Boone County, Indiana - Chapter 11: Education, 1914 (part 2 of 2)

The government of the school was vested in the faculty; it constantly assumed the moral sense of the students and relied upon their disposition to do right for its efficiency. In all the instruction given, touching the religious character, there was freedom from sectarian bias. Among the students attending the Academy there were represented various church communions. Many of the students during their sojourn in the town had homes with families, while others chose to board themselves. To aid the student in the acquisition of knowledge, and the development of commendable character, was the purpose of the Institution. While text books were employed in the attainment of these ends the cultivation of the heart was not neglected. While the students were under the special care of exemplary instructors social meetings were instituted for their spiritual culture. In seasons of special religious awakenings many students, through the influence and ministrations of devoted teachers, found the Pearl of Great Price and henceforth lead peaceful lives.

As we revert to these scenes of the long ago, as related to Thorntown Academy, we can but say those days were Halcyon days, and our hearts in unison are expressive of this thought, when we say, hallowed associations, sacred memories.

The existence of Thorntown Academy was of no little significance. In its existence there was a prayerful, careful, judicious sowing, from which there has ever been a reaping, bounteous and fruitful of good.

The Thorntown Public High School

This school was organized in 1867 to succeed the Thorntown Academy. The first superintendent was J. P. Rous, followed by N. B. Parker, A. E. Buckley, Milton McCune, Alonzo Lyster, G. W. Shuck, H. J. Shafer, M. O. Harper, L. M. Crist, James R. Hart, J. P. Hester, A. E. Malsberry,

Thorntown Academy Reunion

The Methodist church which stands on the site of the old church known during the days of the Academy was made a rendezvous for the visitors.

Rev. F. M, Cones, of LaFayette, who was active in promoting the reunion, was early on the ground, Monday the 15th, looking after the details of the meeting. Several parties who had friends and relatives still living here arrived some days before. On Tuesday, the day of the first meeting, every train brought new arrivals. They were met by committees and directed or escorted to the Methodist church. At its portals there were many warm greetings and clasp of hands that had not touched in years. Early in the afternoon of Tuesday quite a number had assembled and were warmly talking of old associations and refreshing their memories of incidents of long ago. The hours flew by rapidly as comrade after comrade came dropping in and was greeted all around and was re-introduced. The years of long separation had left traces and it was interesting to see them meet, grasp the hand and query, "Is this you?" There would be smiles and then there would be tears, as the sunshine and shadow of soul would come and go, as the memory would gather in those present and the many that they could not greet until they reached the other shore.

The first formal session of the reunion was held in the lecture room and parlors of the church, Tuesday evening, 7 :30, in the form of a social reception, Rev. W. P. McKinsey, of Plainfield, presiding. The meeting was called to order in such a free, open and informal way that everyone was put to ease, and made to feel at home from the start, and all with one accord joined in and sang with a spirit, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," which was followed by prayer, led by Rev. C. B. Mock, of LaFayette, Indiana. Song, "The Saints Home," to the tune of Home, Sweet Home. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Rev. J. C. Martin, pastor of the M. E. church of Thorntown, Indiana.

After extending a most hearty welcome to each visitor present and to all who may come later the speaker gave some thought for wholesome reflection along the lines of the earlier methods and plans of discipline and training in school life, comparing them with methods and processes of this day, with decided conclusions in favor of the former. He thought that the spirit and methods in vogue in the days of the Academy were calculated to produce truer and more substantial characters than the processes of today were able to inspire in the body of students. Those of that day gave closer application to study and their duties in school life than those of our day manifest. It was not dreamed in that day that physical culture depended upon the ball game, as it does now. The ax helve, hoe handle and saw buck were considered more efficient in developing muscle than the ball bat. He preferred the former and never wanted his son to resort to the ball games for culture of body, much less of mind or spirit. At the close of the address the following song was sung:

Long, Long Ago

Long, long ago, long ago. Now you have come each other to meet, To clasp the warm hand, the fond heart to greet; And talk of the days that were tender and sweet,

