Maumee Township (part 3 of 3)

Rev. Charles Gross was called to the pastorate of the Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran church of Fort Wayne in the fall of 1880, coming with the prestige of thirteen years' successful service as the the pastor of the First Lutheran Trinity church of Buffalo, N. Y. He is of German nativity, born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, September 26, 1S34. ^^ came to America with his parents in 1847, and settled with them at St. Louis, where his youth was spent and where the parents remained during the rest of their lives. He began his studies in the parochial schools of St. Louis, and then, at fourteen years, entered Concordia college, then located in Perry count}', Mo. He completed his collegiate course in 1853 and graduated from the theological department in 1856. On the 22nd of June, of the year last named, he was ordained a minister and took charge of the German Lutheran congregation at Richmond, Va. He remained there during the tr\'ing scenes of civil war, and until 1867, when he removed to Buffalo. This distinguished divine has now for nearly a third of a century labored efficiently in the vineyard of his Master. On May 3, 1857, he was united in marriage with Augusta Westerfeld, a native of Bielefeld, Germany, who died April 7, 1871, at the age of thirty-four, leaving seven children: Charle.s, Otto W., Martin C, Theodore, Anna, Augusta, and Eddy. The eldest died in his seventeenth year, while a student at Concordia college, and the last child died at the age of three months. Mr. Gross was married June 6, 1872, to Mary, daughter of Rev. John Her, and by this latter marriage has had six sons: Paul (deceased), Gerhard (deceased), Charles Edwin, Walter' and Arthur (deceased). The last two were twins. Otto W., the oldest child living, is a member of the firm of Thieme & Gross, Fort Wayne; Martin C. is book-keeper for the firm of Coombs & Co. ; Theodore, a graduate of Concordia college, has charge of a Lutheran congregation at New Britain, Conn. Anna is the wife of Louis Hagemann, of Fort Wayne.

Rev. Henr}' Juengel is a native of Germany, and was born May 13, 1829. At the age of twenty-one he accompanied his parents, Henrj' and Margaret (Magold) Juengel, to this country, and made his home with them at St. Louis. Two years later, in 1852, he entered the Concordia seminary, then at Fort Wayne, but now located at Springfield, 111., and after two years' attendance, he began his ministerial labors at Peru, Ind. Six months afterward, he became pastor of a German Evan- gelical Lutheran church at Liverpool, Ohio, and remained there six years. His next field of labor was at Gootch Mills, Cooper county. Mo., where he was engaged six years and three months. From 1867 he was pastor of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran church, near Jonesville, Bartholomew count}-, Ind., until February i, 1887, when he was called to his present charge, Zion's German Evangelical Lutheran church. For thirty-five years he has been a faithful and efficient worker in the cause. Rev. Juengel was married July 9, 1S54, to Sophia M., daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Vajen) Fruechtenicht. She was born in Germany, April 2, 1S33, and came to America with her parents when she was nine years of age. This marriage has resulted in the birth of twelve children: Herman, Emma, Elizabeth, Sophia, Johanna, Ernst, Clara, Henry, Paul and Lina, living, and two deceased.

Rev. John J. Kucher was called to the pastorate of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran church in 1868, and has ever since ministered faithfully and zealously to the spiritual needs of that congregation. This gentleman was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, February 9, 1835, the son of John J. and Elizabeth Kucher. His early education was received in his native country, and when eighteen years of age he entered the missionary institute at Basel, Switzerland, where he pursued theological studies five years, graduating in 1858. He was immediately ordained, and sent by the missionary society, soon afterward, to preach the word among the Germans of the United States. He arrived in this country in October, 185S, and at once began his labors, having served since then congregations at Harrisburg, Penn., Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, before coming to this city. He was married in 1859 to Anna Mueck, v.'ho was born at Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, September 21, 1834, and came to America in 1859. They have eight children: OttiHa, Martha, Hermann, Paul, Theophile, Theodore, Otto and Nathanael.

Rev. Simon Frederick Conrad Ferdinand Stock, the able pastor of Martini Evangelical German Lutheran church, of Adams township, Allen countj^, Ind., was born in the village of Friedrichshoehe, Kur Hessen, German}', October 3, 1844. He was the son of Frederick William and Florentine (Distelhorst) Stock, the latter of whom died in Germany when he was a little child. In 1851 he came to America with his father and step-mother, and on reaching New York city the family came out westward to Dark county, Ohio, and located near Greenville. In the fall of 1853 they removed to Manitou county. Mo., and located on a farm where both his father and step-mother spent the rest of their lives and where he spent his youth. At the age of seventeen he entered Concordia college of St. Louis, in which, in addition to his other studies, he completed a full course in theology, graduating June 2, 1866. In the meantime, during the last year of his college course, he spent six months at Prairietown, Madison county. 111., where he performed the duties of pastor of a church and teacher of a parochial school. Shortly after graduating he came to Allen count}', Ind., having received a call to the pulpit of Martini Evangelical German Lutheran church of Adams township. He entered upon his charge immediately after his arrival, preaching his first sermon to the congregation on the 8th da}- of July,

