Mercer County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Education, 1914 (part 2 of 2)

In 1913 there were in the Aledo high schools 136 pupils, and in all the schools, 460. This was the first time that domestic science and manual training came before the schools to be taught. The subject had been considered for several years, but the school authorities had not decided definitely until this year. The apparatus was not ready in September, but as soon as it arrived instruction in these important departments was commenced. Prof. H. K. Whittier had charge of the instruction in manual training and Miss Mabel Stone that in domestic science. At that time, as never before, there was demand from every center of population in the county for experienced teachers and for better work in the schoolroom than ever before. Wages had gone up and now ranged from sixty to ninety dollars per month in the leading country districts, and to from sixtyfive to seventv-five dollars in others. As a whole the schools of the county in 1914 were up to the standard of the best in the state.

On March 13, 1897, William Drury died at his home, Verdurette, in this county, aged nearly eighty-eight years. He had come to the county first in 1833, but had returned to Indiana and the following year came back and took up a claim and settled down near the Bluff. In 1840 he returned to Indiana, married Vashti Lewis, daughter of Caleb and Polly (Willits) Lewis, and brought her to their house in this county. In 1835 he was elected county recorder, to which the duties of county clerk were added in 1836. In that year he formed the partnership of Drury & Willits at New Boston, which packed the first pork for shipment in this county. In 1871 he helped to organize the Farmers National Bank at Keithsburg. He occupied many responsible positions with credit and was a member of the Universalist Church which flourished for manv years at the

Bluff. He was also a member of the Society of Independent Thinkers which in early times distinguished the settlements in the western part of the county. During his lifetime he amassed a large property, which was disposed of in his will. In that instrument he made the following statement:

"I have long contemplated founding an Educational Institution in Mercer County, Illinois, which might prove of benefit to the youth of the coming generations and it has been my thought and desire that such a school might be conducted along polytechnic lines where the education would be practical and of a mechanical and industrial character as well as scientific and classical, and free from denominational and sectarian bias or influence."

This statement reflects the views which he entertained in his lifetime. He wanted the "Educational Institution" thus established to be "free from denominational and sectarian bias or influence, " but did not prohibit religious services where denominational or sectarian bias or influence was excluded. The will was filed of record March 25, 1897, and the necessary legal proceedings were instituted by the trustee to free the property for the uses specified by the testator. A careful estimate of all the property left to the college showed its value to be $169,269.31. The will provided that all of his property should be held during the lifetime of his wife for her benefit, she to have the income thereof until her death, and thereupon the property should all be converted into money for the establishment of an institution of learning which was to be named William and Vashti College, to be established in the town of Mercer County which would subscribe the largest amount for its location and support. The will provided that the fund should be divided into 100 parts and nine parts were given to certain of his nieces and nephews and the balance of the fund was left for the benefit of the college. He provided also that the chairman of the board of supervisors and the county officers should be the trustees of the college. Mr. Drury did not have any children and his wife was dissatisfied and renounced the will. She and Tames H. Connell were the executors and in the meantime Mr. Drury had bought a large amount of western land in the sub-arid regions of Colorado, Nebraska and Texas and had undertaken an irrigation project in which he invested a large amount of money, and which was absolutely lost.

On July 25, 1906, James H. Connell, trustee, reported the estate closed up so that steps to establish the school could be taken. The sum thus to be used was found to be $1 1 2,397.98. The will provided for a college building and accordingly Judge Connell called for bids for its construction. Aledo made a cash bid or bonus of $6,210 and the William E. Marsh collection of geological and paleantological specimens. At once a building to cost about forty thousand dollars was planned and a site for the institution was sought. The Hammond block was finally decided on, the price being $5,000. Four acres adjoining were purchased of Horace Bigelow for $1,200. A brick residence standing on the property was remodeled and made suitable for a residence for the school officials. In March, 1907, the contract for the college building was let to Harney Brothers, at $39,525, the structure to be 65 by 107 feet and to be built of brick and stone. The cost of the finished building alone was about forty-five thousand dollars.

On September 16, 1908, the institution was duly opened with an enrollment of sixty students and with the following faculty: President, T. J. Davis; professor of mathematics, W. R. Woodmansee ; professor of Latin and Greek, L. B. Mitchell; professor of German and French, Eric Greenfield; instructor in music, Josephine E. Moore. The institution was named "William and Vashti," which were the given names of Mr. Drury, the donor, and his wife. In 1909 Drury Academy was established as a preparatory school for the students who designed to enter the college. The enrollment of the college has been as follows: 1908-9, 98; 1909-10, 141; 1910- 1 1, 285 ; 1911-12, 301 ; 19 1 2- 1 3, 272.

Judge Connell died before his task as trustee was completed, whereupon a board of trustees was appointed to finish the work, as follows: H. E. Burgess, W. T. Church, Fred Hendrickson, John W. Dilley and E. L. Wickett, of Keithsburg. When the work was completed the following permanent board was appointed as provided in Mr. Drury's will: H. E. Burgess, Fred Hendrickson, John W. Dilley, C. A. Clark and W. T. Church.

Soon it was seen that the endowment was not sufficient for the needs, expansion and success of the college. In January, 191 1, and later, meetings were held to devise ways and means of increasing the permanent endowment and hence the annual income. It was decided to try to raise $200,000 for this purpose and at once earnest and persistent efforts were made toward this end by organized bodies of both men and women. The Woman's College Federation organized and commenced active work. So effective was the work that by November, 191 1, Mercer Township's donation to this endowment fund amounted alone to a little over one hundred thousand dollars. About twenty thousand dollars was obtained from other sources. The money began to come in and Robert L. Watson was appointed treasurer to care for it.

The Marsh collection of specimens was turned over to the college by the Cblumbian Club in April, 191 2. In March of the year before Dr. Frank E. English was elected president of the college. Since the start other buildings have been erected and other necessary expenses incurred until the endowment of $200,000 is urgently required. The following table shows the cost of the entire institution: