.3
3
18
WpRt i Grammar,
we8t- | Primary,
" Anna E. Hall,
24
35 00
37
34
1
21
" S. Jennie Wheeler,
2*
30 00
38
33.9
1
11
«5nnth S Grammar,
South, j Primary)
" Amelia D. Comstock,
2l
35 00
34
27.5
7
" M. A. Edwards,
2|
32 00
49
40
1
7
East,
" Mary A. Tinker,
21
39 80
30
28.7
5
13
South-East,
" Allie H. Burnham,
1!
30 00
25
21.4
1
15
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
25 00
16
13.9
16
21|
$283 80
296
252.7
6
7
120
Fall.
n*.^^ 1 Grammar,
Centre. { PrimarVi
Miss Lizzie M. Priest,
2
36 00! 32
25.06
3
" Lizzie M. Blood,
2
32 OOJ 31
27.8
1
17
w t j Grammar,
west- j Primary,
" Allie H. Burnham,
21
i
35 00 36
30.8
1
15
" S. Jennie Wheeler,
30 00
37
31.6
16
<imith i Grammar,
South, j Primary>
" Amelia D. Comstock,
35 00
36
29.75
8
5
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
35 00
46
39.16
1
12
East,
" Mary A. Tinker,
39 80
28
25 2
5
10
South-East,
" Lizzie W. Beane,
2}
28 00
23
21.4
4
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
25 00
31
19.5
7
20^
$295 80
T90
250.27
2
14
89
Winter.
TpntrP (Grammar,
Centre. j Primary)
Mr. E. B. Vining,*
24
55 00
33
29
11
17
Miss Allie H. Burnham,
3
32 00
42
36.38
81
WPRt f Grammar,
wew' {Primary,
Mr. Wm. R. White,
3
55 00
37
31
21
29
Miss S. Jennie Wheeler,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
3
30 00
49
41.18
44
<*nnth 1 Grammar,
South. |Primaryj
34
40 00
37
29 7
15
3
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
31
40 00
39
32.1
10
East,
" R. S. Cutler,
ll
2|
36 00
33
28.6
8
South-East,
" Alice C. Preston,
30 00
20
16.32
1
2
6
North,
" Junia S. Bartlett,
Totals,
Aggregate for the year,
3
35 00
26
20
3
19
26
$353 00
316
264.28
1
52
ll7
68j
$932 60
902
767 25
9
73
426
Total average percentage of Attendance during the year,
85.
REPORTS
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
TOWN OF ACTON
FEBRUARY 26, 1872, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1873,
INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1872.
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
LOWELL, MASS.:
HARDEN & ROWELL, PRINTERS, WEEKLY JOURNAL OFFICE.
1873.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATIONS AND RECEIPTS.
Unexpended Balance of last year
Regular Town Grant
Town Grant for Schools
Town Grant for Highways,
Overlay on Taxes
Armory rent for 1871
Armory rent for 1872 ...... .
Grass in East Cemetery. . -*.
State Aid to January 1 , 1872
Corporation Tax
State School Fund
From Town of Stow, School money
Military Account
Old School house, Centre district
From Town of Billerica, for support of Nan-
cy Sprague
From Town of Billerica, for support of War-
ren Russell
Lots sold in Cem jtery
Use of Town Hall
Dog Fund
State Paupers
Interest on Taxes, 1871
Note, George C. Wright 3,000 00
John Goldsmith 2,500 00
Joseph Barker 1 ,000 00
D. J. Wetherbee 1,200 00
H. J. Hapgood .' 400 00
Lewis Rouillard 200 00
Joseph Noves 200 00
Joseph P. Reed 200 00
Jonathan Piper 600 00
Luther Billings 200 00
William D. Tuttle 2,200 00
Josiah Dow 600 00
Patrick Farrell 1,150 00
$1,186
80
!),000
00
2,375
00
1 ,500
00
547
71
145
41)
100
00
11
00
300
00
650
53
159
48
16
26
2(J
00
302
25
24
G2
12
00
• 16
00
147
00
133
03
117
14
45
20
Note, John Grimes $300 00
George Reed 4f>0 00
George H. Harris 200 00
John Wilson 500 00
David M. Handley 1,300 00
George W. Gates" 200 00
J. K. W. Wetherbec 300 00
State Tax 1 ,580 00
County Tax DIG 19
$30,011 70
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid G. W. Gates, South district $048 00
Luke Blanchard, West district 01 0 00
John E. Cutter, Centre district 008 00
Henry Brooks, East district 305 52
Wiusdor Pratt, South-east district 244 40
George H. Harris, North-east district.. 244 40
$2,000 32
SCHOOL HOUSE REPAIRS AND INCIDENTALS.
Paid Luke Blanchard, West district
G. W. Gates, South " ....
Winsdor Pratt, So. east k' .....
John E. Cutter, Centre "
$24
87
10
91
11
90
11
73
$59 41
REPAIRS ON HIGHWAYS.
Paid Luther Davis $ 9 00
Alonzo Tattle 47 73
Charles Wheeler 422 31
A. II. Jones 119 03
William Spaulding 1 7 05
Daniel Harris s 51 GO
John Harris 470 00
Luther W. Piper 53 96
Francis Pratt 24 13
John Grimes 48 40
Daniel Fletcher 91 50
Warren Flagg 29 35
Nathan Brooks 49 00
John Conant 20 80
Abel Fairer. Jr 14 07
o
Paid Simon Tuttle $27 30
F. IJ. Whitcomb 25 00
Moses Taylor 7 00
$1,062 53
SPECIAL REPAIRS OK ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Paid Daniel Harris, tor lumber and labor rail-
ing road and repairing bridge near
mills of II. M. Smith". $25 77
Francis Pratt, lor repairing road from
Son tli Acton to house of Daniel
Fletcher , 1,000 00
Charles Wheeler, for repairing road from
South Acton to West Cemetery.. . . 438 75
Charles Wheeler, for repairs on road
near house of Levi Houghton 150 0G
Reuben Hundley, for labor on road from
West Acton to West Cemetery, by
order of County Commissioners.. . 252 4(J
Isaac Reed, for breaking roads 7 00
F. II. Whitcomb., " 3 00
Levi W. Stevens, ;' 4 00
Phineas Wetherbee, lumber for railing.. 2 00
Simon Tuttle, " 3 00
- Cyrus Fletcher, " 8 35
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Sarah Hunt 16 00
Sarah 15. Childs 1 7 00
Mrs. Desmond
Charles Edmonds
Sally White
Adams family, 9 persons, Wilson fami-
ly, 2 persons, Israel Nickersomwho
died while infected with small pox,
Abel W. Jones
Warren Russell
Dr. I. Hutchins, medical attendance for
Nancy Sprague and John Brown in 1867,
Mrs. Murphy
Joseph Noyes, journey to Boston re-
specting Charles Edmonds
Town Farm deficiency for 1871-2
15
00
27
13
47
00
248
69
92
00
12
00
30
62
1
00
4
00
203
19
$1,894 39
Paid James E. Billings, journey to Boston in
reference to State Aid $2 50
Journey to Maiden, after W. Oliver 3 00
Journey to Sudbury, after Sarah Hunt. . 2 00
INTEREST ON TOWN DEBT.
Taid Augustine Conant $2(J2 00
Cyrus Conant 140 00
David M. Handle? • • • HI 4s
Frederick Rouillard 1 1 0 50 .
J. E Billings , , . 21G 51
J. K. Putney ■• . 39 00
William Wheeler . . . . 30 00
Daniel Harris 56 37
Calvin Harris 14 00
John R. Whitcomb 35 00
Elizabeth Hanseom 40 80
J. K. W. Wetherbee... 13 47
George C. Wright 54 25
Isaac T. Flagg , 6 00
TOWN DEBT.
Paid George C. Wright $3,000 00
J. K. W. Wetherbee 300 00
MILITARY ACCOUNT.
Paid John Fletcher, Jr., armory rent $150 00
For entertainment of the Old Sixth
Regt., April 10, 1872 34025
May Parade 21) 00
PRINTING.
Paid Tolman & White for town warrants. . . $14 50
Blank order book 8 50
Notices, (wanted) 3 50
Reports for March and April 10147
Notices, school land 1 50
Assessors' notice 1 00
$721 13
$3,300 00
$51 U 25
Jr j\r
Paid Dog notice S3 00
Auction of school house. 1 00
Sealer of weights and measures 3 00
Valuation books. 100 60
Notices, $500 reward 3 50
Advertising in Herald, S500 reward.
and telegram, etc !i M^
STATE AID.
Paid Hatttie W. Wilder. . . . . . 89G 00
Joanna Moulton 48 00
Rebecca Ci Wright 48 00
A. E. Sumner. 42 00
George W. Sawyer . . 42 00
- Nancy B. Richards 8 00
cemetery expenses.
Paid Martin Pike, for labor in East Cemetery $34 00
Francis Kingsley, digging well in West
Cemetery 56 00
Charles Hastings, work, lumber and
nails, for West Cemeteiy 22 37
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid John E. Cutter, superintending schools. $90 00
" " collecting taxes 1871. . 80 00
Abatement of taxes 70 75
C. A. Harrington, taking valuation and
making taxes 124 00
Isaac Reed, taking valuation and mak-
ing taxes 129 00
Frederick Rouillard, taking valuation
and making taxes 134 00
Simon Tuttle, taking valuation and
making taxes 132 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, taking valuation, mak-
ing and copying taxes 1 19 00
Do., preparing Assessors' notices for
printing. 2 00
8251 45
$284 00
$112 37
8
Paid Do., copying valuation hook for print-
ing.
Do., services as Town Clerk
James E. Billings, services as Select-
man
Hiram J. Hapgood, services as Select-
man
$10
50
25
00
55
00
40
00
$1,011
25
SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid Henry M. Smith, Centre scoool house.. $234 20
J. E. Cutter, settees and ladder for
Centre school house 17 50
Geo. C. Wright, West school house... 7,000 00
James Tuttle, South school house 7,000 00
$14,251 70
$11
03
6
00
37
75
1
05
84
25
TOWN HOUSE EXPENSES.
Paid Geo. W. Sawyer, 30 galls, oil
washing floor,30 hours
ink, paper and pens. .
six lamp chimneys. . .
1 sprinkler
2 brooms
24 lamp wicks
opening town hall 51
times :)?) '2;
opening hall to jubilee
singers
repairing funnel. . . .
taking care of clock.
cleaning clock
varnishing hall
J. E. Cutter, for coal
13
00
3
00
10
00
75
5
70
25
07
$113 15
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid Daniel Jones, repairing tree on common, $9 02
John Fletcher, Jr., for pump for well on
common 1 0 00
Cost of indictment for road nuisance,
18G7 21 40
Crampton Brothers, damage to cow. ... 18 00
Standard vard measure 15 00
$51
50
47
GO
16
00
2
25
4
50
4
65
3
23
9
75
1
50
11
70
1
50
5
40
9
PaidJohn Dean, land for gravel
Joseph Noyes, road scraper
F. B. H olden, damage b}7 defect inroad,
Jonas Blodgett, selling school house . . .
Wm. D. Tuttle, expenses on pub. doc. .
" valuation book
" stationary and postage.
" expenses to Boston to
get valuation printed, 1 30
Surveying and grading road from South
Acton to powder mills .
Setting and marking stake on roads. .
Recording 39 births
u 10 marriages
" 34 deaths
Description of school house lot in West
Acton 2 00
Journey to Sudbury to make out certifi-
cate of election
G. W. Sawyer, tolling bell, 15 deaths.
Francis D wight, attending funerals for
33 persons
Coffin for Israel Nickerson
Making returns of 32 deaths
J, E. Cutter, stamps on notes
" ' books for Centre district.
" express on books, &c . . .
" insurance on West school
house
" error in county tax. . . ,
Geo. W. Gates and J. K.W. Wetherbee,
land for school house in So. Acton,
Geo. Hey wood, for advice
J. E. Billings, express
" postage
" stationary
2
20
3
00
99
00
4
50
3
20
3
25
3
80
2
i
60
110
00
2
97
500
00
1
50
1
00
60
50
$975 02
RECEIPTS FROM FEB. 26, 1872, TO FEB. 26, 1873.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb.
26, 1872 $1,186 80
Appropriations and receipts 34,827 90
$36,014 70
10
EXPENDITURES.
Support of schools <• $2,G66 32
Repairs of school houses and incidentals. . . 59 41
Repairs of highways 1 ,062 53
Special repairs on highways and bridges. . . . 1,894 39
Support of poor 721 13
Interest 1,189 38
Town debt 3,300 00
Military 519 25
Printing , 254 45
State aid 284 00
Cemetery 112 37
Town officers 1,011 25
School houses 14,251 70
Town house 113 15
Miscellaneous 975 02
State tax „ 1,580 00
County tax 91G 19
TOWN DEBT.
Ebenezer Conant 82,007 G<j
Augustine Conant 4,135 33
Y_ Daniel Harris 84G 78
Frederick Rouillard , 1,791 11
Joel Hanscom 700 40
V J. E.Billings 2,138 07
David M. Hundley 3,054 25
y. Isaac T. Flngg 1 OG 35
■JL Calvin Harris 203 03
John R. Whitcomb 507 58
J. K. Putney 693 GO
^.William Wheeler 523 00
James A. Billings 217 00
John Goldsmith 2,642 18
Joseph Barker 1,025 46
^ D. J. Wetherbee 1,241 00
*H. J. Hapgood 410 96
Louis Rouillard 205 63
> Joseph Noyes 206 02
> Joseph P. Reed 20G 02
)C Jonathan Piper 616 05
' Luther Billings 203 34
1,910 54
Balance in treasury Feb. 26, 1873 $5,104 16
11
W. D. Tuttle $1,017 50
L Josiah Dow 606 53
Patrick Parrel 1,158 05
f John Grimes 303 50
Geo. Reed 457 87
; Geo. H. Harris 200 70
John Wilson , 500 00
G. W. Gates, 212 75
s W. D. Tuttle 1,200 00
$29,397 72
Amount due from State aid, 332 00
From State, care of sick State paupers 193 69
Estimated value of old school houses 1,000 00
Due from Town Treasurer 5,104 16
6,629 85
Balance against the Town $22,767 87
JAMES E. BILLINGS, ) Selectmen
JOSEPH NOYES, \ of
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, j Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1873.
REPORT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE
ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1873.
ARTICLES ON HAND, APRIL 1st, 1873.
1 horse $250 00
9 cows 362 50
5£ tons hay 137 50
Oat straw 9
45 hens 33
3 turkeys 3
2 shotes 18
10 pounds lard 1
Pickles 2
40 lbs. corn beef 4
4 bbl. apples 8
75 lbs. salt pork 7
100 lbs. ham
50 bush, potatoes
1 ho"
RECEIPTS.
Milk $798
Apples 168
Berries 23
Poultry 49
Calves GO
Eggs 26
Potatoes 2
Ashes 4
Bags 2
Squash 2
3 cows 107
$1,245 02
13
EXPENDITURES.
For oil meal $40 95
Cloth and clothing 22 25
Sugar , 42 58
Glass and putty 1 10
Grass seed 9 61
Coffee 3 32
Castings 31
Corn meal 289 12
Tobacco 5 60
Matches 65
Medicine 2 02
Mustard 59
Saleratus. 44
Cream Tartar 1 49
Paint 3 17
Ointment 1 25
Blueing. 12
Nails 78
Soda 1 12
Lemons 92
Brushes 1 53
Barrels 20 05
Starch 1 11
Scraps 1 94
Rope ■, 1 64
Brooms 76
Axe helve 33
Tomatoes 40
Spices 3 81
Beef c. 76 75
Lounge 13 00
Tools 4 11
Salt , 5 26
Bread 1 24
Butter 30 63
Candles 2 25
Rye meal 1 75
Potatoes 1 08
Turnips 75
Cabbage 25
Tin ware 6 54
Lettuce 17
Flour 67 00
Rice 2 31
Oil 2 24
Onions 6 24
H
For Vinegar $3 94
Dried apples 1 40
Tea 12 37
Beans 5 76
Raisins 4 62
Soap 8 08
Door latches 31
Stone Jar 1 17
Fish 8 03
Molasses 13 99
Cheese 15 24
Peas 98
Repairing barn 4 50
Filing saw 50
Wheelwright bill 5 00
Butchering hogs. 2 50
Poultry .* 2 50
Oats 8 75
Newspaper 3 75
• Labor 82 83
Shotes 13 00
Use of Bull 3 00
Repairing harness 2 07
Dr. Cowdrey's bill 5 50
Blacksmith bill 9 78
Lumber 4 99
Pump and repairs 8 00
Balances 35
Locks 95
Basket , 37
Barley 90
Lime 1 10
Smoking ham 70
Honey , 25
Solder. . 30
Pasturing cows « 20 00
Hay 54 46
Repairing sink 50
Stove 3 - 00
Pnng 20 50
Pail 36
Blacking GO
1 jug 35
Coopering 44
Services of Charles Morris 325 00
James E. Billings, for services as Overseer of the
Poor 14 00
Joseph Noyes " " " 8 00
15
For Hiram J. Hapgood, services as Overseer of the Poor, $8 00
81,373 82
Total amount of Receipts 1 ,245 02
Drawn from Treasury to balance account. 128 80
Income less than expenditures 128 80
Interest on the Farm 239 40
Drawn from Treasury 128 80
$368 20
Victualling 66 travellers. $33 00
Cost of supporting Poor on Farm $335 20
Whole number of persons, exclusive of travellers, supported in
the Almshouse, three ; average number, three ; present number,
three.
JAMES E. BILLINGS, ) Overseers
JOSEPH NOYES, } of
HIRAM J. IIAPGOOD, j Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1873.
We hereby certify that we have examined the Reports of the
Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, and find them to be correct.
WM. D. TUTTLE,
j. k. w. wetherbe:
D. J. WETHERBEE,
■•)
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT.
BIRTHS IN ACTON IN 1872.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Parents' Names.
1 Jan. 1, Elizabeth Trainor, daughter of Hugh and Hannah
Trainor.
2 Jan. 9, Ida Luella Boucher, daughter of Lewis H. and Lilla A.
Boucher.
3 Feb. 13, Thomas Joseph Mannion, son of John and Julia Man-
niou.
4 Feb. 17, Ada Marion Jones, daughter of Lowell A. and Sarah
A. Jones.
5 Feb. 26, Berta Velma Littlefield, daughter of Nahuin and Addie
M. Littlefield.
6 March 2, Nettie Frances Drew, daughter of George H. and
Nellie Drew.
7 March 11, Leander Van Ness Tuttle, son of Luke and S. So-
phia Tuttle.
8 March 19, Grade Etidora Tuttle, daughter of Alonzo L. and
Ellen Tuttle.
9 April 4, James Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davis.
10 April 10, lola Augusta Preston, daughter of Oscar E. and Ma-
ry S. Preston.
11 April 12, George F. Clark, son of George and Carrie M. Clark.
12 April 13, Harry Forest Hayward, son of Frank F. and Emily
N. Hayward.
13 April 19, Edwin Fletcher Smith, son of Henry M. and Abbie
B. Smith.
14 April 22, Roy Gardner Brooks, son of Henry and Julia A.
Brooks.
15 April 22, Ellen Augusta Calanan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen
Calanan.
1G May 11, Albert Cochrane, son of John and Emma E. Cochrane.
17 June 1, Mary A. Randall, daughter of Freeman L. and Amelia
Randall.
18 June 11, Medora Carlotta Barker, daughter of Henry and
Louisa M. Barker.
19 June 15th, Thomas Turner Foley, son of Patrick and Elizabeth
Foley.
17
20 June 22, John Andrew Fehan, son of John and Lizzie M. Fehan.
21 Jul}' 16, Louis Downing Whittemore, son of Frank H. and
Nellie M. Whittemore.
22 Aug. 6, Henry Clay Dibble, son of Philo and Clementine Dibble.
.23 Sept. 23, Albert J. Reed, son of Reuben L. and Mary A. Reed.
24 Sept. 27, a daughter to Frank A. and Anna P. Brown.
25 Oct. 5, Grace Lillian Hosmer, daughter of Lucius S. and Ella
F. Hosmer.
26 Oct. 20, William Henry Bradley, son of Dennis and Hannah
Bradley.
27 Oct. 24, Willard Alvin Davis son of Alvin A. and Susan M.
Davis.
28 Oct. 28, Grace Evelyn Robbins, daughter of Elbridge J. and
Ellen M. Robbins.
29 Nov. 23, Belle Gertrude Sumner, daughter of Alson R. and
Carrie A. Sumner.
30 Nov. 27, Margaret Traverse, daughter of Stephen and Cathe-
rine Traverse.
31 Nov. 30, Mildred Abia Rogers, daughter of Sumner and Mattie
C. Rogers.
32 Dec. 3, a son to Herbert T. and Mary J. Clark.
33 Dec. 17, a son to Isaac W. and Emma Flagg.
34 Dec. 21, Luther Conant, son of Luther and S. Augusta Conant.
35 Dec. 22, Francis Borden Farrar, son of Abel, jr., and Delina
Farrar.
36 Dec. 23, Oliver Drew Wood, son of Rev. Franklin P. and Abby
O. Wood.
37 Dec. 31, a son to Richard and Ann Morris.
Males, 21 ; females, 16 ; total, 37.
1869, May 10, Idella Josephine Barker, daughter of Henry and
Louisa M. Barker.
1870, Dec. 26, Lizzie Maria Fehan, daughter of John and Lizzie M.
Fehan.
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1872.
_Vo. Date of Marriage. Karnes of Parties.
1 April 10, Mr. James McGreen and Miss Belle Batchelder, both
of Acton.
2 April 14, Mr. George H. Decoster, of Acton, and Miss Lucy A.
Blanchard of Boxborough.
3 May 23, Mr. Isaac T. Flagg, of Acton, and Mrs. Lucy A. Keyes,
of Groton.
4 May 29, Mr. Edgar Alonzo Jenkins, of Shirley, and Miss Lydia
Ann Richardson, of Townsend.
18
5 June 6, Mr. A. Augustine Jenkins, of Leominster, and Miss
Emma L. Knight, of Ayer.
6 Nov. 30, Mr. Elliot O. Taylor, of Dunstable, and Miss Charlotte
A. Dutton, of Acton.
7 Dec. 4, Mr. Herbert E. Preston and Miss Sophia E. Symonds,
both of Acton.
8 Dec. 11, Mr. Theron F. Newton and Miss Anna A. Tuttle, both
of Acton.
9 Dec. 23, Mr. Edward D. Battles, of Acton, and Miss Adelia Ben-
nett, of Concord.
10 Dec. 25, Mr. Horace Tuttle, 2nd, and Miss Arethusa M. Conant,
both of Acton.
, DEATHS IN ACTON IN 1872.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age.
1 Jan. 7, widow Eunice Barker, aged 91 years and 23 days.
2 Jan. 24, Mr. Mathew Markland, aged 75 years 10 months.
3 Feb. 9, Mrs. Betsey Conant, widow of Simeon Conant, aged 74
years, 9 months, 9 days.
4 March 25, Mrs. Mehitable Piper, widow of Silas Piper, aged 101
years, 2 months, 1 day.
5 March 31, George E. McDonnell, aged 16 years, 7 mos., 2 days.
6 April 9, James Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davis aged 5 ds.
7 May 19, Mrs. Mary Ann Quinlan, aged 42 years, 3 mos., 17 ds.
8 June 4, Mrs. Lucy Briggs, wife of Daniel R. Briggs, aged 66 yrs.
9 June 12, Mr. Lewis F. Ball, aged 53 yrs., 10 days.
10 June 16, Mrs. Ann Maria Parks, aged 31 jts.. 11 mos.
11 June 17, Mr. Horace Adams, aged 35 yrs., 5 mos.
12 June 18, Mr. Abel Jones, aged 88 yrs., 9 mos., 22 days.
13 June 26, Dea. Silas Hosmer, aged 80 yrs., 3 mos., 1 day.
14 July 3, Miss Julia Mann, aged 22 yrs., 2 mos.
15 July 10, Mr. Elias Warner, aged 76 yrs., 9 mos., 3 days.
16 July 17, Capt. Jonathan Hosmer, aged 86 yrs., 9 mos., 14 days.
17 July 26, Mr. Horace C. Rodgers, aged 29 yrs., 6 mos., 10 days.
18 July 27, Nellie, daughter of Marcus M. and Martha M. Ray-
mond, aged 6 months, 18 days
19 Aug. 9, Mr. Amos Noyes, aged 62 yrs., 11 mos., 13 days.
20 Aug. 11, Mary A., daughter of Freeman L. and Amelia Randall,
aged 2 months, 10 days.
21 August 24, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Jenkins, aged 40 yrs., 11 mos.
22 Sept. 4, Mr. Jacob Soper, aged 72 yrs., 9 mos., 28 days.
23 Sept. 6, Mrs. Martha Hastings, wife of Mr. Charles Hastings,
aged 48 years.
24 Sept. 18, Mrs. Bridget Shurry, wife of John Shurry, aged 34 yrs.
19
25 Sept. 28, Mr. Israel Nickerson, aged 17 years.
26 Oct. 18, Mr. John S. Hoar, aged 43 yrs., 3 mos., 24 days.
27 Oct. 20, Miss Hattie L. Hoar, daughter of John S. and Lydia P.
Hoar, aged 20 years, 2 months.
28 Nov. 15, Lilla May Teel, daughter of William H. and Mary E.
Teel, aged 3 years, 2 months, 1 1 da3*s.
29 Nov. 23, Miss Olive A. Pickens, daughter of Elisha and Mary C.
Pickins, aged 15 years, 3 months, 16 days.
30 Nov. 25, William Murphy, aged 80 years.
31 Nov. 27, Martha E. Jones, daughter of Aaron M. and Augusta
C. Jones, aged 10 years, 10 months.
32 Dec. 6, Mr. Aaron Wood, aged 73 years.
33 Dec. 14, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hosmer, wife of Mr. Edwin Hosmer,
aged 43 years, 2 months, 1 day.
34 Dec. 22, Mr. William Spaulding, aged 59 years, 4 mos., 18 days.
DOGS LICENSED IN 1872.
Males, 67, at $2 each $134 00
Females, 5, at $5 each 25 00
Total, 72 $159 00
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 26, 1873.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
S C H 0 0 L C 0 M M I T T E E
TOWN OF ACTON.
For the School Year 1872-73.
LOWELL, MASS. :
MARDEN & ROWELL, PRINTERS, WEEKLY JOURNAL OFFICE
1873.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton:
Your School Committee having discharged the
duties committed to their charge, respectfully submit
for your consideration the following report:
In making this report, it affords us pleasure to be
able to say, that with a very few exceptions, the
progress and general success of the schools have been
quite satisfactory. Considering everything, — the
number of different teachers employed, the rate of
compensation which we have been able to offer as an in-
ducement to experienced teachers to labor in our
schools and the fact that our schools are so far separated
that we are not able to have teachers' meetings — consid-
ering these and other things which might be mentioned
we think that the success of the schools the past year
has been as great as could have been expected. We
can not expect our schools to be equal to those of
the cities and larger towns, for the above mentioned
and other reasons. Not only are we unable to offer
adequate compensation for experienced teachers of the
highest order of ability, but because of the fact that
there is no High School in town, we feel it necessary
to admit to our schools a range of studies that other-
wise would be excluded. It is, moreover, more difficult
to inspire the pupils of our schools with an ambition
to excel in their studies, than it would be had we a
High School to which they hoped to be promoted
when sufficiently advanced in their studies. We hope
the time may come when this Towm will have a High
School, as well as good Primary and Grammar
Schools. But in the mean time, we hope you will
bear in mind the disadvantages under which those in
charge of your schools have to labor, and approve or
censure them accordingly.
As a general thing, however, in spite of the diffi-
culties above referred to, we have been able to secure
the best of teachers. Had you placed at our disposal
twice as much money as you actually did place, we do
not know that we could have secured any better
teachers for those schools. It is only in a few cases
that we were partially unsuccessful. Not only have
the teachers as a general thing been efficient, but we
are happy to say that the people of the several
districts have, with few exceptions, earnestly co-oper-
ated with the teachers and committee in their endeav-
ors to make the schools completely successful. In
looking over the reports we find that a large number
have visited the schools, and thus shown their interest
Those who have visited the schools and others having
children that have been pupils, have aided the com-
mittee by giving information respecting the schools
and by making suggestions as to how, in their opinion,
the}- might be improved. We feel confident, more-
over, that many parents have promoted the success of
the schools by teaching their children to respect the
teachers, obey the rules, and to be faithful in their
studies. We take this opportunity to commend all
those who, in these wa}rs, have promoted the cause of
popular education the past year, and to bespeak, on
the part of these and others, a similar co-operation in
the future.
During the past winter it was our privilege to see
four of the largest schools in town, located in beauti-
ful and commodious school rooms. We feel sure that
these new and ample provisions for the pressing wants
of our scholars will do more towards attracting and
retaining efficient teachers than anything else that
could have been done. We think, too, that these new
school houses, with their ample and convenient means
for warmth and ventilation, will not only promote the
interests of education, but will contribute to the health
and longevity of many who will be obliged to spend a
large portion of the most important period of their
lives in our school rooms. On these accounts we
would recommend what seems to be the settled policy
of the town, that every district in the township be
provided with a school-room suited to its wants.
But while our oversight of the schools the past
year affords us so many topics for commendation and
encouragement, we feel that we should be wanting in
our duty, were we not to mention certain defects
which, in our opinion, ought to be remedied as soon
as possible.
TREATMENT OF TEACHERS.
1st. We think it possible for the people of the
ral districts to aid the commii
our schools more efficient teachers.
everal districts to aid the committee in securing for
In the first place, if a teacher is not successful in
his work; if the committee are confident that some
other teacher can be secured who will do the work
more faithfully, the people ought not to allow any
personal considerations to stand in the way of the
dismissal of that teacher and the employment of
another, at the end of a term at least. It is sometimes
the case that teachers endeavor by cultivating personal
favor in the community to make up for their lack of
success in the school-room. We feel that in order to
have successful schools, success in teaching must be
the condition of a continuance in office.
Again, on the other hand, if a teacher is success-
ful in his appointed work, no personal considerations
should lead any one to endeavor to bring about his
removal. But on the contrary, every parent and
scholar should do all in his power to so co-operate with
the teacher, and make his position so agreeable that
he will prefer to teach in one of our schools to going
elsewhere, even if his salary is not as large. When
this course shall have been adopted by the people of
all the districts in the Town, the duties of the commit-
tee will be far less heavy and disagreeable than they
are in some cases at present.
Again we would recommend, that if a teacher
does not seem to be perfectly successful in his work,
(if he is having a fair degree of success,) that the
people, after having expressed their views of the
matter to the committee, be not clamorous for an im-
mediate removal. The committee may not be able to
supply the place immediately with any one who will
do better; and it may endanger the reputation of the
school, or be unjust to the teacher who may have been
successful in other schools — these and other reasons
may make it appear to the committee not better to
make an immediate change; and we feel that the peo-
ple should sustain them in such a course.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE.
2nd. A defect in our schools, which we will
mention, is a lack of good order. This fault has been
so often dwelt upon in the annual reports of this com-
mittee, that it seems superfluous for us to mention it
again. Our excuse for doing so is the fact that we
are confident that one of the principal reasons for the
lack of good order in our schools is the faulty view of
the subject taken by many of the parents of the
pupils. For instance, a parent asked one of our
teachers not long ago, "Why can't you have the same
kind of order and discipline in your school that the
scholars have in their homes?" Every parent who
has two or three children, and has attempted to read
or write at home, can answer the question without any
aid. But the question illustrates the ideas which
many entertain upon this subject. As we look upon
it, one of the good results of a well regulated common
school is — that it tends to train the scholars to be good
and law-abiding citizens, by forming in them the habit
of implicit obedience to properly constituted authority.
Did our common schools accomplish nothing more
than this, they would do a good work. But aside
from this, it is of course the fact that without good
8
order there can be no satisfactory progress in knowl-
edge. It is hardly necessary to say that a strict
observance of order is as necessary in the Primary as
in the Grammar schools. Unless scholars are taught
to be orderly in the lower schools, and form the habit
of being so, it will be difficult to control them when
they enter the higher departments.
TEXT BOOKS.
3d. A. thing which we will mention, in respect
to which we think there is room for improvement, is
the matter of text books.
The school committee are able in the circum-
stances of the case, to shape the methods of teaching
in our schools to such a limited degree, — teachers are
necessarily left to pursue their own methods to such
an extent, it is very important that we should provide
the best of text-books, and insist that they, (if nothing
else) shall be taught. We are satisfied that better
text-books for the wants of our schools, than those
which we have in use, are now published. We have
attempted no changes the past year, for the reasons
that we have not been satisfied fully, what, among the
many good text-books which have been brought to
our notice, would be best, were any change to be
made; and because of the fact that the parents of
the scholars have manifested an unwillingness to have
any changes made on account of the supposed extra
cost of new books. To obviate this last objection,
we would suggest that when changes are made, they
be commenced in the classes that are taking up a study
for the first time, and will be obliged to purchase new
9
books of some kind, and, as publishers sell there books
for introduction at a greatly reduced price, there need
be no extra expense, but a saving of money by a
change of books.
MUSIC.
4th. A thing which we will just refer to, was
mentioned in the last School Report, viz: The desir-
ability of having more instruction in the art of singing
imparted in our schools. Singing by rote has been
taught to some extent in several schools the past year,
but we think with a slight expense of time and money,
by the use of charts and the progressive music books
which are now published, any teacher, who has a
slight knowledge of music, may impart the science of
music without detriment, but to the advantage of the
regular studies of the school.
MAPS AND CHARTS.
5th. The last thing which we will simply advert
to, is the desirability of having our new school rooms
provided with maps and other necessary school appa-
ratus. We trust the liberality and good judgment of
the people will not allow this want to remain unsup-
plied.
Passing from this more general view of the
schools we will notice, as briefly as possible, what has
been done in the several schools of the Town, during
the past year, noticing the different schools in the
order pursued in our last report.
East School. — This school had the same teacher
Miss M. I. Spalding, throughout the year. Although
10
the business of teaching was almost new to Miss S.
when she began this school, she immediately mani-
fested such an aptitude for teaching, possessed on all
occasions such a degree of self-control, took such an
evident and lively interest in her work and all the
pupils under her charge, that her success as a teacher
was assured at the out-set. The scholars of this
school co-operated with their teacher most heartily and
showed a steady progress in their studies throughout
the year. The public examinations which closed the
fall and winter terms were most creditable to teacher
and scholars.
South- JEast. — This school also, had the same
teacher, Miss Grace A. Vose, throughout the year.
She, like the teacher last mentioned, was not much
experienced in the business of teaching, when she
began this school, but she manifested such an interest
in her work, the school was so small and her scholars
so young, that we thought she would succeed. So far
as we could ascertain, her success the first two terms
of the year, though not brilliant, was fair. We heard
no complaint on the part of any inhabitant of the dis-
trict, until near the end of the last term. But the
examination which closed the last term of the year,
failed to show that familiarity with the studies pursued
and that extent of acquisition on the part of the
scholars, which we feel it to be our duty to insist upon
in our schools.
North. — This, like the schools previously men-
tioned, had the same teacher, Miss Ella Reed, through-
out the year. As Miss R. has taught in this school
11
before, and been favorably mentioned in a previous
report, it is hardly necessary that we should speak of
her work here. We will simply say that Miss R.
applied herself quietly but persistently to her work,
and her pupils co-operated with her so cordially that
every term of the year was a success. We considered
the examination which closed the last term one of the
most successful that has been had in town during the
year.
South Primary. — This school had no change in
teacher, but was taught through the year by Miss
Lottie C. Faulkner. This teacher has been highly
commended in several reports of this committee, so
that it is only necessary to reiterate what has been
said. In our intercourse with teachers we have met
with very few so well adapted, both by nature and
habit, to the instruction of young scholars. We
think this school most fortunate in having such a
teacher, and we hope that she may continue long in
her work.
South Grammar. — This school enjoyed through
the year the continued labors of Miss Amelia Corn-
stock, to whose ability as a teacher, previous reports
have paid well merited tribute. Miss C. is most
thorough in her method of teaching, decided and
dignified in the government of the school, and at the
close of every term is able to show solid results, as
proofs of her fidelity and the faithful co-operation of
her pupils.
West Primary. — The first term of this school
was taught by Miss Jennie Wheeler. Miss W. had
12
taught in this school several terms, and had the love
of her pupils and the good will of their parents to a
marked degree. Miss W. always seemed at home in
the school-room, and was faithful to her charge. We
thought the classes in reading made especially good
progress under her instruction.
The fall and winter terms of this school were
taught by Miss Annie E. Hall. The fall term was
somewhat broken by the teacher's illness, but the
examination at the end of the winter term was emi-
nently successful. We consider Miss H. one of our
best teachers, and are much pleased to know that she
is to continue in this school.
West Grammar. — The first two terms of this
school were taught by Miss Grace Barnes. Miss B.
wras lacking in experience when she undertook the
school, and though in our opinion she devoted herself
most earnestly to her work, she did not prove herself,
in this school, a highly successful teacher. So far as
the committee could ascertain, the first term of her
school was successful to a fair degree, but during the
second term there was such general disorder in the
school that her efforts to teach were completely neu-
tralized.
The winter term was taught by Miss J. S. Bart-
lett, a teacher of ripe experience and of such decision
of character that she proved herself just the teacher
for the place. In our judgment, no teacher could have
done better than she did. The people of this district
encouraged and sustained the teacher and committee
in enforcing good order, and the result was one of
13
the most orderly and well disciplined schools in town.
We hope that a similar course may be pursued in the
future.
Center Primary. — The first two terms of the
year were taught by Miss Ina V. Austin. Miss A.
seemed very well adapted to the work of instructing
young children, was beloved by her pupils and very
highly esteemed by the parents best acquainted with
her. We expected her scholars would show much
progress at the end of the second term of the school,
but for some reason they failed to do so. We think
that Miss A. did not sufficiently insist upon the
scholars becoming perfectly familiar with the branches
of knowledge taught in their text books. She had
taught in a school where the work is arranged by the
superintendent, with little regard to text-books, (a
thing which might be done in this town if the super-
intendent could devote all his time to the management
of the schools.) The committee w^ere so sure that
Miss A. would have had better success another term,
that they would have retained her, had not a well
qualified teacher in town applied for the school. The
winter term was taught by Miss Ada C. Davis. This
was Miss D.'s first experience in teaching; but she
had received special instructions for the work, and
entered upon her duties with a zest and self-control
that gave good assurance of success, at the outset.
The examination which closed the term was eminently
successful. So far as we are aware, her labors gave
perfect satisfaction to parents and pupils.
u
Center Grammar. — The first two terms of this
school were taught by Miss Allie H. Burnham. Miss
B. has been so frequently and highly commended in
previous reports that we need add nothing in praise
of her good qualities as a teacher. It will suffice to
say that she put her best work into these terms of the
school, and at the examination which closed the
second term showed results corresponding with her
earnest and well directed efforts.
The winter term was begun by Mr. John H.
Butler, of Dartmouth College, who proving himself
unequal to the work, after an effort of three weeks?
resigned, and was succeeded immediately by Mr. E.
F. Richardson, who taught here, wThat he teaches
everywhere, a good, orderly school. At the examin-
ation which closed the term, the scholars gave evi-
dence of having made good progress in their studies.
We append the usual statistical tables. In the
number of visits made to the schools, those of the
superintendent are not included.
Respectfully submitted,
jomsr E. CUTTER, i
GEORGE W. GATES, |
LUKE BLANCHARD, } Committee.
GEORGE H. HARRIS, |
WINSOR PRATT, J
F. P. WOOD, Superintendent.
FINANCIAL.
EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the Treasury $305 52
Balance from last year 7 22
$312 74
Paid teachers $250 00
Fuel 37 45
Care of house, &c 20 47
Balance to new account 4 82
$312 74
Henry Brooks, Committee.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the Treasury $240 00
$240 00
Paid teachers $210 00
Fuel 18 00
Care of house, &c 10 05
Balance to new account 1 95
$240 00
Winsor Pratt, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation. . » $244 40
Balance from last year 3 60
$248 00
Paid teachers $214 50
Fuel 16 00
Care of house, &c 6 28
Balance to new account 11 22
$248 00
George Harris, Committee.
16
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation $616 00
Balance from last year 27 51
$643 51
Paid teachers $538 75
Fuel 62 28
Care of house, &c 12 90
Balance to new account 29 58
$643 51
Luke Blanch ard, Committee.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation $648 00
Balance from last year 4 02
$652 02
Paid teachers $545 00
Fuel 71 55
Care of house, fires, &c 19 70
Balance to new account 15 77
$652 02
Geo. W. Gates, Committee.
CENTER SCHOOL.
Appropriation $608 00
Balance from last year 33 81
$641 81
Paid teachers $547 53
Fuel 79 28
Taking care of house, &c 15 00
$641 81
J. E. Cutter, Committee.
17
ROLL OP HONOE.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for two terms.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for three terms.
EAST SCHOOL.
Etta Esterbrook,
Cora Eiske,
Hattie Harris,
Susie Wetherbee,
Hattie Esterbrook,
Abbie Fiske,
NORTH SCHOOL
Jennie Berry,
Lizzie Cash,
Ina Rose,
Lizzie Ryan,
Xellie Ryan,
Freddie Rouillard,
Cora Rouillard,
Carrie White,
Elmer Rouillard,
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
Estelle Heath,
Mabel Pratt,
Lester X. Fletcher,
Lawrin Pratt.
Emma A. Pratt,
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Addie Barker,
Lizzie B. Faulkner,
Usher Brown,*
Gertie Clark.
Josie Hannon,
Hiram H. Gates,
Emma Counter,
Emilv Hannon,
Mary E. Haggertv,
Carrie B. Hay ward.
Mary Hosmer,
Marv I. Jackson,
Marv A. Knights,
Martha Jones,
Eva F. Shapley,
Susie A. Moulton,*
Etta C. Temple,
Eda C. Shapley,
Bertie Tuttle,
Frank Buttrick,
Freddie A. Brown,
James Hannon,
Eddie Poole,
Arlie XJ. Jackson.
George W. Randall,
George Jackson,
* This is the fifth term that
Frank Jackson,
U. B. has not been tardy
* Detained one day by snow.
or absent.
Mattie Houghton,
Hattie Parker,
Nellie Walker,
Nellie White.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
Emma L. Billings,
Ellen M. Phelan.
Mary Phelan.
Emma M. Conant,
Frank Tavlor,
Lulu Moulton,
Willie Warren,
Hattie Moulton,
Lizzie Plumlev,
Etta Sawver,
Michael Hannon,
Charles Haynes,
John P. Tenney,
WEST PRIMARY.
Lottie Handley,
.Mary L. Tuttle,
Lottie Richardson,
Alice Guilford,
Clara Tuttle.
18
ROLL OF HONOR, CONTINUED.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for two terms.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for three terms.
WEST GRAMMAR.
Lizzie Robinson,
Ella Teele,
Delette Handley,
Charles Handley,
George Hutchins,
Warren Stevens,
Alphonzo Wyman,
CENTER PRIMARY.
Sarah E. Hammond.
Anna Davis
Erminie Davis,
Mary Hammond.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
Carrie Jones,
Annie Pike,
Etta Taylor.
Gilman Parlin.
Flora Stearns,
Viola Tuttle,
Frank E. Pike.
19
TABULAR VIEW.
a
6
o
a
V
JD CO
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
o
o i
er month
number
alars.
a
a
a
03
la
■a
£&
a ~
~ o
0>
is »
Sh «
©°
St
© o
5s
S '.2 s
a
■2 S
tn CO
■o a
-
a
09
tu jo
« La
u
>
<
k5
d 9>
a -
a ca
SPRING TERM.
Tenter 1 Grammar,
center, j Frimary?
Miss Allie H. Burnham,
2
$36 00
^32
26.5
0
0
13
" Ina V. Austin,
2
32 00
25
21.2
1
0
9
West. grammar,
) Primary,
" Grace F. Barnes,
2
35 00
30
26.8
0
5
20
" S. Jennie Wheeler,
2
30 00
41
38.4
3
0
19
South Grammar,
!50UtH. |primary
" Amelia D. Comstock,
2\
35 00
32
26
0
4
12
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
21
35 00
44
38 3
1
0
13
East,
" M. I. Spalding,
21
32 00
27
23.6
0
6
16
South-East,
" Grace A. Yose,
21
30 00
16
13.6
0
0
4
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
21
20 00
18
14.2
1
0
18
Totals,
19|
$291 00
265
228.6
3
15
124
FALL TERM.