Long, long ago, long ago. You have grown older, your hair has turned white, Your faces have wrinkled, and dim is your sight, You've only grown sweeter as years took their flight,

Long, long ago, long ago. Some have departed, their life race is run, We too shall hear the welcome "well done," If we are true to the faith that begun,

The chairman now introduced Rev. H. G. Jackson, D. D., of Chicago, Illinois, in the most complimentary terms as instructor in the Academy, soldier in the army for the Union, minister of the gospel, missionary in South America and an untiring worker for humanity and the Lord - to make Response. The doctor arose somewhat embarrassed by the encomiums heaped upon him that he desired some back door that he might slip out. However, he finally wore off the embarrassment and got a start by calling over the roll of long ago, telling of some of the pranks, courtships and marriages of the boys and girls of fifty years ago and came the nearest kind of unveiling some of the history of the temperance work in Thorntown of that date. He actually stirred up the memories of the past and set them going and said many good things. His remarks were pleasing and well received.

The response was followed by a song and social hour participated in by citizens and visitors, which was brim full of heart and soul, grasping of hands, smiles and study of faces to see if the storms of forty years had left any trace of past memories. It was a gladsome hour to all.

Wednesday Morning

Session called to order at 10:30. Rev. L. C. Buckles, of LaFayette, presiding. Prayer, Rev. H. G. Jackson, D. D. The principal exercises of the hour was a well prepared historical sketch of the Academy, including names of teachers and graduates by F. M. Cones, D. D., which was fully appreciated by all present. (20)

After a short recess enlivened by hearty greetings and introductions of the latest arrivals, the session was called on and warmed up by singing songs that came from the heart and full of the spirit of fifty years ago. Then followed some short talks. C. N. Sims, D. D., of Liberty, Indiana, who had endeared himself so closely to pupils and teachers during his connection with the Institution, in happiest mood related some touching incidents in connection with the sketch that had been read that were timely and well received. Mrs. Anna C. McKinsey, of Plainfield, followed with some very pleasing remarks along the same line.

We regret that we cannot give these short talks in full for they were so interesting to those present and they constitute the gems and pearls that were thrown in between the weightier articles. They were the pepper and salt, the spice and ginger and entire list of condiments in each session.

The last of this morning's feast was an original poem prepared for the occasion by Hon. Elisha Little, of Williamsport, Ind., which he pleasingly rendered.

Most worthy, venerable, high-class Seniors, Professors and Teachers and long ago Juniors, I come not before you with rancor or rant, But simply defending the little word Can't.

You always declared it a fraud on a student, The idea of using it very imprudent. Your word was our law, we had to receive it But fifty years later I don't half believe it.

Can't wisely say No! when you ought to say yes - Can't answer for certain where you only can guess. You can't give hatred in barter for love, While hoping for mansions in Heaven above.

If your coal bin is empty and the dealer can't wait, And you can't raise the money, the fire in the grate Will likely get low, but you can't stand whining While Winter on Summer's fond lap is reclining.

Heat and sunshine force upward, gravitation draws down You can't capture a sunbeam, or make it your own. There are things we can't gather with muscle or mind And we'd better unbend, ere the limit we find.

Can't afford to be small for a very small thing, Can't dare to soar high on a very weak wing. Be sure of your coupling ere you fasten your car, To some far away planet, comet, or star.

Can't face all directions; can't afford to play double; Can't hope to go dodging to keep out of trouble. Can't white wash with policy sin's deepest dye, Like little Geo. Washington, "Can't tell a lie."

Suppose little Georgie had said "I can." And just bristled up and lied like a man ; Although you may scoff yet I risk the opinion Today we'd have been under British dominion.

Man can't fathom the depths of immensity, Can't comprehend the soul's awful intensity Of sorrow, and woe, and heart-strings breaking; 'Til his own Gethsemine garden he's walking.

There's much of humanity in I can't but God is in I can, There's much of humanity in us too, for man is only man ; But He who doth pity the wound of the sparrow Doth pardon the archer who sendeth the arrow.

Sir Lancelot coming home from his quest Felt Hope's fire die, down deep in his breast. Elijah, down under the Juniper tree Prayed mightily to God his soul to free.

But whether a Prophet, or brave Sir-Knight Each reaches the place where the soft green light Of radiant Hope is no more seen beaming, And "I can't" is no longer a cry unseeming.

We can't disremember those faces so honest Who toiled with us here, so faithful and earnest; Who with their triumph and failures all o'er Now walk with the angels, that ever-green shore.

We can't help feeling that some how or other They are hovering close on our coming together; Though their voices are swelling the heavenly chorus, In fancy their forms are now gliding before us.

Faith grasps what is present and makes it her own, Hope reaches beyond for the great unknown, While Love binds together past, present and future, Writing in one Creator and Creature.

Wednesday Afternoon

Session called to order at i 130, Hon. John F. Compton, of Perrysville, Indiana, presiding. After the opening exercise Rev. L. C. Buckles, of LaFayette, Indiana, reviewed the doings and triumphs of the Excelsorian Society of the middle fifties. He stated that he had no data or records from which to speak, and that he was unable to call to mind anything special concerning the workings of the society. He remembered that the interest in its sessions was very inspiring and stimulating at the time to all who attended. Its warm debates, classic essays and orations were interesting, instructive and inspiring, and the music uplifting. Such was the vim and fervor of the meetings that they created an outside influence in the community and many attended their sessions.

He was followed by Capt. H. H. -McDowell, of Pontiac, 111., who spoke in the interest of the Philosonian Society. He was more fortunate than Rev. Buckles in that he was armed and equipped with a forty year old program that was able to speak for itself. He felt jubilant over the mat- ter that he was able to bring before them a real live session of the society of which he was president. He proceeded to read from the program the name and exercise of some one on duty and comment thereon. This would elicit remarks from some one in the audience about the person named, how well he did, his characteristics, she did so and so, I remember her well, this funny incident, and so on making a running comment on each as the name and exercise was read. This awakened much interest and each was anxious to know who would be introduced next, what would be said about him or her by those present. To record this spirited comment as the program was served would require more space than we can devote in these pages. It was a happy hit of Mr. McDowell to bring a real live session of his society before the meeting and refresh their memories of its doing. There was such a stir of feeling that we believe those present forgot the forty years that had past and that they were indeed back in a real session of their loved society. The program was indeed a happy surprise to all present. It set the thinkers of all present agoing and many reminiscences were related. Mrs. Carrie Shipp-Jones very pleasantly referred to her own feelings and experiences. It had vividly come to her mind during the evening. She did so enjoy the fun side in her school life, the tendency to play sly tricks and jokes and have a good time, would so lead her away from study and duty. She stated that when C. N. Sims came in charge there was such a potent influence about him that it drew her towards better things and she was able to overcome her fun propensity and get down to real hard study and enjoy it. She got so interested and others with her that they would go without meals in order to get their lessons. To acquire knowledge and please instructors was the height of ambition.

Rev. Henry Huffman very naturally ran off along the line of the play of Cupid among the students in those days. He spoke from experience, as he himself was pierced by an. arrow and fell a victim, which ended in marriage. Many stories along this line followed and heart secrets were fessed up that revealed the fact that students of the Old Academy were susceptible to the feelings and emotions that are manifest in the human heart everywhere.

Just at this juncture it was announced that the photographer was on the outside ready to take a snapshot, so a recess was given and all lined up according to directions, and the company was taken in, as shown up by the picture on the adjoining page.

Picture taken, recess over, order restored, Dr. H. G. Jackson, of Chicago, took the floor, and in his happy go -easy style began to tell of this one and that, brought out many pleasant remembrances. He fixed as date February 10, 1861, and asked how many present went to the water tank that day to see Abraham Lincoln ? Quite a' number responded, I was there. Lincoln was on his way to Washington via Indianapolis to assume the duties of President. The train stopped, Lincoln appeared and made a short talk to the student body who surrounded the train, eager to catch the words that fell from his lips. We all remember his saying in reply to the question, "What do you think will be the outcome of the war?" "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" and again in the words of Caleb, "Let us go up, for we are well able to overcome it."

