Ashland County, Ohio - Chapter 31: Education and Institutions of Learning, 1880

Chapter 31: Education and Institutions of Learning

A Description of the First School- Mouses. - Early Teachers. - What Brandies Taught. - .School Amusements. - Improved .Methods and Progress. - School Statistics for iS>5- - Ashland Academy . - Ashland Union Schools. - Vermillion Institute. - Loudon ville Academv. - . Savannah Academy. - Perry sville Academy. - Ashland College. - Ashland City Church.

In the early settlement of the territory notv constituting Ashland county, the system of education adopted by the pioneers was very ineffective. The schools of that period were supported almost exclusively by individual subscriptions, the only aid being a nominal sum received in each township, from leases on section sixteen. Teachers were employed for low wages, or it would have been impossible for the sparse settlers to have maintained or supported any schools. At first, a few pupils wore collected in a cabin of one of the pioneers, for instruction, by a volunteer teacher, deemed capable of imparting a knowledge of the elementary branches. In examining the pioneer records, it is found that, in mane localities, the first teachers were single or married ladies, and that the amount received for tuition, from lire parents of the pupils, was used to defray the expense of clearing and preparing a homestead. They were noble sisters and exemplary wives.

The first school-houses were of round logs, and won* erected by the joint voluntarj efforts of the citizens residing within the district, which was generally large. These "backwoods colleges," as they were sometimes denominated in jest, had puncheon floors, benches of split timber, writing desks of planed boards, placed in : front of a long window, formed by cutting out a log, while the light was reflected through oiled paper ; and benches, the legs of which, for some unexplained reason, were generally quite lengthy. The fire-place was very broad, and the chimney generally erected against the end of the school-house, and formed of split timber, lined with stone and clay. The fuel was of large, round logs for "back sticks," and smaller ones for "fore-sticks," ' which rested upon a stone or andirons. The school- j house, by such a fire, could be made quite comfortable, j in all the stages of winter. The fuel was delivered in a sort of voluntary frolic, with teams of oxen and horses, while the axe-men cut and prepared it. In this way, for i many years, the earlier schools were supplied with fuel. :

The earlier teachers were from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and the New England States. Sometimes an educated Irishman sought and obtained employment as a teacher. In a general way, good order, in school hours, was rigidly enforced; and if a ready 1 compliance, on the part of the pupil, was not yielded, an , application of birch readily induced the recreant scholar 1 to comply. The theory of moral suasion was not so ' popular then as now. The commands of the teacher were obeyed, much as those of the military officer, i where no argument, as to the right or wrong of a command, is permitted. The modern theory is: More j

The course of instruction in those days was generally limited to the elementary branches, such as spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and English i grammar. These branches were, carefully and thoroughly taught. In penmanship, the old fashioned round hand ! prevailed. The Spencerian was unknown. In spelling, j the scholar champion often spelled every word in the j book. * In arithmetic, every problem was solved. In ! fact, the scholars of those days illustrated the adage - "beware of the man of one book," because they knew j all that their school books contained. The brains of the student were not addled, like the over-tasked scholar of the present, with six or eight half-mastered, and illdigested branches. The speculation in new text bocks j had not been introduced.

The amusements of those days consisted in a game of i "town ball," somewhat like the modern "base ball," I "corner ball," "chase the fox," leaping, running, and wrestling. These athletic sports were harmless, and entered into at recess and noon, with much spirit and good humor, and were supposed to add vigor to both ; body and mind. Spelling schools were conducted with a good deal of enthusiasm, and rival schools, from adjoining neighborhoods, often competed for the champi- i onship.

At the' approach of the holidays, it was the custom of the larger boys and girls to insist upon the enforcement of the immemorial usage of exacting a "treat from the teacher. This generally consisted in the donation of a bushel of apples, a gallon or two of cider, and a lot of pies or cakes. As a general rule, the teacher yielded to the custom, but sometimes refused. Upon refusal, the sport of "barring" the door and windows, to exclude the teacher, was the next resort. The issue being thus joined, either the teacher or scholars had to surrender. A good deal of strategy followed on both sides. If the teacher - an Irishman - gained admission, a beech or hickory rod soon enforced obedience. Sometimes the boys, being large and rugged, seized the teacher and expelled him by force. In that case the obstinate "master" compromised by agreeing to donate a bushel of apples, while the courageous scholars would remit the cider and pies. The apples were distributed, and after a good deal of merriment and many practical jokes, steady habits and hard study were resumed.

But a change was rapidly approaching. Farmers were becoming wealthy. The school lands were sold, and the deficiency of funds was supplied by direct taxation. The next grand improvement was the erection of neat, commodious, well painted and furnished school-houses in every district in the county. Township school boards enforced this system by local taxation, and the standard of qualification for teachers was raised, until our common schools now rival, in number of branches, the academies of forty years ago.

