Knox County, Illinois - Chapter 24: Education, 1878

Chapter 24: Education

Though struggling- under the pressure of poverty and privation, the early settlers planted among them the school-house at the earliest practicable period. So important an object as the education of their children they did not defer until they could build more comely and convenient houses. They were for a time content with such as corresponded with their rude dwellings, but soon better buildings and accommodations were provided. As may readily be supposed, the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. Sometimes school was taught in small log houses erected for the purpose. Stoves and such heating apparatus as are now in use were unknown. A mudand-stick chimney in one end of the building, with earthen hearth and fire-place wide and deep enough to take in a four-foot back-log, and smaller wood to match, served for warming purposes in winter and a kind of conservatory in summer. For windows, part of a log was cut out in either side, and may be a few lights of eight-by-ten glass set in, or just as likely as not the aperture would be covered over with greased paper. Writing benches were made of wide planks, or likely puncheons, resting on pins or arms, driven into two-inch auger-holes, bored into the logs beneath the windows. Seats were made out of puncheons, and flooring of the same material. Everything was rude and plain; but many of America's greatest men have gone out from just such school-houses to grapple with the world and make names for themselves, and have come to be an honor to their country. Among these we can name Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, one of the noblest men ever known to the world's history.

But all these things are changed now. We no longer see the log school-house. The last one, we believe, in Knox county was abandoned last year. Their places are filled with handsome frame or brick structures, which, for elegance and beauty of design, rival those of older settled countries; and in place of the "masters," who were "looked up to" as superior beings, and were consulted on all matters of law, physic and religion, there are teachers of liberal culture, intelligent and progressive, many of whom have a broad and comprehensive idea of education, and regard it as something more than teaching merely in order to make a living - more than a knowledge of a great number of facts in the universe of mind and matter. It means culture, the educating, developing and disciplining of all the faculties of the human mind. It is comprehension of the entire being of man; and the school or teacher who takes charge and care of the young should provide the means and methods for carrying forward the process in all departments of their complex natures, physical, mental and spiritual.

In these respects the teachers of Knox county, led by their devoted, progressive and intelligent Superintendent, Miss Mary A. "West, have made remarkable advances during the past few vears. Order, system and progress seem to be her motto, which, together with her zeal in having, fundamentally, practical knowledge disseminated through every school district, and the energy displayed to arouse and create a desire for advanced knowledge, for thorough mind and physical culture and strength in these different departments, eminently fit her for the important position of County Superintendent of Schools. It has been and is the policy of Miss West, since officially empowered, to raise the standard of recpuirements for teachers' certificates. One of the most effective and practical means brought to bear in this direction was the. establishing of "teachers' drills." Annually she has assembled the teachers together, and for a few weeks, with the aid of other able instructors, given a thorough normal drill. Another means adopted by her of aiding teachers in their work, is an ably conducted educational department in the leading county paper. Through this medium she is enabled to encourage and instruct them by giving each week practical suggestions and timely hints, news from their co-laborers, the best selections from educational periodicals, and assurances of fellowship in the work. Besides these features, it contains something for the children. This department of the Republican Register was opened in October, 1875. In addition, there are the "County" and the "Township Institutes," also for the improvement and advancement of the modern teacher. For twenty-four years a "County Teachers' Institute" has been sustained, usually meeting semi-annually; but when, in 1875, the "Township Association" was organized, the Institute met but once a year. Still further to educate the educators, an occasional meeting of the principals of the ten graded schools is held. Another excellent idea for uniformity is annual meetings of the township treasurers, and occasionally meetings of the school directors are held in each township.

To create a greater interest in educational affairs the ever fruitful method of competition was employed. In 1877, at the county fair, a school exhibit was a feature. Here specimens of workmanship of many of the schools were displayed. This plan proved a success, and the County Superintendent, anxious to create and foster every means for the advancement and improvement of the schools, determined to make special provision for an exhibition of school work the present year. Acccordingly a building was constructed on the fair grounds at Knoxville, especially for this department; and here, as proof of her zeal and earnestness in educational matters, as well as the interest manifested by Dr. C. W. Leffingwell, Treasurer of the Institute, we will mention that this expenditure was made by them with the prospects of their treasuries being re-imbursed through the liberality of the people after witnessing the effects of it.

The County School Superintendent has been agitating the adoption of a definite course of study for all county schools. She claims for it the following advantages: It would give greater definiteness to the work of the school-room and uniformity in the work accomplished. It would prevent the one-sided development too often seen. It would prevent much of the injury now suffered by schools from frequent change of teachers. Directors would be able to give more specific directions to teachers, and to judge more accurately as to their efficiency. It is evident that under the present regime there is a great waste of teaching force. A graphic illustration of the present mode of conducting the country schools in this respect is from the pen of Miss Leanna Hague, the efficient teacher of Cherry Grove school. She says:

"What teacher does not have vivid recollections of that awful first day in a strange school, when, after enrolling names and noting studies last pursued, an attempt is made to form classes to suit the assumed needs of the pupils! If no record of classification and progress has been left by your predecessor, if from directors you could obtain no information upon the subject, what wonder you stand bewildered at the ' gumbly ' of studies reported! The name of Benjamin Franklin heads your roll. He confidently produces a Fifth Reader for your inspection, reports himself ready for Long Division, guesses he knows the multiplication table, is ignorant of script, but can print. Arabella went faster than her class in Arithmetic, and last term recited alone; ' didn't like grammar,' so dropped it to take up algebra. Of one thing you may be sure there are candidates for admission to every grade of reader. You make a bold plunge into the sea of difficulties, and assign reading lessons. You find, as the classes come up before you, that the children, shrewdly taking advantageof your ignorance, have classified themselves according to their 'own sweet wills.' You discover that Ben. Franklin, being an enterprising little chap, read his Fourth Reader through at home, during vacation, and now sighs for ' fresh pastures.' Arabella, whose taste for mathematics has been indulged at the expense of her elocution, 'lends to the rhyme of the poet the music ' of a sing-song tone not approved by the best speakers. Maria's old reader was in tatters, and her mother thought it praiseworthy economy to have the new one of a higher grade. John Henry was out of school while his class studied the Second Reader, but to-day he is stumbling over the easiest words in his new Third."

The many colleges of Knox county naturally wield an influence for good in educational fields. Pupils can be carried from the primary through all the various grades and studies until graduation in classical, theological or scientific courses of a high standard in established colleges. While the young men have been amply provided for in educational privileges and will probably soon have another institution, Knox Agricultural School, opened especially for them, the young ladies have received equal or greater attention in this respect. There is perhaps nothing which so clearly demonstrates the progress of society, and the elevated stand of the people of this county, as the great and increasing attention devoted to educating girls. Knox county can boast of schools of this nature inferior to none in this great State. The evils resulting to society in consequence of uneducated women are numerous; and the educators of Knox county seem to be fully awake to these effects, and to the importance of having a highly cultured and moral female community. The}7 realize that to a very great extent the education and proper culture of the coming generations depend upon the character of the woman. It is she who fashions and molds society by giving, as teacher and parent, the first and most lasting impressions. Her influence is everywhere felt and realized. If her character be pure and her mind elevated, such will be the character of the community. Nature has especially constituted women the early guardians and instructresses of children, and clothes her with sympathies suited for this important trust.

The first school held in Knox county was at Cherry Grove, Cedar township, in the early part of the year 1832. This antedates the first school at Henderson one year. It was taught by Robert Bell, who therefore was the first school-master ever to wield the rod in this county. He was a Kentuckian, a thorough teacher, an excellent and much respected citizen. Recently Mr. Bell was heard from by some of his earlier pupils. He was then residing in Red Wing, Minnesota. This first school was attended by 16 scholars, the greater portion of whom were "grown up;" and was a well regulated, orderly school. The usual Friday afternoon exercises in etiquette, after spelling exercises, common to that period, were observed in this school. Of the pupils now known to be living are, J. C. Latimer, of this county; his sister, Mrs. Coy, of Iowa; Mrs. McMillen, eldest daughter of Abraham D. Swartz, Washington Territory; and Mrs. Benjamin Swartz, of Kansas.

Mr. G-. W. Melton tells us that one of the pioneer masters who taught in his neighborhood, made it a rule, in order to insure promptness, to give the last" scholar that arrived in the morning a sound thrashing. To be sure this was a severe treatment, but no doubt prevented an undue amount of tardiness. Various means have been tried to prevent this troublesome feature, many of which have proven beneficial ; but we doubt whether there ever was a rule adopted which proved more effective than the above. There is a noticeable fact in the present system and management of the schools, in regard to punctualit3T of scholars that is highly commendable. Lateness has been reduced almost to its minimum.

In order to enable the reader to note better the contrast between the schools as conducted from a quarter to a half century ago and the present system, we give a few incidents of the earlier schools.

