Decatur Township (part 4 of 46)

September 14, i8()6. A petition was presented asking that German be made a part 111' tlie ctiurse of study in all the ward scliDols. The question was fully discussed and it was decided that it was not practicable to tlo this. This question was finally settletl in 1874, when Miss S. Alice Judd was appointed a teacher in the high school with the understanding that one-half of her tune would be given to the teaching of German. This has proved to be a very satisfactory solution of this question. The Germans are pleased and the district has been saved the expense of trying to introilucc another subject into the grades.

( Ictober j8, iSltCt. ( )n the request of .Miss Mary V.. I'.aker, assistant principal of the high school, the superintendent was directed to purchase a table for the reference books and a case lor geological specimens. This was the beginning of the collection of specimens of natural history for the illustration of the statements made in the te.xt books. The case is still in use in the front hall of the high school.

It was also ordered that the rent received from a circus companj' for the use of the lots purchased for a site for a high school be expended in securing hooks for the use of poor children.

( )n January i, 1867, the superintendent was auth(3ri/ed to introduce I'nited States history into the u|)per grades of the grammar schools. He was also directed to change the exercises in the jirimary department of the Church street school - Miss Mattie I'eeman, teacher - so that half the children would attend school in the forenoon ami the other half in the afternoon. This was the beginning of the half-day system in the first primary departments of our schools. It met with considerable ojiposition at first but for many years no complaints have been heard against the plan from thoughtful parents.

was directed to have one hundred blank bonds printed - forty for $500 each, and thirty for S250 each, and thirty for $100 each. He was also directed to have a bond book made and to register in it all bonds tliat might be issued. The bonds were printetl and the book made by the late William J. L'srey. It is in the safe in the office. It contains a fidl history of every bond ever issued by the board.

May 3, 18^)7, the sui)erintendent was directed to introduce at the beginning of the fall term Millard's readers in place of Mctiuffey's. if the teachers favored the change, and if it could be done without expense to parents and children. It has always been the policy of the board to make changes in text books only when the teachers who were using such books favored a change.

Mav 7, 1867. bids were received for m cling a school house in the I-irsl ward according to plans and specifications prepared by G. 1*. Randall of Chicago, in i8<>5. The contract was awarded to 11. M. Whitmer on condition that he give a bond for $5,000 with good security and that he forfeit $25 |)er day for every day after September i that the house remained unfinished. He declined to comply with the conditions and the contract was awarded to McNabb & I'.ishop, who filed a bond and contract conditioned as above.

May _»9. 18A7. ordered liial the boar<l purenase of Henry 1!. 1 )iirfee lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. and 10 in block 3 of Durfee & King's addition for $2,400. and that bon<ls bearing 10% and maturing in 10 years be issued to l>ay for the same. The present Marietta street school is erected on a part of this purchase. No use was made of the lots for seventeen years.

On the twentieth day of June, 1867, the first class graduated from the high school, having comidetcd a three years* course. The following is the programme :

On June ii, 1867, President David P. Bunn retired from the board after having refused to be a candidate at the election held on the 4th instant. Henry B. Durfee took his place in the board. The following was ' passed by the old board before adjournment :

Whereas, a great amount of extra labor has been required of the members of the board of education for the last two years - owing to the selection of and purchase of suitable grounds upon which to erect the necessary school houses as well as to superintend the erection of the same - also the fencing of said lots of ground, and

Whereas, The charter of the Decatur school district provides that the board of education maj^ vote themselves reasonable compensation for such extra labor performed by them. Therefore be it

Jul}- 4, 1867, bids were opened for erecting an addition of four rooms to the school house in the Third ward according to. plans and specifications prepared for the same by Joseph Aiills: The contract was awarded to D. C. Shockley and he filed the required contract and bond on July 16, 1867.

July 25, 1867, ordered that bonds numbered seventeen to thirty-six, inclusive, for $500 each and bearing 10% semi-annual interest, payable in two years from August i, 1867, be issued and placed in the hands of J. L. ^Mansfield for sale with instructions that the}- must net at least 96 cents. Mr. JNIansfield took these bonds to New York and offered them for sale. The brokers laughed at him and offered fifty cents for them. He finally found W. P. Hazelton, who agreed to give 9Sc for them. The board accepted his offer and he furnished all the money the board wished to borrow up to the time of his deatli, about 1890.

C)n April 16, 1868, the board examined tracings of plans for a high school building. The clerk was directed to inform the architect, G. P. Randall, of Chicago, of the changes desired.

May 18, 1868, Mr. C. C. Burroughs tendered his resignation to take effect when his successor was elected. At an election held on June 2. 1867, Samuel F. Greer was elected for one year and Wm. L. Hammer for three years.

On June 13, 1868, bids were submitted for the erection of the high school. The contract was awarded to D. C. Shockley, it being understood that the plastering and painting were not included in his bid. The building was first occupied by the school in September, 1869.

September 8. 1868, the superintendent was authorized to purchase such books as might be necessary to furnish indigent children in a proper manner.

lesson and two lessons i)cr week. This was the beginning of musical instruction in the schi>uls. The pupils were not supplied with properly graded books and the exiuiiincut was not very successful.

Xoveuiber 14, i><^^. the conirael lor plastering the high school building was awarded to Messrs. Soilars & Hanks for $850. They were the lowest of five bidders. It is but proper credit for work well done to say that not one dollar has ever been spent for repairs on the plastering of the old part of the building and it is now (,1903) apparently as good as when it was first done. This applies to the blackboards as well as to the walls and ceilings.

( )n the jy\ of January. iS(k>, the board contracted with \\ . A. I'ennell & Co., of Normal, to deliver an<l sui)erintentl the setting of four of llawleys No. 4 air w\-irniers in the new high school for $2,000, the board agreeing to |)ay for the brick work and the actual expenses of the superintendent.

.\l)ril Jtj, i8<H), the following was unanimously passed: Ordered, that the clerk of this board go to New York, taking with him the S43.OCO worth of bond ordered to be issued .March J9. iS<n). and that be settle with W. I'. Ila/leton. taking uj) the bonds now held by saitl llazelton against the district amounting to $24,500; also tiie bonds of the City of Decatur amounting to $1 j.ooo, paying any interest which may Ijc right fully due on said bonds an<l receiving the l)alance in cash, which balance he shall de|)osit to the credit of J. .Millikin iS; Co.. in the .Metro- ]»olitan National Hank, of New York, this being in accordance with the written instructions of the treasurer. J. K. < inrin.

It was onlered that the board buy lot 9, block 7. Reed & (.o.'s addition, for $820. This purchase comjdeted the high school grounds as they are now.

( Irdereil. that Sallie Rue. Ijiiuui Keeme, Carrie Hubbard, Katie Jones, llallie buller, and l-'rank L. llrooks be allowed to graduate frt>m the high school, they ha\ ing completed the course of study in a satisfactory manner. Fhis seems to be the first time that the board authorized the graduation of a class from the high school. The other two classes were graduated by a vole of the teachers.

June 21, i8<>9. the ])resident and clerk were ajjpointed a committee to secure furniture for the high school. It was also ordered that an addition of two rooms be l)uilt to the l-'ourth ward school house, provided, parties can be found to do the woik and take the bonds of the board in payment; ))rcivided, also, that the cost shall not exceed $4,500. The matter was left with the president with directions to report bis actions to the board. < )n the 14th of July following he rei)orted that he had let the contract to .Messrs. .Myer i*t I'.randt for a sum not to exceed $4,500, they agreeing to take bonds in payment. This is the north front ad<lition to the ])reseut Jackson street school.

During the summer <>f 1S69 the Second war<l school house was thomughly repaired. The large up])er room was divided into two modern school rooms. A new foundation was built under the central ])artition and the whole building was replastered and jiainted throughout The work was done by McNabb & Bishop and .Soilars & Hanks. The expense amounted to about $2,000.

.\ugust 14. 1869. it was ordered that Ciuyot's geographies be introduced in place of MitcheH's. provided, the publishers would exchange book for book during the school vear, so that the text b(5oks used

November 9, 1869, it was ordered that the physical apparatus used in the Decatur seminar)' be purchased for the use of the high school and that an order for $150 be issued to the estate of Henry Prather in payment.

On Januarjr 11, 1870, the clerk was directed to meet with the treasurer, J. R. Gorin, and to destroy all orders which had been paid bj' him during the preceding six months and to mark the word paid upon the record of the issuance of such order in the journal. This was continued for several years but later it was so modified as to provide that the treasurer should return monthly to the clerk the orders paid by him and that the journal should be marked at the regular monthly meeting of the board. This is still the custom.

On the 8th of February, 1870, Samuel S. Jack was elected the principal of the high school at a salary of $1,500. He took charge of the school at the beginning of the spring term. On February 10, 1871. he resigned to go into business.

