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Home : Quarterly Archives : Volume 27 |
Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
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Source: January 1989 Volume 27 Number 1, Pages 13–27 Teaching School in the Early 1840s From August 1840 to March 1843 David Evans, then in his mid-20s, taught school in Willistown Township, the first year at the Shady Grove School and then at the White Horse School. Evans later was a successful farmer and merchant, and was quite prominent in the development of the village of Malvern. He was also active in the Society of Friends, in the anti-slavery and temperance movements, and was a school director and auditor for Willistown Township. These reports of his teaching experiences are excerpts from a journal he kept fairly regularly for sixty years, from 1837 to 1898. It is now in the collection of the Chester County Historical Society. 8 mo 16th First d.m. [day morning] 1840 Fifth d.P.M. [Thursday, August 13] met the Directors at Sugartown [and] applied for and got Shady Grove School. 6th and 7[th] days attending some repairs about the school house -- white washing, etc. 8 mo 23rd 1840 Began my school at Shady Grove last second day and kept with tolerable satisfaction to myself till sixth day when I was to[o] ill with a bowell complaint to continue and sent word that school would be adjourned till second day. 8 mo 30th 1840 School rather large this week. Many of the children very small. Number about 27. Or fifth day 30. Ezra Thomas, one of the directors, spent fifth day P.M. with me. My feelings were a little ruffled by a drunken fellow who lives near the school yesterday. He refused to let his sons take their turn in sweeping the school-room but I gave him to understand that unless they conformed to the rules of the school they would be suspended. 9th mo 27th first d.P.M. 1840 Yesterday sisters A[nn] and E[lizabeth] came over to my school and we, "accompanied by the children, went to see the paper mill and returned to the school house by [way of] W. Garrett's new mill. 10 mo 31st s.d.e 1840 Today carried round a subscription to get a map for my school. Success tolerable, meeting with some disappointment and much to cheer. 11 mo 15th F.d.m. 1840 ... Bought a map of the world for my school at an expense of eight dollars and book for same use amounting to $1.11. 11 mo 29th F.d.m. 1840 The past week began a new system at my school, viz., that of sending to the parents at the end of every week a Report showing the number of lessons well said, tolerably said, and miss [sic] said by the children, together with how many days absent and containing when necessary remarks on their behaviour at school. Sent 7 reports for the first [week] and they all came back signed by the parents as requested. 12th mo 29th third day at noon 1840 Went home 5[th] day evening giving the schollars [sic] 6th day as Christmas and spent the last tvwo days of the week at thrashing with the machine. 3 mo 6th s.d.e. 1841 My school has been quite full since the new year set in. ... Have not been doing much in the way of studying lately on account of my eyes being weak. Have been making some preparations for continuing my school through the summer on subscription. Little to note this week aside from the monotonous course of school duties. 3 mo 21st F.d.m. 1841 Roads very bad. A deep snow (about 5 inches) second and third days and a little indifferent sleighing. Was at the township election on 6th day and had no schcol. ... My school much smaller than weeks back, the larger boys mostly falling off. 3rd mo 27th s.d.e 1841 Yesterday was the last of my term of 7 months at Shady Grove School. It began 8 mo 17th 1840. I felt a deep regret at parting from those little fellows who had been my almost daily companions for more than half a year and whose conduct was for the most part commendable and often affectionate. Childish foibles indeed sometimes drew them momentarily aside from strict propriety but an appeal to their sense of right seldom failed of the desired effect. May the arm of divine mercy be around that interesting little band and stay the arrows of the spoiler who I know is too near the abodes of some of them. Expected till the afternoon of the last day that I should go on with school on subscription, but several quitting who I had counted on, and the prospect altogether looking dull, concluded to stop with the term. Today went with mother over to Howellville to Watson's store; and returning came by the school-house and brought home my books etc. That fall Evans moved to the White Horse School for the 1841-1842 school term. 7 mo 31st seventh d.e. 1841 ... Attended the meeting of the School Directors at Sugartown last second day and was appointed to White Horse school. There were perhaps a dozen applicants for schools in the township. It was a full meeting of the Directors, all of them being present. They went into an examination of teachers and questioned them on grammar, geography, etc., a thing not attempted in the township before. ... Today have been engaged about the school house, getting some new seats put in and the house white washed and cleaned. ... 