The names of a few of the early teachers are well remembered. Miss Elizabeth Rice, afterwards Mrs. John Coulter, taught a little subscription school in a cabin near the present site of Perrysviile, in the summer of 1814. She yet survives, and lives in t ie village of Congress, in Wayne county, Ohio. In the winter of 1S16 Asa Brown had a school about one mile north of Perrysville. In the summer of 1817 Mis. Patrick Elliott taught a small school in her cabin home in Cleavcreek. In the winter of 1 S 1 7 Robert Nelson taught in a cabin on the premises of the late Abraham Huffman, in Clcarcreek. In 1S1S Rev. John Hazard taught a small school in what is now known as the "Crouse" district, in Montgomery. He was followed by the late Sage Kellogg, in 1819-20. In 1818 John G. M osier is believed to have taught the first school in Perry. About the same time L. Parker taught a small school in the Priest neighborhood, in Lake. At a later period John Bryte, of Clearcreek, Hugh Burns, of Milton, Therygood Smith, of Montgomery, ihe daughters of Sterling C. Bushneil, of VornuHii -.. Chandler Foot and Lorin Andrews, of Montgomery, wee among the noted .teachers. The thoughtless destruction of township records makes it impossible to extend, accurately, a list of the early teachers. It is proper to state, in this connection, that many of the better educated pioneers instructed their own families in the elementary branches.

The common schools of this county are now in a flourishing condition. The amount annually appropriated for the employment of competent teachers insures a continuous school, in each dis'rict, of from four to six

I lie total aniounti'.iid teachers of common schools, in 1875, was 42,258 File total amount paid teachers in high schools, in 1875, was.. 36,357 ,

From the foregoing statistics, it will be seen, that the neglect to give each member of a family, at least a good common school education, is growing unpopular : and to 5 be illiterate, amid so many school advantages, is regarded as inexcusable. Mental culture and intellectual develop- | merit bring out the latest sparks of genius, and enable ! civilized communities to advance in ail that conduces ! to the peace, prosperity and happiness of man.

We will now direct attention to the higher institutions j of learning, and see that the people of Ashland county j have placed a proper estimate upon the importance and j value of a finished education. j

Ashland Academy

In the year 1838, Professor Samuel McClure, of ; Cuyahoga Falls, taught a select school in Ashland, j which attracted a good deal of interest. Public attention ! was directed by Professor McClure and others, to the \ project of erecting and organizing, under trustees, an J Academy at Ashland, with a view of attracting a large j number of foreign students In the years 1838-9, through i the efforts of the principal citizens of Ashland, and other v illages in what is new Ashland county, a handsome ; brick structure, two stories high, was erected, and deui- I cated as Ashland academy.

The board elected Rev. Robert Fulton, A. M., principal; Rev. R. R. Sloan, assistant; and Miss jane E. Coulter, preceptress of the ladies department. They entered on the discharge of their duties in May, 1839. Professor R. Fulton died in 1841, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Fulton, of Pittsburgh. Professor Sloan and Miss Coulter continued as assistants about two years, under the new principal. Professor Samuel Johnston succeeded Rev. S. Fulton, and a sister, Cecilia, became preceptress in lieu of Miss Coulter, who became Mrs. Sloan; and Lori.n Andrews succeeded Professor Sloan. In 1S44 Professor Johnston resigned, and Professor T.oriu Andrews became principal, Professor A. M. Fulton, assistant, and Miss Lisle, preceptress. She remained about one year, and Miss Jane M. Bci ket became preceptress of the ladies' department. Professor A. M. Fulton resigned about 1846, and was succeeded by Professor John M. Rankin, who conti nu'd about eighteen months. In iS 17 Professor Andrews resigned to engage in the union school enterprise. He was succeeded by Rev. John M Rowe in 1.S4S, who was aided by l'rofes.sor T. V. Milligan After a struggle ol about one year the labors of

Ashland academy had a very successful career ot over ten years, during which it sustained a high reputation at home and abroad. Very few academic institutions of Ohio can furnish a roll of scholars containing more in flucntial and leading men, as teachers, attorneys, physicians, men of science, and politicians.

