Pickaway County, Ohio - Chapter 27: The Schools of Circleville, 1906

Chapter 27: The Schools of Circleville

The schools of Circleville have passed through those stages of development so characteristic of the Central West. At first there were the primitive schools supported by subscriptions, then followed private schools more elaborate in character, and finally the wellorganized free public schools of to-day.

Beginning with the settlement of the county and the establishment of the county seat at Circleville in 1810, there were a few primitive schools, supported by popular subscription, in which the three "R's" - reading, writing and arithmetic - were taught. The schoolhouses were log houses of a single room. These were made comfortable by seaming the cracks with tempered clay. Light was secured by pasting oiled paper over the latticing in the window holes cut through the unhewn logs. Slabs on rude legs supplied sittings, and other slabs along the walls, supported on pins. fixed at a proper slope in the logs beneath the windows, made writing benches.

Few records of these early schools are to be found at present. An early account states that Dilworth's spellers, readers and arithmetic were the first textbooks used. The first reading classes began with the New Testament. Later Lindley Murray's works were came into existence and a better class of instructors were employed. Prominent among the new teachers were Joseph Olds, Edson B. Olds, Marcus Brown and J. C. Groom. Most prominent among these new schools was the Circleville Academy, which for many years was the recognized leader in educational matters in the locality. -George W. Doane was the head of this institution for a considerable period. A female seminary taught by the Misses Streeter, occupied several rooms in a

The: columns of the Olive Branch and the Herald, the leading town papers between 1820 and 1850, contain the advertisements. of many small private schools. In an issue during the year 1838, Miss Leonard advertises a private school where, in addition to the ordinary branches, French, Italian, drawing and painting were to be taught. In this same year Caleb Atwater, in his "History of Ohio," states that the town of Circleville contained "about twelve schools - one or two, for young ladies, deserving great praise and receiving: it."

Somewhat later than this, C. C. Neibling, coming here from Lancaster, Ohio, opened a select school for boys only, which was well patronized by the people of the town. His school consisted of about 40 scholars. His charges were $4 per scholar, for each quarter of 60 days, payable in advance. This enterprise lasted four years, until the free school was inaugurated. About 1850, there was a

And Representative Citizens

Soon after the passage of the school law of 1838, the little Academy, the first free school in the vicinity, was built by the district. It stood beside the Circleville Academy and consisted of a single room. By the boys who went to the pay school, it was mockingly denominated the ''Kitchen school." Pine desks ran around the walls, behind which, raised a step or two above the floor, sat the larger scholars, while the little ones were seated on benches ranged in front upon the floor, and facing the middle of the room. Other district schools were held about town wherever they could be had.

Until the time of the organization of the Union schools, which took place in 1849, the teachers were mostly men. They were paid about $20 per month. To secure positions, examinations were required by law only. in the three '"R's," but if the applicants were qualified to teach other branches the county examiners would girant them permission to teach such branches. "For extra classes the scholars were required to pay tuition.

-There were three directors elected by the people. The school funds were drived from the State school tax creating a fund of $200,- 000, from township school lands and from interest on proceeds of "Section 16." No special provision was made for the books or tuition of indigent pupils.

The first steps in the organization of the Circleville schools under the free, graded system of the present time were taken on September 11, 1849, when John Cradlebaugh, Samuel A. Moore, Joseph G. Doddridge, Jacob Rutter, Chester Olds and seven others issued a call to the qualified electors of the town to assemble on the 22nd, and "then and there to vote by ballot for or-against the Adoption of an Act for the better regulation of the Public Schools, etc., passed by the General Assembly

On the 4th of October following, six directors of public schools were elected. This board declared it inexpedient to open free schools until such a time as suitable buildings could be secured. Tor some time there was considerable diversity of opinion in regard to the kind of building or buildings to be erected. Some favored a central building sufficient in size to accommodate the scholars of the entire community. This scheme was opposed by others, who advocated ward schools. At a_ public meeting held at the Court House March 18, 1850, for the purpose of voting on the levying of a tax to build a schoolhouse, the project was voted down - 220 votes being cast against to 160 votes for the tax. Those in the opposition were not opposed to a free school sysfem but to a centralized school.

