Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 25 of those read), 1881

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 25 of those read)

REFORMATORY INSTITUTIONS - TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. OLD WASHINGTONIANS - SONS OF TEMPERANCE - TEMPLE OF HONOR - WomMEN's CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION--LIQUOR AGENCY SYSTEM - OTHER TEMPERANCE AGENCIES - THE SITUATION - AGITATION

OF THE SuBJECT - REFLECTIONS. | T the time when Delaware County began to be populated, and for a long period antecedent thereto, the use of intoxicating liquors, as a beverage, was rather the rule than the exception in the regulations of society: Drinking was a custom that had come down from preceding generations with the sanction of the masses - - indeed, the church, .at least some of the branches of it, recognized, even encouraged the custom as essential to the maintenance of good order and propriety. With this early custom,. however, the phase of drunkenness seldom manifesting itself, was less common and less reprehensible - viewed in the light of its effect upon the victims of indulgences - than at present. Then, the choice liquors of the day were found in almost every sideboard or cupboard, the presence of which was deemed and observed as the only medium through which a visitor could be received into good society, according to the accepted interpretation of the times. This method of interpretation was only modified by the agitation consequent upon the abuse of the liberty under the privilegesof which the frequent use of intoxicants obtained. Moral suasion, so called, embodied the chief element of the agitation and was calculated to induce a recognition of the question in comparison with the moral obligations of each individual to every other with whom he or she might come in contact in the drama of life. At first, the agitators consisted of those persons in whom the moral idea predominated, whose.stock in trade was the reprehensible feature of the excessive use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, without considering the matter in any other light than as a violation of the moral law. perhaps, in the Presbyterian Church, accessions, no doubt, were received | from other church organizations in the city. The first effort of which -

These agitators often acquired notoriety as religious zealots, self-constituted committees charged with the important function of assisting in the perceptible, and, among others, upon whom these influences were brought to bear, persons not given to the recognition of the rights of others as paramount to their own, the effect was not unfrequently to induce greater excesses as an exhibition of stubbornness in the maintenance of the boasted privilege of "personal liberty " to do as he pleased. Persons of this latter sort were not unfrequently met with in the earlier periods; even at the present day, like examples are found who lose their personal liberty in their disabiltiy to exercise even the right to be sober.

At a later period the representatives of religious organizations were clothed with the prerogative of presenting in the name of the church, the arguments illustrative of the religious views of temperance and of forming societies for the more effective promulgation of the doctrines of moral reform, temperance being made a specialty. Some of the church organizations sanctioned and even encouraged the formation of temperance societies as auxiliaries, instrumentalities for the inducement to membership in the church itself. All these agencies and others were brought into requisition in furthering these legitimate objects of reform, and unitedly they produced a change in public opinion concerning the great questions in issue.

The '" Washingtonian" movement was, perhaps, the first regularly organized effort designed to suppress the use of intoxicants as a beverage, even temperately, claiming that indulgence even to a limited extent was dangerous, especially to those whose appetite had a craving for such excitants which, when gratified, exercised an unyielding control over the victim, notwithstanding the dictates of a mature judgment to the contrary. These organizations spread over the entire community and became a mighty power in the land, in the face of the most formidable opposition. Through its agency a great reform was wrought and the public mind was thoroughly imbued with the spirit that actuated the movement. Leading men and women made common cause with the prime movers, and by example and influence exerting themselves to their utmost in the interest of sobriety. Societies were organ- selves of the confessions of the ''reformed" as an argument too potent to be gainsaid. The "reformed," also, were made valuable auxiliaries in inducing others far gone in intemperance, by a comparison of experiences in the sin with the means of reformation and the beneficial results of total abstinence. The existence of branches of this society in |

Delaware County is a well-remembered fact, but the records of their operations and the active agents engaged in them cannot now be accurately recalled. This movement had its origin at Baltimore, Md., and was the outgrowth of the labors of Dr. George B. Cheever, of Salem, Mass., and others, designed to concentrate effort for the common good of all, - indulging their appetites in strong drink. The following details are copied from "Our First Century," and give a fair and accurate outline of the circumstances incident to the organization of this first temperance society or order: "It appears that six individuals, who were in the habit of associating together, were seated, as usual, on Friday evening, April 2, 1840, | in Chase's tavern, in Liberty street, Baltimore, where they were accustomed to meet almost every evening, for the purpose of enjoying mutually all the benefits and conveniences which that establishment and each other's. society could possibly afford. These were William K. Mitchell, tailor; John F. Hoss, carpenter; David Anderson, blacksmith; George Steers, blacksmith; James McCurley, coach-maker, and Archibald Campbell silver-plater. A clergyman, who was preaching in the city at that time, had given public notice that on that evening he would deliver a__ discourse onthe subject of temperance. Upon this lecture, the conver- | sy Greate and wonderful were the results iietined to flow Bern the * Washington Temperance Society,' thus started by those six inebriates in the city of Baltimore. At their second meeting, they had two new members, but in a comparatively short time the society increased so much that it became a question how they could employ their time so as to make their meetings interesting. The President thereupon suggested that each member should rise in his place and give his experience, and by way of commencement, he arose and told what he had passed through

_ in the last fifteen years, and the advantages he had derived from signing the total abstinence pledge. This was the origin of that must popular and efficient method which the Washingtonian society and all its auxiliaries adopted for giving interest and effect to their gatherings. Signers were thus obtained, and the attention of the public was attracted, so that a class was reached which otherwise might not have been affected by the labors of those other good men who had for so many years been engaged in promoting temperance in a different way.

'By Christmas, in 1840, the reform had become so popular that thousands had flocked to its standard, and enrolled themselves as the friends of temperance. The wave had swept onward and tidings of the great reformation reached distant cities. On invitation from New York for a delegation of five men to hold experience meetings every day for one week. in that city, Messrs. Hawkins, Pollard, Shaw, Caséy

_ and Mitchell proceeded to that place, and there held the first Washing- _tonian Missionary meeting ever known in the United States. It was a type of that suceess whieh was to accompany the new system in behalf of temperance, for, during each of the speeches, multitudes came forward and signed the pledge, and, taken together, such a scene had never before been witnessed in New York: But the most powerful among good thing.' 'Oh,'said the host, 'they are alla parcel of hypocrites.' 'Oh, yes,' replied McCurley, 'Pll be bound for you, its your interest to ery make Bill Mitchell President.' 'Agreed,' cried they. The idea seemed to take wonderfully, and the more they talked and laughed over the idea, the more they were pleased with it. After parting that night, they did walking and treating, they managed to arrange the whole matter to their entire satisfaction. It is agreed that one of them should draw up a pledge, and that the whole party should sign it the next day. Accordingly, on Monday morning, Mitchell wrote the following pledge: 'We, mutual benefit, and to guard against a pernicious practice which is injurious to our health, standing and families, do pledge ourselves as gentlemen, that we will not drink any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider.'

"He went with this, about 9 o'clock, to Anderson's house, and found him still in bed, sick from the effects of his Sunday adventures. He arose, however, dressed himself, and, after hearing the pledge read, went down honor of being the first man to sign. After obtaining the names of the remaining four, the worthy President finished this noble achievement by adding his own. On the evening of that day, they met at the residence of one of their number and duly formed themselves into a society, with the usual officers. Little did these six associates know of the fame and achievements they were molding. Having thus got under way, they next turned their attention to obtaining members and devising means to defray the expenses of their meetings; it was therefore agreed that each man should bring a man and that every one should pay 25 cents upon becoming a member, and twelve and a half cents monthly thereafter. The next debate was as to the name they should give to their society. A number were proposed, among them that of Jefferson, when it was finally agreed that the President and Secretary should be a committee to draft a constitution and select a name. This they did, giving to the association the name of ' Washington Temperance Society,' in honor of the father of his country, and were subsequently known as Washingtonians.

_ cess. The peculiar circumstances of his history had an almost over- _ powering effect on his own feelings whenever he spoke, and his audiences them down, anyhow. I tell you what, boys, let's have a society and © listened now breathlessly, and anon with uncontrollable demonstrations of enthusiasm. He was a man of plain, good, common sense, with a peculiar sincerity about him, and an easy way of working up his hearers to a state of sympathy with him. He would at one time assume the melting mood and picture the scenes of a drunkard's home - and that home his own - and the fountains of generous feelings'in many hearts

| in the festering purlieus and penetralia of New York, were reclaimed, ' and such was the overwhelming power of the movement that, finally,

The popularity of this new organization, as shown by the influence exerted by it in checking the progress of the current of intemperance, so disastrous to life and life's purposes, in the cities of the East, hav ing traversed the vast field there presented, and lifted thousands from the slough of degradation into which the habitual use of aleoholi¢ beverages that drown them, gradually moved Westward conquering and to conquer. The first introduction of the order into this portion of Indiana, was about the year 1843; some three years or more subsequent to its most auspicious commencement in the Monumental City. Here, as elsewhere, its introduction was hailed by the friends of good order and reform with heartfelt satisfaction; by those, however, who from fear of being deprived of the freedom guaranteed by the great charter of American liberty, marshaled themselves into the ranks of the drunken and dissolute of sociefy - with defiant sneers or silent indifferences. Notwithstanding some of these adverse manifestations, the meetings were well attended and thé number who signed the prescribed pledge on their own behalf and for the benefit of others was great compared with the aggregate of our population. The societies organized here continued to flourish, exerting an influence for good for consequent upon continued success, disbanded, yet the spirit of the teachings remained, and.the good results obtained continued also - tangible evidences that the work had not been in vain - monuments marking the former existence of a movement destined to humanize mankind.

Sons Of Temperance

SONS OF TEMPERANCE. The work thus forwarded by the molding hands of the Washingtonians, constituted a safe foundation of an order possessing less of the _ ive significance, beautiful symbology, representing the prime virtues, "love, purity and fidelity." The beneficent order was known as the Sons of Temperance. It was a legitimate outgrowth of the Washingtonian system, preserving most or all of its attractive features, omitting those not well received and adding new ones calculated to interest, instruct and sustain the members; while cultivating temperance as the cardinal element, embellishing the ceremonies with the chaste and elegant lessons of Christian duty and obligations. A brief reference to the date and circumstances of its origin and development will not be out of place in this connection. Touching this matter, we copy the following from the report of Luke Hassert, Grand Scribe of the National Division of the order, prepared and submitted by him, pursuant to a resolution of that body, on the 17th of June, 1844:

"On the 29th of September, 1842, sixteen persons engaged in the temperance cause, believing that an institution was called for, based upon the strictest virtue, morality and sobriety, affording mutual aid in seasons of sickness and distress, met at Teetotaller's Hall, 71 Division street, New York, and organized the order of the Sons of Temperance, adopted a constitution, and took other preliminary measures to com- So well pleased were they with the plan proposed, that they entered into it with an ardor seldom witnessed.

"The constitution and principles were extensively circulated through the country, by means of the Organ (a newspaper devoted to the good cause of temperance) and an application for a charter to open a division in the eity of Newark, N. J., was received. ere our order was a month old. As there was not a sufficient numberof brothers legally constituted to form the Grand Division, and as the power to grant charters and perform other functions appertaining to that body was called for, New York Division No. 1 (the original, and at that time the only Division of the order) appointed a delegation, consisting of Daniel H. Sands, E. L.* Snow, John W. Oliver, James Bale, Thomas Edgerley, Evan Griffith and Francis W. Wolfe, to act as a Grand. Division pro tem, Thus constituted, that body went into operation December 10, 1842, on which occasion the charter for Newark Division No. 1, of New Jersey, was granted; and, on the 15th of the same month, the division was instituted by the grand officers. On December 15, a charter was granted

" These being now the constitutional number of patriarchs and associates to form the Grand Division proper, January 9, 1843, the organization existing under the resolution of New York Division No. 1, above referred to was dissolved, and the Grand Division of the State of New York duly organized. The following were the officers elected: Daniel H. Sands, G. W. P.; John P. Joralemon, G. W. A.; John W. Oliver, G. Scribe; Alexander Young, G. T.; Evan Griffith, G. Chaplain; A, L. West, G. Conductor; William Tate, G. Sentinel." From January 9, 1843, to January 8, 1844, twenty-eight other divisions were instituted in, and in the vicinity of the city of New York. At that date, the Grand Division of the State of New Jersey was chartered by the Grand Divisionof New York, acting as the grand fountain head of the United States, and was regularly instituted by the grand officers on the 25th. Between that time and the 17th of June, 1844, thirty-seven other charters were granted, including those for grand divisions in the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts,and the Dis- trict of Columbia. At the date last named, the Grand Division of the United States was instituted, holding its session in the hall of the Grand. Division of the State of New York, in the city of New York. |

On the 11th of May, 1845, under the authority of the National Divis" ion, P G. W. P. White, of Pennsylvania, organized the Grand Division of the State of Ohio, from which body the following subordinate divisions: Indiana, No. 1; Wayne, No. 2; Clark, No. 3; Crystal Fount, No. 4; Unity, No. 6; Fayette, No. 7; Madison, No. 8, and Washington, No. 10, in the State of Indiana, received charters empowering them to work. These charters were granted to those Indiana subordinate divisions in the winter of 1845-46. Baier tek:

The representatives of these eight divisions, working under the aforesaid authority, met at the town of Brookville, Franklin Co., Ind., on the 2d of May, 1846, at which time, J. C. Vaughn, G. W. P., of Ohio, vested with the power as Deputy Most Worthy Patriarch, organized the Grand Division of the State of Indiana. The following were the Grand Officers elected and installed on that occasion: E. H. Barry,G. W. P.; John Pritchell, G. W. A.; J. R. Goodwin, G. Scribe; William B. Smith, G. T.; James A. Nelson, G. Conductor; Anselm Butler, G. Sentinel. Among the proceedings stipplemental to the organization of the Grand

No. 12, at Muncie, with Samuel W. Harlan, Worthy Patriarch. This division was organized shortly afterward in the court house. Among the early workers in this new order, we find the names of Samuel W. Harlan, Thomas S. Neely, Warren H. Withers, J. S. Ferris, A. F. Estabrook, E. G. Keasby and many others, active and efficient laborers in the temperance cause, whose names are not now at command. From a conversation with Mr. Neely on this subject, the following is gleaned: He says: "Mr. Warren H. Withers was the most active member of the order here, if not indeed the prime mover in the institution of the division at this place. We fought every application presented to the County Commissioners for liscense to sell intoxicating liquors, and endeavored to cause the Legislature to absolutely restrict the traffic, if not prohibit it. In the first instance we were more than ordinarily successful, confining the sale of liquors to very narrow limits. Our general endeavor was to raise the standard of morals in our little town. The result of our good work, the Lord be praised, is everywhere seen. Our division continued to hold its meetings in -the court house for a number of years subsequent to its organization. How many, I don't remember; but finally we moved to a building, I think, on the site of Linn's shoe-store, where we remained until the division surrendered its charter and disbanded. The organization in its time enrolled among its members a very large proportion of the best people of the town, all of whom worked zealously in the cause, exerting every energy and influencing every action tending to throttle the demon of intemperance, and despoil his efforts to degrade mankind." At the fifth quarterly session of the Grand Division, held on the 10th of April, 1847, the Grand Worthy Patriarch reported concerning Muncie Division No. 12, as follows: " Brother Neely, under date of February 17, says: ' This division stands just where it did when I last saw you at Indianapolis. . The reason why we do not prosper is this: One of the leading members

| of our division went into partnership with a man in a mill and stillhouse, and withdrew from the order. I'wo others violated the pledge and had to be expelled. We are getting along harmoniously internally.' But, under the date of March 30, he writes: ' We are getting along at this time as well as we could expect. I think we have surmounted all difficulties. In the four weeks, we have initiated eight persons. Every thing is going along pleasantly, and the brethren are in good spirits.'" The division quarterly report at that date, gave the membership at forty-two. |

In 1848, the clause in the pledge prohibiting the use of cider as a beverage, became a source of contention, some claiming that the use of sweet cider was no violation, while others in full conformity with the rulings and decisions on the subject, maintained that the use in any form or any state as a beverage, was a violation of the obligation. Under the circumstances, some of the members feeling that the point was too finely drawn, and that their sensitiveness on the subject would not permit them to remain, withdrew from the order. The effect at first was somewhat contagious, several of the brethren withdrawing in consequence. Mature consideration, however, convinced the division of the propriety of the entire prohibition of all inducements to the use of intoxicants, and in the end profited by the experience. The returns from the quarter ending March 31, 1849, shows that four have been initiated, no withdrawals, suspensions, expulsions or violations of the - pledge during that period, and a total membership of fifty-five; J. 8. Ferris, Worthy Patriarch. Fora few years subsequent to the organization of this division, it prospered, repr esenting the active element of society on the temperance question. In the course of time, however, the interest began to wane, the meetings were sparsely attended, finally dissensions arose, and the order having apparently outlived its era of usefulness in this locality, suceumbed to the inevitable, and Muncie Division, No. 12, disbanded. Interest in the temperance movement on the part of its friends, representing the best class of our citizens, continued with little abatement. PROHIBITORY LAW.