1S50, adopted that system and proceeded to erect buildings. A large central building was constructed, adjoining the old academy, for the high school, while the latter was occupied for the primary branches. Professor John Lynch was elected by the. board the first superintendent. He resigned in 1852, and was succeeded by Professor Seth M. Barber. Professor Barber continued until 1861, when he resigned to take a captain's position in the army. He was temporarily succeeded by Professor C. W. Mvkrants. Professor George L. Mills succeeded Mr. Mykrauts in September, 1862. Professor Mills was succeeded by Professor Loose, and he by Professor S. E. Peatree, and he, in 1867, by Professor Barber, who continued as superintendent until 1872, when he resigned, and Professor T. j. Bartin was elected. In 1875 Professor J. A. PleaUte was elected. In iS74-'5 a large central building was erected at an expense of thirty-two thousand dollars, it maks a fine appearance.

Vermillion Inst1 1 U It

Those in Vermillion township who desired advanced educational training beyond the facilities furnished in the common schools, were compelled to send their chi! dren to the academy at Ashland or to more distant institutions. The enterprising people ot Hayesvilie and Vet million township, upon a full discussion of the subject, concluded that the establishment of a high school or academy at Hayesvilie would reduce the expense of sending their youth to distant schools, and it the same time contribute to the growth and interest ot the village. By the joint efforts of her citizens, a sufficient amount ot stock was subscribed to warrant the erection of an academic building. In 1842 a high school was opened bv Rev. Lewis Granger, of Granville, who was elected prim ipal. 1 he school was non-sectarian. Rev. j. L. McLean took a deep interest in the school, and it pros pered beyond expectation. In '.S45 a charter was granted by the legislature erecting the school with Vermillion institute, and authorizing it to confer degrees, 'fhe erection of a suitable building for the institute was commenced, and on the fourth of July, 1845, the comer stone was laid. Up. m the completion of the builuir g, Rev. |. L. M< Lean was ek ted president, with . ant,. \V. ]. Booth anfi others. The institute of studies was the same as a collegiate routine. 1 he machinery was ton intricate for the patronage, and ti e in stitution resumed the academic course. Under litis ar

In 1850, the presbytery of Richland, and, in 1854, Wayne and Coshocton, joined in the- purchase of the institute, and elected trustees, who employed che professors. At first there were ten trustees, but when Wayne and Coshocton joined Richland, in 1S54, in its management, the number was extended to fifteen. By this arrangement the institution came under. the management of the Presbyterians. Professor S. Diefendorf, a learned and accomplished scholar, was selected as principal, and W. W. Colmary and W. T. Adams assistants.. Professor W. J. Booth took charge of the mathematical branches, under President McLean, and resigned in 1850 and removed to Athens. Professor Diefendorf, after being absent about ene year, resumed his place as principal in 1851, and continued until 1866, when he resigned and moved west. In 1867 Professor J. Simpson took charge of the school, but remained only a short time. Professor A. F. Ross became principal in the fall of 1868, but remained only a few months, and resigned. In 18 69 Professor Diefendorf again resumed his old position, but soon withdrew. In 1870-71 Professor W. j. Brugh became principal. In 1872 Professor John Martin succeeded Professor Brugh; he remained but a short time. In 1873 Professor J. A. Bower was elected principal. Owing to disputes arising in the board of trustees, the institution was transferred, in 1874, to its original owners, and passed from the management of the presbytery.

In 1875 l^e institution again became non-sectarian, and is now managed by new trustees. Under this management Professors W. J. Ward and J. B. Paine became teachers, and continued until the close of the session of 1876, when they retired. The institution, after a checkered and restiess career, is again under the management of the accomplished and learned Professor Diefendorf. The institute property is estimated to be worth about six thousand dollars. May it again flourish.

Loudon Vi Lle Ac. , Dem

This institution originated from a high school taught by the late Professor John McCormick, about the year 1848. It was erected by the joint efforts of the citizens of Loudonville. The location of the acad emy was very pleasant. The school was well patronized for the first four or five years. Professor McCormick remained about two years, and was succeeded by Professor Andrew L Sett, \ ho continued until iSyq and was succeeded by the author of these notes, who continued one session, and resigned in consequence of ill health. From 1S53, the school languished under a number of changes, and was finally consolidated with the high schools.

Savanna H Ac A Demy

This institution was the result of a voluntary subscription on the part of the citizens of Clearcrcek township. Those favoring the enterprise formed a joint stock company, agreeing to nanu; the institution, "The Savannah Male and Female Academy.'" The required stock v.i - secured and the necessary buildings erected. A board of trustees was elected, consisting of 1 >1. Joint Ingram,

* Heant, Jared N. Slonaker, Joseph McCutchin, Dr. W. S. Shaw, S. Shaw, and Mead Fancher. One-third ol the board served three years, one-third two, and one-third one year. Daniel G. Templeton was elected president, Rev.