May 10, 1870, it was ordered that a bond of $800 be issued to Edward Sweeny in payment of lot 14, block 5, in Plant & Tuttle's addition. This lot adjoins the site of the First ward school house. For some reason Mr. Sweeny declined to complete the transfer but on May 22, 1875, he conveyed the same lot for $650. The board sold the dwelling house on the lot for $100 to Mr. Hughes.

October 26, 1871, the treasurer, J. R. Gorin, agreed to furnish all overdrafts that the board might wish to make at 8 per cent. It is believed that is the first time that the board could negotiate .short loans for less than 10 per cent.

March 12, 1872, it was ordered that Blackmer's graded songs be used in the schools. This was the first text book in vocal music introduced. The president was authorized to have the city water brought into the high school.

May 16, 1872, Messrs. Hamsher and Mosser asked that they be furnished with a copy of the proceedings of the board to be published in the columns of the daily Republican. The clerk was directed to comply with the request.

Resolved, That we feel that in his death the cause of education has lost a true and considerate friend and the board of education an active and earnest member.

Dr. Enoch W. Moore was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy in the board caused by the death of Mr. Roach until the time of the regular school election in June next.

June 12, 1873, a committee of the board reported in favor of building an addition of two rooms to the First ward school house and on June 19th the contract was awarded to D. C. Shockley on his bid of $4,362.62.

Ordered, That the proposition of Captain Ira Harris. Jr., to sell a plat of land in the Fifth ward for a school house site for the sum of $1,500 be accepted and that bonds for $1,000 and $500 be issued in payment; the second payable February i, 1874. and the first April I, 1876. Both bonds to bear

Early in 1874. Messrs. Lowber lUirrows anil others asked that they be relieved from the payment of certain school taxes which hatl been levied iijioii an erroneous asscs.smcnt. On .\|)ril 14. 1874. Hon. .Arthur J. ( lallaijher reported that the board had n.> power to relieve any one from the ])ayment ol taxes which had been turned over to the projier officer for collection.

( )n June <). 1874, \Vm. L. Hammer retired after servinp nine years as a member and seven years as president of the board. Ikwas succeeded by \\ 111. C Johns.

.Aujjust 27. 1875, the (piestion of adopting Krusi's drawing; books for use in the schools was carefully discussed and laid over for future action. This seems to have been the first time that it was seriously proposed ti> introduce tlrawinjj as a rejjular study in the scluxils. The board was not ready to take that step!

Sept. 17. 1S75. J. K. (Iiiriii was elected treasurer on condition that he pay 3 ])er cent interest on daily balances in his hands. The payment amounted to $161.4^1 for the fiscal year and it was the first ever matle to the board. The treasurer now pays 2 per cent on ilaily balances.

Jan. 11. i.S7(,. .\lr. K. K. IJuricc .staled that he had paid a school lax of $17.03 which had been wroiifrfully assessed a^^ainst his pni])erty and askeil that it be refunded. The matter was referred to W. ( ". Johns. Escj., for investif^ation. .\t the next meeting he reported that the amount oujjht to be returned to Mr. Durfee and it was done.

J. 11. .Maiizy aiitl others askeil the board, .March 15. |87<>. to build a high board fence amund the 3rd ward school yard to prevent persons from assembling there at night and ilistiirbing the neighborhood by <lisorderly conduct. The ])etition was read and placed on file, where it still remains.

( »ii March 15. 1876. the superintendent was directed to purchase writing pai>er for future examinations so tiiat the pu])ils might have constant practice with pen and ink, instead of using pencils as had been the practice pre\iousiy. IK- was also directed to keep the account of the recei|)ts and expeiKlitures of the tuition fuml in the regular journal and ledger of the board.

President William .\. Marnes and the clerk were directed. December II, 1876, to see what would be the cost of common tables and chairs for use in the basement of the high school building. This was the beginning of the discussion which led to the establishment of the high school laboratory. Xotliing was done until the fall of 1877 when alxjut Si 50 was ap]iro|)riated to secure furniture and fit up the room now userl for coal on the west side of ilu- iinttr part of the building.

On .May 8, 1877. Regent John .M. ( ircgory of the Industrial L'liivcrsity at L'rbana. 111., proposed a system of examinations which, it was Iioj)ed, would bring the high schools I if the state into closer connection with the university. The clerk was directed to inform him that the board would co-operate willingly with him in bringing alxnit so desirable a result. This was the Ijeginning ">l the >vstfni (if " accrediteil biifh schoiils"

On the 9th of October, 1877, Lovvber Burrows was elected the second treasurer of the board of education. He succeeded Jerome R. Gorin who had been treasurer ever since the organization in April, 1865.

Messrs. Volney Barber and Edmiston McClellan asked permission, November 24, 1877, to send their children to tlie high school without payment of tuition, although they lived outside of the school district, because they owned property and paid taxes in the Decatur district. It was agreed that the question should be submitted to the state superintendent of public instruction. In a somewhat lengthy opinion, which is filed among the " valuable papers " in the office, he held that the payment of taxes did not entitle persons to enjoy the benefits of the schools unless he had a bona fide residence in that district.

On the same date it was agreed that the district schools might be closed at four o'clock in the afternoon from November ist to February ist, instead of 4:30 o'clock as in the past.

April 9, 1878, on the retjuest of the high school Alumni association, it was agreed to hold the graduating exercises on Thursday evening so that the association might hold the annual reunion on Friday evening.

May 21, 1878. On motion of H. B. Durfee, it was agreed that in the future, all teachers must secure certificates from the county superintendent of schools. This action was taken because the supreme court liad held, in a case involving the right of boards of education acting under the general laws to issue certificates, that the language employed did not give- them the power to dispense with the certificate of the county superintendent, but simply granted the power to hold any additional examinations that thev might deem desirable. As the language used in our special charter is almost identical with that em- ]jloyed in the state law, it was thought not to be wise to rely upon it for authority to issue certificates in the place of those granted by the county supermtendent.

Dec. ID, 1878, Messrs. E. McNabb, Wm. B. Harry and Michael Troutman presented the following report which was received and ordered published :

To the honorable board of education : Your committee appointed to examine the second ward school house, beg leave to report that on examination we find that the building has been so repaired that we consider it as safe as other school buildings m the city.

The president states that this meeting was called to consider what disposition should be made of the bonded debt, all of which would become due April i, next.

After a full discussion it was decided that $5,000 should be paid April i, 1879. It was further ordered that the remaining $15,000 should be refunded and that $3,000 should be made payable five years from April i, 1879, and $3,000 on the first day of April every year thereafter until all the debt is paid. The president was directed to receive propositions to take the new bonds until March i, when they will be issued to the parties offering to take them at the lowest rate of interest ; the bonds to be issued in sums to suit purchasers, provided that no bond be for a less sum than one hundred dollars. On March 11, 1879, these bonds were sold to \\\ P. Hazelton, of New York City, at par and 6 per cent interest, payable semi-annually at the hanking house of Laidlaw & Co.. in New York. The lowest rate of interest heretofore paid on bonds was 9 ])cr cent.

to build an addition of two rooms on the north sitlc of the second ward scliool liouse according to plans and specifications pre- ])ared l)> <i. I'. Randall, of Ciiicago, for tile sum of $^,735. was accepted and his bond approved.

Sept. 1, 1879, it was agreed to buy of the Champion Iron Fence Company, Kenton, C)hio, one hundred tifty-three feet 01 Xo. 14, two rail, -)ij inch round picket fence for $.259 to be set up on the cast and south sides of the third ward school.

.\ proposition was received from the Western Cnion Telegraph Company lo put telephones into five schools at an annual rental of $156. It was laid over for future consideration.

Oct. 14. 1879, the thanks of the boaril were voted to Dr. Silas T. Trowbridge, of \'cra Cruz, Mexico, for his present to the high school of thirteen beautiful photographs of ancient ruins in the states of Yucatan anil Chiopas. The suiierintcndent was directed to have them framed, marked with the name of the donor and hung in the high school building.

Henry 1'. Durfee, ])resident of the board of education, ilied March 17, 1880, after an illness of about two weeks. He was elected a school director in .\ugust, iSTn, and continued in that position until the organization of the board of education in April, 18^)5. ( )n June 4, 1867, he was elected a nuMidjer of the board of education and reelected in June. 1870. He declined a reelection in 1873, but in June, 1877, he was elected lor another term and he became president of the board in 1879. The special charter of the Decatur school district was obtained largely by his efforts. He was always an earnest and efficient worker for the interests of the schools.

September 2. 1882, the Woman's Christian Tem|}erance L'nion was granted permission to place Kichanlson's Manual of Tem])erance on the teachers' desks. This was the beginning of the teaching of scientific temperance in the schools.

Resolved, That the superintendent is hereby directed to send all pupils in said grades who live south of Eldorado and cast of Jackson streets from the first ward to the fourth ward school.

This tpiestion of the proi)cr assignment of the ])upils to the various schools continues to be one of the most perplexing problems of the board and the superintendent. It causes more dissatisfaction every year to parents and ])upils than anything else connectefl with the management of the schools.

May 19. 1882, it was determined to erect a four room school house on the lots in the fifth ward purchased some time ago of Ira ll;irris, Jr.

July 17. ordered th.it the contract for building the above house be aw-arded to .Meixille (1. Patterson on his bid of $().7oo, ;ind Win. P.. Chambers was appointed su- ])erintenilent of the building.

( )n ( )ctober II, 1882, the contract for seating the building was awarded to \. II, Andrews i*t C'o., C'hicago, at an average price of $2.38 for single ilcsks set up in the rooms ready for use.

It was ordered, Sepiember 13, 1883, that the president and clerk execute a conveyance to John M. Rainey for the sum of $212.50 for the following described lot of land: Commencing 211 feet west of the southeast corner of block number ten in the Western addition to the city of Decatur, thence north to the north line of the south half of said block, thence west to the east of the grounds belonging to the said John yi. Rainey. eight and one-half feet more or less, thence south to the south line of said block, thence east to the place of beginning, being a part of lot number nine of said block; provided that the said Rainey shall build a good, tight board fence at least five feet high between said land and the yard of the third ward school.

Nov. 22. 1883. the superintendent was authorized to employ an assistant teacher in one or two of the primary rooms where the schools were greatly crowded if satisfactory arrangements could be made ; also to introduce drawing into the schools at the beginning of the next term if the publishers will give satisfactory terms for the introductory books.

Feb. 12, 1884. Prof. Demorest asked permission to teach classes in music in the school houses after the close of the schools in the afternoon. The pupils to pay for the instruction. The permission was not granted.

Aug. 14, 1884. the superintendent reported that he believed it best to introduce the fir.st, second and third readers of the Modern series, and the fourth and fifth readers of the Franklin series in the place of Hillard's now in use. The report was adopted and the introduction ordered. The books

Sept. 9, 1884, it was agreed to purchase of Mary E. W'ortmaii lot one, block three in Durfee & King's addition for $2,500. It was ordered that the lots owned b}^ the board in the west half of block three be offered for sale ; also the buildings now standing on the lot purchased of Mary E. Wortman. The frame house was later sold to Hanson C. Stultz for three hundred dollars and the brick house to David C. Moffitt for one hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Sept. 22, 1884, the contract for building the east four rooms of the I^Iarietta street school according to plans prepared by him was awarded to ilelville G. Patterson on his bid of $8,990, it being the lowest of five submitted. It was ordered that the house should be heated by steam.

First ward. Sangamon street school : second ward. Church street school : third ward, ^Vood street school : fourth ward, Jackson street school: fifth ward. Jasper street school, and the new building the Marietta street school.

Alarch 26, 1886, the superintendent was directed to invite the president of the University of Michigan to send a committee to examine our high school with a view to admitting our graduates to the university upon their diplomas.

June 21. 1886. Ordered that the assembly room in the high school be changed so that the teachers' platform should be on the south side of the room. Also that bay windows be put in the four old rooms in the Sangamon street school for the purpose of securing better light.

Feb. 9, 1887. It was ordered that additions of two rooms each be built at the Jackson and ^^^:)od street schools and that four rooms be added to the Marietta street school.

Mav .'4. 1S87. the contract (or huililing tlio two rooms at the Wood street school was awarded t<> Harrison S. liaker for :?4,5So; the two rooms at the Jackson street schtK)! to J. J. Wilson lor $5,845. and the four rooms at the Marietta street school to Melville < 1. Patterson for $8.i><>o.

March i<). 1S8S. .Samuel Dickinson jiresented a tax receipt showing,' that he had been assessed in Decatur school district when he lived in district No. 4. town i'>, 3 east. He asked that $4.34 be returned to him. The request was not granted as the board had no power to correct erroneous assessments.

The superintendent was directed to notify all parents who have chililren of |>roper age who have ntjt attended any school since September last that if they were not sent to school at the beginning of the next term. March 2<>, that the parents would be lial>le to a line under the provisions of the comindsory education law. This was the first action taken by the boanl on this subject.

July 5. 1888, it was determined to put bay wnxlows into the four front rooms of the \\ ood street school to improve the lighting and to put a grate into each rot>m to improve the ventilation.

Dec. 18. 1888. Misses Judsoii, I'.yman and Anderson subniitted a statement recommending the adojjtion of the Normal or Holt system of vocal music, i'laced on hie.

Jan. ij. i8S(j. Contract for digging a cellar under the (."liurch street school was awarded to John Williamson at 30c per cubic yard, $1.50 per day for laborers, and $2 per day for himself. Henry Lunn was engaged to do the brick work at $4 per day for masons and $1.75 per day for helpers. It was also agreed to engage .Mr. l-A-ans to do the cari)enter work.

.March 11. 1890. the board agreed to buy <pf William T. and Sarah !-". Smith for 82.357. lot 2 in block 3 of Lake & Co.'s addition of out lots on Warren street for a school site

( )n May 29. i8i;o, the contract for building a four room school house on W arren street according to the modified plans of .Messrs. Kramer iS; Zoll, I'"inillay, ( )liio, was awarded to John J. Wilson for $11,915, his bid being the lowest of five submitted.

The board directed the superintendent, August 25. i8(/"), to corresp<ind with .Mrs. I,. L. Miller, of Mloomington, and see on what terms she would teach drawing in the schools for four or five months.

.Se|)t. 3. i8<>o. The following was read and ordered placed on file. No action has ever been taken on it by the board : .Mr. ]-.. A. (iastman. Supt. Public Schools, Dear Sir: ' tould not the board of e<hicatioii lure be induced to open night sch«iols for the benefit of the large number of young men and women who are compelled to leave the dav schools at an early period of their history to earn a living? It seems to me this ele-

Oct. 29, 1890, ordered that lot 9, block i, cf Powers' second addition be purchased of Mrs. Caroline M. Powers for $1,252.50. It contains 1.67 acres.

Tulv 7, 1891, the contract for deepening the cellar and heating and ventilating the Sangamon street school was let to the Smead Warming & Ven. Co. for $i,S47-

July 22, 1891. The superintendent was directed to secure a good teacher of drawing; also to confer with Miss Elizabeth Kneiper concerning the teaching of vocal music.

Pupils shall attend school in that division of the district in which they reside, except when transferred by the superintendent of schools. The following will be considered sufficient grounds to warrant a transfer:

2. In case of injury to health from greater distance traveled, the injury to be determined by the certificate of some well accredited physician.

The board directed the superintendent, April 28, 1892, to use his judgment about closing the schools on circus day for an hour to allow the pupils to see the parade. The superintendent has struggled with this question ever since and he is not sure now what ought to be done. Most of the parents and teachers and all of the pupils are in favor of closing to see the show, few of the parents are very much opposed to the practice. At this writing, the s iperintendent is inclined to the belief that the schools should not be closed and that the parents should determine whether their children shall go to school or to see the circus.

May 3, 1892, the contract for building an addition to the front of the high school house, according to plans and specifications prepared by Melville G. Patterson, was let to Harrison S. Baker for $16,484.

The contract for building a new school house at the corner of E. Herkimer and N. Jasper streets, according to plans and specifications prepared by Elah Terrill & Co., Columbus, Ohio, was let to White Bros., of Springfield, Illinois, for $12,000.

May 19, 1892, it was voted that the contracts for building two room additions to the Jasper and Jackson street schools, according to plans and specifications prepared for the same by Melville G. Patterson, be let to Messrs. Krentel & Lyon according to their bids of $6,325 and $3,925, respectively.

July ,5, 1892, it was voted unanimously on the motion of John K. Warren that the new school house be known as the H. B. Durfee school in memory of the late Henry B. Durfee.

August I, 1892, it was ordered that fortyfive ten-twenty year five per cent bonds for Si, 000 each be is.sued to E. H. Rollins & Sons on their bid, the highest of ten, of

.\pril 13, i8<>3, it was decided that in view i>f the fact that the programmes of recitatii>ns and studies were all arranged for the present term, it was not wise to attemjn to introduce physical cidture into the schools at this time - this was adopted as an answer to a commimication received from the Decatur Turn X'erein.

The hoard ordered, June 5, 1893. that the contract for erecting a ftiur room addition on the north side of the Warren street school he awarded to Messrs. Lyon & Williams for S7.400. The plans and specifications as i)reparcd by Mellville G. Patterson were adopted.

June 18, 1804. the contract for building a two room atldition to the Jasper street school, according to jjlans prepared by Mellville ( i. Patterson, was awarded to Thomas I.. Antrim for $2,276. It is believed that this is the smallest amount ever paid for two school rooms in this city.

May 2. 1895. it was ordercil tiiai jots 19, 20, 21, block 2, of P. II. lirueck's adtlition be [)urchascd.of Edward A. Denz for $2,000. and that lots 17 and iS in the same block be purchased of P.. I,. Roscbraugh for $2,525.

