This school is claimed to be is the oldest public elementary school in North America. The school still exists. It is the Mather Elementary School, Boston. It is named after Richard Mather. Mather was an English-born American Congregational minister who emigrated to Boston and settled in Dorchester in 1635.
Robert Deeble was a signatory (with 70 other people) to a land grant funding the school. See the entry for 7 Feb 1642.
These references are taken from Dorchester Town Records.
The dates given in the records can be confusing. I have given the modern version of the date on the left. Please read the discussion on dates for an explanation. The page numbers below are of the Victorian book, not the original Dorchester Records, nor the scanned version. I have put the entries in their date order, rather than the order of the book.
Here is a version with modern spelling and slightly summarised in places. My comments are in italics. There are links to the full version, below.
20 May 1639
There shall be a rent of £20 yearly imposed upon Tomsons Island towards the maintenance of a school in Dorchester, this rent to be paid to such a schoolmaster to teach English, Latin and other tongues, and also writing. The schoolmaster to be chosen from time to time by the freemen. That is left to the discretion of elders and the 7 men for the time being, whether maids shall be taught with the boys or not.
7 Feb 1642
Upon experience it is found to be a matter of great labour and difficulty to collect the rent from so many persons, being no less in number than 120. The rent of twenty pounds is not sufficient maintenance for a school. All the present inhabitants of Dorchester whose names are subscribed do agree that from henceforth the said Island shall be wholly and for ever bequeathed unto the town of Dorchester for the maintenance of a free school in Dorchester for the instructing and teaching of children and youth in good literature and learning.
This is a summary of this (long) entry. Click here for full entry. There are 71 signatures to this document, some illiterate. These actual signatures are here.
Rules concerning the school of Dorchester are confirmed by the major part of the inhabitants then present.
19 May 1651
At a town meeting it was noted whether there should be a school in Dorchester. The major part present then did note that they would have a school and a schoolmaster forthwith provided.
The 4th of June 1651 It was noted at a town meeting that the select men together with Mr Jones and Deacon Wiswall should forthwith treat and agree with Mr. Henry Butler to teach school in Dorchester which was accordingly agreed on.
25 Dec 1652
It is agreed by Select of the town of Dorchester and Mr. Henry Butler that Henrey Butler shall keep school in the town of Dorchester from next Monday, 28 of December, until the First of May and for this he is to have £10. [This is not a full year's salary.]
Whereas the General Court out of Religious Care of the Education of the youth of this Comonwealth in the prnciples of Christian Religion hath enjoined the select men of every town to have a vigilent eye to see that men's children and such as are within their charge be catechised in some orthodox catechism in families : so as they may be ready to
answer the select men as they see time convenient to examine them. We the select men of this towne of dorchester for the time being in our obedience to authority and in pursuit of so useful a worke do hereby require all parents, masters and any that have the charge and oversight of any youth within this plantation that they be diligent to observe this injuntion to catechise theire children, servants and others within their charge in some sound and orthodox catechism that they may be able to render account heareof when they shall be hereunto required either in the church or privitly: as upon advice shall be judged most conducing to the general good of all men. And fail not herein upon such penalty as the court shall see reason to inflict upon information given against such as shall be found diliquent herein.
It is agreed by the select of Dorchester in the behalf of the town, and Thomas wiswall and his son Icabod Wiswall as follows:
Icabod with the consent of his father shall, from 7 of March unto the end of three full years, instruct and teach in a free school in Dorchester all such children as by the inhabitants shall be committed unto his care in English, Latin and Greek, as from time to time the children shall be capable, and also instruct them in writing as he shall be able. It is to be understood such children who are entered already knowe thier letters and to spell somewhat. Also provided the school house be kept in good order, and comfortable for a man to abide in both in summer and winter by providing fire so that it may neither be prejudicial to master nor scholar. In case of palpable neglect and matter of complaint and not reformed, it shall not bind the master to endanger his health.
The Selectmen of Dorchester shall every year pay unto Icabod or his Father by his Assignment the full sum of twenty five pounds, two thirds in wheat, peas or barley merchantable, and one third in Indian [corn], at or before the First of March during the three years.