1866. He has filled the pulpit of that church ever since - a period of twenty-three years, and during his pastorate the church has been highly prosperous. During the first twelve years of his pastorate, in addition to his ministerial duties Rev. Stock also taught the parochial school that belongs to his church. Rev. Stock was married November 7,

1867, to Sophia Margarette Wiese, who is a native of Adams township, born January 24, 1849, and was the daughter of Charles and Eleanora (Meyer) Wiese, who were natives of German3\ Rev. Stock and wife are the parents of eight chileren, as follows: Florentine Sophia Wilhelmina, Otto Frederick Ferdinand, John Henry Martin, Ferdinand William Paul, Frederick WiUiam Otto, Sophia " Mary Wilhelmina, Clara Helene Christena and Christian John Rudolph, all of whom are living. Rev. Stock is an earnest and successful worker in the cause of Christianit3% and he is deservedl}' popular, not only among the members of his own congregation but among all who know him. Rev. Stock's eldest son is now a student in Concordia college of Fort Wayne, preparatory to taking a theological course at Concordia seminar}^ at St. Louis.

Rev. George Theodore Gotsch was born in Leipsig, Germany, December 21, 1825, son of George Mauree Gotsch, D. D., of Leipsig, who emigrated to America in 1852 and afterward served a congregation of the Lutheran church at Memphis, Tenn. He spent the earljpart of his life as principal of the cit}- schools in Waldenburg, Saxon}-. He died at St. Louis, Mo., in 1878, after a hfe of usefulness. Rev. Gotch, the son, emigrated to America in 1851, one year before his father. He came to Fort Wayne and entered Concordia college, and in 1S56, began the ministerial work, to which and teaching, Jie has devoted his entire time. After leaving the college. Rev. Gotsch was called to Jonesville, Bartholomew county, Ind., where he served for some years and then in 1861, removed to Olean, Ripley county. In 1S64 he removed to Akron, Ohio and in 1S72, to Lombard, 111., near Chicago, and served as minister and teacher until 18S4, when he removed to near Hoagland, where he continues his work as pastor and teacher. He is at present sixty-four years of age, but has the vigor of mind andbody of his younger years. His wife is still living and they have eight children: Christian, married in 1875 to the daughter of Rev. H. Juengel. is a teacher in the school at Columbus, Ind. S. M. Gotsch is a teacher in a parochial school in Cleveland, Ohio. He was married in 1883, to Emeline Goltermann. Three of the sons: Emil, Charles and Martin are engaged in business at Altenheim. Oscar is a resident of Altenheim, 111.; Clara and Bertha live with their parents.

Rev. Andrew Ba;pler, director of Concordia college, was born in Baltimore, Md., July 28, 1850, the son of Henry and Catherine (Reuwer) Baspler, natives of Germany. He entered Concordia college at the age of thirteen years, and was graduated in 1869. In the fall of the latter year he became a student in the Concordia seminar}- at St. Louis, where he was graduated in 1874. ^^ ^'^^ ^^'^^ ^^ Dallas, Tex., in the following September, and with his home at that place, he performed missionary work in northern Texas and Louisiana, during the following year. In 1875 he took charge of a circuit in Benton county, Mo., and was pastor of the three churches comprised in it until the spring of 1879, when he was called to the pastorate of the German Lutheran church, at Mobile, Ala. He remained there until January, 1882, and during the greater part of the time also had charge of an English congregation at Moss Point, Miss. Following this pastorate, he was engaged as a missionary in southern Missouri, northern Arkansas and eastern Kansas until January-, 18S4, when he was chosen director of St. Paul's college at Concordia, Mo. This he held until January 9, 1888, when he was called to the directorship of Concordia college. In this position he has proven eminently qualified to advance the interests of this important educational institution. Rev. Bajpler was married Juty 15, 1875, to Josephine S., daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Miller) Ax. She was born at New Orleans, December 16, 1857, and died May 19, 1881, leaving two sons, Charles H. and Otto J. April 12, 1883, Mr. Bccpler was married to Sophia E., daughter of Joachim and Caroline (Buetner) Birkner. She was born at Long Island, December 10, 1858. The}^ have two children, Louisa M. and Edwin S.