Holiday Treating

A general custom among the early schools was that of "holiday treating;" and the scholars looked forward with great expectation on the near approach of the holidays. In 1835, in one of the schools, the scholars notified their teacher (lady teachers in those days were almost unknown) that he must treat at holiday time. This he strongly refused to do, and the scholars accordingly made out their conditions in writing, that he must treat, or they would stand him on his head in a spring. The scholars, however, were divided, some being on the side of the teacher. One of the oldest pupils, who favored the teacher, was taken by the other side and given a thorough ducking, which readily turned him, too, against the teacher. The teacher, whose turn came next, divining his fate, yielded, and furnished the " stew" for the school. That night the school-house was burned. Who did it was never publicly known.

a Yankee teacher broke up the practice. His name was Starr, and at the time he was teaching in the Westfall school-house, situated near the late William McMurtry's farm, in Henderson township. On the approach of the holidays Mr. Starr was notified by his scholars that he must furnish a bushel of apples as a treat. The rule then was, that if the teacher succeeded in getting to the school-house first in the morning, and held his position until school time, he was acknowledged victor, and excused from treating. If the scholars arrived first, and could keep the teacher out until after school time, they were the victors, and the teacher must either treat or take the penalty. On this occasion the teacher secured the apples, took them to the school - house, and got up into the loft with them before any of the scholars came. As the boys arrived, supposing they were first, they began to talk quite freely and tell what they would do; how they would duck their teacher, etc., freely expressing their dislike for him. One, more courageous than the rest, expressed a decided wish to give him a good thrashing. To all of these remarks and threats Starr listened quietly, and when the hour arrived for "taking up the school" he opened the scuttle, and emptied the contents of his sack down upon the floor. The younger scholars freely helped themselves, while some of the larger and more daring ones, mortified at their defeat, skulked off. We leave the readers to contrast, for themselves, this with the schools of Knox county at the present time.

The Loud School

In the summer of 1833, on section 14, Henderson township, Franklin F. Barber taught the first school in that vicinity, and the second in the county. This was a remarkable school, and for the following interesting facts concerning it we are indebted to T. J. Mansfield and Mrs. G. W. Melton, who, with Mrs. Samuel Melton and Mrs. Ellen Blue, are the only pupils who attended this school that are now living in Knox county.

No regular hours of keeping the school were maintained. The teacher began as soon as the first scholar came. The boys on entering the room took off their hats and "made their manners" to the teacher, which was a bow. The girls made a " courtesy."

On Friday afternoon the exercises were in choosing sides and spelling for an hour or two, and after returning to their seats they would be given lessons in etiquette. The teacher would appoint one to retire with his or her things on, and on returning, another was selected to receive him or her at the door as a stranger, take the hat or bonnet, and wraps off the visitor, lay them away, and conduct around and introduce him or her to each of the other scholars. This was continued until all had acted the same part. On closing the school, which was about sundown, some were appointed to carry around the hats, bonnets, coats and shawls of the others. They then retired, one at a time, " making their manners," as on entering.

This was known as a "loud school," because every one studied his or her lessons aloud, which was often ''confusion worse confounded." Those studying arithmetic,were permitted to go out into the woods, where it was more quiet, when getting their lessons. In those days "speilin', readin', ritin' and 'rithmetick was all the larnin' they wanted their children to have."

This school-house was about 16 by 18 feet, and was built of round logs. The cracks between the logs were chinked and daubed. The old-fashioned fire-place occupied one end of the building, with its chimney made of split sticks laid up in cob-house fashion and daubed with clay. The floor was made of puncheon ; and for seats was selected a bass-wood tree, split and hewed, with hard-wood legs. The writing-desks were prepared in the same way, only a larger tree was selected, and the desks were made against tbe sides of the building. This completed the school furniture.

For the closing exercises of this school, the parents of the children in attendance were invited. The teacher, or " school-master," as he was then called, had arranged for a " stew." Mary Ann -Riley, being the oldest girl, was selected to make it. The afternoon was spent in playing ball and drinking " stew," which was not an uncommon drink in those days. It was made of water, sugar, whisky, allspice and butter, cooked together by bringing it to a boiling heat. Four of the scholars became quite funny. The teacher also became so :'boosy" that he threw a saucer behind the back-log, and it took him until 3 o'clock in the morning to get home. The girls, seeing the evil effects of the " stew," concluded they would make no more. The school, however, was considered a success, and the teacher was employed for another year.

Knox Coeeeoe

It was often said by the pioneers of Illinois that the great prairies would never be cultivated. The early settlers along the edges of the groves, little foresaw that in a few years railroads and cities would be built in the middle of the broadest prairies, and that the whole land would be covered with waving fields of grain. How strange it seemed, when it first became known that more than ten thousand acres of land had been bought in Knox county, and that a colony would soon arrive to occupy the land and found a college out on the wild prairies, and stranger still to those who came from stony old farms carved out of dense forests to delve in the black soil which required only the plow and a year of sun and rains to convert it into a garden !

But apian, the result of long and serious thought, had been matured, and a circular issued setting forth the importance of educating the young. The circular proceeded at some length to advocate manuallabor institutions, and was also in favor of " providing for the thorough education of women." Rev. Geo. W. Gale, the author of the plan, was connected with the first regular effort made in this country to combine manual labor with a liberal course of instruction. His thoughts had turned in this direction as early as 1825. Encouraged by success in the State of New York, he drew up a plan for a large institution in the west. In a " Brief History of Knox College," written by Dr. Gale in 1845, he gave the plan, a synopsis of which may be found in the history of Galesburg, in this book.

Many to whom the plan was shown urged its prosecution, but the location was not easily settled. " Michigan, Northern Indiana and Illinois were successively considered but no place selected, which delayed the enterprise itself, so that at one time the projectors had well nigh or quite relinquished the idea of its prosecution."

However, it was resumed the following year, a subscription was opened, and soon about thirty families embarked in the enterprise, the names of whom and their first labor will be found in the sketch of Galesburg.

Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to make a purchase and appraisal of lands in Illinois or Indiana, for the objects specified in the circular, and that G. W. Gale, H. H. Kellogg and Sylvanus Ferris be that committee; also that Nehemiah "West be a substitute for Mr. Kellogg.

Mr. Thomas Simmons was subsequently added to the committee. About the middle of September, Messrs. Gale, Ferris, West and Simmons left for the western country. Rev. Mr. Gale having been detained by sickness, at Detroit, Mr. Samuel Tompkins was added to the committee. Rev. Jno. Waters also accompanied the committee and assisted in selecting the site. They arrived at Knoxville about the middle of October, and soon had their attention called to a tract of land lying along the south side of Henderson Grove, and in a few days a purchase of 10,747 acres was effected. A meeting of the subscribers was held at Whitesboro, Jan. 7th, 1836, with Rev. Jno. Waters chairman, and N. H. Losey secretary, at which the report of Geo. W. Gale, as agent, was accepted. They then voted to divide the land according to the plan, and to appoint trustees, who should have charge of the property and become incorporated as soon as practicable, by the Legislature of Illinois, under the name "Trustees of Prairie College, Illinois." The Trustees appointed were Rev. Jno. Waters, Sylvanus Ferris, Rev. H. H. Kellogg, Thomas Simmons, John C. Smith, Walter Webb, Rev. Geo. W. Gale, JSTehemiah West, Isaac Mills and Samuel Tompkins. Committees were appointed to provide for building a college edifice. The college was chartered in Feb., 1837, by the name " Knox Manual Labor College." But the manual labor plan was abandoned at an darly day, and in 1857 the name was changed to Knox College.

There were in all thirty-four subscribers to the original circular and plan. Of these, nine came in 1836. Of the remaining subscribers, a part did not purchase, some returned to their lands, and others sold out at an advance; but there was no want of interest in the enterprise. During 1836, about thirty families took up their temporary abode in the southern edge of Henderson Grove, and others came early in 1837. Aug. 9th, 1837, the College Trustees held their first meeting at the house of Matthew Chambers, in Knoxville. There were present, Jno. Waters, Geo. W. Gale, Jno. G. Sanburn, Geo. H. Wright, Parnach Owen, Erastus Swift, Thos. Simmons, Matthew Chambers, Kehemiah West and Nehemiah H. Losey. Peter Butler, of Monmouth, Win. Holyoke and Sylvanus Ferris were added to the Board, and it was " resolved to receive the property of the association of subscribers, and to carry into effect their original purpose in accordance with the charter." An academy building was erected in the fall of 1838, on the northeast corner of Main and Cherry streets, and the school opened early in the winter, with forty students, under the direction of N. H. Losey. In 1838, Rev. H. H. Kellogg was appointed Agent of the college, and entered upon his duties as President in Aug., 1841.