An outgrowth of the general agitation on the subject of temperance throughout the State about this period, was the passage of a law entitled: " An act to prohibit the manufacture and sale of spirituous and intoxicating liquors, except in the cases therein named, and to repeal all ao acts inconsistent therewith, and for the suppression of intemperance." Approved, February 16, 1855. well expressed in the following selection from the fourth section of the act: "The County Commissioners of each county may give to any per- _ son, who shall apply in writing therefor, authority to manufacture spir- _ ituous and intoxicating liquors at such places within the county as the Commissioners may designate, and to sell the same at such places only, in any quantity, to the duly authorized agents of the several one year from the date thereof, and may at any time be revoked by the Commissioners. But all persons engaged in the manufacture of such liquors at the time of the passage of this act, shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to such authority from the County Commissioners, to renewed from year to year, so long as such manufacturer shall not violate any provision of this act; but, in case such manufacturer shall be convicted of any such violation, his authority shall cease and shall not be renewed. Before the Commissioners grant such authority, the applicant shall file his bond with the Auditor of the county, with two good and sufficient sureties to be approved by the Commissioners, in a penalty not less than $1,000, nor more than $6,000, payable to the State of Indiana, conditioned that the applicant will not, at any time during the year next following, in any manner or degree, violate the provisions of any law of this State touching the manufacture or sale of spirituous or intoxicating liquor. * * * * And eyery act of the applicant a duly authorized county agent, shall subject the applicant to prosecution in the same manner as if he had no authority from the Commissioners to manufacture or sell."

Section 5 provides that ''the County Commissioners, at any meeting of their board, may appoint some suitable person or persons as agent or agents of the county for the purchase of pure and unadulterated spirituous or intoxicating liquors, and for the sale thereof, within said county, for medicinal, chemical and mechanical uses only, and pure wine for sacramental use; and the Commissioners may remove any such which case the Commissioners may appoint two agents for each ten thousand inhabitants, and one for each five thousand over such ten thousand inhabitants. * * * * * Every agent shall hold his office one year, unless sooner removed; he shall sell such liquor only in one place to be designated by the Commissioners, and, on the purchase and sale of such liquor, he shall conform to the rules prescribed by the Commissioners not inconsistent with the provisions of this act. He shall keep an account of all his purchases and sales; the date, quantity, kind and price of the liquor, and the name of the person of whom purchased; and the date, srigtitity. price, kind of liquor of each sale, and the name of the purchaser. Such aeeount shall be kept in fair, legible writing, in a book purchased for the purpose; and shall at all times be open to public inspection. He shall exhibit his book of entries to the County Commissioners whenever required by them at any of their meetings, and he shall report to them, under oath, every three months, the price, quantity and kinds of liquor of his purchases and sales; and, in his report, he shall specify the number of sales, and theintended use of each sale as stated by the purchaser, and the amount he has remaining on hand at the end of each three months." As such agent, he was entitled to sell to the following persons and no others:

"Ist. To any person of the age of twenty-one years, being of good | character for sobriety, and an inhabitant of the county in which such liquor is sold, or of a township or city adjoining said county; provided the person selling the same shall have good reason to believe that the same is intended by the purchaser to be used for some one of the purposes in the preceding section named, and not to be sold, disposed of, or given away, or to be used on the premises; or, 2d - -To any persons authorized to sell such Iqiuor as in the last section provided."

Under and pursuant to the provisions of this law, the Commissioners of Delaware County at their special June session, 1855, appointed Thomas and William Lewis agents to sell liquors in Selma, for the term of one year; William H. Stewart, agent for Muncie; Alfred Kilgore, agent for Yorktown, each for one year. Each of these agents furnished the necessary bonds. At the regular September session of the year, William Miller was appointed agent for the sale of liquor at his house, in Harrison Township, for a like period with those previously

William Lewis & Co., agents appointed for Selma, in Liberty Township, submitted at the special September session, 1855, the following report in compliance with the provisions of that law:

The following is the amount purchased, amount sold, and amount on hand: Alcohol - 20 gallons; sold, 6 gallons, } pint and } gill; on hand, 13 gallons, 293 gills. Malaga wine - 3 gallons, 1 quart; sold, 2 gallons, 3 quarts; on hand, 2 quarts. Port wine - 214 gallons; sold, 24 gallons; on hand, 19 gallons. Brandy - 22 gallons; sold, 54 gallons; on hand, 184 gallons Madeira wine - 20 gallons; sold, $ gallons; on hand, 193 gallons. .C. whisky - 119} gallons; sold, '9 gallons; on hand, 40} gallons. Rye whisky - 914 gallons; sold, 47 gallons; on hand, 444 gallons.

The report was received and approved, when the board allowed Messrs. William Lewis & Co. $40 as agents to that date, and $336.58 for liquors purchased by them, out of the receipts of the agency then in the treasury.

Alfred Kilgore, from Yorktown, at the same session made a similar report, which, being accepted and approved by the board, he was allowed $32 for his services, and $438.67 for liquors purchased. William H. Stewart, agent for Center Township, also reported and was allowed $65 for his services.

At the December session, 1855, Messrs. T. & William Lewis, agents, were allowed $28,62 for services rendered during the preceding quarter. William Miller, agent for Harrison Township, made a report of his proceedings for the quarter just ended, of which the following is an abstract: 7

Sold 68 gallons, 1 quart, 1 pint, 1 gill, for $41.79. Whole number of sales, 107, all for medical purposes except sale No 3, partly for medical and partly for mechanical purposes; sale No. 59, for mechanical purposes and also No. 106 for the same purpose. Amount on hand, none; leakage, twelve gallons and three gills. Inasmuch as he used his own fund, no order is allowed and he is granted the profits thereon." During the same session, Messrs. William and Thomas Lewis, agents for Liberty Township, resigned. Alfred Kilgore, agent for Mount Pleasant accepted, and he was allowed $30 for his services. Allen Benadum, agent for Center Township, made his quarterly report which was accepted and he was allowed $75 for his services to date. Again, at the March session, 1856, William Miller, agent for Harrison Township, made report of his transactions for the preceding three months, commencing December 4, 1855, and ending March 5, 1856, as follows:

Number of sales, 74; all for medical purposes except sale 174, which was for mechanical purposes. Amount sold, 48 gallons, 13 pints, $28.09; on hand, none. Claim for services, $11.47. He resigned, and his resignation was accepted. |

Western Christian Temperance Union

This auxiliary to the temperance movement in Delaware County, was organized during the last week in April, 1875, by Mrs. Julia A. Aveline, of Fort Wayne; Mrs. Dr. Harvey and Mrs. Noe, of Indianapolis. The District Vice President, Mary H. Rogers. On Thursday 'orenoon, a committee on county organization, previously appointed, made the following report of Township Vice Presidents: Washington Township, William Woodring; Harrison, N. J. Morgan; Mount Pleasant, W. H. Fertich; Salem, Michael Paul; Union, P. Keplinger; Center, T. H, Roberts; Hamilton, John Minton; Monroe, William Ross; Niles, Benjamin F. Smith; Delaware, H. J. Lockhart; Liberty, Mrs. E. Graham; Perry, Z. W. Cecil. its affected in behalf of sobriety and good order. Without records the proceedings had from time to time in extending the influence designed to be exerted, we have been unable to give further details of what has been accomplished in this department of the work.

Among the most popular and perhaps the most effective results following from the operations of the "Christian Temperance Union," that known as the " Murphy Movement" is entitled to take rank with the most important that have been presented for the consideration of the masses of society as this time constituted. An excellent presentation of the facts incidental to the introduction of this organization among our people, is found in the following extracts from the report of the President of the Christian Temperance Union of Delaware County, published in the Muncie Zimes of December 27, 1877:

"The Murphy movement was inaugurated in the city of Muncie and Delaware County, by a few individuals, in fact, the initiatory step was taken inthe Good Templar's Lodge-room, where a committee was appointed to invite the Timmony brothers, who were then at Union City, to visit

Muncie and hold a seriesof meetings. The committee, however, invited that old veteran in the temperance cause. Col. John W. Ray, of Indianapolis, who came and started the 'Red Ribbon' movement on the evening of the 16th of May last. About two hundred signed the Red Ribbon pledge upon that occasion. The next evening, by a unanimous vote, the Murphy pledge was substituted, and the Murphy movement as it was then and is still known, was vigorously set in motion. * * * After a series of nightly meetings continuing near three weeks, it was deemed advisable to establish a permanent organization. This organization was effected Friday evening, June 1, by the adoption of.the constitution of the National Christian Temperance Union, and the election of permanent officers. At the time your present officers were elected, the number of members in the city was, in round numbers, 1,800 Meetings had been held at Cowan's Station, Yorktown, Mount Zion and West Chapel, aggregating about four hundred more members. Since the permanent organization, meetings have been held at New Burlington, Eaton, Wheeling, Selma and Daleville, at all of which places unions have been formed, and, as far as known, a large increase of numbers has been made to the original number. The aggregate number enrolled at the original meetings at these places, was a little rising of 500. Prof. James Montgomery held several -meetings at a schoolhouse in Mount Pleasant Township, known as Mount Nebo, and enrolled over one hundred pledged members. The membership in the city at this time is 2,310, and about three thousand eight hundred in the county. * * * * * For the receipts and expenditures of the union, you are respectfully referred to the report of your Treasurer. Receipts, $123.40; expenditures, $123.40.

