Mercer County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Education, 1914 (part 1 of 2)

Facts concerning the early schools of Mercer County are almost wholly lacking, owing to the fact that the records were either not kept or were lost. It thus happens that recollection alone of the earlv settlers has to be depended upon for the few scraps of history of early teachers and early schoolhouses and the early methods of instruction. It is generally agreed that Abraham Miller, Jr., taught the first school near New Boston in the summer of 1833. He taught in a small log cabin that stood on the claim of Erastus Denison. It is remembered that he had about twelve scholars enrolled with an average attendance of nine or ten. The second school in the neighborhood, which to this day has been called the Bluff, was taught three miles east of New Boston by Joshua Willits. Both Miller and Willits taught several terms, and for that period were good teachers. Other early teachers in New Boston Township were George W. Julian, who afterwards became prominent as a member of Congress from Indiana. He taught one or more terms on the Willits farm. In the '40s New Boston Township was laid out first into three districts and finally eight and by 1850 there were at least eight schools in the township.

The first schools taught in Keithsburg Township are not now remembered. One was taught by Mrs. William Sheriff in her residence a short distance northeast of Upper Keithsburg. Another early school was taught by John McH. Wilson, and another by Miss Lucy Wilson and by others. Mr. Wilson taught in a cabinet shop in the Village of Keithsburg. In those days one school term a year was all that was taught. The parents considered themselves lucky if they could place their children in school for three months of each year. All were subscription schools and the wages paid were very low, probably not more than fifteen dollars or twenty dollars a month, or even less. An early school in Keithsburg was taught by Thomas Libby and another by Isaac Bliss. The latter taught in a cabin which stood in Robert Keith's dooryard. John Heaton taught in 1847 in a frame house that was fitted up for the purpose. He continued to teach for several terms. Mrs. Lucretia Freeman taught in the

McManus brick building. The first regular schoolhouse built in Keithsburg was put up in 1849. This was erected by private subscription. From this time forward the Keithsburg schools were unsurpassed bv any in the county, but they were almost wholly select schools. Some of them were really excellent for that day.

In 1855 a female seminary was organized at Keithsburg. William Gayle was president and Isaac N. Bassett, secretary, and there was a very competent teacher, Miss Mulkev, who was employed and taught for one year. Miss Mulkey was an able teacher and had a fair attendance of girls and young women. The Misses Todd succeeded her and held forth in the Methodist Church. Other teachers were employed, but in a short time the school was suspended.

In 1863 Rev. C. M. Wright founded the Mercer College in the Orth House and later occupied the Masonic Building. He was assisted by Mary W. Evans and Emily J. Whitlock. J. S. McMillan 'kept a select school in Keithsburg at the close of the Civil war. W. P. Allen gave instruction in a business course in Keithsburg in the early '70s, occupying Apollo Hall. Rezin W. Kile was a teacher at this time. John C. Pepper taught several terms about 1849 and 1850, at Keithsburg; so did Isaac N. Smith, who was assisted by Mrs. Freeman. From 1851 to 1855 Harvey S. Senter taught several terms in this township. So did N. P. Brown. The second school building at Keithsburg was built in i8t;6 and was occupied first by Warren Shedd and later bv T. C. Swafford, Isaac McManus, William A. Wray, John P. Chowning, C. W. Searles, W. H. Farris, E. H. Jamison, William A. Griffin and others. The first big brick schoolhouse in Keithsburg was finished in 1882 and was at that time the best school building in the county. It was fitted with up-to-date and excellent apparatus, the seats and desks being patented. The building was two stories and furnished four rooms when necessary. In the '60s and 70s the Keithsburg District had serious trouble over the question of bonding the district for school purposes. The matter was taken into the courts and required many years before a final and satisfactory settlement was accomplished.

The Mercer Female College and Branch Normal School was opened at Keithsburg on April 4, 1864, with Rev. C. M. Wright, A. M., as principal. It had been projected the previous year, but the school was not actually commenced until the spring of 1864. T. B. Cabeen was president of the institution and William Gayle, secretary. The tuition per quarter was as follows: Primary department, $3 ; preparatory, $4; collegiate, $5 ; normal, $5 ; music, German,

A school was first established in Millersburg in 1838, taught by Mr. Lane. In 1839 Lane was also the teacher, assisted by Mrs. Elizabeth F. Thornton, wife of H. \Y. Thornton. A complete list of the teachers is not obtainable, but in 1846 school was taught by Hiram Felton, father of Herschel Felton, now a resident of Millersburg. The building in which Mr. Felton taught was owned by him and stood on the prairie south of the present residence of Mrs. Ellen Boyd. From 1847 to 1849 Harvey Senter, afterward circuit clerk of Mercer County, taught. He first taught in the old courthouse and afterward in the new schoolhouse, which was erected on the southwest corner of the present school grounds and which was moved across the street when no longer used for school purposes and is nowoccupied by John C. Summers and family as a dwelling.

In 18^6, what is now known as the Old Brick Building, was erected. It stood until 1893, when it was torn down and replaced by the present modern brick structure. William McK. Young and Mrs. A. M. Young, of Aledo, and Judge William H. Gest, of Rock Island, were teachers in the school at an early day. This school was never made a graded school and consequently has no regular graduates or alumni. For this reason it has long been the wish that among the pupils of a school having such an early origin and historical setting there should be some sort of an organization that might take the place of an alumni of the graded school and the college. This wish has been realized, to which credit should be given to a few ladies who were formerlv pupils of the school. At their request a number of the former pupils met and plans were discussed and adopted bv which a permanent organization was effected. Under its constitution any pupil who has attended the school at any time up to and including the spring of 1881 is eligible to membership in the association. All teachers employed during the same period are likewise eligible to membership. Under the organization as originallyeffected, Rev. N. W. Thornton was made president; Mrs. Emma Mardock, secretary, and Mrs. Minnie Hollenback, corresponding secretary.

In 1839 the Millersburg Seminary of Learning was incorporated by the Legislature. This institution would no doubt have continued and become permanent and useful had it not been for the fact that the county seat was soon removed to Keithsburg. This led to the abandonment of the school.

In Eliza Township the first schoolhouse was a log structure on top of the bluffs near the Noble farm. Miss Mary A. Delaber was teacher. Another early teacher was Miss Emily Cawkins. The exact date when these schools were taught is not known, but was probably all in the decade of the '30s. I. N. Bassett taught one term in this schoolhouse in 1853, and his son, Victor H. Bassett, taught several terms about 1890. Bessie Bassett, his daughter, about the same time, taught one term at the schoolhouse near Petersville.

One of the first schools in Perryton Township was taught by Miss Farwell in a small house on section 26. It was erected by Jackson Woods for other purposes. The first regular school was a log building which had been occupied by J. Jingles, which was moved to section 28 and fitted for school purposes. Abraham Miller is said to have been one of the first teachers in this township. He also taught one of the first schools at Sugar Grove in Mercer Township.

An early school in Ohio Grove Township was taught in 1839 by Miss Ruth Conner in a new barn erected by Capt. Richard Rice. One of the first regular schoolhouses was erected on section 4 and another on section 7. By 1843 the township had six or seven schools in successful operation. The names of the teachers are not remembered.

One of the early schools in Duncan Township was taught by Buford Duncan in the settlement which was named for him. The second was taught in the Pomeroy District. In 1839 a schoolhouse was fitted up in Abington Township near the residence of W. T. Jackson. Miss Harriet Wilson was the first teacher in this building. It was a round log structure, covered with clapboards and had a puncheon floor. Warren Shedd was one of the early teachers in this township. John Nevius and Miss Lucy Wilson were others. By 1850 the township had from six to eight schools.

The first schoolhouse in Suez Township was erected in 1837, though terms may have been taught a little earlier in other buildings. Robert A. Pollock, James A. Stewart and Samuel Shaw erected this building. It stood on section 21, was built of logs, had a clapboard roof and a puncheon floor. R. Caldwell was the first teacher in this building. By 1843 the township had four or five schools.

The first school taught in Greene Township was in the John Collins1 residence and was taught by his daughter, Elizabeth, in 1840. In 1842 the first public school building was erected on the hill in the east part of the present Village of Viola. This building was used until 1856, when a two-story brick structure was erected forty rods to the southwest and occupied until 1871. On that date a much larger and better one was erected on two blocks, which were purchased in Viola at a cost of $500. Miss Sarah Hayes was the first preceptor in this building. The building and grounds, with their equipment, cost a total of $7,000, and reflected great credit upon the little village that day. It was two stories high, contained four rooms and was in charge of S. M. Wiley, of Aledo, in 1872.

The first schoolhouse, so far as now recollected in Preemption Township, stood at Farlow's Grove, and the first term therein was taught by Miss Boose. The second was taught at Preemption Corners on section 11, in the Brewster House. The exact date when these sessions were held is not known but it was some time in the '40s. By 1848 Preemption had at least five schools in session.

The first school in Richland Grove Township was taught by Chauncey Stanard during the winter of 1837-8 in a log house, 12 by 14 feet, which stood on the farm of Peter Metzler on section 14. This was the only schoolhouse in the township until 1840 and by 1843 there were four. The names of the other early teachers are not remembered.

Rivoli Township was slow with its early schools. When the first was taught is not known. By 1848 there were several in session in the township. The first regular schoolhouse perhaps was built in 1848 on James Durston's farm and was a frame structure. Among the early teachers in this township were E. H. McConoughty, L. Chidester, H. Brown, Sarah C. Westfall, L. Cawkins, John Libby, A. M. McChesney, Mathew Cole, Catherine B. Harvey, J. S. Mahan, Harmon Brown, Melissa Welliver, Nathan T. Smith, Mary Underwood, Lydia A. Wilber and others.