The speaker then gave an interesting reminiscence of some temperance work done by the boys in those days to rid the town of two saloons, which was very effectual. He came near letting out a secret as to just how the thing was done, but not quite. He closed his remarks by saying that no state in the Union unless it be Massachusetts had surpassed Indiana in its literary characters, rounding up the roll with the name of our own John Clark Ridpath as the eminent historian of our day. We are and of right ought to be proud of the educational and literary standing of our state, and to know that this Institution played a part in its early development.

Rev. N. W. Hamilton, a Methodist minister, who had come all the way from Kansas, was turned loose upon the meeting and he gave them a rouser. Before the session closed a glowing tribute was paid to the exceptional world wide work of Mrs. Elizabeth Andrews and Dr. Kate Bushnell, both of Oakland, Cal.

The emphatic thought of this session was the wonderful and beneficent work of literary societies in connection with school life. We have shadowed this line of work in our modern training by other lines and it may be a question about improvement to be solved later.

Tenting On The Old Campground

Long before the hour of meeting many gathered at the church to hold their tete a tetes. It seemed that they loved to linger around the consecrated ground where they would be in plain view of the old Academy site. Citizens and visitors gathered in groups with eager anticipations of the feast of good things about to be served. Each had the sunshine in the heart and countenance radiant with hope as if entertaining an old fashioned love feast without formality. The Hon. W. C. Vanarsdel, of Greencastle, with geniality of spirit was a fit person to preside over such a delightful session. Someone rolled in the "Rock of Ages" as opening song and there was a sweet melody and such a soulsome spirit thrown into it that we are sure everyone felt secure upon the rock. After which all joined in prayer, with Rev. W. P. McKinsey as leader.

The chairman in his opening remarks struck the keynote of the spirit and character of the reunion, when he said that the great success of the gathering and the influence that had inclined so many of them (over seventy,) to gather here from distant homes, forty years after the close of an Institution of a few years' duration was remarkable. It could be accounted for upon no other ground than the spirit of Christ that pervaded the school and was uppermost in the minds and hearts of instructors and students. This proves that christian morals are lasting, and that they who build upon so firm a foundation build for eternity ; and that this spirit cements hearts into a union of fellowship that is indissoluble, hence the longing to come to- gether had brought them from their homes. He stated a truth when he said that this spirit of Christ is the real essence and life of any school. If it does not exist in our public schools it will necessitate private schools. This key unlocked the hearts of the audience and there were many approving responses and acclamations.

The meeting was now in full harness and each was made to feel at home, and turned loose with freedom to pull in any direction that the heart prompted. This moved the big heart of W. P. McKinsey, who was on the floor in a jiffy, and wanted to tell how he came to Thorntown. He said his father gave him a colt, and after it had grown into a horse, he concluded to put it into his head. His father tried hard to dissuade him from so foolish a purpose, but he was set in his way and the horse had to go. So he and the horse came to Thorntown, and it was set up for a board bill and literally consumed. (That was a funny way for a horse to get into one's head, passing through the stomach.) I never regretted it. I did not eat up the entire horse. I received a great many good things here. Best of all I found Christ and by no means the least, I found my sweetheart. Adam like he laid the whole trouble on Anna, said she followed him up and laid such a close siege upon him that he had to surrender. He said she was still after him and he didn't care. She had made him what he was and they had sweetly companioned thus far in life and hoped to continue until the triumph. He added that he felt that he was the most highly favored of any old preacher in the state by the inspiration of his 500 boys at Plainfield. Elisha Little of Williamsport, sprang to the floor before the speaker had fairly got seated and said he was not surprised at the horse sense of McKinsey, since he had heard the colt story.