Tenter \ Grammar,
Center, j Primaryj
Miss Allie H. Burnham,
2
$36 00
34
28.7
0
5
10
" Ina V. Austin,
2|
32 00
24
18.7
1
0
12
West Grammar,
West- j Primary,
" Grace F. Barnes,
21
35 00
27
23.6
0
9
7
" Annie E. Hall,
2
30 00
45
38.5
4
0
21
South. \ grammar,
J Primary,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
21
35 00
38
32.4
0
7
8
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
2\
35 00 15
41.5
1
0
15
East,
" M. I. Spalding,
2\
31 00
18
15.9
0
5
18
South-East,
" Grace. A. Vose,
2i
30 00
15
10.5
0
0
7
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
21
26 00
13
11.8
1
1
15
20$
$293 00
259
221.0
7
27
113
WINTER TERM.
( Grammar,
Center. }
(Mr. J. H. Butler,
( " E. F. Richardson,
3
$55 00
38
34
0
21
7
( Primary,
Miss Ada 0. Davis,
3
32 00
40
31.4
0
0
32
West 1 Grammar,
west- | Primary,
" J. S. Bartlett,
H
40 00
39
34.
0
12
56
" Annie E. Hall,
3\
36 00 44
39 5
2
0
47
South. grammar,
\ Primary,
" Amelia D. Comstock,
3
•'40 00 40
36 5
0
16
13
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
I
40 00 48
37.9
0
0
12
East,
" M. I. Spalding,
34 00
28
24.5
0
9
12
South-East,
" Grace A. Vose,
21
30 00
14
11.9
1
0
9
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
Aggregate for the year,
31
30 00
16
12.9
0
2
60
14
203
$337 00307
263
3
202
GGi
$921 00
831
713.2
13
102
139
Total average percentage of attendance during the year, 80.
REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FEBRUARY 26, 1873, TO FEBRUARY 26, 1874,
INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1873.
ALSO,
THE REPORT OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
boston:
TOLMAN & WHITE, PRINTERS, 221 WASHINGTON STREET.
1874. '
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
APPROPRIATIONS AND
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended Balance of last year,
$5,104 16
Regular Town Grant,
9,000
00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,500
00
Town Grant for Highways,
1,500
00
Overlay on Taxes,
463
81
Armory rent for 1873,
75
00
State Aid to January 1, 1873,
392
99
Corporation Tax,
National Bank Tax,
620
444
77
10
State School Fund,
153
77
Military Account,
51
50
Old School House, South District,
473
50
City of Boston, for 0. A. Whitney,
9
00
Use of Town Hall,
62
00
State Paupers,
44 57
Interest on Taxes,
75
00
Auctioneer's License,
2
00
Lumber from Pest House,
1
95
Cash for Deed in Cemetery,
1
00
Note, Mrs. P. V. Hapgood,
400
00
Mr. F. Rouillard,
800
00
J. E. Billings,
200
00
Luther Conant,
1,000
00
J. W. Livermore,
600
00
Charles Morris,
350
00
Patrick Farrell,
400
00
Phineas Puffer,
2,500
00
Isaac Reed,
1,200
00
M. P. Hosmer,
1,200
00
State Tax,
1,777
50
County Tax,
1,012
64
Dog Fund,
92
31
OQO *A7 *7
v«
JAjt/WI VI
EXPENDITURES.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid G. D. Fletcher, South District, $678 38
Luke Blanchard, West " 644 88
Harris Cowdry, Centre " 636 50
Henry Brooks & E. J. Bobbins, East, 319 84
John Fletcher, 2nd, South East, 255 86
Geo. H. Harris, North, 255 86
62,791 32
REPAIRS ON HIGHWAYS.
Paid Charles Wheeler, $953 87
A. H. Jones, 614 55
Laying wall at Powder Mill Bridge, 28 75
Lumber and labor at Powder Mill Bridge, 403 35
Sluices, 77 85
Luke Tuttle, for sluice, 9 90
— $2,088 27
BREAKING ROADS.
,id Daniel Harris,
$61 40
Abel Farrar,
8
80
Charles Wheeler,
96
00
L. W. Piper,
32
60
Warren F. Flagg,
41
00
Thomas Taylor,
4
00
Nathan Brooks,
30
90
John Conant,
50
60
Daniel Fletcher,
70
45
A. H. Jones,
81
65
Isaac Reed,
23
10
Simon Tuttle,
41
30
A. L. Tuttle,
92
00
Luther Conant,
9
00
Jonas K. Putney,
8
40
Geo. H. Harris,
4
30
Daniel Tuttle,
2
00
$657 50
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Worcester Hospital, for A. W. Jones, $230 83
" " W. H.Oliver, 160 69
Sarah Hunt, 31 00
Mrs. W. Conant, for board of C.W.Edmonds, 14 50
Joseph Reed, for board and care of
Mrs. S. Spencer, 40 00
Sally White, life support, 75 00
" " 37 40
Sarah B. Childs, 16 50
Adeline Livingston, 2 13
W. F. B. Whitney, 26 90
O. A. Whitney, " 9 00
W. Lumb and B. Page, State paupers, 70 00
E. Oliver, care of O. E. Thorp, 40 00
Coffin for O. E. Thorp, 13 00
G. E. Curtain, at Reform School, 3 00
Town Farm deficiency for 1871 and 1872, 40 46
" " " " 1872 " 1873, 128 80
$939 21
TOWN DEBT.
Paid William Wheeler, $500 00
William D. Tuttle, 400 00
Joseph P. Reed, 200 00
Daniel Harris, 5 34
Augustine Conant, 4,000 00
INTEREST ON TOWN
DEBT.
Paid Augustine Conant,
$241 21
David M. Handley,
210 00
Joseph Barker,
Cyrus Conant,
D. J. Wetherbee,
70 00
140 00
84 00
F. Rouillard,
117 37
J. A. Piper,
Daniel Harris,
42 00
75 74
Luther Billings,
Jonas K. Putney,
Geo. W. Gates,
14 00
45 50
14 00
William Wheeler,
26 33
Joseph P. Reed,
Isaac T. Flagg,
13 53
7 00
H. J. Hapgood,
Lewis Rouillard,
28 00
13 00
Joseph Noyes,
Calvin Harris,
14 00
14 00
Elizabeth Hanscom,
40 80
Patrick Farrell,
80 50
John R. Whitcomb,
35 00
Josiah Dow,
42 00
James E. Billings,
146 38
William D. Tuttle,
136 15
John Grimes,
21 00
Geo. Reed,
SI 00
Geo. H. Harris,
14 00
John Wilson,
35 00
John Goldsmith,
162 50
PRINTING.
Paid for reports for March and April,
Warrants,
$92 00
10 00
Posters,
8 25
Voting list,
16 00
$5,105 34
$1,914 00
$126 25
STATE AID.
Paid Hattie W. Wilder,
Joanna Moulton,
Rebecca C. Wright,
Geo. W. Sawyer,
A. R. Sumner,
$96
00
48
00
48
00
36
00
36
00
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid John Fletcher, Jr., and W. D. Tuttle,
for East Cemetery, $69 10
Isaiah Reed, for West Cemetery, 39 62
" " laying wall, 354 50
SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid James Tuttle, South District, $1,344 53
Geo. C. Wright, West " 942 94
F. Rouillard, North " 2,995 61
Daniel Fletcher, South East District, 1,282 45
Luther Conant, Centre " 156 85
James E. Billings, East " 50 78
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid Joseph Noyes, services as Selectman
for the year 1872, $45 00
F. P. Wood, superintending schools, 90 00
W. D. Tuttle, for taking inventory,
making and copying taxes, writing
bond and warrant, and making return
to State, 36 00
C. A. Harrington, taking inventory and
making taxes,
transcript of records,
horse hire,
Simon Tuttle, taking inventory and
making taxes,
William D. Tuttle, services as Town
Clerk one year,
J. E. Cutter, collecting taxes, 1872,
" " notifying Town Officers to
take oath of office, 1872 and 1873,
James E. Billings, services as Selectman,
Hiram J. Hapgood, services as Selectman.
Simon Tuttle, services as Selectman,
30
00
14
40
4
00
24
75
25
00
25
00
5
76
57
00
,46
CO
42
00
$264 00
$463 22
86,773 16
$444 91
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid S. M. Osgood, rent of school room,
O. E. Preston, damage bv defect in road,
C. M. Lawrence, " " " "
T. G. F. Jones, sealing weights and
measures,
F. P. Wood, journey to Lowell, in refer-
ence to printing,
N. E. Cutler, damage to settees used in
West School,
J. B. Porter, for gravel,
Road scraper and repairs,
Selling South school house,
W. Littlefield, varnishing hearse,
W. D. Tuttle, recording deeds,
Do., copying records on school house case,
Do., express and postage,
W. D. Tuttle, journey to Sudbury to
make out certificate of election,
Do., recording 18 marriages,
" 24 deaths,
" 33 births,
James D. "Wright, guide post,
F. Dwight, attending funerals for 28
persons,
Making return of 23 deaths,
Geo. W. Sawyer, taking care of town
clock,
23 gallons oil,
Washing floor,
13 chimneys,
3 J feet wood,
Opening hall,
Repairing furnace,
Painting Town Hall,
" " pump,
Tolling bell for 15 deaths,
Shingling Almshouse and barn,
J. E. Cutter, for coal and wood, Town
Hall,
Express,
Expenses in Aaron Wood's case,
Military May Parade,
Discount on Taxes, 1873,
Express, postage and stationery,
$50
14
30
00
00
00
37 00
1 50
10
00
6
00
56
74
2
50
15
00
1
30
, 3
00
2
55
$2
50
2
70
4
65
16
30
13
52
84
00
5
75
10
00
7
38
5
00
1
63
1
50
34
00
4
40
4
50
50
3
00
68
67
29
70
90
3
50
51
50
684
15
6
24
— 81,275 58
RECEIPTS FROM FEB. 26, 1873, TO FEB. 26, 1874.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb.
26, 1873, $5,104 16
Appropriations and receipts, 27,403 -41
EXPENDITURES.
Support of schools,
Repairs on highways and bridges,
Breaking roads,
Support of the poor,
Town debt,
Interest on town debt,
Printing,
State aid,
Oemeteiy expenses,
School houses,
Town officers,
Miscellaneous,
State tax,
County tax,
Balance in treasury Feb. 26th, 1874, $6,874 67
$2,791
32
2,088
27
657 50
939
21
5,105
34
1,914
00
126
25
264
00
463
22
6,773
16
444
91
1,275
58
1,777
50
1,012
64
825 632 90
TOWN DEBT.
F. Rouillard,
$2,622 50
J. E. Billings,
214
00
Luther Conant,
1,052
11
J. W. Livermore,
630
60
Charles Morris,
367
15
Patrick Farrell,
416
17
Phineas Puffer,
2,626
87
Isaac Reed,
1,254
80
Ebenezer Conant,
2,067
66
Joel Ilanscom,
703
80
J. E. Billings,
2,138
07
David M. Handley,
3,054
25
I. T. Flagg,
106
38
Calvin Harris,
203
03
Oliver Whitcomb,
507
58
J. K. Putney,
693
60
James A. Billings,
217
00
John Goldsmith,
2,642
18
Amount carried forward.
$21,517 75
Amount brought forward,
$21,517 75
Joseph Barker,
1,025 46
D. J. Wetherbee,
1,241 00
H. J. Hapgood,
410 96
Lewis Rouillard,
205 63
Joseph Noyes,
206 02
J. A. Piper,
616 05
Luther Billings,
217 34
Simon Tuttle,
610 50
Josiah Dow,
606 53
Patrick Farrell,
1,158 05
John Grimes,
303 50
Geo. Peed,
457 87
Geo. H. Harris,
200 70
John Wilson,
500 00
Geo. W. Gates,
212 75
Daniel Harris,
822 40
Sarah C. Noyes,
800 00
Thomas F. Noyes,
400 00
Mrs. M. P. Hosmer,
1,200 00
Mrs. P. V. Hapgood,
424 74
«qq 137 05
Amount due from State aid,
300 00
Estimated value of old school houses
700 00
From State, care of State paupers,
158 00
Due from Town Treasurer,
6,874 67 8,032 67
Balance against the town,
825,104 58
JAMES E.
BILLINGS. ) Selectmen
HIRAM J.
HAPGOOD, \ of
SIMON TUTTLE, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1874.
10
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the year ending April 1st, 1874.
Articles
on Hand, April
1st, 1874.
1 horse,
$200 00
9 cows,
477 00
4J tons of ha}7,
99 00
41 hens,
30 75
4 turkeys,
6 00
2 shotes,
32 00
Lard,
l 50
Pickles,
2 00
125 lbs. salt pork,
12 50
150 lbs. ham,
19 50
78 bush, potatoes,
48 36
Soap,
3 75
6 bush, oats,
4 20
6 bbls., .
1 32
RECEIPTS.
Milk,
$484 34
Apples,
433 07
Berries,
24 10
Poultry,
81 76
Calves,
72 45
Eggs,
36 26
Potatoes,
108 56
Squash,
1 91
4 cows,
179 50
Pickles,
83
Tomatoes,
49
1 shote,
3 60
Straw,
8 80
Ashes and grease,
4 26
Peas,
1 05
Hay,
80 50
Grapes,
1 60
Wood,
8 25
Oats,
2 80
$1,534 13
11
EXPENDITURES.
Corn and meal,
$225
05
Plaster of Paris,
1
92
Labor,
92
08
Horse collar,
5
50
Bug poison,
4 cows,
1
211
95
00
Feed for cows,
16
00
Expenses laying out Mr. Thorp and Mr.
Putty,
Rope,
Oil,
Lumb, 3
2
00
10
50
27
Scraps,
Crockery,
Nails,
3
3
3
00
40
45
Matches,
65
Lime,
50
Barrels,
4
36
Pails,
60
Soda,
42
Tobacco,
4
69
Yeast,
08
Vinegar,
3
81
Saleratus,
75
Spices,
Raisins,
6
2
01
48
Bread,
3
90
Rye meal
3
84
Onions,
1
88
Beef,
90
99
Grass seed,
11
28
Newspaper,
"Wicking,
Tea,
2
50
08
40
Candles,
3
41
Blueing,
10
Cream Tartar,
1
37
Fish,
4
93
Starch,
€6
Saltpetre,
Rice,
15
88
Coffee,
5
19
Cheese,
22
49
Flour,
75
50
Beans,
6
51
Amount carried forward^ $835 63
12
Amount brought over,
$835 63
Salt,
5 21
Cloth and Clothing,
34 16
Books,
08
Tools,
4 78
Soap,
11 31
Sugar,
36 83
Butter,
45 77
Molasses,
15 33
Calves,
12 50
Sawing lumber,
75
Use of bull,
3 00
Repairing shoes,
1 78
" harness,
37
Butchering,
2 25
Brooms,
1 06
Snuff,
22
Expenses marketing,
17 50
Blacking,
12
Stove,
3 00
Cider,
50
Poultry,
5 50
Oats,
5 60
Blacksmith's bill,
8 69
Filing saws,
80
Repairing pump,
2 50
Dr. Harris Cowdry's
bill,
12 50
James E. Billings, services as Overseer
of the
Poor,
16 00
Hiram J. Hapgood,
IC U
" 12 00
Simon Tuttle
t< u
" 12 00
Services of Charles IV
lorris,
350 00
$1,457 74
Total amount of receipts, $1,534 13
Tatal amount of expenditures, 1,457 74
Due the treasury from town farm, $76 39
Interest on the farm, $239 40
Due the treasury from town farm, 76 39
Cost of supporting poor on farm, $163 01
13
Victualling 351 travellers, $175 50
Deduct support of poor on farm, 163 01
$12 49
Whole number of persons, exclusive of travellers, supported in
the Almshouse, eight ; average number, four ; present number,
four.
Had it not been for victualling travellers on said farm, for the
past year, the farm would have paid a net profit of $12.49, in-
cluding interest on said farm.
James E. Billings, ) n
Hiram J. Hapgood, } uZe™eers
Simon Tuttle, ) °f Poor'
Acton, April 1, 1874.
14
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK FOR 1873.
BIRTHS IX ACTON IN 1873.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
*■ 1. Jan 5, Arthur L. Reed, son of Isaac G. and J. Maria Reed.
2. "8, Grace Norton Houghton, daughter of Warren and Lydia
A. Houghton.
3. " 19, Mildred Estelle Handley, daughter of William S. and
S. Lizzie Handley.
4. Feb. 2, Grace Annie Richardson, daughter of James E. and
Sara R. Richardson.
5. " 3, Eva Bassett, daughter of Joseph R. and Clara W. Bas-
sett.
6. " 17, Robert S. Wilson, son of Robert and Mary Ann
Wilson.
7. " 18, Charles Thomas Calder, son of Thomas and Maria
Odder.
8. " 22, John Ryan, son of John and Catherine Ryan.
9. " 27, Frank Clement Soper, son of Joseph and Lucy J.
Soper.
10. March 25, Jonathan 8. McCarthy, son of Daniel and Mary
McCarthy.
11. April 15, Sarah Annie Edwards, daughter of Charles and
Elizabeth Edwards.
12. M 25, Herbert Ervin Temple, son of John and Lottie A.
Temple.
13. " 28, John AVm. Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davis.
14. May 3d, Gertrude May Guilford, daughter of Samuel A. and
Nellie M. Guilford.
15. " 21, Joanna Raddin, daughter of Patrick and Hannah
Raddin.
16. " 28, Mabel Elmira Tyler, daughter of Fred and Mary
Tyler.
15
17. June 1, Emery Stanley Preston, son of Herbert E. and Emma
Sophia Preston.
18. " 2, Thomas Daily, son of Michael and Ann Daily.
19. July 10, Benjamin Rice Caunter, son of John W. and Eliza-
beth J. Caunter.
20. Aug. 14, Eliza Ann Yapp, daughter of George and Sarah
Yapp.
21. " 25, John Henry Manion, son of John and Julia Manion.
22. Sept. 11, Clara B. Robbins, daughter of Simon and Nancy D.
Robbins.
23. " 21, Maud Sawyer, daughter of Thomas J. and Kate W.
Sawyer.
24. " 26, Catherine Daily, daughter of John and Ellen Daily.
25. Oct. 3, Louis Guy Mead, son of Oliver W. and Lucy M.
Mead.
26. " 13, Hattie Mabel Decoster, daughter of George H.
and Lucy A. Decoster.
27. Nov. 2, Clara Louisa Hammond, daughter of Thomas W. and
Mary A. Hammond.
28. Dec. 13, Varnum Pray Tuttle, son of Varnum and Mary M.
Tuttle.
29. " 14, Raymond Otis Littlefield, son of Hanson A. and
Florence M. Littlefield.
30. " 16, Bernice Carrie Whitcomb, daughter of Elwyn H. and
May F. Whitcomb.
31. « 26, &m -m-B«fca daughter to David C. and Estella A.
Cutler.
32. " 31, Edward F. Brown, son of Charles and Elizabeth
Brown.
Males, 16 ; females, 16 ; total, 32.
Omitted last year.
1. Nov. 20, 1872, Lilla Jane Hurd, daughter of Joseph and Ellen
Hurd.
16
MARRIAGES RECORDED IN ACTON IN 1873.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of the Parties.
1. Jan. 1, Mr. Calvin N. Holbrook and Miss Ellen A. Blanchard,
both of Acton.
2. Jan. 17, Mr. George A. Handley, of Actori, and Miss Faustina
H. Wright, of Chelmsford.
3. Feb. 27, Mr. F. Herbert Warren, of Stow, and Miss S. Jennie
Wheeler, of Acton.
4. March 1, Mr. Henry A. Jenkins and Mrs. Sarah A. Lewis,
both of Acton.
5. " 15, Mr. William Morehouse and Mrs. Sarah L. Atwood,
both of Acton.
6. April 16, Mr. German S. Lyon, of Acton, and Miss Sarah Lu-
cincla Russell, of Westford.
7. May 6, Mr. Gilman F. Pickens, and Miss Almeda A. Litchfield,
both of Acton.
8. " 20, Mr. Jonathan W. Loker and Miss Almira H. Burnham,
both of Acton.
9. June 4, Mr. H. Waldo Tuttle and Miss Lizzie S. Piper, both
of Acton.
10. July 24, Mr. Quincy A. Fletcher and Miss Augusta M.
Wheeler, both of Acton.
11. August 3, Mr. George F. Burnham and Miss Agnes F. Brooks,
both of Acton.
12. Sept. 21, Mr. John S. Potter, and Miss Susan R. Harris, both
of Acton.
13. Oct. 11, Mr. Ebenezer Davis and Miss Mattie Snow, both of
Acton.
14. Nov. 12, Mr. Granville Miles, of Concord, and Mrs. Lucretia
E. Miles, of Marlborough.
15. Dec 7, Mr. Abraham Tuttle and Miss Martha A. Putnam,
both of Acton.
16. " 7, Mr. Lorenzo E. Reed, of Boxborough, and Miss M.
Ella Harris, of Acton.
17. Dec. 24, Mr. Joseph E. Dole and Miss Ida I. Chase, both of
Acton.
18. " 24, Mr. Henry W. Richardson and Miss Mary H. Wood-
ward, both of Acton.
19. " 25, Mr. Edwin Tarbell and Miss Amelia D. Comstock,
both of Acton.
17
DEATHS IN ACTON IN 1873.
No. Date of Deaths. Name and age.
1. Jan. 20, Mr. James Harris, aged 68 years, 3 mos.
2. Feb. 1, Mrs. Sarah B. Tuttle, aged 75 years.
3. " 28, Mrs. Rebecca, wife of Nathaniel Hapgood, aged 89
yrs. 9 mos.
4. March 15, William H. Hoffses, aged 14 yrs. 8 mos.
5. April 26, Mrs. Mary, wife of Simon Hapgood, aged 82 yrs. 3
mos. 1 day.
6. May 5th, Mr. Abel Farrar, aged 76 yrs. 26 days.
7. June 28, Miss Maria P. Hastings, aged 21 yrs. 10 mos.
8. July 2, Morris A. Lane, aged 3 yrs. 3 mos.
9. " 3, Mr. Jacob Houghton, aged 87 yrs.
10. " 5, Mr. Elnathan Jones, aged 78 years.
11. Aug. 15, Mr. Michael Phelan, aged 51 yrs. 7 mos. 22 days.
12. " 17, Mr. William Reed, aged 69 years.
13. " 23, Herbert E , son of John and Lottie A. Temple, aged
3 mos. 29 days.
14. " 26, Mrs. Emeline, wife of Guilford D. Fletcher, aged 36
yrs. 9 mos. 21 days.
15. Sept. 24, Mr. George Tufts, aged 72 yrs. 10 mos. 6 days.
16. Sept. 27, Miss Hattie F. Gibbs, aged 23 yrs. 4 mos. 4 days.
17. Oct. 19, Mrs. Louisa O., wife of T. G. F. Jones, aged 46 years.
18. Nov. 9, Mr. Lyman H. Stevens, aged 24 years 10 mos. 15 dys#
19. " 12, Mr. William Lamb, aged 52 yrs.
20. " 16, Mr. Oliver Emerson Thorp, aged 76 years.
21. " 18, Mr. Thomas G. F. Jones, aged 51 years, 10 mos.
22. " 30, Mrs. Assenath, widow of Nathan Wright, aged 83
yrs. 8 mos. 11 days.
23. Dec. 9, Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and Mary A. Hannon,
aged 3 yrs. 11 mos. 9 days.
24. " 9, Mary, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Calanan, aged
5 years, 8 mos. 9 days.
18
DOGS LICENSED IN 1873.
Name of Owner. No.
Francis Hosmer,
Henry Brooks,
Silas Conant, Jr.,
Daniel Tuttle,
Tuttle, Jones & Wetherbee,
Elnathan Jones, Jr.,
Varnum Tuttle,
T. J. Sawyer,
G. H. S. Houghton,
Levi Houghton,
A. & O. W. Mead,
Daniel Harris,
B. R. Joyce,
Horace Tuttle, 2d,
John W. Randall,
Freeman Randall,
Emery D. Lothrop,
Daniel Wetherbee,
Daniel J. Wetherbee,
Geo. C. Conant,
Solon A. Robbins,
Geo. V. Mead,
Emerson F. Fuller,
Daniel H. Farrar,
W. Wallace Wooster,
Jos. R. Bassett,
A. S. Fletcher,
Henry Shapley,
Chas. A. Harrington,
Elwyn H. Whitcomb,
S. M. Osgood & Co.,
Males 61, at $2 each,
Females 2, at $5 each,
Name'of owner.
No.
C. W. Fletcher,
1.
W. E. Faulkner,
1.
Edwin Tarbell,
1.
S. Taylor Fletcher,
1.
A. Jones Fletcher,
1.
John C. Keyes,
Theodore F. Karcher,
1.
1.
John Fletcher & Sons,
1.
Henry C. Wheeler,
John Conant,
1.
1.
Aaron C. Handley,
E. J. Robbins,
1.
1.
James W. Wheeler,
1.
Lewis Beck,
1.
Augustus Fletcher,
1.
Henry Haynes,
Abel Farrar,
1.
1.
Francis Robbins,
1.
Joel B. Baker,
1.
Horace Tuttle,
1.
Henry M. Smith,
Robert Fiske,
1.
1.
J. R Houghton,
1.
L. W. Piper,
Josiah Piper,
Jona. A. Piper,
Samuel K. Williams,
1.
1.
1.
2.
Moses Taylor,
Geo. C. Wright,
1.
1.
Chas. Wheeler,
1.
$122 00
10 00
as oa
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk.
Acton, March 26, 1874.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF TH B
TOWN OF ACTON,
OR TH K
SCHOOL YEAR 1873-74
BOSTON:
Tolman & White, Printers, No. 221 Washington Street.
1874.
REPORT
To the Citizens of Acton :
We, the undersigned, as School Committee, would submit
the following report :
In making this report it is very gratifying to us to be able
to say that during the past year, although we have been
obliged to introduce new teachers, and encounter the usual
difficulties in making our schools completely successful, there
has not been, throughout the year, what can be called a fail-
ure, a thing which it is doubtless impossible to say at the
close of very many school years. Though during the year we
have lost from our board of instruction two of our most suc-
cessful and experienced teachers, we have secured others in
the different schools who have made our corps of teachers,
taken as a whole, very efficient. We think that one reason
why our schools have been so successful during the past year
is owing to the fact that we have not only had good teachers,
as a rule, but the same teachers have, in several instances,
taught at least two consecutive terms, which is quite desira-
ble. There seems to be springing up in town a sentiment
in favor of retaining a teacher, if she has had a fair degree
of success, at least two terms, which promises well for the
future prosperity of the schools. We have been very
much pleased with the forbearance, in the matter of crit-
icism, which has characterized the people of the several
parts of the town during the past year. It is sometimes the
case that what would have been otherwise a successful school
is utterly ruined by injudicious and unjust criticism. In one
or two cases we think it probable that the success of schools
has been imperilled and impaired by such criticism during the
past year, but, on the whole, the conduct of the people in
this regard has been commendable and a matter for conarat-
ulation on the part of all interested in the welfare of the
schools. As we took occasion to say in our last report, we
would say now, that, if any one sees defects in a school and
thinks that in certain respects it might be improved, he would
render the cause of education a great service by communi-
cating the matter to those who have charge of the schools,
instead of canvassing the matter in public, before scholars
and others whose confidence in the school will be impaired
thereby. The School Committee desire information respect-
ing the state of the schools from those who may be able to
inform them, viewing the schools from a different stand-
point, and they invite criticism respecting any method in the
management of the schools, which may have been adopted,
but think it for the best interest, and essential to the success
of the schools, that the matter shall be brought before them
with as little publicity as possible.
We have been much gratified during the past year by the
interest manifested in the schools by a full attendance upon
the examinations, which were held at the end of the fall and
winter terms. Moreover, we find from an examination of
the different reports, that a large number have visited the
schools during the term. Such visits on the part of parents
and others are very stimulating to both teachers and scholars.
We wish that others might aid in promoting the efficiency of
our schools in this way. We have noticed that the most in-
telligent and judicious criticism of the schools always comes
from those who are most in the habit of visiting them. We
think that the new school-houses in town have not only in-
creased the teachers' and scholars' interest in the schools,
but that they have also had a good effect in promoting a gen-
eral interest in the matter of education, as shown by the vis-
its.
New School-Houses. — During the past year it has been
our privilege to see the North and South-East Schools estab-
lished in pleasant school-rooms, so that it is possible to
sa}r now that every school in town is amply provided with
school accommodations. There are probably few towns, if
any, in the Commonwealth, having the limited population and
valuation of Acton, which have more beautiful or expensive
school-buildings, and, though the accomplishment of this fact
may necessitate self-sacrifice on the part of some to pay the
consequent taxes, it is something that we justly may be proud
of, and which will, in more ways than one, promote the best
interests of the town.
Difficulties in Securing Perfect Schools. — But
while the review of the past year affords us so many reasons
for gratulation, we would not imply that we think the schools
have been perfect during the year, or that the methods pur-
sued have been faultless. This is not to be expected imme-
diately. Though the committee may have very well-defined
ideas of the qualities of a model school, and the qualifications
of a model teacher, they may find the scholars so constituted
as not to be easily moulded into such a school, and not be
able to secure teachers whose methods are in every respect
according to their ideas, or who can change their methods so
as to conform to their ideas, without greatly impairing their
usefulness. For example, in the matter of recitation, we
think it very important, on the one hand, that scholars
should acquire habits of accuracy, and, on the other hand,
that they should acquire the ideas and principles of the subject
rather than the words of the book. But the natural ten-
dency is to an inaccurate and superficial committal of the
recitations, or to a slavish adherence to the words of the
text-books. Of the two evils just mentioned, of course the
latter is to be preferred, as such a habit trains the memory
and develops a habit of patient application, but we wish it
to be understood by the teachers as well as the people, that
this method is not according to our ideal of the perfect re-
citation, and, should we continue in charge of the schools,
we hope as soon as possible, to reach the happy mean between
the two extremes above referred to. However, there has
come to be in our schools, with scarcely an exception, a
thoroughness and accuracy, in the committal of recitations,
which is most commendable, and which, if properly guarded,
will secure to us an eminent degree of success in the future.
Variety of Studies. — Some may think that we have too
great a variety of studies in our schools, but it is our im-
pression that it is necessary to the interest of the schools that
there should be something of a variety. Scholars become
tired of pursuing simply the common branches of knowledge
which they have dwelt upon ever since they began to attend
school, and to take up some new branch, — of natural science,
e. g., secures to them a new interest in their other studies ;
so that many claim a scholar will learn more in the fundamen-
tal branches by pursuing some study that is usually consid-
ered a little above the common ransre of studies.
Natural Science.
We would here take the opportunity to remark that it
would afford us satisfaction to see more attention devoted to
the study of Natural Science, in our schools. There is noth-
ing more useful or practical than the principles of these
studies ; and as we believe they will not detract from, but add
to the interest in the other studies, we hope that if scholars
are inclined to pursue them at any time parents will encour-
age them in it. Several text-books, well adapted to the use
of common schools, have been published of late. For ex-
ample, we have been much pleased with a book upon Natural
Science, entitled Hooker's Child's Book of Nature. We
think that it would be well for some of our younger scholars
to pursue such a study as this instead of beginning to study
Grammar so early as to acquire a dislike for it.
It is said that, if it is desired to develop in a child a taste
for reading, the best way to begin is by presenting something
easily understood, and interesting on account of its subject
matter, and then to rise gradually to the more instructive
reading matter. So it seems to us, if we would inspire our
scholars with a taste for study (our schools can not attain to
any great success unless the scholars have such a taste), we
must proceed in a similar way. We hope that some im-
provement may be made in our method of instruction in this
direction during the year to come.
Change of Text-Books.
During the past year, we have made nb formal change of
text-books, though we have prepared the way for a chauge
of geographies by introducing anew series (Miss Hall's Our
World), into the larger schools, as new books were wanted.
The smaller book thus tried, is an assured success, and we
think there can be no doubt but what the larger one will be
equally successful. The larger one cannot be thoroughly
tested until scholars pass into it from the smaller book, as
the smaller is intended as a preparation for the larger. We
are pleased with this book, not simply because we consider
it an excellent treatise upon geography, but because it in-
cludes so much, not usually included in geographies, which
is of great interest to scholars. It is a compendium of his-
tory as well as a geography. No doubt our scholars find it
somewhat difficult at first, but as they become familiar with
its method, it will be more easily committed and will
secure, if thoroughly mastered, a collection of information
which will be invaluable. We are happy to say that
the change has been effected thus far, not only without any
extra expense, but at an actual saving to those who have had
books to buy, as it has been introduced into new classes only.
We would recommend that the introduction of these books
be continued until they completely replace those which have
been used in our schools heretofore. Besides the change in
geographies, a change in reading books seems imperative ;
1st, from the fact that these in use at the present time have
been used so long that the pieces have become perfectly
8
familiar to the scholars from hearing others read them ; and,
2d, from the fact that reading books of so much higher char-
acter have been published that, in justice to those who have
to purchase new books, a change seems to be required. Two
new series of readers have just been published. One by the
author of the book now in use, the other by Monroe, the
eminent elocutionist. Each has points of superiority over
the other, but in the selection of either, we cannot fail to
secure a high order of books. It may be well to introduce
the readers in the gradual way which has been pursued in the
introduction of the geographies, so that the change will be
hardly noticeable at first and will be brought about without
extra expense ; though we think there should be no great
delay in securing such a marked improvement in books.
Map Drawing.
In our last report we recommended that the people of the
several districts should make an effort to secure some maps
and charts for the use of the several schools. In the south-
east district, largely through the exertions of Lester Fletcher,
one of the scholars, a very pretty collection of maps has
been secured by private subscription. But the want of maps
in several of the schools has been supplied by maps drawn
upon the black-boards, by the scholars. We consider this
an excellent practice, and hope that it may be pursued in all
our schools to as large an extent as possible.
But without lingering longer upon the consideration of our
school system taken as a whole, we invite your attention to
the following notice of the teachers and schools considered
by themselves. We will mention the schools in an order
determined by their number of scholars, in each district,
mentioning the Grammar school first.
South Grammar. The spring and fall terms were taught
by Miss Amelia Comstock, whose name has been men-
tioned in this connection in each annual report for many
years, and in whose praise little or nothing remains to
be said. We will simply say that the school has never
appeared better than during these terms. The exami-
nation at the close of the fall term was very successful,
and was made more pleasant from the fact that the
scholars who had enjoyed Miss Comstock's labors for so
many years, took this opportunity to manifest their appreci-
ation of her services and their personal love for her by appro
priate gifts. As Miss Comstock left our corps of teachers
she bore with her not only the love and good will of her
former pupils, but of the school committee as well.
The winter term was taught by Miss Ada C. Davis. Miss
Davis was favorably noticed as a teacher in our last annual
report, and we shall have occasion to refer to her again in
this present report. In this connection we will simply say,
that although her school was large, and had had for many
years a teacher of experience and marked ability, and though
she labored under the disadvantage of not having had a very
extended experience, she had a good degree of success. In-
deed we may say that the examination which closed her
school was one of the most successful that we have wit-
nessed.
South Primary. The spring and fall terms of this school
also were taught by the former teacher, Miss Lottie C.
Faulkner, who conducted the school with the same eminent
success which has characterized her labors heretofore. As
we said in our last report, she possesses a gift which makes
her peculiarly well adapted to the work of instructing young
children. We despair of rinding another teacher so well
adapted to this difficult work in every respect. The chil-
dren of this school also, at the close of the fall term, made
their teacher some fitting and beautiful presents in token of
their grateful love. Miss Faulkner may feel that, as she re-
tires from the work of teaching, she bears with her the best.
wishes of all interested in the success of the school, for
10
whose best interests she labored so strenuously for so many
years. The winter term of this school was taught by Miss
Ida C. Dadman, who, though somewhat lacking in the faculty
of government, considering everything, had a fair degree of
success.
West Grammar. The spring and fall terms of this
school were taught by Miss Ada C. Davis. Considering the
limited amount of experience which Miss Davis had had be-
fore she undertook this school, we feared for her success,
but the examination at the close of the fall term proved her
labors very successful here, as elsewhere. She put her
whole heart into the work and deserved success. The winter
term was taught by Miss Abbie Allen, a teacher of ripe ex-
perience, and a real acquisition to our board of instruction,
which we hope to be so fortunate as to retain. Miss Allen
seemed interested in the personal welfare of all her scholars,
and secured their love to a marked degree. The examina-
tion at the end of the term was very satisfactory and was
made peculiarly pleasant from the fact that the scholars took
this opportunity to present to their teacher some fitting
tesitmonials of their regard.
West Primary. This school was taught throughout the
year by Miss Annie Hall, who has been so highly commended
in previous reports that little remains to be said. We will
say, however, that under Miss Hall's tuition we have been
able to see a steady improvement in order, as ' well as in
mental growth. We feel that we are highly favored in hav-
ing the continued labors of such an efficient teacher. We
were very much gratified with the examination which closed
the last term of the year. The scholars in this school also
made their teacher the recipient of a beautiful present in
token of their love. It gives us great pleasure to record the
presentation of so many tributes to deserving teachers. We
hope that our next report may contain similar notices.
11
Centre Grammar. This school was taught throughout the
year by Miss Junia S. Bartlett, whose thorough method of
instruction has been productive of great good in developing
careful habits and independence in the preparation of recita-
tions, which promises much for the success of the school in the
future. Some interested in the school may have thought that
this teacher did not render the scholars sufficient assistance
in the acquisition of their lessons, and left them to rely too
much upon their power of memory in recitation, and it is our
opinion that, were her method to be pursued continuously,
with the grade of scholars in our schools, it would be open
to this criticism ; but, as we have said, in its having been
pursued up to the present time, we think the result has been
good. The scholars have secured a habit of accuracy, now,
which will, in our belief, render more assistance from the
teacher safe aud expedient.
Centre Primary. This, like the Grammar school, has
enjoyed the labors of the same teacher, Miss Annie C.
Tucker, throughout the year.
Miss Tucker, like two other teachers mentioned in this re-
port, possessed the faculty of interesting small children to
an eminent degree, though we have no doubt of her ability
to teach a Grammar school equally well. The examination
at the close of the winter term was very gratifying ; not only
was it commendable to the teacher but to the scholars as
well.
North School. This school was taught throughout the
year, by Miss Ella Reed, who has been so favorably men-
tioned in previous reports that little if anything remains to
be said. We will simply say that Miss Reed seems to lose
no interest or enthusiasm by a long continuance in the school.
At no time has the school seemed to us in a better condition
than during the last year. The examination at the close of
the last term was very satisfactory.
12
East School. The spring and fall terms of this school
were taught by Miss C. M. Parker, who, though not success-
ful in creating a high degree of enthusiasm in the scholars,
labored diligently and earnestly for the good of the school,
with a fair degree of success.
The winter term was taught by Miss Lizzie L. Keyes.
This was Miss Keyes' first experience in teaching, but she
devoted herself with all earnestness to her work, and consider-
ing the fact that she had had no previous experience, was
successful. The examination at the close of the term was
very gratifying to those interested in the success of the school.
Southeast School. The spring term of this school was
taught by Miss Ada F. Goddard, a teacher of experience
and ability. She devoted herself to her work and the school
gave proof of improvement under her charge. We were not
able to be present at the examination which closed the term,
but have been informed on good authority that it was quite
successful.
The fall and winter terms were taught by Miss Ellen O.
Clark, a teacher of experience and ability not only, but of
such attractive ways, that she called out the love and excited
the enthusiasm of the scholars to a marked degree. For
several terms this school had lacked animation, but under
her charge, the scholars seemed intensely interested. We
wish that Miss Clark might be retained in the school.
In the above reports too little space may have been given
to the good .offices of scholars and parents in making the
schools successful ; but we would have it understood that, in
our opinion, when schools have been successful, it has been
largely owing to such cooperation, as without it, success in
any school is impossible, however able and earnest the teacher
may be.
Appended are the usual statistical reports, which we
13
commend to the careful consideration of all interested in our
schools.
Kespectfully submitted.
Luke Blanchard,
Guilford D. Fletcher,
George H. Harris,
Harris Cowdrey,
Elbridge J. Robbins,
John Fletcher, 2d,
School Committee
of
Acton.
F. P. Wood, Superintendent of Schools.
14
ROLL OF HONOR.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those -who have not been ab-
sent or tardy lor two terms.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for three terms.
West Grammar.
Ella Teele,
Fannie Gould,
Clara Tuttle,
Nellie Walker,
Lottie Handley,
Inez Wvman,
Erne Wright,
Emma Mead,
Arthur Houghton,
Oswald L. Dart,
Georgie Mead.
Alfonso Wyman.
Edgar Hall,
John Hoar,
George Hutchins,
Warren Stevens.
West Primary.
Alice F. Guilford,
Mav A. Blanchard,
Annie M. Blanchard,
Addie S. Houghton,
Minnie R. Hart,
Allie H. Gilmore,
Fanny M. Houghton,
Mattie S. Houghton,
Fred W. Gilmore,
Millie Handley,
Julia S. Lane,
Fred S. Mead,*
Hattie A. Parker,
Lottie Richardson,
Bertie F. Mead.*
Nellie S. White,
Mary L. Tuttle,
Arthur Blanchard,
Arthur F. Bradford.
George D. Foye,
Freddie Holden,
Charlie W. Foye,
Willie F. Kelley.
Eddie B. Hoar,
Bertie Wright.
Crosby Hoar,
*Fred S. Mead, aged 11 years,
Clesson J. Parker,
and Bertie F. Mead, aged 7£,
Frank Teele,
have not been tardv or ab-
Charlie H. Hopkins,
sent since they began to go
Elmer A. Handley.
to school.
South Grammar.
Emma L. Billings,
Alice E. Davidson,
Emma M. Conant,
Nettie C. Fuller,
Emma J. Handley,
Ida F. Wilder,
Emma E. Jordan,
Lucv A. Jones,
Mary Markham,
Usher J. Brown,
Ellen M. Phelan,
Frank H. Bulette.
Marv Phelan,
Ida F. Wilder,
Norman Davidson,
George Haynes,
Walter Hay ward,
Sidney Richardson,
Eddie Poole,
Willie H. Wilbur.
South Primary.
Susie E. Billings,
Emily G. Hannon,
Gertie Clark,
Carrie L. Shapley.
Josie Hannon,
Eva C. Shapley,
Ed a Shapley,
Mabel Richardson,
Hiram E. Gates,
Arlie U. Jackson,
S. Bertie Tuttle,
Charlie Worcester.
15
Roll of Honoj-, continued.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for one term.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for two terms.
Those who have not been ab-
sent or tardy for three terms.
Centre Grammar.
Flora Stearns,
Freddy Noyes,
George Tuttle.
Centre Primary.
Mary Waldron,
Anna Davis,
Erminnie L. Davis,
Willie Cohollon,
Sarah E. Hammond.
Mary A. Hammond,
Willie Davis,
Etta Tuttle.
John Kingsley,
Harris Tuttle,
Horace Tuttle,
Herbert Robbins.
South-East.
Estelle E. Mathews,
E. Eddie Fletcher.
Mattie C. Pratt,
George E. Johnson,
Laurin W. Pratt,*
Eddie F. Pratt,
Wm.H. Treble.
*Absent two days on
account
Estelle D. Heath,*
Emma A. Pratt,
Mabel G. Pratt,
Lester Fletcher.
♦Absent one day on account
of sickness.
of snow.
East School.
Bessie Ball,
Annie Elliot,
Nixon Ball,
Frank Billings,
Carlton Conant,
Philip Veno.
Abbie Fiske.
North School.
Lizzie Ryan.
Hattie Smith,
Julia I. Rose,
Carrie E. White,
George A. Smith,
George Rose.
Cora Rouillard.
Elmer Rouillard.
16
TABULAR AQEW.
c
~ <5
« a >>
~S
d
>
••a
2
"° £
"3
o
o
s
u
fl —
ait
a
o tt
•o «e
fct
CO <0
"Si
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
f-l
ft
II
"8
OB
O eJ
^S
DO
no
Si
4>
9T
il
IE
3g
p
to
3
s
ss
(V
i
fc
5
s
3
1*
Spring Term.