The college was fully organized, and the first Freshman class entered in the fall of 1841, and the first class graduated in 1846. In Nov., 1839, the interest-bearing funds of the college was reported to amount to $29,715.00, after paying all the indebtedness of the Board. In 1843-4, Dr. Gale obtained in the East, 1,600 volumes for the library, and about $2,000 in money, $800 of which was expended for apparatus. In 1S44, President Kellogg, while in England, obtained donations in books and money to the value of nearly $2,000. In 1843, a building which had cost more than $5,000, was burned, without insurance. Soon after, the citizens of Galesburg and vicinity subscribed about $3,500.00 to aid in the erection of college buildings. One building was completed in 1844, and the other a year after, constituting what are known as the east and west buildings.* The following quotation from Dr. Gale's " History," will show the condition of affairs in the year 1845:

" After this outlay of more than $10,000, the productive fund of the institution is more than $20,000. Besides this productive fund, the college has unsold lands, chiefly within the original purchase, valued at $30,000; and unsold lands in other counties worth $7,000 or $8,000 more. There is land and town property reserved for theological instruction, if applied to that use within a given time, valued at $3,000. So that the entire fund for all educational uses, realized from this enterprise, is at present some $70,000. The town of Galesburg now has some 70 dwellings, besides mechanics' shops, stores, mills, Academy and College buildings, accommodating about 800 inhabitants. Profaneness is rarely heard in the streets, and intoxicating drinks have neither foothold nor advocates in the community.

In 1847, the Academy was removed to the northwest corner of the Public Square, into a brick building, which twenty years afterward gave place to the Union Hotel. In 1848, measures were taken to establish a complete course for the education of young women. This course at first occupied three years, but was lengthened to a four years'

*Mr. J. P. Williston, of Northampton, Mass., commenced contributing to the support of the college, in 1844, and did not cease his benefactions till the year 1855, when they amounted to more than $8,000.

course, in 1868. The first class graduated in Jan., 1851. In 1857, thirty thousand dollars were expended in building the Ladies' Seminary, a large five-story edifice, with chapel, recitation rooms, music and painting rooms, and ample accommodations for boarding. During the same year, the main college building was completed, at a cost of over $50,000. It contains a chapel, lecture and recitation rooms, and rooms for cabinets, apparatus and library. In 1860, a three years' scientific course was established, which was changed in 1873 to a four years' course, with the addition of a year to the work of preparation. In 1876, a building, thirty-six by seventy-two feet in dimensions, was erected for a gymnasium, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and the students now avail themselves of the opportunity for gymnastic training.*

Modern Languages

*Tke Western Educational Society bestowed upon the institution nearly $6,000, between the years 1846 and 1855. In 1855, Hon. Chas. Phelps, of Cincinnati, Ohio, gave the college eighteen quarter sections of land, from the sale of which upwards of $25,000 have been added to the funds. In 1875, about $25,000 were subscribed by citizens of Galesburg, for the purpose of increasing the endowment of the college. There still remain unsold, 250 city lots, valued at a hundred dollars each, and 205 acres of land, worth one hundred dollars an acre ; and the college buildings occupy a park of seventeen acres.

Prof. Geo. Churchill has been Principal of the Preparatory Department since 1855, and Mrs. Amelia F. Bangs of the Ladies' Department since 1873.

A few remarks on the foregoing list must suffice. To the usual duties devolving upon the President have been added those of Professor of Mental Science, and in some instances of Moral Science, ^Esthetics, or International Law. Dr. Bateman is Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. After the resignation of Prof. Grant, who served the college with distinguished ability twenty-seven years, the duties of the Professorship were divided, and one of the present needs of the college is the endowment of the Latin Professorship. Prof. Losey had charge of the Mathematics from the very beginning, and received his appointment as Professor upon the organization of college classes in the fall of 1841. He was in advance of his time in methods of teaching; and, notwithstanding his arduous labors as Secretary and Treasurer of the Board and Surveyor of the colony, carried his department to a high point of excellence. The Chemical Department was in charge of Prof. Losey till 1851, when Prof. A. Hurd became lecturer, receiving his appointment as Professor in 1854. This gives a very inadequate view of the four hundred and seventy years of teaching with which the institution has been favored.*

Two hundred and thirty-four have graduated from the college, of whom twenty-eight were from the Scientific course. Sixty of these have become ministers of the gospel, preaching about eight hundred years, in twenty-eight different states and countries. Seven have been foreign missionaries, ministering about forty-five years. About thirty, who have been members of college without graduating, have become ministers. Forty of the graduates have become lawyers, fifteen physicians, and twenty-five teachers. Thirty-three are dead. Two hundred and thirty-eight have graduated from the Ladies' Seminary, of whom five have become foreign missionaries. Twenty-three are dead.

Knox College is a cluster of institutions under one head. The college proper, classical course, is modeled on the plan of the best American colleges. The study of Latin, Greek and mathematics is specially pursued as the best preparation for the learned professions and the practical employments of life. With these, the natural sciences, modern languages, the various studies of philosophy, rhetoric,

*From 1842 to 1878 inclusive, during which period annual catalogues |have been published, the largest attendance during a year was 481, in 1855; the smallest 165, in 1863; the average, 301; number of students for the year ending June 27, 1878, 332.

logic, and general history and literature, are united. The scientific course is substantially the same, with the omission of Greek, and part of the Latin, and the Ladies' Seminary course differs from the scientific mainly in omitting the higher mathematics. Young women are admitted to all these departments, and all the classes are under the supervision of the college faculty.

The academy comprises two departments, English and Classical. The former gives a full course of English studies, and affords special advantages to students who intend to become teachers. The latter is a preparatory department, devoted to the thorough preparation of students for the college and young ladies' seminary. The course of study for students intending to enter the classical course in the college, extends through three years; that for young ladies intending to take the four years' seminary course, extends through one year. More than three-fourths of the graduates from the classical course received their preparation in the academy.

The following quotations, taken from Dr. Bateman's last report to the trustees, will indicate the present condition of the college. After speaking of the entire harmony existing in all departments of the institution, and the signs of prosperity as shown by an increase of numbers, notwithstanding the severe monetary pressure, he says: "The income from all sources for the college fiscal year ending June 1, 1878, was $18,545.81; the expenditures for all purposes during the same year were $18,443.09, leaving a little balance of $102.72 on the credit side of the account. This result has been reached by the closest economy and the most watchful vigilance on the part of those of us who have had the supervision of the financial affairs of the college." ..." The amount of tuition received for the year ending June 1, 1878, was $6,218.30, against $5,683.69 for the previous year, an increase of $529.61." "The total of our permanent interestbearing funds at this time is $110,622.34, against $107,379.16 a year ago. These funds are invested at ten per aent. per annum, and, as we believe, are well secured." After detailing the wants of the institution and proposing plans for increasing the funds, the President says: " I am quite sure that under wise and prudent management there is a grand future for Knox College. All the present elements are auspicious."

Knox College is not denominational, but it is religious and evangelical. The morning worship occupies half an hour each day, and seems to be not a mere perfunctory service. Daily prayer-meetings have long been maintained, and the Society of Religious Inquiry is flourishing. There are many other things worthy of mention which,

Cherky Grove Seminary

Cherry Grove Seminary was opened November 1, 1841, under the charge of Rev. Cyrus Haynes, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. For a period of eight years this school was under his management, and attained a high degree of prosperity, which it maintained in after years, having had during its history some of the best of educators at its head. In the year 1866 there was located at Lincoln, Illinois, a college under the care and patronage of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, inconsequence of which it was thought best to discontinue the seminary. This school was in successful operation for a period of 25 years, and in its early history was the only school of high grade, except Knox College, in this section of the country. Its patronage extended over a considerable part of Illinois, and it often had students from Wisconsin and Iowa.

Lombard University

" Lombard University is the outgrowth of the liberal thought and sentiment of a few noble men and women who were deeply imbued with the Puritan principle, ' freedom to worship God.' By them, ; soul liberty ' was esteemed as the chiefest blessing. Hence they sought to establish an institution of learning where all, under the strictest surveillance of moral discipline, could enjoy the greatest religious freedom and worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience."

At the residence of Amos Pierce, Greenbush, Warren county, the first meeting was held, and initiatory steps were taken towards establishing a denominational high school or academy. Mr. Pierce was chosen chairman of the meeting. It was resolved to invite Rev. C. P. West to put the matter in form and present it to the next meeting of the Spoon River Association. On the 19th of May, 1850, the council of the Spoon River Association convened at Greenbush, and the following preamble and resolutions, introduced by Mr. West, were presented and adopted:

"Whereas, the intellectual and moral improvement of our youth is a subject of vital importance, not only to our denomination but also to the community at large; and whereas, most, if not all, the literary institutions of this State, higher than common schools, established by law, ever have been and still are in the hands and under the control of our religious opponents; and whereas, the sectarian influences of these institutions are detrimental to the cause of free inquiry after religious truth, injurious to the spread of Universalism, and sometimes ruinous to the peace and happiness of the students themselves; therefore,

" Resolved, That the Universalists of this State ought immediately to adopt measures for the establishment of a seminary of learning which shall be free from the above named objections.