8 mo 1841 Began my school at W Horse school house on the 2nd. Had 30 scholars the first day and 44 at the end of second week. Today (3rd day) had 52. ... 8 mo 22nd 1841 My school has averaged about 50 during the past week and the highest number was 53. I am not able to pay that attention to all that I wish, but feel satisfied in the belief that I do what I can. 8 mo 30th 1841 ... Ezra Thomas paid me a visit at school on 5th day. ... School small in consequence of measles among the scholars. 9 mo 4th seventh d.e. 1841 Sister A began to assist me in school on fourth d and we have been labouring together since; our school continues to number about 50. This P.M. we took a walk with the scholars. We walked two and two, the largest boys first and gradually the smaller down to the last, and, there being an odd one, I took him and followed the boys. Then came the girls in the same order, Sister A bringing up the rear of the procession with an odd child. In the woods near the meeting house we collected the remaining fixtures of the Mormon meeting and made seats for all, forming a circle facing inward. Here we sat [for] about 1-1/2 hours, repeating poetry etc., and then came back and eat some watermellons that Father had brought for us just as we were starting. 10 mo 2nd F.d. 1841 ... Last evening attended a meeting of the teachers of this township at Sugartown Dist[rict] school house. 5 out of the six teachers of our Dist were present but owing to the absence of one (George Beale), at whose suggestion we met, nothing of importance was done and we separated with the intention of meeting next 3[rd] day evening week at the same place. The teachers present were Roswell C. Ingallis, Isaac Cook, Samuel Speakman, Thomas Newton and myself. Was much pleased with the conduct of my scholars today and parted with them pleasantly this evening. 9th mo seventh d.e. 1841 [Attendance] much reduced during the week by the measles which prevail in the neighborhood. Almost every family has more or less of it. Fifth day P.M. went to get some bills signed by Esq. Mason, and on my way home stopped at the Monument School and staid till it closed in the evening and said a few words to the children before separation, which from appearance was listened to with much interest. Indeed I thought an excellent feeling prevailed between the teacher and his pupils. This afternoon went over to see Thomas Newton, but his school was very small and was not much interested. 9 mo 16th s.d.e 1841 Third day was our election but I did not vote, believing that the safest course in the present low state of morals among political men. But I went to Sugartown in the evening to attend a meeting of the teachers of our township, convened for the purpose of considering the best method of conducting our schools so as to promote the cause of education and general intelligence. All the teachers in the public employ attended but little was done except to appoint another meeting on next third day evening. The school continues small and Ann has not been with me this week. 10 mo 24th F.d.m. 1841 On First day last I took sisters A and E and Samuel Speakman to Robert Thomas' to spend the afternoon. Third d.e. we again met at Sugartown. Isaac Cook produced an article on the abuse and discouragement teachers meet from the public. The piece had some title to truth, acute description, and pointed satire, but too much of exaggeration. I offered a preamble and resolution on the purpose of our meeting and the duty of parents in sending [their children] to school. The school being small I left [sic] them have the residue of the week after third day and, making some little repairs at the house on the 4th [day], went to the city on 5th [day]. 10 mo 31st F.d.e 1841 School increasing -- reached 41. Sister A took my place in school on fifth day while I went to Monthly Meeting. ... Yesterday I rode to West Chester to attend a meeting of the teachers of Chester County called by a notice that appeared in the papers. Discovering, however, that it was called by persons some of whom were very indifferent characters and that the labours of the meeting were to be confined to promoting common schools and their teachers, I and Samuel Speakman left them. ... 11th mo 7th FDE 1841 Our meeting [of the teachers] at Sugartown last third day was attended by all except the one discharged from the Monument School. We agreed to meet only once in two weeks instead of weekly as heretofore. Our school muched [sic] increased -- rising [to] 50. We had three visitors on fifth d at the school == among them Ezra Thomas and George Kirk who appeared much pleased with the exercises. ... 