The board of directors favored the central school and in order to enlighten the people in regard to the matter, they selected William C. Taylor and George Gearhart to visit Cincinnati and other cities for the purpose of '"'examining schoolhouses and any and_all matters connected therewith." Dr. A. D. Lord, then superintendent of the Union schools of Columbus, was invited to address the citizens of Circleville at the Lutheran Church on education and the organization of public schools under the law of 1849.

The investigations of Messrs. Taylor and Gearhart turned many from the side of the opposition so that in the election called for June 10, 1850, the advocates of a central school won with a majority of 117 votes. At that time it was decided to levy a "tax of $9,000, to be called for as follows, to-wit: $3,000 in one year, $3,000 in two years, and $3,000 in three years, to enable the Board of Education to purchase ground and build a schoolhouse." W. W. Bierce and George Gearhart were made a committee to "purchase of the heirs of E. Everts their out-lot (known as:-Everts' Hill) at a price not to exceed $800, and also of John Irwin and widow Darst portions of their inlots, adjoining said out-lot, for an entrance to the same."

Centennial, M. H. Lewis, then superintendent of the Circleville schools, has the following to say in regard to the Everts' Hill property : "Mr. E. Everts was, for many years before this period, an earnest and successful school teacher of this district. In a log house of two rooms, an upper and a lower, standing near the old oak just east of the present Everts Building, he held a popular school. Many of our older citizens bear grateful testimony to the unwavering zeal he showed in behalf of the establishment in Circleville and throughout the State of a graded public school system, supported liberaily by a direct tax, and free to all of school age in each district. Though his property was not large, yet he determined, if such a system could be established in his day, to donate this hill property to the town as a site. His views were in advance of his time. In his will, this out-lot of nearly four acres was to be sold by the heirs to the school district, 1f devoted forever to educational purposes, for the nominal sum of $1,000. The heirs, in the true spirit of the testator, offered it to the board for $800, though at the time it would have yielded several thousands in town lots."

In addition to the sum of $9,000 provided for by the tax, the treasurer of the board, Col. Samuel A. Moore, reported having received, up to January 14, 1851, from district and township treasurers and from the State school fund in full $1,461. Still further funds were raised by increasing the annual levy beyond the amount necessary to meet the regular expenditure for schools when opened, and by the issue of bonds, payable after certain dates, with interest from 8 to 10 per cent.

Early in January, 1851, William C. Taylor and Stanley Cook submitted a plan for a schoolhouse "to be known by the name of the Union Schoolhouse." Thomas Pedrick was appointed superintendent to oversee its construction. The building was ready for occupancy in November, 1852.

This building, which is pleasantly situated on a lot of four acres, is 96 feet long by 69 feet wide. It is three stories high above the basement, and contains fifteen school rooms. Connected with each room is a closet, which is furnished with a wash-stand, lookingglass, combs and all the paraphernalia of a dressing room.

Two of Chilson's No. 6 furnaces are placed in the basement, which afford ample means for heating the house. In each hall is a large cooler, which is constantly supplied with fresh water. We noticed, among other things, on looking over a neat pamphlet of sixteen pages, that a janitor is employed who has entire charge of the furnaces, keeping the rooms clean, providing water, ringing the bell, etc. This is as it should be. It is the poorest kind of economy to compel teachers or scholars to make fires and sweep the schoolrooms, though no better arrangement can be expected ull the plan of erecting large buildings is adopted.

Three of the lower rooms were furnished with long pine benches, divided into what are known as box seats, the boxes constituting the partitions between scholars along the settee and serving as deposits for books and slates. The remaining rocoms - as many as were needed at first, nine in number - were supplied with double desks of walnut, the best of the day. The lower middle room on the first floor was used as an exercise room for the primaries, especially in unpleasant weather. The middle room of the third floor was used for morning exercises, and was long denominated the "Chapel." ~

At a meeting of the Board of Education, held in May, 1852, Messrs. Griswold, Bierce and Moore were appointed a committee to secure by correspondence or visitation a superintendent and other teachers to take charge of the schools. This committee reported at the August meeting that they had visited Columbus, Cincinnati and other places, and had attended the teachers' convention at Sandusky, and that they felt full confidence in reporting the name of John Lynch, of Ashland, as one qualified to act as superintendent of the Circleville public schools. The report was accepted, and John Lynch was "unanimously chosen as the principal of said schools at $1,000 per annum." In addition to the superintendent, 12 teachers were appointed, 11 of whom were women. With this corps of workers the schools were opened November 22, 1852.