"Tn the month of August, a committee, with Judge March as Chairman, was appointed to mature and submit a basis for the establishment. of a 'Holly-Tree Inn,' or reading-room for the use and benefit of the young members of the union and the public generally. * * * * *

"Asa matter of reflection for temperance people and tax-payers, also, a few figures showing the number of saloons in Delaware County; the number of convicts in the State prison; the cost of criminal prosecution, and the amount paid for the support of paupers during the years 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, may not be amiss. On the Ist of January, 1873, there were four saloons in the county and five convicts in the State prison The amount paid for criminal prosecutions during the year was $1,166.80, and for the support of paupers, $5,183.- in the penitentiary, seven; paid for criminal prosecution, $1,169.04; paid for support of paupers, $6,239.03. On the Ist of July, 1876, there were five saloons; convicts in the penitentiary, six; cost of criminal prosecutions, $2,475.32; paid for support of paupers, $6,217.14. "The greatest cost for prosecution of criminals was in 1876, which we

_ conceive was the legitimate harvest of the seed sown by the eleven saloons of 1875. In 1873, when there were four saloons, the seed sown by them produced a crop of criminal prosecutions that cost but $929.15, showing most clearly that the greater the number of saloons, the greater will be the number of criminals and the cost of criminal prosecutions."

At a meeting of the union Sunday afternoon, December 17, 1877, the committee on by-laws, submitted a report which was adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing six months: -D. RB. Pershing, President; T. J. Sample, D. V. Buchanan, Vice Presidents; Walter L. Davis, Secretary; L. A. Kirkwood and B. B. Allen, Assistants; J. T. Wills, Special; Lloyd Wilcoxon, Treasurer; William Lynn, Chorister; Miss Isadore Moorehouse and A. W. Clancy, Assistants. Thomas Brelsford, J. T. Wills, George Feathers, James Mitchell, John Ludlow, L. T. Wilson, Theodore Walling, Mrs. C. W. Moore and Miss Ida Elliot, Executive Committee.

The " Holly-Tree Inn," to which reference was made in the report of the President of the Christian Temperance Union, in a preceding paragraph, was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies to the purposes for which it was intended, on Tuesday evening February 26, 1878, at 7:30 o'clock. D. R. Pershing made the opening address defining the utility of the organization the sphere of its operations and an outline of the steps leading to its institution as a part of the effective machinery of the temperance movement.

In 1861, an organization of the order of Good Templars was effected by Mrs. Amanda Way, D. G. W. C. T., of Winchester, Ind. The organization was perfected in the court house in this place, and readily acquired popularity among the masses, many of fhe leading citizens becoming prominent members, active in extending its influence among the people in anticipation of the good effects upon society at large. Among those most active in the movement were Dr. Budd, Job Swain, David Case, Mrs. D. Hathaway, William Lynn, Mrs. A. M. Klein, David Cason and William Jackson. Its influence was fully to the expectations of its warmest advocates, continuing to be a power in the land for the maintenance of good order, by keeping in subjection the promoters of intemperance and disorder. Thus it continued on the even tenor of its way for a period of about ten years, when the confidence inspired by its presence and example began to wane, and, in an opportune moment, the organization ceased to exist. During the period of its prosperity, an excellent organ had been purchased as a promoter of harmony by the agency of the music it imparted. This instrument, when the order disbanded, was presented to the Methodist Episcopal Chureh, Florence Chapel, in Anthonytown, this county, and subsequently, when the house of worship of that society was destroyed by fire, something more than a year ago, it was consumed in the common conflagration. The specific name of this society was the " Broad-Ax Temperance Lodge," so named after a prominent lecturer who had come here about the time the lodge was founded, and delivered a series of very popular and effective lectures on the subject. This lecturer, from the peculiarities of his method in treating the subject of intemperance, and the violations of law incident to its indulgences, received the significant cognomen of " Broad-Ax." For many years the lodge maintained a distinguished reputation in the sphere of its operations. In 1872, about the time the lodge was overtaken by an indisposition to longer labor with combined effort in the chosen cause, its meetings were held in the court house.

The present order of Good Templers was organized in Simpson Chapel, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the 15th of October, 1875. The prime mover in this new organization was Frederick W. Heath, who circulated a petition and secured the necessary signers and subscriptions to secure the re-estabishment of the order in this city. He labored indefatigably and successfully, as the institution of the new lodge referred to fully attests. Their places of meeting continued for a time to be in the church, from which place it was moved to the old I. O. O. F. hall. Here they continued to meet until March, 1879, when, having secured the excellent hall in the opera house, they moved to and have since occupied those premises.

From the time when the agitation of the temperance question in this locality began first to elicit public attention, through the various agencies that have been appropriated from time to time, at no period in the history of the movement were there indications that the agitation was not productive of good. True, at some times, an apparent recoil from injudicious or over-action has tended to induce discouragement. These phases, however, were always followed by exhibitions of renewed energy on the part of the more zealous advocates, which never failed to secure vantage ground to the friends of reform. Upon the whole: the society of Muncie has been and is greatly advantaged by the reformatory influence pervading its atmosphere. Whatever, therefore, may be said of the insignificance of the temperance movement, the casual observer cannot fail to see that the status of this model young city, among others of the State, is greatly improved because of the ordeal through which it 'has passed.

Public Schools

i ies educational sytem of Muncie was not developed at a very early period. The first school of which we have any very accurate account was taught in a log cabin that originally occupied the site now appropriated by Wysor's Opera House, in the winter of 1829-30, by Henry Tomlinson, a native of North Carolina, who had come here a short time previously from Preble County, Ohio. In this school there were about twenty pupils representing eight families. It was maintained by subscription, the patrons agreeing to and paying so much for each and every scholar. Such was the custom of those days. As a consequence, the schools were not continuous, occupying about three months during the winter, with an occasional summer term. Prior to 1839, this custom prevailed generally, in this locality as elsewhere. From that period until the inauguration of the common-school system in 1853, John Brady, as Treasurer of the Congressional township fund, exercised a somewhat healthy control over the school machinery of the day, designating houses for the purpose and distributing the funds pro rata among the several schools, in part payment of teachers for their services, the funds on hand being insufficient to pay tuition fees in full. "In 1849, Thomas S. Neely, a native of Pennsylvania, who had been a school examiner in Ohio, called a meeting of the voters of District No. 9 for the purpose of voting a tax for the erection of a schoolhouse. At the appointed time, he, but no other person was present; but, after going around making personal appeals, a sufficient number of voters came to vote the tax of 25 cents on the $100 which was asked. The district not having the needed money or credit, the house could not be built until an additional tax of 374 cents was collected. With the proceeds of these taxes, a house was erected in the school year of 1851, in which John Dragoo taught a short term of public school. The District Trustees then were Thomas Kirby, John A. Gilbert, and Thomas S. Neely. | "Muncie, for school purposes, was a part of Center Township until 1853. The township board, organized in 1853, consisted of Thomas Kirby, Daniel Jarret, Patrick Justice, Trustees; David T. Haines, Seeretary; John Gilbraith, Treasurer. Justice, having moved away, was succeeded by Truitt. Ata meeting of the voters of the township, called for the purpose of considering the question of a special school tax, June 4, 1853, the vote for tax was thirty-five against fifty. The friends of the system did not despair. On the petition of Moses Neely and twenty others, the board called another meeting for October 8, of the same year, when the result was, for tax, fifty-six; against, fifty. In the meantime, the board employed Pierre L. Monnis, in the seminary building, and 8. A. Haines in the other, to teach a quarter of school at $80 each. These schools closed August 1, 1853. The enrollment in both was 177; average attendance, 118. The school of Mr. Haines had an average attendance of 74. He was followed by Osborn Willson, who taught, in the winter of 1854, a school of fifty-four days, at $1.50 a day, and was required to furnish his own assistant and wood. The school became so filled that it was moved to the Methodist Church. The schoolhouse was sold and

Treasurer. These Trustees served for a period of ten years, except one of them, for whom George W. Spilker served a short time at the beginning, and Robert Winton was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Keasby. The first work was to provide adequate school room. Though the need was great, there was opposition to the erection of a two-story house. It was urged by some that the hall and upper floor would occasion too much noise, and that it was not right to put children from the same family and district into separate rooms. The State Superintendent was visited and asked to interfere against the erection of a two-story house. He immediately suggested to the Trustees to build as large and high as they could. The County Seminary was purchased in 1855 for $1,780, in ten installments. The grantor of the seminary lot claimed that the sale was a diversion of a trust, and brought a suit which was not finally decided until 1863. In 1856, the new schoolhouse (the south part of the present Washington building), was ready for use, and in the following winter there was a threemonths' free school. The Principals of these schools were A. J. Finch, in the Washington. building, and O. S. Howe, in the seminary, who were assisted by Miss Finch and Mary Kurtz. In these and subsequent schools, a singular expedient was adopted for reducing the number of pupils to the extent of the accommodations. When a family was largely represented in school, the younger members were told to go home and remain until there should be more room or the older ones had completed their course.