Among the first schools in North Henderson Township was one taught by John Wilshire in the house owned by William McGreenwood. Robert Shaw taught in a small cabin owned by Young C. Mann, about 1838. By 1843 tne township had four or five schools.

When Judge Thompson and Levi Willits laid out the town plat of Aledo, they offered $10,000 to a religious denomination that would establish a college in that village, and in the fall of 1856 Levi Willits made a contract with the Methodist Episcopal Church at their general conference to accept the donation and take charge of the direction and operation of the college. Willits agreed, in addition, that hewould loan $10,000 to the college for a term of years. Lewis W. Thompson and others gave the college forty acres, the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 18. Hector J. Humphrey was appointed by the Methodist conference agent of the college and soon located in Aledo. Trustees were elected and the organization was completed and subscriptions of a few thousand dollars were made by individuals, and the work of erecting the college was commenced. The corporate name was Mercer County College. The site for the building was where Archie Bridgford's residence is now located. During 1857 and early in 1858 the basement of the building was completed and brick were manufactured and placed on the ground for the erection of a three-story structure. A very good commodious building was planned. The lumber was procured and the windows and door frames were all made ready to place in the building. Levi Willits1 wife was a Methodist and Judge Thompson's wife was a Presbyterian, and when Willits had made the contract with the Methodist conference, Thompson was very much dissatisfied, and they then made an agreement to give to the Presbyterian assembly $10,000 for the erection of a college in Aledo, which offer was also accepted, and the organization was perfected in 1857, and a small frame building was erected which was used for a preparatory school, commencing in 1857 and continuing for about two years. The Presbyterian college was incorporated and organized as the Mercer Collegiate Institute, and is hereafter narrated in detail as the Mercer Collegiate Institute. Levi Willits died in February, 1858, without having paid over to the trustees of the Methodist college the loan of $10,000, and the financial crisis coming on that year, the college was without funds, Judge Thompson not being able to pay the balance of the $10,000 that the firm had agreed to donate. The trustees of the Methodist college then delivered to the trustees of the Presbyterian college, all of their material and gave up any further attempt to finish the college building.

There was then an attempt to establish an academy and a twostory brick building was erected on part of the block where the courthouse now stands in Aledo, and the school was continued for about four years, when the building was sold to pay the indebtedness that had accrued on account of the erection of the same. Shortly after that time the Wylie brothers erected a two-story frame building in the southeast part of Aledo, just east of the residence of Levi Lewis, now occupied by Mrs. Morrow, and J. M. Wylie conducted a private school or academy for some three or four years, after which it was suspended.

There was also a private school for young ladies or girls established about 1870 or 1 87 1. A Miss Housekeeper, who was a very competent teacher, was- employed. This school continued for two or three years with a very good attendance of young ladies, when that was also suspended.

In February, 1855, the common school law of the state was passed by the Legislature. It provided for a state superintendent of public instruction, a county school commissioner, who had general supervision of the schools of each county, three township school trustees and school directors for each local district. All teachers were to be examined by the county commissioner in orthography, reading in English, penmanship, arithmetic, grammar, modern geography and history of the United States. Provision was made for the payment of teachers, but the amounts were left wholly to the directors of each district. This all made a complete revolution in methods of teaching. Under the new law, houses were to be built by the districts and were to be kept in order and teachers were to be paid so much per month for their services.

Immediately a new order of educational affairs was instituted in this county. The Teachers' Association was organized September 5, 1855, and among the first members were D. Willits, Tyler Mc- Whorter, John Ramsey, Warren Shedd, N. P. Brown and a few others. By February, 1858, the membership of the association had increased to over one hundred and twenty-five. At this date Aledo did not have a hall large enough to hold all who wished to take part in the proceedings. In 1856, the Schuyler Presbytery located their Mercer Collegiate Institute at Aledo and appointed Rev. William Townley as first principal.

Pursuant to call, a limited number of teachers assembled at Aledo, on December 23, 1856, for the purpose of holding an institute and putting the school machinery of the county in operation. It was stormv weather and but few ladies were present. The male sex were represented by T. McWhorter, N. P. Brown, J. E. Harroun, S. B. Atwater, James H. Reed, F. W. Livingston, Doctor Ashbaugh and a few others. The first day was consumed in getting in working order. In the afternoon of the second day exercises in reading and grammar were conducted, with J. E. Harroun and S. B. Atwater as leaders. In the afternoon arithmetic, orthography and miscellaneous discussion engaged the attention of the teachers. In the afternoon James H. Reed lectured on the subject "The Relations and Responsibilities of the Teacher." Other subjects discussed were School Government, Corporal Punishment, Physiology, Order Studies in Schools, Physical Education, Composition, Uniformity of Text Books, etc. A resolution favoring the abolition of corporal punishment was lost by a small majority. Resolutions favoring the better organization of the teachers of the county were adopted. Gen-

In July, 1857, the Mercer Collegiate Institute duly went into operation under Rev. William Townley. He was an experienced instructor, had taught elsewhere for many years and was thoroughly competent to establish the institute in excellent working condition. This he did in a short time. John H. Nevius was president of the Collegiate Institute Board. The course of instruction was divided into several departments. The primary branches cost $3 per quarter ; common school branches, $5 per quarter; if algebra, bookkeeping, surveying, philosophy, astronomy and the languages were required, a charge of $7 was made. A temporary structure was used in which to hold the institute, and in this building the various church organizations held their first services. The old school Presbyterians, the Associate Reformed Lutherans and the Free Presbyterians used it when not occupied by the school or each other. At the same time Rev. M. Bigger, another old and experienced teacher, taught a term on the second floor of his dwelling in Aledo.

Under the act of February 16, 1857, to establish and maintain a system of free schools throughout the state, a new impulse was given to the free or common school movement. This law was further amended in important particulars in 1 858-9 and as the years passed other improvements were added until the county has its present splendid school system. The reform movement took possession of the whole county in 1857. Teachers became enthusiastic in support of the new movement. Parents were pleased with the change, but taxpayers were fearful lest their taxes would be so increased as to make the system burdensome. At the institute of February, 1858, thirty-two teachers took part in the work of the session. This number did not include all the teachers in the county and at once those present demanded that all should be required to attend in order to secure a uniformity in methods. It was argued that if teachers desired better wages and better houses in which to teach, they should improve their methods by attendance at the institute and by courses of study and reading. There was great enthusiasm and good feeling generally at the session in 1858. Previous to this time very little had been done to improve methods of instruction. In 1858 the teachers themselves demanded more rigid examinations and higher requirements as part of their duties. It was at this time that the teachers asked that the certificates should be graded first, second and third, but it required several years before their wants in this regard were carried into effect. The county school commissioner had a difficult task before him. It was no easy matter to overturn the prejudices and customs of all former years and establish an entirely new system that would give satisfaction to teachers and parents. Perhaps if all the teachers had not assisted him it would have taken a good many years longer to have secured satisfactory results. But the institute and the enthusiasm of the teachers themselves were sufficient to support and sustain the school commissioner, N. P. Brown. Their objects were stated at the institute. One of the chief results sought was self culture, or the elevation of the profession of teaching and the improvement of instruction tactics.

The new sclioolhouse in Aledo was completed in October, 1857, and immediately occupied. So great was the demand for school facilities that pupils were admitted from numerous outside districts, coming often from three to five miles and paying tuition. This gave Mr. Bigger a larger number of pupils than he could properlv instruct and F. H. Herdman was employed as his assistant. During the winter of 1857-8 lectures on school subjects were frequently delivered by Mr. Bigger and others in the schoolhouse and were attended by the citizens generally. About one hundred and twentvfive pupils attended the session of 1857-8. In the fall of 1857 the new schoolhouse in Keithsburg was finished. It was two stories high and contained four large rooms and cost $4,500. Warren Shedd was the principal and the attendance was about one hundred and thirty.

The schools of the country districts were slower to take advantage of the new and improved methods. Often the teachers were uneducated and had the crudest notion of the methods of instruction. Particularly a knowledge of grammar was almost generally lacking among the country teachers. The times were hard, money was scarce, parents were poor and almost any person who desired, whether he was competent or not, could secure a school and become a teacher. The teacher offered his services at extremely low rates. Manyschools were taught for $10 or $15 a month. Such teachers, usually having nothing else to do, could pass the winter and maintain themselves and thus cared for little else. The parents were satisfied if he produced a certificate from the school commissioner and the latter would grant the certificate to the person recommended by the parents. The first instructors thus were not really teachers but were simply keepers of schools. Thev were not even instructors. The school commissioner was indulgent because good teachers were extremely scarce and the districts were compelled to employ the best they could secure. Often the certificates were renewed or transcribed from vear to vear, even though the teacher did not attend

The real difficulty at that time was the poverty generally of the whole country. The directors wanted cheap teachers and they voiced the sentiments of the school patrons. The school superintendent was satisfied if the parents were. Thus the supply met the demand. Why should teachers educate when it was not necessary in order to secure schools? it was asked. Thus in all the districts there was a general movement to save money even at the sacrifice of the children's education. Schoolkeepers instead of schoolteachers were wanted. Good professional teachers would demand three, four and five times as much as was paid to the usual country teacher. This meant heavier taxation and as the farmers generally had about all thev could do to pay their taxes, low as they were, they objected to any change that would add an additional burden to their payrolls. The wages paid were $15 to £20 in summer and from $20 to 530 in winter. Thus persons throughout the county opposed any change, and there were many who called the common school systems new tangled notions and ridiculed any changes in the old, and to them satisfactory, system. This being the condition throughout the county, the teachers who desired improvement had an up-hill task before them. It was now necessary to educate the people generally to the new condition of affairs before any important and permanent improvement could be made. However, when once put in operation the new methods proved so satisfactory that enlightened public sentiment supported the movement and favored the continuance of teachers' institutes and the system of school improvement inaugurated. But it required many years before all poor teachers were wholly eradicated from the educational system of the county. It was said by one of the teachers that "the idea is generally adopted that any man with education and shrewdness enough to obtain a certificate will do well enough for a teacher provided he will teach low. Hence our schools are supplied with a set of trilling drones who have not energy enough to make a living at work."

