Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 17 of 17)

Under the law of 1852, passed by the general assembly, to give force to these constitutional provisions, Hugh McCulloch, Charles Case and William Stewart were, in 1853, appointed the first board of school trustees to organize and manage the public schools of the city. They found themselves in charge of the school affairs of a city of some 5,000 persons, 1,200 school children, no school building, no school appliances whatever, and not a dollar with which to buy them. They rented the Mcjunkin school-house, on Lafayette street, in which Isaac Mahurin, and his sister, Miss M. L. Mahurin, began to teach; and a small house, on the site of Henr}' Paul's present residence, belonging to Mr. A. M. Hurlburd, who with his wife, were engaged to teach in it. Both schools were opened in September, 1853, with a tuition fund for their support of $330.72, and no special fund whatever. To acquire the funds necessar}^ to continue the schools, the trustees, as provided for by law, called a public meeting to vote upon levying a tax for that purpose. The purpose of the meeting ignominiously failed, and the trustees resigned, and were succeeded by James Humphrey, Henrj' Sharp and Charles G. French. These gentlemen, under a modification of the law, assessed a tax of two mills on the dollar for school purposes.

With the growth of the cit3'the demand for additional school accom-. modation grew rapidly, but the means under control of the trustees did not grow. In 1855 the board, Mr. Henr}' Sharp having been succeeded by William S. Smith, determined to do all in their power for the relief of the pressing needs, purchased the site of the Clay school from Judge Samuel Hanna, and that of the Jefferson school from Dr. Charles E. Sturgis, and advertised for proposals to build the Clay school. They adjourned from time to time, but no bids being received, with a magnificent exhibition of moral courage, they assumed a responsibilit}', the extent and weight of which cannot now be readily appreciated. They proceeded with the work themselves, letting it in portions as they found opportunity and persons willing to assume the risk. After overcoming many and great difliculties, and in the face of innumerable discouragements, they opened the building on February 9, 1857, with appropriate exercises, appointing the Rev. George A. Irvin supermtendent. Those, and only those, who have themselves experienced such trials and difficulties can fully appreciate their feelings upon the completion of their labors.

In September of the same year, ten gentlemen of the city mortgaged their personal realty for $500, each lending the full amount to the trustees, who agreed to protect the mortgages and pay the interest as it became due. With this money the trustees built the Jefferson school, which, with the Clay school, furnished accommodations for about 600 pupils. With the heavy debt hanging over them the trustees could do nothing further, although the number of children entitled to school privileges was constantly increasing.

In i86r the supreme court decided the then school law unconstitutional, and the schools were closed for a short time. A new law was passed, but under circumstances so depressing and disheartening that the constitution of the school board was constantly changing. In June, 1863, the Rev. George A. Irvin resigned the position of superintendent, to become a chaplain in the Federal army, and was succeeded by Mr. E. S. Green, under whose admisistration a re-organization of the schools and the course of study, was attempted, but owing to the difficulties in the way, without much success.

Early in 1865 the school law was so amended as to empower the city council to elect the school board, to consist of three members, to serve for three years each. In April of that year, the Fort Wayne council elected Oliver P. Morgan, Edward Slocum and John S. Irwin, trustees, who entered at once upon the duties of their office. In the following June they graduated the first class who had passed through the high school, a class of four young ladies of marked ability, two of whom are now teaching in the schools.

The new school board found the schools with totally inadequate accommodations, themselves the inheritors of a magnificent debt, and not a dollar of mone}'. They had, however, a keen appreciation of the importance of their work, and great faith in the eventual recognition of that importance b}' the communit}'. The}' elected Mr. James H. Smart, now Dr. Smart, the president of Purdue university, as superintendent. With a high reputation for teaching ability acquired in the Toledo school, and strong powers of organization, he entered at once upon the accurate and practical grading of the schools, bringing the work within a reasonable number of 3-ears, and elevating the standard to the highest practicable level. From this time the growth of the schools, both in numbers and popularity, was rapid and steady.

In 1 866 the board purchased part of the present site of the Hoagland school, and, rich in faith but poor in money, built thereon a plain one-story frame building of three rooms, seating when closely filled some 200 pupils. Two rooms were opened in September, but it soon became necessary to open the third. This building has, at various times, been enlarged and modified so that now it contains thirteen classes, all full.

In 1867 they purchased the sites of the present Central grammar, Washington and Hanna schools, and built the high, and Washington, schools, opening them in September, 1868. This was rendered possible only by the liberality of the city council, who, under the provisions of the law, issued bonds, the proceeds of which were applied by the trustees to the erection of the buildings, the sites being paid for in installments out of the special school fund.

In the same year the German reformed schools were transferred to the board, the east school finding accommodations in the Clay school and the west in its own building on West Washington street which the trustees rented, adding a second story. These schools, much enlarged, still remain under control of the board, greatly to their own advantage as well as to the strengthening of the public school system.

In September, 1S70, the one-story frame building, which had been moved from the site of the high school to the northwest corner of Hanna and Jefferson streets, was opened as the Hanna school, with one teacher, but the next 3'ear it was necessarj- to add two more rooms to it.

In 1 87 1 the villages of Boonsville and Bloomingdale, north of the city, were added to the corporation, and the school, a one-story frame, with a single room, opened in September, but it became necessary the next year to add two rooms to this building also.

In 1874 small districts were added to the city on the north, east and south, each having a small school building, which the board immediately occupied. They also rented another small frame building on the north for a grammar school. These districts, with one exception, have been returned to the respective townships to which they formerl}' belonged.

In 1875 the growth of population on the north side compelled the sale and removal of the frame Bloomingdale school-house, and the erection of a fine substantial brick building of eight rooms in which all the schools on the north side were consolidated. This building has since been enlarged to a twelve-room building and is again full to overflowing.

In 1S76 a like condition of things in the east end required the replacing of the frame Hanna building with an eight-room brick building substantially like the Bloomingdale, into which the east German school was moved, and which is now so full as to require one class to recite in the hall.

In 1877 it became necessary to remodel the Washington and Hanna buildings, changing them from four- to eight-room buildings. At the same time a large addition was made to the high school, adding four large recitation rooms, and a drawing room 24x72 feet in size. Since then the Washington and Hanna schools have been enlarged to twelveroom buildings, and the high school building has became overcrowded. Since the last date given, the growth of population in the outer districts of the city has been rapid, and the board, full}' realizing the necessity for its relief, and especially for that of the primary scholars residing therein, in 1886, built two-room brick buildings on Boone and Fry streets, northwest, and on Holton and Creighton avenues, southeast, and a fourroom brick on Miner and DeWald street, south, for the primary grades, which were all opened in November of that year. These latter buildings are so constructed as to admit of enlargement, and of a second story with comparatively little trouble or expense. In 1888, for the relief of the Hanna school, a four-room brick, similar to the Miner street school, was erected on McCuUoch street, east, and two rooms opened in January, 1889.

Fully recognizing the fact that the character of the school largely depends upon the character of its teachers, in 1867, Mr. Smart, under direction of the board, established a training school for the education of teachers. As a rule, graduation from the high school was a necessary precedent to admission to this school. The wisdom of the measure was rapidl}- manifested in the higher ability of the teacher, the broader, more accurate, and more solid character of their work, and in the rapidly growing reputation of the schools amongst prominent educators. In 1877 the instruction in this school was hmited to the primary grades, and another opened for instruction in the higher grades. This latter school was continued for two years only, and the former until June, 1886, when, upon resignation of the principal, the board deemed it wise to discontinue it for the present. The undoubted advantages gained from its work lead to the hope that it may before long, be re-organized. Mr. Smart having been, in October, 1874, elected superintendent of public instruction, resigned his position as superintendent of the city schools in the earlj- part of March, and was succeeded in June following by John S. Irwin, who had for ten years been a member of the board of trustees, and who still fills the position.

The growth, prosperity, and character of the schools have been largely dependent upon the skill and labor of the Hon. James H. Smart. Elected superintendent in 1865, when a 3'oung man for the position, he gave to the work abilities of a ver}' high order, energy and perseverance that knew no tiring or defeat, knowledge, theoretical and practical, in his profession, much beyond his j-ears, and brought out of virtual chaos, a S3'Stem well arranged, with courses of study well adapted to the wants of the community, and productive of practical results, valuable to the pupils, serviceable to the communinj', and honorable to the superintendent and the teachers.