14 Jan 1661
At the meeting of the select men, Thomas Wisall had a bill given him to receive of the Constable eighteen shillings and six pence in satisfaction for loss he sustained by reason the price of Indian corn which he received for that which was due to the schoolmaster.
3 Dec 1660
At the general town meeting, it was voted that Mr Pole is to keep the school until his year be ended which will be about the 20 April 1661. Also it was voted that the select men are to labour to provide a schoolmaster by that time that Mr. Pole's year be ended.
[Mr Pole continues to be appointed each year.]
12 Dec 1666
Paid to Mr. Pole for keeping. schoole and recording £26.
4 Dec 1666
At a town meeting after some agitation about a schoolmaster, it was put to the Vote whether there should be a schoolmaster enquired after to teach school in this town. It was voted in the affirmative. By a second vote, it was agreed unto that Master Mather and Lt Hopestill Foster and John Minot should be empowered to endeavor to procure a Schoolmaster.
The same day it was voted that Mr Pole should be spoken unto to go on keeping school until another Master be procured, at the same rate as formerly, and William Sumner is appointed to speak to Mr Pole about it if he will accept.
[Despite the 'agitations' they continue every year to ask Mr Pole to carry on.]
2 Dec 1667
At a general town, it was put to the vote viz: whereas the last year the town did make choice of Mr Richard Mather, Captin Foster and John Minot to look for a schoolmaster to teach school in this town, and that being not yet attained (although it have been endeavored after) the town do again renew their request to those men, to look out after another master; and further they do give them full power to agree with such a man as they shall judge meet not exceeding forty pound a year. The vote was in the affirmative. The same day it was agreed that Mr Pole should be spoken to (by William Sumner) and desired that he would continue teaching of school as formerly for the year ensueing or until another be obtained.
4 Dec 1668
Paid to Mr Pole as Schoolmaster £25; to John Minot (expenses about the schoolhouse) 1/7; to Samuel Robinson (for windows and shuts for the schoolhouse) 16/2; boards for the schoolhouse 15s; and for nails 6d.
[I do wonder if Mr Pole was aware that they were looking for a new teacher at a salary possibly as high as £40? And why don't they like Mr Pole? Was he not able to teach 'Latin and Greek' as required? Or perhaps he wanted to go.]
1 Feb 1668
At a general town meeting ... The same day it was put to the vote that the thousand acres formerly given to the use of the school should never be sold to any other use but to be reserved for the maintenance of a free school in Dorchester for ever.
[I wonder why it was necessary to bring this up. Perhaps someone had suggested putting the land to other uses? If so, it seems that the inhabitants of the town were firm about squashing this idea. They seem proud of their school.]
9 Nov 1668
It is ordered in respect of the school that those, that send their children to school in the winter time, bring for each child a load of wood or half a cord of wood. Those that bring it in log-wood are to cut it after it come to the school house. For those boys that go but a part of the winter, we leave it to the master's discretion to appoint the proportion for such.
[The initial idea of the school suggested that there was a possibility of 'maids' being taught with the boys. Unfortunately, this entry suggests that it is only boys in the school.]
7 Dec 1668
At a general town meeting ... it was voted that the select men should agree with the schoolmaster for the teaching of the youth, for so long time as they shall judge meet.
[I'm not sure what this means. Is it just the perpetual attempt to find a new teacher? The next entry suggests otherwise.]
8 Jun 1669
At a meeting of the town being orderly called together. A motion being made by our brothers and friends living at or near to the town, to dismiss Mr Atherton from his engagement to the school in Dorchester. It is therfore put to the vote whether the town will be willing to dismiss Mr Atherton from his engagement by the 29 September next or sooner if the committee can provide a supply for the school. The vote is in the affirmative.
The same day, there was chosen a committee to look out and agree with a schoolmaster to teach school in Dorchester. Their names are Mr William Stouhton, Lt. John Capen and John Minot.
[I wonder what Mr Atherton had done? However, it seems as if the town had to put up with this teacher was a full year, because his payment is £25.]
8 Nov 1669
Rate (which pays for the school) £54/15/2
Paid to schoolmaster Sir Atherton £25;
There are other payments for school maintance, including carrying of boards from Boston and a lock for the schoolhouse.
