Grant County, Indiana - Chapter 20: By W. W. Fuller, 1886

ScHOOLS-EARLY TEACHERS AND HousSES - COLLEGE OF INDIANA - MARION NORMAL - FAIRMOUNT ACADEMY - SCHOOLS OF MARION - EARLY AND LATE SCHOOL OFFICERS - INSTITUTES, ETC.

| standing army."' He who opposes it is, in the minds of the American people, convicted of treason. It has gone hand in hand with the church in civilizing the world, converting the superstitious savage into the intelligent and peaceable citizen. Its advantages were fully realized by the pioneers of Grant County, who, although struggling through the pressure of poverty and privation, erected among them the log schoolhouse, and gave to their posterity every advantage of those primitive times. So important was the object that they did not defer it until they could build more comely and convenient houses. They were for a time content with such as cor- responded with rude dwellings, but soon the old round or hewn-log hut gave place to the commodious frame or brick structure, with which every district of the county is now adorned.

Early Schools. - The first school taught in Grant County was during the school year of 1827-28, by William James. The schoolhouse was a small log cabin that stood just outside of the city limits, near the old Foster Grave-yard. This house was of unhewn logs, with mud and stick chimney, earthen hearth, and a fireplace wide and deep enough to receive logs six feet in length, puncheon or slab floor. Everything was rude and plain, but from such cabins many of America's most distinguished citizens have gone forth to grapple with the world and win honors for themselves and country. The pupils who attended this school were from the families of the Bransons, Boots, Overmans, Thomases and a few others. The second school was taught by the same teacher the following year. Probably the first school taught within what is now the town of Marion was by Elijah Thomas, in a log house that is said to have stood on the present site of the Marion Block. Hannah Baldwin taught at Back Creek Meeting-house, in Fairmount Township, early in the thirties, but was probably preceded by Charles Baldwin. Hannah, as she was commonly called, is remembered by some of her pupils as being a rigid disciplinarian, and, it is said, used the rod with '"neatness and despatch," very much to the satisfaction of the pioneer patrons, who believed that "lickin' and larnin'" must go together, and not unfrequently would show their appreciation of the teacher's methods by giving the boy another one on his arrival home.

The first school in Mill Township was taught by Mahlon Neal, about the year 1836. The house was built by Obediah Jones, and stood within the present limits of Jonesborough. There were three successive terms taught in this house, after which a new house was built in the northwestern part of town, and was dedicated by L. M. Ninde, now a prominent lawyer of Fort Wayne. School was also held in the Quaker Meeting-house. Among those who attended the first school were the Joneses, Hiatts, Smiths, Russells and Reynolds.

a school which is supposed by many to have been the first in Monroe Township. Others, however, claim that the first school in the township was taught at Shaw's gunsmith shop, on the place now owned by Benjamin Pierce. Green B. Jacks was probably the second to teach in the township. In 1840 a hewed-log house was built on the same farm, by public money. John Carell taught the first school in the new house. The next schoolhouse was on the Charles Atkinson farm, about 1843. Other early teachers were William Beckford and Howell D. Thompson, the latter now a lawyer of Anderson with a wide reputation for ability manifest in his profession.

The first schoolhouse was built on the Ash Rogers farm, in 1835. Joseph B. Allen had charge of the first school taught there. Soon after this schoolhouses were built on the Thomas Dean farm, on the James Smith, now Levi Moorman farm, and on that now belonging to John Lyons.

The early teachers were J. B. Allen, Nicholas Owens, Henry Barkley, Nathan Lewis, Thomas Dean and his sons Daniel and Thomas, Nicholas Reasoner, Nathan Cuzins and William Wharton.

But little can be said of the early schools of Liberty Township. There was the characteristic old log house with its greased paper windows, puncheon floor and stick chimney. It is claimed by the best informed that John Peacock was the pioneer pedagogue of the township. The first school was taught in the Oak Ridge neighborhood. The house built exclusively for school purposes was in Section 1, Township 23, Range 7, near the residence of Mahlon Neal. George Brown, Jeremiah Hamell, John Smithson, William Neal, were among the early teachers of the township.

Van Buren Township had no school prior to 1840. John Gilbert, the first auditor and editor of the county, taught the first school in a log cabin near the present site of the house in District No. 9. The schoolhouse was built in 1841, near the Corey Cemetery.) Others followed in quick succession and in a few years the township was well supplied with a sufficient number of commodious houses.

The first house built in Washington Township was on the farm. of John Enslep, about 1837. It was the first schoolhouse built; was a log structure, erected at a cost of $140, and thought to be a fine house. Samuel Woolman taught the first school held there. In the winter of 1837-38, McKinney had charge of a school held in a cabin belonging to Lenfesty, on what is now the Bradford farm.