From the institute of February, i8t;8, may be properly dated the revolution in school methods in this county. The association elected the following officers on that date: Ralph Grow, president; M. Bigger, vice president; Tyler McWhorter, treasurer; J. E. Harroun, secretary. Prof. S. Wright was present and assisted in the proceedings. During the session three lectures were delivered as follows: Moral Courage in Scholar and Teacher,, by Rev. J. S. Poage; Graded Schools, by Prof. S. Wright, of Lee County; Mutual Relations of Patrons, Teachers and Pupils, by J. K. Herbert; Objects of Education, by Rev. William Townley; Sundry Educational Topics, by Prof. S. Wright; Light, by J. H. Reed. These exercises, though new, were interesting and instructive in the extreme to all the teachers present and made a profound impression. Teachers were present from all parts of the county. At the close of the session there were adopted strong resolutions favoring uniformity of text books; requesting a greater attendance and better school apparatus; asking all teachers to attend the meeting of the association; favoring wages in proportion to the labors and qualifications of teachers without regard to sex; approving assistance to the proposed normal university; and recommending the organization of graded schools in the townships as feeders for high schools and colleges. This session was succeeded by branch organizations of teachers throughout the entire county under the leadership of J. E. Harroun, the new school commissioner. Among the branches organized were those at the following schoolhouses : Bates, Pryne, New Boston, Willits' Brickyard and the Bluff Church. Holbrook's school apparatus was recommended.

In January, 1858, the examination of the students of the Mercer Collegiate Institute embraced the following branches : Reading, arithmetic, algebra, geometrv, trigonometry, surveying, Latin and a few other branches. Rev. Wm. Townley was yet principal of the institute. In July, 1858, Rev. James R. Brown, a professor in Monmouth College, was elected professor of ancient languages in the institute. In the spring of 1858 Miss S. J. Woods taught a select school near Braucht's Hotel in Aledo. She charged $2.50 per quarter, in advance. At this time the educational movement throughout the county was so great that public school libraries were considered and in every instance started in the different townships. So great was the demand throughout the state for such means of instruction that publishers or school authorities prepared such special libraries and sold them for very low rates in various counties. A. O. Moore, of New York, was one of the publishers to prepare such specific libraries. J. K. Herbert and J. A. Forsythe introduced Mr. Moore's library in this county. They visited the various districts and explained the usefulness of the collections of books.

The advancement in education in 1857-8 had never been paralleled up to that date. Revolution in methods was complete. In Aledo, Millersburg, New Boston, Keithsburg and elsewhere new and better schoolhouses were immediately erected and many others were built in the country districts throughout the county. Particularly were all the facilities improved, such as text-books, reference books, blackboards, globes, libraries, etc. Within a few years scarcely a schoolhouse in the county could be found without fairly good equipment, but it must be admitted that when this wave of reform or improvement had subsided there was a tendency in many districts to return to former negligence and inefficiency.

In 1858 the Millersburg school district was one of the most important in the county. W. L. Green was instructor and was paid $35 a month for his services. That year he taught in an old building not much better than a barn, but the reform compelled the directors to erect a new building, which was occupied first in the fall of 1858. At once eighty children were enrolled in the village, with an average attendance of nearly fifty. The building was brick, two stories high, contained three rooms and at this time the entire school was graded in part. The Aledo Public School in 1858 contained four rooms, was two stories high, 32 by 50 feet, and the teachers were Rev. M. Bigger and F. H. Herdman. There was one room below and three above.

In the summer of 1858 the schools of New Boston were revolutionized. Sixty varnished desks were secured and a similar number of two-braced chairs. In addition there were two desks for the teachers, a clock, an orrery, a tellurian, Pelton's hemisphere, a set of

Mitchell's maps, a five-inch terrestrial globe, Page's normal chart, geometrical solids, cube root blocks, two numeral frames, a magnet, a prism, etymological chart, a universal school register, two unabridged Webster's dictionaries, a set of Webb's normal charts and a set of McGuffy's charts, all costing about six hundred dollars. The schoolhouse was new, of brick, heated and lighted in modern style. It was a good building and a school in which the inhabitants from the start took the greatest pride. J. K. Herbert was the principal in 1858-9, and his assistant was Miss Maria Harroun. There were enrolled about one hundred and twenty scholars with an average attendance of about ninety. For many years previous to this date Simeon P. Smith had taught in New Boston Village and Township. He was well known and was one of the best instructors in the county. He took part in the early common school reform movement.

So great was the educational advanced movement in New Boston that in August a special educational convention was held in that village, on which occasion delegates were present from all portions of the county. Prof. J. F. Eberhart, an experienced instructor from Chicago, was present and delivered several interesting and instructive addresses. The occasion was made even more memorable by the presence of the Keithsburg Brass Band, which furnished music. Rev. J. S. Poage delivered an interesting address on True Life, or Living and Existing. He dwelt upon the fact that it required moral courage to acquire and apply knowledge. Dudley Willits addressed the convention on the subject of the Present Occasion. Professor Eberhart delivered a second address on the subject of Free Schools. Rev. Mr. Hawks lectured before the convention on the subject The Schoolhouse and Printing Press. L. W. Myers spoke on Mercer County Schools. E. Stafford read an important paper on Free Books for Free Schools. Dr. Libby responded to the toast, The Ladies. The Keithsburg Band was called upon and replied with a musical production. One of the founders of the Mercer County Teachers' Association was Tyler McWhorter. He took as much interest in the school advancement as any person in the county, except perhaps J. E. Harroun. J. E. Griffin spoke on the subject Devotees of Education. Rev. J. S. Poage's second address was on the subject of Female Teachers. R. C. Hardin spoke on Public Schools. J. E. Harroun delivered one of the most interesting addresses of the convention on the subject of Mercer County Teachers. A volunteer toast on the subject of Youthful Minds was responded to by Tyler McWhorter. The convention was held at a period when the Atlantic telegraph had just been recently completed by Cyrus W. Field.

When this subject was referred to in the convention it elicited three rousing cheers for "Cyrus W. Field, the national school boy." Dr. Libby again addressed the convention on the subject of Our Worthy Marshal, a Modern Job. On this occasion the movement for the establishment of high schools at all the large centers throughout the county was projected. All the principal villages or cities had already taken preliminary steps, but the enthusiasm created by this convention gave additional momentum to the high-school movement. Several speakers advocated the construction of a high school at public expense near the center of every township and in every considerable village. Others declared that such a result could not be accomplished.

In September, 1858, the Teachers' Association held another session, there being present nearly forty teachers. There were present from abroad Professor Standish, of Lombard University, and Professor Hamill, of Monmouth College. At this session the gymnastic drill by Doctor Myers was an important feature and was loudly applauded and greatly admired by the teachers. The following program was carried out in full at this session : Orthography, Ralph Grow leader; Elocution, J. S. Poage leader; Mental Arithmetic, F. H. Herdman leader; Algebra, J. R. Whitman leader; Written Arithmetic, J. K. Herbert leader; Geography, A. M. Dickey leader; Grammar, J. E. Harroun leader; Physiology, J. H. Reed leader; Physiology, M. Bigger leader; Theory and Practice, principal leaders. Essays: Uniformity of Text Books, W. W. Biggart; Thoroughness and Accuracy, A. M. Dickey; Reading as an Accomplishment, F. W. Livingston; Composition in School, Miss M. Harroun; History of Improvement in Text Books, F. H. Herdman; School Government, William Townley; Physical Geography, Tyler Mc- Whorter; Poem, J. H. Reed. Addresses by J. S. Poage, J. E. Harroun, J. W. Lane, J. K. Herbert, principal, E. P. Wood, M. D.

The school collections of the county for the fiscal year 1858-9 were $6,964.48; expenditures the same; interest received $64; loan, $10; on hand, $54.

The Teachers' Institute of 1859 was one of the best ever held in the county thus far. There were present nearly fiftv members. The new officers elected were: Warren Shedd, president; S. B. Atwater, vice president; Alexander Lamb, treasurer; F. W. Livingston, secretary. J. S. Poage, A. Lamb, W. W. Biggart and J. E. Harroun served as a committee on program. Among those present were: S. Hart, G. T. Baird, C. S. Richey, M. C. Clark, E. Forsyth, J. E. Griffin, A. J. Reid, J. A. McKee, J. R. Miller, W. H. McKinney,

Samuel Chaney, W. H. Voris, H. G. DePuy, lames C. Pursee, Walter Pepper, W. H. McCoy, L. W. Myers, T. C. Swaftord. J. R. Herbert, R. W. Rile, J. M. Hunter, R. M. Dihel, Charles Eaton, C. T. Chase, James McConnell, William Miller, Miss M. E* Morgan, Miss Jennie McMillan, Miss L. P. Worden, Miss Sarah Henderson, Miss Lizzie M. Voris, Miss Sarah Holmes, Miss Rate Miles, Miss Emily Allen, Miss Emma Hubbel, Miss Adaline Wolff, Miss Jennie Robb, Miss Mary Robb, Miss E. J. Graham. Exercises in all the leading branches taught in the common schools were given. Nearly all educational topics were discussed while the session lasted. Many lectures or interesting papers were presented to the institute. The resolutions adopted recommended uniformity in textbooks, favored the introduction of vocal music in the schools, disapproved of indiscriminate corporal punishment and urged the importance of better schoolhouses and equipment. This session was held in the old courthouse in Reithsburg.