Dr. Jemima Gordon, of Newcastle, emphasized the thought of the opening address of Vanarsdel, and spoke of the higher spirit that prevailed among the pupils and teachers of the Academy. Rev. C. B. Mock, of LaFayette, said that he too brought a horse but did not put it all in his head. He stated that he was among the first to suggest that the Academy be merged into the public schools.

Oliver P. Stufflebeam, of Rossville, 111., spoke of some of the difficulties that he encountered in scaling the steeps of science and how he overcame his awkwardness and timidity and secured his wife. (By the way these boys let out on each other in their love stories and so many of them being

Professor J. J. Osborn, of Cedarville, Ohio, said that he was brought to the Institution by a dispatch from Oliver Craven, President of the Board of Directors. A beautiful young lady here had highly recommended him. Rev. F. M. Cones met him at the station, they became chums and lastingfriends. They were still the warmest of friends and he could speak in the highest commendation of the parentage of each, but he could not offer a syllable in favor of the posterity of either. He thought he had made a serious mistake and thought he could mend things yet, if he would go back and try if over. (The trouble was that these bachelor friends had been so intent on their duties as instructors on head lines that they failed utterly on the heart line and were impervious to the darts of Cupid that so many report as flying around here during those Halcyon days.)

Next in order comes James F. Pierce, of LaFayette, the man that feared he would overspeak his time. He had a long story to tell of how he was going to be a lawyer. That was his purpose in coming. Had his stakes set high. Wanted, a council with the Professor, about his chosen profession, the law. Appointment was made, he came, feeling very big with a cigar in mouth. The Professor asked him about it, said the best students did not smoke. He fumbled it awhile, dropped it, never picked it up again. The Professor discouraged him about the law, told of its hardships and asked if he could not think of something else he would like to do. He gave it up went home and took up the hoe handle, and to this day blames the Professor for what he and the state has lost because he was not induced to practice law. Called himself to time and sat down amid great applause.

Resolved : That an expression of thanks and gratitude be extended to Rev. F. M. Cones for his untiring efforts in promoting their union. To J. S. Daugherty for his faithful service as secretary. To L. M. Crist for his kindness and courtesy as editor. To Misses Mabel Miller, Flossie

Henry, Mamie Martin and Hester Seawright for decorating church, etc. To the local committee for their faithful work of preparation. To the pastor and trustees of the M. E. church for courteous use of church. To the citizens in general for the hearty reception and to those who opened their homes in particular for their splendid hospitality.

The Lebanon Schools

Lebanon has splendid schools and is justly proud of them. Able and experienced teachers are in charge, and no effort is spared to keep abreast with all matters pertaining to public instruction. One of the first questions asked by a man intending to move to a locality is "What kind of schools are there?" In fact, a man with a family who does not take an interest in the public schools is not the kind of a citizen Lebanon wants.

The public educational institutions of this city are thoroughly adequate in every manner to cope with the demands and expectations of the people. The buildings as herewith represented are of the handsomest and most substantial kind, splendidly equipped and arranged, and of the best architectural style. They are each two and one-half stories high, made of brick with stone trimmings. The rooms are bright, spacious and airy, heated by furnace and equipped with every modern convenience, and the grounds are large and attractive. The buildings, grounds and equipment represent a cost of about $70,000. But first and foremost is the plane of excellence upon which the local public schools are conducted. The most competent teachers obtainable are procured and the system and methods enforced are such as to merit the commendation of the whole community.

The first school house of this city was a log house, just south of the depot, and among the early teachers were Henry A. Shulse and Cyrus Wright. The county seminary was located here in 1842, after a terrific struggle with Thorntown citizens, who insisted that it should be located in that town. It was a brick building and is still standing on East Main street and occupied as the Pleasant Grove Hotel. Judge Stephen Neal opened the seminary in 1843, as its first teacher, and was succeeded the following year by John M. Patton. It enjoyed many years of a flourishing career.