May (>, lSr)5, it was ordereil tiial the new school house to be built at the corner of N. .Monroe and Pugh streets, be known as the Pugh school in grateful recognition of the military and civil servicer -''' '''- (ien. Isaac C. Pugh.

It was voted May 22, 1895, to i>>ue to N. W. Harris & Co.. New York, forty twenty-year four per cent bonds of Si. 000 each on their bid of 99 and accrued interest.

of the high school, according to the i)lans and specifications prepared by I. D. Stine, was awarded to William 1". <iebhart on his bid of $i5,3tK).

The contract for building the Pugh school, according to the plans and s|)ecifications l)rei)ared by .Melville G. Patterson, was awarded to Thomas I.. Antrim on his bid of S10.590.

November 14, i8<)5. it was ordered that the superintendent be authorized to hire substitute teachers in case of the sickness of the regidar teachers and to pay such salaries as their experience might warrant but m no case to exceed $2.50 per day.

The clerk was directed to pay Miss Clara E. Eymau lur regtdar salary for one-half of the time she was kept out of school by order of the board of health on account of the death of her niece from diphtheria.

Dec. 12, 1895, the supen'ntendcnt reported that several parents in the southwest part of the city had asked that the board consider the matter of closing the Wood street school on accoimt of the prevalence of diphtheria in that part of the city. He also stated that he had held a conference this morning with the mayor, D. II. Conklin, and Dr. Cass Chcnoweth. a mcmbei; of the board of health, and that it was the opinion of both these gentlemen that but little if any good could come from closing the schools. .After a long and careful di.scussion of the subject, the superintendent was directed to use all possible care to keep out children who might be in danger of communicating the disease to others and to rei|uire a written permit from Dr. Ira N. IJarnes, chairman of the board of health, before admitting chihlren from families where the disease had prevailc<l.

On March 13. 1896, .Mrs. Elizabeth Ilarwood asked that a uniform flag salute be adopted for use in the schools. The teachers were requested to use such a drill in their schools as often as they might deem

Past And Present Of Macon Counts'

We found our task an unenviable one and it was only after hours of conscientious work that we allowetl the ribbons to be placed in their respective places.

In many cases we found more than two admirable drawings representing the same class of work, but as it was deemed advisable to honor a few only, we could by no means recognize all good work, but selected those which ct)ntained the greatest number of excellencies from an artistic standpoint. This being true, we wish not alone to encourage the fortunate few, bvit others who have shown work full of expression and meaning, and which show talent on the right road to development.

We believe these exhibitions do much toward stimulating art education in the schools, and Ibis we believe is the surest and simplest way of bringing the people to that state of development where they can appreciate and enjoy great art.

Some one has truly said that a nation as such can best comprehend and express its worthiest ideals in art form, and the first practical way of arousing universal interest in' works of art and cf discovering ability that, once developed, will produce such work is by making art education as compulsory as the more common lines of work. Only a few years have passed since art education was a privilege of the rich, but this exhibition alone proves it otherwise now. We must endeavor to make art a genuine thing, in no sense an affectation - a fad. it affords an order of enjoyment and growth whicli mathematics and athletics cannot furnish, and a nation cannot reach the highest state of civilization without a great existing art.

The thanks of the board were tendered to the members of the committee for their valuable report ; also to the Woman's Club for the free use of its elegant apartments, for the exhibit and for the helpful interest its members have manifested in the educational affairs of the city.

.August 13, 1896, it was ordered that the system of vertical penmanship published by Messrs. Silver, Burdette & Co. be used in the schools for the coming year.

October 15, 1896, the petition of J. \\'. Barber and others asking that certain described territory west of Oakland avenue i^e received into the district was granted by a unanimous vote of the board and the clerk was directed to notify the county clerk.

Owing to the uncertainty of my return to Decatur to reside permanently, and feeling that the duties of the office require the attendance of a full board, I hereby resign my position as a member of the board of education.

On motion, the resignation was accepted and .Mrs. .Minnie P. Hostetler was elected to fill the vacancy until the regular election June 7. 1898.

Resolved, That in tribute to her wise counsel, faithful interest, and never wearying labors as a member of the board we express our sincercst regrets in her resignation, and wisli for her in lier new home a hap])y contimiation of her interest and labors in liehalf of education.

To the Pioard of Education: - The Wcnuan's Club of Decatur hereby petition vour iinniirable body to incor])orate jshysical cnltm-e in the public schools. W'c beg you will in\-estigatc this matter and give it your aUenlinn, as the niendiers of the clul) consider it desirable. This subject is presented to you only after mature consideration, as we appreciate the difficulties to be. overcome, but we feel that the welfare of the children demands that some efforts be made to overcome the effects of such continued mental work with so little jihysical relaxation.

It was ordered that the re(|uest be received and laid over for future consideration. The opinion prevailed that the course of study in the schools was already crowded and that jnipils and teachers found it difficult to secure sufficient time in which to jiroperly do the work. It was also believed that satisfactory results in physical training could not be secured withiiut the emploj-ment ot a special teacher and the cdiidition of the treasurv would not warrant

July .21. 1898, the contract for making improvements at the Jasper street school according to plans prepared by R. O. Rosen, architect, was let to Harrison S. iiaker for !|52,540. There were six bidders.

October 13, 1898, the superintendent was directed to prepare a circular and send it to the parents ha\-ing children in the public schools and ask iliein to fa\or ihe hoard with their wishes concer.iing physical culture in the schools. On ('ctobcr 251'] the superintendent reported the form of ll^e circular sent to the parents and th.' answers which had been recei\cd. Twenty-one hundred se\enty-four circulars were sent out. I'lnir huiulred eighteen were not returned, SIX hundred and thirty-eight voted against and eleven lutndred eighteen in favor of ha\ing the subject taught in tlu- schools.

On June 23, 1899, t'le contract for building a two-room addition to the H. B. Durfee school according to the plans of M. G. Patterson, architect, was awarded to Harrison S. Baker for the sum of $3,628.

At the January, 1900, meeting of the board, Mr. Frank Plamsher, principal of the high school, asked permission to change the hours of study and recitation in the school. The plan was adopted, but he was directed to send lite following ballot to the jiarents :

.\ccording to the ineseni arrangements the program of the lligh School is as follows: .Morning session 9 a. m. to 12:05 p. m.. htnch 12:05 to 12:30; afternoon session 12 :3o to 2:30.

a large number have no lunch at all, sonic bring a lunch, and some bring money and buy their lunch - a lunch for the most part of such articles as pickles, cheese and pie. That present conditions are unsatisfactory is indicated by the large number of requests we receive from parents and physicians that special privileges in regard to lunch time be granted this or that pupil.

come at eight who have a recitation at that hour; others need not be present mitil 8:45. Those who come at eight may be excused at 12:35. Those who came at 8:45 may be excused at i :i5. In the afternoon of certain days the teachers \vill be at the building, at which time the pupil may be required to return for consultation, or to make up back work.

By beginning earlier and gaining the time of the noon recess, we are enabled to have more time for actual school work and yet dismiss an hour and fifteen minutes sooner than by the old plan.

May 9, 1901, the Athletic Association of the high school asked that Prof. Charles Kent be excused from his class duties on the loth instant so that he might attend and act as judge at the meet in Lincoln, Illinois. ""The team will be greatly encouraged and the chance of winning the pennant increased by his presence." The request was unanimously granted. This is the first time the board formally recognized athletics in the high school.

On the 27th of :May, 1901. Mr. M. G. Patterson, architect, was directed to prepare plans for an addition of two rooms to be built on the southeast corner of the H. B. Durfee school. On June 13 five bids were received for erecting the same, and the contract was awarded to Mr. A. H. Humphrey for $4,694.

Januar}' 16, 1902, a contract was made with a company. Chicago, for apparatus and material with which to thoroughly fumigate the school rooms in cases of contagious diseases. The cost was $122.50. Such action had never before been taken by the board.

The annual election of teachers w^as held on the i6th of June, 1902, and the salaries of the grade teachers were advanced $25 each. Fifty dollars was added to the salary of each janitor upon the understanding that they would cut the grass and look after the yards during the vacations.

The superintendent was directed, August 21, 1902, to post notices in all the school rooms that persons damaging the property of the district would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

On September 9, 1902, the superintendent reported that the 6th and "th grades in the Marietta and the Warren street schools were greatly crowded and thai the same rooms in the H. B. Durfee school were not full. He was ordered to transfer pupils living on or east of Morgan street to the H. B. Durfee school and to transfer enough pupils living east of North Edward street and north of West Edmond street to the Warren street school to equalize, as nearly as may be, the number of pupils in the sixth and seventh grades of the Marietta and the Warren street schools.

Messrs. Goodman and Maynard petitioned the circuit court for a writ of mandamus to compel the board to allow their children to remain in the Warren street school. The case never was heard by the court. Something over a year later the petition was dismissed by the complainants.