Time rolled on, and the little tree then planted grew and nourished. The constant aim of its founders was to establish a thoroughly Christian institution. There were many difficulties to be surmounted. At this time there were only two or three Universalist families in Galesburg; but soon an army of friends, whose faith knew no darkness, proffered their aid, and Lombard University stands to-day a monument to their liberality.

In October, 1850, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the above resolutions, a joint-stock company w'as organized. The shares were twenty-five dollars each. A sufficient amount was raised to erect and furnish a building suitable for school purposes, which was completed in the fall of 1852, and the institution, under the name of " Illinois Liberal Institute," was then opened. A meeting of stockholders was held at Galesburg October 24, and fifteen trustees were elected, together with a Clerk and Treasurer. A President of the Board was also elected, and a Building Committee. Subsequently the Board decided to erect a building of brick, three stories high, sixty feet long by forty feet wide, at an expense of about six thousand dollars.

The act of incorporation was approved February 15, 1851, and the Board of Trustees elected at the October meeting re-organized under it. In 1853 the charter was amended by the addition of a clause giving power to confer degrees for collegiate honors. In 1852 F. Raymond Kendall was elected the first Frincipal of the institution. He entered upon the discharge of his duties in the autumn of that year. The institution began to grow in favor and patronage, and its friends cherished high hopes and great expectations of its ultimate success. The tree was now rooted in prairie soil, and it needed only the fostering care of liberal hearts.

In the year 1854 J. V. JN". Standish became Acting President of the institution, Prof. Kendall, who had been elected to the Presidency after the revision of the charter giving to the " Illinois Liberal Institute " college powers, being the nominal President. Prof. Standish was the Acting President until the fall of 1857. During these years the institution grew into quite large proportions. Its patronage was liberal, more than its friends anticipated. In 1854-5 the number of students was 233; in 1856-7 the number was 245; and it is to be remarked that this prosperity attended the institution under the most adverse circumstances. The " Institute " building was burned in April, 1S55. No suitable place in the city could be procured for school purposes. The institution was left as a stranger in a strange land. There was no place or spot it could call home. Rooms in different parts of the city were procured for recitations, and the school, without a vacation, went on. These rooms were unsuitable for classrooms; but the students and patrons loved the institution, and made sacrifices for it. Those who were connected with the " Illinois Liberal Institute" during these years will not forget the days of hardship and trial.

Early in 1854 a scheme was concocted by Prof. Kendall and others for the purpose of partially endowing the institution. A system of scholarships was devised, by the sale of which a fund of about $60,- 000 was subscribed. The following was the plan adopted: Scholarships were divided into three classes, - $50, $100, $200. The amount paid entitled the buyer to double the amount of tuition at the ': Institute." This fund was secured through the indomitable energy and perseverance of Prof. Kendall, assisted by sucli men as Rev. J. H. Ohapin, Rev. W. S. Ballou, Rev. C. P. West and others. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin were canvassed, and liberal men responded liberally to the needs of the institution. It was at this time that Benjamin Lombard, who then resided at Henry, gave $20,000. In 1855, in honor of him, the name of the institution was changed to " Lombard University." During the year 1856 the present college building was erected, at a cost of $40,000, though not wholly completed until several years afterwards. It was occupied for school purposes for the first time late in the autumn of 1856.

Rev. Otis A. Skinner, D. D., formerly pastor of the Warren Street Church, Boston, was elected to the Presidency of the institution in the fall of 1857.

In 1859 Dr. Skinner was succeeded by the Rev. J. P. Weston, D. D., for many years Principal of the "Westbrook Seminary," Maine. He held the Presidency of the institution for thirteen years, resigning in 1872 to accept the position of Principal of D^an Academy of Massachusetts.

ral Science from late in the fall of 1855 to June, 1872. During this interval there were no marked changes, nothing particularly new inaugurated.

Late in the autumn of 1875 Rev. JSTehemiah White, the present incumbent, succeeded to the Presidency. Formerly he held a professorship in St. Lawrence University, New York, and latterly was professor of ancient languages in Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. President White brings with him large experience as an educator. He is both a good scholar and thorough teacher. Although circumstances have been somewhat adverse since he has been connected with the University, yet it is to be hoped that his administration may be a successful one, and that his arduous labors may secure a rich reward.

From September, 1854, to June, 1878, the number of students connected with the institution was 4,669; and it is safe to say that more than 5,000 students have enjoyed its advantages since its doors were first thrown open to the public in September, 1852. Of this number there have been 148 graduates; the degree of Bachelor of Arts has been conferred on 63; the degree of Bachelor of Science on 48; the degree of Laureate of Arts on 37. Besides these, there have been 31 honorary degrees conferred. The degree of Doctor of Divinity has been conferred upon 11; the degree of Master of Arts upon 19; the degree of Doctor of Philosophy upon 1.

The following constitute the Board of Trustees for 1878: L. C. Conger, John Edwards, Sidney Pulsifer, H. Buck, A. Harrington, Rev. Andrew Pingree, Rev. Sumner Ellis, Hon. T. J. Hale, Hon. A. Knowles, J. S. McConnell, E. H. Conger, A. Webster, D. Sanborn,

B. Lombard, Jr., Rev. John Hughes, J. C. Hunt, B. Lombard, Rev. W. H. Ryder, Mrs. E. G. Hall, Hon. A. M. Brown. The officers of the Board are, Rev. William H. Ryder President, Hon. T. Judson Hale Secretary, David Sanborn Treasurer.

The following at present constitute the Faculty: Rev. Nehemiah White, President and Hall Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy; John V. 1ST. Standish, Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy; Isaac A. Parker, Williamson Professor of Greek Language and Literature, and Teacher of Latin; Miss Mary J. Claycomb. Teacher of French and Assistant Principal of Preparatory Department; Theodore

The college grounds, fourteen acres in extent, are ornamented with trees and shrubs of various kinds. The University building is of brick, three stories high, 80 feet long, 66 feet wide, and has excellent rooms for libraries, apparatus, lectures and recitations. The invested funds of the University, together with other property, amount to about $175,000. The college library contains nearly 5,000 volumes, besides a large number of pamphlets and magazines. The cabinet is large and contains many valuable specimens. The apparatus is sufficiently extensive for class illustration.

The Academic year is divided into three terms, the first beginning usually on the first Monday in September, and continuing sixteen weeks; the second beginning immediately after the holidays, and continuing thirteen weeks; the third beginning one week after the close of the second, and continuing eleven weeks. The annual commencement is on the third Wednesday in June.

It is the purpose of Lombard University to afford to students of either sex equal opportunities for thorough courses of instruction ; and the studies pursued have been arranged, first, to provide a full collegiate course of four years, such as is usually pursued in the best colleges and universities in this country; secondly, to accommodate those to whose circumstances it may be especially adapted, with a scientific course of the same length, and so arranged as to combine with practical knowledge intellectual culture and discipline; thirdly r to provide a literary course of four years for those who do not desire to pursue the regular classical or scientific course; fourthly, to afford a thorough preparation for each of the collegiate courses; fifthly, to meet the wants of those who are unable to pursue one of the regular courses of the institution.

Abingoox College

In 1853 P. H. Murphy opened an academy in a plain wooden building in Abingdon, and conducted it with untiring zeal and marked success until 1855. By this time his extensive canvassing, lecturing and preaching among the people had infused into them much of his own zeal and wishes to such an extent that they were ready to give the academy the rank of a college and erect the necessary building. The decision was made, and a plain three-story brick building was erected, in which the college work was inaugurated in 1855. Mr. Murphy was elected the first President. He was a very amiable and genial companion, and bore himself as one of nature's noblemen. He combined with the highest sense of honor and rectitude great childlike simplicity and tenderness. His remarkable command of language and mellow, musical voice rendered him a very acceptable and popular preacher and lecturer, while his learning, for a young man, was ample to sustain his reputation. Unfortunately for him and for the cause to which he had devoted his life, his enthusiastic, earnest spirit struggled in a frail tenement, and at length consumption began to tear it down. He continued to fill the position of President until April 19, 1860, when on account of failing health he resigned. He died the following August.