10 Jan 1670
The constable was ordered to pay out of the towne rate as follows: Mr John Foster as schoolmaster £25.
[John Foster seems to continue for several years, again yearly requests for a new school teacher to be found, the last one in 23 Dec 1672.]
10 Mar 1674
At a meeting of the freeman, it was proposed whether there should be a schoolmaster procured as formerly to teach both English and Latin and to write at the schoolhouse and that the select men do take care therein. The vote was in the affirmative.
[It's not clear whether this means that there is no teacher by this time. Later on the same year, there is some maintenance done to the school.]
20 Dec 1675
At a meeting of the select men, it was agreed with Mr James Minot junior to keep the School and to teach such as shall come.
The same day, the select men appointed Richard Withington and Daniell Preston to see that the schoolhouse be fitted up with seats and a lock and key for the door.
[James Minton was reappointed in 9 Dec 1678. His payment was £20, so either the salary had been reduced, or it was for only part of a year.]
13 Jun 1681
At a meeting of the select men they appointed William Sumner and Deacon Blake to enquier after a schoolmaster.
[This search for a new teacher went on 19 Sep 1681, 5 Dec 1681 (where some say there may be one at Bridgwater) and 4 Dec 1682]
3 Dec 1683
At a general town meeting, it was passed by a vote that the select men shall have full power to hire a schoolmaster for the yeare ensuing. The same day it was passed by a vote with reference to the school land which is granted by the general court in lieu of Thomsons Island that the worshipful Mr. Stoughton, Enoch Wiswell and John Brecke would look after and take care for the laying of it out.
1684
Paid to Mr John Williams schoolmaster £16-00-00
[At last! But the salary seems to have gone down.]
I am assuming that the wardens are the people who are made responsible for finding a new teacher (which happens frequently!)
| Wardens | Date starting | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Haward | Deacon Wiswall | Mr. Atherton | 14 Mar 1646 |
| Mr Jones | Deacon Wiswall | 4th of June 1651 | |
| Master Mather | Lt. Hopestill Foster | John Minot | 4 Dec 1666 |
| Mr William Stouhton | Lt. John Capen | John Minot | 8 Jun 1669 |
| William Sumner | Deacon Blake | 13 Jun 1681 | |
| Ensign Hale | 19 Sep 1681 | ||
| Mr. Stoughton | Enoch Wiswell | John Brecke | 3 Dec 1683 |
| Teachers | First mentioned |
|---|---|
| Henry Butler | 4th of June 1651 |
| Icabod Wiswall | 8 Feb 1656 |
| Mr William Pole | 3 Dec 1660 |
| Mr Atherton | 8 Jun 1669 |
| Mr John Foster | 8 Jun 1669 |
| Mr James Minot junior | 20 Dec 1675 |
| Mr John Williams | 1684 |
There seems to be some correlation between wardens (or people charged to find a new school teacher) and the acual teachers. Icabod Wiswall is the son of Deacon Wiswall (the the payment gets paid to the Deacon). Mr James Minot, the teacher, is described as Junior. And there is a Mr. Atherton as the first warden, and a Mr. Atherton (a lot later) as a teacher. This is not necessarily nepotism. It sounds as if they had great problems getting people to do this job, so perhaps they persuaded (or ordered) their sons!