In December, 1902, a discussion was commenced as to the desirability of tearing down the Church street school, the oldest public school in the city, and building a larger and better edifice. On January 15, 1903, the following was offered by Mr. James F. Roach and unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That we erect on the present Church street school ground a school house containing ten or eleven rooms. The building to be two stories with a basement, and an attic of sufficient size to be used as an auditorium, to seat not less than 600 persons, and that we receive from various architects sketches for floor plans and elevations to be used as a basis for final plans to be adopted later.

consider these sketches and the discussions were frequently continued until nearly midnight. I'inally the plans of .M. G. Patterson were adopted at 1 1 40 p. m., February 17, 1903. He was elected superintendent of construction March 18. t)n .\pril 14, 1903, by a unanimous vote, it was ordered that the building be named the E. A. Gastnian Schixil.

The contract was awarded to Swisher & Jjrooks for $42,448.88, but this amount does not include the heating and ventilating, the gas pipes, the electric wiring nor the concrete floors in the basement. It is estimated that the total cost will be some fifty-five or sixty thousand dollars.

On April 15, 1903, R. O. Rosen was directed to prepare plans for an addition of two rooms to be built on the south end of' the Jackson street school. He was directed to provide for using as much of the old material from the Church street house as could be utilized. Bids were invited for tearing down the old Church street school.

.\t a meeting held .\pril 24, 1903, a contract was made with Messrs. Swisher & Brooks to tear down the old building, as no bids had been received to do it. They commenced the work the next day, and the total cost was $965.98. Old material was sold to the amount of $180.40.

The Church street school building was the oldest public school house in the city. It was erected in 1856-7 by the directors, Edward O. Smith, Jasper J. Pcdicord, and Philip B. Shepherd. An addition of two rooms was made to it in 1879. No record of the cost of the original house has been found, but tradition says it was about $6-, 000. The addition cost $2,883.75.

iiig reading' be adoplcd in the lirst and second grades in all tiie schools, il having been tested in the Warren and Chnrch street schools for the past two years.

It was also ordered that the new Hyde books, one and two, in English, be adopted for nse in the fmirlh, tifth. sixth ami seventli grades and that the third, fonrth and fifth readers of the (iraded Literature series he useil in llie third, fourth and fifth grades. This is the third change of readers in the Decatur schools since 1850.

A List Of Teachers The High School

In 1862, the directors decided to emploja city superintendent of schools and to open a high school. Nothing of the kind had been done before in Decatur. On July 12, 1862, E. A. Gastman was elected principal of all the schools at a salary of $480 for a term of 120 days. At the same meeting Miss Frances A. Peterson was elected assistant in the high school at a salary of S30 per month.

During the summer Mr. Gastman and Miss Peterson were married and the high school was opened under their management, September 22, 1862, in the lower east room of the Church street school. The following pupils were enrolled during the first school year of six months :

In the fall of 1863 the school was moved to the basement of the Baptist Church on the northeast corner of William and Water streets, ilrs. Gastman having died just before the close of the previous year, Miss Mary E. Baker became the assistant. The school was carried on in this dark and dingy basement for six years. During that time Misses Miranda ]\I. Sargent, Helen Dean, and Nancy Cunningham were assistants. At an election held July 8, 1863. the people ordered, by a vote of 129 to 6. that the schools should be continued for nine months in each year.

In the first years of its history, the school had no regular course of study. Such classes were formed as would best suit the wants of the pupils attending the school. Gradually, however, a course of three years was adopted.

There was very little interest in the school among the people, and. probably, less than one hundred citizens attended the first annual exercises and saw this class of four girls receive their diplomas. But these

Past And I'Resent Of Macon Couxty

The erection of a building for the accommodation of the school was frc(|nently discussed l)y the board of education, but no action was taken until August 9, 1866, when Messrs. Durfee & Warren and Dr. Thomas H. Reed sold to the board lots Jo. 1 1 and u of the resurvey of block 7, Reed & Co.'s addition, for the sum of $3,400. In May, 1869, lot 9 in the same block was bought of Ab- T. Risley. for $820.

Owing to a want of funds nothing was done about a building until April. i8f)8, when Air. (leo. V. Randall of Chicago was employed to prepare plans and specifications for a high school house. On the twentysixth, the clerk was clirccted to advertise for bids for erecting the building. On June 13th the following projjositiohs were submitted:

On July 4. 1868. the lot was surveyed ancl leveled b\- Charles A.Tuttle. The erection of tlie building was commenced soon after, D. McVey being in charge of ibr brick work. During the summer and fall the house was enclosed, but the tower was not built until the spring of 1869. The house was plastered in the winter by Sollars & Hanks for $r,- 098.60. It should be said to the credit of these workmen that no repairs have been required on the plastering from that time until now, except under the stairways in the halls. The painting was done by M. A. Myer and A. C. Corman for $1,046.60. The total cost of the building was $24,577,46.

The first session of the high school was held in the new building September 13, 18O9. with these teachers in charge of the several classes :

The first story and one-half of the second storv of the building were occupied by children in the lower grades of the ward schools. Misses Martha E. Hughes and Sarah E. Allen taught primar}' classes in the rooms on the lower floor, and Miss Amanda J. Affleck had an intermediate school in the northeast room on the second tloor.

< )n the 8th i)f l'\bruary. 1870, Samuel S. Jack, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was unanimously elected ])rincipal of the high school at a salarv of $1,500 ])er annum. The average daily attendance in the school that year was 1 10. The following class graduated in June. 1870: .Maggie Sollars, Mabel Carpenter, Carrie I'llson, Rachael F,. Cook, Robert B. Hostetler, Charles M. P.arnes, Truman S. Crissey, John L. Ridenour.

(In February 10, 1871, Mr. .Samuel S. Jack tendered his resignation of the principalshi]), wliich was accepted and F. A. Ciastnian was directed to take charge of tin- school mitil a new princqial could be secured.

The growth of the school was slow in those days. In 1875 there were five teachers, and the average daily attendance was 155 fiir the year. In 1880 the number of teachers was the same and the average attendance was 152. In 1885 the attendance advanced to 220. and the number of teachers remained as before. In 1890 the average daily attendance was 244 and the num-

The gradual injT class of 1875 numbered thirteen, two boys and eleven girls. In 1880 there were twenty-two graduates, six boys and sixteen girls. In 1885 the class was coiuposed of eight boys and twenty girls, or twenty-eight in all. In 1890 the class consisted of thirty-six members, thirteen boys and twenty-three girls. In 1894 there were forty-nine members in the class, of whom seventeen were boys and thirty-two girls. The graduating classes since 1894 have been as follows: "95, 76; '96, 80; '97, 87: 98, 55; '99, 70; 1900. 84. The number of pupils enrolled during the year 1899- 1900 was 731.

From the above figures it w-ill be seen that the growth of the school and of the classes annually graduated, commenced about 1885 and has steadily continued until the present time, .\nother fact shows the same condition of affairs. From 1869 to 1892 the old building proved ample for the wants of the school. In the latter year the capacity of the building was substantially doubled bv the erection of an addition in front. It was thought that this would make the building adequate for a long time to come, but ])y 1895 '^ second addition of six rooms on the rear was required.

The building as it now- stands has thirteen session rooms, witli a combined capacity for about 800 ]iui)ils. three recitation rooms, two large well-equipped laboratories, a drawing room and a library room. It is one of the largest and best high school buildings in the state.

The expansion of the High School in point of numbers and building accommodations has been paralleled in its cotirse of study. It has expanded in two directions ; in the addition of new subjects, and in the more extensive study of subjects already in the course. Ptipils today may pursue a tour years' course of stud}- in l'",nglislu mathematics. Latin, (ierman. history and science. Their course of study is determined for the most part by their own intellectual tastes, the only subjects particularly required being English and a certain amount of malhem;itics. This freed(jm of election of studies is of recent introduction, but thus far ])romises much in making school work a matter of serious purpose.

( )ur large and well equipped chemical and physical laboratories and our generous supply of microscopes and other biological apparatus put our work in science on a true scientific basis, and enable our pupils to gain real insight into scientific method.

A great deal might be written in description oi the work in English, mathematics, the languages and various other subjects, but space forbids to say more than that these subjects are taught from the latest and most approved text books by men and women whose training has made them specialists in their department.

There are two sul>jects now taught in the High School that deserve special mention ; music and drawing. To those wdio are acquainted with the aims and results of the work along these lines nothing need be said to show their value. These subjects have won their place in the schools in spite of long ojipcisition. and their jaossibilities and value are constantly coming to greater appreciation.

^\'hen we reflect on the fact that over se\en hundred girls and boys were enrolled in the High School during the year, that the four vears of the High .School life are the formati\-e years of their character, the \ears when they begin to awake from the dreams of childhood \.o know the world as it is. the years when many of them are meeting the sterner realities of life, wdnen we think on these facts, we begin to realize what a ]iosition of influence in the community tlie I ligli School holds. W'e are wont to forget that the children of today are the men and women of tomorrow. But such is the ever recurring fact. The money then, and the time and thought that are expended in maintaining this institution, which receives its pupils as children and graduates them as men and women, is well and wisely spent.