In 1888, another schoolhouse was built on the Reden Chance, now Hilshamer farm. McMillen, Ink, Bowles and Camblin were early teachers in the township.

Hon. John Ratliff gives the following account of the early schools of Franklin Township: The first schoolhouse was built of logs, the chimneys being without jambs, which gave the occupants access to three sides of the fire-place, the fire being built under the chimney, which was, in those days, frequently built on logs across the building for that purpose, sufficiently high to admit the occupants to pass around; dirt floor, paper windows, etc., according to the pioneer style. Elijah Thomas was teacher in this house. The first frame schoolhouse was built on the land, of John Ratliff, in Section 35, in 1855. The neighbors furnished the hewn timbers, did the hauling, made the shingles, lath, ete. The house was dedicated soon after it was built. Charles Scott, one of the Trustees, who has many years ago passed from earth, stated in his dedication speech that, "If a man had $2 to give his son, better put it in his head in education than to put it on his head in the shape of a new cap," thus inculcating the idea that a head well stored with useful knowledge was preferable to a head adorned with a new cap without knowledge.

Many of the facts about the early schools of Pleasant Township have been forgotten, although there are those still living who were here at the time of the first settlement. The first house was built on the farm of Daniel Badger in the spring of 1883. It is claimed by some that Daniel Badger was the first teacher, while others claim this honor for a man by the name of Chaney; a man by the name of Anthony and another by the name of Gilmore were also among the first teachers of the township.

Sims Township. - The first schoolhouse built in the township was on the farm of Geo. W. Ammon, in 1849. A. B. Downs taught the first school, in the winter of 1849-50. Other early teachers were Darius Pence, George Downs, Pernel Peters, Mahaly Petty, Maria Scott, Jonathan Harras and William Gentis.

school held here, in the winter of 1850-51. In 1851, a log schoolhouse was built on the Cyrus Swan farm, and the year following, one on the Knox farm. Some of the early teachers were Virgil Hale, Marland Knox, Asa Long, Harrison Cremer, William Reed, Britian Larue, James Matchett, John Hannah and David Kelley.

Richland Township. - The first schoolhouse was a log structure with a big fire-place, slab benches and greased paper for window glass, built on the Burns (now Comer) farm, in 1844. Elias Roby was the first teacher. Other early teachers were Shockey, Miller and VanHale. In 1845 a schoolhouse was built on the Hugh Mayn farm, and known as the Taylor Schoolhouse.

Grant County Seminary. - The first constitution of Indiana provided that all fines for the breach of the penal law, and all commutations for militia service be appropriated to the use of the county seminary. The amount collected from the above sources amounted in the aggregate to $675 in 1848. (The latter part of the same year the board appointed a committee consisting of Samuel Mc- Clure, George White, B. C. Hogin, Samuel Blinn and John Gilbert, to let the contract for the building of the Grant County Seminary.) The plans and specifications were adopted and the contract let to John Secrist for the sum of $3,500. The seminary fund was found to be insufficient, and a subscription of $977.65 paid by the citizens of Marion and vicinity to partly supply the deficency. The work was begun in 1849 and the building completed the following year. It is of brick 60x38 feet, two stories high, and is still standing. Being unable to liquidate the seminary debt, the board ordered James Brownlee, county attorney, to confess judgment in favor of the contractor for the sum of $1,797, the balance due. By order of the Legislature of 1852 all county seminaries were ordered sold and the net proceeds placed in the common school fund. The Grant County building was bought by Henry Wade for the sum of $2,550. It was sold to the town of Marion some time in the sixties,. and is still used for school purposes.

The College of Indiana was established in 1858 by Rev. S. Sawyer, a regular graduate of Princeton College, New Jersey. He is a Presbyterian minister, now located at Thorntown, Ind. Rev. Sawyer was president and had for his assistants such men as William Wood, now 'United States Judge of the district of Indiana, R. C. Mitchell, editor of the Duluth Tribune, William Spillman of Crawfordville, and others.

Students from several different States were attracted here by the educational advantages offered, the attendance the last year of its existence being nearly 300. Hon. Horace P. Biddle, Judge Test, and others eminent for literary culture,. delivered lectures to the students. The course of training was thorough in every department, and the older citizens take pleasure in referring to the time when the college was in its full tide of prosperity and engaged in the work of fitting its pupils for the active duties of life. The life of this institution was cut short by the breaking out of the war - the president and many of the students enlisting in defense of the Union. The college was held in the old Indiana Hotel building, which stood just north of Goldthwait's store.