The Eliza Township Teachers' Institute was organized in 1858 and held its first important session in the Boruff schoolhouse on October 15, 1859. Miles Shires was chosen president and Thomas J. Swisher, secretary. There were present in addition to those two, A. F. Waterman, A. B. Swisher and five or six others. At the next session in the Glancey schoolhouse there were present all of the above and in addition C. M. Clark and S. M. Dickey.

In February, i860, the Teachers1 County Institute was held at Millersburg. S. W. Atwater presided in the absence of Warren Shedd, president. There were present about twenty-five teachers, who adopted a program of lectures, speeches, discussions and essays, all of which was carried into effect. In February, i860, the Associated Teachers1 Institute met at New Boston. This association embraced several of the western townships of the county. They met at Pyrne schoolhouse and carried out the usual program. W. Pryne was chairman of this session, and P. Griffith, secretary. Among those present were J. E. Huston, T. C. Swaftord, C. M. Clark, J. M. Hunter and R. W. Rile. The exercises were almost wholly in the common branches. In February, i860, the school directors of Aledo purchased a full set of Holbrook's apparatus, consisting principally of a ten-inch globe, a five-inch hemisphere globe, tellurian, orrery, geometrical solids, a numeral frame, magnet, etc. At this time the Aledo schoolhouse and apparatus throughout were greatly improved. The seats were patents and the heating and lighting were up to the standard of that date.

April, 1 86 1, when he resigned with the intention of going to Missouri, but the commencement of the war prevented this course, whereupon he was continued during the summer. He announced that the children of accepted volunteers would not be charged tuition. In September, i860, the teachers of Aledo were J. L. Pinkerton, principal; Miss Morgan, first assistant; Miss Harris, second assistant. Mr. Baker was still in charge of the Mercer Collegiate Institute. At the fall session, i860, of the Teachers' Association, Warren Shedd, Joseph E. Harroun and John Ramsey were appointed a committee to ask the county board to help bear the expenses of the next annual meeting of the association and also for a remuneration to the school commissioner for services as such. The county board laid the whole subject on the table.

In the fall of 186 1 all attempts of the teachers to hold institutes failed, owing to the war excitement. In October, Rev. W. W. Williams was placed at the head of the Mercer Collegiate Institute. He was the pastor of the Old School Presbyterian Church at Aledo. In July, 1861, a new public schoolhouse for Aledo was proposed and soon afterwards work on the building was commenced. In November, 1 86 1, Joseph McCoy and Miss Madden were connected with the public schools of Aledo. At the same time M. V. B. Shattuck was principal of the New Boston schools.

In January, 1862, the teachers who took part in the New Boston Teachers' Institute were C. M. Waterman, M. V. B. Shattuck, J. McManus, Miss S. B. Huntington, Miss Hamby, C. W. Searls, Miss E. Dodge and others. Rev. J. Scott delivered a lecture on Practical Education, and Mr. Waterman showed the proficiency of his methods of teaching geography by singing or chanting. Several very instructive essays were read.

In January, 1862, Amos F. Waterman, school commissioner announced that at the November session of the Teachers' Institute a prize consisting of Webster's Unabridged dictionary (pictorial edition) would be awarded for the best essay on the subject Duties and Requisite Qualifications of the School Teacher. The second prize was to be Page's Theory and Practice of Teaching. Each teacher who wished to compete was required to forward to the school commissioner at Aledo his or her name and address, accompanied by twenty-five cents. This admitted such teachers to registry as a competitor. The essays were to be written on or before March 5th and forwarded to the commissioner, where all would be exactly copied in the same handwriting, the name of the competitor being omitted, and a number used instead. On the third day of the institute the three judges chosen from different parts of the county would decide upon the comparative merits of the compositions and award the prizes.

The spring term of the New Boston High School commenced on Monday, February 24, 1862, and continued eleven weeks, under tbe management of Prof. M. V. B. Shattuck, assisted in the intermediate department by Mrs. Shattuck, and in the primary department by Miss S. B. Huntington. The tuition for the three departments was respectively $4, $3 and $2. During the term Professor Shattuck gave special attention and instruction to persons who desired to become teachers. In fact he introduced and established a short normal course. A teachers' class was formed and conducted dailv and instruction was given in theory and practice of teaching. Vocal music in each department was taught throughout the entire term and particular attention was given to composition and declamation. The school building at New Boston was one of the best in the state at this date. It had modern equipment throughout and had 500 square feet of blackboard. Board and room for students were easily secured in the city. James S. Thompson assisted greatly to make this high school and normal attachment a success.

The Keithsburg Union School was in charge of T. C. Swafford in 1862-3. He was an experienced instructor and attended many of the institutes throughout the country in the country districts. He was assisted at Keithsburg by Miss Huntington and Miss Wolf.

In May, 1862, Miss Parnee Harroun opened a private school in the public-school building at Aledo. She charged a small tuition and had over thirtv scholars. In September, 1862, Miss Madden was placed at the head of the public schools of Aledo. She was assisted by Miss E. Henderson and Miss Sanderson. Miss Madden had taught here the previous winter and had given almost perfect satisfaction.

In September, 1863, James Gorton was placed in charge of the schools at Millersburg. He was a graduate of the Michigan State Normal School and had had several years' experience and was eminently qualified for his position. He was recognized as one of the most up-to-date instructors in the county at this time. He had one assistant.

The new school building at Aledo was ready for occupancy in 1863. ^ was 31 by 42 Ieet> two stories high, with a vestibule 14 by 20 feet. George P. Graham erected the building. This building was first occupied in September. W. McK. Young was the principal in charge and W. N. Graham had charge of the intermediate department and Miss Ena Marquis of the primary department. There were three rooms in this building, all supplied with patent seats, improved blackboards and the building was finished with a 300 pound bell. About the same time Hettie B. Townley opened a private school in a brick building owned by Mr. Paxton. She charged a small tuition and had about twenty-five scholars. The new organization of the Teachers' Association was established at Aledo in November, 1863. W. McK. Young presided and stated the object of the meeting. William N. Graham was secretary. These two teachers and Miss Ena Marquis were constituted a committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws and report at an adjourned meeting on November 21st. In September, 1864, C. S. Kirk was principal of the Aledo public schools. Miss Lizzie Perkins and Miss Ena Marquis were assistants. The site of the new schoolhouse at Aledo was decided by vote.

At this time there were 100 schools in the county, which number did not include the different departments of the graded schools. There were six graded schools. In more than one district there was an average attendance of sixty to seventy pupils - too many for any one teacher to properly instruct. He noticed that in all parts of the county the tendency to grade the schools prevailed. At this time there were in the county 8,967 persons under twenty-one years of age, and 6,134 between the ages of five and twenty-one. There was an attendance of 2,t;66 males and 2,407 females. This gave an average attendance of about fifty to each of the 100 schools. In six of the schools the Bible was read as a dailv exercise. The commissioner expressed the wish that it could and should be read in everv school in the county. He urged the directors to make it a part of the dailv exercises in the schoolrooms. Corporal punishment had almost wholly disappeared and there was great improvement in classification, text-books and the art of imparting instruction.

During the year $1,712 was paid for new schoolhouses and $1,987.90 for repairs and improvements. The total amount expended for all school purposes was $22,285.92. "We are building better houses and filling them with better furniture. Now occasionally the smallest pupils' feet touch the door; he finds something more than airy nothing to lean against and he writes on a desk inclined at an angle less than forty-five degrees. People are actuallv beginning to think that our children are human beings and the schoolhouses should be better than a horse stable," said the commissioner.

The schools had felt the effects of the war - many of the best teachers having gone to the field and many teachers more or less unqualified having taken their places. During the year ninety-nine certificates were granted to teachers, twenty-one to males and seventyeight to females. The highest monthly wages paid to male teachers was $60 and the highest to females, $40. The lowest was S20 to males and $10 to females. The average monthly wages to males was $30 and to females $13.37. "I cannot see why this difference. The competent, faithful and true female who devotes her time, energies and talents to her school is entitled to just as much compensation as the male. She performs the same amount of mental labor, undergoes the same wear and tear of mind and bodv and' accomplishes the same amount of good. The honest truth is we do not pay our teachers enough and particularly our females. In the county as a whole the number of well qualified teachers has increased while those that fall below mediocrity are finding employment more difficult to obtain," observed the commissioner at the conclusion of his report.

At the session of the Legislature in 1864-5 important changes were made in the school law of the state. The county school commissioner became under the new law the countv superintendent of schools to be elected for a term of four years.