In October, Mr. Lynch, by direction of the board, prepared and reported a system of rules for the government of the schools, course of study and a list of textbooks. The daily sessions began at g o'clock A. M., closing at 12 M.; in' warm weather the afternoon sessions began at 2 P. M., closing at 5, and in cold weather at 1 P. M., closing at 4.

The schools were divided into four departments, called, respectively, High School, grammar, secondary and primaty. The primary department was divided into four grades of one year each, and four teachers were assigned and two teachers assigned; the grammar, into three one-year grades and two teachers assigned; and the High School into four grades of one year each.

The branches taught during the first year of the school, in the primary department, were - alphabet, spelling, reading, writing on slates, geography (oral and textbook), arithmetic (oral and textbook), and grammar (oral). In the secondary - spelling. reading,. writing on slates, penmanship, geography, arithmetic and grammar. In the grammar spelling, reading, writing on slates, penmanship, geography, arithmetic (mental and written), grammar and drawing, with weekly exercises in composition and declamation. In the High School - spelling, reading, penmanship, geography, mental and written arithmetic, grammar, algebra, Latin and botany, with stated exercises in composition and declamation.

Since the opening of the Union schools in 1852, their growth has been rapid. The private schools existing at the time lost their patronage and closed and since that time no others have come to take their places. The accompanying table shows briefly points of increase taken at intervals of 10 years, including figures for the first year and the year just closed :

In addition to the changes in textbooks, as one authority becoming old was superseded by another more modern and better suited to the need of the scholars, there were other changes which tended to increase the efficiency of the schools.

In accordance with a State law giving boards of education the option of furnishing all supplies for the schools, the Circleville Board of Education, in the latter part of M. H. Lewis' administration as superintendent, decided to furnish free all textbooks, tablets, etc., to the scholars in the schools.

Soon after M. H. Lewis was appointed to his office, the schools were regraded. Up to that time there had been four departments called respectively High School, grammar, secondary and primary. There were nine grades helow the High School. That departinent, as at present, consisted of a four vears' course. In the regrading, the secondary department was merged into the primary and grammar departments. One year was dropped from the latter, making the eight grades of the present day.

Another change made in the grammar grades was to seat both sexes in the same room. Heretofore there had been two rooms - one presided over by a woman teacher in which the virls of the three grades were seated ; the other, »resided over by a man teacher, in which the boys of the three grades were seated. The man teacher resigned and since that time there have been no men teaching in the grammar grades.

Latin and algebra were introduced into the oth grammar grade under Mr. Barney. History became a required study in the eighth vear and physical geography in the ninth. In 1873 Superintendent Smart removed the Latin of senior grammar to the first year of the High School. For many years the study of German was optional in the two upper classes of the High School. After 1873, in accordance with a provision of the school law of that year, it was decided to provide a special teacher who should devote her whole time to the- teaching of German. All scholars from the junior secondaries were eligible to membership in these classes. It was not until June, 1874, that the Board of Education decided to make German a High School study and to give it a position similar to that held previously by Latin. Since that time it has been taught only in the High School, where four years' work is offered.

"In 1870 the board employed a special teacher of music, who, each week, gave a lesson of one hour to each room of the departments above the primary." . In 1875 the study was made obligatory in all except the grammar grades, and lessons of 15 to 20 minutes each were given daily by the special and regular teachers alternately.

The quadrennial report issued by C. S. Smart in 1874 says: "The rudiments of penmanship are taught in the lowest grades by the use of slates and pencils. Copy books, pens and ink are not used until the last term of the fourth year. The teachers are required to give such instruction each day as is needed." In 1875 a special teacher of writing was employed. Slate writing with ruled lines was begun the first term of the first year, followed in the next by lead pencil writing. The' copy book was begun in the second year and pen and ink with advanced copy books in the third year. The system formerly used has been improved greatly under the supervision of Harp Van Riper, who still retains his position as head of this department. He also has charge of classes in drawing, a study which was introduced at about the same time. An excellent opportunity for development is given in this line of work and many of the scholars in the upper grades become quite proficient in pen and ink sketching and in water colors.