In 1854 two frame buildings were erected, one on East Washington street, which has since been remodeled and occupied as a dwelling, and the other on West South street, just west of the steam laundry. This building is still standing and presents very much the same appearance as it did a quar-' ter of a century ago. Among the early teachers there were James L. Gorman and D. M. Burns.

The old twelfth district erected a building in 1855 on South East street and these three buildings were used for public school purposes until 1870, when the old Presbyterian Academy, on the site of the present Central school building, was purchased, which was used until May, 1887, when it was torn down and the present excellent structure was erected. The South Side building was erected in 1886 and the modern, commodious North Side building was erected in 1890.

The Presbyterian Academy In Lebanon The Building

The first catalogue was issued on June 13, 1862. It contains a picture of the building which was a three-story brick structure which stood on the lot where the Central building now stands.

The catalogue says, "The accommodations are ample. The recitation rooms are in the first story; the society halls, apparatus room, etc., in the second ; chapel and music rooms in the third."

The trustees recorded are John Bell, David Caldwell, D. H. Hamilton and John Williams. The officers of the board were William Zion, president and D. H. Hamilton, secretary. The board of instruction was composed of J. M. Coyner, A. M., principal, teacher of higher mathematics, history, natural manual and moral science; Rev. C. K. Thompson, A. M., who taught the languages; Miss Maggie F. Garrett, English branches and natural science, and Miss Estelle Morrow, instrumental music and drawing.

The Courses

There was a scientific course with a junior and a templar class; an irregular scientific department ; an English department ; a primary department ; a class in instrumental music and a class in drawing.

Some Pupils Well Known

Some of the names of the pupils who became best known in the city and county are given. Of the junior class are such names as D. E. Caldwell, of

Dover; J. M. Saunders, of Boone county and M. B. Avery, of Lebanon. Of the templar some of the best known names are J. W. Kise, E. P. Stephenson, Lizzie Bell, M. L. Bell. In the irregular scientific class are enrolled such familiar names as A. M. Bell, George Busby, A. L. Caldwell, O. F. McLaughlin, W. J. McCormick, D. H. Olive, James Randall, John Saunders, S. T. Saunders, Zerilda Daugherty. In the English department are John D. Alexander, Charles Bryan, Empson Lane, James Richey, C. W. Scott, A. P. Stephenson, A. A. Zion, Sophie Haun.

Here are some from the primary department of that time : John Adair, Joseph Bratt, J. R. Cason, Zelus McCormack, John Rose, C. M. Zion, J. C. Ball, Mary Kenworthy, Kate Trips and Sallie Williamson. Of those taking instrumental music and drawing are, J. M. Saunders, H. S. Lane, E. P. Stephenson, Josie C. Ball, E. A. Bell, M. L. Bell, Zerilda Daugherty, M. M. Wilson.

The Government

A part of the statement about the government is "The government of the school is decisive and disciplinary, yet kind and paternal. Order is a positive requisite. The pupil is regarded as such out of school as well as in, and his and her conduct strictly observed.

"It will be the aim of the board of instruction so to train the pupil, in body and heart, that he or she may be prepared to govern self, and thus be prepared to control others."

It is stated that "The young men have organized a society called the Calliopean. Their hall is well furnished. The young ladies have organized one called the Sigournian. They hope to have their hall furnished in a short 'time. The Temperance League and the Musical Association have been organized. The former meets monthly, and the latter weekly."

Other Items

A tuition was charged the pupils and the tuition of all boarding pupils was required in advance. Boarding, including room, fuel and lights $2.00 per week.

There were one hundred and eighty pupils in the school that first year which began in April, 1861, one hundred were males and eighty were females. Outside of Lebanon there were pupils from Dover, Northfield, Jamestown, Whitestown, Frankfort, Plainville, Berlin, Desoto, Wisconsin; Wintersett, Iowa; North Salem, Reed's Mill, Columbus; Downingsville, Kentucky; Elizaville, Thorntown.

The school continued but a few years but the many who received instruction from its teachers are glad to be noticed as members of the old Lebanon Presbyterian Academy.