The foregoing, copied from the sketch of Superintendent H. 5. Mc- Rae, presents a condensed statement of the results of the school system of Muncie, as developed in the early experiences of our educators, and is valuable for the information it contains not elsewhere attainable in so brief a form. In addition to these general facts, however, it is deemed advisable to give more in detail many items of fact essential to a complete and accurate understanding of the subject. In 1859, when the provisions of the act for the management of the common schools of the State had been sufficiently tested to exhibit fully their working features and their adaptedness to the situation, the School Board of the town of Muncie enlightened the public with a detailed report of what had been accomplished. The following is copied from School Record No. 1.

First report of the Board of School Trustees of the town of Muncie, Delaware County, Ind. To the Board of Trustees of said town, Muncie corporation, March 30, 1859.

In the spring of 1855, we formed the corporation without schoolhouse or real estate, with the exception of one lot at Site No. 1, and with it we received notes and eash as set forth at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Exhibit X. In the fall of 1855, we purchased an additional lot, bought some brick, and, in the spring of 1856, commenced the erection of, and since that time have completed and partially furnished, the House No 1, and now present it to you free from debt, except $8.60, not due, at cost as per payments in Exhibit No. 1.

To allay these feelings, we looked for the remedy. We found that E. C. Anthony had bought the seminary property, paid one year's interest, made some repairs, etc., and that he was willing to assign said certificate of sale to us for the benefit of the schools, on our paying him the amount expended. After reflection, we procured said assignment and paid Anthony $94.80 interest for one year, and $25.20 for repairs as seen in Exhibit No 2, in said purchase. We became responsible for the original sale, $1,580, payable in ten equal installments, with interest advanced upon the unpaid amount annually. These payments have all been met, and the repairs, to make it tenable, as seen in said exhibit No. 2, and for ordinary expenses. We present it to you free from debt.

In relation to House No. 2, we would further say that, since we purehased the same, we have been officially notified that G. W. Garst has a suit pending in our court to recover the property from the State, claiming to own the same by virtue of the original donation. Until said suit is adjusted, we have declined making any further improvements or additions to said property. We hope this decision may meet your approval. For further and more detailed account, we refer you

Gentlemen - The undersigned, School Trustees for said corporation, would make the following report. We have received into our hands in funds applicable to building purposes, since the organization of the present system, as follows:

1855. Oct. 12, Of Center Township Trustee..........cc.scceseessecsseneees $201 95 Oct. 12, Of note, M. Church...........sccccr scence coceeceecesccececees 186 87 Oct. 14, Of J. C. Matthews, Township Treasurer..........-...++++ 300 00 1856. May 16, Of J. C. Matthews, Township Treasurer..........+++++++ 774 04 Aug. 7, Of Brick to Huffer...........cccccceseesercererereeereteeeeners 1 50 Aug. 12, Rent of M. Black, No 2.........cecesseeeesseeeeeeeeeeeceoees 18 00 Aug. 13, Brick to L. Smith..........cccecssseeeeeeeeeeeenseeeeeneeerens 1 00 Sept. 8, A. Cory, sale of old lot, per J. Maddy.......--sseeeeseee 100 00 Sept. 15, A. Cory, sale of old lot, per J. Maddy.........sssesseeee 100 00 Sept. 19, A. Cory, sale of old lot, per J. Maddy........sssseceeees 50 00 Nov. 10, A Cory, sale of old lot, per J. Maddy..........sseseseee 100 00 1857. - Mar, 30, Interest on Church Mote........sccccccsceceeneeceecenseereecs 21 47 May 2, County Treasurer...........ssecscsceescescescescecaccessevcenes 698 11 Fume 2 WOO SOIL... 6<. secirssctbetercectescdecssvoccccvnccnscedeseses 1 00 June 20, Rent, Miss Kirts and Simpson.........scssseceeeeeceeeeees 10 00 Sept. 25, Wood sold........cccsecescecceceecscscencsnccseseeeerseeeeseneees 8 50 Oct. 15, Rent, Mrs. Gilbert, No. 1.......ccscccsesccvscsececesccesceees 4 50 Deo. 8S0) Wood Golds. ...s. ccsecctepcean Nesesdsdan goons sls atpondiangensvie 40 1858. Fane 2. "Rent NO. iF: iacaceccsatbas a mtiaacvaies sk bars 6 <p aiaetios ob EMtets 7 00 Jan. 27, Delinquent tax.......ccccccsccecescreceseeessncesscececeseecess 6 77 Jans. 27; ert Co. Wiss MO GP Giect cae dace cade sceacspuccvensasdveoesncconsts 5 00 April 19, County Treasurer............cssceescesesececesseeceseceasensens 1,092 25 July 15, Miss Jacks, rent, No. 1........ssseseseee coceesereercenenvees 10 00 Nov. 23; Mrs. Gilberts, rent, No. 1.0.0... ..cc cc cceecceccesccssevccsees 10 00 Dec. 1, Delinquent tax, 1857..........scsscccseceveccecccescscvesevees 40 80 1859. Feb. 26, Rent, C. W. Moore, No. 1......... iokpe se piebch ae sebenetae 17 00 Mar. 7%; Tuition, C. Carter, NO. Tis iscceecceccsccctcdsceeitec cntctses 4 00 Total amount of building funds received..........scceseeeeeees $3,765 16

The items of expenditure as referred to above being very voluminous, we give only the aggregate sum disbursed upon eighty separate orders, - issued by the board for materials, labor and interest invested in the erection of Schoolhouse No. 1, as follows: Total amount for building purposes for House No. 1, as per exhibit, $2,586.96.

We have made payments for House No. 2, as shown below, and for the purposes set forth. (Items omitted as in No.1). Total payments for House No. 2, of building funds, as per exhibit, $859.60.

The following exhibit showing the amount paid out for fuel, stationery, janitor's fees, etc., including one or two mixed orders for the use of both houses, such as stove repairs, nails, etc. (Items omitted).

Abstract

Recorded here by order of the Board of Trustees of the town of Muncie, Delaware County, Ind., May 4, 1859. [School Rec. No. 1, pp. 1 to 10, inel.] C. E. Surprey, Clerk of Muncie.

Afterward, in 1865, when the old town corporation had been superseded by the city government, a new School Board was chosen, consisting of Arthur F. Patterson, John A. Husted and Stacy A. Haines, Trustees. -Of this new board the first named was President, J. A. Husted, Treasurer, and Mr. Haines, Secretary. Having entered upon the duties of this office, they made report of the condition of the trust committed to their charge as follows:

Upon examination of the books and papers placed in our hands, we find the following property and effects for general school purposes, viz.: One house and lot designated as School No. 1,in good condition, estimated value, $6,000, and capable of accommodating about three hundred pupils. Also, one house and lot known as the Old Seminary Building. Said house being examined by competent judges, is pronounced wholly unfit for school purposes.

And whereas, we find upon examination that according to the last enumeration, there were within the limits of this city about eight hun_ dred children between the ages of six and twenty-one years, and that House No. 1 has not the capacity for accommodating but about. onethird of the children in said city, and, it appearing to the board impossible to rent suitable rooms for schools, and the means as shown by the foregoing exhibit, being considered sufficient to build suitable houses, provide furniture, apparatus, etc., necessary for a thorough or: ganization and efficient management of said schools - the following action was taken, to wit: That in viewof the increasing necessity for an additional schoolhouse or houses, within the city of Muncie, and the consequent increase of expenses necessary to be incurred in the erection thereof, it is ordered by the board that there be levied a special tax of 25 cents on each $100 0f taxable property within the city of Muncie, and 50 cents on each poll for the construction, renting or repairing of schoolhouses, providing furniture, school apparatus and fuel therefor, and for the payment of other necessary expenses of the schools; and, that the County Auditor be requested to assess the special tax as above levied, on his tax duplicate for the year 1865, in the manner as specified in Section 13 of an act to provide for a system of common schools, approved March 6, 1865.