! A. Riverfield vice-president, Dr. J. Ingram secretary, and i Mead Fancher treasurer. The school was to be non-sectarian. The board elected Professor E. J. Rice, of Sullivan, principal; Miss - Foster and Miss - Rice, graduates, took charge of the female department. Rev. A.

| Scott was elected professor of moral science. Rev. R. Newton of history, and Dr. John Ingram of natural science. The course of study in the male department j was quite thorough, and that of the female department | was preparatory for graduation. Professor Rice served ; .about two years, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Scott as principal, and Dr. J. Ingram as assistant. Miss - -- i Stafford and Miss - Rutan had charge of the female department. In 1862, Professor C. K. Geddes was elected principal, while Miss M. Boynton took charge of the female department. Upon the resignation of Pro- | fessor Geddes, Rev. Samuel F. Boyd became principal | and Professor Elias Fraemfelter associate. Miss Mattie | Franks took charge of the female department. Upon t S 7 5. A committee of five was appointed to co-operate ; with the original trustees, who continue to be elected ns in the organization of the institution. The property is j valued at about four thousand dollars.

Eerrysville Academy

| and deserves a liberal patronage. Professor J. C. Sam- : pie has been the principal since the erection of the | academy. It originated from a select school, in 1,860,

; under Professor Sample. He opened the school and met with flattering success. The project of electing an ! academy was put on foot, and resulted in that instil. u- I tion. The average number of students is about seventy five. The advanced branches are taught, and many ; teachers are departing from the school annually. Their influence is felt in many parts of the county.

For many years the Church of the Brethren (Tunkers) had under consideration the propriety of establishing an j institution for die higher education of the sons and daughters in that denomination, and had made a number of attempts in this direction at Berlin, and at Plum Greek. Pennsylvania, and at Bombon, Indiana, all of which efforts had failed; but the friend' of the movement in northeastern Ohio, undaunted b, previous reverses, determined to make I heir enterprise a sin 1 vss. ;.nd snlieiled S. /.. Sharp, their prolessot in Man .vide college, Tennessee, to sever his connection with that institution and throw his entire energy into this new enterprise. After several refusals, he at last consented, and in June, 1877, rnade a tour through a part of this State in search of a suitable location. The choice of himself and friends was nearly unanimous in favor of Ashland, and when this was well discussed by the Fiends of the movement, the matter was laid before some of the most influential citizens of Ashland, who at once caught the sp'irit, called a meeting in the city hall, where an unusually large and enthusiastic audience was addressed by the present president of the college, S. Z. Sharp, who set forth the object of the founders to be to establish a college equal to any in the State ; that it would bo under the care of the Church of the Brethren to the same extent that other colleges were under the care of their religious bodies; that among the prominent features of the institution would be. thorough scholarship, and the cultivation of a sentiment among the students to appreciate solid wortlv rather than, vain show; and that plain, neat attire, and a richly stored mind, were better than a gaudy dress and an empty mind. After hearing the plan and aims of the proposed institution, the citizens of Ashland unanimously endorsed the project, and at once raised ten thousand dollars towards the erection of the college building. The most beautiful site in this part of the State was selected. A campus of twenty-seven acres of land was bought for six thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars, and a building erected which is at this writing nearly completed, and will cost, including material, work, supervision, furniture, appatatus and cabinet, sixty thousand dollars. The college building is one hundred feet front, one hundred deep, four stories high, built of brick, roofed with slate, and, for substantia! construction and convenience, has few equals There is also a boarding hall one hundred and ten feet long, forty feet wide and four stories high, which, when completed, will cost between ten and eleven thousand dollars.

A charter was obtained February -2, 1 S 7 S, by which the institution is placed under the care of members of the church of the Brethren, and put upon an equal footing with any other college in the State. The charter provides for the following courses of instruction: classical, philosophical, normal and commercial.

Sharp, A, M.., president, professor of mental anti moral philosophy; L. Huber, A. M., professor of Latin and modern languages; J. E. Stubbs, A. M., professor of Greek language and literature; ^ David Bailey, A. M., professor of mathematics; facob Keim, Ph. I)., professor of natural science; J. C. Ewing, professor of music; Mrs. C. P. Chapman, teacher of painting ar.d drawing.

The first term closed December 24, 1S79, with one hundred and twelve pupils enrolled, and was regarded as a decided success in every respect.

j in charge, and S. H. Basher, assistant in the ministry, j J. H. Worst was also called to the ministry, on the day of organization; and J. N. Roop and E, J. Worst, deacons. The membership enrolled at that time was tortythrec, which has increased since to sixty-live. 1 he congregation worships every Sabbath in the chapel of Ashland college, and has a Sunday school of over one hundred members. The G us jn l Preacher, having a circulation of about fiv e thousand, and Our Sunday School , a juvenile weekly, having nearly six thousand subscribers, are published in Ashland, under the auspices of the Brethren church.