11 mo 14th F.D.M. 1841 On third day Samuel Speakman and George Beal[e], teachers, visited our school, getting in about 2 P.M. and spending the afternoon. In the evening G. B. made some remarks to the scholars relative to their studies. Sixth day we opened our little school library and gave out some 25 books. A novel thing to the children and created much curiosity among them. Our supply of books was rather limited and I feared that some might think themselves neglected or disappointed at not getting the books they wanted, but hope not much dissatisfaction was given. ... My thoughts for several weeks have run much on the regulation of our school and have felt on the subject no little solicitude and anxiety. 11 mo 21st F.d. morning 1841 3rd day let out school and E, C[atherine] and I went to Quarterly Meeting. In the evening attended another meeting of the teachers at Sugartown. Have since thought that these meetings were not conducive to much profit for our deliberations are not studied and perhaps conducted in too light a manner. Resolved that at our next meeting on third day week each teacher shall produce a history of our day -- next fifth day being fixed on to be recorded by each. Sixth day our library circulated again, all the books having been returned in good order. 11 mo 29th second d.m. 1841 Fifth day kept a record of what took place in school during the day, to be read at our teachers meeting on third day evening next. Sixth day our library circulated again. ... Bought several new books for our library in the city. 12th mo 6th seventh d.e. 1841... Yesterday our library circulated again, the 4th time. Met again at Sugartown, only 3 present. Several evenings past have been reading the 'District School' by J. Orville Taylor. 12th mo 10th F.d.m. 1841 On third day evening I attended the meeting of teachers at Sugartown. But several of the members having been absent 2 or 3 weeks, I told them I should come no more. So now the thing is done with. It might if rightly managed have been a useful association but owing to our want of judgment and decision was of little profit. We succeeded in setting up an examination at our school. On fifth day at which some 10 persons were present including two of the Directors (Ezra Thomas and Joseph Mason). We divided our classes so that each should have a certain number of minutes, Sister A exercising some and I [the] others. The whole affair seemed to go off well but since it is the first attempt of this kind in the township we may hope that succeeding efforts will produce still better fruit. The morning was most impromising [sic] but as if to favor our undertaking the rain abated about school time and 55 of the scholars soon assembled -- one went home sick in the forenoon and two more came in [in] the afternoon so that our examination commenced and went on with 56 scholars. It rained smartly most of the afternoon and all night. We exercised them in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar and Reciting poetry. It was a time of considerable excitement among the scholars throughout the day but they behaved with praiseworthy circumspection and decorum although our attention was necessarily diverted from those not in the class under examination almost wholly. This I consider a convincing proof of the efficacy of that method of discipline among children which depends on their own sense of propriety for its success. And from this and other occasions of a character to call on their honor for good behaviour I conclude that were their duty clearly set before them and judicious appeals made to principle for its performance and this course supported by a good example in the instructor's punishment of a very mild nature, if indeed any at all, would be required, would be found sufficient to secure good conduct. 12 mo 26th First D.M. 1841 Owing to the cold and wet of the past week and the uncomfortable state of the school room, neither Sister, myself nor the scholars could attend profitably to our duties and a number of us have been attacked with colds. Two of the scholars were obliged to leave school and have been severely ill -- Sister A was not able to be at school on 6th day; and 7th [day] and today we are both confined to the house with not much prospect of getting there tomorrow. These results are attributable in great measure to the miserable condition of our school house which is in no condition to defend us from the inclemencies of the season and with all our exertions is so imperfectly warmed that no place in it is fit to remain in except close by the stove; these things, however, we must expect to contend with till education is held in more esteem by the people and its interests more closely looked after: for although few parents perhaps would willingly allow their children to suffer at school any more than at home, yet for want of proper knowledge on the subject they do allow it, and untill a love for that which it is the teacher's duty to import, and their children's highest interest to possess, shall induce them to inquire more particularly after their comfort and success while under the teacher's care, we cannot in ther natural course of events look for a better state of things. ... 