Graduates Of The Decatur High School By Classes

The High School was organized in September, 1862. The following is a complete list of the graduates. In 1871 no class gradiiated, as the course was changed from three to four years.

Biographical Orlando Powers

Among- llie cinineiit men of Illinois whose life record forms an integral part of tlie history of Decatur, Hon. Orlando Powers was numbered. In his death the city lost one of its most progressive residents and active and honorable business men, as well as one whose influence was felt in marked degree along the line of intellectual and moral advancement. As the day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful efforts, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long, busy and useful one, marked by the utmost fidelity to the duties of public and private life, and crowned with honors conferred upon him in recognition of superior merit. His name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of Illinois, with its best development and its stable progress, and his memory is cherished as that of one who made the world better for his having lived.

The life record of Orlando Powers began on the 2ist of May, 1812, near the village of Charlton, Saratoga county. New York, and his youth was that of the usual farm boy who assists in the operation of the fields through the months of summer, while in the winter seasons he pursues his education in the common schools. It was in that manner that Mr. Powers passed his boyhood days until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he started for Havana, Cuba, in response to a request of his brother William that Orlando should go to that island and assist him in carrying on his business there. IMaking his way to New York, Mr. Powers, of this review, took passage upon the schooner Helen, but was destined never to reach the port for which he sailed, for that ship was wrecked in a severe storm when it had been under way for three days. The rescue of Mr. Powers was almost marvelous. He and Captain Tucker, who commanded the vessel, together with three of the sailors, drifted upon the open sea for eleven days, clinging to the disabled hulk, part of which was out of water. They subsisted upon a scanty supply of sea biscuit and raw potatoes and a very short allowance of water. When nearly famished because of lack of food and almost crazed by want of drink, they were ]iickecl up by a French brig bound for Bordeaux and eventually landed at La Rochelle, whence they were taken on to Bordeaux by land. Mr. Powers had no money nor clothing, save that which he wore, and was even without a hat, but found a kind friend in an Knglish gentleman who relieved his immediate wants and cared for him until opportunity came for him to return home. Re-crossing the Atlantic he landed at New York and through the assistance of business acquaintances of his elder brother he was cnal)led to promptly discharge the indebtedness which it had been necessary for him to incur. He did not tarry long in the metropolis, but proceeded at once by steamer up the Hudson river to his home, where he had been long mourned as dead. After visiting his people he once more made an attempt to enter the business world, and this time sailed from New York to Mobile, Alabama. For some time he remained in the south, being engaged in business enterprises in .Mabama and Mississippi in connection with his brothers and brother-inlaw, Chauncev Wilkinson, during which time he coiithicted operations at Z^Iobile, Tuscaloosa, Prairie Bluff and Aberdeen, and in 1849, leaving the south, he took up his abode in Decatur.

Mr. Powers had \isited this city in 1847, his mother and his two brothers, George and Samuel, having located here some years before. Being favorably impressed with the embryo city and its future prospects he resolved to ally his interests with the place, and up to the time of his death remained a continuous resident of Decatur from 1849 with the exception of a brief period of one decade, which he passed in Jacksonville, Illinois. On locating in Decatur, Mr. Powers became identified with industrial interests as the owner of a saw and grist mill. This he operated for a time and then embarked in commercial pursuits, establishing a boot and shoe store. He became widely known in business circles here and extended his activity into many lines which proved of value to Decatur as well as a source of profit to himself. For many j^ears he was the owner of the only set of abstract books in Macon county. In matters of business his judgment was always sound and reliable and while he was conservative to the point of safety he was also progressive and quick to note opportunities which come to all. In the early 3'ears of his residence here he realized that Illinois was destined to become a great and populous state because of the fertility of its soil, which offered splendid opportunities to the agriculturist. Wisely he made investment in real estate, acquiring large property interests, including both farm lands and city realty. As the years passed he improved and developed his property and as he found good opportunity for sale he disposed of his investments at a very desirable profit. His enterprise was also an active factor in the permanent improvement and material expansion of Decatur. In 1889 he erected an opera house, which would be a credit to a city of much greater size. It is beautifully and artistically decorated and is most complete as to arrangements, thus furnishing a place of entertainment of which Decatur and her people have every reason to be proud. No improvement for the general good sought his co-operation irr vain and it would be to recount most of the enterprises of Decatur to give a list of the concerns which have benefited by his assistance.

On the 27th of September, 1849, ^^f- Powers was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte E. Given, of Smithland, Union county, Kentucky. It was while he was traveling on horseback from ^lobile, Alabama, to Decatur, on his first trip in 1847, that he met this lady, and the friendship that thus originated eventually led to their, marriage. She was a daughter of Henry Given, of Smithland, Kentucky. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Powers were born four children: Alice, who was born September 30, 1856, and died on the 22d of April, 1878; Charles G., born June 30, 1861 ; Howard William, born June 20, 1864, and now a resident of Decatur; and Anabel, who was born August 18, 1867, and is the widow of Charles Kerney, of Evansville, Indiana. Mrs. Powers died May 3, 1897, and Mr. Powers passed away July i, 1902, his remains being interred in Greenwood cemetery, by the side of his wife. Charles G. Powers, the elder son, was born in Decatur, June 30, 1861, received his education in the schools here,- and when thirteen years of age removed with his family to Jacksonville, where he completed his education in the Illinois College, being graduated in the class of 1884. After two years he returned to Decatur and entered the ofiice of Charles A. Ewing, who was the agent for the Powers properties. In this way he gained insight into his father's business. He also read law for two years, but not with the intention of practicing it. On the expiration of that period, the family having in the meantime roturiied to this city, he joined his brother ill business, and they took charge of their father's affairs, comprising business interests unsurpassed in vohnne and importance. Since that time the brothers have continued in the management of the estate. They are gentlemen of excellent business sagacity and foresight, and in the supervision of the property interests have shown marked discrimination and unfaltering diligence. On the 2d of June, 1887, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Efiiie Rogers, a daughter of Senator Jason Rogers, and unto them have been born two children : Orlando Rogers, who was born January- 10, 1891, and died on the i8th of April, of the same year; and John Howard, who was born August 23, 1895, and is now at home. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Powers is serving as a trustee. In politics he has always been a Republican, but has never consented to hold office. .\nabel Powers was married June 17, 1890, to Charles Kerney, of Evansville, Indiana, who died August i, 1902, and she and her brother Howard are living on the old Powers homestead. .She has one child. Charlotte Wright, born January 4, 1895. Howard William Powers received his education in Decatur and Jacksonville and is associated with his brother in the management of the estate.

Mr. Powers gave his political support in early life to the Whig party and wlun Mr. Lincoln was first ]>laced on tlie RepuI)Iican ticket as nominee for the presidency he joined the ranks of the new organization, with wdiich he continued to affiliate up to the time of his death. He was a man of generous impulses and gave freely of his means to charitable and benevolent objects, and yet his giving was always free from ostentation or display. He long held membership with the First Presbyterian church of Decatur, and manv thousand dollars found its way from his purse to the church exchequer. He contributed very largely toward the building of the two edifices which ha\e been occupied by this orgajiization ami in many church offices he labored for the welfare of the denomination and the extension of its influence. Some years ago he founded a scholarship in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary of the Northwest. With Mr. Powers friendship was inviolable and he gained many friends throughout his life, the circle of his friendship being almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. A\'hen those who needed assistance came to him his aid was never withheld, if it could lie rendered, and many a business man and firm in Decatur owes its prosperity in large measure to the generous assistance received from Mr. Powers in time of need. His own business career was unassailable. Honor and integrity characterized his every act and he was nc\cr known to take advantage of his fellow men in any business transactions. He enjoyed to the fullest extent the respect and esteem of those with whom he was long associated.

Silas Packard

SILAS PACKARD. For seventy-three years Silas Packard has been a resident of Decatur - a record perhaps paralleled by that of no other citizen here. The little village in which his boyhood da3-s were passed has developed into a city of metropolitan proportions and advantages, being among the largest in the state and with its improvement Mr. Packard has kept abreast, always maintaining a place among its leading business men until today he is accounted one of its most prominent capitalists. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country and acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judg- nient, he has garnered in the lulhiess of time a generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise.

Silas Packard claims Vermont as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there on the 15th of April, 1829, but when he was only about a year and a half old he was brought to Decatur, Illinois, by his parents, Silas and Lydia (Tracey) Packard, the former a native of the Green Mountain state, while the latter was born in Massachusetts. The family was of English extraction. Silas Packard, Sr., was a farmer by occupation, but he was not long permitted to engage in that pursuit here or to enjoy his new home for in the fall of 1830 he was called to his final rest. Upon his widow devolved the care of a large famih^ of children, namely: Charles, Anson, Edward, Mason, Marietta, Elizabeth and Silas.