In 1877 the "colored" question, which had given much anxiety and trouble, was satisfactorily settled by placing the colored children in the grades and districts for which their advancement fitted them.

In March, 1S7S, moved by various considerations, the board changed the name "high school" to its present one, "the Central grammar school." The old name, while giving no additional strength to the schools, at that time excited useless but very unpleasant opposition. The whole term of school life were then divided into primary, intermediate, and grammar grades, of four years each. The standard of the work required has not been in anj' way lowered, nor its extent lessened. The course of study, while by no means faultless, has proved itself valuable by the success of our graduates, both in higher institutions of learning and in the professional and business walks of life. It is the aim of all in charge not to weaken the schools but rather to strengthen them, and that rather b}' the thorough and accurate prosecution of a few solid and necessarj^ branches, than by the superficial skimming of the whole field of art, literature, and science.

At present the board have under their charge thirteen buildings with some 4,300 seats, well furnished with desks, apparatus, and reference books, and a general library of over 6,500 volumes. There are 124 teachers regularly emplo3'ed, of whom six are special teachers, having general charge of drawing, reading, writing, music, stenography, and book-keeping. The school enumeration of the cit}^ including transfers from the townships is nearly 12,000, of whom nearl}' 4,000 are in the public schools, and nearly as many in the private and parochial schools. Of all the children enumerated over the age of fifteen, not more than 300 are in anj^ school whatever, but are almost universally at work. Excluding these and also those whom, by reason of their 3-outh and physical disability, their parents keep at home, it would seem that not more than five per cent, of the school population are out of school.

It has been the fortune of the present superintendent, and except for two years, that of Mr. O. P. Morgan to have been officially connected with the graduation of every class that has left the schools. The first class was graduated in June, 1865, two months after the election of these gentlemen to the board. From 1865 to the present year, both inclusive, there have been graduated from the high school and its successor the Central grammar school: 17 from the post graduate course, 45 from the classical, 163 from the Latin and 141 from the scientific course, of whom 265 have been ladies, and loi gentlemen. In addition to these, 174 young ladies have been graduated from the training schools.

It is a matter of great gratification that these young ladies and young gentlemen, have proved themselves, with scarcely an exception, honorable and useful members of the communities in which they live, better iitted by the education they have received for the performance of their respective duties, and filled with a higher ambition to perform them in the best and most honorable manner. While, so far as known, none of them have attained to positions of great distinction, the}' have adorned the more useful walks of middle life. No honorable profession is unrepresented b}' their number. Many to whom the "res angustae domi " has otherwise denied the opportunit}- of cultivating the abilities with which they have been endowed have found in these schools ample facilities, most effective and kindly aids toward raising them to spheres of honorable usefulness, and positions that have enabled them to become valuable producers in the community, instead of the wasteful drones and useless consumers of the results of others' labors.

a board of exceptionally strong and successful business men has enabled that board to lessen the number of scholars assigned to a single teacher. This condition of things gives to each scholar a greater personal attention on the part of the teacher, gives to the teacher a better opportunity of stud3'ing the individual character of each scholar, and its modifications b}' heredity and its environments, permits the teacher, therefore, more understandingly, and more successfully to put in practice the best methods under the best conditions; avoids the evil effect to the health, physical, mental and moral of an over-crowded room, and places the pupil in the best conditions to obtain the best results with the least expenditure of life and strength. The course of study has been so carefully arranged, that while due and paramount importance is attached to the so-called common branches, which must form the necessary and only safe foundation for all advanced work, just and weighty consideration is given to those branches which serve not only to supplement the former but also to strengthen them to the better equipment of the scholar for the work of life. The natural relation of the study and the age and capacity of the scholar have been so studied and provided for, that, as a rule, at whatever age a child ma}' leave the school, it leaves it with the best to be attained in the time. The employment of special teachers in drawing, reading, music and writing, and of teachers in the advanced grades of the work specially fitted and educated for their respective fields, enables the board to furnish the highest facilities for a very advanced education with less comparative cost than was formerly necessar}^ to teach the three R's.