1 mo 1st 1842 ... Last fourth day was rudely assailed by one of our neighbors in a strain of invection for neglecting one of his children at school. He charged me with insulting him in a letter which I wrote him some time since on the subject of providing books for his children -- said I entertained a pique or spite at him on account of his opposition to the school system etc. I told him his son had been overlooked not from any design to slight him, but because that being unprovided with a book like the rest and therefore reciting in an isolated manner, those who were intrusted to hear the younger classes had missed him. Sister A has not been in school this week in consequence of ill health from a cold. 1 mo 9th First d.m. 1842 Have experienced some vexation in school of late from the ill disposition of a large boy whose ideas of self-importance are considerably greater than his real abilities will warrant as I believe. School increased somewhat, having risen to 57 during one day and above 50 most of the week. ... Our school library did not circulate last week nor this, we having concluded to close it for a time. Last week we commenced the practice of writing composition at school. The first pieces were brought in on 4th day last. 1 mo 16th F.D.M. 1842 Our number of scholars has risen higher this week than at any time before, being 62 on Sixth day. ... 1 mo 23rd Fourth day 1842 ... On fifth day afternoon another examination took place at our school. We put the classes through their exercises in reading, spelling, arithmetic, geography and grammar, having the order and time of each class made out in tabular form for the information of visitors and for our own regulation in hearing them. Sixty three scholars were in attendance and 21 visitors present, including two Directors and two teachers. The scholars behaved with exemplary propriety and considering the crowded state of the house and inconvenient and unpleasant situation of many of them it was [a] matter of surprise to many of us that they could control the natural restlessness of their young spirits so well. In general the exercises were gone through with ease and readiness, especially by those scholars whose attendance at school has been most punctual. This makes the third examination we have had and I have no doubt that the plan will exact a salutary influence on all concerned. On the children its effect is to excite a spirit of improvement, and to induce them to be more diligent in their studies so as to obtain the approbation of their parents and friends and merit the esteem for good behaviour. These effects were well displayed on the present occasion. On the parents we hope its tendency will be to interest them in the prosperity of the school house where their children are receiving an eduucation which in great measure is to form their character in after life; and in proportion as they value the real welfare present and future of those of whose education and character they are the responsible guardians make them ready and active in such measures as conduce to the usefulness and success of the school. 1 mo 30th First D.M. 1842 School averaging about 60. Put out our little library again yesterday at which much satisfaction was manifested by the scholars. ... 2nd mo 6th 1842 ... Our library circulated again yesterday and the evening witnessed the separation of our scholars I thought in excellent order. ... 2nd mo 12 First D. Evening 1842 Yesterday, having no school, spent the day in reading. Finished Hall's lectures to School-Masters and read some in my library book. ... The former is an excellent treatise containing many valuable hints and suggestions to teachers and showing the author to be a man of judgment and discretion-- just in his views of human nature and anxious for the improvement of those for whom he writes and thoroughly acquainted with the wants and difficulties that teachers labour under, for many of which he points out a remedy. ... 3 mo 6th 1842 School decreasing considerably, the weather being so fine that many of the larger boys are quitting to commence their spring work on the farms. Samuel Speakman, teacher at Sugartown, spent yester P.M. with us at our school. Our classes in grammar recited tolerably well and we read, which together with the time occupied in distributing the library books and reciting pieces filled up the afternoon agreeably. 3 mo 13th First d.m. 1842 This week has passed away without much of moment taking place. 