| Page 39 20 May 1639 |
It is ordered that the 20th of May 1639, that there shalbe a rent of 20ls yeerely foreur imposed vpon Tomsons Iland to bee payd p euy p'son that hath p'prtie in the said Iland according to the p'portion that any such p'son shall fro tyme to tyme inioy and posesse there, and this towards the mayntenance of a schoole in Dorchestr this rent of 20ls yeerly to bee payd to such a schoolemaster as shall undertake to teach english latin and other tongues, and also writing the sayd schoolmaste to bee chosen fro tyme to tyme p the freemen and that is left to the discretion of elders and the 7 men for the tyme beeing whether maydes shalbe taught with the boyes or not. For the levying this 20ls yeerely fro the p'ticuler p'sons that ought to pay that according to this order. It is farther ordered that somme man shalbe apoynted p the 7 men for the tyme beeing to Receiue that and refusall to levye that p distresse, and not fvnding distresse such p'son as so refuseth payment shall forfeit the land he hath in p'prietie in the sayd Island. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 44 1 Feb 1642 | The 1st of February 1641 The Elders Mr Stoughton and Mr Glouer are intrusted p the towne to sett Tomsons Iland att a Rent for the best Benetitt of the schoole. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 104 7 Feb 1642 |
Wheras the Inhabitants of Dorchester haue formerly ordered Consented and agreed that a Rate of Twentie pound p ann shall issue and be payd by the sayd Inhabitants and there heires from and out of a Certaine porcon of land in Dorchester Called Tomsons Hand for and towards the maintenance of a schoole in Dorchester aforsayd. And that vppon experience it is found to be a matter of great labour and difficultie to collect the sayd rent from soe many severall p'sones as ought to paye the same accordinge there seuerall p'portions the p'sones that haue title to land in the sayd Iland and who therfore ought to pay the sayd rent, beinge noe lesse in number than six score or theraboute, And inasmuch as the sayd rent of Twentie pound when it is duly collected and payd is not of it selfe suffitient maintenance, for a schoole without some addicon thervnto for the augmentinge therfor of the sayd rent and to the intent that the same may heneforth be more readily collected and payd It is heerby ordered and all the prsent Inhabitants of dorchester aforsayd Whose names are heervnto subscribed doe for themselues and there heires heerby Covenant consent and agree that from henceforth the said Iland and all the benefitt and prfitts therof and all there right and Intrest in the same shallbe wholy and for euer bequeathed and given away from themselues and their heires vnto the Town of Dorchester aforesayd for and Towards the maintenance of a free schoole in Dorchester aforesayd for the instructinge and Techinge of Children and youth in good literature and Learninge. And to the intent that the better maintenance for a free schoole as is heerby intended may arise from and out of the sayd Iland It is therefore the mynd of the prseut donoures that the sayd Iland shall from tyme to tyme be lett, assigned and set ouer by the Inhabitants of Dorchester for the time beinge or theire agents for such yearlie rent or rents as shall in Comon Estimation amount to the full value of the sayd Iland. And to the intent that the godly intentions of the prsent donoures may not be frustrated or disapoynted nor the free schoole heerby intended suffer any pruidice or damage by insuffitient tenante or Tenants to the sayd Iland, or through none payment of the rent that ought to be payd for the same It is heerby ordered and the prseut donoures doe hearby declare that it is there mynd that the sayd Iland shalbe lett assigned and sett Ouer only to such Tenant or Tenants as shall by land or otherwise suffitiently secure the payment of the rent therof for the vse and behoofe of the schoole as aforsayd in such manner and forme and at such time and tymes of payment as shalbe agreed vpon by and betweene the inhabitants of Dorchester or there agents, one the one prtie and the sayd Tenant or Tenannts one the other prtye. and for avoydinge the Trouble that myght arise in collectinge and gatheringe the same Rent by to great a Multitude of Tenants that ought to pay the same, and to the intent that the rents which shalbecome due for the sayde Iland may be the better and the more redylie collected and payd, it is heerby ordered and declared that the sayd Iland shall neuer be lett out to soe many tenannts as shalbe aboue tenn in number at once. In witness wherof the prsent Inhabitants have heervnto subscribed ther names the Seaventh day of the Twelfth moneth in the yeare 1641. Memorand. that before the subscribinge of these prsents the donoures aforsayd did further agree and declare that it was and is there mynd and true intencons that if at any tyme ther shall happen and fall out a vacancie and want of a schoolmaster by meanes of death or otherwise, yet the rents and prfitts ishuinge and arisinge of the sayd Iland shalbe converted and applied only to and for the maintenance and vse of the schoole either by augmentinge the stipend for a schoolemaster or otherwise but not for any other vse.