The Normal Hall and fourteen rooms in Thorp Block are used by the college: This was built for educational purposes and is especially adapted for college use. The chapel and rooms are lighted with: gas and provided with the most healthful and pleasantly flavored artesian water found anywhere in northern Indiana. The. course of instruction is thorough and practical, and besides providing teachers and those preparing to teach with an opportunity for a. first class professional education, they have an opportunity of going further and completing a classical or scientific course which is as thorough as in many institutions of much more pretensions. Hspecially is this true in the department of the sciences, which is under' the professorship of Dr. Tingley, one of the most distinguished scientists of Indiana; his long experience as a teacher in this department has enabled him to devise the most practical methods in his demonstrations. The students in physics and chemistry are provided with ample means for experimenting, as the laboratory is

Fairmount Academy held its first term of school in 1885. It was built by the Friend's Society of the northern quarterly meeting. The building is of brick, two stories high, built on the modern plan and cost $10,000. Although the institution is under the direct management of the Friends it is in no wise sectarian, but open to all denominations or classes who may desire to enter. There are three departments, viz.: grammar, teachers and academic. The course in the academic department embraces the higher mathematics, civil government, natural history, Latin and such other studies as may be selected by the student. The course is intended to prepare the student to enter Earlham College, Richmond. The teachers are Elwood O. Ellis, principal; Walter Wright, B. S. and Ryland Ratliff, associates, and George A. Osborn, instructor in school management and science of teaching. The trustees are Enos Harvey, president; W. C. Winslow, Jesse Haisley, Joel B. Wright, 8S. C. Winslow; P. H. Wright, secretary.

The Marion Schools. - One of the early schools of Marion was taught by Nelson Conner near the river below the Washington Street bridge, in 1834. Another early school was taught at the locality of Levi Hunter's present home. William Feele taught in the old court house. Salinda Starr was employed by Samuel Mc- Clure to teach a school in Mr. Webster's carpenter shop then near the place of the present residence of the owner. Mr. McClure's motive in this case as in that of the employment of John R. Sperbeck as principal of the Grant County Seminary was to secure better teachers than could be had without a guarantee. He assumed the entire pecuniary responsibility and incurred all risk of loss in the collection of tuition fees. After good schools became self-sustaining he left the management to others. He insisted with earnestness that good manners be practically taught. The pupils were required to bow to the teacher and the teacher to bow to the pupils. Mr. Sperbeck's school began a short time before the civil war and ended by many boys entering the national army. During a part of the time of this prosperous school, Indiana College, under the charge of Rey. Samuel Sawyer, a fine classical scholar, attracted here a number of pupils. If the rivalry between the institutions was not always generous the success was great and the enthusiasm intense. Mr. Sperpeck's school was succeeded by that of A. H. Harrett who, like his predecessor, was a rigid disciplinarian. Marcus L. Marsh, who came to the town in 1850, taught on Washington Street south of the location of Jason Wilson & Co'.s Exchange Bank. His schools were well sustained. In 1850 the County Seminary was ready for use. It was built in a substantial manner by John Secrist at a cost of $3,600. The first teachers there were Nathan Doane and John C. Harlan. The arrangement of the rooms, since modernized somewhat, was in accordance with the usual plan of that day. It still stands and deserves the respect due that noble spirit which provided so good a house so long ago. A house in the First Ward was built in 1872, one in Fifth Ward in 1882. William Russell was superintendent for nearly four years, from September, 1869. Within that time there was an unusually large attendance from outside of the town. After the closing of the winter term there was instituted the Summer Normal, which has produced good results to the schools of the county. A. F. Wood came next for one year; I. W. Legg, five years; I. W. Barnhart, two years; William Hastings, two years; Hamilton 8. McRae, three years. The present superintendent gratefully recognizes the faithful and able works of the past, and highly appreciates the cordial support of the people in the efforts of the teachers to promote the good of the schools. Bind Russell, George A. Osborne, F. R. Osborne, Thariba White and Emma McRae, have served as principals of the High School, and Alva Graves, Emma Higly and Lewis T. Wheeler have been assistants. The latter two were employed as special teachers of music. Edward Caldwell, Mahlon F. Baldwin, L. M. Overman, William T. Brownlee and William Russell have been principal teachers.

The sketch of the Marion schools would be incomplete without an allusion to the primary school of Julia Norton from 1856 to 1868. This school was largely patronized and occupies a wide sphere in the childhood memories of those who were pupils of that accomplished lady.

In 1886 a mothers' association was formed at the instance of Alice Chapin, principal of the Indianapolis Kindergarten Training School. The association employed as kindergartners, successively, Sarah Allen, Mrs. Clifford, Mary J. Dwinnelle, J ennie Moore, Mrs. George W. Harvey, and Mrs. George Sweetzer were among the most active members of the association. In 1883 the Marion school town established a kindergarten with Miss Leete as director and Misses Rowlette, Reynolds, and Clothier as assistants. In 1884-85 Miss Clothier made the kindergarten methods prominent in her primary work. In 1885 began another kindergarten which is well sustained. The following statistics are of the facts of most value as far back as can be found:

Among those who have served as trustees are Marcus L. Marsh, D. R. McKinney, James C. Neal, - - Williams, George B. Sweetser, D. B. Cubberly, Henry F. Clunk, Isaac Vandervanter, John W. Miles, Rufus W. Baily, T. D. Thorp, J. H. Wigger, Elijah Ritch, Elkanah Hulley, M. M. Wall and Simon Goldthwait.