CVntre (Grammar,
centre. { primary,
Miss J. S. Bartlett,
2
$35 00
34
24
0
7
13
" Annie E. Tucker,
2
32 00
30
26
1
0
10
Wpst i Grammar,
west. |prirnaryi
" Ada C. Davis,
2
36 CO
24
19.5
0
4
7
" Anna E. Hall,
2
36 00
42
38.5
0
0
29
South 1 Grammar,
South. (Primary)
" Amelia D. Comstock,
21
36 00
36
30.1
0
11
16
" Lottie C Faulkner,
24
36 00
51
40.7
3
0
15
East,
" C. M. Parker,
2
36 00
16
12.3
0
1
8
South-East,
" Ada F. Goddard,
%
36 00
15
12.5
0
1
6
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
26 00
20
14.6
0
1
14
19
$309' 00
^08
218.2
4
25
118
Fall Term.
n».+,A f Grammar,
Centre, j primary,
Miss J. S. Bartlett,
9
§35 00
34
27.8
0
8
5
" Annie E.Tucker,
1
32 (0
35
30.25
0
0
11
West j Grammar,
west. | l»rimary,
" Ada C. Davis,
36 00
30
27
0
5
24
" Anna E. Hall,
01
36 00
41
38
0
0
19
Smith I Grammar,
South. jprimaryi
" Amelia D. Comstock,
H
36 00
42
36.8
0
10
10
" Lottie C. Faulkner,
n
36 00
43
86.75
1
0
8
East,
" C. M. Parker,
36 00
20
16
0
2
9
South-East,
" Ellen 0. Clark,
2
40 00
17
14.7
0
0
14
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
91
26 00
17
13.4
0
1
19
204
$313 00
279
240.7
1
26
119
Winter Term.
Tpntre (Grammar, .
centre. J primary,
Miss J. S. Bartlett,
34
$40 00
34
30
0
21
36
" Annie E. Tucker,
3
36 00
46
38.25
0
1
26.
West Grammar,
V> est, | primary f
" Abbie H. Allen,
34
40 00
38
35
0
16
53
" AnnaE. Hall,
S|
36 00
40
37.9
0
0
48
0 ., ( Grammar,
South, {primary/
" Ada C.Davis,
2|
40 00
53
46.64
0
18
16
'• IdaT. Dadmun,
2j
40 00
45
38.77
0
0
8
East,
;' Lizzie L. Keyes,
2-|
20 00
21
19.6
0
5
21
South-East,
" Ellen 0. Clark,
3
40 00
18
15.9
0
2
6
North,
" Ella F. Reed,
Totals,
Aggregate for the year,
30 00
22
17
0
3
31
25|
$332 00
317
289.06
0
60 255
65
$954 00
864
748
5
117
492
Total average percentage of attendance during the year, 85.
17
FINANCIAL
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
$678 38
Received from the town of Stow,
16 45
Balance from last year,
15 77
Paid teachers,
$534 00
for fuel,
88 00
" care of house and incidentals,
35 59
Balance to new account,
53 01
$710 60
$710 60
Guilford D. Fletcher, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Appropriation, $644 88
Received from out-of-town scholars, 11 00
Balance from last year, 29 58
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
" care of house, &c,
Balance to new account,
$570 00
65
23
24
87
25
36
$685 46
$685 46
Luke Blaxchard, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last vear,
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
u care of house, &c,
Balance to new account,
$319
84
4
52
$244
50
51
66
20
29
7
91
$324 36
$324 36
Henrt Brooks and E. J. Robbins, Committee.
18
SOUTHEAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
•for fuel,
" taking care of house, &c,
Balance to new account,
$257 83
John Fletcher, 2d, Committee.
$255
88
1
95
$230 00
12
00
7
00
8
83
$257 83
NORTH SCHOOL.
Appropriation,
Balance from last year,
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
" care of house, &c,
Balance to new account,
$255 86
11
22
$199
50
57
50
8
48
1
60
$267 08
$267 08
George H. Harris, Committee.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
" taking care of house, &c,
Balance to new account,
$514 00
70 75
33 75
18 00
$636 50
$636 50
nmittee.
Harris Cowdrey, Cot
Amount of mone}*- raised by the town, $2,500 00
Income from the State School Fund, 153 77
" dog fund, 92 31
Total for school purposes, $2,746 08
Number of children reported by the Assessors between the ages
of five and fifteen, 291.
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar, $8.60.
REPORTS
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
TOWN OF ACTON,
February 26, 1874, to February 26, 1875,
INCLUDING Till
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IX 1874,
THE REPORT OF THE
| SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ACTON:
ACTON PATRIOT .1015 PRINT.
187.">.
Selectmen's Report.
APPROPRIATIONS AXD
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended Balance of last year,
#6.674
67
Regular Town Grant,
9,000
00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,000
00
Town Grant for Highway]?,
2,500
00
Overlay on Taxes.
60
17
Corporation Tax.
564
95
National Bank Tax.
oil
47
State Aid to January 1, 1874,
264
00
State School Fund.
219
05
Contagious Diseases.
157
69
State Paupers.
64 00
West Cemetery,
12
84
East Cemetery.
21
00
North School and Furniture.
103
50
Interest on School House Money,
3
23
Income of Town Farm, April 1st. 1874
76
39
Dog Fund.
167
01
Use of Town Hall and Cellar,
62
■zrj
Wood and Lumber Sold on Town Farm. 915
00
Oliver W. Drew,
600
00
State Tax.
1.580
00
County Tax.
1,081
19
S.
$26,668
41
EXPENDITURE
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid James Tuttle, South District.
$688
38
doseph Xoyes. West "
644
88
Harris Co wdry. Centre ki
640
00
Elbridge J. Robbins, East.
298
34
John Fletcher. 2d, South East.
255
86
George H. Harris. North,
263
86
- 12,791
32
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL
HOUSES.
Paid Luke Blanehard, West District,
$23
25
Harris Co wdry, Centre i-/
9
00
Elbridge J. Robbins, East *•
9
51
John Fletcher ,12d. South East,
6 48
9A
REPAIRS ON HIGHWAYS.
Paid E. II. Cutler, labor in 1872, # -1 50
" " fci breaking roads 1$72, 35 37
Simon Tuttle, North Acton, 4 83
Levi Houghton, railing road, 1872—4, 7 00
E. C. Parker, labor in 1872, 5 50
A. H. Jones, railing road^near J. Holmes
& Co's Mill, 77 61
F.H.Whitcomb, breaking roads, '73-74 31 60
1166 41
REGULAR HIGHWAY WORK.
Paid Charles Wheeler. $1,227 83
A. H. Jones, 850 42
*2.078 2*
BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Paid Charles Wheeler, road inYWest
Acton. $1,465 87
J. E. Billings road near 1). J.
Wetherbee, 52 50
BOOKS AM) PRINTING.
Paid James Tuttle, books for SouthrSchool $2 29
John Fletcher, 2d, " S. E. " 6 80
Luke Blanchard, " West " 3 00
Tolman & White, for 450 Selectmen
Reports, 14 00
Tolman <£ White, 500 Selectmen's
and other Officers Reports,
Do., Warrants,
Do., 100 Rules and Regulations
for School Houses,
Pratt & Fletcher, $ 500 Reward,
Auction Bills, North School House.
Warrants,
F. Dwight, Dog Notices,
J. E. Cutter, Wood at Auction,
" 2 Tax Books,
71 38
5 00
3 00
2 00
1 50
4 00
2 00
1 25
4 00
|1,518 37
#120 22
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid Sarah Hunt, $36 00
Telegram. (W.H.Oliver) 1 00
Mrs. Spencer,
A. W. Jones,
George E. Curtain.
Sarah B. Chillis,
John Whitney,
TOWN DEBT.
Paid Mrs. P. V. Hapgood, $400 00 $400 00
STATE AID.
Paul Hattie W. Wilder.
Rebecca C. Wright,
A. V*.. Sunnier.
Geo. W. Sawyer.
Joanna Moulton,
:>9 72
194 28
26 00
IT 25
16 00
$390 25
$96
00
48
00
36
00
36
00
8
. -T
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid Martin Pike. East Cemeterv, s2T 85
dohn Fletcher, Jr.. Do.. GT 30
I^iahBeed. West Do., 2010!)
F. Dwight, removing and burying 31
bodies and boxes furnished for the
same. 41 50
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid F. P. Wood, superintending schools, $90 00
Simon Tuttle, taking inventory and
making taxes. 20 00
William D. Tuttle, copying valuation
books for the state. T 00
Taking inventory and making taxes, 25 00
Services as Town Clerk. 25 00
F. Dwight, taking inventory and
making taxes, 15 00
J. E. Cutter, collecting taxes, 18T-5. o5 00
James E.Billings, services as Selectman, 56 00
Hiram J. Hapgood. do.. 45 00
Frank H. Whitcomb. do.. 38 00
$zii4
W44t . L
1365 00
LAW SUITS.
HENRY BROOKS AND TOWN OF ACTON.
..aid G. A. Somerby, $500 00
W. X. Mason,
Witnesses,
Jury viewing road,
Summoning Witnesses.
Horse hire.
Telegrams,
Plan of road,
Horse hire, ear fare and
Selectmen, 68 00
Expenses in A. & O.W.Mead cVc Co.
tax ease. 22 00
150 00
265 82
2n 23
U 25
5 00
2 36
65 60
services of
INTEREST OX TOWN DEBT.
Paid Dadid M. Handley.
F. Rouillard,
Phineas Puffer,
John Goldsmith,
Cyrus Conant,
Luther Conant,
[saac Heed.
Joseph Barker.
Patrick Farrell.
Mrs. M. P. Hosmer,
Jonas K. Putney.
Josiah Dow,
Oliver Whit comb,
Jonathan A. Piper.
Daniel Harris.
Jason W- Livermore,
Mrs. P. V. Hapgood,
Luther Billings.
Mrs. E. Hanscom.
Geo. W. Gates,
rlames E. Billings.
Joseph Xoyes,
Lewis Rouillard,
H. J. Hapgood.
Calvin Harris,
$1,121 -•;
)EBT.
$210 00
175 00
175 00
1«32 50
140 00
70 00
84 00
7c 00
108 50
70 00
45 50
42 00
35 00
42 00
56 00
42 00
•)- .)•>
- » _•)
28 00
47 60
14 00
14 00
14 00
13 00
28 00
14 00
I. T. Flagg, *T 00
Simon Tuttle, :» 10
James E. Billings, 146 38
T. F. Noyes, 28 00
Sarah 0. Noyes, 56 00
Charles Morris, 24 50
Geo. II. Harris. 14 00
John Grimes, 21 00
I). J. Wethcrbee, 84 00
John Wilson, 35 00
Simon Tuttle, 42 00
35 00
MISCELLANEOUS
Vid Daniel Jones, Sealing weights and
measures,
Mrs. Morehouse, damage to barn, 4 25
Coal for Town Hall, 12 63
Geo. W.Sawyer, care of Town Clock, 11 50
Stove pipe and labor, 21 53
29 gallons oil, 5 07
.2 light stands. 1 00
4 chimnics, 50
18 lamp wicks, 20
Opening Hall 34 times, 35 To
Tolling bell for 15 deaths, 3 20
Jonas Blodgett, selling wood lot and
school house, o 00
W. I). Tuttle, express on pub. doc. 3 56
Services on W. Acton road, 1 50
Description of K.C. Parker
road, 5 00
Dog license Blanks, 1 00
" Stationery and postage, 2 12
ci Journey to Sudbury, to
make out Election returns, 3 00
'; Recording 45 births. 22 50
" IT marriages. 2 55
37 deaths, 5 TO
W. H. Teel, damage to sleigh, 15 00
H. J. Hapgood, express on reports, -\Q
Telegram Blood robbery, 2 00
-J. E. Harris, for team and dinners, 4 00
E. Hosmcr, training school house rules, 6 00
F. Dwight, burial straps', 3 50
8,188 31
J. E. Cutter, repairing building on
Town Farm, * $1,930 00
Discount on taxes, 828 78
Express on three bundles, 75
James Tuttle,for South school house, 186 11
F.Dwight, making returns of 39 deaths, 9 7f>
Attending funerals of 44 persons 132 00
J. E. Billings, postage and paper, 2 00
13,302 To
RECEIPTS FROM FEB. 20. 1874. TO FEB. 26, 1875.
Unexpended balance, as per report of
Feb. 20, 1874, $6,674 07
Appropriations and receipts. 19.993 74
826,668 4!
EXPENDITURES.
Support of schools, $2,791 82
Repairs on school houses, 48 24
"'• *'• highways, 166 41
Regular ^' ^ work. 2,078 25
By order i Jounty Commissioners, 1.518 87
Books and printing, 120 22
Support of Poor. 390 25
Town debt, 400 00
State aid, 224 57
( Vmctcrv expenses, 337 71
Town officers, 365 00
Law Suits. 1.121 20
Interest on town debt, 2,18S :•>]
Miscellaneous, 3,302 70
State tax. 1,580 00
County tax. 1.081 19
_ $17.71:; 36
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 20, 1875, $8,954 55
TOWK DEBT.
F. Kouillard, $2,022 50
J. E. Billings. 214 00
Luther Conant. 1,052 11
J. W. Livermore, 630 00
Charles Morris, 367 15
Patrick FarrelL 416 17
Phineas Puffer, 2,626 87
Isaac Reed, $1,264 80
febenezer Conant, 2.0(>7 66
Joel Hanscom. 703 80
J. K. Billings, 2,138 07
David M. Handlcy, 3,054 25
I. T. Flagg, 106 38
Oliver Whitcomb, 507 58
J. K. Putney. 693 60
.lames A. Billings, 217 00
[Tohn Goldsmith, 2J642 18
Oliver W. Drew, 688 27
Joseph Barker, 1,025 46
II. J. Hapgood, 410 96
Lewis Rouillard, 205 63
Joseph Noves. 206 02
I. A. Piper. 616 05
Luther Billings. 21 , 84
Simon Tuttle. 610 50
losiah Dow. 606 53
Patrick Farrell, 1,158 05
John Grimes. 303 50
Geo. Keed, 488 87
Geo. II. Harris. 200 70
John Wilson, 500 00
Geo. W. Gates, 212 75
Daniel Harris. 822 40
fearali C. Noyes, '800 00
Thomas F. Noyes, 400 00
Mrs. M. P. Hosmcr, 1,000 00
D. J. Wetherbee, 1,241 00
Calvin Harris, 208 08
133,181 78
Amount due from State aid, 268 00
Estimated value of old school House, 000 00
Due from Town Treasurer, 8,954 iji)
$9,822
Balance against the town. $23,359 28
JAMES E. BILLINGS, ) Selectmen
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD, } of
FRANK II. WHITCOMB, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1874.
10
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the year ending April 1st, 1875.
Articles
on hand April 1st, 1875.
] horse.
$150 00
814 lbs. -Hour,
So 0:
11 cows,
097 00
5 lbs. tea,
5 0C
8 J tons hay.
170 00
10 lbs. dried apple,
1 '2i
1 shoat,
18 00
41 hens,
30 7,"
11- tons shorts,
15 00
7 turkeys,
9jOC
2 bush, corn,
2 00
GO lbs. codfish,
2J1C
100 lbs cott:>n seed meal,
2 00
25 lbs. fresh pork,
3 12
5 bbls. apples,
5 00
1 gallon molasses,
G5
67 bush, potatoes,
:):) 25
34 flour bbls..
5 (17
80 lbs. ham,
80 lbs. pork,
10 00
1 2 00
si. 209 01
4 gallons pickles,
2 00
Ashes on hand,
3 in
4 gallons soap,
80
10 lbs. lard,
1 80!
Receipts.
sl.212 01
Milk,
S9G9 6G
Hog,
IS J
Apples,
391 06
Rigging,
ID 00
Berries,
14 33
Window,
GO
Poultry,
:U 59
Old brick,
1) 00
Calves,
182 18
Grease,
1 1
Cows,
Eggs*
316 50
11 20
SI. 971 £
Potatoes,
1 7 90
1 1
Flour,
Tools,
Barrels,
Matches,
Curtains and fixtures,
Filing saws,
Corn and Meal,
Plaster,
Bristol Brick,
Hay Rigging,
Express Wagon,
Wheelbarrow.
Harness,
Drag,
Cloth and Clothing,
Crackers,
Spices,
Molasses,
Butter,
Cheese,
Sugar,
Tea,
Tobacco,
Cream Tartar,
Raisins,
Nails,
Medicine,
Sulphur,
Saltpetre,
Salt,
Soap,
Cows,
Saleratus,
Washing Soda,
Candles,
Beans,
Use of Bull,
Grass Seeds,
Pails.
Rice,
Corn Starch,
Chalk,
Newspaper,
Fish,
Blacksmith bill.
lAIH'IIM'S,
$77 25
14 99
44 72
1 20
5 07
1 15
595 48
48
10
G5 00
46 25
5 20
31 25
Lard,
Meat,
Oil,
Dr. H. Cowdrey's bill.
Razor,
Ropes,
Clothes Pins,
Dried Apple,
$11 54
114 00
2 82
Clei
an in;
Clock,
Twine,
Cabbage and Tomato pi
Wicking,
Blueing,
ant
4 00 [Netting,
17 27;Onions,
13 91 [Condition powders,
3 1] Yeast cakes,
10 00 Hay,
74 34j Sweet potatoes,
17 09! Rosin,
33 23 1 Kettle,
13 6G; Brooms,
9 17JMop handle,
5 02 1 Shoes,
1 IGJBox grease,
91 1 Butter tub,
7 10: Oyster shells,
60j Lantern,
3GjVinesrar and barrel,
4 89 i Crockery,
13 02 Bag,
794 OOjHogshead,
1 58 Stationery,
L 21 (Table covers,
I 20 Hemp carpet,
9 02 Sled,
4 ()0|Expenses marketing.
Bedding.
Labor,
Furniture,
Renovating beds.
Pasturing cow,
2 45
! 75
82
40
12
■2 70
13 84
X 83
■j zo
75
1 24
12
5 82
75
10
50
08
24
2,i
1 00
31 73
1 10
19
50
I 24
30
3 25
20
15
20
1 12
4 57
1 is
35
75
50
2 12
2 24
15 00
73
9 08
J ^ 87
27 45
20 00
<; oo
2,405 42
1 -
Lockup Furniture.
25
25
38
$
30 00
10 50
2 20
Plates,
Knives and Forks,
I- Doz. Chairs,
Stove Pipe,
SI 10
1 37
3 00
1 7G
Pail,
Dipper.
Wash Bowl,
I Doz. Mattresses,
Bedding,
Mugs,
General Expenses,
Lockup Expenses.
Services of Asapli Parliti,
'■ J. E. Cutter as Overseer of poor
'• John Conantj
" Klisha II. Cutler,
Total amount of Expenditures,
" " Receipts,
Drawn from treasury to balance,
Fnterest on Farm.
Victualing 410 Travellers,
Carpenters Board,
Cost of supporting poor on the Farm, $888 83
Whole number of persons exclusive of travellers supported in Alms-
house, five; average number, three and three fourths; present number
live.
JOHN E. CUTTER, ) Overseers
JOHN CONANT, of
$50 81
$2,405
47
50 81
100
00
35
00
13
00
ir>
00
$2920 2:5
1974 53
$945
70
240
00
si is;, 70
$205
00
91
87
$296 87
KLISHA IT. CUTLER, \
Acton, April 1st, 1875.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1874,
KiB'gBts in Acton in IW7-I.
Date of Birth. .Name of Child. Parents' Xauacs.
Feb. 1, Irving Elma Smith, son of Alien G. and Oeorgiana Smith.
" 20, Sumner Merle Teele, son of Wm. H. and MaryE. Teele.
" 22, Jerry Bradley, son of Dennis and Hannah Bradley.
March 10, Walter Franklin Randall, «m of John W. and Sophia A.
Randall.
" 18, .Joseph Lloyd Morris, son of Richard and Ann Morris.
20, Mabel Emma Abbott, daughter of John W. and Mary Abbott.
20, William Cooper, son of Levi and Annie Cooper.
April 12, Grace Gertrude Knowlton, daughter of George W. and Angie
H_ Knowlton.
June 9, Ernest Morton Littlefield, son of Nahum and M. Addie Little-
field.
" 18, Edward Mollis Robinson, son of Charles and Persia V. Robin
son.
" 22. Mary Louisa Calder, daughter of Thomas and Maria Calder.
July 7, Forrest Eli Pickens, son of Oilman F. and Ahneda A. Pickens.
" 15, Richard Morris Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davis.
Aug. 8, a son to Carrie A. Gardner.
" 11, Louis Augustine James .Foley, son of Patrick and Elizabeth
M. Foley.
•• 17, Daniel Herbert Trainor, son of Hugh and Hannah Trainor.
•• 20, Albert Raymond Clinic son of Neil and Mary Elizabeth Currie.
" 28, Elma Gertrude Stone, daughter of Charles B. and Marietta C.
Stone.
Sept. 2, Oscar AMu Nelson, son of Oscar and Mary Ann Nelson.
•• 7, Martha Mary Morris, daughter James and Margaret Morris.
" 8, Addie Louise Guilford, daughter of Samuel A. and Nellie M.
Guilford.
" 0, Lizzie Agnes Manion, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. Manion.
" 10, Lulu Mary Lawrence, daughter of James R. and Abbie F.
Lawrence.
" 14, John Edward O'Neil, son of Patrick and Hannah O'Neil.
•• 19, Michael Edward Ryan, sen of John and Catharine Ryan.
" 2:5, Olive Genevra Barker, daughter of Henry and Louisa M.
Barker.
" 2:5. Harvey Putnam Tuttle, son of Abram and Martha A Tuttle.
(Jet. 1, Parley Walcott Richardson, son of Henry W. and M. Hattie
Richardson.
" 0, George Irving Harris, son of Geo. H. and Angenette Harris.
" 7, Willie Edward Tuttle, son of Horace 2d and Arethusa M. Tuttle.
" 7, Bernard Ains worth Preston. *on of Herbert E. and Sophia E.
Preston. i
14
32. Oct. 14, Frederic Wm, Wilson, son of Robert and Mary Ann Wilson.
83. " 22, Allen Brooks Parker, son of Edwin 0. and Hannah H. Parker.
:54. " 24, Fred Linwood Robbins, son of Elbridge J. and Ellen M. Bob-
bins.
."-"). •' 27, Thomas Albert Voysey Rhodes, son of Win. H.. and Mary
Jane Rhodes.
36. Nov. L, Albertha May Greer, daughter of William J. and Elizabeth
Greer.
37. '" 11, James Bockwood Dunn, son of Waldo G. and Fannie M. Dunn.
38. V 18, Sarah L. Jones, daughter of Lowell A. and Sarah A. Jones.
89. " 17, Charles Leon Decoster, son of Geo. II. and Lucy A. Decoster.
40. " 80, Carrie May Gilmore, daughter of Walter A. and Emma A.
Gilmore.
41. Dec. 13, Albert Brooks But teriield, son of Francis and Annie Maria
Butterfield.
42. •' 17, Evie Blanche Fletcher, daughter (if Aaron S. and Sarah T.
Fletcher.
4:;. •• 21, Hugh Henry Coulter, son of Hugh and Matilda Coulter.
44. ■• 24, Emma Jane Hart, daughter of Arthur A. and Harriet P. Hart.
1873. May 14, Guy El wood Carrie, son of Neil and Mary Elizabeth Currie.
1872. Sept. 15, Anna Calista Parker, daughter of Edwin G. and Hannah II.
Parker.
Marriages Rc?c»a'c1c?<1 aba Acton in 1ST J.
Bate of Marriage. Names of Parties.
1. Jan. 1, .Stephen K. Corliss and Miss Hannah D.Wooster, both of Acton.
2. '• 15, Mr. Moses E. Taylor and Miss Clara Tuttle, both of Acton.
8. '• 15, Mr. Samuel P. Brackett, of Stow, and Miss Clara. A. Chaffin,
of Acton.
4. •• Mr. Henry C. Jones, of Boston, and Miss Lydia A. Sawyer, of
Maynard.
5. Feb. 28, Mr. Levi B. Gould, of Wilton. Me., and Miss Mary P. Abbott,
of Carlisle.
('». April 1, Mr. Lyman C. Taylor and Miss Addie Tuttle. both of Acton.
7. '; ."), Mr. James I. Mills and Miss Mary M. .loncs, both of Acton.
S. ••' 12, Mr. John Byam, of Chelmsford, and Miss Marietta Eouillard,
of Acton.
0. '• 12, Mr. Charles Waldo Eanscom and Miss Susie L. Freeman, both
of Acton.
10. May 18, Mr. Henry H. Hanscom, of Acton, and Miss Josephine Tuttle.
of Sterling.
11. June 20. Mr. Levi W. Stevens and Miss Annie E. Hall, both of Acton.
12. Oct. 17, Mr. John W. Heald, of Carlisle, and Miss Mary A. Parker, of
Westford.
18. Nov. 19, Mr. Jason S. Brown and Miss Ellen O. Huntley, both of
Lowell.
14. " 2.'*, Mr. Geo. W. Rand, Jr., and Miss Sarah E. Ingham, both of
Concord.
15. " 2»>, Mr. George Pouillard and Miss Emma Rettie Dunnells, botb
of Acton.
1(5. Dee. 16, Mr. J. Treseott Dinsmore, of Framingham, and Miss Esther A.
Hapgood, of Acton.
17. " 20, Mr. James A. Symonds, of Acton, and Miss Flora C. Harlow..
» of Lowell.
Desitli* iu Acloai in IH7 1.
No. Date of Death. Name and Age.
1. Jan. I". Miss Nellie S. Wilder, aged 15 years, (1 months, 16 days.
2. •• 10, Miss Carrie W. Faulkner, aged 38 years, 16 days.
:J. •• 20, Mr. John F. Blood, aged 61 years, 3 months, 8 days.
4. •' 28, Mr. Silas Taylor, aged SO years, 7 months, 1 day.
:>. Feb. 0, II. Gertrude Withington, aged 11 years, 5 months, 18 day*.
1$. •■ 10, Mr. Nathaniel Hapgood, aged 89 years, 11 months.
7. March I, Nathan H. Stone, '.aged 35 years, 4 months, 25 day-.
6. •* 0, Miss Ida R. Estabrook, aged 19 years. 24 days.
'.». •• 15, Mrs. Fannie R. Wheeler, wife of James W. Wheeler, aged
60 years, 2 months, 10 days.
10. •• L5>, Irving *W. Flagg, son of Isaac W. and Emma Flagg, aged 1
year, •") months, 2 days.
I!. April 7, Mrs. Betsey O. Sawyer, wife of George W.Sawyer, aged 53
years, •') month-, 23 days.
12. •■ T. -Mrs. Hannah W. Mace, aged 7:) years.
13. •• I:;. William, eon of Levi and Annie Cooper, aged 18 days.
14. •• 24, Mr. Richard Morris, aged 24 years, 5 months.
15. May 1. Mrs. Susanna L. Spencer, aged 82 years, 8 months, 18 days.
Id. ■• 4, Miss Harriet J. Reed, aged 35 years, 6 months, -l days.
IT. •• 4. Mr>. Joanna Moulton, widow of Mr. Richard Moulton, aged
i')4 years, 17 day-.
is. •• 4. Mary Augusta Davis, daughter of Wm. 15. and S. Maria Davis,
aged 4 years, 4 months. 12 days.
ID. June 24. Mr. Jonathan Strong, aged 7!! years, 11 month-. 15 days.
■). July:), .\lrs, Eliza Kinsley, wife of Mr. Richard Kinsley, aged 48
years.
21. •• 2S, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Blatichard, wife of Mr. Simon Blanchard,
aged 63 years.
22. .'vug. 5. Mr. Oeorge Bobbins, aged 90 years.
2:!. Aug. :',[), Mrs. Ann F. Chaffin, wife of Mr. Samuel Chaffin, aged 66
years.
24. Sept. 4. Emory S. Preston, son of Herbert E. and Emma S. Preston.
aged 1 year. '■) months, 4 days.
2."i. •• 10, Mr. John I). Whitney, aged 70 years. 7 months, 5 day-.
2(5. •• 11. Mrs. Eunice Weston, widow of Stephen Weston, aged 82
year-. 2 months, 25 day-.
27. " 24. Grace Evelyn Bobbins, daughter of Elbridge J. and Ellen M.
Bobbins, aged 1 year. 11 month-.
2s. '• 24. Mrs. Lydia A. Farrar, wife of Mr. Henry Farrar, aged 38
years, 6 months.
2!t. Oct.. s. Mrs. Anna E. Stevens, wife of Mr. Levi W. Stevens, aged
36 years, 3 months, 20 days.
30. •' I'*, Mrs. ILinuah Wright, wife of Mr. AMmon Wright, aged 77
years, 9 month-.
31. Nov. t;. Leander Y. X. Tuttle, son of Luke and S. Sophia Tutlle, aged
2 years. 7 months, 23 days.
32. •• 2(». Sarah L., daughter of Lowell A. and Sarah A. Jones, aged
2 days.
33. D('-. :;. Mr. Frank F. Hay ward, aged 22 years, 7 months. 13 days.
'■'A. " 4. Mr. Josiah C. Mason, aged 54 years. 4 months.
'■>'>. " 15, Mrs. Eleanor Phelan, aged 51 years, 7 months.
36. •' 21. Mr. Simon Hapgood, aged SO years, 11 months. 21 days.
17. •• 2"J. Mrs. Mary J. Palmer, aged -"It; years. 1 month. 1") days.
16
Barnes of Persons having Dogs Licensed in 1974.
r/
Name of Owner.
No.
Name oi' Owner.
y<j-
Francis Hosmer,
1.
I). H. Farrar,
1.
■John Conant,
1.
J. W. Abbott,
1.
Willie F. Richardson,
1.
W. W. Wooster.
1.
Silas Conant, Jr.
1.
Francis Pratt,
i.
Elnathan Jones,
1.
Henry Shaplev,
1.
Varnum Tuttle,
1.
E. D. Lothrop,
1.
Tiittles, Jones & Wetherbee, 3-
A. Bulette,
1.
H. Waldo Tuttle.
1.
Lewis Beck,
2.
Thos. P. Yarter,
1.
J. Fletcher & Sons.,
1.
I ieorge Conant,
1.
X. C. Peed,
1.
George V. Mead,
1.
J. R. Baesett,
1.
Alfred Sawyer,
1.
L. R. Forbush,
1.
A. & 0. W. Mead.
1.
J. E. Harris,
1.
Geo. C. Wright,
1.
Edwin Tarbell,
1.
Luther Conant,
1.
J. E. Reed,
1.
A. B. Brown,
1.
Joseph Reed.
1.
Elwvn II. Whitcomb,
1.
Daniel Tuttle,
1
S. M. Osgood & Co.,
1.
Francis Robbins,
i.
Levi Houghton,
1.
Allen Smith,
1.
O. E. Preston,
1.
Frank Houghton.
1.
W. A. Gil more,
1.
S. Taylor Fletcher,
1.
Horace Tuttle,
1.
Theo. Karcher,
i.
W. II. Faulkner,
1.
John Daley,
fern., 1.
Willard A. Davis,
I.
U. A. Snell,
l'cm., 1.
Taylor Bros.,
1.
Chas. Morris,
j •
Henry Potter,
1.
John Grimes,
1.
Moses Taylor.
1.
D. C. Cutler,
1.
E. F. Fuller, '
1.
H. A. Barker,
1.
Augustus Fletcher,
1.
J. W. Randall,
1.
J. C. Keyes,
1.
Chas. Wheeler,
1.
I). J. Wetherbee,
I.
J. W. Charter,
1.
Daniel Wetherbee.
1.
E. Robbins,
1.
Isaac W. Flagg,
1.
Calvin Harris,
1.
Daniel Harris,
1.
J. A. Piper,
J.
Geo. E. Priest,
1.
Robert Fiske,
1.
A. S. Fletcher,
1.
Geo. W. Livermore,
tern. 1.
A. J. Fletcher,
1.
Martin Whitney,
1.
A. C. Haudley,
i #
D. H. Knights,
1.
Frank Marshall,
1.
A. L. Tuttle,
I.
Geo. C. Conant,
1.
Henry Haynes,
1.
Horace Tuttle, 2d.,
1.
Josiah Piper,
1.
-J, R. Daniels,
1
W. E. Wood,
1.
E. J. Robbins, fern.,
L
Henry Smith,
1.
L. N. Fletcher,
1..
Neil Carrie,
1.
Total,
1
84 mal«s
4 females.
#
9 /
THE ANNUAL REPORT
CHOOL COMMITTEE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1874-5,
ACTON :
ACTON PATRIOT .TOR PRINT.
1 8 7 5.
REPORT.
To the Citizens of Acton :
In accordance with the requirements of the statutes and a t me
honored custom your School Committee, having discharged their du-
ties to the best of their ability, beg leave to submit, for your consider-
ation, the following report : —
We trust that we have been fully impressed with the importance of
the charge committed to our care, and have labored very earnestly to
keep up and, if possible, improve the standard of excellence in our
schools. But in looking over the school history of the past year it
seems to us that we have been called to encounter even more than
the usual number of obstacles.
During the past year we have been obliged to make several changes
in our corps of teachers, and, though we have been very fortunate in
our selections, as a general thing, every teacher has to gain some
experience in any school in order to secure the highest degree of suc-
cess. We consider it very important to the best interests of our
schools to continue a good teacher several consecutive terms in the
same school.
Moreover, during the past school year our schools have been more
broken up by sickness than is usually the case. This has been espe-
cially true of the schools during the past Winter. On account of the
prevalence of the scarlet fever and other forms of disease three of the
large schools closed in the midst of the term, so tint a large number
of onr scholars have suffered a very serious loss of school advantages.
But, while this is a fact to be regretted, we feel that our oratitude is
due to an overruling Providence who has averted from us the calam-
ity of a general epidemic which might have proved fatal to many
children whose faces will brighten our school rooms in coming terms.
It is sad for us to feel that, as it is, the presence of some scholars will
be missed, and we sympathize very deeply with their afflicted [homes.
During the past year we have had one public examination in all
the schools, and two in those schools which were not terminated or
greatly disturbed by sickness. These examinations have been well
attended, and, as a general thing, highly creditable to the educational
work of the town. We are more and more convinced that these
public examinations are excellent, both lor teachers and scholars, and
'we think it may be well to have them more frequently in the future
than in the past. We have been pleased to notice the evident interest
taken in the schools by the people of the several districts during the
past year, as evidenced by the large attendance upon several of the
public examinations. We think, too, that the people have been very
careful and just in their criticisms, and thus have done much to aid
both teachers and committee in their efforts to promote the interest of
the schools. We hope that a similar course may be pursued in the
future, so that, as during the past year, all will work together for the
success of this highly important work.
The success of the schools dining the past year has been affected by
causes beyond our control, but the past year's experience has suggest-
ed to us certain points where it may be possible for us, as a town, to
secure better conditions of success in the future, and it is that the
citizens of the town generally may view the matter from our stand-
point that we make suggestions with reference to the following points.
Town Appropriation tor Schools.
We are aware that it is necessary for the town to raise large sums
of money for other purposes, and it is with diffidence that we put
forward the claim of our schools ; but we feel that we should not be
faithful to our charge unless we mad' known their real wants. Good
teachers command as high wages now as they did five years ago, and
the expense; of heaving and caring for our school houses is so much
greater now than when the old school houses were used that there
are not sufficient funds for school terms of suitable length, even with
the addition which has been already made to the town appropriation
for these purposes. The vacations of school are now too long for the
best good of the scholars. The vacations are so long that they go far
towards dissipating the impressions made upon the scholars' minds
during the sessions of school, and the school houses are so comforta-
ble and huge that it would be far better, both for the health and the
morals of our scholars, to spend more weeks in the school-room and
less iii the stores and streets. The possibility of a large number of
school weeks during the year will enable us more easily to retain the
services of good teachers, at the same cost per month, as it will in-
crease their yearly income, and employ their time when otherwise
they would be obliged to be unemployed. An additional appropria-
tion of two hundred and fifty dollars would be very useful in pro-
moting the good of our schools and we hope that our citizens may
see their way clear to increase their appropriation that amount.
Importance off Every Verm of School to Scholars.
One very serious obstacles in the way of the satisfactory progress
of many of our scholars is the fact that they are uniformly absent from
school one term or more every year. The usual excuse for the ab-
sence of these scholars is the supposed need of their work at home.
In some cases it is no doubt the fact, that there is an apparent need of
the sacrifice of a higher for a lower advantage, but we believe it to be
usually the case that if the parents duly appreciated the importance of
a thorough education, as the best inheritance which they can bestow
upon their children — if they realized the need of this as their children
will realize it in coming years — we feel very sure chat they would so
arrange it that their scholars should not be detained from school by
work a term or a day.
A child of twelve or fourteen years of age can do but little manual
labor, consistently with his health and the development of a strong con-
stitution, while he can gain as much real advantage from study at that
time as at the age of eighteen, hence it is very poor economy to keep
scholars of such an age from school. It may be that the terms can be
arranged to better accommodate the scholars which are usually kept
at home for the above reason by bringing a large number of weeks of
school into the time intervening between Nov. 1st and April or May
lst. As it is, the evil complained of is to be lamented, and is appar-
ently increasing in some localities.
IflaSe or Fesaiale Teachers.
The question has been asked several times during the past year,
would not male teachers conduct our large winter schools to better ad-
vantage than female teachers ? To this question we have uniformly
given a negative answer, for these reasons :
1st. To employ male teachers we would be obliged to shorten our
winter terms, which are now too short nearly one-third, or shorten the
other terras enough to make out the extra money required for the
employment of a male teacher.
2nd. It is very difficult to rind good male teachers that are willing
to take charge of our common schools. Permanent situations are
open to such teachers in a higher grade of schools. The male teach-
ers who usually apply for our schools are students in search of a little
experience in teaching, and a little money for the further prosecution
of their studies, and more frequently than otherwise secure both at the
expense of their scholars.
3d. It is very important that we should be able to secure good
teachers several consecutive terms, but. if we get into the way of em-
ploying male teachers in the winter, it will be very sure to result in a
change of teachers in these schools twice in a year and the best teach-
ers will seek situations where they can hope for steady employment,
so that, as it seems to us. the good of the schools will be imperiled
throughout the year.
As to the management of unruly scholars, we believe that a female
teacher, experienced in the control of scholars, will succeed far better
than a male teacher without any such experience; the former teacher may
or may not have as much physical strength as the latter; that, as we
look upon it, makes little difference. The brute force as the princi-
pal factor in the government of schools is out of date. It is now
generally understood that the same forces should control scholars in
school which will control them in society, viz., a due regard for right-
ful authority and the dignity of law, as such, and, when advanced
scholars can not be controlled by the>e means, it seems to us that they
ought to be turned over to their parents for punishment or dismissed
from school.
Text Books.
During the past year we have nearly completed the change in Read-
ing books which was recommended in our last report. The good re-
sults of the change have more than equalled our expectations. To
make the series of Headers uniform, it is necessary that the 6th Readers
should be changed in two of the largest schools. Beyond this we
would recommend no change in text books the coming year.
Primary Schools.
These schools have been as successful during the past year as at any
previous time, so far as we have been able to discover. But we have
thought it possible that Object Teaching may be employed more largely
in this grade of school than heretofore. This method of teaching is
now very largely employed by educators in the instruction of young
scholars, with excellent results. This method is now employed by
most of our teachers to some extent, and it may be that there is room
for still further improvement in the same direction. In one of our
schools it has been the practice to dismiss the younger scholars earlier
than the regular time, and, so iar as we know, the practice has not been
attended with any bad results. It may be that fewer hours of confine-
ment to the school rooms will be better for our younger scholars gen-
erally.
These, Fellow Citizens, are some of the suggestions which we would
present to you for the improvement ol our schools. In order
these suggestions may be carried out, your approval and co-oporati'on
are necessary to a greater or less extent, and we hope that neither
will be withheld- Our most valuable possessions, as a town, are our
children, and the most important interest we arc called to provide 'for is
to be found in our schools. We trust that they will receive at your
hands the care and support which are their due.
Passing from a consideration of the condition and wants of our
school system, taken as a whole, we would now invite you to a brief
review of the different schools. T,Ve will consider the schools in the
order determined by the attendance of scholars in each district, men-
tioning first the schools in the districts having the largest attend-
ance.
This school had tiie same teacher throughout the yea-. Miss M. A.
Edwards. Miss E. is a teacher of ripe experience, is dignified in her
bearing as a teacher, and has other elements essential to success in
the government of a school ; and in this school ought to have had
the highest degree of success. As it was,we think the highest usefulness
of the school was somewhat impaired by the conduct of a very few
scholars, to whom some previous remarks in this report fitly apply.
On account of sickness there was no public examination in the Winter
term. The examination at the close of the fall term was very satis-
factory, as much so, on the whole, as any that we have attended in
this school.
South PA*flimary.
This school, also, had the same teacher, Miss S. L. Burr, through
out the year. Miss B. made herself at home in the school-room and
manifested a good degree of skill in the difficult work of interesting
and instructing young scholars. She seemed to possess the respect
and love of her pupils to a marked degree. The examination at
the close of the Fall term, proved that the scholars had made good
progress during the term. The school was terminated so suddenly in
the winter that there was no examination. From what we are able
to learn, Miss B.'s work m the school was creditable to her ability as
a teacher and satisfactory to the Committee.
West 4xTC&isimai*.
This school had the same teacher through the whole year, Miss A.
Ii. Allen. Miss A. taught this school the last term of last year, and
was referred to as a teacher in our last report, so that no mention oi-
lier qualities is called for in this place We will simply say that
Miss A.*s work in this school, during the past year, has but confirmed
us in our impression of Her fitness _for the work of teaching. Not
only has this school made excellent progress in knowledge, but, so
far as we know, there has been a most harmonious state of feeling
between teacher and scholars, which promises much for the success of
t'ni.^school in the future. Thecxaminacion at the end of the Fall term
was highly creditable to teacher and scholars. The Winter term was
so broken up by .sickness that there was no public examination: but
the Committee took the opportunity to make a private examination into
the progress of the school and satisfied themselves that it was as good'
as they reasonably could expect, under the circumstances.
*Test Primal1}'.
The Spring term of this school was taught by Miss A. E. Hall,
whose name, as a teacher,has appeared in several reports of this Com-
mittee, and always associated with words of praise. Miss H.'s work
this term was fully equal to that of any other term. Her whole
heart was in her work, and she found her reward in the highest de-
gree of success and in tiie most grateful love of her pupils, who. no
doubt, will cherish her memory always.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss A. O. Hopkins-
a teacher of ripe experience, who proved herself well adapted to the
work devoted to her care. As a teacher, she is well versed in expe-
clients for exciting the thought and holding the attention of young
scholars. On account of the apparent danger of the scarlet fever
this school ended in the midst of the Winter term, so that it had but
one public examination during the year, the one at the end of the
Fall term, which was quite satisfactory.
Center Grammar.
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were taught by Miss J.
S. Ixirtlett, the teacher who taught the school during the whole of
last year, and who was noticed fully in our last report. We will
simply say that the school during these terms was very small — almost
unaccountably so — but that the scholars who attended the school
made good advancement in real mental discipline.
The Winter term was taught by Mr. C. P. Searle of Amherst Col-
Mr. Searle was well recommended to the Committee, as a
scholar and a gentleman, and so far as we know possessed these qual-
ities, but was without experience in the management of a public
school and failed to exhibit any natural talent for such a work. It
should be said, however, that the school was the largest and consisted
of the oldest scholars of any in our town, and would have been a dif-
ficult school for even an experienced teacher. The Committee would
have secured an experienced female teacher for the school had he
found it possible for him to do so and gratify the manifest wishes of
the majority of the scholars and people of the district. When their
desires became known to him, it was so near the time for the school
to begin that it was impossible for him to do otherwise than he did.
It should be said in justice to the scholars that they generally did their
utmost to save the school from being a tailure, and that, on the whole.
considering everything, it had a fair decree of success.
Center Primary.
This school was favored with the continued instruction of Miss A.
K. Tucker, who was mentioned m our last report in such terms of
praise that nothing need be said of her here. This school also was termi-
nated in the midst of the term by sickness. Like the Grammar School
ir was one of the largest in town, but until it was broken up was
making excellent progress and promised to be one of the most suc-
cessful schools in town.
10
Kast School.
This school enjoyed the labors of the same teacher, Miss M. C.
Harriss, through the whole year. Miss II. has had an extended expe-
rience, as a teacher in a high order of schools, and applied herseif
most heartily to the work of this school and produced a marked im-
pression upon all the scholars who attended the school each term. The
examinations, at the end of the Fall and Winter terms, were very sat-
isfactory— among the best that we have attended. We considered the
progress made in Reading especially commendable.
Southeast School.
The Spring and Fail terms of this school were taught by Miss E. O.
Clark. Miss C. was mentioned in our last report in connection with
this school, in terms of commendation. We think that she did as well
with the school as any teacher could do. The Winter term was taught
by Miss E. S< Brooks. Miss B. has had but little experience in teach-
ing, but devoted herself to the work of the school with considerable
energy, and we hoped that the examination at the end of the term
would prove that she had secured a good degree of success. We are
sorry to say, however, that the examination was not very satisfac-
tory, though it may have been as good as we ought to have expected,
considering the unambitious character of the scholars.
North School.
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were taught by Miss L. L.
Keyes, a resident of the district. Miss K. taught in the East Shoo1.
one term last year and was noticed in our last report. She seemed to
have the good will and co-operation of her scholars, and, so far as we
know, did her work to the satisfaction of all interested in the school.