The Faculty under President Murphy's, administration was composed, at various times, of the following teachers : P. H. Murphy, President and Professor of Sacred History, Evidences of Christianity and Butler's Analogy; J. C. Reynolds, J. W. Butler, J. P. Roach, A. B, Murphy, Sarah J. Smith, George C. Mendel, Sarah H. Mendel, A. J. Thomson, Win, Griffin, J. B. Sheitlin, Miss E. J. Shryock. On the 28th day of Jan., 1861, J. W. Butler was elected to fill the place vacated by the death of P. H. Murphy. Mr. Butler was comparatively young and inexperienced as a presiding officer; the college was greatly embarrassed by a heavy debt hanging over it, while the whole country was agitated by that terrible excitement that immediately preceded the late civil war. Under these circumstances the Board of Trustees deemed it advisable to secure, if possible, a man of greater age and experience to fill the Presidency of the college. Hence on August 2, 1861, J. W. Butler having resigned, Silas E. Shepherd was elected to fill the place. Mr. Shepherd, on being notified, declined the call. Thereupon J. W. Butler was again elected to fill the Presidency. His term of service expired in June, 1874. During this time a large and commodious addition, or what would be regarded from the stand point of the architect as the main building, was erected. The material is of the most enduring kind and the accommodations are ample for the reception of 500 students. The names of those who were members of the Faculty during his administration were: J. W. Butler' President, Professor of Sacred History and Natural and Physical Science; A. J. Thomson, Wm. Griffin, G. N. Freeman, H. A. Coffeen, J. B. Sheitlin, Frederick Christianer, I. Durham, A. Linn, H. C. Thomson, Annie Whitman, S. P. Lucy, Bettie Davis, Vesper Willis, Miss Mary J. Harris, Miss Maggie Thomson, Mrs. Lizzie Linn, Florence G. Johnson, A. P. Aten, Emma Yeach, Mrs. Louise J. Clark. President Butler's successor was Orval Perkey, elected June 16, 1874. He resigned March 23, 1876. During his administration the following are the names of members of the Faculty : Orval Perkey, President, Professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy and Belles Lettres; A. J. Thomson, D. C. Barber, Marion Ingels, J. Heller, DeWitt S. Harris, Mrs. Libbie F. Ingels, Mrs. Lizzie Linn, Miss Mary Bridgeford. President Perkey was succeeded by Clark Braden, who was elected June 1, 1876. He served for one year, during which time the Faculty consisted of the following persons: Clark Braden, President, Professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy and Lecturer on Evidences of Christianity and Biblical Literature; A. J. Thomson, D. C. Barber, Marion Ingels, DeWitt Harris, Mrs. Libbie F. Ingels, R. L. Davis, Mrs. Lizzie Linn and Miss Anna Burhaus.

President Braden was succeeded by the present incumbent, F. M. Bruner, who was elected July 24, 1877. The present Faculty consists of the following teachers:

F. M. Bruner, President and Professor of Biblical Historv and Exegesis; N. Dunshee, Professor of Mathematics; O. P. Hay, Professor of Natural Sciences; H. L. Bruner, Assistant Teacher of Mathematics; Miss Josie Dunshee, Assistant Teacher of Belles Lettres and Ancient Languages; Miss Emma Dunshee, Assistant Teacher of Ancient and Modern History and Mathematics; Miss Anna Burhaus, Teacher of Instrumental Music.

The President, Mr. Bruner, has enjoyed many rare advantages to fit him for his position. After graduating at one of the best western colleges he spent nearly three years in Germany, France and England, where he studied the languages, ancient and modern, and also pursued special courses in Theology, Philosophy, and the Natural Sciences. He was six years President of Oskaloosa College, and gave that institution a prominence and an organization that attracted to it as large a number of students as similar schools usually receive in the West. He now proposes to do the same thing for Abingdon College. Professor Dunshee is a ripe scholar. For many years he taught in Hiram College, for six years in Oskaloosa College, and is at home in the Mathematics or Classics as well as the modern languages. Professor O. P. Hay is a young man, active and enterprising. Already his descriptions of western plants and some hitherto unknown insects have found their way into the scientific journals. He has had several years' experience in college work and recently spent one year in Yale.

The ladies employed as teachers are graduates from a thorough classical course, having completed the Mathematics and Languages as required in our best colleges, and for two years studied French and German, also for a considerable time Hebrew. Miss Burhaus is an accomplished lady and musician. With such a beginning for a Faculty it would seem almost unreasonable to think of failure. There need be no doubt concerning the thoroughness of the work that these teachers will do.

The period from J tine, 1875, to June, 1877, may be called the dark day in the history of the college. It became involved in a quarrel which had its origin in the church, and these intervening years were spent in what seems to have been a needless struggle for the control of the college. The dawn of hope appeared in a compromise, in which the parties to the troubles agreed to unite in supporting the college. It was upon this compromise that President Brunei' was elected as acceptable to both parties. But the college was b}r this time without students and its funds in a situation to be almost unavailable, and besides, and perhaps worst of all, public confidence had been destroyed and sympathy for the institution turned away. But even now a change is setting in and there is no good reason why the school should not again prosper. It has buildings worth about $45,000, with every facility for a good school.

Third Term

Latin - Cfesar, and Prose Composition. Higher Algebra. Composition and Rhetoric. Greek Introductory, and Prose Composition. Hart's "In the School-Room."

In addition to these daily studies, the students of this department will have the benefit of all the lectures before the school, and will be required to prepare weekly rhetorical exercises. Every morning the Bible will be read, and this will be accompanied with a lecture upon some portion of it.

This department is open to both sexes, and proposes to prepare its students to meet the demands of the age for a bolder defence of the foundations of the Christian religion, and for the satisfaction of demands of the church for a better and purer life.

That coming events often cast their, shadows before is truthfully illustrated in the history of this institution. Many years before any plan was consummated, the idea of a college to be located on its present site originated in the far-seeing and almost prophetic mind of that excellent and much esteemed man, Abraham D. Swartz, who came to the vicinity of Abingdon during the year 1829, and built, a cabin near where the city cemetery now is. His companion being lonely and almost disheartened, he took her out to walk one day, and as they came upon the ground where the building now stands, he asked her to look around; but only a widely extended and rolling prairie could be seen except in the direction of their cabin. He then said to her, " Mother, we will live to see a village here, and where we stand a college will be built." Hedding College at that moment, we suppose, had its inception, although twenty-five years rolled by before plans for its organization were matured.

Rev. Wm. Clark says: " Returning from Quincy, June 26, 1836, I stopped for the night at the house of the proprietor of Abingdon, Mr. Abraham D. Swartz, then living near where is now the city cemetery. On the following morning he wished me to go with him and look at his town site. After traveling for some time we at length arrived on the lovely rise where Hedding now stands. He stopped, took off his hat, and said with emphasis, ' Here is my college site. I do not expect to live to see it, but I have an impression that some day there will be a college built here.' " About the same year language of similar import was used by this far-seeing man to Dennis Clark, County Judge, then a boy plowing corn on or near the present site of- this college. This noble Christian man, who could thus read the wants of the generation yet to be as the county developed, had so impressed his wishes upon the minds of his children that after his death they labored to have his desires carried out. In the division of property the present site of the college fell to his daughter Sarah E. Swartz, who afterwards married Thomas R. Wilson.

They gave the five acres of ground and $500 to carry out the plan of building an institution. Oregon P. and Benjamin C, sons of A. D. Swartz, were also among the most liberal donors.

Hedding Collegiate Seminary was opened by its first Principal 1 Nov. 19, 1855. The first and second years the classes recited in the old M. E. Church, Rev. N". C. Lewis, A. M., Principal, and Elizabeth Patrick, Assistant. School year closed July 3, 1856. The second year, with the same Principal, assisted by Matthew Andrews (now Superintendent of Schools of the city of Galesburg) and Elizabeth Patrick, opened Aug. 25, 1856, and closed July 2, 1857.

The Seminary was erected in 1856 by voluntary subscriptions. In September, 1857, the Peoria Conference held its annual session in its chapel. The institution from its opening has been under the care of the Peoria (now Central Illinois) Conference. Sept. 16, 1857, the school opened in the new building with Rev. N. C. Lewis, A. M., Principal, and Chas. C. Griffith, A. B., and Nancy Simonds as teachers. Mr. Griffith was a good scholar, especially as a linguist, a pleasing man in his appearance, and pious, and much was expected from him; but after teaching about one week he was taken ill, and after two or three weeks' sickness died.

Matthew Andrews, of the Sophomore class at Evanston, taught one term; then Mr. Black, a graduate of Abingdon College, until E. D. Chipman from Philadelphia was secured. Miss Emeline S. Fillmore, a lady of eminent ability, taught the spring term. Whole number of students this year, 183; the previous year, 135.

Feb. 9, 1857, a charter was granted by an act of the Legislature which changed the name from Hedding Collegiate Seminary to Hedding Seminary and Central Illinois Female College. By said act the following were named as the Board of Trustees. There were two classes, each class to be divided into three sections and hold office respectively; one, two, and three years. The local trustees were: Oregon P. Swartz, Wm. Stewart, Richard H. Russell, Philip M.