As an evidence of the value and accuracy of the work done in the schools, the board can point to the facts that no scholar in the advanced grades has ever gone to a higher institution of learning and failed to take an honorable position for work and conduct, that a larger percentage of our teachers have been educated and fitted for their profession in our schools than in any other city in the country except Boston, so far as they are advised. The facilities for prosecuting scientific study and research are beyond those of many colleges; historical and literary studies are prosecuted with a fuller and closer consideration of original works, and with a breadth and comprehensiveness of scope, which a lustrum ago would have been considered impracticable. The results of the art teaching are seen in many of the houses of this city, and in many of its work shops. A study that raises the capabiHtj' of a lad to those of a journeyman; which reduces the expenditure of time in a given employment one third; enables a given result to be attained with the use of a third less material, may be ornamental - highly so - but it is also unquestionably eminenth' practical. A method of study which raises the subject of reading from a mere mechanical repetition of words, or their stilted mouthing, after the manner of a barn-stormer, to an intelhgent comprehension and rendering of the ideas of an author, and the ability critically to anah-ze and discuss the work of that author, may well be regarded as cheaply purchased by the salary of a special teacher. No less can be said for that delightful and humanizing study of music, which enables the child, as well as the youth of more advanced years, accurately and with feeling, to render in sweet and harmonious measures the elevating thoughts that seek their utterance in melody.

All these facilities and more, are freely furnished b}' a wise and prudently generous board to the scholars of the Fort Wayne schools, almost without money and without price; furnished to a fullness and extent which are equalled in but few cities.

One other point exhibing the wisdom and the foresight of the board. Such strict cleanliness in all the schools, from garret to cellar; in outhouses and yards; such watchful care and attention to light, heat and ventilation in all the rooms and halls; such observance of the laws of hygiene in study, rest, recreation, duration of recitation, and the hundred other points which bear upon the health, strength and comfort of the pupil have been, and are so closety and fully observed, that last j'ear - 1886-7 - out of an enrollment of 4,097, the whole number of deaths in the schools was eight, a proportion far below the average mortalityof even the healthiest country. It is detracting nothing from the homes of the city to sa}- that in many cases the schools largely counteract the evil effects that want of care, want of means, and want of hygienic knowledge, inflict upon the children in their own homes.

Very much the larger part of these valuable results and the marked economy of means by which they have been brought about, is due to the wisdom of the council in keeping in their positions men eminent^ fitted by their natural abilities and acquired experience, ably and successfully to administer the large, the important, and the delicate interests which must ever attach to the education and building up of the future fathers and mothers of the land. Long may this wisdom in all its conservative power be exercised to the welfare, the prosperity, and the abounding good to the communitj^ of these public schools, so that a grateful posterity ma}' rise up and call all concerned therein blessed.

The present management of the schools is under the following board of school trustees: John M. Moritz, president; A. Ely Hoffman, secretary, and Oliver P. Morgan, treasurer, while Dr. John S. Irwin is justclosing the fourteenth year of his superintendency.

The following is a list of the trustees from the organization of the schools in 1853 till the present time, with the dates of their election:

Unfortunately the records of these schools, prior to the administration of the present efficient count}^ superintendent, are very meager and unsatisfactory. It is proper to say that under the management of the present superintendent, the schools are making marked progress in all that appertains to them, and the people of Allen county feel and know that their schools are keeping pace with the foremost, and that their children leave the schools well equipped for all the duties and vocations of life. By the reports of Superintendent Felt to May, 1888, to the state superintendent, it appears that the total number of children in attendance upon the county schools, exclusive of the city of Fort Wayne, were, 6,257, out of a total enumeration of 10,623, with an average daily attendance of 4,044. Of the enumeration, 5,557 were white males, and 5,066 white females, no colored children being enumerated in the townships. Of the total attendance, 3,378 were white males, and 2,879 white , females, a condition of things not usual in township schools, and one from which it is evident that the farmers' daughters are largely detained at home for household assistance, or have entered upon domestic service in the towns and cities around. In the townships there are 104 brick school-houses, and seventy-one frame, the last log school-house having been abandoned. The value of the buildings, sites, furniture and apparatus is estimated at $175,145, seven of the buildings were newly erected within the 3'ear, at a cost of $9,200. These schools were taught by ninetyfour male, and ninety-five female teachers, at an expense of $47,730.82, and for incidental expenses of $11,466.69, in addition to which there was expended for permanent improvement a further sum of $10,366.83. The tuition revenues for the year, including balances on hand July 31, 1887, were $85,076.11, and the balances on hand July 31, 1888, $47,730.82. The special school revenues for the year, including balances on hand July 31, 1887, were $40,522.40, and the balances on hand July 31, 1888, $18,662.67, with no indebtedness whatever, except a small one in an incorporated town.