The Winter term was taught by Miss^E. F. Reed, who has been
mentioned in previous rej)orts in connection with this school. We will
simply say that we considered this one of her most successful schools.
As appears from the above review, the proportion of schools that
have had the same teacher through the whole year is very large, and
the success of the schools has been greatly promoted by this fact.
Appended are the usual Statistical Reports, which we commend to
your careful perusal. In the number of visits, those made by the Su-
perintendent or by friends at the public examinations, are not included.
il
It is possible that some mistakes may have been made hi the Roll of
Honor, as we had to gather the names, in almost every case, from the
school register, which fact exposed ns to the liability of mistakes. We
hope, however, that all is correct,
Respectfully submitted.
HARRIS COWDREY, (Chairman), ]
ELBRIDGE J. ROBBINS, (Clerk),
JAMES TUTTLE,
GEORGE HARRISS,
JOSEPH NOTES,
JOHN FLETCHER, 2d,
F. P. WOOD. Superintendent of Schools.
School Con
Act
ROLL OF HONOR
Several scholars in the different schools have been absent or tardy only
once, and several have not been tardy or absent after they began to go to
school, but did not go when the school began,
such, but cannot by our rules.
We woud gladly mention
Those who have not
been absent or tardy
for one term.
Those who have not
been absent or tardy
for two terms.
Those who have not
been absent or tardy
for three terms.
M. Louisa Burr.
Annie E. Jordan,
Edith Lewis,
Jesse Mitchell,
Hattie Wetherbee,
Frank Bulette,
Frank Harris.
George Haynes,
Arthur Jones,
Charles Lewis,
Wiliie S. Warren.
South Gbammae
Lucy A. Jones,
Etta C. Temple,
Mary V. Phelan,
Jimmie Hannon,
Michael Hannon.
Gertie Clark,
Florence Fletcher.
Josie Hannon,
Carrie Hay ward,
Carrie Shapley,
Delia Wetherbee,
Fred. Brown,
Fred. Farrar,
Harry Fletcher,
Arlie Jackson,
John Lynch,
Charles Priest,
Charlie Worcester,
Annie Blanch ard,
Lottie Handley,
Ella Teele,
Nellie White,
Eftie Wright,
Ellsworth Hapgoodj
George Hutchins,
Willie Kelley,
George Bobinson.
Warren Stevens.
South Pbimaby.
Mary Haggerty,
Emily Hannon,
Mary Jackson,
Mary Knight,
Eda Shapley,
Edith Snell.
Eva Shapley.
West Geammae.
Clara Tattle.
Edgar Hall,
Freddie Mead,
George Mead,
Mary Tuttle,
Inez Wyinan,
Arthur Bradford.
Charlie Hopkins,
Alphonso Wyinan
13
West Primary.
Charlie W. Foye,
Georgie D. Foye,
Walter Gardner,
Elmer E. Handley,
Milly G. Handley,
Freddy G. Holden,
Charles H. Morris,
Charles B. Parker,
Clesson J. Parker,
Everett A. Richardson,
Warren Taylor,
Frank A. Teele.
Ana Davis,
Alma Forbush,
Annie Hammond.
Carrie Jones,
Simon Taylor.
Lizzie Cummins
A.rvilla Darling,
Erminie Davis,
"Bertha Fiske,
Addie Pike,
Etta Tuttle,
Florian Eiske,
Frank Fiske.
Abbie Fiske,
Bertha E. Hosmer,
Nixon Ball,
Carlton C. Conant,
ElbridgeR. Conant,
•George H. Bobbins,
Frank E. Wetherbee,
Roland J. Wetherbee.
Mary A. Blanchard,
Minnie B. Hart,
Ida J. Tuttle,
Bertie S. Wright,
Fred W. Gilmore,
Willie P. Hart,
David Kingsley.
Hattie A. Parker,
Arthur F. Blanchard,
Allie H. Gilmore,
Herbert Hapgood.
Bertie F. Mead.
Centre Gkammak.
Horace Tuttle,
Gillie Parlin.
C E XTR E P K IM AR Y.
Carrie Dunn.
East School;
Bessie M. Ball,
Hattie R. Esterbrook,
Mary D. Farrar,
Florence B. Perkins,
Frank H. Billings,
Webster C. Bobbins.
Susie A. Batchelder.
Etta A. Esterbrook. '
South-east.
Emma A. Ckarlow,
Lester Fletcher,
'George E. Johnson,
John L. Jones,
Wm. Malthouse.
Estelle D. Heath,
Lizzie C. Matthews,
Emma A. Pratt,
Mattie C. Pratt.
14
North School.
Annie Gallagher,
Lizzie Ryan,
Nellie Ryan,
Hattie Smith,
Willie Butter-field,
Elmer Rouillard,
Jimmie Ryan,
Bertie Smith,
George Smith.
TABULAR VIEW.
a
?
O j9 >.
> lO !X3 .
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
o
o
A .
cm S
3 :0
S3 U
O CU .
a J?
u S 5
aj 3 ©
a
CS
3
. 0 e 0 « 0
g bo p immf
•"• 0 0
o o
«!.«',<»
bo
a
cy
* ss
a3 « i S « , a> a
| 2
a H a H a a
> ?
>
a 0 0 0.
£
r*"
<i
» [55 !55
Spring Term.
Centre \ grammar,
Mis* J. S. Bartlett,
a
$35 ®0
23
10
12
" A. E. Tucker,
2
32 00
32
26.20
2 8
\Y**\ s Grammar.
» est. | primary,
South 5 Grammar,
south. j primary,
11 A. II. Allen,
;>
40 00
32
20
3 1!)
" A.E.Hall,
2
:<6 oo
37
34
0
" M. A. Edwards,
o
40 00
4)
36.25
L2
i>
" S. L. Burr,
2
36 00
43
37
16
North.
" L.L.Keyes,
2.23 2(5 00
18
15.40
3
11
East,
" M. C. Harriss,
3 39 oo
17
16.70
12
South En st,
" E. 0. Clark,
Totals.
2.50 32 00
18.75 j $307 00
20
18.80
1
17
265
232.35
6
15
109
Fall Term.
/<>„(,.* C Grammar,
Centie. JPrimary/
Miss J. S. Bartlett,
o
!*35 00
15
11
1
fi
" A. E. Tucker,
a
32 00
36
20.30
jj
w/«+ ) Grammar,
West J Primary,
" A. II. Allen,
2.50
44 00
37
32.60
'J
" O. A. Hopkins,
2.50
40 00
42
39
1
12 11
soutli < Grammar,
.south. t Primary,
" M. A. Edwards,
2
40 00
44
37.50
" S.L. Burr,
2.15 j 36 00
•13
37.60
North,
" L. L. Keyes,
2.26 20 00
18
15.70
1 -;
East,
" M. C. Harriss,
2.15 30 00
20
17.70
i
South-East,
" E. O. Clark,
2.25
32 00
20
17 70
i!
Totals,
10. SO
$315 00
275
238. 10
2 23 78
Winter Term.
Centre y Grammar,
oeutie. j primary,
Mr. C.P. Scarle,
Miss A.E.Tucker,
2
1.75
$60 OO
, 36 00
17
40
36.40
31
23
11
woof t (Grammar,
west. | primary,
" A. H. Allen,
3
44 00
44
;s4.so
17
IS
" O. A. Hopkins.
1.50
40 00
42
36
1
in
smith £ Grammar,
South. ^primary,
" M. A. Edwards,
1.75
10 00
44
36
12
A
" S.L. Burr,
1.80
40 00
40
30.60
1
7
North,
" E. F. Reed,
3.50
32 00
18
15.48
1
2.)
East,
" M. C. Harriss,
2.75
38 00
26
19.74
5
17
South-East,
'• E. S. Brooks,
2.50
36 00
19
16.30
1
H
Totals,
20.55
$366 00
™
255.20
1 1 60
99
Aggregate for the year,
59.10
$088 00
860
|725.6D
0
98
286
Total average attendance during- the year, 81,
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Incidentals include brooms, ink, chalk, blackboard erasers, cleaning
houses, repairing furnace, sawing some wood, etc., etc. These items or
similar ones are included under this head in every report.
South School.
Drawn from the treasury, $688 38
Received from the town of Stow, 1G 00
Balance from last year. 53 01
$757 39
Paid teachers. 401 40
" for fuel, 56 34
•• •• care of house and incidentals (about 25
items.) 34 (.)2
Balance on hand, 204 73
$757 30
James Tuttlk, Committee.
West School.
$644 88
25 30
$670 24
534 00
69 60
2G 50
40 14
$670 24
Drawn from the treasury.
Balance from last year.
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" " care of house, &c,
Balance on hand.
Joseph Noyes, Committee.
Center School.
Balance on hand and drawn from the treasury, $640 00
$(540 00
Paid teachers, 451 00
l- for fuel, 71 26
•• - care of house, incidentals, &c, 32 03
Cash on hand, S5 71
$640 00
Harris Cowdrey, Committee.
1G
East School.
Drawn from the treasury,
$298 34
Balance from last year.
7 91
Paid to teacher,
• 228 25
for fuel, and drawing and preparing,*
57 44
'; care of house, &c,
L4 42
Balance ou hand,
6 14
$30G 25
$306 ->rj
E. J. Robbtns, Committee.
* there are two tons of coal on hand.
Southeast School.
Drawn from the treasury. $255 86
Balance from last year, 8 83
$264 69
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
*" care of house, &c.
Balance on hand,
$264 69
John Fletcher, 2d, Committee.
North School.
Drawn from the treasury.
Balance from last year.
234 00
20 00
9 67
1 02
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
u care of house, &c,
Balance on hand.
$263 86
1 GO
229 00
20 00
11 12
5 34
Iarriss, C
$2,500 00
219 05
167 01
$265 4(]
§2Go 46
Amount of money raised by the town,
Income from the State school fund,
u Dog fund,
Total, $2,886 06
Number of children reportedly the assessors, between the ages of
rive and fifteen, 281.
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar, $8 89;}-
REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
February 26, 1875, to February 26, 1876
INCLUDING THi
3IARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1875
ALSO, THE
KEPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
ACTON:
Printed at the Office of the Patbiot, So. Actox.
1876.
Selectmen's Report.
Appropriations and Receipts.
Unexpended balance of last year.
$8,954 55
Regular Town Grant,
9,000 00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,500 00
Town Grant for Highways,
2,000 00
Overlay on Taxes,
215 38
Corporation Tax,
553 06
National Bank Tax,
417 08
State Aid to Jan. 1,1875,
232 00
State School Fund,
206 35
Mt. Hope Cemetery,
23 00
Wooodlawn Cemetery,
36 00
Dog Fund,
190 08
Use of Town Hall and Cellar,
63 00
State Tax.
1,580 00
County Tax,
1,013 62
C. N. McLean, for Stone,
20 00
Insurance Dividend,
18 15
Liquor Licenses,
400 00
Bowker Fund,
72 00
Cash of Charles E. Miller,
750 00
" " Phineas Puffer,
500 00
,k John F. Nichols,
500 00
*' " Middlesex Institution for Savings,
3,500 00
CQO 7 A A 07
■ ■■ fpO A, f t* u 1
Expenditures.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS,
Paid James Tuttle, South District,
$688 38
Joseph Noyes, West "
644 88
Daniel Tuttle, Centre "
640 00
Daniel Harris, East **
298 34
John Fletcher, 2d, South East District,
255 86
J. W. Loker, North District,
263 86
$2,791 32
Repairs on School Houses.
Paid James Tuttle, South District, $12 66
Joseph Noyes, West " 1 0 25
Daniel Tuttle & H. Cowdry. Centre District, 42 21
3
Paid Darnel Harris, East District, $5 98
James Tuttle, incidentals for South District, 16 30
Joseph Noyes, incidentals for West District, 12 00
Repairs on Highway*,
Paid P. II. Whitcomb, breaking roads, 1875,
George II. Harris, " *' •
Charles Wheeler, " " hi
Abram II. Jones, " -'* ';
$15
00
5
70
50
25
35
80
$99 49
$112 75
Regular Highway Work.
Paid Charles Wheeler, $1,1*0 96
Abram II. Jones, 903 28
Abram II. Jones, Brown Hill, 2C7 94
S2,322 18
By Order of Couuty Commissioners. „
Paid Charles Wheeler, road in West Acton,
^1,190 36
Books ami Printing.
Paid posters, man and wife wanted to take charge
of Town Farm,
$1 50
500 Assessors' Schedules of Valuation,
7 00
Warrants,
10 50
500 Selectmen's Reports,
500 Town "
14 00
66 00
600 Valuation "
100 00
Desk Books for North School,
3 99
" " " West "
2 92
« East
3 37
u u Center "
6 29
J. E. Cutter, tax book,
2 00
C O 1 T KT
Support of Poor.
Paid J. E. Cutter, deficiency on Town Farm as
per report of Overseers of the Poor to
April 1, 1875.
Coffin for John D. Whitney,
Supplies u "
Sarah B. Childs,
$945 70
13 00
4 15
16 49
Patrick Sullivan,
14 25
George Cur tin,
Sarah Hunt,
26 00
30 00
John II. Whitney, supplies and burial
expenses,
Abel W. Jones, to Oct. 1, 1875,
125 93
137 50
4
Paid Martin Pike, $8 00
. J. E. Cutter, journey to Waltham respect-
ing J. H. Whitney, 2 00
J. E. Cutter, journey to Watertown, respect-
ing Samuel Bacon, 2 00
J. E. Cutter, journey to Westford, respect-
ing Joseph Whitney, I 50
Town I>ebt.
$1,326 52
Paid li. J. Hapgood,
$400 do
Josiah Dow.
G00 00
Geo. W. Gates
200 00
John Grimes,
300 00
D. J. Witherbee,
1,2000 00
Ebenezer Conant,
2,000 00
Isaac Reed,
1,200 00
J. W. Livermore,
600 00
Luther Conant,
1,000 00
J. E. Billings,
200 00
S7,70<» 00
State Aid.
Paid Hattie W. Wilder,
$44 00
Rebecca C. Wright.
48 00
A. R. Summer,
3 00
Geo. W. Sawyer,
21 00
Richard H. L. Talcott.
30 00
.Maria Flu,
41 00
$190 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid Martin Pike, Woodlawn Cemetery, '
k",4 \)o
William 1). Tuttle,
2 00
Gate hinges, •
78
Work on trees.
1 80
Irons for posts,
40
Trees and expenses,
13 75
Charles llanscom,
1 60
Gilman Pickens,
2 20
Luke Tuttle.
c, so
Watering trees,
1 00
Elbridge Robbins for land.
3 50
Fisk & Spaulding, sign.
15 25
painting sign.
6 05
Staking lots.
2 00
William I>. Davis, sign and painting,
4 1 1
Mr. Pike, setting post.
5 0
Paid J. E. Reed for post,
L. U. Holt for pump,
Painting and lettering gates, Mt. Hope
Cemetery,
Moving the Rowell family,
John Fletcher, 2d, setting tie rings,
( Irass seed,
W. W. Worster,
J. K. W. Wetherbee, acknowledging deeds,
Bedding up 20 lots and removing roots,
Clearing avenues,
One pump and pipe,
Box for pump,
J. Holt for air chamber and setting same,
F. Stone,
Digging and stoning well,
Town Officers.
Paid F. P. Wood, Superintendent of schools,
Phineas Wetherbee, taking inventory, mak-
ing and copying taxes, also copying valu-
ation and taxes for printing,
William D. Tuttle, taking inventory and
making taxes,
Services as Town Clerk and making report,
John E. Cutter, collecting taxes,
James E. Billings, services as Selectman,
Hiram J. Hapgood, services as Selectman,
Frank IT. Whitcomb, services as Selectman,
.50
$5
00
5
00
7
00
1
50
50
50
1
00
50
00
22
00
23
28
08
o
70
1
00
22
00
;oo oo
n 25
28
25
70
62
50
40
70
00
00
00
00
00
Law Suits.
Paid G. A. Somerby, Brooks case,
si 00 00
Printing briefs,
7 50
G. A. Somerby, Reed case,
400 00
Printing briefs,
5 00
Clerk of Court for copies,
24 00
N. B. Bryant, A. W. Jones' case,
25 00
AV~. W. Davis,
0 00
Daniel Tuttle, u
s oo
Witnesses. Reed case,
230 00
Rewards.
•
Paid Pmder & Harris,
$250 00
Spalding & Taggart,
200 00
E. P. Brown,
50 00
S2G0 10
$406 95
$8*4 50
$500 eo
6
Centennial Celebration.
Paid Luther Conant, Car Fares,
$41 45
Music,
196 25
Cleaning guus
20 00
Opening hall,
10 00
Dinner tickets.
192 00
Uniforms,
283 25
Flags and banners,
37 00
Home celebration,
29 46
Printing, express aud freight,
13 75
Team and driver,
7 00
Use of equipments,
12 25
Interest on Notes.
Paid Hiram J. Hapgood.
$13 61
Oliver W. Drew,
42 00
Luther Billings,
54 04
Jonas K. Putney,
45 50
James E. Billings,
126 56
John Goldsmith,
162 50
Geo. W. Gates,
17 38
Charles Morris.
24 50
Phineas Puffer,
175 00
Josiah Dow,
IS 20
Isaac Reed,
lit) (JO
Luther Conant,
111 00
Frederick Rouillard,
186 66
Joseph Barker.
66 25
Mrs. M. P. Hosmer,
70 oo
John Grimes.
13 60
Daniel Harris,
53 57
Elizabeth Ilanscom,
47 (50
Patrick Farrell,
103 79
Lewis Rouillard,
12 70
Joseph Noyes,
13 GO
John F. Xickles,
39 17
David M. Handley,
196 25
Jonathan A. Piper,
39 3,6
Daniel J. AVetherbee,
91 00
Cyrus Conant,
147 00
Calvin Harris,
13 00
Oliver Whitcomb,
31 97
J. W. Livermore,
52 55
Simon Tuttle,
39 20
Geo. Reed.
OS 50
Geo. H. Harris,
12 5 4
$342 41
Paid Thomas F. Noyes,
Sarah C. Noyes,
Temporary loau, Concord Bank,
John Wilson,
$25 25
50 50
42 88
31 50
Abatement of Taxes.
Paid John E. Cutter 1872,
1873,
1874,
$104 26
328 91
63 35
$2,344
$496 52
Miscellaneous.
Paid Edward Tattle, water for Center School,
Reuben L. Reed, sealing weights and
measures,
Daniel Harris, pump for East Scliool,
Levi W. Stevens, lumber and labor for
old school house in West Acton,
Geo. W. Sawyer, care of town c^ck,
Repairs on clock,
" " lamps,
Eighteen gallons oil,
Wicks,
Chimnevs.
Coal,
Four lights of glass, f
Li
Setting glass.
One broom,
Wash in g floor.
One cord wood,
Repairs on conductors,
Opening hall 20 times,
Francis Jones, painting and lettering
guide boards,
Waldo Littlefield, painting and repair-
ing hearse,
John White, posts for school house lot
fence North District,
A. H. Jones, 2 plates for road scrapers.
Lumber for railing,
Labor, setting guide posts,
F. Dwight, attending funerals of 4 1
© J ©
persons,
F. Dwight, removing bodies in Rowell,
Spauldiug & Fuller lots,
Dog notice,
$2 50
20
00
16
50
7
52
5
83
1
85
4
15
S3 34
15
1
25
2
80
67
32
42
2
50
5
00
1
65
L4
50
31
40
27
60
17
00
13
00
24
92
3
87
132 00
6 50
1 00
s
Paid Returning 51 deaths, SI 2 75
E. A. Gates, opening Hall 9 times, 7 50
Washing hall and chimneys, 2 25
Care of clock, 4 15
Tolling bell for 4 deaths, 80
William D. Tuttle, express, 2 45
Running line of road in South Acton, 5 00
Relocating road at West Acton, o 50
Journey to Sudbury, to make out election
returns, 2 00
Making plan of school house lot, North
Acton, 1 50
Dog license blanks and postage, 1 50
Meeting, Tax Commissioners, 1 50
Collecting and recording 35 births, 17 50
Recording 52 deaths, 7 20
" 14 marriages, 2 00
J. E. Cutter, express, 50
discount on taxes, 798 50
summoning 20 persons, to
take oath of office, 2 50
.1. E. Billings, land and fencing school
house laud, East District, 82 01
Express and postage, 2 90
Making and recording deeds, 4 65
License Blanks, 2 00
S1,312 90
Receipts from Feb. 26, lS75,to Feb. 26, 1876.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb. 20,
1S75, $8,954 o.')
Appropriations and Receipts, 23,789 72
$32,744 27
Expenditures.
Support of Schools, S2,791 32
Repairs on School Houses, 99 49
u highways, 112 75
Regular highway work, 2,322 18
By order of County Commissioners, 1,490 36
Books and printing, 217 57
Support of poor, 1,320 52
Town Debt, 7,700 00
State Aid, 190 00
Cemetery Expenses, 260 10
Town officers, 406 95
Law suits, 814 50
Interest on Town Debt, 2,344 39
Miscellaneous, 1.312 90
!)
State Tax,
$1,580
00
County Tax,
1,013
62
Centennial Celebration,
842
41
Rewards,
500
00
Abatement of Taxes,
496
52
$25,821 58
Balance in Treasury Feb. 2(3, 187G,
$6,922 69
Town Debt.
Daniel Harris,
$819
46
Elizabeth Hanscom,
694
58
Isaac T. Flagg,
105
43
Calvin Harris,
202
63
James A Billings,
202
63
Oliver Whitcomb,
506
41
J. K. Putney,
688
43
John Goldsmith,
2,640
08
Joseph Barker,
517
16
Lewis Rouillard,
204 40
Joseph Noyes,
205
16
Jonathan A. Piper,
205
16
Luther Billings.
202
86
David M. Handley,
3,044
00
Simon Tut tie,
609
00
Patrick Farrell,
1,156
90
Josej)h Barker,
502
16
George Reed,
456
75
Jonathan A. Piper,
404
65
George II. Harris,
200
60
John Wilson,
500
66
Frederick Rouillard,
2,606
65
Charles Morris,
367
09
Patrick Farrell,
413
80
Phineas Puffer,
2,607
50
Sarah C. Noyes,
801
20
Thomas F. Noyes,
400
60
M. P. Hosmer,
1,042
00
Oliver W. Drew,
632
60
Charles E. Miller,
777
75
Phineas Puffer,
517
50
John F. Nickels,
511
83
Middlesex Institution for Savings,
3,550
16
.John F. Nickles,
597
32
»» i. ((
608
60
James E. Billings,
419
88
i. a
515
00
$28,436 :>[)
10
Amount due from State Aid,
Estimated value of Old School House.
Due from Town Treasurer.
$230 00
600 00
6,922 09
37,752 69
Acton, Feb. 26
Balance against the Town, $20,683 90
JAMES E. BILLINGS, ( Selectmen
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD. ]
FRANK H. WHITCOMB, I
1876.
of
Acton.
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IX ACTON,
For the Year Ending April lst,1^7ti,
Articles on hand April 1, 18« <>.
1 Horse.
$150 00 7") bush, pot;;:
L3 Cows.
700 00 50 lbs. ham.
7 50
6 1-2 tons i
L30 00 Lo0 lbs. Pork,
42 barrels,
5 2") 11 lbs. butter,
. 3 63
1200 lbs. shorts.
13 80 Salt piokl<
1 00
30 fowls.
1.") OX) ii; g lions soap,
I 5 I
Grass seed.
3 50 1-2 bbl. apples,
1 00
(I market box
1 00 30 lbs. Ian!.
5 40
1,087 33
Receipts from Town Farm, IS?;*.
Received for cow>,
S142 79 Received for lumber,
>>.'! 36
poultry.
39 \~> old iron,
4 82
milk,
1,121 15 " windows
5 31
apples,
434 99 cucumbers.
1 40
oxen,
105 oo grease,
I 00
use of oxen
, 10 75 feathers.
1 5o
calve-.
113 94 ■ old lead.
1 60
pork,
67 50 horse baitin
yt 1 00
potatoes.
10 45 wood,
4:i 62
squash.
8 85 berries.
4 00
eCTors,
8 38
$2,139 94
11
Paid for
Expenses.
Labor, $159 00
Saleratus, $1 24
Flour,
64 07
Spices, 3 99
Beans.
7 67
Crackers, 14 80
Tobacco,
9 35
Oil, 5 09
Cheese,
11 00
Saltpetre, 65
Coffee.
64
Washing Soda, 2 00
Onions,
81
Whip, 37
Sugar,
36 32
Peas, 49
Molasses,
20 50
Grass seed, millet.
Tea,
8 41
&c. 16 86
Fish,
11 99
Blacksmiths Bill, 8 18
Keeping Cows, !
$41 70
Vinegar, 4 16
Tin Ware,
3 68
Cloth and clothing, 24 41
Nails,
20
Cream Tartar, ' 4 05
Use of Bull,
6 00
Candles, 75
Sweet Potatoes,
60
Rice, Q>Q
Barrels,
7 55
Pails, $1 00
Lard,
8 50
Pork Barrel, 1 00
Butter,
77 29
Filing Saws, 1 75
Hat,
1 62
Pump Box, 85
Dr. Hutehins bill.
, 7 25
Clothes Pins, 12
Dr. Sanders bill,
10 85
Caterpillar Brush, 25
Medicine,
2 00
Rosin, 15
Raisins,
1 20
Harrow Frame, 50
Basket,
60
Plaster, 50
Card, Comb, brush, 1
Phosphate, 6 82
Starch,
24
Butchering. 3 67
Snuff.
67
Expenses Market-
Rope,
62
ing, 11 80
Condition Powders, 50
Market boxes, 72
Yeast.
1 12
Cabbage and tomato
Blueing,
30
plants, 1 00
Jug,
25
Set Measures, 1 00
Matches.
1 70
Oxen. 125 00
Scraps.
1 00
Cows, 412 50
Salt,
4 93
Pigs, 47 00
Soap,
13 96
Grain, , 516 94
Box Greese,
25
Cutting Wood, 67 03
Halter, &c,
1 20
Measuring Wood, 75
Boots and Shoes,
6 37
Newspaper, 2 65
Tools,
9 80
Coffin and Robe for
Brooms,
1 15
J. Hayden, 13 00
Castings for Stove, 2 00
Wash Board, 50
Meat/
131 75
Cabbages, 1 28
12
Expenses.
Use of Plow, SI 75
Freight bill, 35
Mop Handle, 33
Mending Wa<
Bar Posts,
Stationery,
ckup, $52 27
5 75
400 00
35 00
7 00
16 00
£on, 75
$2 00
40
Lumber, Nails, Locks and Labor to finish Lo
Bedstead and Bedding for Lockup,
Services of Asaph Parlin,
" " J. E. Cutter as Overseer,
'; " J. Conant,
" " E. H. Cutler,
$1,980 07
Total amount of Expenditures,
" " Receipts,
Drawn from Treasury to balance,
Interest on Farm, v
$305 15
240 00
$2,505 09
2,139 94
Victualing 347 Tramps,
$173 50
G05 15
Cost -of supporting Poor on the Farm, 431 65
Whole number of persons exclusive of Tramps, supported in
Almshouse, six; average number, five; present number, four.
JOHN E. CUTTER, ( Overseers of
ELISHA H. CUTLER, \ Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1876.
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1875
Births in Acton in 1875.
No. Date of Birth. Name of Child. Names of Parents.
1. Jan. 2, Mary Josephine Sherry, daughter of John and Mary Sherry.
2. " 14, Ella A. Priest, daughter of Jacob and Adeline A. Priest.
o. " 31, Julia Calanan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Calanan.
4. Feb. 15, Agnes Redding, daughter of Patrick and Hannah Bedding.
5. Mar. 11, Edith Augusta Flagg, daughter of Isaac T. and Lucy A.
Fla°*°'
(>. " 15, Florence Hersom Flagg, daughter of Isaac Warren and Emma
Flagg.
7. " 21, Ethel Alta Olds, daughter of Edward E. and Mary A. olds.
8. April 2, Carrie Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Moses Emery and Clara
Taylor.
9. '' 20, Myra Adclia Gardner, daugher of George and Vioietta F.
Gardner.
10. May 23. Olive Medora Wheeler, daughter of Sanford and Susan E.
Wheeler.
11. ;> 24. Herbert F. Randall, son of Freeman'L. and Amelia A. Ran-
dall.
12. *' 27, Etta Roxanna Hall, daughter of Delette IL and Susie A.
Hall.
13. " 27, Henrietta Mav Clark, daughter of Herbert T. and Mary J.
Clark.
14. " 30, Arthur LeRoy Dole, sou of Joseph Emery and Ida C. Dole.
15. June ('», George Franklin Peirce, son of Frank G. and RosaPeirce.
16. ;' 16, Ida Augusta Hapgood, daughter of Hiram J. and Augusta A.
Hapgood.
17. '" 30, George Frederick Hurd, son of William and Mary A. Hurd.
18. July 12, Honora Connors, daughter of Morris and Honora Connors.
11). Aug. 6, Harry Sawyer, son of Thomas J. and Kate Sawyer.
20. 'k 28, Rebecca Fletcher Mullholland, daughter of Hugh and M
Ellen Mullholland.
21. Sept. 2, Charles Elyin Smith, son of Henry M. and Abbie B. Smith.
22. " 20, Charlotte Emily Conant, daughter of Luther and S. Augusta
Con ant.
28. " 2(.), Joseph Herman Farrar, son of Abel and Delina Farrar.
24. " 30, Edward Sheridan, son of James and Kate E. Sheridan.
25. Oct. 7, La Roy Clark Hanscom, son of Charles Waldo and Susan L.
Hanscom,
2C>. -: 16, Walter B. Sanders, son of Dr. Charles B. and Clara A. San-
der's.
27. Nov. 7, Laura Cenevra Ryerson, daughter of Lelloy A. and Laura
Ryerson.
28. " 16, Herman Lewis Purcell, son of Henry and Mary Ellen Parcel I-
29. " 24, Dennis Bradley, son of Dennis and Hannah Bradley.
;;0. '' 29, Margaret Peters, daughter of Philip and Margaret Peters.
31. Dec. 12, Arthur Curtis liouillard, son of George and Emma Etta
Rouillard.
32 " 18, Jessi.' Parker Wood, daughter of Rev. F. 1*. and Abbie (>..
Wood.
33. '• 18, Michael May, son of John and Julia May.
:;4. " 21, John Hanaford, son of John and Mary Hanaford.
35. '• 29, Grace Noble Boomer, daughter of John L. and Annie §►.
Boomer.
15 Males and 20 Females.
14
Marriages Recorded in Acton in 1875.
No. Date of Marriage. Names of Parties .
1. Jan. 12, Mr. Philip Peters of Acton, and Miss Maggie Burke of Hay-
erhill.
2. " 13, Mr. Elliot D. Clappof Worcester and Miss Marietta Prentiss of
Acton.
3. Feb. 18, Mr. Francis J. Campbell of London England and Miss Sophia
Elizabeth Faulkner of Acton.
4. Mar. 24, Mr. Luke Kendall of Koyalton Vt. and Miss S. Eldora Esta-
brook of Acton.
5. April 6, Mr. Willie A, Pickens of Acton and Miss Alice Cox of East
Dixville, Me.
(>. " 15, Rev. Ephraim Hapgood of Acton and Miss Catherine H. Hart-
ley, of Waltham.
7. May 10, Mr. Samuel S. Perkins of Lynn and Miss Josephine Hapgood
of Acton.
s. June 9, Mr. Henry M. V. B. Whitney and Miss Cora Fiske both of
Acton.
'.). " 23, Mr. Geo. F. Flagg and Miss Lottie C. Faulkner both of Ac-
ton.
10. Aug. IT, Mr. James W. Wheeler of Acton and Mrs. Elvira Sweatt of
Boston.
11. Nov. 24, Mr. Geo. T. Knowlton of Acton and Miss Clara Maker of
Lowell.
12. " 25, Mr. Frederic M. Sisson of Acton and Miss Helen Douglass
of Windsor Locks Conn.
13. Dec. 4, Mr. Osha Knowlton and Miss Al vena Burnham both of Ac-
ton.
14. " 22, Mr. Jonathan P. Fletcher and Miss Lizzie Roth both of Acton.
15. ,; " Mr. Samuel Jones Jr. of Acton and Miss Emma E. Hayward
of Concord.
Deaths in Acton in 1875.
"No. Date of Death. Names and ages of Deceased.
1. Jan. 4. Mrs. Hannah R. Burnham, aged 91 years, 4 months,
10 days.
2. " 4. Willie Edward Tuttle, son of Horace and Arethusa M.
Tuttle, aged 2 months, 27 days.
3. " 10. Miss Susie A. Potter, aged 27 y^ars, 5 months.
4. "' 16. Mrs. Laura Spaulding, aged 73 years, 3 months, 2 days.
5. " 17. Erminie L. Davis, daughter of Alviu A. and Mary T. Davis,
aged 8 years, 4 months, 17 days.
6. " 19. Charlie B. Parker, son of Edwin C. and Hannah H. Parker,
aged 8 years, 11 months, 1 day.
7. " 20. Anna Maria Cohollon, daughter of John and Margaret
Cohollon aged 0 years,*3 months, 16 days.
8. " 28. Patrick Cohollon, son of John and Margaret Cohollon, aged
3 years. 10 months, 21 days.
0. " 28. Mrs. Mary Symonds, wife of O. A. Symonds, aged 52 years,
2 mouths, 0 days.
30. Anna C. Parker, daughter of Edwin C. and Hannah H.
Parker, aged 2 years, 4 months, 15 days.
Grace Lillian Hosmer, daughter of Lucius S. and Ella F.
Hosmer, aged 2 years, 3 months, 27 days.
Mrs. Lizzie M. Fehan, aged 24 years, 7 mouths, 22 days.
Mrs. Clarissa J. Fletcher, wife of Deacon John Fletcher,
aged 75 years, 5 months, 22 days.
14. "" 17. John Desmore, aged 11 years, 5 months.
10.
tt
30.
11.
Feb.
1.
12.
13.
5*
8.
15
15. 4t 21. Clarence Rouillard, son of George and Clara RouillarJ, aged
10 months, 22 days.
16. Mar. 2. Hannah Eedding, daughter of Patrick and Hannah Redding.
aged 1 year, 9 months, 9 days.
17. " 5. Mr. George By water, aged 20 yeais, 10 months.
18. M 18. Ellen Redding, daughter of Patrick and Hannah Red-
ding, aged 6 years. 4 months, 19 days.
19. '' 19. Jane Redding, daughter of same, aged 3 years, 6 months,
25 days.
20. April 7. Mary Josephine Sherry, daughter of John and Mary Sherry.
aged 3 months, 5 days.
21. " 13. Mrs. Lucretia Miller, aged 64 years, 5 months.
22. " 22. Mrs. Mary Sherry, aged To year-.
23. '• 27. Mr. Thomas Darling, aged 43 years, 1 month, 26 day-.
24. May 3. Mr. Alden Fuller, aged 77 years, 7 months, 7 days.
25. " 4. Miss Hattie M. Johnson, aged 20 years, 6 months.
26. " 4. Myra Adelia Gardner, daughter of George and Yidetta F.
Gardner, aged 14 days.
'i~. " 6. Dr. Harris Co wdrey, for nearly 50 years a resident practis-
ing Physician of Acton, aged 72 years, 8 months.
28. " 23. Mrs. Marietta E. White, wife of Abrani White and daugh-
ter of Enoch and Emeline Hall, aged 34 years, 11 months.
29. " 24. Mrs. Miranda Barker, wife of Joseph Barker, aged 61 years.
9 days.
30. June 4. Miss Lucinda Flagg, aged 70 years, 4 month s.
31. '* 14. Mr. Sumner Cole, aged 77 years, 2 months, 1 day.
32. July 2. James Daily, son of John and Ellen Daily, [aged 4 years, 4
4 months. 2 days.
33. " 3. Margaret E. Daily, daughter of same, aged2 years.
-34. " 5. Mr. Horace Tuttle, aged 75 years, 3 months.
35. " 11. Phebe M. Folsom, daughter of Benj, and Eliza A. Fol-
som, aged 4 months, 1 day.
30. " 17. Mr. Joab "Hayden, aged 72 years.
37. •• 22. Mrs. Tabitha H. Wood, widow of Lowell Wood, aged 7(.)
\ years, 3 months, 0 days.
3S. •* 25. Mr." Jerry Lyons, aged 35 years.
39. " 20. George W. Fay, son of Charles G. and Harriet M. Fay,
aged 3 years, 5 months, 17 days.
40. Aug. 15. Arthur C. Hall, son of Woodbury E. and Eliza A. Hall,
aged 5 months, 11 days.
Mrs. Bridget AVallace, nged 97 years.
Mi. Lewis Beck, aged 04 years. 9 months, 23 days.
Mrs. Ellen M. Bobbins, wife of Elbridge J. Eobbius, aged 33
years, 2 months, 18 days.
Miss Amelia E. Perkins, daughter of Isaiah B. and MaryE.
Pei kins, aged 20 years, 1 month, 14 days.
Miss Ella F. Reed, daughter of Benjamin and Harriet Beed,
at;ed 24 years, 9 months, 22 days.
Mrs. Lydia B. Howe, aged 82 years.
Mrs. Hannah C. Aldricb, aged 84 years, 7 months, 28 days.
Mis. Ruth W. hichardson, aged 74 years, 7 months", 7 days.
Michael .1. Sherry, son of John and Bridget Sherry, aged 5
years. 2 months, 17 days.
Mr. John Conant, aged 54 years, 1 month, 1 day.
Mr. Obed Augustus Symonds, aged 5;! years, 6 months. •>:;
days.
July 19, A son ot Edward C. and Louisa A. Cutcliff, aged 1 day.
41.
42.
43.
44.
Sept.
2!».
7,
25.
30,
45.
Oct.
19,
40.
47.
48.
49.
Nov.
Dec.
23,
28,
20,
n,
50.
51.
n
18,
31,
16
Raines of Persons having: Dogs Licensed in 1875.
Name of Owner.
No. Name of Owner.
Stephen Corliss,
Francis Hosmer,
Willie F. Richardson,
Silas Conant Jr.,
John Temple,
Henry Brooks,
Luther Conant.
John Fletcher & Sons,
Luke Tuttle,
Tuttles, Jones «fc Wetherbee,
Neil Currie,
Joseph Hard.
Emerson F. Fuller,
Levi Houghton.
G. W. Knowlton,
Aaron J. Fletcher,
Alfred W. Gardner.
Joseph Reed,
James Waldron,
William TTurd.
Francis D wight.
Emery D. Lothrop,
Charles J.Willis,
Wm. W. Wooster, '
George E. Priest,
Elbridge Robbins,
M. C. Estabrook,
E. J. Robbins-,
Josiah Piper,
Willie E. Wood,
Jairus C. Wheeler.
John Daily.
Alonzo L. Tuttle,
Aaron S. Fletcher,
George Conant,
H. Waldo Tuttle,
John Fletcher 2d,
Aaron C. Handley,
Geo. V. Mead,
A. & O. W. Mead,
Elnathan Jones,
Lucius S. Hosmer,
Daniel Tuttle,
Geo. C. Conant.
Oscar E. Preston.
A. B. Brown,
Elwyn Whitcomb,
Total 100. 94 Males 0 Fema
Since making return to County 1
female dog.
Acton, March 1">. 1876
No.
Daniel Harris.
Daniel Wetherbee.
Daniel J. Wetherbee.
Charles Wheeler.
James E. Harris,
John W. Randall,
Amasa Knowlton,
Edwin Tarbell,
Walter A. Gilmore,
Chas. A. Harrington
Horace Tuttle 2d,
John Conant,
Horace Tuttle.
Daniel H. Farrar,
Lewis Beck.
Augustus Fletcher,
dames llannon.
Martha 1). Ball.
Moses Taylor.
Charles Morris,
Isaac Peed,
Charles E. Teel,
Henry Shapley,
George R, Keyes,
James F. Jones.
M. C. Bennett,
Jos. II. Bassett,
Xahum C. Peed.
Francis Pratt.
S. Taylor Fletcher.
Henry M. Smith,
John W. Charter,
Luther P. Forbush,
Geo. W. Livermoiv.
W. E. Faulkner,
Henry M. Potter.
Isaac Barker,
John Grimes,
Wm. II. Tufts,
Allen Smith,
Francis Pobbins.
James Morris,
Frank M. Lund,
George C. Wright.
Patrick Pedding,
dames E. Richardson,
$8. Amount of Licenses, sl'IS.
easurer M. A. Snell has paid $5 for 1
WM. D. TUTTLE,
Town Clerk of Acton-
THE
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON.
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR, 1875-6
ACTON:
Printed at the Office of the Patriot, So. Acton.
1876.
REPORT
To the Citizens of Acton.
We the undersigned, your School Committee, having
discharged the duties of our trust to the best of our ability,
respectlully submit for your consideration the following re-
port :
As we survey the past year's operations of our schools
we feel that we have reason to congratulate you upon the
vitality and good degree of prosperity which have charac-
terized this most important interest. None of our schools
have been materially disturbed by sickness, so that they
have been able to make up to some extent, what was lost
by reason of a prevailing epidemic last winter.
In most cases we have been able to secure experienced
teachers, and with hardly an exception have been favored
with teachers of excellent ability. The number of schools
which have had the same teacher through the year is
larger than usual, and, as the teachers have been efficient,
this fact has secured a uniformity of system and discipline
which has been greatly to the advantage of the schools.
During the past year we have had more than the usual
number of teachers who have insisted upon good order,
which promises well for the morale of our schools in future
terms. More than the usual number of cases of discipline
have been brought to the notice of the Committee, but we
are convinced this has not been for the reason that
there has been more insubordinate conduct, but rather be-
cause teachers have been more disposed to enforce the
rules of a healthy discipline, even at the risk of having it
said that there was trouble in school. It ought not to be
expected that two hundred and fifty or three hundred chil-
dren and youth will be kept in order during a whole year
without some prominent cases of discipline. We think that
the order of any of our schools during the past year will
compare favorably with the order of any of the large
3
families in town, however well they may be
regulated, and this is all that can be reasonably
expected ; as there are jars at times in every large family,
so it ought not to be a matter of surprise that there are
some jars in the discipline of our large schools, and that
the jars should be sufficiently severe at times to shake some
discordant and irreconcilable elements out. Considering
everything, we feel that the order of our schools during
the past year has been far above the average, though this
result has been reached by means of some severe effort.
Not only has the discipline of our schools been commen-
dable, during the period we are now reporting, but the
progress of the scholars in a practical knowledge of their
studies has been equally gratifying. In all our schools,
save one, we have had two public examinations, during
the year, which were largely attended by the parents and
friends of the scholars and were very gratifying to those
interested in the success of the schools.
Passing from a general survey of our schools we beg
leave to invite your attention to a few points with reference
to which there may be room for improvement in the future.
The influence of our schools upon\ the character of
the Scholars.
Your Committee, during the past year, have endeavored
to protect the scholars from the vicious influences which
sometimes pervade public schools. Certain things which
have come to our notice have impressed us with the im-
portance of vigilance in this particular ; but in order that
this work may be done most efficiently, the co-operation of
the parents is especially needed. Objection is made to
our system of free schools, on the part of some, on the
ground, that they are open to the danger now referred to.
But there is no reason why .our schools can not be so con-
ducted, as to be perfectly free from such an objection.
We hope if any parent has reason to believe that there are
vicious influences in a school, that a feeling of delicacv
will not prevent the School committee being informed of
the fact, that a proper remedy may be applied. The
moral character is of too much consequence to be exposed
to a danger of this kind.
Choice of Studies.
The Committee have found it necessary in some cases to
decide how many and what studies should be persued by
scholars. Scholars that are not at all ambitious are inclin-
ed to take but few studies, and those the ones they are most
familiar with, and not 'being fully occupied are easily
tempted to be disorderly, besides losing the highest degree
of benefit from the school. In the nature of the case, the
teachers and committee must be allowed to use their discre-
tion in this matter, and we hope no parent will feel
that his rights are infringed upon by such action.
Text Books.
During the past year we have made no change in text
books. We have introduced a few text books into one
school, as an experiment simply. We have been more
and more impressed of late with the necessity of introduc-
ing something, if possible, which will reader the study ot
Grammar and Analysis less irksome to our scholars, es-
pecially to the younger portion of them. Our attention
has been called to what has seemed to us an excellent
and most attractive text book upon that subject, viz. : March-
es' Parser and Analyzer. For the purpose of testing its mer-
its we introduced it into one of our schools and have found
it so well fitted for its work that we would recommend that
this book be generally used in the place of the Primary
Grammars which have been used heretofore.
Music.