Hedding College, Abingdon

Oregon P. Swartz was President of the Board, and probably held that office more years than any other man. At the close of the Aca-» demic year of 1857-8 Rev. N". C. Lewis, the first Principal, resigned on account of his health.

In August, 1S58, J. T. Dickinson, A. M., was called from New York to take charge of the institution. He held his position for nine years. During this period there were times when dark clouds, financially speaking, rested over Hedding; but these were all dispersed by the generosity of friends, in the time of Rev. F. M. Chaffee's very efficient agency, and the building was fitted up with many conveniences. This was during the civil war, and Hedding is proud of the record made by those who went forth from her halls to defend the country's flag. There were times when nearly all the male students of suitable age were in the field of strife.

In 1866, which was the Centennial of American Methodism, an effort was made to secure an endowment for the Seminary. About $11,000 was taken, mostly in subscriptions, but a large portion of this, with the consent of the donors, was diverted to a fund for the new building. July 3, 1867, the first class graduated in the regular Seminary course. July, 1S67, Prof. Dickinson retired from the institution, leaving it in a healthful and flourishing condition. In 1867 Prof. M. C. Springer, A. M., who had been Prof, of Ancient Languages for two years, was elected Acting Principal, and in 1868 Principal. Assisted by an able corps of teachers, he remained in charge till June, 1872.

In March, 1869, by a special act of the Legislature, the name was changed to Hedding Seminary and Female College; also the foundation, in part, for a new main building and wing was laid, but it being considered both insecure and too large, building thereon was abandoned, until work on the present new building was begun. In the summer of 1872 Rev. J. G-. Evans, A. M., was elected President, and remained in charge until June, 1878. President Evans, a man of great energy of character, served the institution with untiring devotion and a fair degree of success.

In the summer of 1873 the present main building was commenced. It was sufficiently completed for occupancy in 187i and entirely finished in the winter of 1876-7. Cost of buildings and grounds, some

$45,000. Much credit is due Philip M. Shoop as general superintendent of construction. When he consented to leave his business in charge of others and take the general oversight of the work, it seemed to give new life to the project and bring to its aid substantial friends. Daniel D. Shoop and Abner Vichey, as builders, are deserving special praise. The first building, erected in 1856, was a brick structure 70 by 40 and two stories high. The lower story had a north and south entrance, with a commodious hall, on each side of which were three reci. tation rooms. The upper story contained the chapel. Over the northern portion of the building is the belfry. This, with the addition of some ten feet constitutes the wing of the present college building. The upper story of this wing is now the college chapel. The lower story is now devoted to a reading and library room, janitor room, suite of rooms for the President and a ladies' reception room.

The main building was commenced in 1873. It is a substantial brick structure, 71 by 70 feet and- three stories above the basement. Main entrances on the east and south. Basement contains three rooms. There is a main hall on the first floor, the south entrance of main building connecting directly with hall of wing. On the east side of this hall are the President's office, Treasurer's office, hall to east entrance, reception room and music room. On the west side are three recitation rooms and stairway leading to second floor and the chapel. Second floor, east of the hall are the recitation room of the Prof, of Natural Science, laboratory and museum, also a small music room ; west of hall, three recitation rooms. The institution has a small supply of apparatus and quite a good cabinet. The third floor has four rooms on the west side, both of which were tastefully finished and elegantly furnished by the members of the societies. These societies admit both sexes, and are in a very flourishing condition.

The Oliniana was first organized in May, 1856. It bore at first the name Adelphi, which was soon changed to the one it now has in honor of the lamented Dr. Olin. The Lincolnian was formed during Lincoln's administration and named in honor of him. In the early history of the institution the ladies had two organizations of their own, the Sigourneian, in honor of Mrs. Sigourney, and the Zetalethean. As early as March, 1863, we find a joint exhibition given by these societies. The programme is an interesting one. These prospered in their time, but were afterward merged into the present societies. Each of these societies has a respectable library.

June 22, 1875, the Board of Trustees decided to organize under the general law of the State. In August a charter was granted and the institution changed to Hedding College. The college is under the control of a Board of Regency or Trustees, composed of twelve ministers and twelve laymen. It is divided into three classes, each class to retire in succession, holding office for three years. The following persons were elected the first Board under the present charter: Ministers - W. H. Hunter, C. C. Knowlton, C. Springer, H. Ritchie, B. E. Kaufman, G. M. Irwin, W. C. Knapp, M. C. Bowlin, A. K. Tullis, A. R. Morgan, II. C. King, P. A. Cool; laymen - J. W. Spencer, Newton Barr, Peter Godfrey, Joseph Amey, W. F. Archer, P. M. Shoop, J. L. Knowlton, G. ~W. Brown, C. W. Moore, Harry Weaver, W. J. McCutchen, J. W. Fate. H. Ritchie was President and G. M. Irwin was Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

In July, 1878, Rev. George W. Peck, Ph. B., a graduate of Syracuse University, New York, was called to the Presidency of Hedding College. Under the new administration the college is rapidly advancing in grade and usefulness, b^v elevating the standard of mental and moral culture. President Peck is a man of fine education, sound judgment and great energy, and is universally successful with students and people. The members of the Faculty are:

Rev. George W. Peck, Ph. B., President, Professor of Mental and Moral Science; J. T. Dickinson, A. M., Yice President, Professor of Mathematics; Rev. W. C. Knapp, A. M., Professor of Natural Science; Rev. George W. Waughop, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages; Miss Katie B. Ross, B. S., Professor of English Literature and Instructor in Elocution; Miss Loriette Duffield, A. B., Professor of Modern Languages; Miss Leonora Burr, L. A., Professor of Yocal and Instrumental Music; R. T. Neill, M. Acc'ts, Professor in Commercial Department; R. A. Brown, Teacher of Yocal Music.

The college building as it now stands furnishes ample room for 500 students. There are three courses of study - the Scientific, of four years ; the Latin Classical, of five; and the Classical, of six. The expense of either course, including tuition and incidentals, is only thirty-six dollars per annum.

St. Mary'S School

An historical sketch of St. Mary's School would be imperfect without an account of another institution of learning which previously occupied the same ground as does St. Mary's School at present.

in the_ in teres ts'of education under the name of Ewing Female University. Mistress Dyer and Miss Antoinette Proseus were Principals of the schools during these years. The following was the Faculty for 1865: Miss Antoinette Proseus, Principal; Miss M. Hester. Miss Gabriella Taylor, Miss S. M. Gray, and Miss S. A. Hill, teachers. Trustees at^the same time: Cephas Arms, President; Henry Arms, Mr. Bliss, Z. Beatty, John W. Cams, Z. Cooley, A. M. Craig, John Eads, G. M. Ewing, C. Holland, J. Knox, H. M. Keightley, A. Lightner/A. W. Martin, E. Marsh, Thomas Muir, W. Y. Miller, C. Runkle, M. Smith, P. H. Sanford, S. G. Simpson, T. S. Vaill, W. H

St. Mary'S College

Ewing University failed to meet with the success that an institution of its pronounced intention deserved, and accordingly in 1869 it was closed and has never re-opened. The stockholders, realizing the importance of having a school where their daughters and other young ladies of the West might receive all the advantages afforded by the best of schools, tendered the institution to the Protestant Episcopal Church ot Illinois. The proffered building was accepted, and immediately preparations were made for opening the school under a new and different management. Dr. C. W. Leffmgwell was called to the Rectorship of the new institution, which was christened " St. Mary's School." After making some needed changes and improvements in the building, St. Mary's School was opened April 12, 1868.

Beginning with but three boarding pupils and a few day scholars, without prestige or influence, and without attractive buildings and needful appliances, the school has won its way to the confidence of a large circle of patrons and friends, and to a high standing among the educational institutions of the West. The number of pupils had so increased that the present year they numbered 99, only 24 of whom resided in Knoxville; and instead of a corps of four teachers, there are now employed 12, including the officers. The school prospered so well that within four years it outgrew its accommodations, and received from the Hon. James Knox a gift of $11,000, for enlargement of the building. Accordingly, in 1872 an addition was erected doubling the capacity of the room. In addition to this, $25,000 has been expended in the improvement of the property. The building and outfit are now valued at $75,000. Another extension is required to complete the architectural plan and to provide for the increase of pupils. For this purpose Mr. Knox has bequeathed $10,000 on the condition that an equal sum be raised by the friends of the school. It is expected that this will be done, andjthat the building will soon be completed The school building is situated on a beautiful fouracre lot, on the corner of Douglas and Market streets, Knoxville. The grounds are richly set with^nowers, shrubbery, fruit and shade trees. The size of the building is 110 feet front and the greatest depth is 75 feet. It is of a modern style of architecture, light, showy, convenient, and is four stories and basement in height, including the story in the Mansard, roof. Over the main entrance is a belfry, surmounted by a cross which is 100 feet from the ground.