There has been much improvement in school accommodations and buildings since 1853. The original "Union schoolhouse," now called the "Everts Building," in 1875 contained 16 school rooms, with sittings for 850 pupils, the laboratory and the superintendent's office. In 1880 it was decided to remodel the building as it was somewhat out of repair. The old structure had been square, but now two wings were added on the north and south sides and it was otherwise changed, as at the present time. There were then 20 school rooms in the building. Since then the two rooms in the basement have been made into the physical and chemical laboratories. During the past year an office for the principal of the High School was constructed adjoining the office of the superintendent.

In 1871 the Ohio Street Building for colcred pupils was completed at a cost of $7,000. At first it was a fine brick structure with ample hall and two rooms, but a few years later it was doubled in size. It was in use continuously until 1886, when the State law was changed and separate schools for colored children were abolished. After remaining vacant for eight years, it was turned over to the use of the Circleville Home and Hospital.

In 1875 a brick school building at the corner of High and Pickaway streets, now called the "High Street Building,' was completed. It contains six school rooms of the primary grades and was erected at a cost of something like $25,000.

In 1894 a brick building, containing four rooms of the primary grades, was erected on Franklin street between Washington and Mingo. In 1896 an addition of four rooms was added, which is also used for primary grades. It has been named the "Franklin Street Building."

In 1896 when the lower grades became crowded, a hill was purchased at the corner of Walnut and Washington streets.: On this site a building of four rooms was erected for the use of the primary grades. It is called the "Walnut Street Building."

The members of the Board of Education as a rule have been very conscientious in their efforts to advance the status of the schools. Much of their time and energy has been given freely to the problems which have arisen. The following list includes all the members of boards since the organization of the schools in 1849, together with their terms of service:

The two longest terms on the board were those of G. F. Wittich and William Doane - 38 years in the case of the former and 28 in the case of the latter.

The High School was organized at the same time with the Union schools, November 22, 1852. It is located on the first floor of the Everts Building and consists of four class rooms. There is a teaching force of five instructors, one having charge of the physical and chemical laboratories in the basement.

Mr. Lynch, the first superintendent of the schools, outlined a course of study which remains, with few changes, to the present time. German has had a more prominent place in the curriculum in recent years and more emphasis is being placed on the study of physics, chemistry and mathematics. The curriculum includes the following studies: Latin, German, Greek, English, physics, chemistry, physical geography, ancient history, modern history, English history, American history, civics, algebra, plane and solid geometery, physiology, mythology, botany, commercial geography and bookkeeping.

During his term as principal, R. R. Upton organized a uniformed battalion of cadets, in which the boys of the High School were taught the manual of arms and military discipline. An armory was fitted up in the basement of the Everts Building. Drill was held several afternoons in the week after regular school hours. The cadet corps was maintained until the graduation of the class of 1902, when O. C. Hulvey severed his connection with the schools. He was the last principal to provide a military training. During his administration, Major Hulvey, who was an enthusiast in matters pertaining to his profession, organized a cadet band, which was known throughout this section of the country not alone by reason of its ability but on account of the youth of the members.

The cadet corps did much to arouse a strong school spirit and to attract into the High School many who otherwise would have dropped out of the schools after finishing the grammar grades. At the same time the men teachers sought to excite interest in athletics. An athletic association was organized and contests were held with neighboring high schools and: academies. These activities caused, the new scholars to take greater interest in their work and the graduates of the High School were.increased both as regarded quality and quantity.

The High School is on the accredited list of the colleges of the State. During the past 20 years - from 1886 to 1906 - over I5 per cent. of the graduates have continued their education in colleges and universities. This, however, does not include teachers who have supplemented their work with courses in the simmer schools given by many colleges and universities.