We have been much gratified in visiting the schools to
note the fact that in so many of them the good offices of
music have heen invoked, to relieve the otherwise some-
what monotonous routine of school exercises. We have
become so fully convinced of the good offices of a proper
amount of singing in our schools that we have encouraged
it as much as possible. It would meet with our hearty ap-
proval if arrangements could be made so as to secure to
our scholars some systematic instruction in music, though
our lists of studies are already so large that we hardly see
how much instruction of this kind can be imparted in the
schools without endangering the success of the regular
Studies. It has been suggested that only teachers compe-
5
tent to teach music be employed. But it will be found that
teachers having that qualification and the other qualities
which we consider essential, and are ready to be employed
at the compensation which we feel abie to offer are very
rare. A neighboring town sustains a course of singing
schools in a public hall, which all the young people of the
town are permitted to attend, and it is our impression that
for such a town as ours, some such course as this would be
of greater benefit to the musical education of our young
people than any which could be adopted in connection with
the schools. If the town were sufficiently impressed with
the importance of this subject to put at the disposal of the
Committee in each of the three principal villages, an amount
of money sufficient to defray half of the expenses of a sing-
ing school, with the condition that a similar amount should
be raised by private subscription, the end would be accom-
plished, and we would have three good courses of singing
schools in town each year.
Sympathy with Teachers.
In view of the experience of the past year as well as of
previous years, we feel moved to put in a plea for the man-
ifestation of a more kindly sympathy with the teachers, in
the prosecution of their work. Before Ave pass severe
judgments upon teachers, let us bear in mind the following
points : That the work in which they are engaged is one
of arduous toil. There is hardly an occupation which
makes such severe drafts upon the nervous system, as that
in which our teachers are engaged. To be sure they
are required to be in the school room but six hours
each ■ day, but during these six hours their mental
faculties must be constantly active to test the accu-
racy of the scholars answers, their will power must be
constantly on the alert to preserve order, and at times their
whole nervous, not to say anything about physical force,
is called into exercise to administer necessary discipline,
and at the same time they are constantly under the neces-
sity of exercising their vocal organs and in almost all
cases, find it necessary to exhaust their strength by being
upon their feet, that they may the better overlook the
scholars. Moreover, the work of the teacher carries with
it a feeling of responsibility which is always oppressive
and her successs depends upon so many things, beyond
6
her control, that, if anxious for success, she must have
constantly a feeling of unrest, and all this exertion is
put forth for a small compensation — considering the small
part of the year employed, for a compensation less than
what is received by servant girls and by operatives. In
view of these things, do not condemn a teacher if she some-
times loses her patience, a thing which most parents do
every day. Endeavor to increase her strength and effi-
ciencv by the manifestation of an interest in her work and
in every possible way show your appreciation of the efforts
she is making to render to your children a service of in-
calculable value. Had such a course as this been pursued
in one of our districts during the past year, the school
might have been a perfect success, and a finely educated
teacher, well qualified for her work, though of a sensitive
nature, might have been spared an experience of abuse
which will cause her always to have a low opinion of hu-
man nature. We do not doubt that this teacher in the lat-
ter part of her school appeared somewhat irritable toward
some of her scholars, but this was not because she was
naturally lacking in patience, but because her patience
had been utterly exhausted by a persistent and utterly
unjustifiable persecution.
Importance of our School Work.
The duties of our office during the past year have im-
pressed us even more forcibly than we have been impressed
before with the paramount importance of our system of
Public Schools.
It is impossible to follow the mental progress of scholars
from term to term, and to note their often surprising develop-
ments in intellectual power, without feeling powerfully im-
pressed with the value of this educational work, unassuming
though it be in its pretensions, as conducted by us. The
importance of this interest is evident from the fact that
were it in our power to choose what we will leave as a
legacy to our children, true wisdom would dictate that we
should choose for them an education in preference to any-
thing else. We may bequeath to our children an unsullied
name, and they may tarnish it ; we may hand down to
them enormous wealth, and they may squander it, and it
may work their ruin : but whatever we secure to them of
mental discipline and of useful knowledge, will be to them
a lever of power and an invaluable ornament so long as
they live.
Fellow Citizens : We return to you this trust with
which you honored us and commend it to your most care-
ful and generous consideration. So interest yourselves in
this work and appropriate money for its prosecution so
amply in this centennial year, when every important inter-
est throughout the land is expected to revive and manifest
a new life, that this may be the case with our free Public
Schools, which, in the past have played such an impor-
tant part in making us, as a nation, what we are.
Passing from the consideration of our school system as
a whole, we invite your attention to a brief reference to each
school.
South Grammar.
This school was taught by Miss E. A. Gordon, a teacher
of good judgment, experienced in the management of
schools. Her schools were the largest in town and con-
tained some elements which were hard to control, so that
her work each term was very arduous.
She was firm and uniform in her requisitions, as regards
order, and did all that any teacher could have done in the
premises to secure well ordered schools. As an instruct-
or she was thorough and practical, and the scholars who
applied themselves to their studies and endeavored to profit
by her instructions made a steady and rapid progress
throughout the year. The examination at the close of the
winter term, was very thorough and highly satisfactory to
all interested in the school.
South Primary.
This school was taught by Miss M. A. Forbush. Miss
F. had never taught so large a school before and found
her work very difficult at first. She had upon her roll in
the spring term forty-nine names, of the youngest scholars
in the district, a number which would have taxed the en-
ergies of any teacher : Miss F. has a quick, nervous man-
ner of speaking which made it a little difficult for the
scholars to understand her, the first term, so that during
that term she labored under some disadvantages. The
Fall and Winter terms, under the management of this
8
teacher, were successful to a marked degree. The schol-
ars seemed to catch the prompt, animated manner of the^
teacher, so that in a given time, they could take in and
answer more questions correctly than any other equal
number of young scholars that we ever saw. We are
often so severely tried, with the dilatory habit of scholars
in responding to questions, that we have come to estimate
promptness in recitation as one of the most desirable qual-
ities. The scholars in this school were not only prompt
and animated, but made excellent progress in the acquisi-
tion of knowledge, so that the school was a success in
every respect.
West Grammar.
This school was taught by Miss A. H. Allen, who has
had charge of this school nine terms. As we have re-
ferred to her, as a teacher, in two of our annual reports,
but a brief reference to her is demanded now. During a
part of the year she suffered from ill health and was not
able to devote quite her accustomed energy to her work,
but her school during the year compared very favorably
with the other schools in town. An examination was had
at the end of the Winter term, which was very creditable
to teacher and scholars.
West Primary.
This school was taught by Miss A. O. Hopkins, who
has completed her seventh term in this school. It is some-
times the case that as teachers become experienced in
their vocation, they come to look upon the instruction of a
primary school as beneath their ability, as of rather an
inferior grade. But, we are happy to say, this is not the
case with the teacher who has had charge of this school
during the past year. Her energetic manner and enthu-
siasm carries the impression that she feels herself to be
engaged in a most important and responsible work, and
she has been very successful in retaining the confidence of
the parents and the love of her scholars. We consider
this one of our most successful schools.
Center Grammar.
The Spring term of this school was taught by Miss A.
E. Tucker who has been favorably mentioned in our pre-
!J
vious reports, as the teacher of the primary school. Miss
T. performed her duties to the satisfaction of all interest-
ed in the school, and was offered the position for another
term but declined.
The Fall term was taught by Rev. S. O. Dyer of
Weston. This teacher has been educated for the work of
teaching and is well qualified, though he had not taught
for many years. The school made a fair degree of pro-
gress under his management. He did not awaken the en-
thusiasm and arouse the ambition of the scholars quite to
the degree that we could have desired, but we have no
doubt that, had he continued in charge of the school an-
other term, he would have been successful to a more
marked degree. Having secured a more lucrative position,
in a neighboring town, he resigned.
The winter term was taught by Miss S. J. Flint, a teach-
er of ripe experience and marked ability. For several
reasons this school promised to be one of the most difficult
in town to manage. But Miss F. from the outset gave evi-
dence of such aptitude for her work and devoted herself to
it with such marked ability and held the reins of govern-
ment with such a firm grasp that we consider her adminis-
tration of the school the most successful of any in the win-
ter term, since we have had the oversight of the school.
The scholars showed their appreciation of her efforts to
promote their welfare by the presentation of a fitting gift,
at the close of the school. The examination was highly
creditable to teachers and scholars.
Centre Primary.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss S.
F. Robbins. This was Miss R's first experience in teach-
ing but she devoted herself to her work with such earn-
estness of purpose and showed such a love for her pupils
and was so patient with them where patience was required,
that her success as a teacher was assured at the very com-
mencement of her work. The school made a steadv pro-
gress in attainment throughout the year. The teacher has
proved herself very well qualified for the instruction of
young scholars, which is the most difficult part of the teach-
ers work. The scholars felt a personal attachment to the
teacher which made it a pleasant duty for them to obey
her and to receive the instruction which she was ready to
10
impart. The examination at the close of the winter term
was very satisfactory.
East School.
This school was favored with the continued labors of
Miss M. C. Harris. Miss II. devoted herself to her work
with earnestness of purpose and was faithful to her trust.
We consider her one of our most thorough and skillful
•teachers. In the opinion of some of her scholars she may
have seemed too strict in discipline, but, in our opinion, she
was none too much so to keep in subjection elements which
otherwise would have endangered the successof the school.
The examination at the end of the winter term was exceed-
ingly severe and proved the substantial character of the
work which has been accomplished in the school.
North School.
The Spring term was taught by Miss E. F. Reed, a
teacher who has been most favorably noticed in several
reports in connection with this school. Miss Reed was
obliged* to close her school prematurely by reason of failing
health, and after a lingering sickness died. She was earn-
est and conscientious in her chosen work, and was greatly
beloved by all her pupils. We have no doubt those who
were under her instructions will cherish her memery and
will always feel the influence of her pure and devoted life.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss L. A.
Farnum. Miss F. was a resident of the district and for
other reasons labored under some disadvantages during
the first term, though she had a fair degree of success-.
During the winter term the school made excellent progress
and the examination at, the close of the term was very
creditable.
South East.
%
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were taught
by Miss K. M. Sweeney. Miss S. is well qualified to
teach and showed herself disposed to apply herself most
earnestly to her work, but, through the influences of causes
beyond her control, she failed to succeed. The Winter
term was taught by Miss H. F. Hapgood. This was Miss
H's first experience in teaching, but, considering the dis-
advantages with which she was called to contend, she had
11
a good degree* of success. On account of removals from
this part of the town, the prospective number of scholars
in this school is to be small, that it may be, some provi-
sion can be made so as to obviate the necessity for a school
here during more than one term. Such an arrangement
will be for the interest of the scholars and of tae town.
Appended are the usual statistical reports. In the num-
ber of visits reported, neither the visits of the Superintend-
ent nor those of friends at the public examinations are re-
ported.
Respectfully Submitted.
DANIEL TUTTLE, (Chairman)
JONA. W. LOKER, (Clerk),
JOSEPH NOYES,
JAMES TUTTLE,
DANIEL HARRIS,
JOHN FLETCHER, 2nd, J
F. P. WOOD, Superintendent of Schools
School Con nil it tec
of
Acton.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Several scholars in the different district have been absent or tardy only
once, and several have not been tardy or absent after they began to go to
school, but did not go when the school began. We would gladly mention
such, but by our rules we can not.
Those who have not
been tardy or absent
for one term.
Those who have not
been tardy or absent
for two terms.
Those who have not
been tardy or absent
for three terms.
South Grammar.
Mary Phelan,
Carrie Jones,
Eddie Pool.
Etta Temple,
Jessie Mitchell,
Ella Clark,
Ida Wilder,
Henrietta Sawyer,
Hiram Gates,
Arlon Jackson,
Willie Wilbur.
Freddie Brown,
Lucie Jones,
South Primary-
,
Mary I. Jackson,
Josie Hannon,
Harry Fletcher.
Mary E. Haggerty,
Emily G. Hannon,
Mary F. Fletcher,
Eda F. Shapley,
Herbert 0. Willis,
Eva C. Shapley.
Willie S. Randall,
Carrie L. Shapley,
A. Ernie Wilbur,
L. Gerty Clark.
John Lynch.
West Oraniiuar
Emma Mead,
l Etta Hoyi,
Annie Blanchard,
Lottie Iti chard son,
1 Clara Tuttle,
Lizzie Gates,
Arthur Bradford,
1 Mary Tuttle,
Minnie Hart,
Arthur Blanchard.
; Inez Wyman,
Hattie Parker,
James Galliers,
Freddie Holden,
Freddie Mead.
Edgar Hall,
Willie Kelley,
Charlie Hopkins,
Georgie Mead.
Arthur Stevens.
West Primary.
Millie Handley,
Freddie Gil more,
Eugene Hall,
Walter Gardner,
Eddie Hoar,
Willie Hart,
Willie Hopkins,
Ida Littlefield,
David Kingsley,
Bertie Mead,
Florence Noyes,
Ida Tuttle,
Clesson Parker,
Frank Teel.
Eddie Parker.
13
Center Grammar.
Herbert Fisk,
Willie Kingsley,
Walter Richardson,
Willie Richardson,
James Tuttle.
Susie E. Con ant.
Elbridge E. Conant,
Edith S. Dunn,
Lizzie M. Scofield.
Etta Tuttle.
Hattie Tuttle,
Harry L. Tuttle,
Annie Hammond,
Viola Tuttle.
Center Primary.
George A. Smith.
Sarah E. Hammond.
East School.
Alma Forbush,
William J. Moore.
George L. Robbins.
George H. Robbins.
, Carlton C. Conant,
; Florence B. Perkins,
Willie O. Smith.
North School.
Marv Dailv.
Willie
Butterfield.
Elma Rouillard,
Ehvin Harris,
James Ryan,
Cora Rouillard ,
Mattie Smith.
Willie Ryan.
Hattie Smith ,
Bertie Smith,
Everett Wayne,
Carrie White,
Sidney White,
South East School.
Lester Fletcher.
John Jones,
Ethel J. Mathews.
TABULAR VIEW.
'*: a>
e
q
>>of
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
o
o
.c .
O m
G0XJ
'<-. fl
O O
-9
a
o
2
h
o
Qi
so
o
a
o
g
o
o
S.
si
a> .
(»■ c
o
(4 •'■
2 o
5 d
(i
o
o
bo
«
to
a
u
V
>
<
1 *
a •">
55
a >
Spring Term.
1
i
Center. \ grammar,
Miss A. E. Tucker,
2
$3G 00
27 22 2
0
2
5
y ( Primary,
" S. P. Robbing,
5J
25 OU
34
28.9
2
0
8
WpKt $ Grammar,
west. $ primary,
" A. 11. Allen,
44 00
36
31.3
0
6
18
" O. A. Hopkins,
4
40 00
35
80
2
0
34
South S Grammar,
south. j Primary,
" E. A. Gordon,
a
40 00
40
36
0
9
5
" M. A. Forbush,
3
40 00
49
42.75
1
1
29
North.
" E. F. Reed, ,
15
32 00
21
15.8
1
1
7
East.
" M. C. Harriss,
»
30 00
23
20.9
0
2
9
South Eaet.
" K. M. Sweeny,
Totals,
h
30 00
19
14.8
0
0
4
20?
$317 00
284
242 65
0
21
119
Fall Term.
rvnfpr * Grammar,
Centu. n>rimary)
Rev. S. 0. Dyer,
2
$40 00
29
23.9
0
2
Miss S. F. Robbins,
2
27 00
34
29.5
3
0
12
Wpst ) Grammar,
\Y est. | primary,
" A. H. Allen,
2
44 00
43
38
0
11
21
" O. A. Houkins,
24
40 00
30
32
2
0
10
South Grammar,
South. j Primary,
" E. A. Gordon,
21
40 00
47
40.6
0
10
4
" M. A. Forbush,
3
40 ©0
43
38.8
1
0
0
North.
" L. A. Farnum,
n
28 00
2")
19
1
1
12
East.
" M. C. Harriss,
2*
:Jti 00
20
1G.8
0
2
1
South East.
" K. M. Sweeney,
Totals,
u
30 00
13
10.2
0
0
0
204
$325 00
200
248.8
7
27
68
Winter Term.
j'^„f«.. S Grammar,
Center. {primary,
Miss S. J. Flint,
4
$40 00
34
29.5
0
98
23
" S. F. Robbins.
4
32 50
4:
35.5
0
1
19
Wpst S Grammar,
west. ( Primary>
" A. H. Allen,
3
44 00
40
35.3
0
18
30
" 0. A. Hopkins,
3
40 Oft
47
40
0
1
20
c:~.,»v, < Grammar,
south. j ^imary,
" E. A. Gordo. ,
3
40 00
4S
38.6
0
10
22
" M. A. Forbush,
n
40 00
3.',
29.3
0
0
18
North.
" L. A. Farnum,
36 00
10
15.5
0
4
21
East,
'* M. C. Harriss,
3
40 00
23
19.2
0
5
10
South East.
'• H. F. Hapgood,
Totals,
Aggregate for the year.
J__
36 00
16
12.5
0
2
7
S8J
$34S 50
300
255.4
0
07
170
694
$900 5()
S74
746.85
13
115
957
Totai average percentage of attendance during the year, 85.4
FINANCIAL I\EPOI\T,
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
$688 38
Received from town of Stow,
16 00
u for grass,
1 50
Balauce from last year,
204 73
Paid teachers,
$680 00
" for coal and teaming the same,
52 49
11 " care of house and furnace,
47 70
Balance on hand,
130 42
$910 61
$910 61
JAMES TUTTLE, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year,
$644 88
40
14
$607
00
55
00
23
02
$685 02
Paid teachers,
" for fuel,
" care of house, &c,
$685 02
JOSEPH NOYES, Committee.
CENTER SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance •* last year,
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel,
u " care of house,
" u incidentals,
"Balance on hand,
DANIEL TUTTLE, Committee.
$640 00
88 71
$728 71
$546 00
57 19
30 00
7 80
87 72
^7->K 71
16
NORTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year,
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel, teaming it, &c,
" " care of house, &c,
Balauce on hand.
$263 80
5 34
$218 00
42 C5
7 40
1 15
$269 20
$269 20
JONATHAN W. LOKER, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, S298 34
Balance " last year, 6 14
$251
4f>
42
08
10
95
$304 48
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel, and drawing and preparing
" " care of house. &c,
$304 48
DANIEL HARRIS, Committee.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, S'2jo 86
Balance " last year, 1 02
$256 86
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel,
" " care of house.
" " incidentals.
Balance on hand.
$256 86
JOHN FLETCHER, 2nd, Committek.
Amount of money raised by the town, $2,500 00
Income from the State School fund. 206 35
" " " Dog fund. 190 08
S228 00
18 00
9 25
1 25
38
Total. $2,896 43
Number of children reported by the assessors between the ages of
five and fifteen, 285.
Sum appropriated by the town, for each scholar, $8 77.
REPORTS
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FKOM
FEB. 26, 1876, TO FEB. 26, 1877,
INCLUDING THE
Manages, Bii'tlis ai\d Dekt^l ii\ 1§^6,
ALSO, THE
Report of the School Committee,
ACTON :
PlilNTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ACTON PATRIOT, SOUTH ACTON.
1877.
Selectmen's Report.
APPROPRIATIONS AND
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended balance of last year,
$6,922
69
Regular Town Grant,
8,000
00
Town Grant for Schools,
2,500
00
Town Grant for Highways,
2,000
00
Overlay on Taxes,
396
55
Corporation Tax,
345
85
National Bank Tax,
416
62
State Aid to Jan. 1, 1876,
164
94
State School Fund,
193
76
Mt. Hope Cemetery,
7
00
Woodlawn Cemetery,
60
00
Dog Fund,
225
72
Use of Town Hall and Cellar,
45
12
State Tax,
1,296
00
County Tax,
452
27
Liquor Licenses,
300
00
Cash of J. E. Billings,
600
00
" :' James 0. Faxon,
450
00
" " Harriet Davis,
500
00
" '"'- Old School House West Dist
. 630
00
'* -< Old Iron, Davis Monument.1*
60
" " Poll Tax of Lewis Tuttle,
2
00
*^5 509
EXPENDITURES.
,p-(J)(^Ut'
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid C. A. Harrington, South District, 1742
14
S. W. Hopkins, West
697
33
12
Luther Coftant, Centre " 692 31
D. J. Wetherbee, East " 323 84
J. W. Loker, North " 323 84
John Fletcher, 2nd, So. East Dist .140 00
12,919 46
REPAIRS ON SCHOOL HOUSES.
Paid Joseph Noyes, for repairs on School
house, West Dist. 1875 and 1876, S4 00
Paid Joseph Noyes, incidentals 1875 and
1876, West District, $14 07
William B. Davis, for painting East
School House, 12 00
William B. Davis, for Paint and Oil, 19 24
Luther Conant, for one Stove and
repairs on two, for Centre District, 42 84
S. W. Hopkins, West District, 2
locks, I 00
" u for repairs on School
House, 3 12
" for r e pa i r son
Furnace. 6 25
u u one Coal Hod. 85
C. A. Harrington, for Stove and
and Pipe for So.
District, 40 00
•' " for one Coal Hod
and Shovel, 1 20
" " for whitewashing
rooms, 2 75
BOOKS AM) PRIMIM
c. w.
Leach. 500 Selectmen's
Report, :
$16
00
tfc
500 Town Reports.
70
00
u
Warrants,
7
00
i I
Dog Notices,
1
50
i I
Notice sale of School
House,
1
25
a
Notice road to build,
2
00
..
Blank Orders,
1
25
Tax book for J. E. Cutter,
2
00
REPAIRS OX HIGHWAYS.
Paid Aaron S. Fletcher, for repairing
stone bridge near Powder Mills, 8185 00
J. E. Billings, for lumber and re-
pairing bridge near Wetherbee's
Mills. 141 48
American Powder Company, for
repairing washouts, 228 50
*147 32
6101 00
Paid American Powder Company, for
temporary repairs on bridge, $28 21
Charles Wheeler, for repairing
washout near
C. N. McLane's
Mill,
41
14
" '4 n e a r Andrew
Hapgood's house,
" near J. W.
27
25
Wheelers house
,27
87
J. E. Reed, lumber for new
bridge at Powder Mills,
93
8J
A. H. Jones, for building new
bridge at Powder
Mills,
160
06
u lumber for railings,
8
00
breaking roads in
April, 187(5,
11
81
" repairing roads in
Jan., Feb. and
March, 1876.
21
70
" repairing washouts
near the houses of
Luke Hapgood,
Cyrus Hay ward,
T. P. Sawyer and
Cyrus Barker,
80
01
Antonie Bullette, breaking roads
17 hours in 1875,
3
40
J. W. Wheeler, for 40 loads gravel,
1
20
Luke Hapgood, for 187 "
5
61
REGULAR HIGHWAY WORK.
Paid Charles Wheeler, for 73 1-4 days
work, 3.00,
6219
75
for 66 1-4 days
work, 1.50,
99
37
James Waldren, for 67 1-1 days
work, 1.50,
100
87
R. Williams, for 69 1-4 days work,
103
87
James Morris, for 73 1-2 lt
110
25
$1,065 05
Paid Thos.Clifford, for 9 3-4 days work, $14 62
William Ryan (boy) 12 hours, 1 00
Charles Leighton, for 5 1-2 days
work, 8 25
L. Bullette, for 2 days work, 3 00
Luther Conant, for 2 days work, 3 00
Thomas Owen, " 1 t; ' " 1 50
A. H. Jones, " 1 " « 3 00
" oxen " 1 " « 2 00
'• horse for 1 1-2 days work, 2 25
Chas. Wheeler, horse, for 124 3-4
days work. 187 12
oxen, for 63 1-2
days, 2.00; 127 00
" " repairing tools, 7 94
DANIEL WETHERBEE, SURVEYOR.
Paid Silas Conant, Jr., for 9 davs
work, 150, 813 50
Daniel Harris, for 6-10 days work, 90
Geo. Ross, for 5 7-20 u " 8 03
C. Hardy, " 4 1-2 " " 1.20,5 40
Abel Farrar, for 6 " " 1.50, 9 00
Daniel Wetherbee horse, for
24 1-20 day work, 36 07
J. E. Billings, for 9 6-10 days work, 14 40
ABRAM H. JONES, SURVEYOR.
Paid Abram H. Jones, for 72 8-10 days
work, 3.00,
218 40
Henry Lewis, for 54 1-2
days
work,
1.50,
81 75
L. Bullette, <; 37
n
a
55 50
L. A. Jones, " 65 1-5
a
a
97 80
C. Fletcher, <: 2
a
u
3 00
Chas. Leigh ton/' 3
a
tt
4 50
Luther Billings," 2
tt
a
3 00
F. Mann, " 2
a
a
3 00
E. N. Robbins, " 1
iC
a
1 50
8904 79
$87 30
Paid A. H. Jones, oxen, for 51 days
work, 2.00, " $102 00
horse, for 79 2-3 days
work, 1.50, 119 50
Repairing Tools, 3 80
Luther Billings, horse, for 2 days
work, 3 00
8696 75
BY ORDER OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Paid Charles Wheeler, for building
road to North Acton depot. " $211 23
Charles Wheeler, for building
road near A. Hapgood's. 50 50
SUPPORT OF POOR.
Paid E. II. Cutler, oxen for town farm, 8205 00
J. E. Cutter, deficiency on town
farm, as per report of Overseers
of the Poor to April 1, 1876, 365 15
E. H. Cutler, for support of —
Nancy Chaffin,
Clara Wheeler,
Sarah B. Childs,
Sarah Hunt,
Patrick Sullivan.
Ida Pike,
Geo. E. Curton,
Joseph Whitney,
Geo. J. Dole,
John A. Childs,
Mary A. Priest,
Martin Pike,
Trainor Family, 124 01
E. H. Cutler, two journeys to
Watertown respecting W. F.
B. Whitney, 4 00
E. H. Cutler, journey to Boston,
respecting Mary A. Priest and
others, 3 00
E. H. Cutler, journey to Concord
respecting Mrs. Trainor, 1 00
25
00
116
85
20
22
5
00
7
86
22
00
6
50
2
75
1
82
2
00
3 82
5 69
8261 73
Paid Dr. Isaiah Hutchins, for medical
attendance in Trainor family, $29 35
|TOWN DEBT;
Paid Geo. S. Reed, Note,
8450 00
John Goldsmith, u
2,500 00
Phineas Puffer, "
^3,000 00
John Vilson, "
500 00
Oliver Whitcomb,"
500 00
Simon Tuttle, "
GOO 00
Geo. Harris, (endorsed on note),
100 00
STATE AID.
Paid Rebecca C. Wright,
848 00
llattie W. Wilder,
48 00
R. H. L. Talcott,
60 00
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
Paid John Fletcher, Jr., for Woodlawn
Cemetery,
Charles B. Stone, for Mt. Hope
166 01
Cemetery,
88 36
LAW SLITS.
Paid G. A. Somerby, Reed's case, Su-
perior Court,
G. A. Somerby, Reed's case, Su-
preme Judicial Court,
8310 00
190 00
W. N. Mason, Reed's case, Supe-
rior Court,
250 00
Geo. Hay ward, Reed's case, Su-
perior Court,
J. E. Billings, ten journeys to
200 00
Boston, for four terms of court
in Reed's case,
25 00
H. J. Hapgood, five journeys to
Boston, in Reed's case,
12 50
Witnesses,
17 50
8951 02
87,650 00
8156 00
8254 37
81,005 00
TOWN OFFICERS.
Paid F. P. Wood, Superintendent of
Schools, $90 00
Phineas Wetherbee, services as
Assessor, 25 00
Aaron C. Handley, services as
Assessor, 1875, 23 50
Aaron C. Handley, services as
Assessor, 1876, " 25 00
W. D. Tuttle, services as Assessor, 25 00
f* k4 Town
Clerk, including making report, 25 00
R. L. Reed, for sealing weights
and measures,
15 00
J. E. Cutter, for collecting
J. E. Billings, services a3
taxes,
Select-
70 00
man,
67 00
H. J. Hapgood, services as
man,
Select-
50 00
Frank H. Whitcomb, services as
Selectman,
N NOTI
43 00
INTEREST O
:s.
Paid J. K. Putney,
Charles Morris,
40 51
21 00
Frederick Rouillard,
150 00
George S. Reed,
15 67
Middlesex Institute for Sa\
ings,
210 00
John F. Nickles,
100 51
John Goldsmith,
148 33
Phineas Puffer,
248 75
Lewis Rouillard,
12 00
Elizabeth Hanscom,
40 80
Daniel Harris,
48 00
I. T. Flagg,
12 14
Joseph Barker,
Mary P. Hosmer,
60 00
60 00
Joseph Noyes,
John Wilson,
12 00
21 16
David M. Handley,
C. E. Miller,
180 00
45 00
J. E. Billings,
90 96
-$458 50
10
Paid Calvin Harris,
Jonathan A. Piper,
Harriet Davis.
Luther Billings,
Patrick Farrell,
George H. Harris,
Sarah C. Noves,
T. F. NoyesI
Oliver Drew.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid H. M. Smith, repairing town clock, $1 50
Daniel Wetherbee, road scraper
and plate, 50 00
J. E. Billings, adjusting vane rod
on Town Hall, 13 35
Damon, Smith & Co., expenses
lighting road while repairing bridge
near the Powder Mills, 5 00
Charles Wheeler, grading around
North school house, 67 10
Charles Wheeler, grading around
West school house, 86 18
F. M. Lund, repairing Davis Mon-
ument,
Julian Tattle, repairing Monument,
G. W. Livermore, u "
Geo. E. Forbush, "
Francis Conant, t: "
For celebration July 4th, 1870,
A. L. Brooks, lumber for fence
around North school house, 79 97
J. E. Billings, labor, nails and
freight for same, 47 22
D. J. Wetherbee, coal for Town
Hall, 24 75
Geo. Stevens & Co., repairing
Town Clock, 7 ^')
H. J. liapgood, freight on road
scraper,
C. B. Stone, making deed of old
school house land, 1 00
$12
00
30
GO
30
00
24
00
93
00
9
28
48
00
24
00
36
00
$1,829
11
<s
15
4
00
3
15
6
00
26
75
25
71
2 11
11
Paid Edward Tuttlc, use of pump for
Centre school, two years, $5 ()()
J. E. Cutter, discount on taxes, 76, 770 33
u '* express on bundle, 30
" ': key to closet in Town
Hall, 25
" " summoning persons
to take oath of office, 3 75
A. E. Gates, opening Town Hall,
21 times, ' 14 00
" one day's labor on
Town Clock, 1 50
washing Town Hall, 2 00
" 6 lamp chimneys. 75
'• repairs on lamps. 65
" repairing clock in
Town Hall. 2 08
" sawing wood and
putting in cellar, 1 50
u Lime, 10
tolling bell for 4 deaths, 80
" taking care of Town
clock one year. 10 00
W. D. Tuttle, express on public
documents, 2 97
" surveying and re-
newing bounds
of North school
house lot. 1 00
" postage jn election
returns. 01
" journey to Concord
to make out elec-
tion certificate, 1 50
" collecting and re-
cording 28 births, 14 00
" recording 31 deaths, 5 10
" u 16 marriages, 2 40
Joseph Noyes, damage to sleigh, 3 50
Francis Dwight, attending funerals
of 20 persons, 78 00
" " making returns of
29 deaths, 7 25
12
Paid J. E. Billings, journey to Boston,
respecting State Aid,$2 50
" fc: stationery and postage, 2 75
;t " express on money to
pay note, 1 50
Unexpended balance as per report of
»X,JHJ >JV
Feb. 26, 1876,
#6,922 69
Appropriations and Receipts,
18,586 43
ffljOC kA() -jo
,4P^<J,c>v«7 \.Zd
Support of Schools,
#2,919 46
Repairs on School Houses,
147 32
•( " Highways,
1,065 05
Regular highway work,
1,778 84
By order of County Commissioners,
261 73
Books and Printing,
101 00
Support of Poor,
951 02
Town Debt,
7,650 00
State Aid,
156 00
Cemetery Expenses,
254 37
Town Officers,
458 50
Law Suits,
1,005 00
Interest on Town Debt,
1,829 11
Miscellaneous,
1,395 58
State Tax,
1,296 00
County do.
452 27
fljOl 791 OC
•JT— J-, • —J- ***J
Balance in Treasury Feb. 26, 1877, $3,787 87
TOWN DEBT NOTES.
Daniel Harris, $819 46
Elizabeth Hanscom, 699 72
Isaac T. Flagg, 105 43
Calvin Hams, 202 70
James A. Billings, 202 70
Harriet Davis, 506 41
Jonas K. Putney, 686 94
Joseph Barker, 517 16
Lewis Rouillard, 204 40
Joseph Noyes, 205 16
Jonathan A. Piper, 205 16
Luther Billings, 202 86
13
David M. Handley,
J. E. Billings,
Patrick Farrell,
Joseph Barker,
Jonathan A. Piper,
James 0. Faxon,
George II . Harris,
Frederick Rouillard.
Charles Morris,
Sarah C. Noyes,
Thomas F. Noyes,
Mary P. Hosmer,
Oliver Drew,
Charles E. Miller,
John F. Nickles,
Middlesex Institution for Savings,
J. E. Billing*,
Patrick Farrell,
Amount due from State Aid.
" " " Town Treasurer
Balance against the Town,
83,046
50
609
00
1,156
90
502
16
404
66
468
00
100
00
2,606
66
367
09
800
00
400
00
1,039
33
632
60
TIT
T5
514
00
608
60
295
88
3,550
16
419
88
512
00
413
80
$24,083 07
$208
3,787
00
87
JAMES E. BILLINGS,
HIRAM J. HAPGOOD,
FRANK H. WHITCOMB,
83,995 87
$20,087 20
) Selectmen
( of
\ Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 187
14
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS and EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending April 1st, 1877.
ARTICLES IN HAM) APRIL 1, 187 7.
13 Cows,
1650
00 6 bbls. apples,
.$7 50
1 Horse,
150
00 35 barrels,
4 50
8 tons Hay,
160
00 Turnips,
1 00
Meal,
1
25 20 gallons soap,
3 50
50 bush. Corn,
37
50 08 lbs. lard,
11 50
1000 lbs. shorts.
7
50 3 gallons boil cider,
1 50
Grass seed,
■)
50 108 lbs. ham,
16 00
Nails,
SO 300 lbs. salt pork,
42 00
2 shoats,
24
00 Salt pickles,
1 00
26 hens,
13
00 Cabbages,
1 00
12 cords wood cut for
1-2 bbl. vinegar.
4 00
stove,
60
00 1-2 bbl. crackers,
1 75
Lumber,
16
00 15 lbs. dried apples,
1 50
8 market boxes,
1
20 Oil,
1 00
100 bush, potatoes,
so
00 2 1-4 bush, barley,
2 25
$1,304 81
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM 187 7.
Received for apples,
$278 78 Received for use of
poultry,
1
25 wagon,
ti 50
milk,
85:5
02 turnips,
50
cow,
32
00 slabs,
1 00
potatoes.
, 13
90 windows,
00
oxen,
180
00 labor,
1 00
pork,
15
57 Bowker
eggs,
r>
86 fund,
12 00
flour,
2
48 Received from the State
calves,
21
48 for Joel Stone,
24 00
hprrips!
0
00
Uvl i. ICO*
81,
,453 20
15
EXPENSES.
Paid for labor,
$159 77 Paid for use of horse, $4 25
grain,
848 29
expenses mar-
pigs,
39 00
keting, 7 40
flour,
64 62
cultivator, 4 25
oxen,
105 00
repairing harness, 80
oat & rye m
eal, 5 07
blacksmith bill,10 96
tea,
18 95
lantern, 57
sugar,
84 62
sawing lumber, 4 02
crackers,
25 46
castings, 2 44
meat.
(\P> 06
express bill, 25
beans,
5 47
keeping cow?, 63 00
creara tartar
, 4 05
saltpetre, 2 7
butter,
58 44
raisens, 88
molasses,
11 80
oranges, 27
salt,
4 28
nails, 1 09
pepper,
24 .
chocolate, 28
oil,
10 ID
lamp chimneys, 84
tobacco,
4 68
lime, 10
fish,
6 16
vinegar, 6 75
oil can,
50
mustard, 85
sage,
50
tomato plants, 80
medicine.
2 78
tacks, 80
coffee,
^
pins, 41
cheese,
10 36
seeds, 1 04
cloth & clothing, 8 87
candles, 60
curtains,
m
twine, 84
dried apple
2 99
brooms, 80
lemons,
40
jugs, 76
phosphate,
12 28
ginger, 10
shoes,
1 12
wicks, 16
scythes,
2 00
cow, ir> 00
stone,
20
use of plough, 1 00
soap,
96
hay, 6 6H
onions,
2 75
wringer, 6 00
saleratus,
1 36
stove, 7 00
yeast,
56
lard, 12 91
spices,
1 20
hops, 25
snuff,
86
crockery, '.is
barrels,
40 24
brick, ' 10
ladders,
2 50
matches, (10
cake board,
25
rice, 75
cider,
3 76
pail. 28
lb
Paid for yarn, 82 93 Paid for coffin & robe for
filing saws, 75 Joel Stone, $13 00
repairing shoes, 1 00 stationery, 1 00
$1,254 02
E. Tuttle, journey to Concord,
1 50
Dr. Barrett's bill for Michael Murrey,
10 00
Dr. Sanders' " " i: u
48 00
" " " " Nellie Batchelor,
8 00
" u iL " Joel Stone,
2 25
Services of N. S. Brooks,
387 00
" " E. H. Cutler as Overseer,
50 00
" John White,
8 00 '
" " Thomas P. Sawyer.
3 00
Total amount of Expenditures,
$1,766 77
" " w' Receipts,
1,458 JO
Drawn from Treasury to balance,
8343 57
Interest on Farm,
240 00
8553 57
Victualing 410 Tramps, 8205 00
Cost of supporting Poor on the Farm. 8848 57
Whole number of persons, exclusive of Tramps, supported
in Almshouse, 9 ; average number, 6 1-3 ; present number, 6.
ELISHA H. CUTLER. ) Overseers
JOHN WHITE, of
THOMAS P. SAWYER. ) Poor.
Acton, April 1, 1877.
17
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1876.
Births in Acton, 1876.
No. Date of birth. Name of child. Names of parents
1. Feb. 2, Buddie Warren Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davi .
2. Feb. !T, John Manion. son of Thomas and Mary A. Manion.
3. Feb. 23, Fred Loring Baldwin, son of Loring C. and Ella S. Baldwin.
4. Mar. 18, Shirley Edward Jones, son of William S. and Laura A. Jones.
5. Mar. 25, Eerbert William Owens, son of Thomas P. and Eliza J. <)\
<>. Mar, 26, Charles Edwin Nelson, son of Oscar and Mary Ann Nelson.
T. April 18, George Parker, son of George L. and Fanny Parker.
8. May 4, Elizabeth Lenore Forbush, daughter of George E. and A
R. Forbush.
9. May 7, Mabel Viola Mead, daughter of Willis L. and Julia A. Mead.
in. ■■ to, Mary Josephine Coulter, daughter of James and Elizabeth
Coulter.
11. •• 23, Walter Everett Smith, son of Allen and Georgianna Smith.
12. '• 23, Mary Ellen O'Neil, daughter of Patrick and Hannah oWeil.
L3. .Inn 3, Arthur Leland Staple-,, son of Charles !i. and Esabella C.
Staples.
14. Jul\ !i, Mary Catherine Parker, daughter of Edwin C. and Hannah H.
Parker.
15. •• 20, Guy Preston Littlefield, son of Hanson A. and Florence M.
Littlefield.
16. Aug. 27, Ethel May Baker, daughter of George M. and Nellie E. Baker.
IT. Aug. 31, Ethel Viola Handlev, daughter of Reuben and Caroline M.
Handley.
;•>. S "i . !i, Bertram S. Holt, son of Lorenzo IT. and Clara E. 11
19. " 19, Eva H. Bandall, daughter of Freeman L. and Amelia A. Ran-
dall.
20. Oct. 7, Wilmot Emery Taylor, son of Moses Emery and Clara Taylor.
21. " 3i », Harry Dwight Jenkins, son of Henry A. and Sarah A. Jenkins.
22. No\ . i. Arthur Guy Knowlton, son of George T, and < llara E. Knowlton.
2d. •• 2, dames Richardson, son of J, ones E. and Sara R. Richardson.
24. '• 17, Cornelius Joseph Minehan, son of Patrick and Ellen Minehan.
25. Dec. 5, Arthur Drew, son of Hiram L. and Ella L. Drew.
2<5. " 7, Jessie Hayward Jones, daughter of Samuel •'ir. and Emma E.
Jones.
27. '" 25, Wendell F. Davis, son of Ebenezer and Minnie S. Davis.
28. " 30, Charles Benry Wilson, son of Robert and Mary Ann Wilson.
.Males. 19; females, 9; total, 28.
The Town Clerk would request anyone noticing any omission i in the
above :;: to reporl the same at his office that they may he put noon record.
Kffstrria$?es Recorded in Actoai sib 1$7<>.
No. Date of marriage. Names of the parties.
1. dan. 2, Mr. Jerome Dwinells and Miss Mary L. Davidson, both of Stow.
2. ■* 4, Mr. Herbert S. Lane of Taunton and Miss Harriot A. Harris of
Acton.
:'.. " 15, Mr. George E. Forbush of Acton and Miss Annie R. Goulding
of Boston.
4. Feb. 2, Mr. Robert Wayne of Acton and Miss Lizzie A. Kemp of Rich-
ford, Vt.
5. April L9, Mr. Theodore P. Goding of Sudbury and Miss Ella F. Griggs of
Acton.
('». Ma\ d, Mr. Augustus I>. Libby and Miss Cora A. Bolbrook, both of
Mavnard.
18
7. July l, Mr. John Fitagerald and Miss Mary Ellen Vansten both of Acton.
S. " d, Mr. George II. Watson of Maynard and Miss Edith A. Knowl-
ton of Acton.
9. An-. 8, Mr. Sidney E. Home of Watertown and Miss Nelly H. Hall of
Acton.
10. " IT, Mi-. Augustus Fletcher and Miss Ida M. Hay ward, both of Acton.
11. Sept. 26, Mr. George W. Cheney of Acton and Miss Alice Hughes of
Boston.
12. Oct. 10, Mr. Henry A. Harrison and Mis-. Lizzie .!. Sparks, both of
Maynard.
13. " 25, Mr. diaries E. Worcester of Concord and Miss Louise S. Barker
of Acton.
14. Nov. 80, Mr. Norman Chaplin of Fitchburg aad Miss Mary L. Romans.
!"). " ;lo, Mr. ( li. . »s I. Miller and Miss L. Lizzie Keyes, both ol Acton.
16. Dec. i:'». Mr. Charles ( '. Wetherbee and Miss Mary Emma Perkins, both
of Acton.
Deaths in Acton in 1S?<>.
No. Date of death. Names and ages of the deceased.
1. Jan. 8, Mrs. Sally Moore, aged 82. years, 9 months, 2:} days.
2. " 8, Mrs. Mary J. Rhodes, aged 2d years, 7 months, 4 days.
:;. •• 10, Mr. Franz W. Knowlton, aged 24 years, 8 month:. 17 days.
4. •• 28, Mrs. charlotte White. aged*84 years, 4 months.
5. "• 24, Mr. Lewis Gates, aged 62 years, 1 month, 5 days.
•• 26, Mrs. Fanny Blodgett, ageil 67 years.
7. Feb. 8, Mrs. Ann Madhouse, aged 48 years, 11 months, 25 da> .
12. Mrs. Mary J. Johnson, aged 2d years, 10 months, 22 day .
10, Ida Josephine Beck, daughter of John ft. and Harriel II. Beck,
aged I year, 1 month, 10 days.
K). •' 20, Mr. Roscoe Weston, aged 28 years, 10 months. 7 day-,
il. Mar. 0, Mrs. Mary W. Earris, wife of Mi-. .John Hams, aged (>8 years,
8 months, 25 days.
12. •• 14, Mr. William Madhouse, aged 89 years.
id. •• 80, Mrs. Margarel E. Hoyt, aged 89 years.
14. Apr. 0, "Mrs. Rhoda, wife of Mr. William Wheeler, aged 60 rears,
8 davs.
15. •' 28, Mr. Joel R. Stone, aged 54 yews, 2 months, i; days.
16. May 10, Mr. Hugh Trainor, aged 40 years.
l i. June 8, Mrs. Eliza T. Soper, aged 68 years, 5 months, s days.
is. July Id, Francis P.. son of Thomas N. and Maria M. Chase, died in
Jonesborough, Tenu., aged 8 months, 25 days,
19. '" 18, Mr. Amos Cutter, aged 88 years, 7 months.
20. An sr. 1. Mr. Oliver W. Drew. M. I)'., aged 78 years.
21. •• 6, Julia Callehan. daughter of Daniel and Ellen CaUehau. aged J
year, 6 months.