[When I have written -mark-, in the original there is a letter in the middle of a name, sometimes with 'his mark' or 'the sign of' written by it. These are the signatures of illiterate people.] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 54 14 Mar 1646 |
Upon a generall and lawfull warning of all the inhabitants the 14th of the 1st moneth 1645 these rules and orders prsented to to the Towne concerning the Schoole of Dorchester are Confirmed by the maior p'te of the Inhabitants then prsent. First It is ordered that three able, and sufficient men of the Plantation shalbe Chosen to bee wardens or ouseers of the Schoole aboue mentioned who shall haue the charge ovsight and ordering thereof and of all things concerneing the same in such manner as is hereafter expressed and shall Continue in their office and place for terme of their liues respectiuely, vnlesse by reason of any of them Remouing his habitation out of the Towne, or for any other weightie reason the Inhabitants shall see cause to Elect or Chuse others in their roome in which cases and vpon the death of any of the sayd wardens the Inhalntants shall make a new Election and choice of others.And Mr. Haward, Deacon Wiswall, Mr. Atherton are elected to bee the first wardens or ouseers. Secondly, the said Wardens shall haue full power to dispose of the Schoole stock whither the same bee in land or otherwyse, both such as is already in beeing and such as may by any good meanes heereafter be added : and shall Collect and receiue the Rents, Issues and prfitts arising and growing of and from the sayd stock, And the sayd rents Issues and b'fits shall imploy and lay out only for the best behoof, and advantadge of the sayd Schoole; and the furtherance of learning thereby, and shall giue a faythfull and true accoumpt of there receipts and disbursements so often as they shalbee thervnto required by the Inhabitants or the maior p'te of them. Thirdly the said Wardens shall take care, and doe there vtmost and best endeavor that the sayd Schoole may fro tyme to tyme bee supplied with an able and sufficient Schoolemaster who neuthelesse is not to be admitted into the place of Schoolemaster without the Generall cosent of the Inhabitants or the maior p'te of them. Fowerthly so often as the sayd Schoole shalbee supplied with a Schoolemr. so p'vided and and admitted, as aforesayd the wardens shall fro tyme to tyme pay or cause to be payd vnto the sayd Schoolemr such wages out of the Rents, Issues and p'fitts of the Schoole stocke as shall of right come due to be payd. Fiuethly the sayd wardens shall from tyme to tyme see that the Schoole howse bee kept in good, and sufficient repayre, the chargs of which reparacion shalbe defrayed and payd out of such Rents, Issues and p'fitts of the Schoole stock, if there be sufficient, or else of such rents as shall arise and grow in the time of the vacancy of the schoolemr if ther bee any such and in defect of such vacancy the wardens shall repayre to the 7 men of the Towne for the tyme beeing who shall haue power to taxe the Towne with such some, or sommes as shalbe requisite for the repayring of tlie Schoole howse as aforesayd. Sixthly the sayd Wardens shall take Care that euy yeere at or before the end of the 9th moneth [November - see date discussion] their bee brought to the Schoolhowse 12 sufficient Cart, or wayne loads of wood for fewell, to be for the vse of the Schoole master and the Schollers in winter the Cost and Chargs of which sayd wood to be borne by the Schollers for the tyme beeing who shalbe taxed for the purpose at the discretion of the sayd Wardens. Lastly the sayd Wardens shall take care that the Schoolemr for the tyme beeing doe faythfully p'forme his dutye in his place, as schoolemr ought to doe as well as in other things as in these which are hereafter expressed, viz. First that the Schoolemr shall diligently attend his Schoole and doe his vtmost indeavor for Benefitting his Schollers according to his best discretion without vnnecessaryly absenting himself to the peiudice of his schollers, and hindering there learning. 2ly that from the begining of the first moneth [March] vntill the end of the 7th [September] he shall euy day begin to teach at seaven of the Clock in the morning and dismisse his schollers at fyue in the afternoone. And for the other fyue moneths that is from the beginning of the 8th moneth [October] vntill the end of the 12th moth [February] it shall euy day beginn at 8th of the Clock in the morning and [end] at 4 in the afternoon. 