On the 19th of June, 1865, J. A. Husted, Treasurer of the board, made a report showing the indebtedness on account of the old seminary building to be $632.00, of which $316.00 with $28.44 interest was then past due.. The amount was ordered to be paid. . At the same session of the board, the committee before appointed to examine the condition of, and the improvements necessary on, the old building in question, made report giving the opinion that the same could "be repaired and made safe for schools, but at considerable expense." _ An estimate of these expenses having been made in the meantime, a report was made on the 24th of June. following, that, "to make it subservient for school purposes," would cost "the sum of $1,400," and for stoves, furniture and apparatus, the further sum of $600, making the aggregate necessary expenditure $2,000. The project was therefore abandoned, at a subsequent meeting on the Ist of July following, and the removal of the old building determined upon for the purpose of erecting a new one on the same site, No. 2, to be constructed of brick and two stories in height. In the meantime, September 2, Prof. William Richardson was employed to take charge of School No. 1.

On the 6th of February following, J ohn Parry and Peter H. D. Bandey were ordered to prepare plans and specifications for a new building, to be thirty-two feet' and six inches wide, sixty five feet long and two stories high, and report the same at the next meeting. These plans and specifications were accordingly reported on the 24th. of February, adopted and notice ordered to receive proposals. . April 2, 1866, the contract was let to Martin Young, at his proposition of $1,425, and afterward the contract~for the stone and brick work was let to John Hamilton, at the rate of $1.70 per perch for stone, aud $4.50 per thousand for brick, with an additional $5.50 for excavating for the foundation. In the meantime, while the erection of the new building was in progress, James Truitt, who had been employed by the board for the purpose, on the 28th of July, 1866, reported that, after taking down the old seminary building and paying all attendant expenses, there remained a balance in his hands of $355.21, which was paid over to the board. He.reported also, that "about ten thousand of the brick of said building, with the bell, were put in the new building, since erected, and that there yet remained to be disposed of a lot of lumber, and most of the old sash and glass." The board allowed him $45 for his seryices, being at the rate of $2 per day.

There being an insufficiency of funds in the hands of the board, the Muncie National Bank, on the 10th of August, 1866, loaned the city $5,000, to complete the new school» building, No. 2, without interest. For the payment of this loan, the tuition funds, special school funds,

August 13, Messrs. Dodson & Huff were awarded the contract for plastering the new school building at their bid of. $440, and previously Ludlow & Paxon contracted with the board for furnishing desks and seats, preparatory to the commencement of the next school term. About this time an enumeration of the children in the city entitled to attend schools showed the number to be 414 males and 386 females, in all 810.

On the 21st of November, 1866, Martin Young, the contractor, submitted his final estimate for building Schoolhouse No. 2, which* was allowed, in the sum of $273, and the building received off his hands. The building now known as the Jefferson School, being completed and ready for occupancy, the board selected and employed the following teachers for the ensuing terms of the free school, commencing on Monday, December 3, 1866. Prof. Charles R. Paine, Suprintendent and teacher of high school; Miss Julia Gilbert, grammar school; Sophia Gilbert, intermediate - all in House No.1. Thomas Marshall was appointed to take charge of and teach the grammar school in House No. 2; Mrs. Frownfelter, the intermediate, but she resigned because of declining health, and Josephine Gilbert was appointed in her stead; Abraham J. Buckles, the second intermediate, and Miss Kemper in the primary department - all.in Building No. 2.. The following assistants were also appointed: Miss Morey, in the high school; Miss Sophronia Case, in intermediaie and grammar; and Miss Mary Willard, in the primary department - in House No. 1. Miss Louisa Nelson selected for House No 2. John Gard was employed as janitor for both buildings.

166 HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY, INDIANA. Draft and specification of building.....-...---++-seerererreesereeereees $18 00 1865. SPECIAL SCHOOL FUND EXPENDITURES. Moving and disposing of old building..........++cesssereerereeneerees 151 35 June 15, Paid W. F. Jones, services Trustee old Board........... $90 50 Advertisement for contractors....... guatbvhecceerecnenceyeenshoseoboces 7 50 Oct. 7, Paid Adam Wolfe, for grading Lot No. 1.....+.--+++s+++ 126 71 Cleaning out well and putting Im PUMP.........eeeeerseeeeeeereeeers 27 56 Oct. 7, Paid indebtedness on Lot No. 2....sececececeresneeeereeeees - 602 56 Survey to locate schoolhouse......-..seesseeeecseeeeeeeeeerereecene sees 2 00 Paid expenses on Lot No. 2 and building house........ 7,742 76 Brick. 125 thousand, (@, $7.......-sccessesseseeeewenneneeee cereus eeeenecs 875 00 Paid repairs, Janitor's fees, fuel, CtC...---..-..+++eeerees 544 57 Stone, 57 perch @ $l..cecseeererseeere a teeeeaeeecesenscecsecsenseaeeceees 57 00 Total expenditures......cscccccoccsseeeeeesceececsencsesenee seeees eee $9,007 10 Hauling WP aay. Scnc>omsensbceddaccdogetese scons' usetseacasavessacccse 87 60 On the 5th of June, 1867, Mr. Paine resigned the superintendency, Se a ee ke vor 40 and Hamilton S. McRae, the present Superintendent of the city schools, Mason WOrk....csccesscasccssees cecececeersenesserers Cot 2 pp an 927 29 was employed to succeed him. Carpenters' WOrk - house.....ss.seceeserereseseeeeencnenessnnnseseesecees 2,943 00 During Mr. Paine's period of service, the free schools continued Carpenters' work - mneCessary.......sssesseeeeereseeesceeseeersersereeees 120 00 only sixty days, with private or select schools preceding and following Carpenters' work - partition fence and benches......-....sesee++ 57 35 it, under the control of the Superinten dent. The board, at its meeting See es | Ob aly 18,:180, daferinined to aye froo oohools throughout the ontir Paints, Oils and giags..............csecssscessesenssecceecssesccsensessoecs 287 69 school year of an months, and at this time employed Prof. McRae as Castings for seats and ventilators...........0..sceeeseeees Fas apaenieeane 270 00 Superintendent, and Miss Mary Emma Montgomery, as Principal of the Seats, desk and furniture......... obs bonsiccccccecwossagesesessvevevccdps 356 12 high school. The Superintendent, after devoting a half-hour for each ei eas whee Pies Saale chtantnk ans ant eieeapeatasiceeel devs tnsapeeer cove cm ne cavidast pupils in the other schools, .was requir od che discharge at Tightalke sade cePUET ris ds a cddtinans@tbCecinpadsnssoustcdvpencocsesy ek ee 31 48 duties of assistant in the high school. Mr. McRae has filled this posi- Guttering and spouting.........0.. sesscssssesseeeeees Pete ee eee 49 00 tion ever since his election in 1867. Stoves and pipes......c.ccccscceccccsceccssscssscccereescasesssceecsesccees 97 00 Owing to the crowded condition of the schools, the board rented Excavation and grade.........sccscesceceesescescccsecseseeeeseeeerssneecs 407 00 the basement of the Universalist Church for a high school room in Sep- Fence INCLOSING lOt......c0esseeeseseeneecsreesececesenceceecenereeeeeseuees 150 00 tember, 1867. Prior to this, the north room on the second floor of the Varnishes, ee Puutinas nani seed votes ond epioguaniofvoescs 14 48 Washington Fsith delagt oad oom Seetsbiok ate hie sae Sah coon

The following is the report of the Superintendent, Prof. Paine, for the school term opening December 3, 1866, and closing February 22, 1867:

Number of days im school term.........seccseeencescsesceeeserenenserserseees 60 Number of teachers employed - male, 3; female, 9..........00.sseeeee 12

_ Average daily compensation male teachers.......erseeesesseesseeereeeenes $2 50 Average daily compensation female teachers,......ssececeesserereseeneeis $1 393 Average daily compensation male teachers, high school............++. $6 664 Average daily compensation female teachers, high school............ $2 00

Number of male pupils enrolled between 6 and 21 years of age..... 3382 Number of female pupils enrolled between 6 ane 21 years of age... 300 Whole number of pupils emrolled........ceccseecseeeeceeeeerecseecesvesenens 632 Average daily attendance for the term........ssescseseserereeserererer cress 446

Of the whole number in attendance during the term, 609 were studying orthography, 569 reading, 262 writing, 441 arithmetic, 183 geography, 171 English grammar, 5 physiology, 27 history of the United States, 138 object lessons, 42 algebra, 12 natural philosophy, 9 Latin, 7 German, 4 French, and 4 universal history. Whole number of pupils in attendance at School No. 1, 326; average daily attendance, 2454; whole number in attendance School No 2, 306; average daily attendance, 200%.