The first commencement was held in March, 1858. Since then 47 classes with an aggregate of 590 members have been graduated. The following is a complete list of the graduates and shows, too, as far as can be ascertained, those who continued their education above the High School.

Graduates Of-Everts High School

Name Class Name Class Name Class ETEZ, @ KAthERINe idee BES eae Tor *Moore, Howard: .. cs .isjese ow. <5 TSOd VE TEMUCE gu aes) kyek > casio siemens «rc 1898 Tete EV len aca. s icrerspeinoe ee Tel" eMorden: dPancis "vas. /« saketsteceeers TOO0 Prentice: Wade sans «sr screw seu 1894 BERIUZ pO DALIT N, oNiewe sis jeiny asad ine ISSA RNLOLIIS SIP TRCLA « srikawelye som hme LOO a pee Cen eSRION IG Me ccs srameuanie.s 1890 MeCollister,, Elzaday < vnsce «s'.s TOO: sl WLOLTIS He ANRTICS 4 4 5,0 sveis, on acasis situs TSGO tee ELICGnse CLIGY. he a tae acute ats 1880 McCollister, Mary E. ......... E800 - OVLorrts, Mame Be gercsis saa stk TOO ECAC es COTA ess ohh 8 ginieveinioce cid % 1900 SCO TAU eed Mere ccmcrtc ays. 7 TPNTOLLIS weNLALY welts eiaie.<erae. sacle TOOD4 iadeh, -SCOELL ck: Nc ate mina siieresiacs 1898 MIC TAdy Mats) cise ced caus leat 1897 Morrow, Georgia ............. TOQAL INACCHTING UOVA clestie sce epere. cares c 1890 Mitre COra Sanson. sees. 1896 Mowery, Bessie .............. TOGA), Piayey kecuisale Weta cle cds ailerons 1859 Mc Eun MUNNIC Nestea wile 1800 Mowery; Dill W.. -. 2.05... EOGOY *Rector, Florence 2.0m os .c0 1902 MicEavite, MWGttie aie e~ oaeee. 1896 *Murphy, Kenneth ............ Loos. *Rectory. Howard .di5.. ce ste 1898 McEwing, Minnie ............ 1885 Myers, George ..............- Legis ECtOI Me AImes: i Doni s etd aca oi: < acs 1897 MeMlenryAotie Aissm ess .cu st IROOM viens, oda wn ehes oh areia sachin Toyen Redmane Ativan coches «sede sas 1903 McLaughlin, James A. ........ 1580) eMivers; Anal M7 35. tog ee TSG Ow Ghee dom El etiiietisarn welsy~ shieteit te aie 1880 McMahon, Edward ........... Ego. eMivers) Minnie Eo cwussis comes TOGO. Ghenicky Rite Mig hc. csrwe eo nc 1905 McMahon, Harriet ........... IGOb st auiMan aw GaT! |22., sires salnciags 1gor Renick, Martha W............ 1882 McMahon, Hatry oiceweec en. 1902) ANickerson, Guy 4 ois < cussterajaps,0'6 TEOG Rice. Hmniia Wess cinta csi aie teins 1883 McMahon, Mayme ........... TOGO, = NaGKersOn, LOU ie ascites vier ane é TGO0, Siecle, ttarty, I. sree saneitenss 1902 *MeMiuillen "Grace M" ooo... TOO) -Nacholas, Chatles) cree as cacins Foe BRU. oP CLIC) Ss nytrels ities ees sate ea 1893 McMullen, Lizzie H. ......... pou NI CHOlaS LCA, «cb arcs vanes ee oe PES SE DRILGs VEAL out tos cae oe cat che es > 1882 * McPherson') Léslie'C:. 22.22...) ES TAMU NICHOIS PATLIA! vera ctocerclessiaie acters 1900 *Rindsfoos, Charles S. ........ 1902 MEZGISEy er HAAEUIC 5 isleid « -rsc'<'a siercte RODS TMMNTOS, MA LICE? ne:s.ccvae nts aurea ese 1868 *Rindsfoos, Elizabeth ......... 1898 Mader mimi tac ctw aes es RSCOUMING eS waz ZION. <<: 0o re ab oe enas 1870) *Rindsfoos,) Mary' <0 3.4 tis csi 1900 Mader ye autand age eae eae t ciara TOSO INA eS, Pelsy dias ev 2s 5 oie othe Gis ore 7s 1880) Roadarmer, (Cora... 500. +s 1885 Mader pBallinnics 54/22 sis.qniieia oie TSOS te NESS WWatyy ne cn cqmelccle afsifelshion 1879 Robinson, Margaret .......... 1858 Mader, William .......+....+.