22. " 14. Mr. Edwin Hosmer, aged 52 years.
28. Sept. l. Mrs. Eliza, widow of Elnathan Jones, aged 70 year-. 1 month,
27 da\ s.
24. " ti, Mrs. Mary Collins, aged 46 years.
25. '• 18, Mr. Samuel T. Adams, aged 79years, 5 months. 17 davs.
26. Oct. 10, Elizabeth F. Trainor, daughter of Hugh and Hannah Trainor,
aged 4 years, lo months. 20 days.
27. " 2-'), Philip Fehan, son of .John and Elizabeth Felian, aged 2 years,
7 months. Id da\ B.
28. Nov. •'!, Elizabeth M. Fehan, daughter of John and Elizabeth Fehan. aged S
') years. 10 months. 22 days.
29. •' 10, Mrs. Susan, wife of Abel Forbush, aged 76 years. 7 months 10
days.
80. " 2o, Mr. Ithamar Parker, aged 78 years.
31. " 28, Mrs. Mary W. Bobbins, aged 88 years, 4 months. 18 days,
11)
NAMES OF PERSONS HAVING DOGS LICENSED IN 1S7G.
Name of Owner.
Francis Hosmer,
William L. Mitchell,
Theron F. Newton,
Xeil Currie,
George V. Mead,
Luther Conant,
Martha D. Ball,
lie my Brooks,
Win. S. llandley,
Henry Haynes
Willie F. Richardson,
Levi Houghton,
•las. E. Harris,
Edwin Tarbell,
E. F. Fuller,
.Solon A. Bobbins,
Henry Shapley,
Francis Dwight,
John W. Randall,
Einathan Jones,
John Temple,
Aaron 0. Handley, ,
James Hannon,
H. Waldo T uttlc,
Tattles, Jones &
Wetherbee,
Lucius S. Hosmer,
< Jeorge Conant,
( reorge R. Keyes.
Daniel Harris,
C. A. Harrington,
(reorge C. Conant,
John W. Charter,
Jona P. Fletcher,
Daniel Tuttle,
•Joseph Reed,
Aaron J. Fletcher,
Daniel H. Farrar,
J. II. Daniels,
Name of Owner. No.
Richard Williams, 1
Hanson A. Littleheld, 1
Chas. W. Parker, 1
James Mortis, 1
W. E. Faulkner, 1
Aaron S. Fletcher, i
Amasa M Knowlton, 1
Geo. W. Knowlton, 1
E, J. Bobbins, (t'em. ) 1
Daniel Wetherbee, 1
Daniel J. Wetherbee, J
Elbridge Robbins, 1
Jas. R. Bassett, 1
Charles Morris, 1
L. M. Jackson, (fem.) 1
D. W. Corfey, 1
W. W. Wooster, 1
Charles Wooster, 1
George Gardner, I
A. B. Brown, 1
George C. Wright, 1
M. F. Go, 1
Oscar E. Preston, I
James Waldron. 1
F. M. Lund, (fem.) 1
S. F. Reed, 1
Frank Marshall, 1
Edward O'Xeil, 1
J. W. Aldrich, 1
Geo. A. Hay ward, 1
A. A; O. W. Mead. 1
Henry Hanson, 1
Joseph Wheeler, 1
S. Taylor Fletcher, 1
John Fletcher & Sons, 1
M. E. Taylor, 1
Lucy Jane Tuttle, 1
Henry M. Potter, 1
Warren E. Taylor, J
Name of Owner. No
Jas. E. Richardson,
(fem.)
' H. M. Beck.
A. L. Tuttle,
Chas. Wheeler, (fem.)
Henry M. Smith,
F. M. Sisson,
Reuben L. Reed,
Benj. Hapgood,
Silas Conant, Jr..
Arthur Pickens,
Josiah Piper,
Constantine O'Xeil,
Luke J. Rotbin-,
(t'em. )
Jairus U. Wheeler,
Moses Taylor.
Nahum C. Beed.
Herman A. Barker.
George Roiiillard,
Emma C. Reed,
Walter A. Gilmore,
Lester Fletcher,
Augustus Fletcher,
Frank Pratt,
Chas. D. Griggs,
Luther R. For bush,
i Lewis II. Boucher,
Ellen Moore,
J. P. Roiiillard.
F. Robbins, (fem.)
Frank II. Harris,
John White, (fem. I
! Warren B. Reed,
, Eben Davis,
[ Patrick Redding,
Chas. E. Teel,
Allen Smith,
M. A. Snell. (fem.)
Males, 108 at §2 00,=
Females, 0 •"> 00,=
Total,
117
§216 00
45 00
$26] 00
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk
Acton, March 14, 1877.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee ffTown of Acton
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR, 1876-7.
To the Citizens of Acton.
Your School Committee, having discharged the duties
assigned them by law, respectfully submit for your con-
sideration the following report :
It has been customary, in presenting the annual reports
of this committee, first of all, to offer congratulation upon
the successful operation of the schools during the period
embraced in the report, and there is no reason why this
time-honored practice should be departed from in the pres-
ent report.
We have endeavored to secure efficient teachers by em-
ploying only those who had been successful in other
schools, and were able to present satisfactory recommend-
ations. In some cases the success of teachers has not
realized our expectations, as it will be the case sometimes
that a teacher will be very successful in one school and fail
in another.
We have visited the schools from time to time, and have
conducted two public examinations in all the schools that
have been in operation the usual three terms. Taking
everything into consideration we are of the opinion that
the success of our schools has been as good as reasonablv
could be expected.
But for a more particular review of the educational work
of the town during the past year, we refer you to the last
part of this report. Before entering upon this review we
beg leave to offer certain suggestions with reference to the
future management of our schools, whereby we believe
their efficiency can be greatly increased.
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Under this head we notice, 1st, the need of the more per-
fect co-operation and the more cordial support of parents.
This is a subject which has been adverted to very frequent-
ly in these reports, but the experience of the past year im-
presses upon us the need of referring to it yet again. As
regards the great majority of the parents and citizens gen-
erally, we have no reason for complaint, but the best of
reasons for commendation. But we are sorry to be oblig-
ed to say that there have been some parents during the
past year who have impaired the efficiency of our schools
by encouraging their children in their disobedience to the
regulations of the schools. Some parents seem to think
that the government of our schools, like the government of
the town is democratic, in the sense that the scholars have
the right to determine what the laws of the schools shall
be. But this is an erroneous idea of the provisions which
the State has made for the management of her schools. For
a parent to directly interfere with the teachers discipline of
a scholar is as ruinous to the harmonious and successful
management of a school as it would be detrimental to
the good order of the family, were the mother to inter-
fere with the father's correction of the children. Par-
ents : If you think you have grounds for complaint,
as regards the teachers treatment of your children,
as you value your children's good, do not even hint the
idea to them, but quietly communicate your convictions to
the teacher and seek an explanation. If you are not satis-
fied with the teachers views of the case lay the matter be-
fore the committee and we are satisfied that every cause
for complaint will be removed. Do not allow prejudice or
a partial view of the case to lead vou to make captious re-
marks about the teacher which will lower her in the esti-
mation of the scholars. Do not condemn a teacher, as be-
ing unlit for her vocation, until you have visited the school
and become satisfied by actual observation, as to her real
accomplishments. It is often the case that the teacher who
is most adversely criticized outside appears to excellent
advantage in the school room. Remembering that no one
in any vocation is perfect, in every respect, if the commit-
tee decides that a certain teacher is better qualified for her
work than anv other he will be likelv to be able to secure:
acquiesce in his decision and do your utmost to contribute
to her success. If all the parents in Acton would adopt
these principles and practice them, every school would be
a success.
CLASSIFICATION OF SCHOLARS.
A second thing concerning which there is an imperative
need of improvement, is as regards the classification of the
scholars. The laws of the State refer this matter wholly
to the committee, and we believe the efficiency of the
schools would be greatly promoted were they to exercise
this authority to a greater extent.
Our scholars are always ambitious to- press into the
higher studies ; when left to themselves they too Irequent
ly enter classes for which the}' are not at all qualified ; by
so doing they greatly increase the labors of the teacher,
impede the progress of others really qualified for the study
and fail of the good which the}' themselves might receive
were thev in text books suited to them.
This evil is manifest not onlv as regards the scholar's
choice of particular studies, but also as regards their pro-
motion from one grade of text books to another. This
difficulty is especially manifest in our reading and arith-
metic classes. We have six grades of reading books,
adapted to the capabilities of scholars from the child in
the alphabet to the intelligent reader of the writings of
Thomas Jefferson and Ralph Waldo Emerson. But it is
sometimes the case that the period of but little more than
five years takes a scholar from the first of the series into
the last. Many parents and scholars seem to think that
the passable pronunciation of the larger part of a reading
exercise is all that is necessary, while as a fact, this is on-
ly a small part of the art of reading. Pupils ought not to
be allowed to press from one grade of reading books into
another until they can not only pronounce the words cor-
rectly, but also give, at least approximately, a correct
expression to the sentiment of the pieces. Correct empha-
sis and modulation of voice are as essential elements in
good reading as the proper pronunciation, a fact which
ought not to be overlooked by teachers, parents or scholars.
The evil to which we are referring is also very manifest
as regards the study of arithmetic. Scholars find their
way into written arithmetic before they have an adequate
knowledge of the mental, and enter the High School
arithmetic before they have thoroughly mastered the Com-
mon School. We believe it would be better for our schools
and scholars were the High School arithmetic excluded
altogether, but if we are to have so many grades of text
books, scholars ought to be subjected to a rigid examina-
tion in order to an advancement from a lower to a higher
grade. Pare .its ought not to insist upon the promotion of
their children unless they are competent for it. The intro-
duction of a system of examination into our schools would
greatly facilitate the work of teaching, and would stimu-
late the scholars to exert themselves to become tit for
promotion.
If such a system is adopted by the committee, we hope
it will have your cordial support.
DRAWING AM) MUSIC.
During the past year the claims of art drawing and
music have been urged upon our attention quite frequently
and we most cordially concur with everything that lias
been said in favor of their introduction into our common
schools. Owing to the fact that our schools have been so
crowded with classes and different branches of study, and
we have seen so much room for improvement as regards
the branches already taught, we have been reluctant to
introduce other branches. We are aware, however, that
the importance of these branches cannot be over esti-
mated, and we will be glad to find their introduction into
our schools feasible. For scholars to learn even the first
principles of linear drawing will be of untold advantage
to them in after life. Nicely graded drawing books are
now published at a low price, and such books of instruc-
tion accompany them that almost any teacher can learn to
impart instruction in drawing with a considerable degree
of success, though it would be of great advantage if all
our instructors could have the benefit of the training of a
o;ood teacher.
If the committee decide to introduce drawing to some
degree, we hope the project will have the co-operation of
all the parents.
Instruction in the art of music is attended with more
difficulty, as the ability to sing is almost absolutely neces-
sary in order that an instructor may be able to teach this
branch. The generally received plan for the most tho-
rough teaching of this branch seems to be to employ a
music teacher to give instruction at appointed times in
each school every week. The adoption of this plan would
require a special appropriation of several hundred dollars.
Another plan suggests itself, which is to secure the ser-
vices of proficient musicians, though not professional
teachers, in the different parts of the town, to go into the
schools near them and impart to the scholars some knowl-
edge of music, at certain times set apart for that purpose.
If the town will appropriate one hundred dollars for the
object we will be pieased to make a trial of the plan.
ABSENTEEISM.
This evil is becoming more and more prevalent in our
schools, and as we are now situated, we have no remedy
for it. It is the duty of every parent to keep his children,
(if of a certain age,) in school at least twenty weeks dur-
ing the year, and it is the duty of each town to pass such
laws as will secure the fulfillment of this requisition of
the State. But as it now is in this town, there is a very
large number of children who do not go to school even
ten weeks, nominally, and really are absent much of the
time when their names are upon the rolls of the schools.
There is a large number of scholars in this town who
leave school if restrained by rightful regulations, and dur-
ing the remainder of the term are lounging about the
streets or sitting in the stores as truants.
We respectfully recommend that the town adopt the by-
laws for the suppression of truancy which it is within the
province of the town to enact for the suppression of the
evil just referred to. We recommend that the town adopt
as by-laws for the suppression of truancy, something as
follows :
1 . Any of the persons described in the first section of
the "Act concerning Truant Children and Absentees from
school," passed May 2, L873, upon conviction of any of-
fence therein described, shall be committed to the State
Primary School at Monson, for such time, not exceeding
two years, as such judge, justice or court having jurisdic-
tion of the same may determine.
2. Any child between the ages of seven and fifteen, who
while a member of any school, shall absent himself from
school, without the consent of his teacher and parent or
guardian, shall be deemed a truant.
3. Any child between the ages of eight and twelve,
who shall not attend some public school or suitable institu-
tion ot instruction at least twentv weeks during the year
shall be deemed a truant.
4. The School Committee shall annually choose three
or more truant officers, whose duty it shall be to make
complaints in case of violation of these by-laws, for the
purpose of carrying into execution the sentence thereof,
who shall receive such compensation for their services as
the school committee shall determine.
f>. It shall be the duty of every truant officer to inquire
diligently concerning all persons between the ages afore-
said who seem to be idle and vagrant, and who, whether
employed or unemployed, appear to be growing up in
ignorance, and to enter a complaint against anyone unlaw-
fully absent from school or violating any of these by-laws.
6. It shall be the duty of every truant officer prior to
making any complaint before a justice, to notify the truant
or absentee child and its parent or guardian of the penalty
of the offence. If he can obtain satisfactory pledges of
reformation, which pledges shall be subsequently kept,
he shall forbear to prosecute.
Respectfully submitting for your consideration the fore-
going recommendations, we now invite your attention to a
brief review of each school.
( EXTRE GRAMMAR.
The Spring term was taught bv Miss S. J. Flint, a
teacher who was favorably noticed in connection with this
school, in our last annual report. So far as we could judge
she taught a good school.
The Fall and Winter terms were taught by Miss M. C.
Harris, a teacher who has been noticed in terms of high
praise, in two previous annual reports. She devoted her
whole heart and all her energies to her work, and the schol-
ars made a steady progress under her instruction. We
have never witnessed a more satisfactory examination in
connection with this school than that which was conducted
at the close of the Winter term. We considered the order
of this school better than it has been in any term for sever-
al years. The eminent success of the school is largely due
to this fact.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss S.
F. Robbins. a teacher who has received commendation in
our two last annual reports. She retains the love of her
scholars to a marked degree, and the school shows a
steady progress under her care.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
The Spring and Summer terms of this school were
taught by Miss M. L. Davis. Miss D. is a teacher of good
attainments and well fitted for the work of the instructor,
but proved to be somewhat wanting as a disciplinarian.
She failed to maintain good order herself and neglected to
call in the assistance of the committee, so that the discip-
line of the school became lax under her care. With the
qualification just mentiond the school was a success.
The Winter term was taught by Miss M. E. Felton a
teacher of superior qualifications in every respect. She
found the discipline of the school very laborious, but with
the co-operation of the committee maintained good order
to the end of the term, though quite a number of scholars
retired from the school. The examination at the end of the
term wa§ eminently satisfactory.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
This school enjoved the continued services of Miss M.
A. Forbush, who was mentioned in terms of approval in our
last report. Her success during the past year has been
fully equal to that referred to in our last report.
At the close of the very pleasant examination which
ended the winter term the scholars presented to their teach-
er some beautiful tokens of their love and appreciation of
her untiring labors for their good. Would that such oc-
casions were more frequent.
WEST GRAMMAR.
The Spring term of this school was taught by Miss Belle
Smith, a teacher eminently qualified for her work. She
devoted herself to her duties with all the energy at her
command and imparted a spirit of animation to her schol-
ars. The school was a success in every respect, and we
were very sorry to part with her services. The Fall and
Winter terms were taught by Miss S.J. Flint, who has been
favorably mentioned in connection with another school.
She proved herself here as elsewhere a good instructor but
failed in discipline, so that the good she would have done
otherwise was greatly neutralized. The examination, how-
ever, at the end of the Winter term was very satisfactory.
WEST PRIMARY,
This school, like the other primary schools in town, has
had the benefit of the continued instructions of the same
teacher.
This teacher has been continued in the same school
longer than any other teacher in town, and the vigorous
condition of her school speaks volumes in favor of continu-
ing an efficient teacher in the same school. At the close
of the Winter term her pupils presented to her a beautiful
gift, as an expression of their love and gratitude for her
long continued labors for their good.
EAST SCHOOL.
The spring term of this school was taught by Miss M.
I. Spalding, a former teacher in the N. H. State Normal
School. She is a teacher eminently well qualified for her
work, and so far as we could judge taught a good school.
Having been engaged in teaching older scholars for sev-
eral terms, and coming to her work in this school some-
what wearied with previous labor, it may be she did not
feel quite the interest in the young scholars or devote her-
self to her duties with quite the energy which she would
have manifested under other circumstances.
The fall and winter terms were taught by Miss G. E.
Turtle. Miss T. had the love and co-operation of her
pupils to a marked degree, and gave herself wholly to her
work. The examinations at the end of the Fall and Winter
terms were very satisfactory, and proved the scholars to be
making a steady progress in their studies.
NORTH SCHOOL.
The spring term was taught by Miss L. A. Farnum.
This teacher was favorably mentioned in our last report.
We will simply say that we considered her success this
term fully equal to that of any previous term, and we very
reluctantly parted with her services.
The fall and winter terms were taught by Miss IlattieE.
Parker, a teacher who had been very successful in another
town. For some reason she failed to receive the good will
of her scholars or the full confidence of the parents. The
examinations at the end of both terms were quite credita-
ble, especial!}' the one at the end of the winter term. It
seldom has been our privilege to listen to as good recita-
tions in Mental Arithmetic.
SOUTH EAST.
On account of the small number of scholars in this dis-
trict but one term of school has been held during the year.
This was taught by Miss H. F. Hapgood who was men-
tioned in our last report.
The examination at the end of the term was as credita-
ble as any we have ever heard in this school.
Appended are the usual statistical reports. In the num-
ber of visits neither the visits of the superintendent nor
of friends at the public examinations are reported.
R e s p e ctfu 1 1 v sub m i tte d .
s. W. IIOPKIXS. (chairman) )
J. W. LOKER, (el j School
L. CONAXT. [ Committet
C. A. HARRINGTON,
I). J. WETHERBEE, Acton.
J. FLETCHER, 2d, J
F. P. WOOD. Superintendent of Schools.
10
ROLL OF HONOR. •
NOT ABSENT OK TAKDY
ONE TERM.
NOT ABSENT <>K TARDY
TWO TERMS.
)T ABSENT OB TARDY
THREE TERMS.
Lizzie J. (Jammings,
Ella Daniels,
Annie M. Hammond,
Nellie G. Haynes,
Hattie D. Reed,
Arthur F. Davis,
John F. Kingsley,
Elliot Livermore,
Gilman Pari in,
George W. Tnttle.
E. Elmira Ayers,
-Jennie L. Ayers .
Bertha I. Fisk,
Gertrude Rouillard,
Lizzie M. Scoheld.
Hattie E. Smith,
Augusta W, .Smith,
Herman S. Ayers,
Florian W. Fisk,
Warren O. Robbins,
Charles Kouillard.
Addie H. Barker,
Xettie C. Fuller,
Henrietta F. Sawyer,
Carrie B. Hay ward,
Susie A. Moulton,
Fred A. Brown,
Lawrin Pratt,
Eddie Pool.
Gertie S. Harrington,
Mary I. Jackson,
Ada M. Jones,
Mary A. Knights,
Martha E. Pratt,
Ma Del Richardson,
Sadie E. Sawyer,
John Bradley,
James E. Coulter,
Chrissie A. Pollard,
A. Ernie Wilbur.
(ENTER GRAMMAR.
Mabel Livermore,
Ella E. Tattle,
Mary F, Waldron,
Walter Richardson,
Horace F. T Little,
L. Harry Tnttle.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
S irata E. Hammond,
Mary Radding,
Frank E. Fisk.
George A. Smith.
Viola S. Tuttle,
Elbridge R. Conant.
Etta A. Tuttle,
Hattie L. Tuttle.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
.Jessie A. Mitchell,
Arlon L. Jackson,
Willie Wilbur.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
idella J. Barker,
L. Gertie Clark,
Josie M. Hannon,
Emily G. Hannon,
Lulie Hosmer,
Eda F. Shapley,
Eva C. Shapley,
Harry A. Fletcher,
Charlie P. Tucker.
Etta C. Temple.
M. Florence Fletcher.
Willie S. Randall.
11
Xellie Walker,
Inez Wyman,
Ellsworth Hapgood,
Crosby A. Hoar,
Charles Holton,
Chailes H »pkhis,
George Robinson,
Warren A. Stevens.
Ida Littierield,
Bertha Wright,
John A Id rich,
Emerv Clark',
Willie J. Handley,
Willie F. Hopkins.
Eugene L. Hall,
Ned. Holton,
Ernest H. Knowlton,
David Kinsley,
Bertie F. Mead,
Freddie B. Palmer,
Clesson J. Parker,
Herman W. Parker,
Willie Parker.
Alfred Richardson.
Frank A. Teele,
Bertie Willis.
Etta Esterbrook,
Hattie Esterbrook,
Florence Perkins,
Xixon Bail,
Carlton C. Coiiant,
Frank Wetherbee.
Lizzie Ryan,
Xellie Ryan,
Hattie Smith,
Mattie Smith,
Carrie White,
Charlie Fisk.
Elmer Rouillard.
Lester X. Fletcher.
WEST URAMMAK,
Liz/.ie (rates,
Mary Tuttle,
Arthur H. Bradford,
Ceorge Mead,
Fred. Mead,
Clarence Twitche).
WEST PRIMARY*
Hattie Davis,
Wallie C. Gardner,
Herbert Hap2o<":.
da L1
EAST SCHOOL.
Alma W. Forbnsh,
Geo. L. Bobbins,
Geo. H. Bobbins,
Willie E. Smith,
Ernest Wetherbee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Aunie Gallagher,
Minnie Harris.
Hattie Harriss,
Everett Rouillard,
Jame> Ryan.
SOITH EAST
Herbert Bobbin-
Harry Bobbins.
Bertie Smith.
12
TABULAR VIEW.
SCHOOLS.
Center.
South.
West.
East.
North.
Center.
South.
West.
East.
North.
( Grammar,
I Primary,
. i rrammar,
/ Primary,
•, Grammar,
i Primary,
i Grammar,
) Primary,
(, Grammar,
\ Primary,
< ( i-raaimar,
I Primary.
Centre
South.
West.
East.
North.
South East.
<; Grammar,
\ Primary,
CGrammfcr,
I Primary.
S Grammar,
I Primary,
TEACHERS.
of
Spring Tjerm.
Miss S.J. Flint,
'• S.F. Eobbins,
■' M. L. Davis,
'• ;\j. a. Forbush,
" V>. Smith,
" 0. A. Hopkins.
" AL. I. Spaulding,
'• L. A. Farnum,
Totals,
Fall Term.
Miss M. C. Harris,
•' S. F. Robbins,
" M.L. Davis,
'• M. A. Porbush,
'• S.J. Flint.
" O. A. Hopkins,
" (i.E. Tattle,
" H.E.Parker,
Totals,
Winter Term.
Miss M. C. Harris,
" s. v. Bobbins,'
" M. E. Felton.
" ?.I. A. Forbush,
" s .J.Flint.
•' O A. Hopkins.
'• (.. K. Tuttle,
" H. E. Parker,
•' H. F. Hapgood,
Totals,
Aggregate for the year.
2}
10]
:;()'.
53 *• e | te£
$40
32
36
40
40
40
30
28
$286 00 25^
50 0
75 2
75! 0
0
2.1
31.09
38 31.60
36 31.50
$:i2 00 2! 21.53
32
36
40
40
40
32
30
4:;. To
30
38
19
18 14.83
$282 00 265 230.16
$40 00
3i 00
to 00
40 Oil
40 00
40 00
34 00
84 on
35 00
$335 0(J
34.90
28
37.5B
3S.50
36
41
21 50
JS.20
7.50
3«7 261.10
07:i $903 00 829722.35 13 87
07
11 102
15
10
21
20
33
18
17
'.)
1
15:5
347
Total average per centage of attendance during the year, 87.1.3.
FINANCIAL EEPORT.
SOUTH SCHOOL,
Drawn from the treasury,
Received for Grass,
" Repairs,
Balance from last year,
Paid to teachers, 3659 00
" for coal and teaming, 43 33
M " care of house aud furnace, 54 15
* " text books (not properly in this account,). 2 70
" " broom, crayons, ink, etc., 5 99
Balance on hand, 109 39
$742
14
1
50
50
130
42
$874 56
$874 56
C. A. HARRINGTON, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $697 33
$580 00
12
63
31
50
14
46
18
74
$697 33
Paid teachers,
for fuel,
for care of house,
for incidentals,
Balance on hand,
$697 33
S. W. HOPKINS, Committee.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
$780 03
Drawn from the treasury,
$692 31
Balance from last year,
87 72
Paid to teachers,
$5(}5 00
for fuel,
58 59
care of house,
30 00
incidentals, .cleaning house, &c,
8 56
Balance on hand,
117 88
$780 03
LUTHER CONANT, Commit ike.
14
NORTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the Treasury,
Balance from last year,
Paid to teachers,
for fuel,
care of house and incidentals,
Balance on hand,
$324 99
J. W. LOKER, Committee.
$323 84
1
15
243
00
47
60
7
75
26
64
S324 99
$241
50
37
75
10
00
4
00
30
59
$323 84
EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $323 84
Paid to teachers,
for fuel,
care of house,
incidentals,
Balance on hand,
$323 84
D. J. WETHERBEE, Committee.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $140 00
Paid teacher,
for iuel,
incidentals,
care of house,
$140 00
Amount of money raised by the town,
Income from the State school fund,
" " Dog fund,
Total, $2919 48
$1J2 50
18
00
1
50
8
00
R2nd,
Co
$2500
00
193
76
225
72
$140 00
K umber of children between the age of five and fifteen reported by
the Assessors, 296.
Sum appropriated by the town for each scholar, $8.44.
REPOKTS
^i^cTjM^X ®K® o^Sijf} o*¥ids^S
jpn py apw
FEB. 26, 1877, TO FEB. 2f>, 1878,
INCLUDING THE
Jlktfikgeg, Sirrl^ &qd f)eatl^ iq 18^,
ALSO, THE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ACTON :
Printed at the Office of the Acton* Patriot, South Acton.
1878.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1878.
TOWN CLERK.
Wm. D. Tattle!
SELECTMEN.
Daniel J. Wetlierbce, Jolin White. Chas. B. Stone.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Elisha II. Cutler, John White. Thomas P. Sawyer.
ASSESSORS.
Wm. D. Tattle, Aaron C. Handler, Phineas Wetherhee.
HIGHWAY SURVEYORS.
Daniel Wetherbee, Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones.
Geo. R. Reyes, A. M. Knowlton.
FENCE VIEWERS.
John Fletcher, 2d, John R. Houghton, Nahum C. Reed.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
Levi W. Stevens, Ed. F. Kichardson, Chas. B. Stone,
Francis Dwight, Geo. H. Harris, Wm. B. Davis,
Elbridge Ilobbins, E. J. Kobbins.
SURVEYORS OF WOOD.
Lucius S. Hosmer, J. R. Bassett, S. L. Dutton,
Chas. B. Stone, E. J. Bobbins, Jona. W. Loker,
Geo. H. Harris, Wm. B. Davis, Geo. II. Warren,
Moses E. Taylor, Henry D. Parlin.
SURVEYORS OF HOOPS AND STAVES.
David M. Ilandley, Jos. Dole, Wm. Reed.
FIELD DRIVERS.
Simon Blanchard, Chas. H. Teel, G. A. Hay ward,
Otis H. Forbush, Loring M. Fowler, Eph. B. Forbush.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
John Fletcher, Jr., Jos. F. Cole, Wm. W. Davis.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Appropriations and
Receipts.
Unexpended balance of last year,
88,787 87
Regular Town Grant,
8,000' 00
Town Grant for Schools.
2,500 00
41 " " Highways,
♦ 1,500 00
County Tax,
633 17
State "
1,080 00
Overlayings,
160 21
Liquor Licenses,
387 50
Cash Luther Conant,
500 00
State Aid to Jan. 1, 1877,
198 80
Cemetery Receipts. West Acton,
13 50
Corporation Tax.
812 08
National Bank Tax,
■•m 5i»
State Paupers,
61 00
Supt. Burials State Paupers,
10 00
Town of Watertown, support Sam. Beacon, 51 08
State School Fund,
1S8 78
': Pauper Burials,
4 99
Trustees Baptist Society, Worcester,
for
support of Sarah B. White,
52 00
Dog Fund,
171 8G
Woodlawn Cemetery,
52 08
Town Hall,
101 47
OOA-IAI QO
T^VjJvJL OO
Expenditures.
SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS.
Paid C. A. Harrington, South District, 8707 00
Paid C. B. Stone, West District, $707 00
Luther Conant, Centre District,
697 00
John W. Loker, North "
320 00
D. J. Wetherbee, East "
320 00
W. S. Jones, So. East
185 00
Repairs on Town Buildings.
Paid C. A. Harrington, for painting South
Acton School House, $93 71
C. B. Stone, for finishing West Acton
School House ; furnishing Blinds ;
painting outside two coats ; furnish-
ing Ventilators, Registers, Piping,
Lumber, Hardware and Labor as
follows :
W. Emery, Doors,
Lewis Boles k Son, Blinds,
W. Houghton, Labor,
S. W. Hopkins, Material.
N. B. Conant,
G. L. Towne, Lumber, &c,
" " Labor,
F. Conant,
L. U. Holt, Piping, Register, Labor,
A. Hayward, Labor,
E. H. Cutler, for repairing Wagon
House and Shop at Town Farm, 157 07
John White, for labor and material for
painting Town Farm buildings, (36 80
L. U. Holt, repairing Register, Fur-
nace and Stove Pipe in Town Hall,
L. U. Holt, grate, school house, W. A.
James Fiske —
4 1-2 Doz. Burners for Town House,
1 " Founts,
18 40
57
70
19
15
36
7(5
72
16
110 56
121
15
9
18
51
77
77
75
29
73
4
00
11
25
1
75
$2,936 00
6 Doz. Chimneys,
1 u Brackets,
1-12 kt Lamps,
1-12 " Wick Trimers,
1 1-6 " B. H. Holders,
1-2 " Smoke Bells,
Register Plate,
1 Gross B. Wicks,
Moulding and Express,
Labor, material and changing desk,
C. B. Stone, repairs on West School
House,
D. J. Wetherbee, repairs on the East
School House,
J. W. Loker, repairs on North School
house,
$5 40
2 50
25
38
1 10
1 00
85
75
2 80
9 33
2 25
82
12 75
Books and Printing.
Paid C.W. Leach, 500 Selectmen's Reports, $17 00
10 Warrants,
50 Dog Notices,
500 Town Reports,
14 Warrants,
75 Posters,
25 Voting Lists,
12 Warrants,
100 Blank Orders,
1 25
1 25
70 00
1 25
1 75
13 00
2 00
1 25
Repairs on Highways.
Paid A. H. Jones, breaking roads, So. and
So. East part of Acton, 1876-1877, $123 59
A. H. Jones, Lumber for Powder Mill
Bridge, 111 25
A. H. Jones, repairing Powder Mill
Bridge, 50 98
$986 23
$108 75
Paid Chas. Wheeler, breaking roads; 1876
and 1877, $130 66
F. H. Whitcomb, breaking roads, 1876
and 1877,
Jas. E. Billings, breaking roads, 1876
and 1877,
Luther Conant, breaking roads, 1876
and 1877,
Geo. Harris, breaking roads, 1876
and 1877,
James Billings, labor railing roads,
A. L. Brooks, lumber V "
I. W. Flagg, nails,
Daniel Harris, blacksmithing,
Silas Conant, labor,
u " 6 posts,
D. J. Wetherbee. labor, mau and team,
Chas. Wheeler, team,
Moses Taylor, "
McCan & Burns, iron,
39
50
41
43
3
45
4
87
35
47
32
88
96
16
38
28
80
33
6
52
o
0
06
2
00
5
03
Regular Highway Work.
CHARLES WHEELER, SURVEYOR.
For 55 1-2 days work, 2.25 $123 75
54 «
u
a
oxen, 2.25,
122 62
103
u
fck
horses, "
154 49
61
u
a
C. H. Wrheeler,
1.50,
91 50
67 "
u
a
James Wraldren.
101 23
71 "
li
a
A. Smith,
107 24
2
u
a
Thos. Owins,
3 00
14 1-4
c«
a
Silas Conant,
21 37
26 "
u
u
Chas. Morris,
39 37
3
t<
cc
R. M. Gowell,
4 50
2
hours
a
J. R. Daniels,
30
2
u
a
Andrew Hapgood,
30
$637 1(J
For 3 3-4 hours work, James E. Billings,
56
32
U
" Henry Worden,
4 80
Daniel Harris, blacksmith bill,
2 00
W. W.
Worster.
4 60
S. A. Guilford,
2 33
F. M.
Lum
i,
75
Pick Handles.
3 00
Powdei
r and Fuse,
1 A. 11. JONES, SURVEYOR
4 50
For 65 1-2
day;
s work, 2.25,
$147 38
98
n
1 hour, horse, 1.50,
147 15
53
u
1 " oxen, 2.25,
119 48
61
a
3 " L. A. Jones, 1.50,
91 95
54 1-2
a
1 " Ed. O'Neal,
81 90
56 1-2
u
1 " A. Cole,
84 90
5 1-2
u
work, M. Bolton,
8 25
• 4
a
" N. Robbins,
6 00
2
i.
" D. Sheau,
3 00
3 1-2
u
" J. Mann,
5 25
2
t<
. • " J. Temple,
3 00
2
a
" 0. Flagg,
3 00
2
a
" W. Rynn,
3 00
Repair
s on
Tools,
22 59
By Order of Couiity Commissioners.
Paid Reuben Handley, removing barn, $31 00
Chas. Wheeler, for building road near
li. Handley,
C. Wheeler, building road at No. Acton.
" work on So. Acton road.
A. H. Jones, " " "
25
50
37
49
339
59
52
50
Support of Poor.
Paid E. H. Cutler, for support of —
Clara Wheeler, #252 58
to****
8
G. E. Curtain,
$6 50
S. B. Childs,
11 46
John A. Childs,
4 00
G. J. Dole,
5 82
S. G. White,
52 00
Patrick Sullivan,
3 64
Wm. F. B. Whitney,
283 18
Tainor Family,
142 38
Samuel Beacon,
51 03
Betsey Chaffin,
130 00
Slade Family,
(5b 00
E. H. Cutler, expenditures on
Town
Farm for 1877 and 1878,
345 HO
E. H. Cutler, deficiency as per
report
of the Overseers of the Poor for the
year 1876,
108 57
E. H. Cutler, account of error
in re-
port of Overseers of Poor, 1876,
100 On
For council in Sarah White case,
7 00
4 Journeys to Watertown,
8 00
1 " " Westford,
1 50
2 a " Boston,
5 00
4 u li Powder Mills,
2 00
4 " " Concord,
2 00
Town Debt.
Paid Charles Morris, Note and interest,
1370 30
Lewis Rouillard, " «
202 35
James O. Faxon, " u "
463 65
Elizabeth Hanscom,
694 16
Paid Luther Conant, Note and interest,
511 83
Oliver W. Drew,
631 90
$1,586 66
$2,874 19
State Aid,
Paid Rebecca C. Wright,
Hattie W. Wilder,
US 00
48 00
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, for labor in Woodlawn
Cemetery, $58 72
Joseph F. Cole, expenses in Mount
Hope Cemetery, 84 50
Town Officers.
id F. P. Wood, Supt. of Schools, 1876,
#87 00
a n U 187^
40 00
R. L. Reed, Sealer of Weights,
10 00
J. E. Cutter, Collecting Taxes,
70 00
Phineas Weth'erbee, Assessor,
24 00
A. C. Handley, "
25 00
W. D. Tuttle,
30 00
" " Town Clerk,
1 25 00
D. J. Wetherbee, Selectman,
70 00
John White,
45 00
C.B.Stone, •'
45 00
Interest on Notes.
id J. K. Putney,
#39 00
O. L. B. Drew,
36 00
Frederick Rouillard,
150 00
Concord Bank,
105 00
James 0. Faxon,
27 00
John F. Nichols,
34 51
Mary P. Hosmer,
60 00
E. Hanscom,
40 80
Joseph Barker,
60 00
$96 00
1143 22
#471 00
10
id Joseph Noyes,
$12 00
Daniel Harris,
48 00
Louis Rouillard,
12 00
David M. Handley,
180 00
John F. Nichols,
66 00
Calvin Harris,
12 00
Concord Bank,
105 00
Jonathan A. Piper,
36 00
James E. Billings.
135 96
Phillip Peters,
93 00
Harriet Davis,
30 00
G. H. Harris,
6 00
T. F. Noyes,
24 00
Sarah C. Noyes,
48 00
Luther Billings,
24 00
Miscellaneous.
Paid Geo. C. Wright, balance for building-
West Acton school house, $15 16
Jonas Blodgett, for selling W. Acton
school house,
J. E. Cutter, abatement of taxes,
Sargent & Richardson, damage to sleigh,
Reuben Handley, " " ."
Luke Tuttle, loam for grading around
the Monument,
Luke Tuttle, two loads of manure,
" " teaming "
W. Morehouse, sod and teaming,
D. Jones & Co., 3 signs,
Julian Tuttle, 36 hours labor,
Ai Robbins, " " "
" " relaying Town House wall, 14 50
J. E. Cutter, summoning persons to
take the oath of office, 1 00
3
00
49
00
25
00
4
50
4 50
3
28
5
17
6
75
3
00
6
00
6
00
$1,384 2T
11
Abatement of taxes,
T. C. Fletcher,- claim for damages,
Geo. H. Jacobs, " t " 44
Ai Robbins, splitting stone for Wood-
flawn Cemetery,
Sharpening tools,
D. J. Wetherbee, teaming stone,
Luke Tuttle, " "
Jas. E. Billings, 1 day's work,
Silas Conant, 1 "
Ai Robbins, setting bounds and post3
on Common,
A. C. Handley, Assessors' books,
" " fare to Boston to meet
Fish Commissioners, 1 30
A. C. Handley, viewing J. Wheeler's
farm, 1 50
3
93
50
00
50
00
8
00
72
21
90
IT
32
1
50
1
50
3
00
1
92
D. J. Wetherbee, coal for Town House,
20 71
a
44 set of Sealers' scales,
18 0O
a
u express 44 4i
50
it
44 4f on bundle,
75
ti
" iron for railings,
13 93
u
'• book for registering
voters,
80
Luther Conant, 1 cord of wood for
Town House,
5 00
Francis
Dwight, abatement of taxes.
17 75
a
44 posting dog notices,
2 00
it
44 tax book,
1 00
a
44 posting dog law,
3 50
a
44 repairing hearse,
2 50
it
44 Supt. burials,
60 00
a
44 Dis. on taxes, 1877,
700 00
a
" making returns 19
deaths.
4 75
Phineaa Wetherbee, appraising estate
of J.
Wheeler,
1 00
12
Paid James Fisk(
j, opening Town Hall 41
times,
$36 75
James Fiske,
care of clock,
10 00
u
u
oil,
17 21
t (
a
repairing clock,
7 50
u
a
faucet,
87
ti
a
2 brooms,
67
a
u
brush and dust pan,
62
a
a.
wicks,
10
u
a
5 lights of glass,
1 60
a
t:
setting same and painting
lantern,
1 56
(•
a
1 cord wood,
3 00
a
a
chimneys,
25
a
u
cleaning Town house and
cellar,
9 18
a
u
C. lime,
75
i (
a
painting desk,
55
u
t<
door spring and matches,
35
Wm.
D. Tuttle, express and postage
public documents,
5 82
u
appraising estate of J.
Wheeler,
I 00
u
running lines on Com-
mon and plan,
5 00
u
recording 33 births,
16 50
u
" 22 deaths,
4 20
il
4< 17 marriages, 2 55
J. E.
Outtei
, abatement of taxes by
vote of town,
42 64
a
money refunded on milk
bill.
112 64
11,442 95
Receipts from February 26, 1877, to February 26, 1878.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb.
26, 1877, 13,787 87
13
Appropriations and Receipts,
1,6313
96
$20 101 BS
Expenditures.
Support of Schools,
$2,936 00
Repairs on Town Buildings,
986
23
Books and Printing,
108
75
Repairs on Highways,
637
16
Regular Highway Work,
1,519
06
By Order of County Commissioners,
486
08
Support of Poor,
1,586
66
Town Debt,
2,874
19
State Aid,
96
00
Cemetery Expenses.
143
22
Town Officers,
471
00
Interest on Notes,
1,384
27'
Miscellaneous,
1,442
95
State Tax,
1,080
00
County Tax,
633
17
frl 6 H84 74
'4PJ-U,OOT- | -±
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 26, 1878, 13,717 09
Town Debt. Notes.
Daniel Harris,
$819 33
James E. Billings,
4,036 37
I. T. Magg,
105 41
Calvin Harris,
202 63
Luther Billings,
405 49
J. K. Putney,
686 94
Joseph Barker,
1,019 24
Joseph Noyes,
205 16
Jonathan A. Piper,
205 16
14
D. M. Handley, 3,046 50
Philip Peters, 1,570 70
J. A. Piper, 404 66
George H. Harris, 100 00
Frederick Rouillard, 2,606 69
Sarah C. Noyes, 800 00
Thomas F. Noyes, 400 00
M. P. Hosmer, L,039 33
Middlesex Institution for Saving, B}550 16
Harriet Davis, 506 41
Amount due from State Aid, $96 00
" " a Town Treasurer, 3,717 09
$21,710 15
<•>
3,818 09
Balance against the Town, 117,897 06
D. J. WETHERBEE, ) Selectmen
.JOHN WHITE, - of
CHAS. B. STONE, ) Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1878.
15
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS and EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For the Year Ending: April 1st, 1878.
ARTICLES OX HAM) APRIL 1, 1878.
\) tons hay, $160 00 15 gallons vinegar.
Oat fodder, 6 00 52 barrels,
11 cows, 550 00 400 lbs. salt pork.
1 horse, 150 00 75 lbs. ham,
40 bush, corn, 26 00 1-2 bbl. salt pickles.
1100 lbs. shorts. 7 00 Soap grease,
300 lbs. meal, 3 40 1 1-2 bbl. soap,
500 lbs. cotton seed meal, 6 75 Lard,
Grass seed, 1 00 100 bushels potatoes.
2 shoats, 2t> 0*0 Turnips,
15 hens, 7 50 1-2 bushel rye meal.
12 cords wood cut for 1 barrel flour,
stove, 60 00 lpound tea,
1 bbl. crackers, 3 50
15 market boxes, 2 50 $1,149 30
$a
7
40
9
1
1
6
<>
50
1
8
(•)
80
00
00
50
2:>
75
00
00
00
60
50
50
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM 187 7.
Received for cows, $141) 00 Received for potatoes,$33
12
Bovvker
fund,
12 00
apples,
labor,
187 00
77 4<)
milk,
576 96
lumber,
1 25
grain,
eggs>
stones,
1 90
1 48
1 15
calves,
berries,
chest of tools,
paints,
hide,
$1,120
03
75
90
00
44
10
36
16
EXPENSES.
'aid for brush,
50 Paid for matches,
$1 20
printers' ink,
$8 78
grass seed
3 13
tea,
15 56
whip lash,
10
tobacco.
7 60
candles,
30
snuff,
94
axe,
90
cream tartar,
4 28
axe helves.
1 10
sugar,
28 49
mortar,
15
tacks,
1 82
use of bull.
2 50
butter,
54 93
barrels.
1 32
tar paper,
2 25
awls.
15
brooms,
1 78
lemons,
22
cloth & cloth'g
, 27 35
corn starch,
28
grain,
344 14
japan,
3 4
bedbug poison
, 25
coffee, .
22
oil,
8 01
saltpeter,
2 3
spices.
2 20
wicks,
05
shoes,
11 09
indigo,
12
riles,
42
chimneys,
38
medicine.
2 59
books,
79
salt,
5 40
ginger,
45
mustard,
50
dried apple,
36
saleratus,
1 55
hops,
20
molasses.
9 6()
lard,
88
jugs>
80 •
cows.
195 00
starch.
39
plough,
11 00
cheese,
12 72
newspapers,
4 31
crackers,
43 22
blacks'th bill.
20 90
beans,
7 24
labor, 160 00
oat meal,
1 ^
castings.
2 25
pepper,
29
boxes,
50
rye meal
60
butchering.