Alumni Association - The same evening and after the graduating exercises of the high school for 1885 took place, the class of 1884 held a reception in honor of the new class. This event led to a called meeting of all the graduates for May 28, 1885, at the residence of Mrs. McRae, principal of the high school, where was organized the Marion High School Alumni Association. A constitution was adopted and officers were elected for the year as follows: G. E. Myers, president; Grace Payne Higbee, vice-president; Georgiana Ford, secretary, and R. W. Miles, treasurer.

On the evening of June 10, 1586, at the Goldthwait residence, North Side, the alumni held their first reception and banquet for the incoming class, and it was in every way a marked success.

The following are the names of the charter members, twentytwo in all; §, S. Lyons, Carlota Madge Case, Lucy Moore, Abbie Hess, Lulu M. Rorer, Grace Payne Higbee, Jennie Hunter, Emma Culbertson, Caroline Rowlette, Georgiana Ford, G. Edward Myers, Ella Thomas, Jessie Lyons, Jennie Keyt, Lily Ballard, Lillian Doan, Ada Eshelman, I. B. Goldthwait, Birdie DeLong, Annette Reynolds, Ray Miles and Flora E. Baldwin.

School Examiners and Superintendents. - The first examiner appointed under the act creating the office was Robert B. Jones, who was followed by the following named persons: George W. Hen- dricks, Morton Jones, James R. Smith, William Neal, Eli Stafford, M. L. Marsh, David Piggott, J. W. Miles, A. W. Sanford, George Harvey, and T. D. Tharp. The office of county superintendent was created by an act of the Legislature approved March, 1873, and sia Tharp was appointed to the newly created office and was three times reappointed. The school under his supervision became more popular, the attendance increased, and at the close of his term the work of both teachers and pupils had been systematized and in the effectiveness of the work there was a very marked improvement. George A. Osborn became Tharp's successor in 1879, and is now serving his fourth term, which fact alone speaks for his efficiency as an officer and shows the good judgment of the electors in recognizing the value of. experience in the administration of the office. Mr. Osborn, by his eminent qualifications and unremitting energy, has brought the school of Grant County up to the standard of the best counties in the State.

Institutes. - The first county institute was held in the summer of 1866, by A. W. Sanford, school examiner. Under the act of 1865 the county appropriated $50 annually to defray the necessary expense. The whole amount was expended to secure competent instructors, and the first institute was decided by the twenty-five teachers in attendance to have been a phenomenal success. Institutes have been held annually ever since with increased interest and attendance. 'Teachers of the county pay a fee of 75 cents, which added to the county appropriation creates a fund sufficiently large to warrant the employment of instructors of experience and ability. During the fall of 1872 T. D. Tharp, county examiner, held one of the first normal institutes in the State, beginning August 5, and continuing four weeks. The success and good results carried into the schools by this work and the increased ability in teachers to organize their schools and utilize their acquired knowledge, were soon apparent. The number enrolled was about thirty-two during this term.

The fall term of 1873 continued six weeks, with an enrollment of sixty students, with growing interest. The fall of 1874 the enrollment reached 120 students, term six weeks. The terms for 1875 and 1876 continued eight weeks, with increased interest and better work. These terms have been pleasant and profitable and the schools have been brought to a higher standard as a result.

The teaching in these normal institutes was done by T. D. Tharp, J. H. Ford, G. A. Osborn, Cyrus Hodgin, William Russell, H. A. Hutchin, J. O. Spurgeon, J. W. Lacey, J. W. Legg, E. C. Murray, Z. Z. Loer, 8. J. Harrison, assisted by many persons from a distance by way of lectures, ete. The music was under charge of Miss Fannie Behymer. These normal institutes are held each year and are usually under the direct management of the county superintendent, who is thoroughly acquainted with the needs of the teachers and plans the work accordingly.

Resume. - There are in thecounty 8,502 children of school age, 327 of whom are colored. Of this number 6,520 are enrolled in the schools, with an average attendance of 4,300; the number that can neither read nor write, 11. There are 120 houses, of which 27 are of brick and 93 frame, requiring 144 teachers. The average compensation of teachers is, males $2.08, females, $2.01. The amount of common school revenue held in trust by county is $37,594; congressional fund, $26,832. The amount of common school revenue apportioned to the county in 1884, $32,480; special school, $16,397. Length of school term 113 days. Total value of school property $113,560.