Hancock County, Ohio - Chapter 14: Common Schools, 1881

WE cannot give even the approximate cost of the schools of the county a half century ago, or the number of youth within school age. We can very safely conclude, however, that the number of the one, and the amount of the other was not large. The schools at that early day were supported by subscription, and not by money raised by taxation. It is not probable that the costs of the school was very great, as we now count the cost. The school buildings were the rude log cabins, as rudely furnished, and the teachers were of very limited acquirements, and of but little experience in the management of schools. The books used were in very many instances utterly unfit for the use of children as text books in schools. There was no system, and very little method in conducting these schools, and perhaps, the only wonder is that pupils learned anything at all, or that the schools were not a positive evil, instead of a benefit.

Yet under all these difficulties, and want of almost every thing intended to render the school life of the pupil not only bearable, but attractive, much, very much progress was made in the acquirement of a common school education. Indeed many, and in fact almost all the older men and women of the county, never had other than just such training.

But such was tlie perseverance and the determination of the boys and girls of that day in the pursuit of knowledge under so many discouraging surroundings, that the education thus obtained, has enabled them to go successfully through life, managing their own affairs, and in many instances those of the public as well, with intelligence an success.

A great change has transpired. The friends of popular education have been able to frame and put into successful operation, a common school system, which for universal good, is second to that of no other State in the Union. Free schools - common schools - such as the intelligence of Ohio men have brought into existence, and such as Ohio laws foster and protect, have done more to make us a great, prosperous and happy people, than any other blessing bestowed upon us.

Hancock County has not been slow in appreciating this fact, and in availing herself of the present and lasting benefits which attend it. This is fully proven by a glance at the school statistics relating to this county. And no surer indication of our prosperity can be produced than that which becomes evident in an examination of these statistics. For it is not possible that a community, which so generally avails itself of the provisions of so good a law, should be other than prosperous and happy.

In 1880 the enumeration of youth of school age, in the county, was nine thousand, two hundred and ten (9,210), or about forty per cent, of the entire population. Of this number seven thousand, seven hundred and forty-eight were enrolled in the diflferent schools of the county, during the school-year.

are one hundred and forty-nine school buildings, containing one hundred and seventy-five school rooms. The cost of these buildings is put down at one hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars ($185,000). For the instruction of these children there were one hundred and seventy-six teachers employed, at a cost of thirty-eight thousand, two hundred and ninety-four dollars and ninety-eight cents ($38,294.98). The total receipts of school money during the year was ninety-six thousand, nine hundred and seventy-seven dollars and seventy-one cents, and the total expenditures were fiftysix thousand, eight hundred and four dollars and sixty-eight cents.

Large as these amounts really are, what is that compared with the intelligence which is diflused ? What is that compared to the preparing of the young for useful and lawabiding citizens ? What is that compared with the comfort and happiness that may attend each individual recipient, if properly used.

Hancock County has good reason to be proud of her two hundred school buildings, of her well regulated school rooms, in many instances furnished with the most approved school apparatus, and all the modern appliances which tend to make the acquirement of an education a pleasure rather than a task. These incipient colleges - the poor man's colleges - are scattered all over the county, but conveniently accessable to all. Places where the children of the poor can meet on an equality with the children of the rich, where all may have an equal opportunity of mastering a common school education, without money and without any other price than that of industry and close application.

who see proper to avail themselves of its provisions. It is not perfect, perhaps, but may the hand of no quack Legistor ever be laid upon it to mar its present fair proportions, and fasten upon it \h^ foul sores of political legislation. May no change ever be allowed, except a change for the better.