1 25
rish,
3 87
tinware,
1 00
soap,
18 19
lumber,
1 59
nails,
3 57
glasses,
1 50
lime,
08
Dr. Sanders'
hoes,
1 15
bill,
9 50
meat,
43 18
coffin and robe
phosphate.
12 95
for R u f u j
5
seeds,
1 04 .
Tenney and
wire,
• Li
15
potash,
3 02
Paris green.
1 20
room paper.
2 50
rope,
45
rake ,
25.
scythes,
2 78
stone,
45
, fork handle,
25
glass.
2 46
stationery,
1 00
hooks.
10
raisins.
] 28
sweet potatoes
39
Hour,
75 15
yeast,
6*
putty,
55
spirits.
79
knife.
35
rosin.
us
*
Total amount of Expenditures
" 'w Receipts,
burial in Lit-
tleton, 19 00
pigs. 11 00
exp. market'g,13 25
repar'g harnesses, 45
use ot oxen, 15 00
keeping cows, 28 00
onions, 3 10
vinegar, 4 00
treight, 20
services of X.
S. Brooks,400 00
services of E.
H. Cutter as
Overseer, 50 00
John White, 10 00
Thos P. San-
gei
00
Deficiency.
Balance due as per report of the Overseer of
the Poor, April 1, 1877.
Error in report, April 1, 1*77,
Drawn from Treasurer to balance
report of April, 1, 1877, $108 57
Drawn from Treasurer on account of
error, 100 00
Drawn from Treasurer for use on farm
in vear 1877-1878, 345 00
$1,766 79
•^1,7(5(; 79
1,120 36
$(54C> 4a
$108 57
100 00
$855 00
Balance due from Treasurer, April 1, 1878,
Deficiencies of farm, $64(5 43
$558 57
$301 4?>
1«
Interest on farm, S-40 00
$8ft<i
r-J
Victualing 425 tramps, 212 50
Cost of supporting poor on farm, #67n 9o
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, sup-
ported in Almshouse, i) ; average number, <> 1-2 : present
number, ('».
ELISHA II. CUTTER, )Overseers
JOHN WHITE, \ of
THOMAS P. SAWYER, S Poor.
18
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1877.
?5arsFas in Acton in 1877.
No. Date of birth. Name of child. Names of parent?.
1. Jan. 9, Mabel Wayne, daughter of Robert and Lizzie A. Wayne.
2. Jan. 14, Ellen Elizabeth Redding, daughter of Patrick and Hannah
Redding.
3. Jan. 25, James Calanan, son of Daniel and Ellen Calanan.
4. Jan. 31, Henry Towle, son of Peter and Mary Towle.
5. Feb. ;>, Sarah Frances Ayers, daughter of Arlin and Almira Ayers.
('). Mar. 14, John Edward Hannon, son of Michael and Mary Ann Hannon.
7. .Mar. 25, Clifford Warren Robbins, son of Edward Nelson Mid Angelia
Robbius.
8. Mar. 31, Ernest Woodville Pickens, son of Willie A. and .Mice Pickens.
9. May 1*0, Mabel Jane Hewins, daughter of Arthur C. and Nancy A.
Hewins.
10. July t, Jessie Woodjrard Richardson, daughter of Henry W. and Mary
][. Richardson.
11. Aug. 11, Clara B. Sanders, daughter of Dr. Charles B. and Clara A.
Sander-.
11'. Aug. 20, Percy Eveleth Tuttle, son of Abrain and Martha A. Tattle.
13. Ani:-. 22, Flora McLaughlin, daughter of .Tames W. and Delrlah N.
McLaughlin.
14. Aug. 23, Clara Luella Sawyer, daughter of Thorns J. and Kale Sawyer.
15. Sept. 12, Maggie May, daughter of John and Julia May.
16. Sept. 15, Mary Etta Morin, daughter of Joseph C. and Lucy J). Morin.
17. Sept. 20, Lula Florence Whitcomb, daughter of Frank IT. and Frances
L. Whitcomb.
18. Sept. 20, Ella Lizzie Miller, daughter of Charles I. and L. Lizzie Miller.
19. Oct. 2, Willie Herbert Gilmore, son of Walter A. and Emma A.
Gilmore.
20. Oct. 23, Julian Ainsworth Whitcomb, sou of Elwyn II. and Mary V.
Whitcomb.
21. Oct. 24, Wm. Henry Francis Davis, sou of Charles L. and Lucy C.
Davis.
22. Oct. 24, Maud Randall, daughter of Freeman L. and Amelia A. Randall.
23. Nov. 4, son of William II. and Mary E. Tecl.
o4. Nov. 18, Mary Aliee Minehan. daughter of Patrick and Ellen Minehan.
|0
25. Nov. 23, Howard White Hesselton, son of Lucius A. and Martha F,
Hesselton.
2G. Nov. 29, Herbert Davis, son of John and Elizabeth Davis.
27. Dec. 8, James O'Conners, son of Morris and Honora Connors.
28. Dec. 11, Chester Bryant bobbins, son of Elbridge J. and Lelia A,
Robbins.
29. Dec. 10, Mary Louise Owen, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Jane Owen.
30. Dec. 29, Eva Clarissa Bassett, daughter of Joseph R. and Clarissa W.
Bassett.
JSiirfBis iia 18745 Omitted last Year.
No. Date of birth, Name of child. Names of parents.
1. Jan. 23, Roscoe A. Pickens, son of Willie A. and Aliec Pickens.
2. Mar. 10, Arlin Rufus Ayers, son of Arlin and Almira Avers.
Marriages Recorded iaa Acloa sn 1877.
No. Date of marriage. Name and residence of parties.
1. Dec. 28, 1876, Mr, Elbridge J. llobbins and Miss Lelia A. Farnum, both
of Acton.
2. Jan. 1, 1877, Mr. Otis II. Forbush, of Acton, and Mrs". Nettie F.
Mathews, of Hancock, N. II.
3. Jan. 18, Mr. Samuel Chaffin, of Acton, and Mrs. Amanda \V. l);iy, of
Lowell.
•1. Jan. 21, Mr. Ainasa M. Knowlton and Miss Elizabeth F. Blanchard, both
of Acton.
5. Jan. 23, Mr. Nathaniel II. Proctor, of Hollis, N. II.. and Miss S. Lizzie
Billings, of Acton.
(». Neb. 1, Mr. David M. Hand ley, of Acton, and Miss Nancy K. Nickerson,
of Provincctown.
7. Eeb. 25, Mr. Luke J. Robbins, and Miss Anna Barrett, both of Acton.
8. Apr. 14, Mr. Ancil \V. Knowlton, of Acton, and Miss Lizzie M. Hill, of
Boxborough.
'.». Apr. 22, Mr. Simon Blanchard, of Acton, and Miss Susannah Wheeler,
of Harvard.
10. May 3, Mr. Leonard A. Walker, of Marlborough, and Miss Mary E.
Worster, of Acton.
11. May lo, Mr. Amos S. Tattle, of Stow, and Miss Amy M. Gaston, of
Acton.
12. June 6, Mr. Augustus Tuttle, of Sterling, and Miss Flattie E. Handley,
of Acton.
13. July IE Mr. Ephraim B. Eorbush and Mrs. Sarah P. Rand, both of
Acton.
11. Aug. 2, Mr. Loring N. Fowler and Miss Addie M. Barlow, both of Acton.
15. Nov. 29, Mr. George A. Ilayward. of Acton, and Miss Susan E. Burr, of
Ashby.
21
16. Dec. 11, Mr. Jacob Dockendorff, of Acton, and Miss Martha A. Sharpe,
of Maynard.
*7. Doc. 24, Mr. Charles II. Teel and Miss Estellal, Knowlton both of Acton.
DEATHS
«irtte> iu Acton in 1877.
No. Date of death. Namea and ages of the deceased.
1. Jan. 9, Mr. George G. Flagg, aged Gl years, 8 months, 1G days.
2. Jan. 9, Mabel Wayne, daughter of Robert and Lizzie A. Wayne, aged 1
day.
3. Jan. 10, Mr. Joseph C. Wheeler, aged 53 years, G months, 19 day-.
4. Feb. 1G, Miss Sabra A. Taylor, aged 41 years, 5 months.
5. Feb. 17, Francis Tnttle, Esq., aged 86 years, 1 month, 12 day-.
•(>. Mar. 17, Mrs. Nancy W. Adams, aged 70 years, 4 months, 5 days.
7. Mar. 20, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Griggs, aged 39 years, 5 months, 8 days.
/8. Mar. 27, Mr. Charles W. Leighton, aged 30 years, 8 months.
9. May 9, Mr. Itufns Tenny, aged 82 years.
10. May 23, Mr. Luther W. Piper, aged 52 years, 9 months, 2G nay*.
11. July 24, Mr. Hiram L. Drew, aged 28 years.
12. July 31, Cornelius J. Minehan, son of Patrick and Ellen Minehan, aged
8 months, 14 days.
13. Aug. 9, James Kockvvood Dunn, son of Waldo G. and Fanny M. Dunn,
aged 2 years, 9 months.
14. Aug. 11, Mrs. Clara A. Sanders, aged 3G years, 2 months, 13 days.
15. Aug. 19, Walter B. Sanders, son of Dr. Charles B. and Clara A. Sanders,
aged 1 year, 10 months, 3 days.
1G. Sept. 20, Mrs. Eliza J. Whitcomb, aged 49 years, 7 months, 5 days.
17. Sept. 22, Clara B. Sanders, daughter of Dr. Charles B. & Clara A. San-
ders, aged 1 month, 11 days.
18. Sept. 20, John McCarthy, son of Daniel and Mary McCarthy, aged 4
years, G months, 1 day.
19. Nov. 3, Mrs. Sophia Conant, aged GO years, 7,months, 23 days.
20. Nov. 3, Mr. Charles Peary, aged 32 years.
21. Nov. 12, Mr. Dennis Putnam, aged 82 years, 5 months, S days.
22. Nov. 28, Mrs. Ellen Hannon, aged 84 years.
22
::si vi a;wK^)n sooct ^kiavh skosh:*<i jo sawvi
Name ui' Owner. Xo.
Augusta Hosmer, 1
Francis Hosmer, 1
James E. Harris. 1
Chas. H. Hundley. 1
John Fletcher Jr.. 1
Daniel Harris. 1
Francis Conant, 1
Edwin Tarbell. 1
Solon A. Kobbins, L
Dennis W. Corfey, 1
Hanson A. Eittlefield, 1
Levi Houghton. 1
Warren B. Reed, 1
Geo. V. Mead, 1
Aaro n C. Handley, 1
Andrew Willis. 1
Windsor Pratt. 1
E. E. Fuller, 1
John Temple, 1
Mrs H. M. Beck, 1
Augustus Fletcher. 1
Luther Conant. 1
Lester Fletcher. 1
Sylvester Haynes, 1
Chas. W. Parker. 1
John White, (fern.) 1
"Ellen Moore, 1
Willie F. Richardson, I
Theron F. Newton, 1
Neil Currie, 1
Geo. C. Conant. 1
M. F. Going, , 1
Name of Owner. No.
A. B. Brown, 1
Francis Pratt. 1
Francis D wight, 2
Lucius S. Hosmer. I
Tuttles Jones & Weth-
crbee. 2
L. W. Stearns. 1
Joseph Wheeler. 1
Geo. R. Keyes, 1
John Welch, 1
Baldwin & Hesselton, 1
H. Waldo Tuttle, I
C A. Harrington. 1
James Waldron. 1
W. E. Faulkner, J
Walter A. Gilmorc, 1
George Conant, 1
A. J. Fletcher, 1
Nelson Tuttle,* 1
Edwin Dwineils, I
N. S. Brooks, 1
M. E. Taylor, 1
John Fletcher & Sons, 1
John Grimes, I
Ann Flinnegan. 1
Frank Marshall, 1
F. M. Sisson, I
Elnathan Jones, I
Sumner F. Reed. I
James Hannon, L
Charles Wheeler.
(fern.) 1
N ame of C) w u er . No.
C. A. Pickens, (fern.)
Charles Worster,
Anson C. Piper,
E. J. Bobbins, (fern.)
Cyrus Hay ward,
Geo. W. Livermore,
Moses A. Reed,
John W. Randall,
O. E. Preston,
Isaiah S. Leach,
Henry Haynes,
John W. Charter,
Warren E. Taylor,
Daniel Wetherbee,
Allen Smith,
Chas. L. Davis,
Charles Morris,
N. B. Conant & Co. ,
Henry Hanson,
Geo. C. Wright,
Thomas Calder,
Frank Bobbins,
Frank H. Harris.
Daniel Tuttle,
T. P. Coding,
Geo. W. Knowlton,
John P. Eouillard,
Patrick Redding,
Alonzo L. Tuttle.
R. M. Gowell,
Martha D. Ball,
Jas. E. Richardson,
Males, !»2 at 2 00 = $184.
Females, 4 {i 5 00 = 20.
Total.
8204
WM. 1), TUTTLE, Towx Clerk.
Acton. March 20, 1878.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee iTown of Acton
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR, 1877-8.
To the Citizens #/" Acton :
Your School committee and Superintendent of schools,
having discharged the duties submitted to their care, beg
leave to present for your consideration the following re-
port :
In the composition of this report we have endeavored
to embody not simply a statement of what we have done
in our department of official town work, but we have
striven also to put into it our views of the best methods for
conducting the educational interests of the town. We
hope a careful perusal of this report will convince you
who have committed to us such an important trust, that we
are devoting to it the thought which it justly demands.
In the management of the schools of a town like this,
in which the amount of money appropriated for school
purposes is necessarily small, in comparison with the ap-
propriations of cities or large towns, there is a temptation
to be satisfied with the old and comparatively crude meth-
ods of teaching, and to feel that if a fair amount of know-
ledge of the common branches is secured it is all that we
ought to expect. But it is not thus that we allow ourselves
to view the matter. It is with us a constant studv how we
can so order the schools as to secure the most of the best
kind of instruction from them, without extra expense to
the town. We have striven constantly, without introduc-
ing any radical changes suddenly, to push up the
standard of excellence steadily from term to term. In this
work we have been aided to a marked degree by the co-
operation of a great majority of the scholars, and the evi-
dent sympathy of the parents, though we have been em-
barrassed often by a change of teachers and the lack of
qualification in some of them to carry out our plans Ao the
fullest extent.
According to our estimate, the advantages of our
schools consist only in part in the knowledge which the
pupils derive from their text books. It should be our aim
to, so far as possible, so conduct our schools that the pur-
suit of knowledge will seem attractive to the scholars, that
there may be formed in them a taste for stud}', and i
healthful discipline of their mental faculties which will give
them influence and power in after life. Tt has come to be
a truism in political philosophy, that the strength <
State depends not so much upon the number, as upon the
intelligence of its inhabitants.
Moreover, we believe it to be of the highest import-
ance to so conduct the government of our schools, that
there will be a healthful development of the best qualities
of character in the pupils. The school is a miniature
state. If scholars are so managed that the}' come under
reasonable regulations in the school, if they are law abid-
ing and conscientious there, they will be characterized by
the same qualities as citizens. This work of discipline
should be accomplished largely in the family, but many pa-
rents are seemingly constitutionally unfitted to govern their
children in a reasonable and systematic way, so that much
remains for the public school to accomplish, if the young
are to be fitted to be law abiding citizens. In our private
advice to teachers, and in our more public addresses to
the scholars, we always have this end in view. To fur-
ther the important objects just mentioned, and to secure
to scholars at least a slight knowledge of branches not
formerly taught in our public schools, we have encourag-
ed so far as feasible, the introduction of music, drawing^
3
■calisthenics, (light gymnastics,) and some other general
exercises.
The effect of the introduction of these exercises has
been excellent, far beyond our most sanguine anticipa-
tions. They have quickened the enthusiasm and increas-
ed the interest of the scholars in their study of all the other
branches, so that we wish all of our teachers might be able
to give instruction in music and drawing at least. But,
that you may the better understand what has been done
by the introduction of these branches, which are compara-
tively new in our schools, we make a brief reference to
each one.
MUSIC.
Instruction of a more or less systematic character has
been given in all of our schools in this branch, during the
past year. We were so fortunate at the beginning of the
year, as to have the services of one teacher, Miss Lizzie
S. Taylor, who is eminently qualified to give instructions
in this branch, and we thought it a favorable opportunity
to learn by actual experiment what amount of facility in
singing may be acquired by the scholars of a primary
school. The result of this experiment is, we are satisfied
that the cases are very rare where children are not capable
of learning to sing, if properly instructed. At the end of
the first term there was quite a large number of scholars
who seemed to have no ear for music, but at the close of
the school year, there were only three or four (and two of
these had been absent much of the time) unable to sing by
rote, and many of them had a good degree of knowledge
of the rudiments of the art.
We have had musical instruments in three of the school
rooms a part of the year, and they have been of material
aid in conducting the musical exercises.
DRAWING.
We have endeavored to impart a systematic knov\l-
edge of this art in one of our schools, but as the same
teacher has had charge of the school no two terms, the
conditions for such an experiment have not been very fa-
vorable.
Most of our teachers have used drawing cards and
have had the drawings put upon the blackboards. The
results from this method of instruction have been quite
satisfactory. Map drawing is also practiced in all of our
schools and has been found to be the most effective pro-
cess of teaching Geography. Upon the boards in some
of the school rooms we have seen copies of the illustra-
tions which are found in the text books upon Physiology
and Natural Philosophy. In many cases the copies have
been perfect. Without reducing our instruction in this de-
partment to any rigid system, we believe we are accom-
plishing a good amount of work, and are attaining to a
higher degree of excellence each term.
CALISTHENICS.
Ti\ese exercises have been employed in our school8
more, generally during the past year than hitherto. It is
our practice to encourage teachers to introduce them to a
reasonable extent. Such exercises quicken the circulation
of the blood, so that more of the vital fluid passes over the
brain and the mental activity is thereby increased. More-
over, if scholars are required to take bodily exercise in a
systematic way in the school room, there will not be such
a superabundance of animal spirits when they go out, and
they wrill be more quiet and studious during the school
hours.
OTHER STUDIES AND EXERCISES.
We have endeavored to employ every possible expe-
dient to keep up the scholars' interest in the fundamental
brandies of study. Instead of confining the pupils to the
oral method of spelling, we have had them write their
words in books to be passed in to the teacher for correc-
tion. In some cases we have had scholars write their words
upon the boards to be corrected by the whole class. We
have paid considerable attention to Composition, an exer-
cise which combines Invention, Grammar, Writing and
Spelling. We trust this exercise will be more fully prac-
ticed in the future than it has been in the past. The pro-
gress of the scholars in Grammar during the past year
has been excellent, and the progress in all the other funda-
mental branches has been fully up to the average. The
improvement in Reading in all our primary schools is es-
pecially noticable.
MORALS AND MANNERS.
We can not pass from this part of our Report without
calling your attention to these topics, which have engrossed
our attention during the past few months more than ever
before. We have received a book for examination, by A.
M. Gow, A. M., entitled ktGood Morals and Gentle Man-
ners,'' and we are so much pleased with it we wish it might
be in the hands of every vouth in our town and its con-
tents thoroughly learned. The following are some of the
topics treated of in this work : Habits, Law, Hatred, Cour-
age. Chastity, Veracity, Temperance, Patriotism, Duties
of Citizenship, Cleanliness. Dress. Conversation, Beha-
vior on the Street. Behavior in the Church and Lecture
Room. Behavior in Travelling," &c, &c. In the preface
are expressions setting forth theviewrsof the author, which
are so exactly our own that we quote them :
"He believes that the true happiness and real usefulness
of each individual depends largely upon the application of
the principles of virtuous living.
••He believes that moral lessons which are taught in an-
ticipation of temptation are more profitable than those tvhich
follow the commission of crime ; that a boy just convicted
of stealing is not in the best frame of mind to receive his
first lessons upon honestv.
"He believes that all schools should be places of true
refinement and elegant culture, and that when they are
not they must be nurseries of vulgarity.
•'He believes that the gentleman and lady must be
distinguished by good manners and that good manners-
are the outgrowth of good morals.''
We find it to be especially necessary to take every
precaution to guard the purity of our scholars. It seems
desirable that all the pupils of a school should have
their recess at the same time, that there may be the least
possible loss to the recitations, and that the teachers may
have a little relaxation, as well as the scholars. But if this
course is pursued arrangements ought to be made so that
the sexes may be by themselves. Such an arrangement
has been made at West Acton and has been possible at the -
-Centre and East since the new school-houses were erected,,
and should be made immediately in the other districts, es-
pecially at South Acton. This is a matter of such serious
importance as to require immediate attention.
CHOICE OF TEACHERS.
A review of the workings of our schools during the
past year will make it appear that wre have reason to con-
gratulate ourselves that we have made so few mistakes un-
der this head. But the qualifications requisite to the suc-
cessful teacher are so varied that it is impossible always
to make the right choice. Enthusiasm, tact, patience,
and other qualities are just as essential in a teacher as a
good education. Every teacher exerts an unconscious in-
fluence over the scholars. It is very desirable to have in
the teachers to whose care we commit our children all
those gentle manners and good qualities of heart which
we wish to see in our children when they attain to mature
life, but it is presumptuous in us to expect in all our teach-
ers every excellence of mind and heart. It is ever our
aim to secure the best teachers possible with the means at
our disposal. If we make mistakes, we only show that we
are human like our fellowmen. When we have become
satisfied that we have made a mistake under this head, we
hasten to correct i£ so soon as is consistent with the princi-
ples of justice to all concerned, and this is all that can be
required.
TEXT BOOKS.
We have made no changes in text books during the
year and have no changes to recommend. Tin* experi-
ment of using Miss Hall's Geographies which was entered
upon in 1<S73 has not proved entirely satisfactory, and we
have displaced them to a considerable extent by Guyot's
Geographies which have never been removed wholly from
our schools. These geographies have been greatly im-
proved during the past five years and give very good sat-
isfaction now.
Without dwelling upon other topics which we might
advert to, we now invite your attention to a brief notice
<of each school.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
Though this school has had a different teacher each
term during the year, it has been favored with the best of
instruction.
The spring term was taught by Miss M. C. Harris,
who has received such favorable mention in several of our
previous reports that it is impossible for us to add anything
here in her praise. We simply say, she put her best work
into this school, and the scholars made excellent progress
under her charge.
The Fall term was taught by Miss AdaC. Davis, who
was a member of our corps of teachers four years ago and
was very favorably mentioned in our reports at that time.
Since then she has had considerable, experience in teach-
ing, and her work showed excellent results. We were
well satisfied with her management of the school.
The Winter term was taught by Rev. James Fletcher,
A. M. Mr. Fletcher being; a native of this town and hav-
ing had charge of one of the best academies in the com-
monwealth ^several years, it would be vain for us to at-
tempt to say anything to add to his praise. We will only
say that he devoted all his strength and talents to his work,
and manifested an enthusiasm which we have never seen
excelled in a public school. The work accomplished was
fully commensurate with the ability and the enthusiasm of
the teacher. It was a rare opportunity for the youth of
this district to secure the best of advantages, and we are
happy to be able to report that they improved it to the full-
est extent, as is verv evident from our ''Tabular View/'
CENTER PRIMARY.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss
Lizzie S. Taylor. This was Miss Taylor's first experience
in teaching, out she devoted herself most heartily to the
work, and soon proved her peculiar qualifications for the
management of such a school. She secured and retained
the love of the scholars, without any sacrifice of firmness,
so that the order of the school constantly improved under
her care. In another place we have spoken of her success
in teaching music. There was also a marked improve-
^ent in reading, spelling, and the other branches
usually taught in a primary school.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
The spring and fall terms of this school were taught
by Miss M. E. Felton. Miss Felton did an excellent work
in this school during both of these terms. We consider
her one of the best of the teachers in our employ during
the year. We would have made a strenuous effort to
secure her services for the winter term, had it not been for
the difficulty which attended the management of this
.school the previous winter. We thought it advisable to
secure a male teacher, though it may be we made a
mistake.
The winter term was managed^ ?) by Rev. S.O. Dyer.
This teacher had charge of a small school in this town in
1875. In our report of the school lie then taught we said,
l* The school made a fair degree of progress under his
management. He did not awaken the enthusiasm and
arouse the ambition of the scholars quite to the degree that
we could have desired, but we have no doubt had he con-
tinued in charge of the school another term lie would have
been successful to a more marked degree." Mr. D. had
not taught for several years when he took charge of the
other school, but he professed to have received special
preparation for the work of teaching, and, as since then he
has taught several terms in a neighboring town, and has
been assistant superintendent of schools in another towrn,
we judged it safe to commit this school to his charge, but
we are sorry to be obliged to report that the school was
very far from being a success.
It will be our most earnest care to make this school
what it should be in the year to come, and we hope all the
people of the district will cooperate with us in this work.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
This school was taught by Miss M. A. Forbush
throughout the year. As this is the third year that Miss
F. has had charge of this school, and as she has been
noticed very favorably in our two last reports, we need
only to say that she has grown constantly in our estimation
as an earnest and enthusiastic teacher. The last examina-
tion of her school was especially satisfactory.
WEST GRAMMAR.
The spring and fall terms of this school were taught
by Miss Belle Smith, who taught the same school in the
spring of 187G. Under Miss S.?s instruction the order and
general progress of the scholars in this school were
excellent.
The winter term was taught by Mr. j. C Bolan, A.
B. Mr. Bolan is a graduate of Harvard College, and
amply qualified to give instruction in a much higher grade
diool than this. This was his first experience in teach-
ing a public school, but he applied himself very laborious-
. his work and gives promise, with added experien
great excellence as a teacher.
WEST PRIMARY.
The spring and fall terms of this school were tai
diss O. A. Hopkins, who had had charge of this
school since the fall of 1874. She lias been so frequently
mentioned in commendatory terms in the reports of this
committee, that we need add nothing here. After a long
and faithful service, Miss H. had the offer of a more per-
manent position, and much to the regret of her pupils, de-
cided to accept.
The winter term was taught by Miss Clara L. Sweatt.
Miss S., though young and compaiatively inexperienced,
proved to be just the right teacher for the management of
this school. She introduced music and calisthenics with
excellent effect, and managed to keep the interest of the
scholars constantly excited, so that they made rapid pro-
gress in all their studies, and the school was a success in
every respect.
NORTH ACTON.
The spring and tall terms of this school were taught
10
by Mrs. Allie Loker. Mrs. L. formerly taught in some of
our schools and was always mentioned in the highest terms
of commendation. We need only to say that her success
in the management of this school left little to be desired.
In her position as teacher she was the perfect embodiment
of enthusiasm, and the scholars could not but catch her
spirit. She was fertile in the invention of expedients to
interest and instruct her pupils, and we seldom, if ever,
have seen a more reasonable and devoted attachment of
teacher and scholars than existed here.
The winter term of this school was taught bv Miss
Mary H, Wood, an experienced teacher of a tried reputa-
tion. This teacher, in comparison with the one who pre-
ceded her, seemed lacking in enthusiasm, though her
school always appeared well; and the examination which
closed the term was quite creditable both as regards the
amount of knowledge gained and as regards the methods
which, evidently, had been pursued by the teacher.
EAST S( HOOL
This school has been continued under the excellent
instruction of Miss G. E. Turtle. Miss T. was mentioned
very favorably in our last report, and we can truly say
that she has steadily gained in excellence as an instructor.
Her interest in the school, and the scholars' interest in her,
seem to increase every term. The last examination was
very creditable both to teacher and scholars.
SOUTH EAST.
Only two terms of school were held in this district
during the year. The school was taught during both terms
by Miss A. W. Packard. The number of scholars was
quite small, but the teacher devoted herself very earnestly
to her work and aroused the ambition and enthusiasm of
the scholars as we never have seen them aroused before.
This teacher is deserving of much credit and we hope her
services may be secured again.
Appended are the usual statistical reports. In the
number of visits, those of the Superintendent are not in-
11
eluded, nor those of friends who were present at examina-
tions.
Respectfully submitted :
C. A. Harrington, (chairman,) "1
J. W. Loker, (clerk,) School
L. Con ant, ! Committee
D. J. Wetherbee, '
C. B. Stone,
W. S. Jones,
. °f
Acton.
F. P. WOOD,
Superintendent of Schools, for the Committee.
12
ROLL OF HONOR.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY
FOR ONE TEBM.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY
FOR TWO TERMS.
NOT ABSENT OR TARDY
FOR THREE TERMS.
Addie H. Barker,
Susie E. Billings,
Gerty L. Clark,
Josie M. Hanuon,
Mary I. Jackson,
Mabel G. Pratt,
Mabel Richardson,
Eda F. Shapley,
Eva C. Shapley,
Etta C. Temple,
S. Bertie Tuttle,
Hiram Gates,
James Harmon,
Arlon U. Jackson,
Charles Pond,
Eddie G. Poole.
Harry A. Fletcher,
Lulie E. Hosmer,
John Lynch,
George C. Warren,
Idella J. Barker,
M. Florence Fletcher,
Carrie F. Hanson,
Ada M. Jon^s,
Lillie F. Richardson,
Sadie C. Sawyer,
Carrie L. Shapley.
Frank Cum^nings,
John Kingsley,
George F. Rouillard,
George W. Tuttle.
Jennie L. Ayers,
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
Carrie B. Hay ward,
Estelle D. Heath,
Carrie E. Jones,
Emma A. Pratt.
Henrietta Sawyer,
Willie H. Wilbur.
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Charlie F. Wherren,
Clara F. Leach,
Martha C. Pratt.
Charles W. Leach,
A. Ernie Wilbur.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
Arthur Davis,
Gilrnan Parlin,
Horace P. Tuttle,
Annie Hammond,
Mary F. Waldron.
CENTER PRIMARY
Mary Radding,
Sarah Hammond.
13
Augusta W. Smith.
Arthur Bradford,
Bertie Mead,
Mary Tuttle.
E. Elmira Ayers,
Susie E. Couant,
IdaF. Davis,
Bertha J. Fisk,
Hattie M. Robbins,
Hattie E. Smith,
Augusta W. Smith,
Hattie L. Tuttle,
Homer L. Ayers,
Frank A. Fisk,
Florian W. Fisk,
J. Willie Livermore,
Warren O. Robbins,
Charles Rouillard,
George Smith.
Willie Kelley,
Charles Holden,
NellieWhite,
Charles Holten,
Charles Hopkins,
Hattie Davis,
Lottie Handley,
Hattie Parker,
Ida Resd,
Lottie Richardson,
Hattie Whitcomb.
Emery Clark,
Bertie Hall,
Willie Hopkins,
Ernest Kuowlton,
Fred. Parker,
Clesson Parker,
Freddie Teele,
Freddie Whitcomb,
Bertie Willis,
Alice Hoar.
Annie Gallaghan,
Minnie Harris,
Hattie Harris,
Annie Ryan,
Mattie Smith.
Freddie W. Billings,
Willie D. Davis,
Arthur B. Davis,
Florence B. Perkins.
Note.— We have had to make up this roll almost entirely from the re-
gisters. We have tried to guard against mistakes and hope we have made
none. In some cases scholars have been kept from school by sickness and in
some instances they ha\e not been tardy or absent alter they began to go
to school, but did not go the first day. We are sorry not to be able to put
those in. But we find it necessary to adheie to a system.
WEST GRAMMAR.
Arthur Blanchard,
Edwin Holten,
Minnie Hart,
Florence Noyes,
Ella Teele,
Clara Tuttle.
WEST PRIMARY.
Walter Gardner,
Eugene Hall,
Herbert Hapgood,
Ned Holten,
Everett Richardson,
Alfred Richardson.
NORTH.
Elwin Harris,
Everett Rouillard,
Beitie Smith,
Nellie Ryan.
EAST.
Carlton C. Conant,
Harry G. Robbins,
Ernest E. Wetherbee.
Willie Hart,
Ida Tuttle.
Herbert H. Robbim
Willie O. Smith.
14
TABULAR VIEW,
The average attendance during the year was .88 of the whole number of schol-
ars ; an unusually high pe rentage.'
15
FINANCIAL REPORT.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
■ $707
00
Received from the town of Stow,
16
00
" for grass,
1
50
Balance from last year,
109
39
$833
89
Paid teachers,
$680 (
" for fuel and preparing it,
47
53
" for care of house and furnace,
41
45
" for cleaning school house, w;
ash-
ing curtains, for brooms, era]
rons
and ink,
15
50
Paid for desk books,
5
11
Balance on hand,
44
30
$833
89
C. A. HARRINGTON,
Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
$707
00
Balance from last year,
18
75
•
$725
75
Paid teachers,
580
00
4t for tuel, lor preparing it, &c,
73
52
" " care of house,
45
00
4i 4i incidentals, broom, pail,
re-
•
pairing erasers, crayons, waste
bas-
kets, ink, and desk books,
12
28
•
Balance on hand,
14
95
$725
75
C B. STONE,
Committee
CENTER SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
$697
00
Balance from last year,
117
88
$814
88
Paid teachers,
$645
75
" for fuel.
60
82
" 4t care of house,
38
00
" incidentals,
i;>
6()
16
Balance on hand, 54 65
$814 88
L. CONANT, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $320 00
Balance from last year, 26 64
$346 64
Paid teachers,
" for fuel, preparing it, &c.
" care of house, &c,
Balance on hand,
$346 64
J. W. LOKER, Committee.
EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $320 00
Balance from last year, 30 59
$260
00
35
43
12
57
38
64
Paid to teaehers,
$295 00
" for fuel,
34 76
" for incidentals,
3 73
" for care of house,
12 00
Balance on hand,
5 10
$350 59
$350 59
D. J. WETHERBEE, Committee.
SOUTH EAST.
Drawn from the treasury, $LS5 00
$185 00
Paid teacner, $165 00
44 for fuel, 15 '2')
" for erasers and crayons, 2 00
" for care of house, 2 75
$1(S5 00
W. S.JONES, Committee.
Amount raised by the town for
schools, $2,500 00
Income from State school fund, 183 73
Income from dog fund, 171 <S6
Total, $'2,X~):> W
Number of children reported by the Assessors between
the ages of five and fifteen, 289. Sum appropriated by the
town for each scholar, ij8 65.
REPORTS
SELECTMEN AND OTHER OFFICERS
Tom^h of <8 C t 0 1}
FEB. 26, 1878, TO FEB. 26, 187S>.
INCLUDING THE
MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS IN 1878,
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ACTON :
Printed at the Office of the Acton Patriot, South Acton.
1879.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1879.
TOWN CLERK.
William D. Tuttle.
SELECTMEN.
Daniel J. Wetherbee, John White, Charles B. Stone.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Elisha H. Cutler, John White. Frank Hosmer.
ASSESSORS.
William D. Tuttle, Phineas Wetherbee.
HIGHWAY SURVEYORS.
Daniel Wetherbee, Charles Wheeler, Abram H. Jones.
George E. Keyes, 0. W. Mead.
FENCE VIEWERS.
John Fletcher, 2d, John R. Houghton. Nahum C. Reed.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
Levi W. Stevens, Ed. F. Richardson, Chas. B. Stone.
Francis Dwight, Geo. H. Harris. Wm. B. Davi*.
Elbridge Bobbins* E. J. Bobbins.
SURVEYORS OF WOOD.
Lucius S. Hosmer, S. L. Dutton. CUas. B. Stone.
E. J. Robbinp, Jona. W. Loker, Geo. H. Harris,
Wm. B. Davis, Geo. H. Warren. Moses E. Taylor,
Henry D. Parlin.
SURVEYORS OF HOOPS AND STAVES.
David M. Handley, Jos. Dole, Wm. Reed.
FIELD DRIVERS.
Dr. C. B. Sanders. Geo. R. Keyes, Chaa. L. Beck.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
John Fletcher, Jr., Joseph F. Cole, William W. Davis.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
George F. Flagg, J. W. Loker, Luther Conant, D. J. Wetherbee.
0. B. Stone, W. S. Jones.
F. P. Wood, Superintendent of Schools.
SELECTMEN'S REPORT.
Appropriations and Receipts.
Unexpended balance of last year, 83.717 09
Regular Town Grant,
8,000 00
" forHigl
iways,
1,500 00
" " " " Schools,
2.500 00
State Tax,
720 00
County "
520 10
Overlayings,
476 20
Liquor Licenses,
351 00
Cash of Daniel Harris,
500 00
Mt. Hope Cemetery.
* 15 00
Corporation Tax,
397 94
National Bank Tax,
501 47
State Aid to Jan. 1, 1878,
96 00
Cash of Chas. Wheeler,
9 00
Town Hall Receipts,
79 17
Woodlawn Cemetery,
38 83
Town of Weston, burial of R.
Fisk,
26 00
State School Fund,
182 37
Dog Fund,
176 40
1 QlC'jOUU >) i
/
Support of Schools.
Paid C. B. Stone, West District, 8681 21
C. A. Harrington, So. " 681 21
Luther Conant, Centre " 676 37
Paidl. W. Flagg, East District, 308 11
G. H. Harris, North " 308 11
W. S. Jones, So. East " 200 00
Repairs on Town Buildings .
Paid Luther Conant, Centre School House, $15 96
I. W. Flagg, East " " 2 04
L. U. Holt-
Furnace and Pipe for Town Hall, 20 87
Labor, 1 25
16 feet Pipe for West School House. 2 00
8 Elbows," 1 00
2 lbs. Galvanized Pipe. 40
3 lbs. Zinc. 27
Labor, 2 00
G. L. Townc, —
Reoairs on West School llou.-e. 11 65
10 00
6 74
3 15
3 00
1877-78, 8 60
Repairs on Highways.
Paid A. H. Jones, Breaking Roads, 1878, $22
H. Haynes, " ' 2 47
J. Fletcher.
' J. C. Wheeler, "
G. A. Hayward, "
G, R. Keyes,
F. H. Whitcomb, <;
" " Willows for setting, 5 00
Chas. Wheeler, repairs on J. McCarthy's
road. 14 00
Chas. Wheeler, Breaking Roads, 1878, 7 80
A Bullette. " " " 7 73
Edwin Tattle, " " " 9 15
Samuel Hosmer, " u " 3 34
Luke Tuttle, " t; " 6 90
$2,855 01
$58 04
Paid Nahum Littlefield, Breaking Roads,1878, 1 60
Moses Taylor, " :i " 3 15
J. E. Billings, Repairing Washout near
I. W. Flagg's, 12 75
J. E. Billings, Railing Highways, 36 51
Silas Conant, " " 27 83
Daniel Harris, Repairing Bridge near
I. W. Flagg's, 2 50
Daniel Harris, Iron, Sharpening Drills,
and Posts for Rails, . 25 27
D. J. Wetherbee, Iron for Railings, 17 36
J. E. Reed, Lumber " " 41 43
George Chandler, Breaking Roads, 1878, 9 60
Regular Highway Work.
A. II. J0!NE3, SURVEYOR.
For 67 3-4 Days Work at 2 00, 8135 50
" oxen at 2 00, 112 50
" horses at 1 00, 113 50
" L. Jones, at 1 50, 96 37
" A. Cole, 78 38
11 D. Cronan, 96 37
» W. P. Wilbur, 36 74
" Bulette, 5 25
" Murphy, 2 25
" Quinlan, 3 00
" H. Lewis, 1 50
" D. Rynn, 1120
Lumber for Railings, 5 53
Sluiceways, Plank, Scrajoer, &c., 9 74
CHARLES WHEELER, SURVEYOR.
For 68 1-4 Days Work, at 2.00, 136 50
56 3-4 " « oxen, at 2.00, 113 50
127 " " horses, at 1.00, 127 00
56 1-4
u
113 1-2
a
64 1-4
u
52 1-4
«
64 1-4
«
24 1-2
tt
3 1-2
(I
11-2
u
2
('.
1
(.
6 3-4
ti
$291 47
8706 75
6
For 60 1-4 days work, C. H. Wheeler, 1.50, 90 38
75 1-4 " " A. Smith, 112 89
57 3-4 "
a
J. Waldron,
86 63
15 3-4 «
a
T. Donahue,
23 63
1
((
Silas Conant,
1 50
19
a
E. O'Neal, 1.00,
19 00
9 1-4 «
it
1.25,
11 56
4
((
Moses Taylor, 1.50,
6 00
1-5 "
u
G. T. Knowlton,
25
Powder,
9 50
Fuse,
1 80
Scraper,
6 25
44 lbs. Castings,
S. A. Guilford, Blacksmithing.
D. Harris, "
E. A. Phalen,
" Scraper Plate,
Planks,
2 67
65
4 34
6 53
6 50
1 50
Luther Conant
. use
of Plow,
50
By Order of County Commissioners.
Paid Wm. Reed, for Stone Bounds, $6 00
A. H. Jones, work on So. Acton Road, 670 55
Chas. Wheeler, do. 392 92
A. C. Piper, Railings for " « 5 00
Support of Poor.
Paid E. H. Cutler, balance due Town Farm
April 1, 1878, $301 43
E. H. Cutler, on account expenses
the present year, 164 50
E. H. Cutler, for support of — *
Clara Wheeler, 32161
John Carney, 115 27
George J. Dole, 26 71
$769 08
$1,074 47
John Dakin, 63 00
Traynor Family, 83 36
Burial expense of Traynor child, 1876, 11 00
Lucy Oliver, 6 24
Sarah B. Child,
13 50
Patrick Sullivan,
2 00
Lucy Hosmer,
6 25
Michael McMurphy,
8 00
Levi Chamherlin,
13 52
Betsey Chaffin,
163 75
Burial expense of Robert Fisk,
26 00
Journey to Needham, respecting G.J. Dole, 3 00
" W.F.Whitney 3 00
" Boston respecting J. Carney, 1 50
" Worcester '; Clara Wheeler, 3 50
Stationery and Postage, 75
Town Debt.
Paid Joseph Noyes, Note and Interest, $213 33
Concord Bank, " " 3,606 75
Daniel Harris, 500 00
State Aid.
Paid R. C. Wright, $48 00
Hattie W. Wilder, 48 00
Indigent Soldiers' Aid.
Paid William Reed, $42 00
W. F. Wood, 70 00
Benj. Skinner, 22 00
E. H. Cutler for B. Skinner, 47 12
" " « J. Carney, 140 97
Allen Smith, 8 00
$1,337 89
$4,320 08
896 00
$330 09
Cemetery Expenses.
Paid John Fletcher, Jr., for labor and ma-
terial for Woodlawn, 8168 38
R. R. Fletcher, Trees,
John Blood, Hay for mulching trees.
Ai Robbins, Building Wall,
Silas Conant, Labor,
Calvin Harris. Mud,
J. F. Rouillard, Stone,
J. F. Cole, Labor, Mount Hope,
" « Seats,
Town Officers.
PaidF. P. Wood. Supt. Schools, 1877-78. 850 00
Reuben L. Reed, Sealer Weights and
63
00
10
90
223
10
76
12
2
50
8
00
40
50
10
61
Measures, 1876-1877.
20 00
Francis Dwidit. Collector Taxes,
, 1877, 50 00
F. P. Wood, Supt. Schools in pai
t, 1878, 45 00
P. Wetherbee, Assessor,
30 00
A. C. Handley, «
25 00
Wm. D. Tuttle, "
30 00
" " Town Clerk,
25 00
D. J. Wetherbee, Selectman,
70 00
John White, "
45 00
C. B. Stone,
45 00
Francis Dwight, Supt. Burials, '.
1878, 81 00
Interest od Town Debt.
J K. Putney,
S39 00
I. T. Flagg,
12 00
Concord Bank,
105 00
F. Rouillard,
150 00
Philip Peters,
24 00
Mary P. Hosmer,
60 00
Daniel Harris,
48 00
8603 11
$516 00
id D. J. Wetherbee,
34 51
Joseph Noyes,
60 00
Calvin Harris,
12 00
J. Piper,
36 00
J. E. Billings,
201 96
Harriet Davis.
30 00
Daniel Harris,
10 IT
David M. Handley,
180 00
G. H. Harris,
6 00
Sarah C. Noyes,
48 00
Thomas F. Noyes,
24 00
Luther Billings,
24 00
Miscellaneous.
Paid H. M. Smith, Repairing Town Clock, 5 50
M. Coffee, Damage received on highway, 20 00
C. W. Leach, printing 500 Selectmen's
Reports, 17 00
C. W. Leach, " 12 Warrants, 1 25
" " li Town Reports, do 00
W. W. Worster, Repairing Hearse, 7 75
F. P. Wood, School Books for poor
children, 1 25
Dr. Dwight Russell, Black Bass for
stocking Magog Pond,
Waldo Littlefield, Painting,
J. Cole, digging well,
C. B. Stone, brick, cement, pump and
platform,
D. J. Wetherbee, license blanks,
<>. u 0Yfer «
" " screens for Town House, 5 40
a tc coal « « « 21 45
" " lease of Magog Pond, 10 00
" " recording By-Laws, 3 90
136
25
21
00
36
00
46
81
1
50
1
25
81,104 6
10
Paidl. W.
Flagg, iron for railings,
9 44
Wm.