- TAO BUINOOKSs VIVE AUCs ncete apdein nisiniatectit ise TONOMUROG ers, Fannie nis scccaste vimee ss 1879 Marheld) BaliOtt. Scare «:sicirin viene TEGOU EN GOAT Dae Liss sia sn lainbacs'hea.6s FOG e NOOR ELS MOA LG ace pein pete s saute 1872 Marshall, Martha. »<<eiwepis stacec 1891 *Nothstine, Arthur ..... shell eeia's TOQR OOS x AUIDUSEA © lutte «in lclsats sie sic 1902 Marshall, 'Myrtle 220600500000 BOOS e NOLOS VU AEY, TR ok Sect cfesolia\e a mfeaniec ops Togs ROSS,» GEORGIA stam sspese asea.c 1897 Martin. Jennie Rs. gas oan cases os Tides Oss MANIC oh astute eases sets Reece MU EROE TN AA TISMEE crehaiatt nt sieip 6 e.sisehe 1895 Martin, Walter C. '.cre> ares OO ger iiss INGIICD nds gies oes tess ala ote TOOGe WROWE. MOGI), diete ts cat eas ce 6 1898 Mason sate' wiv cates sitileeotee's's 1883 "Palm, "Acker "K.:....... AS EQOEM HROWE ME AVI Oc hat. hieves abt. s0 = 1900 May, Alice". cats tee vivic se RO Z ALCEIS S MIALYy cs s¥ ies «mises ces TOGZie Renwer EVelenime. bichon cas sles, 1906 May .clan sta sts. inahetglemeneiata tee TE7OeeaArCels a MAC sects sels v.94 cha 6s TOORESRGwen Jeaune tbe iste. a enien 1898 May) HeshenD. 3 ccvtrs.<:deulewtes MOOG sy eatTete MEL IOOUA. | staiel sie isle asp che a. « FOOS ROWE, s MiInIIE? 4 flan ae sisieaie cones 1808 Mi cia PALAU Z rota cain eiepatealt cesteratate LOnon wearmenios Brunelle" vin. nape sie BOOS eu Ritter ATA Igy ce oles wys\es 4's 1862 Many Peney). suas cincwtte «tries TOP ee Pearsall mele 5), <1 <iggeo amie fics TEOMA Se Sap PCLT bcs crs scvene cinco' ant bs 1900 (VECO lel MES ES Ree Toso. | Parrett Mack Ja site. ssc0's TOO GADD. cNVLO! NC cass vcs anatase nse» 1870 Wiedins.e MOGs Zita wise asnr <i aiegs 105. Varrett. « WOLESOM sins. canyas siete 1906 Sawyer, Fannie. ............:. 1903 Miesser Bertha ss eciswscinete em 0 BEOUSERCK MATICRE\ oes sceloinieie ai nialn nn Roos | 'Schacter. J. Della. Fo osete crscen 1873 MATA ATING » caries keleenos sles TRS SS COLACI: HA ICE! ia cle ora rields ary oc TOGds SCHICVert ANN Amc. vee a otialss, ccc IQOE Walia Tattle: sesnscs cree eens s TOR POUTICK CATA Mae basin, on cee 1878 Schleyer, Jennie F, .......... TQO4 Mutiay, SLsaurd «ties sore na ore Toor' *Peters* Howard Ru' stinnur. ss. TOO" "Schleyer, "Marya <.c csaecteec sins 1902 Millar= Seymour' worsen becuse 1800" Petty; sPlorence . Visas cose es 19OI Schneider, Annie ........... 1881 Millar, Georgietta F. ......... ToSsSH iT PickelsiClarence, .Geccicniesae es 1889 Schryver, James My .......... 1866 Miller: Jessie 0k wees. ese reas s Pickering, IMatia esses). aes 1861 Schulze, Charles G. ..........1886 MillerveTazzie?. 7) ohare; thie 1868 Pickering, Minnie ..........-. 1884 Schulze, William H. ......... 1861 Maller]! Margaret ncn teosew cans ThO2s a Pierce, y Rate. % spied ste wiassiniate TaOsas SChWALZ MO LIZZIC wrasse Naeis opiates 1885 Millon) Mary") ct cess sue anaes ERG OM MENDED WAUCG ys Dt itn aci sree: TOO GCOtANDOLE EL. cand wes e500 1886 Millse: Harty io cuneerene nena ss DOQT A Selig ro Wer aur: oie ore A a.ain/ere.e' sie os TSE SCONS ie CGitanleS: Uh are.cisiain 4510'0'a 1881 Moore, o Martha ons icisssisiasisisie © 102 Pontius, Gertrude ............ FOO) *Scoyil, Bannie Reo i..ce 0s os vce 1883 Moore, Carrie: onions sachs Tes serontiis. | )Atvisi Dp iatas nis ac'e 2 2 COME e POSIOM ee aeie cis |e minx hein ois 1872