The public examination of the Mercer Collegiate Institute invariably called out a large attendance of friends of the pupils and citizens generally. In June, 1865, the examination was unusually interesting. Classes in Latin, analysis of the English sentence, advanced classes in parsing, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, botany, etc., passed creditable examinations. The exercises were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, Aledo Saxe-Horn Band supnlving the latter and the students the former. One son^ "Good Bye Jeff" was exceedingly well received at this time. The subject of "Equality of the Sexes" was debated by the students; the deo'sion was given in favor of the ladies. George Powers recited an original

In the summer of 1866 Mrs. Harroun conducted a select school in Aledo. The old Harroun schoolhouse was situated about three and a half miles southeast of Aledo. In September, 1866, J. S. McMillan was principal of the Aledo schools; Mr. Hardy first assistant; Mrs. E. Porter, Mrs. Harroun and Miss A. M. Smith assistants of the other departments. The previous year S. B. Atwater was principal of the Aledo schools.

For the winter term of 1866-7 tne board of directors of the public schools of Aledo adopted the following rules and regulations: That children should be punctual in attendance and in returning home; that all children residing within a convenient distance from the schoolhouse should go home for their dinners; that new pupils would be admitted at any time during the first two weeks, but thereafter only on Mondays with written permission from the directors; that all resident children between the ages of six and twenty-one years should be admitted and that others could gain admittance by permission of the directors and by the payment of tuition; that no scholar should be permitted to leave school at recess nor at any time before the regular closing hour, nor be absent from any historical exercise or any examination without the consent of the teacher; any pupil who should violate this rule would not be permitted to reenter without written permission from the board; that no pupil would be permitted to remain in school unless supplied with suitable and necessary books and utensils unless extreme poverty on the part of parents or guardians should prevent such supply; that should any pupil be absent three days in days or half days without an excuse satisfactory to the teacher, the superintendent should notify the parents and if he should be absent six days he must secure permission to reenter school in formal way; that pupils engaged part of the time in other studies or pursuits would be excused under proper arrangements; that the studies pursued in each grade should be only such as were prescribed by the board. These rules were strongly favored by J. S. McMillan, superintendent.

The report of the school superintendent for the year ending September 30, 1866, showed 102 school districts in the county and ninety-seven schools. In six of the districts no school was held. The average number of months school was kept was 6.94. Whole number of white persons under twenty-one years of age, 9,392; whole number of white persons between the ages of six and twenty-one years, 6,709; whole number attending school, 5,977; average daily attendance,

2,785.4; number of graded schools, 6; number of private schools, 2; number of schoolhouses, 95; amount paid for teachers' wages, $23,972.68; amount paid for new schoolhouses, $5,328.90; total amount expended for all school purposes, $42,988.26. Average monthly wages paid to male teachers, $40.68; average monthly wages paid to female teachers, $27.60; number of first grade teachers' certificates, 20; number of second grade teachers' certificates, 128. The superintendent reported that the great majority of schools were poor and the buildings were the same. The apparatus which had been purchased six or eight years before was now nearly worn out and worthless. The teacher really made or unmade the school, usually the latter. Reading was taught in a perfunctory way, in a sing-song manner without sense, pauses, inflection or emphasis. Penmanship was almost wholly neglected. Recitations were rattled off mainly to get through and not to understand. There were a few exceptions. Arithmetic was taught to better effect; so was geography and history. None of the schools graded as should be. The report showed that in the graded schools of Aledo, Keithsburg and New Boston more than one hundred pupils should have attended each department. During the year some of the departments actually did contain more than one hundred. In the higher department of New Boston School the recitation of seventeen classes was heard daily. Aledo had made an extensive addition to its schoolhouse and five teachers were employed. It was urged that if the teacher was to be continued as the whole, school, none but those with first class certificates and abundant experience should be employed. Although several hundred dollars had been collected from fines imposed for violations of the liquor laws, not a dollar had been paid into the school fund of the county. Sylvenus B. Atwater, superintendent, made a scorching criticism of the manner in which the schools were conducted.

The charge having been made in December, 1866, that Aledo's "Science of Government" was a disloyal work and should not be allowed in the schools, the students of Aledo College met and formally passed resolutions that the charge was unfounded and further resolved that as students they were entirely satisfied with the book and heartily endorsed and recommended it to other schools. Twenty-four students signed the resolutions.

In October, 1866, the public schools of Aledo were graded into five departments and numbered about two hundred pupils. Rhetorical exercises took place every two weeks in the superintendent's room and were attended generally by the parents of the pupils.

About the same time the students organized a literary society and held weekly meetings during the winter of 1866-67. The exercises consisted of readings, declamations, essays, dialogues, debates, discussions, etc., and usually were varied, instructive and interesting.

At the close of the Aledo public schools in December, 1866, the five departments had about two hundred and twenty-five pupils. For the first time punishment by whipping was avoided and better order than ever prevailed. It was declared that flogging was a relic of barbarism and should never again be employed in the schools of Aledo and the county.

In March, 1867, Mr. Atwater, county superintendent, offered the following prizes for the school year commencing April 1, 1867: To the teacher who should succeed in teaching the best school in the county, $100; to the teacher who should teach the best school in each township, $10. No school would be examined before eighty days actually taught. No premium was to be paid to the county unless the names of at least forty-five teachers should be registered as competitors. The following points were to be considered in the examination: (1) Order; (2) classification; (3) methods of teaching; (4) good manners of the pupils. Preliminary arrangements for awarding the premiums were made at the April meeting of the County Teachers' Association.

In September, 1867, William Pardee was principal of the Aledo schools and the assistants were Miss Ann Allen, Miss Burbank, Miss McCoy and Mrs. Porter. In September, 1868, Mrs. E. M Walker was principal and Miss Burbank, Miss Stevens, Miss Morey, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Porter, assistants. Miss Morey was one of the teachers in the Aledo High School. The enrollment for the Aledo public schools at this time was 208.

The Mercer Collegiate Institute, which had been abandoned for some time, was opened again in November, 1868, under the charge of Rev. A. A. Hough, of Pennsylvania. He taught a term of five months and had three departments: Advanced, Middle and Primary. The tuition for the advanced course was $15; for the middle course, $12.50, and for the primary course, $10.

During the winter of 1869-70 the Mercer Collegiate Institute was conducted by Prof. S. E. McKee, who had conducted the academy at Washington, Iowa. He called it a high school, but in reality it was a continuation of the Mercer Collegiate Institute.

In 1 869 I.N. Bassett was elected one of the directors of the Aledo schools. His associates were N. P. Brown and H. R. Morrison. The directors met and organized and agreed unanimously in favor of employing S. B. Atwater us principal and Mrs. Young and Miss Jennie Marquis. Miss Burbank was to be continued and Amanda and Matilda Frazier were to be employed. Miss Burbank Lived in New Hampshire and the Misses Frazier were attending the State- Normal School at Bloomington, and Mr. Bassett was authorized to employ these three persons, which was done. They were all good teachers, but Mr. Atwater did not give satisfaction as a principal, and in 1870 C. W. Sherman was employed as principal and the other teachers above mentioned were employed in their respective departments. In 1 S72 there was dissatisfaction with Mr. Sherman as principal. He was a good teacher but failed in his government and treatment of the teachers employed under him. Nearly all of them were teachers of much more experience than lie had had, but he did not treat them with the courtesy they were entitled to. Mr. Bassett was in favor of employing another superintendent, but one of the directors wanted to continue Mr. Sherman, and the other was inclined to decide with Mr. Bassett. The latter was reelected director upon the issue that a new superintendent of the school would be employed. The result was Mr. A. U. Barler was employed as superintendent for 1872-3. When Mr. Bassett was elected director he found the school building in a very bad condition. There were no walks from the sidewalk to the door and there was no sidewalk on the north side of the schoolhouse. The building needed painting and many of the blinds were oft", laying on the ground, and the maps and books inside were poorly taken care of. The outhouses were in a miserable condition and obscene language was written all over the walls. Mr. N. P. Brown, soon after the directors were organized, was absent the balance of the vear and Mr. Morrison and Mr. Bassett undertook to put the building and grounds in good condition, Mr. Bassett taking the lead after they had agreed what should be done. A sidewalk was built at the expense of the school board on the north side, and walks to the door and over the grounds wherever needed. The house was repainted and repaired in every respect and the furniture, library, etc., put in a good condition to be cared for. These expenditures cost considerable amount of money and when it came to the election of a successor to Mr. Brown, Robert Irwin was induced to become a candidate. Quite a number of the persons in Aledo, some of whom had no children in school, became clamorous to have some one elected who would not expend so much money. In other words, using their own language, "They wanted a man who knew the value of a dollar." Mr. Irwin was elected, but as soon as he was qualified he called on Mr. Bassett and said to him: "You know what many of the people said about you in supporting me for a director, but I want to say to you that you will find me ready to cooperate with vou in getting needed expenditures for school purposes."

At the head of the Aledo public schools in September, 1870, was C. W. Sherman, principal. The assistants were Miss Burbank, Miss Amanda Frazier, Miss Tillie Frazier, Miss Jennie Marquis and Mrs. Young.