D. Tuttle
, express,
1 95
<(
u
laying avenues East
Cemetery,
4 50
u
it
registering deed So.
school, •
1 95
a
(<
postage and stationery,
1 97
it
u
setting glass and screens
in Town House cellar,
1 4G
u
u
journey to Concord,
election returns,
1 50
d
u
journey to Boston,
Tax Commissioners,
1 50
a
u
recording 23 births,
11 50
u
a
" 10 marriages,
1 50
a
a
" 30 deaths,
5 00
A. C.
Handley,
2 Assessors' books,
42
J. W. Fiske, opening Town Hall 39 times, 29 25
11 " care of clock, 10 00
" " " " cellar, 3 00
" " repairing clock, 1 40
labor cleaning vault, &c, 1 90
express on chimneys, 25
stove for Lower Hall, 8 00
1 barrel oil, 10 63
1 cord of wood, 5 50
cutting same, 2 00
cleaning Hall, 2 00
2 combs, 15
matches, 10
S. Robbins, 1 day's work on Town House, 1 50
11 lumber, 2 22
E. Forbush, burying horse and remov-
ing rubbish, 1 75
Francis Dwight, Tax Book, 1 00
" " enforcing dog law, 4 50
u
a
u
a
a
a
a
n
u
u
a
u
u
((
u
((
t
it
11
Francis Dwight, making returns of 26
deaths, 6 50
11 " coffin and burial ex-
pense of A. S.
Bergendahl, 15 00
$542 15
Receipts from February 26, 1878, to February 26, 1879.
Unexpended balance as per report of Feb.
26, 1878, $3,717 09
Appropriations and Receipts, 16,089 48
ires.
<^j.«y,^>vv/ ui
Expenditi
Support of Schools,
$2,855 01
Repairs on Town Buildings,
58 04
" " Highways.
291 47
Regular Highway Work,
1,475 83
By Order of County Commissioners,
1,074 47
Support of Poor,
1,337 89
Town Debt,
4,320 08
State Aid,
96 00
Indigent Soldiers' Aid,
330 09
Cemetery Expenses,
603 11
Town Officers,
516 00
Interest on Notes,
1,104 64
Miscellaneous,
542 15
State Tax,
720 00
County Tax,
520 10
State Treasurer, Liquor Licenses,
87 75
Francis Dwight, Discount, 1878,
689 55
$16 6°° 18
Balance in Treasury, Feb. 26,
1879,
Notes
$3,184 39
Town Debt.
3.
Daniel Harris,
$819 33
D. J. Wetherbee,
595 41
12
J. E. Billings,
I. T. Flagg,
Calvin Harris,
Luther Billings,
J. K. Putney,
Joseph Barker,
J. A. Piper,
D. M. Handley,
Philip Peters,
J. A. Piper,
G. H. Harris,
Frederic Rouillard,
Sarah C. Noyes,
Thomas F. Noyes,
M. P. Hosmer,
Harriet Davis,
Amount due from State Aid, $96 00
" " iC cc Indigent Soldiers'
Aid, 330 09
" " " Town Treasurer, 3,184 39
3,440 96
105
41
202
63
405 49
686
94
1,019
24
205
16
3,046
50
1,570
70
404
m
100
00
2,606 69
800
00
400
00
1,039
33
506 4
$17,954 86
$3,610 48
Balance against the Town, $14,344 38
D. J. WETHERBEE,"} Selectmen
JOHN WHITE, }■ of
CHAS. B. STONE, J Acton.
Acton, Feb. 26, 1879.
13
REPORT OF THE
RECEIPTS and EXPENDITURES
AT THE ALMSHOUSE IN ACTON,
For tlae Year Ending April 1st, 1879.
ARTICLES ON HAND APRIL 1, 1879.
10 cows,
1 horse,
13 tons hay,
Hu.ks,
550 lbs. cotton meal,
400 lbs. meal,
500 lbs. shorts,
60 bush, corn,
Bags,
Calfskin,
3 shouts,
12 cords wood cut for
30 bens,
Lumber,
40 barrels,
Boxes*,
15 bbl. apples,
70 bush, potatoes,
100 lbs. ham,
;425 00
115 00
195
2
0
4
4
stove,
00
00
60
00
25
3G 00
3 00
75!
18 00.
60 00
15 00
10 00
50
00
15 00
56 00
11 00
380 lbs salt pork,
I pork barrel,
Vinegar,
Salt pickles,
Beets,
Soap.
110 lbs. lard,
Butter,
20 lbs. tea,
Flour.
Salt,
Sugar,
Spices,
Candles,
Crackers,
10 lbs. dried apples,
Oyster shells,
RECEIPTS FROM TOWN FARM 1878.
Received for milk,
$575 54 Received for eggs,
apples. 685 15
" potatoes,
Bowker fund, 25 00
" tobacco,
cows, 123 00
l< butter,
boarding B. Skinner, 47 12
" poultry,
" M. C. Murphy, 4 00
berries, 12 00
calves, 7 50
$38 00
1
5
1
]
1
11
2
6
3
1
50
50
00
00
80
00
00
80
00
00
50
30
25
75
80
30
$1057 00
S2 12
98 90
1 60
6 32
4 34
$1,592 59
14
EXPENSES.
r tea,
$24 7£
1 Paid for soap,
$2 68
cloth and clothing,
63 5S
' almanac,
06
crackers,
31 66
► rope,
08
cream tartar,
3 3C
printers' ink,
1 27
sugar,
32 92
seeds,
43
tobacco,
13 52
twine,
24
fish,
11 65
cheese,
7 31
pails,
45
sal soda,
10
axes,
1 70
Bristol brick,
10
coffee,
3 12
clothes pins,
20
crockery,
1 99
vinegar,
50
peas,
1 03
oat meal,
1 20
yeast,
96
jug>
20
axe helves,
92
shoes,
9 44
spices,
2 94
phosphate,
26 25
beans,
4 13
whetstone,
08
mustard,
90
blueing,
20
dried apple,
4 68
oil can,
67
Paris green,
1 90
sage,
45
brush,
15
cards,
45
malt,
40
shovel,
56
faucet,
06
shells,
68
brooms,
1 05
eggs.
1 00
mops,
50
expres marketing,
13 10
chimneys,
80
labor,
230 70
shade,
25
boxes.
30
butter,
67 20
washing fluid,
30
prunes,
36
cushion,
1 75
spoons,
1 27
cash rendered paup
's, 2 75
onions,
1 15
tinware,
2 31
starch,
11
straw,
50
grain,
344 58
use of team,
14 75
meat.
84 14
stove,
18 00
wicks,
26
blankets for tramp
oil
8 79
room,
13 50
corks,
40
butchering,
4 00
snuff
32
barrels,
125 75
nails,
2 38
castings,
3 75
apple header,
1 17
cider,
3 52
mustard,
2 05
repairing shoes,
2 07
sulphur,
08
4 ' harness,
2 75
baskets,
1 92
" pump,
2 00
paper,
15
lantern,
1 00
flour,
74 05
pasturing cows,
27 00
molasses,
9 10
cows,
100 00
15
Paid for saleratus,
1
10
Paid for axe, 90
salt,
5
89
pigs, 9 00
rice,
1
12
blacksmith bill, 13 18
corn stare b,
24
Dr. Sanders' bill, 13 25
raisins,
88
coffin and robe for
glycerine,
30
Sarah Bowker, 13 00
chalk,
02
services of N. S.
lemons,
bS
Brooks, 350 00
lard.
1
14
services of E. H.
candles,
1
50
Cutler, 50 00
sweet potatoes,
1
80
John White. 10 00
medicine.
4
16
Thomas P. Sawyer, 3 00
rye meal,
25
saltpetre,
32
$1,079 01
Total amount of Expenditures,
41 '; Receipts,
Deficiency,
Balance due as per report of the Overseers of the Poor,
April 1, 1878,
Drawn from the Treasurer balance due
April'l, 1878, $301 43
Drawn from the Treasurer for use on farm
1878-1879, 164 50
$1,919 14
1,592 59
$326 55
301 43
$627 98
465 93
Balance due April 1, 1879
Deficiency, 26 55
Interest on farm, 240 00
Victualing 372 tramps at 40 cents,
Cost of supporting poor on farm,
SI 62 05
$566 55
148 80
$417 75
Whole number of persons, exclusive of tramps, supported in Alms
house, 8 ; average number, 6 ; present number, 6.
ELTSHA H. CUTLER, ) Overseers
JOHN WHITE, }■ of
THOMAS P. SAWYER, ) Poor.
16
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT FOR 1878.
Births in Acton in 1878.
No. Date of birth. Name of child. Nam^s of parents.
1. Jan. 31, Rebecca Bradley, daughter of Dennis and Hannah
Bradley.
2. Feb. 12, James O'Neil, son of Patrick and Hannah O'Neil.
3. Feb. 24, Edward Wellington Bich, son of Edward S. and M.
Alice Bich.
4. Mar. 10, Edua Augusta Knowlton, daughter of George T. and
Clara E. Knowlton.
5. Mar. 15, Bertha Mav Newton, daughter of Theron F. and Anna
A. Newton.
G. Mar. 18, Joseph Dennis Donahue, sou of Timothy and Bridget
Donahue.
7. Mar. 24, Frank Herman Tuttle; son of Julian and Hannah E.
Tuttle.
8. May 4, William Peters, sou of Philip and Margaret Peters.
9. May 8, Thomas Manion, son of Thomas and Mary M. Manioc.
10. May 25, George W. Potter, son of George and Lizzie Potter.
11. July 20, Frank Jones, son of William S. and Laura A. Jones.
12. July 25, Frank Elbridge Hapgood, son of Hiram J. and Augusta
A. Hapgood.
13. July 25, Bertha Jane Parker, daughter of Edwin C. and Hannah
H. Parker.
14. Aug. 27, Sheldon Ellsworth Littlefield, son of Hanson A. and
Florence M. Littlefield.
15. Sept. 8, Florence Ethel Wayne, daughter of Robert and Lizzie A.
Wayne.
16. Sept. 14, John Albert Hay ward, son of George A. and Susan E.
Hay ward.
17
17. Sept. 27. Avis Vesta Fowler, daughter of Loring N. and Addie
M. Fowler.
18. Sept 29, Augustine Bradford Conant, sou of Luther and S. Au-
gusta Conant.
19. Oct. 22, Sara A. Word, daughter of Rev. Franklin P. and Abby
0. w
20. Oct. 25. Jacob H. ftockendoiff, son of Jacob and Martha A.
Dockendorfif.
21. . . :. son nf George W. and H. Isa-
bella Elliott.
ert E. Wil ' f Edward and Ora A
23. Nov. 24. Car] Markland Worcester, son of Charles E. and Louise
S. Worc<
Marriages Kecorded in Acloas iia 187S.
No. DateofMarri Names and residence ol
1. Jan. 16, ' and Miss Julia A. Crockett I K>'h of
Acton,
2. June 19, Mr Edwin M. Wheeler of Boston, and Miss Ellen G.
Hoar of Acton.
3. Aug. 10, Mr. Georgn W. Barnard of Stow, and Miss Catherine #
Doodv of Harvard.
-1. Sept. 4, Dr. Charles B. Sanders and Miss Lizzie S. Taylor, both
of Acton.
5. Sept. 8, Mr. Frank Marshall and Miss Ada I. Jones, both of
Acton.
6. Oct. 16, Mr. Robert C. Dickinson of Groton, and Miss Laura J.
Hosmer of Acton.
7. Nov. 13, Mr Charles L. Beck of Acton, and Miss Lulu Adelaide
Proctor of Needham.
8. Dec. 4, Mr. Walter H. Whitney of Boston and Miss Georgia E.
Tuttle of Acton.
9. Dec. 13, Mr. Charles D. Griggs of Acton, and Mrs. Sarah Jane
Jewett of Groton.
10. Dec. 20, Mr. George R. Keyes of Acton, and Miss Mayetta E.
Tubbs of Gillsura. N. H.
1J8
DeatBis in Acton nil 1878.
No. Date of Death. Names and Ages of Deceased.
1. Jan. 8. Mr. Charles F. Richardson, aged 02 years, 4 months, 23
days.
2. Jan. 9, Rva Bassett, daughter of Joseph R. and Clara Bassett,
aged 4 years, 1 1 months, G days.
3. Jan 28, Howard W. Hesselton, son of Lucius A. and Martha F.
Hesselton, aged 2 months, 5 days.
.'. Feb. 1, Mabel E. Stone, daughter of Charles B. and Marietta C.
Stone, aged 6 year*, 2 months. 2 days.
5. Feb. 21, Mr. William Shattuck, aged 85 years, (i months, 20 days.
fi. Mar. 10, Mrs. Harriet Tuttle, widow of ir,tle. Esq.,
aged 82 years, 6 months, G days.
7. Mar. 12, Mr. Archibald Turpening. aged 26 years.
;8. Mar. 12, Mr. Lowell Foster, aged 27 years.
April 4, Mr. Robert . 'ears* 2 months, 15 day*.
10. April 10, Mrs. Henrietta C. Cummii Mr. M. B. C.
Cummings, aged 39 years. 11 months, 2-J days.
11. April 10, Mr. Lorenzo C. And:; 8 days
12. June 12, Mr. A. S. Bergendahl, • s.
13. July 14. Marietta Morin, daughter of Joseph C and Lucy D.
Morin, aged 1© months.
14 July 16, Mr. Nathan Ghaffin, as»ed 77 years, -. 17 days.
15. Aug. 8. Charles Edw n Nelson, son of Oscar and Mary' Ann Nel-
so!;, aged 2 years, 4 month, 18 days.
16. Sept. ft, Mr. Leonard Bulette, aged 49 years. 7 months, 26 day-.
17. Sept. 17, Mrs. Manila A. Conant. wife of Francis Conant, aged
4(3 years, 9 months, 2 days.
18. Sept. 21, Deacon Albert Hay ward, aged 64 years, 7 months.
19. Sept. 24, Bertha Jane Parker, daughter of Bdwin C. and Hannah
II. Parker, aged 2 months.
20. Oct. 4, Mr. Thomas Taylor, aged 72 years, 1 month, 24 days.
21. Oct. 11, Mrs. Catherine E. Worster, wife of W. W. Worster,
aged 42 years, 10 months, 1 1 days.
22. Oct. 14, Mr. Philip Peters, aged 45 years.
23. Oct. 19, Mr. Alonzo W. Moore, aged 32 years, 9 months.
24. Oct. 28, Mr. William W. Worster, aged 50 years, 1 month, 17
days.
19
25. Nov. 5, Miss Mary M. Withington, aged 57 years, 6 months, 24
days.
20. Nov. 13, Mrs. Sarah F. Bowker, aged 83 years.
27. Nov. 1G, Mr. William C. Mansfield, aged GO years, 2 months, 3
days.
28. Dec. 1, Miss Submit Wheeler, aged 75 years, 3 months, 20 days.
29. Dec. 8, Mrs. Martha T. Davis, wife of William W. Davis, aged
53 years, 5 months, 2 days.
30. Dec. 28, Mrs. Sarah Ptouillard, wife of Frederic Bouillard, aged
58 years, 11 months, 1 day.
•>()
NAMES OF PERSONS HAYING DOGS LICENSED IN 1S7S.
;•>; s. Augusta H<
gton,
zo L. Tuttle,
Edwii
:is Dwisbt 2.,
ker,
F.Haywai
Myron F. Go
wn,
Taylor I
» Mead, .
Mrs. II >
JValdo Tutl
Henrj
Eiv«n Tuttle,
Elnathan Jones
Charles Handu
Geo. C. Wright,
m F. Newton,
nrrie,
n S. Fletcher,
Aaron C. Han.'
Andrew J. Willis,
IJohn Temp e,
John We cli.
Daniel Har i-,
Geo. R. K- i--.
Le< i Houghton,
Fuller,
Daniel .1. Y>
John W ( lha lei .
• Mou l n,
Jr.,
■
John D Moulti .
John W
A. Robbi
Willie F. Kichardson,
Luc mer,
("ha: !••- \Y eel< r,
Johu Fletcb
B. A. L-ttletield,
Frank E Harris,
92 Males at f2.00=$184
;J Females at $5.0
Jas E. Richardson,
Lyman C. 1
John II W. tu
Iron,
Patrick
Frank P
P. P
Henry li i
[nowltou,
Wall.
g .
L~\i W
\ Smith,
.
Ba 1.
[saiah S. L**ach,
Frank Mar:
Preston,
Char] ant,
Total, 95
Acton, March 15, 1S79.
. $199.00
WM. D. TUTTLE, Town Clerk,
ANNUAL REPOET
OF THE
School Committee ITown of Acton
FOP.
SCHOOL YEAR, 1878-9
To The Citizens of Acton : —
In accord with, a wise provision of the statutes of this
Commonwealth, your School Committee and the Superin-
tendent of Schools respectfully submit the following report :
We consider it highly proper that you who appropri-
ate the money by which our schools are supported and
who commit your children to our schools to be instructed
in the most necessary branches of knowledge under our
direction, should be fully informed, not only in respect to
the particular management of each school in town, but
also as to the general principles of the system of education
which is practiced in the conduct of all our schools at the
present time. For this reason we have endeavored to
make this report the farthest possible from being a mere
matter of form, to satisfy the technical provision of the
statute law, and, in its composition, have endeavored to
set before you without any reserve whatever, the principles
by which we have been governed in all our actions as re-
gards the supervision of the schools of this town, during
the past year. Before we enter upon a statement of these
principles, we wish to state that we have adopted them as
he basis of our actions after much careful reflection and a
•2
considerable observation of the unsatisfactory or positively
harmful results of other methods. We do not claim that
our ideas upon common school education are perfect or
beyond dispute, but we do claim that they are the result of
much thought, of a considerable experience in teaching
and of no small amount of observation of the practical
conduct of schools.
That our ideas upon this important subject may be
before you in the most definite form possible we divide
them into topics as follows : 1st — The aim of our Schools.
2d — Methods of Instruction. 3d — Methods of Discipline.
4th — Text Books. 5th — Treatment of Teachers.
THE AIM OF OUR SCHOOLS.
This is a most important topic ; but how few persons
there are who are most vitally interested in our schools
who ever gave it any serious consideration ! Were the
question, "what is the aim of our schools?" to be put to any
company of our citizens the answer would be with but few
exceptions, "The aim of our schools is to impart knowl-
edge to the scholars," and this would be given as a suffi-
cient answer. But as we look upon it, this is only a part
of what ought to be the beneficial work of our schools. In
order that these institutions may be most successful, it is
necessary that the matter of self control and mental dis-
cipline should not be overlooked. Moreover, it is not the
amount of knowledge which a pupil seems to come into
possession of that determines his success as a scholar, but
it is the thoroughness with which he has learned what he
has attempted, especially as regards the fundamental prin-
ciples of the branches of knowledge taught, which is the
important thing. Take for example a class commencing
written arithmetic ; if that class in one term can become
so versed in the study as to express any number in figures
with the most perfect readiness, and can read numbers
with a similar facility and can add columns of figures with
something of the same ease that an accountant can, that
amount of knowledge will be of far more service to him
than the comparitively imperfect knowledge of the study
which he would have gained in going over a very much
larger portion of the book, for he will be able to perform
arithmetical processes which he will find it necessary to
3
perform almost every day in his business life in half the
time and with a far greater certainty of being correct than
would have been possible had it not been for the thorough-
ness of his mental work in this part of arithmetic, and yet
there is not a parent in this town who would be satisfied
with this amount of apparent progress in the scholar's
study.
What may be said of arithmetic is equally true of the
other branches of knowledge which are taught in our
schools. If scholars are allowed to be content with sim-
ply a superficial knowledge of their studies, they will fail
to acquire a habit of persistent thoroughness which would
be of the greatest service to them in the future.
Another aim of our schools is to secure to the scholars
a facility in expressing what they know, such as they
would not otherwise possess, and this is almost as impor-
tant to a person's success in life as the possession of knowl-
edge. For this reason we consider it just as much a teacher's
duty to see to it that the scholars express themselve.s con-
cisely and correctly as that the}' commit their lessons per-
fectly.
Another aim of our schools is to develop in the schol-
ars the power of self control, and to inspire them v
habits of obedience, so that they will be more obedient in
the family and more law abiding in the state. Said a
parent .to us not a long time since, "I can tell very quick-
ly whether the scholars in our school are kept under
proper restraint or not by the conduct of my boys at home.
When the order of the schools is good, they are easily man-
aged at home; and are pleasant when corrected ; but when
it is not, and they are given a loose rein there, it is just
the reverse." In this respect we consider the service of
our common schools, if properly managed. invalua-
ble.
In short, it is the aim of our sehools to prepare the
young in every particular to go out into society and take
their places in it as law abiding and useful members, fur-
nished with the most necessary elements of knowledge,
and so disciplined as to be able to make the best use of
what they know, and we should strive to accomplish these
results to the fullest extent possible.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION.
Just as there are several systems of medicine, each
claiming an equal degree of success in the treatment of
disease, so there are various methods of instruction which
have the indorsement of educators of unquestioned ability.
The method which is employed in most of our higher in-
stitutions of learning at the present time is what may be
termed' 'Recitation by Topics." According to this method,
few questions are asked and the scholar is thrown entirely
upon his own resources for a successful recitation. If a
scholar were to pass thoroughly through a text book, ac-
cording to this method, he would be able, at the close of
his study of it, to give the contents of the whole book with-
out any question being asked. For scholars who have re-
ceived a considerable degree of mental discipline, this is
an admirable method and is always attended with the best
results.
'But our experience with this method in our common
schools has convinced us that it is not the most advanta-
geous method in them. We have found that the tax on
the memory of scholars whose retentive faculties are not
very strong is so great that they become discouraged and
pursue the study with no pleasure but the reverse, and
that it is the tendency of the scholars who are easy to
learn to commit the exact language of the book and recite
it, parrot-like, so associating the ideas of the subject with
the language of the text book that when theT exact lan-
guage is forgotten all the knowledge which it conveyed is
lost. For these reasons we have found the practice of rec-
itation by questions far preferable to any other method.
This as it seems to us is the most natural method of
training for scholars who expect to have no particular use
for their knowledge except in ordinary business, for they
will find it practically the case in the future, that it is in
answer to questions, that they need to have their knowledge
in an available shape. Some one asks, "Why the need of
plying the scholars with so many questions in our schools ?"
We reply, this is necessary to afford them facility in an-
swering the practical questions which will arise every day
in their lives. If our scholars were to be public lecturers or
essayists, we would prefer some other method, but as they
are to be practical men and women, whose great need of
knowledge is to fit them to solve problems and answer ques-
tions which will arise every day, we think the method of
recitation by questions is the most natural one.
Moreover, we have found that this method is better
than any other in stimulating our scholars to study their les-
sons, and it is such stimulus that most of our scholars
especially need. The proportion of scholars in any of our
schools who have such a natural thirst for knowledge that
they would study without anything to stimulate them is
very small. It is one of the principal duties (or ought to
be) of every teacher to excite an interest in study in the
minds of the scholars, so that they will give the applica-
tion to their books which is necesserv to any degree of
success. If a scholar knows that certain questions are to
be asked him, he will apply himself to the study of their
answers as he will not, if he thinks he will not be called to
give any account of his mental progress. We think the
method of instruction which is preferable is the one which
is best adapted to the mental training of the great maj<
of our scholars, and not one which would be attended with
good results in the cases of a few, who would make good
progress under any system. For this reason we welcome
every expedient whose tendency is to excite an interest in
the minds of all the scholars, whether it be by object lessons.
exercises upon the black board, spirited general exercises
or what not^find especially do we welcome a teacher who
is an enthusiast in her work and who is able to impart the
magnetic influence of her spirit to those who are under her
care.
METHODS OF DISCIPLINE
As we have intimated already, we consider good or-
der one of the absolutely necessary characteristics of a
good school ; but there is a stocking difference in teach-
ers, as regards the ease with which they secure the re-
quisite orderly conduct of their schools, and there is also
a wide difference in schools, when under the charge of
similarly efficient teachers, as regard the matter of order.
There is also a difference in teachers as to their adaptabil-
ity to certain methods for the promotion of good order in
6
school. Some teachers have a presence and certain qual-
ities of character which command obedience with little or
no effort ; some teachers have tact-or faculty of manage-
ment which enables them to keep their scholars in a state
of subordination, where others not possessed of these pe-
culier gifts would fail. If all our teachers belonged to
one of the classes just mentioned, there would be no ap-
parant trouble in our schools, as regards discipline, but as
most of our teachers have no special gifts that qualify
them to govern a school, it is generally necessary for them
to set before their scholars certain regulations and to en-
force them by certain peralties. It was formerly the case
that corporal punishment was almost always resorted to in
cases of disobedience, but in recent times, this method has
fallen largely into disuse, and other methods have taken
its place.
Whatever method of discipline is adopted will be
likely to meet with objections on the part of some, provid-
ed it is of such a nature as to hurt the feelings of the
scholars.
It is our opinion that the method of discipline in our
schools should be left largely with the teachers, provided
of course that it be reasonable. We have known cases
where the infliction of corporal punishment seemed to
save the school from being a total failure, and we have
known of other cases, where it seemed as though another
method would have been preferable : for this reason we
think a teacher should be sustained in having recourse*
to any reasonable means for securing obedience to the
proper regulations of the school.
Scholars should be made to feel that it is their duty
to obey, and that any petty dislike of a teacher is no justi-
fication for disobedience, and that it is not in the power of
a few scholars by creating a scene of disorder, to secure
the removal of the teacher, without exposing themselves
to any danger of punishment or disgrace. When such a
state of things as this takes place in our town, we may
bid adieu to anything like successful schools.
TEXT BOOKS.
It is our policy to make just as few changes in text
books as possible, consistenly with the best good of the
schools. During the last seven years, there has been no
considerable change in the books, excepting in reading
and geography, and in the latter there was no change ex-
cept by the way of experiment, and in all these cases the
changes were made, as scholars were passing from one
class into another and would need new books and could
save one third or more of expense by buying the books
that were being introduced. We have examined many new
publications of text books, and have found in them some
improvements over the ones now in use, but we have usu-
ally found it to be the case that any want in the books
now in use could be remedied by oral instruction, so that
the advantage of a change would not be equal to the extra
expense.
TREATMENT OF TEACHERS.
We consider a right view of this topic, on the part of
our people generally, to be of the highest importance to
the success of our schools. The entrance of almost any
eacher upon the duties of a school is in some respects an
experiment, ana especially is this so, in the case oi a
teacher who has had no experience in the work. We
consider the position of a teacher in a public school, as
one of the most trying which it is possible for any one to
occupy, and we feel that persons who assume this import-
ant trust ought to have the sympathy and the most con-
siderate treatment from every invidual who is interested in
our schools.
Our appropriation for school purposes is not suffi-
ciently large to enable us to offer the inducements to
teachers to take charge of our schools, which some of the
larger and more wealthy towns are able to offer, but if we
have the reputation of being kind and considerate in our
treatment of teachers, this fact will aid us greatly in pro-
curing and retaining the most excellent talent for our
school work. We have tried to assist all our teachers,
to the fullest extent, in their work during the past year,
and in the composition of this report, have endeavored to
treat them in a most kindly way, both out ot a regard for
them and their interests, and also out of a regard for the
best good of our schools.
Without devoting any more of the limited space 01
this report to the discussion of the salient features of our
school system, considered as a whole, we now invite your
attention to a brief notice of each school.
CENTER GRAMMAR.
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were Umght
by Miss Ada C. Davis, a teacher cf tried experience, and
of the highest order of qualifications for the duties of a
teacher. The school made excellent progress under her
instruction, and took a rank which was not excelled by
any school in town. We were well pleased with Miss
Davis' work and would have been glad to have had her in
charge of the school during the winter term.
The winter term was taught by Mr. C. E. Cloud, a
graduate of the Scientific department of Dartmouth College.
This teacher devoted himself to his work with much earnest-
ness,but with his limited experience in this work found the
discipline of the school somewhat difficult in the first part of
the term. After the first month, however, the school seem-
ed to be orderly and to be making at least the average
amount of progress in the studies pursued. At the exam-
ination which closed the term the school made a very good
appearance indeed. We wish to repeat, however, what
ive have stated before in these reports, that the prospect
of success is far better, as regards any of our schools, if it is
committed to the care of an experienced female teacher
than to a male teacher who has had little if any experi-
ence in the work of instruction.
CENTER PRIMARY.
The Spring term of this school was taught by Miss
Lizzie S. Taylor, who had charge of the school during the
whole of last year, and was spoken of in the highest terms
of commendation in our last report. We think her success
this term was even greater than that of the previous ones
and we would have gladly continued her in this work, but
she had the offer of a more pleasing position and resigned.
The Fall term was taught by Miss Sara F. Robbins,
a former teacher in this school ; as she has been favorably
mentioned in two of our former reports, little need be said
of her work here. We will simply say that we were well
satisfied with her management of the school, and would
have been pleased to have had it under her care during
the Winter term. We were especially gratified by the
good order of the school during the whole term.
The Winter Term was taught bv Miss Nellie M. Co-
nant. Miss C. is a resident of the district and had had
comparative!}' little experience in the work of teaching and
labored under a great disadvantage en these account,
the matter of discipline. She gave herself most heartily to
her id under other circumstances, no doubt would
have had a good degree oi success in every respect. At
the examination which closed the school the scholars ap-
peared \ id seemed to have made considerable
progress in their studies.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
This school was tautjht throughout the year bv Miss
M. F. Rice, a teacher of the highest culture, and most
gentle and ladylike manners, whose presence [am-
ple were the best of influences to her scholars to lead them
to cultivate the highest qualities of mind and heart. The
appearance of the school, under her management, was ev-
ery thing we could have desired. We considered the
term of this school the most successful winter term that we
have had in this district for several years. At the close of
the Winter term the scholars made their teacher some very
pleasing and valuable presents as tokens of regard.
SOUTH PRIMARY
The Spring Term of this school was taught by Miss
M. A. Forbush, a teacher who has been mentioned in two
of our previous reports in terms of praise. We deemed
her success this term even greater than it had been in
previous terms. We have seldom seen a more reasonable
and devoted attachment between teacher and scholars, than
existed here. At the close of the term, the scholars pre-
sented the teacher with a beautiful gift as a memento of
their love.
The Fall an5 Winter terms were taught by
10
Miss Jennie M. McAlister, a teacher ot considerable ex-
perience and a good degree of natural fitness for her work.
She devoted herself to her work with earnestness and the
school showed a steady progress while under her charge.
At the close of the Winter term the scholars presented her
also with some beautiful gifts, as substantial proofs of their
love.
WEST GRAMMAR.
The Spring Term of this school was taught by Mr. J.
C. Bolan, A. B. Mr. B. was noticed in our last report,
as the teacher of this school, and little need be said of his
work here. He labored very conscientiously in the school
and many of the scholarsmade excellent progress while un-
der his instruction. Had he been able to give all his time and
strength to the school we doubt not that his success would
have been everything that we could have desired. As it
was, many of the parents deemed him one of the best
teachers we have had in the school for a long time.
The Fall Term was taught by Miss M. j. Perigo.
This teacher has been educated especially for the duties of
a teacher, and has had several years of practical experi-
ence in the work, and being naturally of an enthusiastic
temperament, she was able to carry qualifications into the
school room such as we are seldom so fortunate as to find
combined in a teacher. The scholars responded to the
well directed efforts of the teacher quite readily, and the
progress of the school was steady and substantial through-
out the term.
The Winter Term was taught by Miss M. J. Perigo
and Mrs. M. W. Going. Miss P. had charge of the
school during the first five weeks of the term, and managed
it with the same satisfactory results which attended her
work in the Fall: but at the end of that time, she was
obliged to lay aside her duties on account of illness. After
an interval of two weeks, she resigned and Mrs. M. W.
Going consented to take charge of the school. Mrs. G.
is a teacher ot a good degree of experience and the best
of natural qualifications for the work, and, though she had
not been in the vocation of a teacher for more than ten
years, she took it up again in this school with an enthusi-
asm and earnestness which were the promise of a success
11
which did not disappoint in any respect. Considering the
interruption of the school by the illness of its first teacher
and by the sickness of scholars, the examination at the
close of the term was highly satisfactory and exceedingly
creditable to teachers and scholars.
WEST PRIMARY.
This school was taught throughout the year by Miss
Clara L. Sweatt. This teacher had charge of the same
school during the Winter term of last year and was spoken
of in terms of praise in our last report. We feel it due to
her, however, to state here that we think she has improved
in her ability to teach during each term, and that we now
consider her one of the best teachers of a primary school
that we have had in our schools for several years. She
has the happy facility of securing good order without
incurring the ill will of any of her scholars, which is a very
difficult thing to accomplish in such a school.
XORXH SCHOOL.
The Spring and Fall terms of this school were taught
by Mrs. Allie H. Loker. Mrs. Loker had charge of this
school two terms last year and was so favorably mentioned
in our last report that little remains to be said here. We
wish simply to state that we never knew a school to mani-
fest more interest or to make a better degree of progress
than did this school while under the charge of this teacher.
In enthusiasm and facility in the employment of expedients
for exciting and sustaining the interest of the scholars, this
teacher is not surpassed.
The Winter Term of this school was taught by Miss
Ada C. Davis. The benefit of the school was somewhat
impaired by the illness of scholars : but the management
was without reproach, and the progress of those scholars
who were able to attend school uninterruptedly was excel-
lent.
EAST SCHOOL.
The Spring Term of this school was taught by Miss
G. E. Tuttle. Miss Tuttle has been mentioned in our two
12
last reports in terms of such praise that we need add little
here. She was not only very successful with her school
in exciting an interest in the regular studies which were
pursued, but gave a very pleasing exhibition of the amount
of information which may be imparted to scholars orally,
by interesting them in the subject of Astronomy, and going
out with them in the evening to trace the constellations and
watch for the appearance of certain stars, so that at the
end of the term the whole school had such a knowledge
of this subject as would have seemed hardly possible. We
would have been pleased to have had the continued ser-
vices of this teacher, but as has been frequently the case
i our most successful teachers, she had the offer of a
more permanent, and as she thought, a far more pleasant
position, and she decided to accept. After her resignation
the people of this district showed their appreciation of her
services by bestowing upon her some very valuable, beau-
tiful and useful gifts.
The Fall Term was taught by Miss H. L. Cook, a
young lady of culture and refinement, but wanting in expe-
rience as a teacher. She labored under disadvantages
arising from her want of experience, and from the fact
that she was called to succeed a teacher of such superior
qualifications and such a long and successful experience
in the same school. We have never seen a teacher who
seemed more anxious to succeed than she was, and under
other conditions her success might have been equal to her
desires. As it was, the examination which closed the
school was quite creditable and equal to the average of
examinations during the past year.
The winter term was taught by Miss F. M. Hartwell,
a teacher of pleasing manners and considerable expe-
rience, in the work of an instructor. We visited the
school three times during the term and attended a public
examination at its close, and on all these occasions, the
school appeared as well as we could have desired. We
have every reason to feel that the school made a steady
and reasonable progress in all the studies which were pur-
sued during the term. The examination at the close was
very creditable to teacher and scholars.
13
SOUTH EAST.
As appears from the statistical report, the school in
this part of the town has been very small during the year,
so small that it is very difficult to form anything like an
intelligent estimate of the work of the teachers who had
them in charge.
The Spring term was taught by Miss A. W. Packard
who had charge of this school twro terms last year and
was favorably mentioned in our last report.
We were very much pleased with Miss Packard's
methods of teaching and consider her one of the most
competent teachers we have had in our schools for several
years. She did everything with the school, that it was
possible for any teacher to do, and gave complete satisfac-
tion to all concerned.
The fall term was taught by Miss Nellie M. Conant.
This was Miss C's. first experience in teaching, but she
devoted herself most earnestly to her work, and was suc-
cessful to such a degree that the committee would have
been pleased to secure her services for another term.
The winter term was taught by Miss C. S. Hay ward.
Miss H. came well recommended and has had considera-
ble successful experience in the work of instruction.
Whenever we visited the school, it appeared orderly and
the examination at the close seemed to indicate that the
scholars had made as much progiess as could be expected
under the circumstances.
Appended, are the usual statistical reports to which
we invite your careful consideration. Some of the dis-
tricts have had the benefit of an unusually large number of
weeks of school during the year and the advantage of
such extended school privileges has been very apparant
in the scholars progress in their studies.
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. HARRINGTON, Chairman,]
LUTHER CONANT, Clerk, | School
C. B. STONE, |
W. S. JONES, [> Committee
I. W. FLAGG,
G. H. HARRIS, | of Acton.
F. P. WOOD, Supt. of Schools, J
14
ROLL OF HONOR.
NAMES OF THOSE WHO HATE NOT BEEN TARDY OR ABSENT.
Center Grammar.
For one Term.
Sarah Hammond,
Julia Lane,
Etta Turtle,
Mary Waldron,
Elbridge Conant,
Arthur Davis,
George Lee,
John Kinsley,
Lyman Robbins,
George H. Turtle,
For two terms.
Annie Hammond.
For three terms.
Carrie Lund.
Center Primary.
For one term.
Luther Conant, Jr.,
Warren Robbins,
Bertie Reed,
Hattie Smith,
Augusta Smith,
Gracie Turtle.
For two terms.
Nina Aycrs,
Jennie Ayers,
Susie E. Conant,
Hattie M. Bobbins,
Hattie L. Tut tie.
SOUTH GRAMMAR.
For one term.
Josie M. Hannon,
Mary A. Knight,
Susie A. Moulton,
Lois E. Pond,
Emma A. Pratt,
Henrietta F. Sawyer,
S. Bertie Turtle,
Charlie Fletcher,
Hiram E. Gates,
John Wilder,
Chrissie A. Pollard.
For two terms.
Nettie C. Fuller,
Eda Shafley,
Eva C. S/iapley.
For three terms.
Mabel Richardson,
Etta C. Temple,
Arlon U. Jackson,
Willie H. Wilbur.
South Primary.
For one term.
IdellaJ. Barker,
!Emily G. Hannon,
Clara F. Leach,
Martha C. Pratt,
Lillie F. Richardson,
Sadie E. Sawyer,
Fred S. Fletcher,
Frank Heustis,
Lulie E. Hosmer,
Johnie Lynch,
George C. Warren.
For two terms.
Gertie S. Harrington,
15
Harry A. Fletcher,
Charlie W. Leach,
Ernest E. Wilbur.
West Grammar.
For one term,
Florence Noyes,
Arthur Bradford,
Xed Holton,
Willie Hart,
David Kinsley.
For two terms.
Mary Tuttlc.
West Primary*
For one term.
Maud Briggs,
Gertie Cutler,
Bertie Gardner,
Addie Houghton,
Emma Knowlton,
Alice Hoar,
Flora Richardson.
John Aldrich,
Emery Clark,
Bertie Holt,
Herman Parker,
Everett Richardson,
Fred Teel,
Charlie Town.
For two Terms.
Ida Littlejield,
Ida Tut tie,
Walter Gardner,
Eutfcne Hall.
For three Terms,
Ida Richardson,
Ernest Knowlton,
Alfred Richardson,
Bertie Willis.
>ORTH ACTO>.
For one Term.
Bertie Smith,
For two Terms.
Nellie Ryan,
Lizzie Ryan,
Elzvin Harris,
Everett Rouillard
East School.
For one Term.
E. Bertha Hosmer,
Grace E. Tavlor,
Frank H. Billings.
Freddie W. Billings,
Carlton C. Conant,
Willie D. Davis,
Arthur B. Davis,
Willie O. Smith,
Ernest Wetherbee,
J. Roland Wetherbee.
For two Terms.
Harry G. Rod dins.
For three Terms.
Herbert H. Robbins.
South East,
For one Term
Willie Hooper,
Freddie Jones,
Willie Jones.
16
TABULAR VIEW.
^
^
>
8
S!
z
£ -
a5
;»
DB
c
yi a
J?
a
a
c *»
0I
5-1
X **
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
5 c_
X o
• sr
|
? a-
>
a
§ I
•-s
- z
« 3
2 c
pu**
12. X
c
rt-
%
s
Vr
Ci
2 S"
1 —
W*
^
~
*<
««*
~,
£•
**
X
y. 0"
SPRING TERM.
Pentre i Grammar.
Centie. jprinuuCyj
Miss A. C. Davis.
3
836 00
28
24.22
0
0
6
•• L. S. Taylor,
3
32 00
28
25
1
0
10
0 -, Grammar,
South. jprimaryj
•• M. F. Rice,
3
40 00
37
34.5
0
0
13
" M. A. Forbush,
3
in lid 45
38.3
0
1
19
w \ Grammar,
NN e'"r- / Primary.
Mr. J. C. Bolan,
2i
It
40 00 33
27
0
1
12
Mis.- C. L. Sweatt,
36 00 46
43
2
0
32
North.
Mrs. A. H. Loker.
32 00 22
20.2
0
0
12
East.
Miss G. E. Tattle,
2l
32 00 24
22.23
0
1
17
South East.
Miss A. W. Packard,
Totals,
2"
3o or
14
11.25
1
0
6
23J
318 00
275
265.7
4
8
127
FALL TERM.
~ , i Grammar,
Centre, \Wmaxjt
Miss A. C. Davis,
II
|36 00 24
i <;..->
0
0
1
•• s. F. Bobbins,
32 oi, 3o
23.9
1
0
9
c i.i ( Grammar.
South. -Primai.y.
•• M. F. Rice,
3
40 00 35
32.10
0
5
25
" J. M. McAllister,
3
36 00 45
40.4
0
1
10
, i Grammar.
•• M. J. Perigo,
11
2i
40 ("
32
0
1
15
NNl>1- \ Primary,
•• ('. L. Sweatt,
40 00 43
40
0
0
20
North,
Mrs. A. H. Loker.
32 oo 22
16.8
0
0
7
East.
Miss H. L. Cook,
2}
32 00 2.;
21
0
1
6
South East,
Mis>> N. M. Conant,
Totals,
2
8
7.33
0
0
6
m
316 00
271
229.64
1
8
99
WINTER TERM.
~ , [ Grammar,
Centre. }primary|
Mr. C. E. Cloud,
II
$40 00
28.58
0
16
7
Miss N. M. Gonant.
32 oo
27
22.2C
0
0
12
a i"2 > Grammar,
South, j primly/
•• M. F. Pace.
40 00
51
45
0
10
7
" J. M. McAllister,
36 00
46
40.5
0
1
7
i Grammar.
West <
•• M.J. Perigo &{
Mrs. M. W. Going, f
2f
40 00
42
35.2:
0
3
15
1 Primary,
Miss C. L. Sweatt,
11
3J
40 00 4:;
38
0
0
28
North,
•• A.C.Davis.
3lJ (X
14
0
3
7
East,
" F. M. Hart well,
32 00 22
16.03
0
2
8
South East,
•' C. S. Hayward,
Totals,
Aggregate for year,
2"
28 00 10
8.3C
0
2
6
26i
329 00 299
247.91
0
37
97
724.
961 00
845
743.2c
5
53
~323
The average attendance during the year, .85i of the whole No. of scholars.
17
FINANCIAL EEPORT.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Received for grass,
" for use of school house.
Balance from last year,
$(581
n
1
00
109
GO
44
30
$677
00
48
14
44
45
0 18
82
11
90
35
80
$836 11
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel and preparing it,
44 for care of house and furnace,
for hardware work (Mr. Holt's bills,) 18
" for incidentals,
Balance on hand,
$836 11
C. A. HARRINGTON, Committee.
WEST SCHOOL.
$696 16
Drawn from the treasury.
$681 21
Balance from last year,
14 95
Paid to teachers,
571 00
" for fuel and preparing it,
57 05
" for a dictionary,
8 50
" for care of house and furnace,
45 00
" for incidentals,
9 90
Balance on hand,
4 71
$696 16
C. B. STONE, Committee.
18
CENTER SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury,
Balance from last year,
Paid to teachers,
" for fuel,
" for care of house,
" for incidentals, books, &c,
Balance on hand,
$676
37
54
65
$605
40
61
50
30
25
15
18
18
69
$731 92
$731 02
LUTHER CONANT, Committee.
NORTH SCHOOL,.
1346 75
Drawn from the treasury,
$308 11
Balance from last year,
38 64
Paid to teachers,
$278 75
" for fuel,
34 50
" for care of house,
12 00
" for incidentals,
7 80
Balance on hand,
13 70
$346 75
G. H. HARRIS, Committee,
EAST SCHOOL.
Drawn from the treasury, $308 11
Balance from last vear, 5 10
Money advanced to make up this year's
deficiency, 4 67
$317 88
Paid to teachers, $259 00
" for fuel and preparing it,. . 39 G6
" for incidentals and cleaning house, 5 22
" for care of house, 14 00
$317 88
I. W. FLAGG, Committee.
REFERENCE BOOK
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
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