3 mo 20th F.d.m. 1842 Up to last 5th day from about 2 weeks before an excitement at our school gradually increased in anticipation of an examination -- the last in the term. This affair took place according to expectation. We gave information that this examination was to continue all day and the junior classes to be heard in the forenoon, but only one person came (a woman). P.M., however, the house was crowded with about thirty spectators. Our classes performed with credit to themselves and us and gained much praise from the company. We had prepared a sufficient number of oranges to give each scholar one; and before dismissing them in the evening these were handed round by the scholars elected in the forenoon -- one by the boys and the other by the girls. After the exercises were gone through in the evening, I read a paper relative to concerns of the school during the last term and concluding with some observations on the importance of education. During the spring, after the close of the regular term, he continued the classes on a subscription basis. 3 mo 27th 1842 A good deal of wet weather through the week. Our school began on subscription on 5th day, the term of the free school being out the day preceding. 4 mo 17th 1842 My school being on subscription has been much reduced since the change which took place on the 23rd ult. It is now somewhat on the increase and yesterday reached 34 scholars. ... Last evening closed school for a week or till tomorrow (2nd day) week in order to attend Yearly Meeting and go down this afternoon (F.D.M.) 5 mo 1st F.D.M. 1842 Began school again last Second day. Average [number] of scholars through week 29. ... 5 mo 8th F.D. Morning 1842 My school is somewhat reduced of late from the prevalence of the [w]hooping cough among the children of the neighbourhood. 5 mo 22ns F.D.M. 1842 ... School was out 3rd day. Sister A kept it 4th [day] and I let the scholars go home at noon on sixth [day] there being only 8 then and the house too cold and uncomfortable without fire. The day was one of almost constant rain and the thermometer stood at 40° at noon. My school, owing to the [w]hooping cough and to the supineness prevaiing on the subject of education among many parents, especially during the intermissions of the District] School, is much reduced. During this week it has been smaller than usual probably in consequence of the weather. 6 mo 12th First D.M. 1842 ... Sister A took my place at school on fourth day and I went to market with mother & C. My principal business was to get some blank tickets called 'reward of merit' to be given as testimonials of approbation at the close of school for the school year 1841-42 [as I] closed school last evening for the present spring. Gave a few words of parting advice and distributed the tickets and several little books as presents to the scholars. Before dismissing them we sat a short time in silence during which a feeling of seriousness seemed to pervade the little assembly and I felt perhaps not the least of it. Many, no doubt, experienced emotions last evening of a character which also are too seldom awakened in our commonplaces of education for country children. The cultivation of the kindly affections of the heart and rousing to action its gentle sympathies, those qualities that give charm and confidence to the domestic and social relation and strength and beauty to friendship, and without which the character of an intelligent being wears a cold and forbidding aspect, should hold a chief place in the education of children. In many families, especially among the lower or labouring people, these feelings are seldom called forth, but a rough and distant manner in the parents towards one another and toward their children is caught and copied by them in their intercourse with each other. Yet their young hearts are susceptible of these milder impressions of love, tenderness and humanity, and he who contributes to mould the tempers of the young to their influence, confers a solid benefit and an enduring source of enjoyment on his fellows. That my efforts have tended to this result I do not boastingly attest, but knowing that the ardent desire of my heart has been toward it [I] feel a strong hope not unsupported by some evidence that some advance has been made. J. Addison Thomson, one of my scholars last winter and now holding the situation of a teacher, spent the afternoon in school. ... We had a severe white frost this morning and I heard of frosts at several times within a few days past. Yesterday afternoon we had a fire in the school room and found it much more comfortable that in the forenoon without it. 6 mo 25th F. day morning 1842 The forenoon of week before last was employed in making out my school accounts and collecting some of the bills. Reuben Thomas & Wm. Thomas, on whom I called for money, behaved in a rude and insulting manner toward me -- the former insisting that I was not scholar enough to teach his children arithmetic. He stated that all who sent [children] to school were dissatisfied, and on my asking him the name of some who had evinced dissatisfaction, he rose angrily from the settee on which he had been reclining and told me if I was disposed to question his word or, in his own words, 'if I did not believe him' I had better get out of the house. I went out