| Notes |
Connecticut School Age Certificates, 1904-1911 -- These certificates vouched for a young person's right to work. As the 20th century opened, the issue of child labor had risen to prominence in the labor movement. Thanks to reformers like Florence Kelley, Jane Addams, and Mother Jones, people were starting to take notice, and some states began regulatinghours and conditions in which children could work. Connecticut startedestablishing educational requirements for working children in 1869. By1882, working children betweenthe ages of 8 and 14 were required to attend at least 12 weeks of school, and in 1895, children under the age of 14 were prohibited from working in "gainful employment" at all. In 1899, additional legislation gave teeth to the law by imposing a $20-per-week fine. To ensure compliance, employers had to keep proof of age fortheir child employees on file, but proof could be hard to come by, particularly in the cases of many young immigrants. The Connecticut State Board of Education helped with oversight of child laborers and, beginning in 1903, could issue certificates for children over 14 as proof of age.
On 9 May 1906, Amedee applied for a School Age Certificate, D8. His birth date was recorded as 12 May 1892 -- but we know this to be in error,as the church records show him born and baptised in 1893. He was really only 13 (not quite) at the time, but there must have been a compelling reason for him to try to quit school and go to work. His father had died a few years earlier. Perhaps Amedee's mother was burdened with the other children and just could not bother keeping him in school; perhapsthey needed themoney he could earn. However, it seems as though the inspector denied Amedee's request because he was "Sent to Fall Term 1906." Perhaps that is what the D stands for in the certificate number, D=denied.
On 21 Aug 1906, Amedee again applied for a School Age Certificate, D8. His birth date was again recorded as 22 May 1892. It is unclear whetheror not he was issued the certificate this time, as Final Action is blank; however, the "Sent to ___ school" is also blank, as if he were not assigned to school.
On 13 Jun 1907, Amedee was possibly issued a School Age Certificate, C28. His birth date was recorded as 22 May 1892, noted by inspection. He really was 14 by this time but just barely. Perhaps he was allowed to work. Perhaps that is what the C stands for in the certificate number, C=certificate.
On 14 Sep 1907, Amedee was definitely issued a School Age Certificate, C254. His birthdate was recorded as 12 Mar 1892, according to his mother's testimony. Amedee was reported to be a Learning Craftsman.
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In 1920, they lived at 391 Pleasant Street in Williamantic, Windham Co,CT.[1920Census]
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According to the 1940 Census, Amedee had completed the 6th grade.
In 1940, Amedee reported that he had earned $1,404 in 1939.
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1893 - 1955 (61 ans)