The accompanying engraving is a fine representation of the exterior of the structure. The house is divided into 50 rooms, all of which are large, well ventilated, amply lighted and finely furnished. On the first floor they are frescoed, and finished in ash and walnut. They are warmed by hot-air furnaces and steam radiators. All conveniences for school and family are under one roof. The private rooms are so arranged that each girl may have a sleeping apartment to herself. Each group of three or four alcoves has a private parlor adjoining. The annual cost of running the school is $20,000, and as there is no endowment fund, that amount is raised from scholarships, etc.

Many of the rooms are elaborately furnished. Among those more particularly noticeable are the Rector's studio (which alone cost $1,200 to fit up), the reception parlor, the art studio, library and study hall. These are adorned with many rare works of art, among the principal of which are, a copy of Murillo's Madonna and child, from the Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy (this copy is the size of the original, and is encased in a richly carved Florentine frame); a copy of Correggio's Betrothal of St. Catherine, from Naples; a portrait of Honorable James Knox, copied from Healy; copies of Fra Angelico on gold; pen drawing of Washington by Dr. Leffingwell, and a copy of Raphael's St. Cecilia, now on the way from Bologna, Italy. Other rare works of art also grace the walls, - almost all of which were procured by Dr. Leffingwell while in Europe.

In statuary are also some works of interest. Among them are original statues in Carrara marble, by Larkin G. Mead, Florence* Italy; and numerous statuettes in alabaster and lava, copies from old masters.

There is a library of 1,500 volumes, of which many are the finest and costliest works. Among them is a complete set of Audubon's " Birds and Quadrupeds of America." These were presented by Hon. James Knox, and some elegint volumes of photographs of European scenes collected by the Rector.

There are also in the building, cabinets of geological specimens and fine collections of stuffed birds, etc. Among the relics is the working model from which the first river gun-boats of the world were constructed. This relic of Americtn enterprise was presented by Captain James Laning, who assisted in the construction of the fleet, and commanded one of the ships on the Mississippi river. The school is well furnished with musical instruments, of the best make. There is a pipe organ, costing $1,000, and 7 pianos, costing in the aggregate

During the past ten years it has received the commendation of bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church, and the approval of patrons in various parts of the country. The location of the school is all that could be desired; for while it is removed from the excitement and interruptions of large cities, it is at the same time very accessible, being near the convergence of several great lines of travel. The aim of the school is to provide for girls of the West the best advantages

Studio, St. Mary'S School

The course of instruction is comprised in seven departments, requiring four years for its completion, after the preparatory studies are finished. They are Historv, Literature, Language, Mathematics, Science, Sacred Studies, Music and the Arts of Design. These branches are taught by an able faculty, composed of the following, including officers: Rev. C. W. Leffingwell, D. D., Rector; Rev. E. H. Rudd, A. M., B. D., Chaplain; Nancy Meneely Hitchcock. Vice Principal; Anna Francis, Organist; Carl Laux, Professor of Music; Mary H. McCracken, Lucia W. Moore, Mary E. Weaver, Sarah Baker, Teachers; M. A. McClelland, M. D., Visiting Physician. Officers of the House-

The following are the names of the twenty-six graduates who have received the Cross of Honor and the Graduates' Diploma: Jennie E. Hunter, Ada A. Kunkel, Clara J". Wilson, Mary H. McCracken, Mary E. Winter, Theresa D. Woodruff. Alice Winter, Ida M. Burrows, Marion E. Grover, Edith J. Mosier, Mary E. Weaver, Helen Johns, Alice Overton, Anna Sanford, Emma Taggart, Cora I. Whitaker, Marion Winter, Frances Woodmansee, Florence Dukes, Ida Keightley, Lydia Mary Laning, Ethel R. Martin, Jennie Woolworth, Maude I. Burrows, Mary C. May, Helen M. Williamson.

To Rev. J. S. Chamberlain is due the inception of the plan of founding a Church school in Knoxville, he having made the first negotiation for the school property in behalf of the Diocese.

The following are the names of the gentlemen composing the Board of Trustees: Bishop McLaren, Rev. Dr. Harris, Rev. Dr. Locker Rev. Dr. Leffingwell, Rector, I. P. Koons, Th. Gilbert, Miles Smith, R. L. Hannaman, Cephas Arms, P. H. Sanford, S. H. Tompkins, J. C. Cover, Henry Arms, Z. Cooley, P. D. Rogers, G. W. Ewing, G. G Weeks, C. E. Chandler, Dr. McClelland, J. H. Lewis, J. W. Carnes,. C. Runkle, G. W. Heagy, John Eads.

Western Business College

The Western Business College is the junior member of the trio of colleges in the city of Galesburg. It was founded in the year 1860, by Prof. Hayes, and is consequently in its eighteenth year. This, like all enterprises which spring from the brain and hands of man, and only grow into proportions to benefit and bless society, had its germinal period and its season of infantile growth. But its roots were planted in the needs of the business world, and its practical value was soon demonstrated and appreciated. Prof. Hayes conducted the school until 1865, when Prof. J. B. Harsh, since a member of the firm of Harsh, Perrin & Co., bankers, Creston, Iowa, became the sole proprietor. During the year 1867, Prof. W. B. Richards was engaged to superintend the writing department; and being, perhaps, the finest penman and the best teacher in the West, placed the institution among the first of its kind in the country, and it numbered its students by hundreds. In 1869, Mr. Richards resigned his position. Prof. Poole became the sole proprietor in 1870, and conducted the college until 1871, when it was transferred to Mr. J. H. Snelling. He, after a brief and successful period, was obliged to suspend the school in February, 1873. The college halls now became vacant for the first time in eleven years, till July, when Prof. John M. Martin & Brother, former proprietors of Union Business College of Monmouth, became the proprietors. They re-opened it under rather unpropitious circumstances; but they were young men, possessed of both energy and experience, and by careful attention to all the interests of the college and inaugurating a thorough and practical course of instruction, the school rapidly gained the prestige and prosperity of its palmy days, and may now be classed as one of the first business colleges of the land. The course of study embraces the science of accounts, penmanship, business and general correspondence, telegraphy, arithmetic, orthography and English language lessons. The college rooms and appointments are ample and well arranged. The Western Business College included among its students of 1877, representatives from six different States. Under the judicious management of the Martin Brothers, this school bids fair to continue in the future, as it has been in the past, an institution of which Knox county may well Be proud.

In Knox county the Swedish nationality is largely represented. Indeed the natives of that northern country and their posterity form an important element of the life, energy and enterprise of this county. Yery early in the settlement of the county a few Swedes located here, and so favorable was their fortune and their freedom from all personal restraints so far as consistent with the rights of others, that through their influence many of their relatives and friends were attracted hither, until at present they are numbered by thousands. A large per cent, of the Swedish population, especially those who have adopted the manners and customs of the American people, are greatly infatuated with this country, and as adopted sons and daughters claim to be Americans in the broadest and fullest sense. As a class they are a religious, peaceable and generous people, possessing a vast deal of energy, with a rare degree of physical and mental ability. They have the tendency to elevate the moral tone of society rather than lower it, and to contribute vastly to the enterprise displayed in business circles, and to the improvement and cultivation of the soil.

Aside from Ansgari College, they have a number of church edifices, all of which reflect honor upon them as a people and their religious organizations, as well as credit to the county.

Ansgari College is the out-growth of a school known as "The Mission Institute " of Keokuk, Iowa. In the year of 1873 that school was first opened in a chapel on the corner of 14th and Morgan streets in that city, removing from there to the comer of 7th and High streets. In 1875 Prof. Charles Anderson, the Principal of the Keokuk school, and since then President of Ansgari College, made a tour through various localities in search of a location for a college. In May of that year he accidently met with the Hon. James Knox in the bank at Knoxville. Mr. Knox had long desired to found an institution of learning in Knoxville. The location and surroundings being favorable to Prof. Anderson, the two gentlemen readily co-operated in the work of building a college, Mr. Knox donating $10,000 immediately. The amount of his subscriptions was subsequently increased by $2,950. Some $10,000 more was added by other subscriptions, D. M. Eikn, J. H. Lewis and Prof. Anderson being instrumental in securing this amount.