directly. The latter said the school was too formal and he would as lief see a circus in its place -- geography and grammar ought not to be permitted and was highly offended because I had allowed a case of minerals to be kept at the school room -- declared that no teacher had a right while engaged in a public school to employ himself morning, noon, or evening, in any study for his own improvement or pleasure, and that $25 per month was too high for teachers, 9 or 10 [dollars] being full and sufficient wages. Another - J. Barr -- objected to the rule prohibiting all talking, because tongues were made to talk with (sapient reason). Thought larger scholars might be absent between schools without consulting the teacher and yet was not willing any distinction should be made on account of size -- was opposed to boys sweeping the school room etc. Thus bit by bit they tore my system to pieces and in the fullness of their own importance no doubt satisfied themselves that [I] was not at all qualified to teach a school under their guardian wisdom. P.S. -- Ja Evans would not send to school unless his child could be allowed to come at any time in the day at which he pleased to send him. On 3rd day I drew 40 bu of lime to the school house to be used in enlarging it. Started at 1/2 past 2 A.M. [?] 7 mo 24th F.d.e. 1842 ... The masons and carpenters began the school-house last 2nd day and on this and the following day we tore the old one to pieces, Ezra and I assisting. We have begun the construction of an edifice much more befitting the character of a place of instruction than the disgraceful shame we tore away. Although the building had stood but 5 years the window frames and door-frames were too rotten to be put in again and many of the joists were rotted off on the side next to the hill in consequence of their being below the surface of the soil. The addition is 13 feet to the east end and the whole to be raised 3 feet. The door will now be in the south side instead of the east end -- the windows set higher from the floor and the story ? some higher. In the fall Evans again taught at the now enlarged and remodeled White Horse School. 7 mo 31st F.d.m. 1842 ... Starting between 11 & 1 in the morning second day, I attended the meeting of the School Directors at Sugar Town and obtained the place of teacher at our school. 8 mo 21st F.d.m.. 1842 ... Went to W. Chester 4[th] day week to see the arrangement of the public school-room in order to laying out our own. 9 mo 4th F.d.m. 1842 In the afternoon we washed out the school house (sixth [day]). Yesterday A.M. we put in some of the desks and the carpenters were to fix the remainder in the afternoon so that we can commence school tomorrow. ... 9 mo 11th 1842 I opened school in the new house last second day. The number of scholars through the week over 45. The building is not quite finished but the interior arrangement is much more convenienbt than formerly. It has been enlarged toward the eastward 13 feet and raised 4. The floor raised 3 ft. The ceiling is now over 11 ft high. The windows were elevated from the floor 10 in more than before and an apartment in the east end of 7 ft 6 inches petitioned [sic] off to serve as a lease room and place to deposit clothes in. We had the desks all new constructed and arranged parallel to the teachers platform. I had them stained before putting them in. ... 9 mo 18th F.D. morning 1842 ... Average of school this week about 50. Had no school yester and went to market, starting in the early morning. 9 mo 25th F.D. Morning 1842 ... Fifth day I got J. A. Thomson to keep school while I went to Monthly Meeting. 10 mo 12th Fourth d.m. 1842 Had no school seventh d & went to market sixth day night. Was home in the evening in time to attend the meeting of our Literary Society. ... II mo 6th F.d. P.M. 1842 ... Yesterday I was employed a good part of the day at the school-house in putting up an additional stove. It is to warm the class room for Sister A who begins tomorrow. 11 mo 13th F.d. P.m. 1842 Last second day Sister A began to assist me in school. The Directors were not willing to allow anything additional, and I concluded to pay her myself rather than let the school languish for want of attention. ... School somewhat larger. Yester P.M. left it in care of J. A. Thomson and went to L. Coxe's the tailor's, to A. Thomson's school a few minutes, and down to Louis Watson's Store in the valley etc. ... 12 mo 20th 1842 Third d.e. Second d week some of the Directors (all except one, viz., Ezra Thomas, David C. Lee, Wm Griffith, Isaac Ruth and Nathan Garrett, John Kime being absent) came to school to examine the improvements we have been making in the building in order to decide whether they will assist about paying for it. There were about 50 scholars present. Third day evening I vacated school for the remainder of the week in order to attend cousin Anna Philips' wedding. ... 12 mo 20th 1842 ... School larger this week. 4th day 62 scholars. ...