Decatur was at that time a mere village and its advantages were proportionate to its size and importance. The public-school system had not been established and Silas Packard, the subject of this review, pursued his education in a subscription school. As the family was left in somewhat straitened circumstances it was neccssarj^ that he early provide for his own support and for five years he was employed as a farm hand. Then attracted by the possibilities for the rapid acquirement of wealth in the far west, owing to the discovery of gold in California, he resolved to seek a fortune on the Pacific coast and in 1850 purchased a team and started with a company of twentythree wagons from the present site of the Transfer House on West Main street, Decatur. They crossed the plains and made their way through the mountains of the west until they reached the mines. Such a trip was fraught with many hardships, Init it also brought much valuable experience and knowledge to the young man, making him realize the responsibilities of life and the dititiculties incident to a successful business career. It taught him that there is no royal road to wealth, but that perseverance and energy are the surest basis of prosperit}-. In California he engaged in gulch mining and was fairly successful so that he brought with him upon his return to Decatur enough capital to enable him to embark upon an independent business career. It was in 1855 that Mr. Packard again reached this city. Establishing a lumberyard, he continued its conduct for several years and was afterward in the hardware business, while at the same time he carried on agricultural pursuits, having purchased a tract of land, to the development and improvement of wdiicli he gave his personal supervision. He became a dry-goods merchant of Decatur, continuing his operations in real estate through the purchase and sale of farms and as his financial resources increased he became a factor in the banking interests of Decatur. His greatest success, however, has been achieved through his operations in realty. His purchases have been very carefully made and thus he has been enabled to realize a good profit when disposing of his landed interests. For sixty-two years he was the owner of the eighty acre tract of land constituting Riverside Park. A part of this has been platted and laid- out into town lots and substantially and attractively improved.

In 1856 was celebrated the marriage of Silas Packard and Miss Mary Sawyer, a native resident of Decatur and a daughter of John and Eliza (Ketring) Sawyer, who were numbered among the pioneer settlers here, coming from Pennsylvania to this city in the year 1836. JNIr. and Mrs. Packard have had no children of their own, but reared an adopted daughter, who is now the wife of Robert I. Hunt, a prominent business man of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Packard have a beautiful home in one of the finest residence districts of Decatur and its gracious hospitality has been enjoyed by a circle of friends that is constantly increasing. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and its work has received their co-operation and also generous and financial support.

Mr. Packard votes with the Republican party and has ever been firm in his advocacy of its principles, but political honors and emoluments have had no attraction for him as he has preferred to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He began life as a farm hand and now stands among the capitalists of Decatur. Such a history should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, proving as it does the potency of industry in the active affairs of life. He has always been willing to devote his wealth and his energies to any feasible undertaking that would increase the prosperity of the city and add to the comfort of its inhabitants. His life has been a success. He has accumulated a large fortune and has used only such means as will bear the closest scrutiny. He has bestowed on worthy causes large sums of money, and uses his fortune to the advantage of the communit}- as well as lo his own profit. To such men as he is the development of the west due. He has for nearly forty years been an active factor in advancing the city of Decatur, and during that entire time has so conducted all of his aft'airs as to command the esteem, confidence and respect of all classes. Personalh' he is sociable, ever willing to accord to anyone the courtesy of an interview. Although a man of great wealth, he is unostentatious in a marked degree, and in this age, when anarchistic and socialistic doctrines are inflaming the masses, the demeanor and actions of such men as he do more to quench the fire of envy and malice than all other means combined.

been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication, and although his career has not been filled with thrilling incidents, probably no biography published in this book can serve as a better illustration to young men of the power of honesty and integrity in insuring success.

S. O. Hilbrant, who is engaged in the banking business in Argenta, was born in Botkins, Ohio, in 1872, a son of Samuel and Jemima Hilbrant. The father was also a native of the Buckeye state and about sixteen years ago he came with his wife to Macon county, Illinois, settling on a farm near Argenta, where both arc now living. Mr. Hilbrant there owns eighty acres of valuable land, ccjnstitnting an excellent farm, and he also has some town property.

S. O. Hilbrant was but a I)oy when brought by his parents to Illinois and in the schools of Argenta his early education was acquired. Later he attended the business college at Valparaiso, Indiana, and thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life he entered upon the task of winning for himself a creditable position in the business world. Returning to Argenta, he gave his attention to farming, which he followed for two 3rears, and then removed to Medaryville, Indiana, where he occupied the position of assistant cashier in a bank. He spent two years in that place, during which time he gained a good knowledge of the banking business. Returning to Argenta once more, he was appointed cashier in the bank of Gerber & Son and has since attained a third interest in the institution, which was founded in 1887. This is an important factor in the business circles of the town and the success of the bank is attributable in no small degree to the business sagacity, the enter-

In 1898 Mr. Hilbrant was united in marriage to Miss Minnie L. Sternberg, a daughter of Charles H. Sternberg, and a native of Medaryville, Indiana. Her father owns seven or eight hundred acres of land in that locality, is likewise engaged in the cattle industry and is the owner of three dredge boats. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilbrant have been born three children : May, born May 6, 1899; Robert E. and William Edward, born in August, 1902. Mrs. Hilbrant holds membership in the German Lutheran church and both our subject and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles and in the regard of their many friends,

Mr. Hilbrant votes with the Republican party and he served as tax collector in 1901 and 1902, making the best collections ever made in Friends Creek township. His fraternal relations connect him with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and his aid is never sought in vain in behalf of enterprises for the general good. The banking firm with which he is connected owns the telephone system of Argenta, which operates three hundred and seventy-five telephones. He is a progressive, wdde-awake young business man, possessed of the energetic spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the central states, and has already attained success that many an older man might well envy.

Mrs. Lovina Meyers

has a most beautiful and attractive place. She was born in Shelby county, Ohio, January 22, 1837, and is a daughter of Samuel and Christina (Fisher) Boyer, both natives of Pennsylvania. She is the only one of their ten children now living. In the county of her nativity she was reared and educated and in 1855 she gave her hand in marriage to John Meyers, who died about 1875.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyers were born eight children, of whom seven are still living, namely : Alice, the wife of Isaac Barnett, of Argenta, Illinois ; Anna, wife of William Adams; Belle, wife of Harvey Stearns, of Decatur ; Clara, at home with her mother; Edward M., who married Sadie McCarthy and lives in Indiana; Charley, who married Nettie Shuter; and John, who married his cousin Fannie Boyer.

Just before the Civil war broke out Mr. and Mrs. Meyers came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled one and a half miles north and west of her present home in Whitmore township. At that time much of the county was wild and unimproved and wild geese and other game was to be had in abundance. For many years after the death of her husband, Mrs. Meyers conducted the farm of eighty acres on section 11, but of recent years she has rented the place. She displayed excellent business ability in the management of her affairs and not only supported her family but also paid oiT the debt resting on the farm at the time of her husband's death, and besides her farm she now owns some Decatur property. Her place is one of the most attractive homes on the Decatur road, the front yard being literally crowded with flowers of all kinds, representing nearly every native specie, and she takes great delight in showing her flowers to the many who call to sec them. Her pleasant and comfortable residence was erected about 1887 and the other buildings upon the farm are good and substantial. For thirty years Mrs. Meyers has been an active and con- sisteiit member of the Chrisiian church and her life has ever been in harmony with her professions. During her long residence in Macon county she has witnessed the marvelous transformation in the face of the country: wild prairies have been converted into well cultivated and highly improved farms; towns have sprung up and villages grown into flourishing cities ; railroads, the telegraph and telephone have been introduced ; and all the evidences of an advanced civilization are now found within its borders.

Jerome R. Gorin

With the passing away of Jerome R. Gorin Decatur lost a citizen who left the impress of his life and character upon various interests which have contributed to the material upbuilding, the permanent development and the intellectual and moral progress of this city. Coming here at an early day he took an active part in shaping the policy of Decatur as it emerged from village conditions to take its place among the leading cities of this great commonwealth. He kept apace with universal progress and improvement and exerted his eliforts in behalf of the public good, but while he did much for the city in the way of business development and public improvement, it was the kindly nature of the man, his charitable spirit and his genial disposition that won for him the love and unqualified regard of people of every class of society.

Jerome R. Gorin was born in Hopkinsville. Christian county, Kentucky, his natal day being October 12, 1817. He was a son of John D. and Matlie (Thomas) Gorin and a representative of an old Mrginian family. His father was born in the Old Dominion, but during his boyhood went witTi his parents to the P.lue Grass state, where he spent the period of his boyhood and Noutli. In the spring of 1828 he came to IIlinciis. which, only ten years before had been admitted to the I'uion. He took up his abode in \'andalia, then the capital of the state, and became a representative of its business interests as both a merchant and farmer. He was also prominent in public affairs and for some years acted as receiver in the loan office. He died in Vandalia, .\]M-il 26, 1846, at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife passed away on the 13th of July, 1876, at the advanced age of eightynine years.