July 3, 1875, two months from the time Mr. Knox and Prof. Anderson first met, ground was broken for the construction of the college building, and August 1, 1876, the edifice was completed. The alacrity with which all the business affairs, as well as the mechanical labor, was carried on, has scarcely a parallel, especially when we consider it an institution founded by subscription. The cost of building and furniture has been over $22,000. The building is a four-story brick structure on a cut limestone basement, and with French roof. It is 74 feet long by 44 wide, and contains 39 rooms. In the basement story is a spacious dining-room, a kitchen, pantry, cellar, laundry and other rooms. The first story is devoted to school purposes. The rooms above are occupied by students. The architectural design of the building is modern, well proportioned, and presents a neat and pleasing appearance. The accompanying engraving is a good representation of the exterior. It is situated on a plat of 4 acres of ground on East Main street, Knoxville.

The college is conducted in the interests of the Evangelical Lutheran church. It is both secular and religious in its courses of instruction. Connected with it is an academic department, having a two years' course. The collegiate course of instruction occupies four years and the theological course two years. The instruction in the latter department is conducted in the Swedish language. The number of students has varied from 40 to 60. The expense of the students is very reasonable, being for board, furnished room and tuition about $110 for the entire year.

school was opened in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, October 1, 1875. The Faculty was: Prof. C. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Rev. J. A. Lowe and Miss S. Larkee. The Faculty remained the same during 1876, and at the close of this year it consisted of Rev. Charles Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Oscar M. Esterday and L. P. Cravens. The college library, which was furnished by the ladies of Knoxville, was opened August 1, 1877. It contains 1,000 volumes. Connected with the college are two literary societies, " The Phrenokosmian" and "Societas Demosthenis." The former is an English, and the latter a Swedish society.

One noticeable feature is that during the existence of the institution at Knoxville there has not been a single case of sickness among the students.

The original Trustees were Hon. S. H. Tompkins, Knoxville, President of the Board; Rev. Charles Anderson, Knoxville, Secretary; D. JVI. Eikn, Treasurer; P. H. Sanford, J. H. Lewis, 0. A. Lindstrom, J. S. Holmes, A. Nelson, A. N. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Lewis Palmquist, S. Peterson, George Larkee, J. P. Lawson, P. Mattson.

Knox Agricultural School

In educational interests Knox county ranks among the leading counties in the Northwest, and she is destined to have another institution of learning added to her half-dozen prosperous colleges. The liberality of the Hon. James Knox, of Knoxville, was often manifested during his active business life, and his generosity was almost boundless. He gave freely to all proper charities ; but the most munificent gifts were devoted to educational enterprises. He gave liberally to St. Mary's School, to Ansgari College, and to other institutions. The largest gift, however, was the bequest he made for founding " Knox Agricultural School." He had long considered the feasibility of building such an institution during life^ but over-burdening business cares prevented him from putting into execution his long-cherished plans. Death came, relieving him of the cares of life and robbing the county of a beloved benefactor. Previous to this, however, he made the necessary arrangements for the execution of the plans entertained in life. For this purpose he bequeathed a magnificent sum, the residue of his large estate after liberally providing for his relatives. The gift, which amounts from $90,000 to $100,000, was conditional. Desiring to have the county pecuniarily interested in the enterprise, and to have a larger endowment, he made the gift as the will reads, "on condition that citizens of Knoxville and Knox county should, within six months after death, pledge and subscribe at least $40,000 for like purpose." In case the amount was not pledged within the stated time, $40,000 fell to Yale College, Connecticut, and $40,000 to Hamilton College, New Fork, and the remainder to St. Mary's School, Knoxville.

Two months passed after his demise without an effort to raise the required amount. But four months remained, and the hardships of winter naturally prevented many contributions; but with a stronger determination, and the possibility of losing almost the entire amount, greater efforts were made, and before the expiration of the six months $43,061 was subscribed. This subscription was presented to the executors of the will and the bequest claimed. Immediately, however, Yale and Hamilton Colleges commenced suit to prevent the gift being used for an agricultural school and to obtain it for themselves, claiming that the will was not complied with fully. The case is now pending in the United States Court. The Trustees, however, entertain no doubt but that a decision will be rendered in their favor.

After the necessary amount had been contributed the institution was organized and chartered by the State June 5, 1877, with the following Trustees: A. M. Craig, A. C. Clay, J. H. Lewis, William Swigart, William P. Parker, R. W. Miles, Frank Wilson, Samuel McFarland, George A. Charles. The officers are: A. M. Craig, President of the Board of Trustees; R. W. Miles, Yice President; J. H. Lewis, Secretary; George A. Charles, Treasurer. There were thirty-six incorporators, who reside in all parts of the county.

The amount raised in the county was contributed from each township. The city of Knoxville and Knox township led the van in point of liberality, giving nearly $20,000, and many of the citizens of that city deserve much credit for the interest manifested toward securing the school, which, according to the will, is to be located at or near that city, and the subscriptions were made with the understanding that it would be within a radius of one mile and a half of the city.

It is understood to have been the wish of Mr. Knox to found a practical training school, and not an expensive college; but a school where young men under good influences, and withdrawn from the temptations of the city, might be prepared for an active and useful life. Especial attention would be given to agriculture, and to the sciences and mechanical arts related to it. However, all branches of literature and science would be taught. The young men would be instructed in all departments of farm work, composition of soils and fertilizers, drainage, road and bridge-making, stock-raising, plain and ornamental gardening, fruit culture, etc. Under such a course of training;, combined with a moderate amount of actual work, there would be no danger of turning out mere " theoretical book farmers,''1 or young men broken down by dissipation and spoiled for work by the false views of life so often imbibed in youth. This school will not, to a great extent, compete with the existing colleges of the county, for its students for the most part are those who without such aid as will be afforded at this school would secure but a limited education.

It is calculated, if possible, to furnish tuition and room rent free to all students from Knox county. Under the management of the efficient Board of Trustees it is expected that at the earliest possible time the wishes and plans of Mr. Knox will be transformed into a veritable institution that will alike confer honor upon them, and the county, and perpetuate the memory of its generous benefactor.

Galesburg Public Schools

In the year 1861 the public schools of the city of Galesburg were organized according to the graded system, which has since proven so highly beneficial both in economizing the labors of the teachers and in the progress of the pupils.

Rufus B. Guild was the first Superintendent of the city schools. He continued in office but a short time, and was succeeded by Junius B. Roberts, under whose efficient supervision, extending through many years, the schools took rank among the best in the State. After twelve years of service Mr. Roberts resigned, at the close of the school year, in June, 1875. He was followed by Matthew Andrews, the present Superintendent. These schools employ thirty-four teachers, all ladies. The High School building, siluated on the corner of Broad and Simmons streets, was erected in 1866, at a cost of $60,000, and is the oldest permanent school structure in the city, and one of the best school-houses in the State. It has ten school rooms, besides a chapel, office, recitation and museum rooms.

There was a time within the memory of those now living when one little wooden building furnished ample accommodations for schooling the youth of Galesburg, and when the only school tax was a cord of wood to supply the school-house fire.

The thirty-four teachers engaged in these schools have been employed various periods of time, as follows: One for 15 years, 1 for 11 years, 1 for 10 years, 2 for 8 years, 1 for 7 years, 3 for 6 years, 3 for 5 years, 2 for 4 years, 4 for 3 years, 3 for 2 years, and 13 for 1 year.

number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 85; girls, 104; making a total of 189. The average daily attendance was 171.

The Third-Ward School is situated on the corner of Cherry and Selden streets. The building is a substantial brick structure of modern style, containing four school rooms, two on the first and two on the second floor, with fine broad halls from front to rear, and double doors at each end. It was erected in 1875 ; is two stories and basement in height; has a seating capacity sufficient to accommodate 432 pupils, and is one of the neatest, best arranged school-houses in the county. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 114; girls, 103; total enrolled 217; average daily attendance, 195.

The Fourth-Ward School is located on the corner of Mulberry and Day streets. The building, which is two stories, wilh basement, was erected in 1869. It is constructed of brick with stone foundation, and contains four school rooms, two on each floor, with halls and stair-ways well suited to the convenience of its occupants. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 127; girls, 146; total enrolled, 273 ; average daily attendance, 241.

The Fifth-Ward School is a two-story brick building with stone basement; is located on the corner of Academy and Second streets; contains two school rooms on each floor. Its internal arrangement is convenient, and its external appearance creditable. The enrollment of pupils for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 90; girls, 115; total enrollment, 205; average daily attendance, 184.

The Sixth-Ward School is located on the corner of Clark and Losey streets. The building is neatly and substantially constructed of brick, with stone basement, and was erected in 1877. It is two-stories high, with two school rooms on each floor, and is heated by steam. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 80; girls, 63; total enrolled, 143; average daily attendance, 127,

The Seventh-Ward School is situated on the corner of Seminary and Third streets. The building is a two-story brick, with stone basement; is neat and substantial in construction, and contains two school rooms on each floor. It was erected in 1876. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 124; girls, 127 ; total enrolled, 251 ; average daily attendance, 216.