And Representative Citizens 299

Circleville has been extremely .fortunate in securing men for the position of superintendent of the public schools who have been especially adapted to the position. In the 54 years which have elapsed since the organization of the schools, only five men have held the office. This is something unusual and it has done much to promote the efficiency of the school administration.

At the opening of the Union Schools in the tall of 1852, John Lynch, of Ashland, was chosen superintendent. He served for 10 years until 1862, when he resigned and entered the Union Army as captain of Company A, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. On September 22, 1862, Mr. Lynch was promoted to the rank of major, in which position he served to the end of the war. After peace had been declared, he removed to Louisiana where he served as a member of the constitutional convention in the reconstruction of the State and later became a leading member of the State Senate. In 1876 when the Democrats were restored to power, Mr. Lynch removed to California where he resided until his death. A son, John C. Lynch, has attained some prominence in that State, serving as speaker of the House of Representatives in the State Legislature and now holding the position of collector of internal revenue in the San Francisco district.

H. H. Barney, a teacher of wide experience who had been elected school commissioner in 1853 and who was one of the prominent educators of the State, succeeded Mr. Lynch in September, 1862. He held the position until 1869, when he retired from active work and went to Cincinnati to live, remaining there until his death.

In January, 1869, he was succeeded by C. S. Smart, who served until his election to the office of State school commissioner, in 1874. After a term of three years, he retired from school work and went into business in New York. Mr. Smart was a graduate of the Ohio University, at Athens, and before coming to Circleville had been superintendent of the Jackson schools.

On January 1, 1875, Montgomery H. Lewis, who had been the principal of the Central Ohio Normal School at Worthington, Ohio, succeeded C. S. Smart as superintendent of the Circleville schools. Mr. Lewis was a graduate of the Columbus High School and also of the Ohio Weslyan University, at Delaware. After leaving college he became principal of the Zanesville and later of the Sandusky high schools. He was a thorough educator and organizer and did much to increase the efficiency of the local schools. He held the position of superintendent for nearly 25 years, during which time the schools under his efficient management gained a recognized position among the leading schools of the State. His administration was perhaps the most successful in the history of the schools.

After leaving Circleville, Mr. Lewis located in Chicago where he organized the firm of Montgomery H. Lewis & Company, publishers and book-sellers. He now holds the position of manager of the library department of the Educational Publishing Company, of Chicago.

In 1899 C. L. Boyer, the present incumbent, then superintendent of schools at Logan, Ohio, was elected to succeed Mr. Le is as superintendent. Mr. Boyer is a graduate of the Capital University, at Columbus. After leaving college, he took charge of the schools of Lithopolis. In 1893 he was called to Lima where he became professor of mathematics and principal of the normal department. He left this position in 1897 to take charge of the schools of Logan. From there he came to Circleville, where he still rem:.ins.