Jerome r>. Gorin was a youth of eleven years when he accompanied his parents to Illinois and in 1S33 he made his way to Decatur, joining his two older brothers and a sister, who were then residents of this city. His brother, llenry ^\. Gorin. was for many years clerk of the court here, but left the office in 1841. His sister, Elvira, who had located in Decatur in 18,^0, became the wife of General Isaac Pugh and she and her husband passed away here after reaching advanced ages. Almost continuously from the time when as a young man of sixteen years Jerome Gorin entered upon his business career in Decatur u]) to the lime of his death he resided in this city. His residence here was interrupted by only a short absence.

He first accepted a position as salesman and thus served until 1841, when, desiring to enter professional life, he took up the study of law and devoted two years to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar before ludge Treat and then went to Scotland county, Missouri, where he spent one winter. .\t the end of that time, however, he returned to Decatur and entered into i)artnership with Judge Charles Emerson and afterward became associated in the prosecution of his profession with Judge Kirby I'.enedict. who later was ai)pointed district judge of New Mexico. In i860 Mr. Clorin was chosen to the office of citv clerk and attorney, acting in that capacity for four years. He had also been justice of the peace and had been retained either as counsel for the prosecution or defense in many important cases which had been tried in the courts of this district. His last law partner was Judge .Vrthur Gallagher, with whom he was associated in the practice of law until 1861, when he became identified with the banking interests of that city. In that year the banking firm of ]\Iillikin & Oder was established and Air. Gorin became its cashier, discharging his duties in that connection in addition to the work which he performed in the office of city clerk and attorney. The thoroughness and close- application which characterized all his business career were manifested in the bank and he soon became master of the work in its various departments. After four years he was admitted to a partnership and he continued to act as cashier until 1881, when he withdrew from the Millikin Bank and became the senior partner of the firm of Gorin & Bills. These gentlemen engaged in private banking and in dealing in real estate and loans, their association being maintained for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Gorin was instrumental in establishing the bank of Gorin & Dawson, of which he became the president, sviccessfully controlling the aflfairs of the institution for several 3-ears, when he sold out to L. B. Casner. A year later this institution was merged into the Citizens' National Bank, of which Mr. Gorin became an incorporator and the first president, but after a year he disposed of his interests and from 1892 up to the time of his demise lived retired from further business cares. For thirty years he was an active factor in financial circles of Decatur and was instrumental in founding two of the leading banking institutions of the city. He was a man of keen foresight, of quick recognition of opportunities and of marked adaptability in using the means at hand for the desired ends. Over the record of his business career there falls no shadow of wrong, for throughout his entire life he maintained an unassailable reputation, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any business tranS; action.

On the 1st of April, 1845, in Decatur, Mr. Gorin was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor D. Fawcett, a native of X'irginia, and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Fawcett. The}" became the parents of six children : Mary Emma, who is now the wife of C. V. Aliddleton, a resident of Dallas, Texas ; Orville B., the vice-president of the Millikin National Bank of Decatur; Ida E., the wife of W. C. Armstrong, of this city; Jerome C, a business man of New York city; ]Mattie A., who is living in Decatur; and Henry Gladden, who is now in Minneapolis, ^Minnesota.

Mr. Gorin was a man of kindly spirit, deep sympathy and keen insight into the methods of men. His nature was one of helpfulness and thus it was that the Alasonic fraternity appealed strongly to him, for it is based upon brotherly kindness and charity. On the 18th of October, 1841, he was initiated in Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., and for a number of years prior to his death was the oldest and most honored member of that organization. For seven consecutive years he served as master of the local lodge, retiring from that office when elected grand master of the state. He likewise belonged to Alacon Chapter, R. A. AL, of which he served as high priest, and in Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., he acted as eminent commander. His name was inscribed high on the roll of eminent Masons in Illinois and in 1867-8 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of this state. In April, 1866, he attained the thirtysecond degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistorj'^ of Chicago and for many years he was an active worker in the ranks of ilasonry, realizing its efficiency in advancing the standard of human conduct and promulgating principles which are for the benefit of the race. He became the founder of the commandery in Olney, Illinois, on the 19th of January, 1865, and it was named Gorin Commandery in his honor. There was a three days' session during which nineteen Masons were created Knights Templar.

In his political affiliations in early life Mr. Gorin was a Whig and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, which he supported for many years. In his last years, however, he gave his political allegiance to the Prohibition part)', for he was a man of strong temperance principles and believed it the duty of Christian people to put down the evils of intemperance. In 1856 he was elected upon the ticket of the then new Republican party to serve in the state legislature and represented his district in the house during the succeeding session. While acting in that capacity he was made disbursing agent of the Fort Ridgely wagon road, which was being built for the government from St. Paul and Fort Ridgely to the Missouri river. While thus engaged Mr. Gorin had an office in St. Paul for about a year, at the end of which time the project was abandoned.

Through all and above all things else in life was noticeable his devotion to the cause of Christianity. Through a long period he was an active member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and during almost the entire period of his connection therewith he was one of its office holders. Deeply interested in Sundayschool work he realized how important is the early Christian instruction of the young that character may be developed upon a firm and sure foundation. He thus labored untiringly in behalf of the Sunday-school and served as the president of the stale

Sunday-School Association. He was also a member of the executive committee and for ten years was the president of the County Sunday-School Association. In the Young Men's Christian Association he was an active worker and no cause tending to elevate mankind sought his aid in vain. In all his work he was ably assisted by his estimable wife, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She died in 1894 and his death occurred on the ist of September, 1897. His was a noble manhood, consistent with all manly principles, with public-spirited citizenship, with honor in business and loyalty in friendship and in social circles. He attained to almost the age of eighty years and when he passed away expressions of regret were heard on every hand, for many felt that they had sustained a personal bereavement and the city an irreparable loss. He possessed to a full measure all the fine and ennobling qualities which endear man to man, and his integrity, kindness and upright principles were a constant source of inspiration to his family and his friends.

Robert D. Wilson

There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which was universally accorded Robert D. Wilson, but through a long connection with the history of Macon county his was an unblemished character. A\'ith him success in life was reached b}^ his sterling qualities of mind and of heart true to every manly principle. He never deviated from what his judgment woidd indicate to be right between his fellow men and himself and he never swerved from the path of duty and at the close of his career his friends passed favorable judgment upon him and mourned his death because they had respected and loved him.

the best known men of JMacon county for almost his entire life was here spent, the family having settled here in 1830. Mr. W'ilson was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1829 and was a son of Robert and Sarah (Lindsey) Wilson, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, whence thej^ removed to Tennessee and after living in that state for a short time they came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county in 1829. There his father engaged in farming for one year and in 1830 came to Alacon county, settling in Mount Zion township, where he built a log cabin^one of the pioneer homes of the county, in which hardships and trials were endured and yet in which the foundation for a comfortable competence was laid. There he lived throughout his remaining days, carrying on general farming, and his wife also died on the old homestead there. Of their children only two are now living: James A., a resident of Decatur, and Sarah, who is the wife of John Davidson and resides in Mount Zion township.

In the common schools like the other members of the family, Robert D. Wilson jnirsned his education. He was reared amid frontier surroundings and his mind bore the impress of the early history of the county, when lands were uncultivated and the work of improvement and progress was scarcely begun. He continued to assist in the work of the home farm until the time of his marriage. He wedded IMiss Mary Outten, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daughter of Purnell S. and Rachel (Berry) Outten, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. In the year 1843 they removed to Cass county, Illinois, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for ten years and in 1853 he came to Macon county, settling on a farm in Mount Zion township near the Wilson homestead. There he lived, devoting his energies to the care and cultivation of the land until old age began to creep on, when he took up his abode in the village of ]Mount Zion, there living retired for a few years. He then moved to Decatur, making his home with ^Ir. and .Mrs. \\ ilsoii until called to his final rest at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife had died when Mrs. Wilson was but seven years of age and he afterward wedded Miss Mary Ross, of Cass county, Illinois, whose death occurred in ^Mount Zion township, ^lacon county. There were four children b)' the first union, but two are deceased, tliose living being \\'. C, an attorney residing in Decatur, and Mary, who became the wife of Robert D. ^^'ilson. The only child of the second marriage was George T. Outten, who died at the age of thirty-three years.

The home of Mr. and ]Mrs. W'ilson was blessed with eight children : Julia, the wife of Henry A. Trangliber, who resides in Spokane, Washington ; Robert Purnell, who died in youth ; Anna, the wife of D. M. Riber, who is living in Decatur, Illinois ; James D., who married Maude Ogle and lives on the old homestead in Mount Zion township ; Oscar W., who is engaged in the real estate business in Decatur ; Archie, who died in May, 1903: Alva G., who resides with his mother and is a partner in the firm of Akers & Wilson, prominent furniture dealers, conducting a large store in, Decatur; and Ella M., the wife of Dr. John Miller, a physician of Decatur.