In December, 1870, the citizens of Aledo met at the Barton House for the purpose of forming a joint stock company to erect a suitable college building in the town. Eli Detwiler served as chairman. On motion of Rev. J. S. Poage, steps to form a joint stock company were immediately taken. The shares were placed at $100 and a committee was appointed to report at a subsequent meeting, having prepared the necessary writings for the purpose. J. S. Thompson, J. M. Clokey and I. N. Bassett were this committee. On motion, Horace Bigelow stated that all who desired to subscribe stock now were permitted to do so. The earliest stockholders were Dr. W. D. Craig, T. S. Pinkerton, W. K. Fulton, H. Parkman, T. M. Clokev, T. Maddux, W. H. Holmes, L. F. Chamberlin, A. M. Byers, D. H. Porter, Horace Bigelow, I. N. Bassett, J. S. Poage, N. Edwards and W. A. Lorimer. A. M. Byers, D. H. Porter, J. S. Poage and Thomas Ryan were appointed a special committee to secure further subscriptions. The meeting thereupon adjourned to December 21st. This meeting was again postponed and a special meeting was held on December 31st, on which occasion Eli Detwiler again served as chairman. This meeting was held at the courthouse. The committee previously appointed prepared articles of incorporation which were read and adopted. They recited that the corporation was formed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an institution of learning in the Town of Aledo to be called the Mercer County Academy. The capital stock was fixed at $25,000. Five trustees were provided for and as soon as practicable suitable grounds were either to be purchased or secured by gift for the purpose of education. Provision for courses of study, the employment of a competent faculty, etc., were made. It was provided in Article 3 "That the said Mercer County Academy should be and remain forever non-sectarian and should not be managed or controlled by any religious sect or denomination." These articles of incorporation were signed by Nicholas Edwards, W. A. Lorimer, I. N. Bassett, J. M. Clokey, I. N. Dunlap, J. S. Pinkerton, W. K. Fulton, John C. Pepper, James S. Poage, W. H. Holmes, P. F. Chamberlin and Horace Bigelow. At this

In the vear 1872 several waves of reform in school matters swept the county. One was instruction in music. This step was taken by all the villages and cities and by many of the country schools. At Aledo the directors employed Professor Hanchett as special instructor in music in the public schools of the village. Every Friday he was required to give an hour to musical instruction to each of the public school departments. Children were especially instructed in how to read notes and in an understanding of the musical staff. In the fall of 1872 the Aledo Academy was placed in charge of James Henderson, A. M. He was assisted by J. M. Wylie, J. T. McCrory. T. S. Slaughter and Mrs. J. DeC. Henderson, The principal taught English literature, French and Spanish. Mr. Wylie gave instruction in Greek, Latin and mathematics; Mr. McCrory was assistant teacher of mathematics; Mr. Slaughter gave instruction in music and Mrs. Henderson taught German, music, drawing and painting. The term was twelve weeks and the tuition for the higher classes was $10; intermediate department, $8; primary, $6. The trustees were I. N. Bassett, L. D. Holmes and one other.

In September, 1873, the Aledo schools were conducted by A. U. Barler, principal, and Miss M. L. Walker, Miss Edie Pryne, Miss Ella Gaily, Miss Merryman and Mrs. Comfort, assistants.

The efforts of the committee to raise funds for the construction of a new academy were slow, but in the end successful. The building was commenced in 1873 and was finished, ready for occupancy. by September, 1874.

The site for the new schoolhouse at Aledo was chosen by vote in June, 1881. The result was as follows: Block 101 west of J. M. Wilson's, 107 votes; block 1, Center Addition (Lorimer's), 58; block 109, south of J. Harvey's, 31; block 96, Lou Brown's, 2; block 64, south on Monument, 6; total vote, 204.

In September, 1875, the New Boston public schools were opened by J. E. Harroun, principal, and Miss Josie Calhoun, Miss Flora Bartlett and Miss P. A. Willits, assistants.

In 1878 the enrollment of pupils in the Aledo public schools was 401. In 1 88 1 the enrollment in Aledo was 368, and the average attendance was 341.8. At this time Alexander Stevens was principal

On April 13, 1835, John Long was appointed the first county school commissioner by the county board. He does not seem to have been inspired with his duties, but on the contrary was somewhat indifferent, so that very little progress was made under his direction. Teachers were few, wages low, parents were satisfied to get anybody to keep school and the commissioner spent most of his time on his land projects. It is said that he and his successors for many years cared more for what they could make out of the sale of school lands than for improvement in the manner of conduct of the schools or in educating the children. At first the commissioners did not examine teachers but left that duty to the school directors of each district. It was nearly fifteen years after 1835 before the school commissioner assumed the duty of examining teachers and in a general way guiding the management of the schools. The school directors or trustees, of which in each district there were three, really had little or no education and hence their examinations were more of a farce than anything else. If they could secure a teacher who could read, write and cipher they were willing to accept him, although the law required that teachers should also be examined in geographv and grammar. In those days the examinations were usually oral, except in written arithmetic. John Long served until December 5, 1836, and retired without having accomplished any progress whatever in the schools.

Mr. Long was succeeded by William I. Nevius, who was reappointed in 1837, 1838 and 1839. He seems to have done better than Mr. Long. On June 6, 1839, Ephraim Gilmore succeeded Mr. Nevius and through his intelligence and efforts some progress was made in the condition of the schools and the qualification of the teachers. In 1841 the office became elective and Ephraim Gilmore was elected to the position he had formerly occupied by appointment. He continued to occupy the position until 1846, by which time there were in the county at least fifty schools, such as they were. On August 3, 1846, Thomas Candor was elected but was succeeded by Benjamin D. Ellett the next year. The latter held the office two years and was succeeded in 1849 by Tyler McWhorter.

Since 1831; very little progress had been made in the methods of qualified teachers or suitable schoolhouses. Mr. McWhorter was the first school commissioner to undertake the examination of teachers. Under him the first real advancement was made in the public schools. He was somewhat exacting with the teachers, but all seemed to like him. In some instances, as good teachers were scarce, he was obliged to give certificates where some doubt existed as to the qualification of the teacher. He was careful, painstaking, watchful and gave excellent advice to all the teachers. Under him several of the best teachers in the county became prominent in local educational affairs. Among them were Simeon Smith, David Felton, Rezin Kile, Harvey S. Senter and others. In November, 1853, John Ramsey succeeded Mr. McWhorter and continued for two years, when he was succeeded by Norman P. Brown, a practical and competent teacher, but neither Mr. Ramsey nor Mr. Brown possessed the executive ability and the competency to continue the advancement which had been started by Mr. McWhorter.

On November 6, 1857, J- E. Harroun became school commissioner. The new law gave him full power as superintendent and required him to visit the schools. This he did with excellent results, as narrated elsewhere. He seems to have made the mistake, however, of not being practical enough. He did not find out the mistakes made bv teachers in actual practice and assist them to improve, but in his visits he usually delivered speeches to the whole school and although his remarks were pertinent and valuable they did not result in improving the practices in the schoolroom. However, through his great energy he accomplished much good. Under him the great wave of teachers' institutes swept over the county as narrated elsewhere.

In 1859 Rev. J. S. Poage was elected school commissioner. He was an able man, a fine speaker, but largely a theorist, and was not a practical teacher nor a good manager of teachers. His services therefore were largely abortive. In 1861 Amos T. Waterman, a practical teacher, was elected school commissioner. He was practicing law at the time and in the end became a brilliant member of the bar. He devoted enough time to the office to make it fairly successful and made considerable progress through improved school conditions. In 1863 Washington L. Campbell succeeded him, but the Civil war being then on, he could accomplish little. In 1865 Sylvenus B. Atwater, who had served gallantly in the Union Army and been wounded, was elected county superintendent for four years. He was a practical teacher but seems to have been too strict and critical in his conduct with the teachers. It is said that he drove nearly half of them out of the business. The result was that the county was destitute of sufficient able teachers to fill the schools and trustees or directors were compelled to secure persons in many instances who did not have certificates. Mr. Atwater was a man of great energy and no doubt did his best. He reformed the textbooks; in a measure created uniformity therein throughout the county. In many instances he forced his views upon many districts and even spent considerable of his own means to carry out his ideas of reform and improvement. He fought for a blackboard in every schoolhouse, made the examinations of teachers extremely difficult, criticised the patrons for the poor buildings and apparatus and thus secured the ill will of many teachers and patrons, but as a whole his influence, though critical and severe, put the people on their mettle, with the result that the schools were really improved under his management.

In 1869 Frederick Livingston became county superintendent. He was well qualified from an educational standpoint, but was too theoretical and had little administrative ability. He mismanaged the records and the funds of the office and in the end left somewhat in disgrace. During his administration the Legislature passed a law making women eligible to all school offices. Accordingly, in November, 1873, Miss Amanda E. Frazier was elected county superintendent for four years. She was reelected in 1877 and in December, 1 88 1, upon the change of the law, was unanimously reappointed to succeed herself by the county board to fill the vacancy thus created.

J. E. Harroun began holding meetings for the establishment of school organizations in all parts of the county. He spent several months visiting every township and putting the school districts in much better condition than ever before. He did more than any other person, except Tyler McWhorter, to place the new system and new order of educational affairs in a permanent and improved condition. He held special meetings in the Edward's Schoolhouse, Monroe Schoolhouse, J. W. Lane's Select School in Millersburg, where there were twenty-eight pupils, Pomeroy Schoolhouse, in Duncan Township, Jingle's Schoolhouse, Antioch Schoolhouse, in New Boston Township, Pleasant View Schoolhouse in New Boston Township, Center, Glancey and Eliza Creek schoolhouses in Eliza Township, and numerous other places. He recommended the following books, which soon were found in nearly all the schools of the county: Sander's and McGuffy's readers and spellers; Adam's, Davies' and Ray's arithmetics; Mitchell's geography and Clark's grammar.

In 1 8qo. Rev. }. S. Poage was elected county school commissioner. He visited during the winter of 1859-60 thirty schools and delivered twenty lectures at central points throughout the county. He was very active and energetic as a school orator and his influence did a great deal to advance the educational interests. He found great fault throughout the county in his addresses with the habit of school patrons of paying no attention to the school after employing the teacher and after choosing the directors. They rarely ever visited schools, seemed to care little for the methods of instruction, but trusted almost wholly either to the teacher or to the county school commissioner. He declared that they had more interest in their corn fields than in their children and stated that many stables and barns throughout the county were better than the average schoolhouse. In a few instances he likened the schoolhouses to hog pens. He insisted in eloquent language that parents should cooperate with teachers in their work, should visit the schools, should take school journals and otherwise should know what instruction their children were receiving and what progress thev were making. His lectures were scorching and progressive and caused a revolution in the minds of parents concerning their duties to the teachers and the publicschool system.