Special School Fund Receipts

1866. June 9, Received from sale of old schoolhouse................+ wis ~~ 879-25 May 22, Received from County Treasurer.............csssccsesseeds 1,999 88 Nov. 38, Received from County Treasurer.............ssscccesseeees 23 97 PRBGUEEOE TODED JOGT Jose dadiys chic vada serqnacdowsbaseatessdcence 4,556 33 Total receipts Spogial Fund............sieeseeseres civeecdiWees coise $9,007 10 after the removal to the church basement that single-seated desks were first introduced. From the high school this plan spread to the other departments, until the old double seats and desks were all disposed of,

The high school had no other assistant until 1874. Mrs. McRae (nee Mary Emma Montgomery), served as Principal of the high school until the close of the school year 1873, and was then absent until April,

1874, during which time Temple H. Dunn and Alonzo D. Mohler served as Principals. At another time (from October, 1875, to April, 1876), Mrs. McRae was again absent, and Samuel D. Luckett served as Principal. Mrs. McRae has occupied this position continuously from that time to the present.

In September of that year, Miss Louise Besick, was employed as teacher of mathematics, and was succeeded in 1875 by Miss Mary Smith. Samuel D. Luckett was elected to the same position in 1876, and Theodore F. Rose succeeded him, serving three months. In 1878, A. F. Schem was elected to succeed Mr. Rose, and teach German, which was introduced upon the petition of Joseph Hummel and others, and made a part of the high school course. Mr. Schem served a year and four months, and was sueceeded by John Schurr, the present assistant.

In 1873, the schoolrooms again became overcrowded, and for the accommodation. of the school children living south of the railroad, a room was rented in that quarter of the city. Miss Mary A. Young was employed to take charge, and in this room taught the D, C, and B primary grades. She was succeeded by Mrs. Martha I. Ivins (nee Ellis). In January, 1876, the north part of the Jackson School building, embracing two rooms, was opened and the three grades previously mentioned were transferred to the room on the ground floor. Miss Jennie Neely was the Principal of the building, and taught the A primary, and D and C grammar grades. In 1878, the south part of this building was completed, and Miss M. A. McElwee employed as teacher of the B and A primary grades. In 1880, the remaining room was seated and furnished for a schoolroom. The Jackson building occupies the square bounded on the north by Adams street, east by High street, south by Charles street, and west by Franklin street.

In 1869, Stanton J. Hussey tendered his resignation as Principal of the Jefferson School. The board appointed Ralph S. Gregory as his successor. A meeting of the citizens of that district was held, and by those present, C. C. Waldo was elected to fill the vacancy. The court, at the instance of Mr. Waldo, granted an injunction to restrain 'Mr. Gregory from taking charge, and that the schools might not be closed while the action was pending. Mrs. McRae was placed temporarily in charge of the Jefferson building while Mr. Gregory took her place in the high school. The court, upon hearing the case, sustained the action of the board ruling that the law governing the election of teachers did not apply to city schools. There was no feeling against Mr. Gregory, but the people felt that their rights had been abridged by the action of the board and made this a test case.

in the educational system of Muncie. Prior to this time, all the schools, with the exception of the few months of free school, had been conducted on the principle of pay in proportion to the grade occupied by the pupil - the higher grades being the most remunerative to the teacher. 'Under this plan it was easy for the pupils to progress, when the standard of promotion was money versus merit. Upon assuming charge of the schools in that year, and before forming the acquaintance of any of the pupils (in order to prevent the charge of favoritism), Mr. McRae subjected every one to a personal examination, in order to establish a standard by which to grade the schools. So superficial had been their previous education that a fair knowledge of the principles of division was adopted as the standard of qualification for admission into the B grammar grade, and even then only a fair proportion of those in the upper grades succeeded in passing the examination successfully. Nearly two-thirds of all the pupils were assigned to a lower reader than that they were using, or, in the technical phrase of the school-room, " turned back."

It is worthy of note, as an evidence of advancement, that the test then applied was milder than that which is now the standard of qualification for the D grammar grade. Many of the scholars went home with tears in their eyes, and the inauguration of the new system was a fiery ordeal, and some ill feeling was engendered. This subsided, however, within three months, for the good effects of the new order were too plainly marked to be longer doubted. "The work of previous teachers," says Prof. McRae, in his history of the Muncie schools, " had been so well done that a class of seven girls was graduated in 1868. This result sent an inspiration all along the lines of the lower grades, and gave the schools a strong position."

11:30; the afternoon session opens at 1:15 and closes at 3:30. There is an in-door recess of five minutes each half hour, with no out-door recess. In these schools are taught the eight branches on which teachers are required to be examined, besides the elements of drawing, music, physics and botany.

In the high school, all the common branches are reviewed. 'There are three courses of study, any one of which pupils may select. These are Latin, German and English. The branches of the district school are reviewed in the high school. The discipline partakes more of the nature of friendly kindness, than the absolute despotism once thought necessary for the government of schools. Pupils are not suspended on account of absence or tardiness, and seldom for any cause, while corporal punishment in the schools is the exception rather than the rule. The Trustees, Superintendent and teachers maintain that those most liable to be suspended are those who most need the benefits of the schools.

The teachers examine the pupils in writing, monthly. The Superintendent examines them near the close of each school year, for promo- _ tion, and also examines individuals at any time when the interest of the pupil requires it.

In 1876, the board purchased apparatus for teaching the metrie system of weights and measures, and, since 1877, the alphabet adopted by the American Philological Society, having a single character for a single sound, has been used as a pronouncing alphabet. The schools of Muncie have such a strong position in the estimation of the citizens, that private or pay schools could not be well sustained, except such as the kindergarten, commercial colleges or schools of a like nature.

The demand for increased facilities to accommodate the large enrollment of children entitked to school privileges, made it necessary to consider the question of erecting another building within the limits of the city. The matter having been extensively discussed, the Board of Trustees, at a session held on the 3d of July, 1875, decided on and purchased of Thomas J. Matthews and Robert H. Mong, outlots numbered two and three, Coffeen's Third Addition to South Muncie, upon which to erect an additional school building, paying for the lot the sum At a subsequent meeting, held on the 13th of August, P. H. D. Bandey, presented plans and specifications for a school building in the Fifth Ward. They were accepted by the board, and a notice for sealed proposals ordered. On the 21st of August, the contract for the entire building was awarded to P. H. D. Bandey, for the sum of $5,- O75. The construction of the new building progressed rapidly, and, on the 3d of February, 1876, the contractor reported the same completed in accordance with the terms of the contract, an additional cost of $104 for extras being charged in the account, making the aggregate $5,179. The board having in the meantime inspected the building, accepted it and settled with the contractor. The entire expense incurred in and attendant upon the construction of this school building No 38, is set forth in the following detailed statement:

In the fall of 1877, the board contracted with C. E. Dickerson & Co. to furnish the school buildings with new desks and other room fixtures for the accommodation of the schools. On the 29th of October, 1877, this company was allowed $561.30 for furniture thus supplied. In April following, to meet the growing demand for more room for school purposes, the board ordered that an addition of two rooms be made to the new building No. 3, erected a short time previously, and the contract for brick to be used in the construction was awarded to P.

H. D. Bandey, and the other branches of the work to Silas Covalt and Thomas Hassett. Soon after the order for these improvements had been made, the question of enlarging the dimensions of the high school building was extensively agitated and preliminary action had. Finally, on the 3d of September, 1878, the board resolved that the high school ground plan should be ninety-two feet and six inches, by seventy-five feet six inches, with additions at each end twenty feet square, and the contract for facing-stone was awarded to Jesse Cloud, the contract. for rubble work being awarded to L. D. Koontz. On the 24th of the same month, Joseph Pretzman was awarded the contract for furnishing 300,- 000 brick, or enough to complete the building, at $4.90 per thousand. Subsequently, on the 20th of March, i879, P. H. D. Bandey was authorized to make all plans, working drawings, etc., for the completion of the whole work, for which he was to be allowed the sum of $175. He was also appointed to superintend the construction for a further sum of $200, less 1 per cent for any contract he might take. The brick and cut-stone work was awarded to Parry & McCoy for $8,805, on the 6th of July, 1879; the contract for carpenter and joiner's work having been awarded to Martin Shaffer and George W. Shaffer, on the 26th of May preceding, for $3,397, and to Hinkley, Pursell & Co., to furnish slate, iron and galvanized iron work, on the 17th of June, for $1,795. Afterward, on the 30th of September, E. Howard & Co., were contracted with to furnish a bell weighing 2,500 pounds, at $625, Charles A. Willard, Esq., having four days previously, September 26, proposed to present the board with a town clock suitable for a building of the character in process of construction. Finally, on the 8th of March, 1880, Messrs. Shaffer & Smith were awarded the contract for plastering, at the price of $1,900; and, on the same day, all other finishing work, "to complete the high school building according to plans and specifications; all work, woodwork, etc., except plastering," was contracted for with P. H. D. Bandey, for the new school building became known, the estimate of the public concerning it was manifested in the following article copied from the Times of that date:

"Tt is with pleasure we announce to our citizens that we are to have a city clock, one that is second to none in the State. It is a gift to the citizens of Muncie by our worthy and esteemed fellow-citizen, Charles A. Willard, Esq., and will be placed in the tower of our new school building as soon as completed. The clock will be from the famous manufactory of the Howard Company, which is a sufficient guarantee of its superiority. The regulators at Klein's and Elliot's are from the same factory. Mr. Willard will go East and attend to all its construction, and, with his superior skill and workmanship, we know that it will not only be a thing of beauty, but a joy forever, and as nearly perfect as it is possible for time and money to make it. The clock will have | four dials, fronting east, west, north and south, so that it can be seen | from all parts of the city; the dials will be ten feet in diameter, black with gilded figures two feet in length, hands five feet long and also hour give one stroke. The weight required to run the striking post weighs about 600 pounds. The entire weight of the clock aside from the bell, will not be far from 1,500 pounds. Its cost will be from $1,- 600 to $1,800, when put in position. Mr. Willard is deserving of and will receive the thanks of his fellow-citizens for this useful and mag- - nificent present."