1st mo 1st First day morning 1843 1 mo 8th F.d.m. 1843 ... Fifth day P.M. we had an examination at school. Present four Directors and eleven visitors in all and 64 scholars. The classes performed well and excellent order was for the most part maintained by the school although I could give them little attention. ... School scarcely below 60 scholars this week. ... 1 mo 22nd F.d.Jm. 1843
... School full -- above 60 nearly every day. ... 1 mo 29th First d.m. 1843
... School very full; more so than it has ever been since I have been engaged in it. On 4th day
70 and 6th [day] 67 scholars. 2 mo 5th F.d.m. 1843 2nd day went to Sugartown in company with Ezra Thomas (School Director) and J. L. Miller to see what the Directors of the township would do in respect to paying for the enlargement of our school-house. The whole expense was a little over $300.00, of which they at last signified they were willing to pay $150.00, leaving about $40 for us to pay in addition to what we have already subscribed. We would not agree to this arrangement, and the mechanics and others having demands on account of the building are left in the alternative of entering liens against it. ... School not quite so full this week or at least the last two days of it -- last month it averaged 65 2/3 scholars per day. Adjourned school on fifth day so as to attend monthly meeting. Returning [from meeting] I took dinner and spent the afternoon at Pratt Roberts' where Cousin A Clendenon teaches school. 2 mo 27th Second day morning 1843 ... Fifth day I had an examination at school. Present 15 spectators & 62 scholars. The exercises were gone through creditably; and reasonably good order preserved. I felt well satisfied with the whole--having felt rather more solictude on account of this than any other examination because it was my last as I anticipate. ... 3 mo 5th F.d.m. 1843 ... The School Directors agreed last second day to pay for our schoolhouse what we could not make up in the neighbourhood. They had held back from doing this for some time, and doubts were entertained about their doing it at all. 3 mo 12th F.d.m. 1843 The above was written without full information and is not quite correct. The Directors have agreed to pay $165.00 toward the building and we must make up the remainder. ... Sixth day evening I took leave of my scholars [I] am quitting the school this term and, perhaps, altogether. I had informed them of the event the evening before and requested them to attend. In the afternoon 70 scholars were present, a number just equal to the highest on any day of the term and higher than any except one. The house was crowded and yet they behaved with exemplary quietness and care. In the evening before dismissing them I distributed an orange apiece to them except 5 or 6 of the larger ones, and some additional sweet meats to the smaller ones, and then after making some remarks on their past and future conduct -- bidding them farewell and sitting a few minutes in silence, we parted. I was much affected at this scene, when taking leave of my little friends on whose tender minds I had watched the impression of well-meant advice and from whom I had received many marks of respect and attachment. I could not restrain my feeling and I believe there were not many scholars present whose eyes were not moistened with emotion. Altho I took leave of them all together, yet a large number came to shake hands with me at parting. May He who delights in innocence and sincerity, and whose followers must become as a little child, bend his eyes upon them in love and protect them from the evils that surround. There is yet one day of the term of six months to make up. Francis Lee has agreed to keep one day of free school this week, he will [then] go on with the school on subscriptions. 4 mo 2nd F.d.m. 1843 ... Sixth and seventh days collected some of the money subscribed toward building the school-house. ... That was his last year as a teacher, though from a later entry in his journal it was apparently not without some regret. 11 mo 24th Sixth d.e. 1843 ... Last second day D. C. Lee, one of the School Directors, came and made me an offer of a school for 3 months. But I thought best not to accept of it since in consequence of the distance to it (Shady Grove) it might interfere too much with my affairs at home besides confining me closer than I wished to be this winter. ... 12 mo 17th F.d. P.M. 1843 I spent Sixth d. P.M. at our school house now under the control of Thomas Lewis. He was noisy and rough in his behaviour towards the scholars, and as a consequence exerted but little influence among them. A continual din of voices, many considerably above a whisper, drowned the recitations so that I could catch but little of what was said by the classes. The floor, and children's hands & faces, bore kindred marks of the presiding neglect that had experienced, and with the reigning confusion on every side, evinced without the neccesity of explanation the kind of taste and management that ruled. My spirit almost sickens within me when I look over that group of 50 children who ought and might be pleasantly engaged in acquiring knowledge and habits of order and neatness, subjected to the government of a person who neither wishes to enter into their feelings nor cares for their welfare, and who seems to be unconscious of the great and continual responsibilities his station imposes, judging and punishing with about as much sagacity and concern as he who wields a kindred influence to restrain while ministering to the wants of the inhabitants of the stye. |
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