In October, 1864, W. L. Campbell, school commissioner, made a full report on the condition of the schools of the county since December, 1863. During that time he visited all the schools ot the county, remaining all day at many of them. His object was to suggest improvements in the methods of instruction and government. At the same time he held many interviews with the parents and delivered addresses to the pupils, pointing out how better results could be secured. ,

In August, 1866, Sylvenus B. Atwater, school superintendent, held regular examinations of teachers in Aledo, Viola and Sunbeam. In order to secure a first grade certificate the applicant must possess a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of all the studies required by the school law, aptness to teach, ability to govern, an acquaintance with the theory and practice of teaching and generally must have had one year of successful teaching in the schoolroom. To secure a second grade certificate the applicant was not expected to have such a comprehensive knowledge nor all the requirements.

In 1870-71 F. W. Livingston, county superintendent, having been accused with palpable violation of the law and having had his case investigated by a special committee of the county board, appeared before that body upon request, in June, 1871, and defended himself against the charge. He made such a thorough analysis and success of his defense that the board directly dismissed the charges against him, approved his course in the case indicated and passed a resolution condemning and dropping the whole subject.

and her amiability. In 1874 the county board showed a disposition to cut her wages down and to limit her time spent in the country schools. She offered a written objection to their course and claimed that it was necessary for her to have sixty days yearly for the examination of teachers, ten days for preparing records and reports to the state superintendent, eighteen days to make out her annual report based upon the assistance from all the schools of the county, and twelve days for additional duties. She therefore asked payment for 100 days' service. Her paper was so clear and strong that the county board were convinced of its fairness and justice and accordingly her request was granted.

In March, 1875, Miss Frazier, county superintendent, gave public notice to the school directors throughout the county that she should oppose their practice of continuously employing persons as teachers who had not secured certificates. She described how damaging such a custom was to the progress of the educational movement and requested the directors to assist in checking such unprofessional practices. She stated that if they persisted in employing teachers without certificates she would invoke the law to prevent them from paying public funds to such persons. She pointed out to what extent the law opposed such procedure. She gave so strong a plea that its effect was almost instantaneous in the direction of a discontinuance of the practice. She announced that no first or second grade certificate would be renewed and that new examinations annually would be held. She stated also that this step was necessary in order to compel the delinquent or idle teachers to study methods and thus keep up with the times. She even went so far as to decline to endorse certificates issued by other county superintendents of the state.

In May, 1875, at her request, she read an important article to the county board in the interest of education throughout the county. Such a good impression was created that the board secured the address and had it published in the local papers and spread it upon the records. This vear she was given fifty days additional to the time already granted in which to visit schools throughout the county. Her success as superintendent was pronounced and emphatic. She made greater advance than had been made by any superintendent since the '50s, when Tyler McMorter, J. E. Harroun and Rev. J. S. Poage made such uncommon and unprecedented changes in the school system of the county. She established the first Teachers' Normal School at Aledo in August, 1875. On that occasion over one hundred teachers were present, owing to her energy and determination shown in the way of announcements and her private com- munications to the individual teachers. She managed to secure here the presence of S. M. Etter, state superintendent of public instruction, who lectured before the school near the close. The session lasted four weeks and among the instructors present were Miss A. E. Frazier, county superintendent, Miss Mary A. West, J. E. Harroun and William Griffin. Lectures were delivered by Miss Sophia Lovejoy, Isaac N. Bassett and Professor Standish. Pupils came from everv township in the county, mostly women, and the improvements during the four weeks1 instruction can scarcely now be measured by modern standards. This session was but the beginning of what followed in after years.

In 1876 the Normal School was represented and on this occasion 128 teachers were present. Special instruction was given for kindergarten teachers. Several prominent educators from abroad were present and took part in the proceedings as the days passed. Among the lecturers were Miss West and Professor Bateman. Every subject connected with education was discussed, analyzed and held up for the inspection of the teachers and for their professional and mental improvement. Special attention was given to concentration, culture, conscience and moral subjects generally.

In 1877 tne Normal School accomplished still better and more effective and far-reaching results. S. M. Etter, state superintendent, was present on more than one occasion and delivered memorable addresses. He spoke in highest terms of the benefit dispensed by this normal course. His lectures were delivered at Union Hall and in point of merit they perhaps exceeded any addresses ever delivered in Aledo up to that time on educational subjects. In one of his lectures he stated that the Mercer County Normal School was scarcely second to any other in the state- in discipline, drill and the proficiency of the teachers. He declared that in attendance and attention it headed the list in the state. He paid a high compliment to the great energy and professional enterprise of County Superintendent Miss Frazier. He did not hesitate to say openly that she was one of the very few most proficient instructors and superintendents in the state. At the conclusion of the term in 1877 the teachers present issued the following card, which they signed.

A Card. - The Normal Drill, which has been in session in this place for the past four weeks, now draws to a close. From a statement made by Hon. S. M. Etter, state superintendent of schools, we have a drill second to none in the state; therefore been conducted for the past four years and in view of the interest awakened among the teachers; of the manner in which the drill has been conducted; of the standard to which our schools have been raised, and the interest manifested by our citizens generally in education, tender our thanks to Miss A. E. Frazier, county superintendent, for her efficient and untiring efforts in the discharge of all the duties pertaining to the office; for marked justice and discriminations in examinations and for the kindness and courtesy with which she ever meets her fellow teachers; therefore

Resolved, That as the past labors of Miss A. E. Frazier have been so highly satisfactory we cordially and respectfully recommend her reelection.

In 1 88 1 the Viola public schools were conducted by S. P. Wylie, formerly of the Aledo Collegiate Institute, principal, and Mrs. Fleming, Miss Clemma Harriott and Mrs. Mattie Henry, assistants. In the principal's room were about fortv pupils and in each of the others about thirty-five.

In October, r 88 r , the Joy School had an enrollment of forty-seven pupils and an average attendance of 38.9. Miss Una Evans was the teacher.

In December, 1881, the New Boston schools were in charge of D. F. S. Johnson, principal, with 43 scholars; Mrs. Irene Willits, 39 pupils; Miss Essie Vaughn, 39 pupils, and Miss Tena Smith, 42 pupils.

In September, 1882, the Aledo schools were taught by the following teachers: Alexander Stevens, principal; Mary E. Turnbull, assistant; Kenneth Whitham, grammar department; Miss Nan A. Campbell, fifth grade; Miss Lizzie Hause, fourth grade; Miss Zevie Miller, third grade; Mrs. M. A. Hall, second primary; Miss May I. Allen, first primary, and Miss Aggie McCoy, also first primary. At this time the enrollment was 420, with an average attendance of 388.

In October, 1883, the Swedona public schools had fifty-nine scholars. F. E. Matson taught the upper room and Miss Mina Mc- Kinney the lower or primary room. In 1883 Keithsburg established a high school, but the details concerning the same are missing. The second annual commencement was held in May, 1885, and was attended by nearly all the inhabitants. There was a graduating class of nine or ten. Several prominent educators from abroad were present and addressed the graduates.

In December, 1888, the Countv Teachers' Institute held a two days' session and the exercises consisted principally of instruction in the common branches. Papers on many important school subjects were read and classes were conducted by the leading teachers of the county. At that time K. M. Whitham was county superintendent. Nearly all teachers of the countv were present at the session. Late in the '80s the subject of township high schools came before the teachers of this countv. It was an important question and, at first met with great encouragement, but when the subject came to be investigated it was found that the work and expense were too great to be borne at that time. The patrons themselves objected, even though the teachers were in favor of the project. The plan was to have a central high school in every township which would serve as an advanced educational institution for the common schools of that township. The question was submitted to a vote in several of the townships but invariably was defeated. In Mercer Township the vote was, for the high school, 45; against it, 295. The people were not ready yet for this innovation.

In February, 1889, the County Teachers1 Association met at Viola. Among the exercises were the following: Class recitations conducted by Miss Ferson; then followed singing by the Viola highschool pupils. The subject of "Special examinations" was then discussed, G. N. Kneeland being the leader, and Superintendent Whitham being one of the principal speakers. J. R. Wylie responded to the subject "What is the Best Method of Conducting Our Association." Miss May David entertained the association with "Quotations of Schoolroom Maxims." Other papers were read by Miss Ora Stratton and Miss Lizzie Carnahan. The association had a query box which elicited much amusement as well as furnished no little instruction.

In May, 1889, the Legislature passed a compulsory educational law, which required that children of school age should attend school a certain number of months each year.

In 1890 there were eight teachers in the public schools of Aledo. In Keithsburg there were seven. At that time K. M. Whitham was principal of the Keithsburg public schools.

The county superintendent in 1888 reported that greater interest than ever before was shown by teachers, patrons and pupils throughout the county. The township central examinations which had been instituted a short time before and for which diplomas were granted, were highly successful. One hundred and forty pupils passed the examination and received such diplomas in 1888. Many of the holders immediately thereafter entered the high schools, to which the diploma entitled them. These examinations made the examination days of the past no longer bugbears.