3ly euy day in the yeere the vsuall tyme of dismissing at noone shalbe at 11 and to beginn agayne at one except that 4ly euery second day in the weeke [Monday] he shall call his schollers togeither betweene 12 and one of the Clock to examin them what they haue learned on the saboath day prceding at which tyme also he shall take notice of any misdemeanor or disorder that any of his skollers shall haue Committed on the saboath to the end that at somme convenient tyme due Admonition, and Correction may bee admistred by him according as the nature, and qualitie of the offence shall require at which sayd examination any of the elders or other Inhabitants that please may bee prsent to behold his religious care herein and to giue there Countenance, and ap'pbation of the same. 5ly hee shall equally and impartially receiue, and instruct such as shalbe sent and Comitted to him for that end whither their parents bee poore or rich not refusing any who haue Right and Interest in the Schoole, 6ly such as shalbe Committed to him he shall diligently instruct as they shalbe able to learne both in humane learning, and good litterature, and likewyse in poynt of good manners, and dutifull behavior towards all speciully their sup'iors as they shall haue ocasion to bee in their pesence whither by meeting them in the streete or otherwyse. 7ly euy 6 day of the weeke [Saturday] at 2 of the Clock in the afternoone hee shall chatechise his schollers in the principles of Christian religion, either in some Chatechism which the Wardens shall p'vide, and pesent or in defect thereof in some other. 8ly And because all mans indeavors without the blessing of God must needs bee fruitlesse and vnsuccessful theirfore It is to be a cheif p'te of the schoolemrs religious care to Comend his schollers and his labours amongst them vnto God by prayer, morning and euening, taking Care that his schollers doe reuendly attend during the same. 9ly And because the Rodd of Correction is an ordinance of God necessary sometymes to bee dispensed vnto children but such as may easily be abused by oumich seuitie and rigour on the one hand, or ou much indulgence and lenitye on the other. It is therefore ordered and agreed that the schoolemaster for the tyme beeing shall haue full power to minister Correction to all or any of his schollers without respect of p'sons according as the nature and qualitie of the ofience shall require whereto, all his schollers must bee duely subiect and no parent or other of the Inhabitants shall hinder or goe about to hinder the master therein. Neuthelesse if any parent or others shall think their is iust cause of Complaint agaynst the master for to much seuitye, such shall haue liberty freindly and louingly to expostulate with the master about the same, and if they shall not attayne to satisfaction the matter is then to bee referred to the wardens who shall imp'tially Judge betwixt the master and such Complaynants. And if it shall appeare to them that any parent shall make causlesse Complaynts agaynst the mrr in this behalf and shall p'sist and Continue so doeing in such case the Wardens shall haue power to discharge the mr. of the care, and charge of the children of such paients. But if the thing Complayned of bee true and that the mr. haue indeed bene guiltie of ministring excessiue Correction, and shall appere to them to Continue therein, notwithstanding that they haue advised him otherwise, in such case as also in the case of to much lenitye; or any other great neglect of dutye in his place, p'sisted in It shalbe in the power of the Wardens to call the Inhabitants together to Consider whither it were not meet to discharge the mr. of his place that so somme other more desirable may be p'vided And because it is difficult if not impossible to giue p'ticular rules that shall reach all cases which may fall out, therefore for a Conclusion It is ordered, and agreed, in Generall, that where p'ticular rules are wanting there It shalbe a p'te of the office and dutye of the Wardens to order and dispose of all things that Concerne the schoole, in such sort as in their wisedom and discretion they shall Judge most Conducible for the glory of God, and the trayning vp of the Children of the Towne in religion, learning and Civilitie. And these orders to be Continued till the maior p'te of the Towne shall see cause to alter any p'te thereof. Upon a generall and lawfull warning of all the inhabitants the 14th of the first mo 1645 the rules and orders aboue written pesented to the Towne Concerning the schoole of Dorchester are confirmed p the maior p'te of the Inhabitants.