Monroevillc Public ScJiooI. - Monroeville, so far as its educatioal needs have been concerned, has always endeavored to keep pace with the times. The school was first graded in 1865, but there being but one room in the building, there was great inconvenience until the erection of a commodious building in 1871, by Trustees A. Engle, James Weiler and T. S. Heller. This is 31x71 feet in dimensions, and cost $7,175.50. The first term here began January' 2, 1872, under W. A. Dicke\r, principal. The school has attained a high rank, and the course of instruction includes those branches that are best calculated to prepare its students for practical life. The officers of the board at present (1S89) are: President, David Purman; secretary, David Redelsheimer, and treasurer, John Corbale}-. Teachers chosen to take charge of schools during i8S9-'90, are: J. B. Munger, principal, assisted by the Misses Emma Peckham, Rose Redelsheimer, Minnie McGonagle and Ahce Parker. During the past two years Prof. Munger has placed in the schools a library numbering 225 volumes, and the fact that 100 of these volumes are constantly in circulation during the school year, proves that the library is appreciated.

Two classes have completed the course of study, the first in 1887, with W. A. Munger as principal, included Minnie McGonagle, Lena Strass and Mary Debolt. The second class, in 1889, with J. B. Munger as principal, included Rose Redelshennir, Luna Buchanan, May Dewirt, George Glancy, Louis Brown and Ollis Robinson.

John M. Moritz, one of the prominent men of Fort Wayne, has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the educational interests of the city, and when President Cleveland appointed the Hon. A. P. Edgerton civil service commissioner, and Mr. Edgerton thereupon vacated the office of president of the school board of the city, Mr. Moritz was elected in his stead, much to the satisfaction of the public. To the same position he has recently been re-elected. Mr. Moritz was born in Adams county, Penn., about nine miles from the since famous battle ground of Gettysburg. His parents were native Penns3dvanians. In 1866 he came to Fort Wayne, and in partnership with his brother-inlaw, D. M. Miller, leased the Aveline House, which in 1874 they purchased, and have ever since conducted. The hotel is handsome in all its appointments, and is well-known throughout the country. Mr. Moritz is one of the trustees of the First Presb3'terian church, of which he is a member. In politics he is a democrat and prominent in his part}^ In business and social circles he is highl}' esteemed.

Dr. John S. Irwin. - In the twelfth century the family of De Irwin, of Norman descent, obtained possession of the lands of Bonshaw in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, and were known as the Irwins of Bonshaw. When Robert Bruce was waging the war for the freedom of Scotland, against Edward I., on one of his fights he stopped at Bonshaw, and finding William De Irwin to be a bright and energetic man he took him with him, making him his armor bearer, a post of distinguished honor.

