This gives the ages of Poor School Children in 1859-1860. (Poor Schools were those set up using "tax monies" -- probably the first public school in contrast to the private academies that were in existence at this time. Note also the large variance between those eligible and those who actually attended. (and only those who attended are listed, as the pay of the teacher was based on attendance) Many counties do still have these "Poor School Lists" -- (and we try to get them on-line) so be sure to check out the county you might be interested in.... the information varies, but in some cases you are able to find the names of children that may not be included in the 10 year census records. May Term - Upson county NOTE: Poor School lists are on-line for Upson County thanks to Joe Hungate. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ga/upson/history.html Panel No 1 Superior Court Upson County Educational tax collected:$1290.34 30% upon the State Tax Received from State: $1400; $40.75 paid by Tax Collector for year 1858; Aggregate total: $2748.66 $1588.86 paid to Teachers of Poor Children for the last year The number of children returned as being entitled to the benefit of the poor school fund for last years was 689 of whom only 310 went to school during said year. It is probable that a larger number of poor children will be returned this year than last because of their being taken now between the ages of six and eighteen, instead of eight and eighteen, as heretofore. No estimate can be made with certainty of the amount to be received from the State for the present year, but it is believed that it will be less than last year. Recommend that the county continue the Poor School System, and Request Inferior Court direct 20% instead of 30% [tax], as in preceding year. Virginia Crilley