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| Page 304 19 May 1651 |
At a towne meeting the 19: 3: 1651 It was noted whether there should be a scoole In dorchester the major part present then did note that they would haue a scoole and a scoolemaster forthwith prouided. The 4th of June 1651 It was noted at a towne meeting that the select men together with Mr Jones and Deacon wiswall should forthwith treate and agree with Mr. henery Butler for to teach scoole in dorchester which was acordingly agreed on as it is at the end of the booke showed the agreemt: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 313 25 Dec 1652 |
25 of the tenth month 52. It is agreed by and between the Select of the towne of Dorchester for the tyme beinge and Mr. Henrey Butler that the said Henrey Butler shall keepe scoole in the towne of Dorchester from the next second day being the 28 of this instant month vntill the first of may following and for the said tyme of Scooleing he is to haue tenn poundes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 73 8 Feb 1656 |
Whenras the Generall Court out of Religious Care of the Education of the youth of this Comonwealth in the prenciples of Christian Religion hath enioyned the Select men of every Towne within there severall Lymetts to haue a vigilent eie to see that mens children and such as are within there charge be Catechized in som Orthodox Catechisme in familes : so as they may be redie to answer the Selectmen as they see time Convenient to examine them. Wee the Selectmen of this Towne of Dorchester for the tyme being in our obedience to Authoritie and in pursute of so vsefull and p'titable a worke Do hereby will and require all parents masters and any that haue the charge and oversight of any youth with in this Plantation that they be diligent to obserue this Iniuntion to Catechize there cheldren servants and others with in there severall charge in some sound and Orthodox Catechisme that they may be able to render account heareof when they shall be herevnto required either in the Church or privatly : as vppon advice shall be Judged most conduceing to the generall good of all men. And faile not herein vppon such penaltie as the Court shalf see reson to inflict vppon Information giuen against such as shalbe found Diliquent herein :. this 11 of the 12 : mo 1655. 8-12 m. 55. It is agreed by and betwene the Selectmen of Dorchester for the tyme being one the one part in the behalfe of the Towne and Thomas wiswall and his sonne Icabod Wiswall as follows : First that Icabod with the consent of his Father shall from the : 7 : of March next ensuinge vnto the end of three full years from thence to be compleate and ended Instruct and teach in a free schoole in Dorchester all such cheldren as by the inhabitants shall be Comitted vnto his Care in Ennglish Latine and Greeke as from time to time the Cheldren shall be Capable and allso in struct them in Writinge as hee shall be able : which is to be vnderstood such Cheldren who are so fare entred all redie to knowe there Leters and to spell some what: and also prouided the Schoole howse from time to time be kept in good order and comfortable for a man to abide in both in somer and in Winter by prouiding ffire reasonably so that it may neather be preiudicall to master nor scholer and in cause of palpable neglect and matter of complaint and not reformed it shall not binde the mr. to endanger his health. Secondly that the Selectmen of Dorchester shall from yeare to yeare every yeare paye or cause to be paid vnto Icabod or his Father by his Assignment the full somme of Twentie Five pounds two thirdes in wheate pease or barley marchantable and one thirde in Indian att or before the first of march dueringe the three yeares yearly att price Currant which is to be vnderstood the price which the generall Court shall from time to time appoint.
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| Page 101 12 Nov 1660 |
At the meeting of the select men the 12 (9) 1660 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 102 3 Dec 1660 |
At the generall towne meeting the 3 (10) 1660 ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 102 14 Jan 1661 |
At the meeting of the select men the 14: (11) 1660 Thomas Wisall had a bill giuen him to receive of the Constable eighteene shillings and six pence in satisfaction for lost he sustained by reason of the lost of the prise of Indean corne which he receiued for that which was due to the scoolmaister : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 121 1 Apr 1664 |
Dorchester. At a Towne meeting the 1 of April, 1664... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 123 14 Nov 1664] |
At a Meeting of the Select men, the 14th of the (9 mo:) 1664. ... Item to Mr Pole for the schoole rate 25-0-0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 123 5 Dec 1664 |
At a generall Towne Meeting the 5th of the (10 mo :) 1664. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 123 5 Dec 1664 |
At a generall Towne Meeting the 5th of the (10 mo :) 1664. ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 128 4 Dec 1665 |
At a generall Towne Meeting in Dorchester the 4th 10 (mo :) 1665 ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 135 12 Dec 1666 |
At a Meeting of the Select men the 12. of the (9 Mo :) 1666. ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 140 4 Dec 1666 |
The 4th of the (10th) 66. At a towne meeting after some agetations about a Scholmaster It was put to the Vote whether ther should be a Schole Master enquiered after, and p'curered for to teach Schole in this towne. It was voted in the Afermatiue, and by a second vote it was agreed vnto that Master Mather and Liftnt
Hopestill Foster and John Minot should be desier and empowered to endeauor to p'cuer a Schol-Master.