At the battle of Bannockburn Irwin was instrumental in saving the life of Bruce, for which he was publicly thanked and authorize d to take the coat of arms of Bruce, the triple holly leaves with the motto " Sub sole sub umbra v/'/rus" which has ever since been the family motto. He also gave him the barony of Drum in Aberdeenshire, which has remained the seat of that branch of the famil}-, the castle of Drum being the oldest inhabited dwelling in Scotland. In the rebellion of 1680, several members of this family went over to Ireland to help raise the siege of Londonderry. Remaining there after the rebellion was quelled, they received lands in the counties of Tyrone, Londonderry and Antrim, the important branch settling in Tyrone. John Irwin was born there in 1745. He emigrated to the United States early in the revolutionary period and became assistant commissary general at Fort Pitt from 1781 to about 1 791, after which he settled in the village of Pittsburgh as a merchant, where he died after an honorable and useful life in 1S31. His eldest son, John S. Irwin, born in 1798, was graduated M. D. at the university of Pennsylvania in 1819, but died of consumption in 1832. His eldest son, John S. Irwin, now a citizen of Fort Wayne, was born at Pittsburgh, April 4, 1825, and was there educated, being graduated A. B. at the Western University of Pennsylvania in August, 1842. He entered upon the study of medicine, practical chemistry and pharmacy under Dr. Joseph P. Gazzam of that city, and was graduated M. D. at the university of Pennsylvania, April 3, 1847. He entered immediately upon the practice of his profession, becoming junior member of the medical and surgical board of the Mercy hospital in Pittsburgh. In September he married Miss Mahan, of Carlisle, Penn. He continued the practice of his profession till 1853, when his health completely broke down, and he was compelled to abandon it. Recovering his health partially he became, in December, 1853, book-keeper for the private banking tirm of Allen Hamilton, in Fort Wayne, with whom he remained eleven years, becoming then teller in the Fort Wayne branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana. At the end of two years he was elected cashier of the Merchant's National Bank, which position he retained until 1873, when being threatened with serious disease of the brain he was compelled to resign his position, and spent a year traveling as general manager for Indiana, of the United States life insurance company. In April, 1865, he was elected a member of the city school board of trustees, and, upon organization of the board, made secretary and treasurer, retaining the latter position till June, 1875, when the superintendent of schools. Dr. James H. Smart, now president of Purdue university, having been elected state superintendent of public instruction. Dr. Irwin was elected superintendent of the city schools, which position he still occupies. In 1869 Dr. Irwin was elected a trustee of Indiana university, which office he held until elected superintendent, when, becoming ex officio a member of the state board of education, he resigned the trusteeship. Upon his resignation he received from the university the honorary degree of LL. D.

was born in Jackson county, Mich., October 31, 1S5T, tlie son of David and Minerva J. {^Crawford) Lane, botli of whom were natives of New York. He remained upon the farm of his parents until he was fifteen years old, and then entered the public schools of Jackson, Mich., whither they had removed. He was graduated from the high school in 1S69, and in the fall of 1870 entered the university of Michigan, where he was graduated in June, 1874, after completing a full classical course. He accepted the principalship of the high school at Ypsilanti, Mich., the next fall, and occupied that position five years, coming to Fort Wayne in the fall of 1879, '-O enter upon the duties of his present position. His educational work during the decade he has passed in Fort Wayne, has been of the highest order in his department of instruction, and he has become widely known as a successful teacher. Socially as well as professionally, he occupies a high rank. In politics he is independent of party and very much interested in the progress of reform of the civil service. Prof. Lane was married August 15, 1876, to Caroline J. Bloomfield, daughter of Giles and CorneUa R. (Williams) Bloomfield. She is also a native of Jackson county, Mich., and was born April 19, 1853. They have four children: Elmer B., Ralph C, Hilda and Winthrop D. Mrs. Lane is a member of the Episcopal church.

Dr. Charles R. Dryer, teacher of sciences in the Fort Wayne high school, is a native of Ontario county, N. Y., born August 31, 1850. He was reared on a farm and at seventeen entered Harnilton college, at CHnton, N. Y., in which he completed a tull classical course, graduating in 1 87 1. Meanwhile he had given some attention to the study of medicine, and after graduating he set about a thorough study of that science. For four years he devoted himself to that study and also taught school, being principal during the time, of Phelps Union and classical school at Phelps, N. Y. During the winter of 187 1-2 he took a course of medical lectures at the universit}- of Michigan, and he took his second course in the medical department of the university of Buffalo during the winter of 1875-6. He graduated in February, 1876, after which he began practice at Victor, N. Y. In August, 1877, he came to Fort Waj-ne, since which time he has held the position of teacher of natural sciences in the Fort Wayne high school. Dr. Dryer was married July 28, 1874, to Alice M., daughter of Samuel and Marj? Peacock, of Walworth, N. Y. Dr. Dr_yer and wife have four children: Helen E., Ahce J., Reginald P. and Clare M. Between the 3'ears 1881 and 1885 he served as a member of the board of pension examiners of Fort Wayne. For ten years he has been professor of chemistry in the Fort Wayne college of medicine. During almost his entire residence here he has devoted much attention to analytical chemistr}^ particularly toxicology, and he has won in this department a very creditable reputation. Dr. Dryer is a fine scholar and an able educator. Socially his standing is very high. During the summers of 1887-8 he made a geological survey of both Allen and DeKalb counties which is a masterly production and does him much credit. The survey was made for the state geologist and is published in full in the latter's report.