Parochial Schools

'have been several attempts on the part of Circleville churches to éstablish parochial schools. One of these, the school established by St. Joseph's Catholic Church, has proven highly successful and' is now in active operation. The. other, established by the German Lutheran Church, failed to receive the united support of the congregation and consequently after a brief period it was discontinued.

ized in 1886, during the pastorate of Rev. M. M. Meara. The school and convent building is a brick structure situated on the east end of the church property on Mound street, where the church and parochial residence are also located. The building is two stories in height and contains 12 rooms, four of which are occupied as class rooms for the different grades. The studies for the most part are similar to those taught in the public schools, with the addition of catechism and church history. Stenography is also taught in the upper grades

The scholars are drawn from families of the Catholic faith, of whom there of 160 in the city. During the year just closed there were 149 pupils enrolled. After each pupil has finished the required work, he is entitled to a diploma at the annual commencement held each June. The graduates to date are:

Name Class Name Class Name Class Brown, HE, Co oa. peat ts nutes ISOs... siennry Ona wits nas oe terdars 1905). Moore) df 2D. \..atmttreeape ete 1904 Browne A aey RS oes cae ov avid 18909 Henry, Margaret ©... cee wee 1806... Prentice, AMA, asst <cneetintian 1903 Brown, Iatieee -< castes smpeles's LOOA' gttttt, ELGLCU os ove velit iste: cere erat. 1905 Rodgers, James 0. scasct acteals 1905, Cannon, (Georse Me , oscuciee es TOO0 =. ELGelly. AsOGlal ae s.-crepeceereit T80t - Ryan; (OMG «co: ase easeiaaae 1905 Cannon; iatie Mies sere cn TOG | IARC: ISI) oho aden ¢ taeisicnvs er atereratom 1806 - Ryan: Albert ©. i)... n.a ona 1905 Gallen; Katie! Pi "ary ck ee 1890" Kathe; Raymond . 2.02. \cn5.5 Good! USiiith, "Amita | So cca. om eee eee 1905 Cummins, Helen (Aiea Cae 1904 Karwirt, Mins: tila eee. aor * Smiths "Asttia SE" Lives oe emeleranen 1891 Dodds John i Arron ah ekte THO. RAE WIR RESRED,. 5.0 seue Sone Oe cae 1893 "Santh? 2).47.Dv Looe anaes 1904 Dodd; Kathleen' (x. oitenis-a. ee TOO Weipwine le Jraerd. nic Ria. Seem 1898) Smith,' MaryRy Siti t.5 teak 1902 Drescher, Prancis cine ised sts 1900, McKenzie, Cecilia ....sc0.0.. O05. ' Smith, 'Roset tA \s. dvs ceerenaae 1895 Egan 'Pagnell cane ctacieerralan sede 1899 McKenzie, Hannah ........... i902. Sapp, Howard cia sevideneee 1905, Boley, "Sadie s:a.0- s\cortaneiaht: 1800) MeCleans PAg ia a os eia cere deta 1903), Sapp, Margie. o.dacese.cenien 1905 Greer.) 5). ca1ctereissssais 1805.4 -MecCrady,, Torpel. onic si ertee 1905, ~Vracey,.JRWALB., a <dhte= neem' 1890 Een iv. Ac ils. ppeisetsinetaneretiaraye 1807, Moore, jBesste soa. cctaecviaalemes F005. JUcker ssi ais «acer 1891

The parochial school of the German Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. J. Snider in 1888, two years after the founding of St. Joseph's Parochial School. School was held in an addition consisting of two rooms built on the east side of the church on East Mound street. Attendance was optional. There were two instructors in addition to the minister; who taught several branches. The grades ran as high as the first year High School of the present day. Special emphasis was placed on the _ study of German; the catechism, church history and doctrine. The school was not very successful and from the first there was opposition to the idea of a parochial school. This grew stronger until at length, in 1893, the

The Circleville Business College

Was established in 1895 by Clarence Balthaser, who conducted it until May 4, 1904, when it was' purchased by C. M. Woltz. The attendance during the year aggregates some 40 students and as proof of the college's efficiency, none of these ever find any difficulty in securing positions after graduating. Every facility is offered for obtaining a first-class commercial education. The shorthand department is conducted by Mary E. Griner.