The graduates of the Muncie High School, desiring to perpetuate the friendships of school life, to eultivate friendly feelings toward those who annually come forth from their Alma Mater, to advance that social and mental culture so necessary and so ennobling to all, and finally, to cherish, by tokens of regard and words of love, the memories of their departed schoolmates, constituted themselves, and all who might thereafter become members, into an organization known as the Muncie High School Alumni Association.

Since then forty-four names have been added to the list, as follows: June 27, 1878, nine; June 19,1879, twenty-one; June 17, 1880, fourteen - in all 124 members. Many of these are actively engaged in teaching, and others are preparing to follow their example. Some have chosen the law as their profession, while others, in one capacity or another, are connected with mercantile pursuits. One chose the missionary's life and one the ministry. All, wherever they work, bid fair to do credit to their Alma Mater, knowing that they honor her best by advancing her interests.

The first re-union was held on the evening of June 28, 1878. It consisted of a very satisfactory entertainment at the opera house, followed by a banquet at the Kirby House. The principal feature of the programme was the annual address, by Mrs. T. W. Harper, of the Class of 1868; subject, " Woman Suffrage." The festivities were continued until a late hour, when all went home tired and happy. Another month of June brought another re-union. As before, the literary exercises were conducted at the opera house, after which the association repaired to the Kirby House to banquet, and meet old friends once more. The annual address was delivered by Rey. Charles Bacon, of the Class of 1872. Subject, " Culture."

That each year finds the association stronger, was proven by the increased attendance when the time for the third re-union came. The entire exercises for 1880 were conducted at the -Kirby House. Miss Frone A. Case, to whom was assigned the delivery of the annual address, was ill, and unable to be present. The omission was filled, however, by a letter from Miss Case, which was read by the President. The next re-union will be held in June, 1881. May the association grow in greatness, and each one know the duty which they owe to themselves and to their Alma Mater, to meet at least once in every year, to renew friendships begun in the days of "auld lang syne." Though paths in life may lie far apart, may they converge at last in a happy, eternal re-union.

The Kindergarten

the superior power of love has been acknowledged and employed; and instead of the rod, kindness and encouragement, allied with firmness, are found more potent to lead than a weapon to drive. For this revolution in education mankind is indebted to Rousseau, Pestalozzi. Froebel and others, whose noble ideas, first executed in private schools and instutitions, have at last gained entrance into public schools. Friederich Froebel was born in Germany, became the pupil of Pestalozzi, and then undertook the reform of the whole system of education. He carefully studied the child in its moral, spiritual, intellectual and animal nature. He perceived that, by the old system of instruction, the gradual and harmonious development of all the faculties was not secured, ive and creative faculty, innate in every child, remained undeveloped. As a result of this careful study, he organized, about-the year 1840, a school to which he gave the name of Kindergarten (child garden). In this name is embodied the idea that education, as culture, has to be with children as human plants, which are to be attended by circumstances favorable to their free development, and to be trained by means suitable to their natures.

After devoting nearly a life-time to the education of scholars beyond childhood, he said: '" We must begin at the beginning, for too much has to be undone in later years, that has been done wrong at the outset." Thus did he devise the plan of an institution, as an intermediate step and connecting-link between the child's home-life and the school; one that is intended for children between the ages of three and seven years. Its purpose is thus briefly indicated by himself: "To take the oversight of children before they are ready for school-life; to exert an influence over their whole being, in correspondence with their nature; to strengthen their bodily powers; to exercise their senses; to employ the of nature and of man; to guide their hearts and souls in a right direction, and lead them to the origin of all life, and to union with Him." the public schools of Muncie, a meeting of all parents interested in the organization of such an institution was called, and, un the evening

Article Iii

ARTICLE III. Membership - Any person who has subscribed $30 for the support of a Kindergarten in Muncie, has the right of membership in the Association for one year. Any other person, on subscribing said amount, by the consent of the Board of the Associa. tion, may become a member for one year. Section 2 - Any member shall have the right to send one pupil at a time, and to withdraw the same and substitute another, at discretion.

Article Iv

Section 1 - The officers of this Association shall be a President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall serve for one year, until their successors are elocted.

Section 2 - These officers together shall constitute an executive board, which shall hold regular monthly meetings, and, in the interval between the meetings of the Association, shall haye full power to act for the same, provided that the board shall not incur any obligation in excess of the amount subscribed.

Section 3 - The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association, decide questions touching the management and discipline of the school, subject to the direct tion of the board and Association

Section 4 - The Secretary shall keep a faithful record of those present at each meeting of the Association or board, and of all. business transacted, and shall make a financial report at the close of the year.

The regular yearly meetings of the Association shall be at such time and place as the board may select. The President may, or at the request of a majority of the members shall, call a meeting at any time.

Article Vi

At this meeting the following officers were elected: Mrs. Mary Kirby, President; Mrs. W. S. Richey, Secretary; Mrs. Martha Little, Treasurer. - These ladies served faithfully from the organization of the association until June, 1880, when Mrs. W. S. Richey was elected President; Mrs. Lizzie Long, Secretary; and Mrs. Elizabeth Heinsohn, Treasurer. An instructor was then applied for at the office of the Board of Public Schools, Department.of Kindergarten, St. Louis, Mo., and in response, Miss Fannie C. Colcord, at the request of Miss Susie EK. Blow and Prof. W. T. Harris, Superintendent of Public Schools, St. Louis, accepted the position, and, on Monday, March 31, 1879, opened the Kindergarten at the residence of Mr. G. S. Maddy, with a scholarship of twenty-five names. In Saptember of the same year, the location | was changed to the residence of Hon. M. C. Smith, and, upon the com- - pletion of the high school building, it was removed to the northeast corner room, on the first floor, where there are now twenty-nine names enrolled, and the Kindergarten has become one of the institutions of Muncie. It is in the hands of those who are thoroughly imbued with the idea in which this system of training the young minds was founded, and an earnest, unselfish zeal for its best interests is constantly manifested by its teachers, officers and members. Mrs. Richey, who has been an officer of the association since its inception, has been particularly active, and has devoted a large proportion of her time to the interest of the institution. The first report of the Treasurer shows the receipts .to have been during the first ten months, $778.50, and the disbursements as follows: :

During the next three months the receipts were $234.20, and the expenses $249.83. At the end of the term the pupils gave a public exhibition at Patterson's Hall, for which an admission fee of 10 cents was charged. The profits paid the delinquency, and left a balance of $32.20 in the treasury. This amount was appropriated toward furnishing the new room at the high school building, which had been given to the use of the Kindergarten free of rent for one year, by the Board of School Trustees.

The charter members of the Kindergarten Association were Mrs. M. E. Burson, 8. A. Wilson, George H. Andrews, Mrs, A. H. Hamilton, Mrs. A. L. Wilson, Mrs. W. L. Little, Mrs. George Kirby, W. S. Richey, W. B. Williams, J. L. Streeter, A. E. Smith, Charles Wildermuth, M. James, Mrs. A. A. Milligan, Mrs. J. M. Long, James Boyce, Mrs. John Cassady, Mrs. Emma Mont McRae, George S. Bartlett, Thomas H. Kirby, Mrs. John M. Kirby, Miss Jennie Neely, Mrs. Emma Dobson, Mrs. Sue Maddy.

The Kindergarten found many others interested in its progress. Among these, several paid from $2.50 to $5 toward the tuition. One of this number was Joseph Hummel, who also placed in the new room at the high school building a desk for the teacher's use. _ :