In November, 1890, the following were the exercises at the Teachers' Institute: Arithmetic, C. L. Gregory; Penmanship, W. S. Bowers; Physiology, W. S. Welch; Compulsory Education, J. A. Dixon; Primary Classes, Miss Alfaretta Fisher; Literature in the Common School, J. M. Brosius; What to Teach in History, George Bloomer ; School Needs, Richard Russell ; Uniformity of Text Books, K. M. Whitham; Higher Institutions of Learning, C. F. Ainsley; Class Work, F. K. Warwick; The Teacher, Miss Mabel Pepper; Professional Training, J. R. Kasbeer; Teacher and Citizens, L. B. Cocklin. At that time K. M. Whitham was county superintendent. He was a practical teacher and took pride in securing the best results from the teachers as well as from the pupils. He took the ground that the teacher was more responsible than any other person for the proper and rapid advancement of pupils, and further, that the teacher was often the cause of the backwardness of children with certain temperaments.

In 1891-2 Alexander Calhoun was county superintendent. During his short term he made considerable progress in sanitary work in the public schools. In all the cities he insisted upon better conditions and succeeded in placing the houses under better care and surroundings. In all new houses he insisted that proper attention should be paid to light and ventilation. The surroundings were also improved under his urgency.

In 1893 literary exercises were instituted in the high schools of the county and in many of the grammar grades. It was found that school libraries were not thought to be very important and that they had been neglected in the past. Accordingly a new movement for improvement in this respect was instituted and steadily carried into effect. High school athletics received considerable prominence aboui this time. Football was played between high school teams of the different villages and cities of this county. A game played at Keithsburg by the Aledo and Keithsburg high school football teams was won by the former, but the return game was taken by the latter.

In 1894 C. L. Gregory became county superintendent. He wat a practical teacher, and the fact that he has held the position until the present time is proof of his ability, skill and prominence in his official position. In his first report to the state superintendent he stated that experience, preparation and salary guided the school boards in the selection of teachers in this county. There was a growing demand, he said, for teachers with normal training and special preparation. There had been no meetings of school patrons, as had been suggested. Institutes and teachers' meetings were later valuable and popular. There was as yet no uniformity of text-books. Central examinations were held each year in March and the finals in April or May. An average of one hundred and thirty-five took the former examination and about thirty the latter. Child study had at this time awakened much interest throughout the county.

In January, 1894, a fine new school building at Millersburg was opened to the pupils. County Superintendent Gregory was present and addressed the assemblage. T. A. Vernon was present and gave an amusing description of the crude conditions in the early schools. This year Norma and Mabel Pepper started a kindergarten in Aledo and soon had about twenty-five children in attendance. The Keiths- burg High School Commencement in May, 1894, graduated seventeen pupils - eleven females and six males. Kenneth M. Whitham had been connected with this institution for many years, although for a short time he was county superintendent. Up to and including 1894, ninety-two young ladies and gentlemen had graduated from this school. Mrs. Whitham had taught nearly as long in Keithsburg as Professor Whitham. Both were popular and in reality were excellent instructors. The same year the Seventeenth Annual Commencement of the Aledo High School occurred. There was a large crowd and nine girls and three boys were graduated. At this time Prof. P. J. Kuntz was superintendent of the school. Exercises were held in the Presbyterian Church. The Alumni Association met soon afterwards and reviewed old times.

In 1895 Prof- Henry R. Musser had charge of the Keithsburg schools. He had occupied the position for several years, but soon after this date resigned.

In September, 1895, the public schools of Aledo enrolled 491 pupils - the largest number ever recorded thus far. At this time Miss Mabel Pepper was principal of the public schools and Charlotte Stetson, first assistant. Nine other teachers gave instruction in the lower grades. In 1 895-6 the Viola high schools were the pride of the people of that village. Professor Miller was principal and had several assistants. In 1896-7 the curfew law was put into effect in Aledo and perhaps in other cities in the county. It was in operation at New Windsor, Keithsburg and perhaps at Viola and New Boston. The hour for retirement was 8 o'clock in winter and 9 o'clock in summer. After those hours children under the age of sixteen years were required to be off the streets.

In 1899 Mercer County made great efforts to secure the new normal school, which was designed to be located in the western part of Illinois. A large subscription was raised here but the commissioners, after viewing many locations, finally decided against this city.

In 1898-1900 Superintendent C. L. Gregory reported as follows: Teachers' meetings throughout the county had been divided into principals' association meetings three times a year at the office of the county superintendent; township institutes held four times a year under the management of the county superintendent; general meeting of teachers, under the direction of the superintendent, once a year, at Thanksgiving. Sometimes two general meetings were held in one year. More good was accomplished at township meetings than at any other, because the teachers felt more at liberty to take part and express themselves. Practically all the teachers of the county were doing reading circle work, which was given a place on the program of the township meetings. Little had yet been done with the pupils' reading circle work, but the teachers were generally urging the library question with good results. At that time about two-thirds of the schools had started the collection of libraries. No practical effort to get school officers together for a general county conference had been made. School buildings generally were in good condition. The new ones were invariablv excellent and up-to-date. Few schools had good grounds, the most of them being rough and uncultivated. Arbor Day was observed and then the yards were cleared and trees were planted. Throughout the county many schoolrooms were decorated and arranged in tasteful fashion. About one-third of the schools had no libraries, but a year or two later almost every school had made a commencement. In 1898 there was an average attendance of 3,473 pupils in the county; 76. 8 per cent of the children of school age were enrolled at this time. The average wages paid males were $50.73; females, $34.76. The county school fund in 1 899 amounted to $102,603.44; tne estimated value of school libraries at this time, $2,466; estimated value of school apparatus, $5,945; amount of bonded school debt in the county, $19,290; estimated value of all school propertv, $140,650; number of schools visited by the superintendent in 1899, 115; total enrollment in 1900, 4,844. At that time there were 115 school districts in the county. In only one district that year was no school held.

The County Teachers' Institute convened at the high-school rooms in Aledo in August, 1900, and held a week's session. Professor Hurst, of Streator, had charge of the work on pedagogy, reading and geography; Superintendent Butler, of the Kewanee schools, instructed in grammar, arithmetic and physiology; Miss Cora M. Hamilton, an expert in township high-school work, had charge of the primary classes; Prof. C. B. Baymiller, of Seaton, conducted the singing. One hundred and fifty teachers were present.

In 1901 the text-books in ungraded schools in Mercer County were as follows: Baldwin's readers, Natural geographies, Metcalf's language and grammar, Blaisdell's physiology, Montgomery's history, Modern spellers, Warner's arithmetic, New Era copy books, and Dale's American Citizen.

The Teachers' Institute in 1903 was held at Aledo and was one of the most inspiring and successful ever held in the county. It was in charge of Superintendent Gregory. Miss Cora M. Hamilton gave instruction in primary work; Professor Hall, of Aurora, instructed on various subjects, including arithmetic and agriculture, and Mr. Prince told the teachers how to give instruction in music. The attendance was about one hundred and fifty. Other sessions were held the same year and also in 1904. Many prominent educators from outside came in to assist local instructors. From 1900 to 1904 there had been almost wholly completed in this county the following reforms: (1) County uniformity of text-books; (2) a good library in every school if possible; (3) great improvement in school buildings and grounds. There had been, during this period, almost a complete revolution on these particulars. Especially was the uniformity of text-books fully and permanently established. This was of great importance to tenants, who passed from farm to farm every year and were thus saving the expense of purchasing each year new books for their children. Almost every school in the county now had a library, and in most cases bookcases had been provided by the school authorities. The libraries, it was found, had awakened great interest in literary work and had expanded and broadened the minds of the children. By the use of the diplomas offered by the state department and also by personal work, much had been done to improve the conditions of school buildings and grounds. The yards were cleaned and planted with trees and shrubbery, school buildings were repaired, repainted and otherwise improved, and the teachers employed were of a higher standard than ever before. This was due to the fact that better wages were paid. The total number of children in the county under twenty-one years of age in 1904 was 8,368; total number between six and twenty-one years, 6,003; tota' enrollment, 4,423. There were at this time 115 school districts in the county. In the high schools were the following teachers and pupils: Aledo - 143 pupils, 5 teachers; Keithsburg - 49 pupils, 3 teachers; Viola - 30 pupils, 1 teacher; Seaton - 21 pupils, 1 teacher; New Boston - 20 pupils, 1 teacher. The number of volumes in the high-school libraries were as follows: Aledo, 1,120; Keithsburg, 824; Viola, 60; Seaton, 275; New Boston, 180.

In the fall of 1906 the grammar grades at Aledo were completed, as were also the more thorough grading of high schools. This year the Teachers' Institute was held in March, there being present 120 teachers. Prof. Frank M. Hall made the opening address on Accuracy in Arithmetic and Spelling. He insisted that 80 per cent perfect was not sufficient. Prof. L. B. Mitchell, of W. & V. College, read a paper on A Broader Approach to Academy and College; Prof. J. Percival Huget read one on Looms of Life. County Superintendent Gregory gave important instruction at this institute. The exercises

In the county, in 1908, were 7406 children under the age of twenty-one years; number of boys in the graded schools, 1,103; number of girls in graded schools, 1,244; total enrollment in the county, 4,318; number school districts, 116.

In April, 191 1, a new school building was planned for Aledo and soon afterwards was constructed. It was ready and occupied in September that year. This year the literary work of the high schools was more elaborate and of a higher class than ever before. The high schools were making a specialty of this feature of improvement.

In 191 2 the Teachers' Institute enrolled 170 members. There were present W. H. Cheever, Western State Normal; S. B. Hurst, of the same; E. L. Philbrook, professor of music.