The same day it was voted and granted that Mr Pole should be spoken vnto to goe on in keepeing schole vntill another Master be p'cuered, at the same rate as formerly, p'portionablely according to the time he shall soe doe, and William Sumner is appointed to speake to Mr pole about it if he will accept of it soe to doe. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 274 11 Mar 1667 |
The 11th of the (1) 1666/7.
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| Page 143 5 Jul 1667 |
The 5 of the (5) 1667. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 145 2 Dec 1667 |
At a generall Towne meeting the 2 10th 1667 ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 146 1 Feb 1668 |
At a generall Towne meting the 1 (11) 67 ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 151 9 Nov 1668 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 9th of the (9) 68. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 152 4 Dec 1668 |
The 4th (10) 1668 at a meeting of the Select men for that end Samuell Robinson as Constable appeared and made vp his account of the Towne Rate for the yeer 67 the Sume of the Rate together with the gats was 49ls - 6s - 6d of which he haue paid by order as follow'th ...
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| Page 155 7 Dec 1668 |
At a generall Towne meeting the 7th of the 10th mo.
1668. ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 159 8 Jun 1669 |
at a meeting of the Towne being orderly called together on the 8 (4th) 69. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 160 8 Nov 1669 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 8th (9) 69.
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| Page 172 10 Jan 1670 |
The same day 10th (11) 70 the Constable was ordered to pay out of the Towne Rate as followeth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 171 16 Dec 1670 |
At a publique Towne meeting one the same day 16, 10 70 being legally called together by warning from hous to hous it was put to the Vote whether the Select men should agree with a Schol Master for to teach children and youth for the yeer Ensewing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 182 12 Feb 1672 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 12 12 1671 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 188 23 Dec 1672 |
At a meeting of the Select men at Captin Fosters house the 23 10th 72 the Select men made an agreement with Mr John Foster to be a Schole master as apears in the new book p. 98. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 198 10 Mar 1674 |
At a Meeting of the freeman the 10th (1) 7¾ ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 200 14 Sep 1674 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 14 (7) 74 ... The same day Ensigne Richard Hale was desiered and empowered to see that the Scholehous be repaieied either by clabording or shingleing the Roofe and to take an acct what is done and to be paid out of the towne rate. ... It. by 600 of Clobord for the Scholhous which Ensign Hale sold to Jno Bird for money to buy nails for the Scholehous . . . . . . 1 - 10 - 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 210 20 Dec 1675 |
At a meeting of the Selectmen the 20 10 1675 ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 228 9 Dec 1678 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 9 10 78 ... The same day ther was an agreement with Mr James Minot to be a Scholmaster as in the booke will appeare. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 226 17 Feb 1679 |
The 17 and 18 days of February 1678 the Selectmen meet at
the hous of Lift. John Capen to make vp accys of the Rats Comitted to them to Colect viz., the Second Six Rates : the 3 single rats the Towne rate and the first meeting hous rate all for the yeer 77
namy [sic] James Bird and Tho. Tolman, but their accunt weer not ready at the time soe left to an other time. ...
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| Page 256 13 Jun 1681 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 13 (4) 81 The same day the Select men appointed William Sumner and Deacon Blake to enquier after a Schole Mr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 257 19 Sep 1681 |
At a meeting of the Select men the 19 7 81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 257 5 Dec 1681 |
At a generall Towne meeting the 5 of December 1681 after the directory was read. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 266 4 Dec 1682 |
At a generall towne meeting the 4th day of December 1682: after the directory was read ; it was put to the vote whether there should be a schoole master hired for an other yeare ; the vote was in the affirmatiue. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Page 268 3 Dec 1683 |
At a generall towne meeting December the 3d : 1683 : ...
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| Page 274 1684 |
An account of the Rates that were Comitted to the Constables to Colect in the yeare : 1684 : Ebenezar Williames and Bernard Capen :... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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