Westminster seminar}' was first opened in the fall of 18S3. The year preceding, one of the principals had been offered the cliarge of Mr. Mood3''s seminary at Northfield, Mass.; but was so impressed with the idea of the need of a Christian school in the northern part of Indiana that she refused the offer, and in company- with her associate principals the}^ decided to open such a school in Fort Wayne. The right building and location were secured, being the famil}' residence of the Hon. Robert Lowr}', who having been elected to congress, desired to lease his home for a term of 3'ears. Additions were made to the building; while the home-Hke character was preserved. A competent corps of teachers was engaged, and the institution opened its first sesson September 13, 1883, with four boarders and thirty-six day pupils, a number far exceeding the expectations of the founders. A course of study was laid out, both classical and English, such as will fit for entrance into an\- of the higher schools for women, and equal to that of anj' similar institution in the west or east. A preparatory department was connected with the seminary proper. The numbers increased, and improvements were made from year to year. In 1884 a company of gentleman purchased the property, and continued to hold it for this purpose. Their generous aid and helpful encouragement at all times are striking illustrations of the public spirit and interest in all such enterprises, manifested by many of the foremost citizens of Fort Wayne. In 1886 the seminary graduated its first class, consisting of six young ladies; the exercises were held in the elegant new First Presbyterian church. No essays were required from the graduates, but they listened to an eloquent address from the Rev. Dr. McLeod, of Indianapolis. In 1887 the building was enlarged to meet its growing requirements; it also received a generous gift of money from Mrs. J. L. Williams. Some of the distinctive features of the seminary may be mentioned. The home-life is modelled upon that of a private famil}', and aims to train the manners and morals of the young ladies as they would be in their own homes. The small number received into the famly makes it possible for the principals to come into direct contact with each pupil. The deciphne is based upon the laws of Christian courtesj' and mutual helpfulness. Systematic instruction in the Bible is a part of the regular course of study, and of the family life. The methods of instruction are intended to develop the power of thought.

For the inception, as well as the successful management of Westminster seminary, the people of northern Indiana are much indebted to the foresight and executive ability of Miss Carrie B. Sharp. In 1882, having achieved a worthy reputation as a teacher by reason of nearly twenty years' service as principal of the Jefferson school, she was invited by the trustees of the Northfield, Mass., seminar}', to take the principalship of that institution. She visited it, and this led to the foundation of Westminster seminary, an account of which has already been given. Miss Sharp has since been identified with it as one of the principals. She began her life work at the age of sixteen, but after teaching one term in Fort Wayne, she entered Holyoke seminary, Mass., from which she graduated in 1862. Returning to Fort Wayne she resumed teaching, taking a position in the Jefferson school. Three years later, at the request of ex-state superintendent, James H. Smart, then superintendent of the city schools, she accepted the principalship of that school.

A devoted teacher, of wide and varied experience, Mrs. Delphine B. Wells brought to Westminster seminary, upon its organization, a well-earned reputation and a thorough professional traming. She was born in Bristol, Conn., February 2, 1847, daughter of William G. and Josephine L. Bartholomew. In her infancy the famil}' removed to Weatherfield, Conn., where for six years the father was warden of the Connecticut state prison. Subsequently, they removed to Providence, R. I., where the father held the wardenship four years. Their ne.xt home was at Dayton, Ohio, for about six years, and they then removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where the father and mother passed the remainder of their lives. Their daughter, at an earl)' age entered Kalamazoo colloge, and after completing the sophomore year, she entered Mrs. Stone's school for young ladies, at Kalamazoo, where she graduated at the age of eighteen years, and during the subsequent year was engaged there as a teacher. She was married at the age of twenty and after a married life of three j^ears, resumed her profession, to which her whole attention has since been given. She was principal of the Irving school at Detroit two 3'ears; principal of the high school at Muskegon, two years; teacher of modern languages in the Freeport, 111., high school, one year; principal of the Ph'mouth, Ind., high school one year; and principal of the Clay school at Fort Waj-ne, four years, resigning that position to become one of the founders of the Westminster seminary, of which she is now one of the principals, having charge of the department of language and literature. Mrs. Wells is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and for ten years has taught the adult Bible class in the Sunday school of that church.

James F. Whiteleather, one of the principals of McDermut and Whiteleathers business college. Fort Wayne, is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born July 4, 1853. His life was spent in Whitley and Allen counties, Ind., being engaged in boyhood on a farm. At eighteen 3-ears of age he took up the vocation of a teacher, and for several years he taught school and attended school alternately, receiving a collegiate education. For the past eighteen ^-ears his whole attention has been devoted to school work, either in the capacit}- of student or teacher. He completed a special course in plain and ornamental penmanship at Huntington, Ind., in 1875, and in 1879 he took a six months' course under P. R. Spencer, of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1882 he became teacher of penmanship in the Fort Wayne business college, and later became one of the proprietors of that institution. For some two or three 3-ears he was instructor in penmanship and other branches in the Fort Wayne college. In the fall of 1885 he, in connection with Mr. W. E. McDermut, established the McDermut and Whiteleather business college, to which his main attention has since been given as instructor in penmanacuooLf,. 497 sliip, mathematics and bookkeeping. For two _years past he has also taught bookkeeping in the Fort Wayne higii school. He is an able instructor and a first class citizen.

Wilson E. McDerniut, one of the founders and principals of Mc- Dermut & Whiteleather's business college, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, born August 9, 1851. He is the son of Josiah S. and Nancy (Vail) McDermut, natives of the same county. When he was but two years old liis parents came to Indiana and located at LaGrange. There his father died in 1858, and in the latter part of 1859 ^^ removed to Ohio, and located at Lima. He remained at Lima four years, attending school in winter and working in a blacksmith shop in the summer. In 1863 he returned to Richland county, and for two years resided there and in Wyandotte county, working upon a farm and attending school. In April, 1865, he began to learn the printer's trade at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and was thus engaged at Upper Sandusky, until April, 1S69, when he came to Fort Wa}-ne, where he has remained since with the exception of three months in 1872, when he worked in Chicago. In Jul}', 1869, he took the position of foreman of the composing room of the Fort Wayne Daily Sentinel, and with the exception of an interval of about one 3-ear, he continued in the same capacity until January 30, 18S0, also acting as telegraph editor during the most of that period. During his connection with the Sentinel htt had learned stenography, and'to this art, in 1880, he turned his attention as a court reporter. In the spring of 1881 he became clerk and chief officer of the Fort Wayne waterworks, a position he held four 3'ears, resigning it January i, 1S85, to resume the practice of court reporting, and he has labored in the latter capacity ever since. For the past four years he has also devoted much of his attention to the management of McDermut and Whiteleather's business college, which was established by himself and Mr. James F. Whiteleather, in the fall of 1885. Mr. McDermut was married September 27, 1883, to Miss Lida F., daughter of the late Lewis Embey, of Fort Wayne, and they have one child, Gail, born August 13, 1885. Mrs. McDermut 14 a member of the Baptist church. He is an Odd Fellow and a mernter of the A. O. U W. For the past two years he has been employed as special teacher of short-hand in the Fort Wa3-ne Central grammar school.

During the last twelve years James A. Gavin, a worthy citizen, has served very acceptably as overseer of the Fort Wayne public school buildings. He was born at Glasgow, Scotland, September 10, 1848, son of Robert and Isabelle (Craig) Gaven, with whom he came to America when he was six months old. The family made a brief stop at Cleveland, Ohio, and then came to Fort Wayne, and soon after located on a farm near Leo. Two or three years later they settled on the Comparet farm which is now within the city limits. In i860 Mr. Gavin accompanied his father to a farm near Brj-an, Ohio, where he remained several years. On his return to Fort Wayne he entered upon an apprenticeship as a miller, and served about four years in the old Wines mill and the City mill when ill health compelled him to give up milling. He then obtained employment on the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, beginning as a foreman on a construction train, and upon the completion of the road he v^'as promoted to baggage master, and still later to conductor, serving in the latter capacity two years. From the spring of 1872, to September, 1877, he was collector for the Fort Wayne gas light company. In the fall of 1877 he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Gavin was married June 29, 1871, to Sedonia R., daughter of Wesley T. Davis. She was born in Newark, Ohio, April 29, 1850, and died October 23, 1879, leaving one child, Frank W., who was born April 9, 1S72. Mr. Gavin is a member of the First Baptist church, in which he has been a deacon tor the past seven years, and of the Masonic lodge.