Rev. Henr}^ W. Diederich, for sixteen years professor of EngHsh language and literature in Concordia college, Fort Wayne, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 13, 1845. His parents, Nicholas H. and Mary E. (Wesseller) Diederich, were natives of Germany, where the}^ were married. Immigrating in 1S45, the}- settled at Pittsburgh, but now reside at Allegheny City. Henr}- W. Diederich was graduated at Concordia college. Fort Wayne, in 1866, and at Concordia seminary at St. Louis, in 1869. He entered upon ministerial labors in the Evangelican Lutheran church in central Illinois, and in 1870 was called to the pulpit of St. John's German Lutheran church, of New York city, where he was stationed three years. In 1873 he was appointed to the chair of English language and Hterature in Concordia college, a position he has since filled in an able and highly satisfactory manner. In 18S9 he was appointed by President Harrison counsel to the city of Leipsic, German}', a pleasing recognition of the professor's high attainments and rare qualifications for service in such capacity. Professor Diederich was married August 23, 1870, to Margaret G,, daughter of Frederick and Catherine Stutz, natives of Germany, who now reside in Washington, where Mrs. Diederich was born April 10, 1852. They have two children: Henry Frederick Theodore, born Septemper 2, 1871, and Clara M., born July 25, 1885.

Rev. Otto A. Siemon, Ph. D., professor of Latin and history in Concordia college, is a native of this city, born May 25, 1856. He is the son of A. F. Siemon, of the well-known book firm of Siemon & Bro. Prof. Siemon's education was begun in the parochial schools of his church, in this city, where he remained until he entered Concordia college. This institution he attended from 1867 to 1S73, graduating in the latter 3'ear. The following autumn he entered the Concordia seminary at St. Louis, and there graduated in theology in 1876. His studies were continued during the following year in the university of Neew York, and in the fall of 1877, he went to Berlin, Prussia, and studied three j-ears in the famous university of that city, perfecting himself in philological acquirements. In March, 1881, the degree of Ph. D. was conferred upon him by the university of Berlin. Upon his"return to this city he was selected to fill a vacancy in the chair of Latin and historj-, at Concordia college, and was made professor in that department in February, 1882, a position he has since hlled with much credit to himself as a scholar, and to the good of the institution.

Prof. Gustave Kampe, principal of Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran school, is a graduate of the Evangelical Lutheran seminary of Addison, 111., which he attended five years, ending his course in 1873. He has ever since been connected with the parochial schools of Fort Wayne, five years with St. John's Evangelical Lutheian school, and since 1S78 with the Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran school, having been principal during the past four years. He is an accomplished teacher, is a man of sterling character and exemplary habits, and is esteemed as a good citizen. Prof. Kampe was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 3, 1854, the son of Adolph and Rosina Kampe, who, when their son was eight years of age, removed with their family to Fort Wayne. He was married June 22, 1880, to Clara S. Sulzer, and they have four children: Alma, Clara, Adolph and Frieda. Mrs. Kampe was born in Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 1857, the daughter of Adolph and Susan Sulzer.

The able and popular principal of Zion's parochial school, Prof. Frederick A. Klein, completed at fifteen years of age a thorough five 3-ears' course in the gymnasium at Wiesbaden, Germany, his native land. He did not at that time contemplate teaching, and began the study of pharmacy and chemistr}^, which he pursued two years at an institution at Brunswick, clerking during the same time in a drug store. In 1878 he he landed at New York, and then held for two years and a half the position of assistant chemist in a large wholesale drug house. While there he was importuned by the pastors of the Lutheran churches of the city to prepare himself for teaching. He accordingly took a course of instruction in Addison college. 111., graduating in June, 1S84, and then took charge of a primary school at Logansport, Ind., remaining there three years. He accepted his present position in June, 1887, and being a thorough and zealous instructor, of wide attainments and fertile in resources, he has achieved notable success. Prof. Klein was married October 27, 1887, to Clara Wefel, who was born in Fort Wayne October 31, 1864, daughter of John W. Wefel, formed}' of this cit}', now of Logansport. Prof. Klein was born July 17, 1861, the son of Leo and Helen Klein.

The efficient first teacher in St. John's parochial school, Prof. Carl C. G. Bez, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 2, 1861, the son of Christian and Mary Bez. He received his education in German}', graduating from a college at Rottweil, at seventeen years of age, and in his twentieth year, from a seminary at Esslingen. In 1882, he came to America, taught school first at Allegheny, Penn., then at Briar Hill, Ohio, and accepted his present position September i, 1885. Pie is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, and officiates as organist and leader of the church choir. He was married October 28, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Huebner, daughter of Rev. C. Huebner, of Toledo, Ohio. She was before her marriage a teacher. After a married life of but little over a year, she died November 15, 1887. Mr. Bez is a successful teacher and a worthy gentleman.

Valley Of The Upper Maumee

Of Virginia, in 167 1, it was said that " the almost general want of schools for their children was of most sad consideration, most of all bewailed of the parents then." " Every man," said Sir William Berkley in his report to the home government, " instructs his children according to his ability. The ministers should pray more and preach less. But I thank God there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have these hundred years; for learning has brought disobedience and heresy and sects into the world, and printing has divulged them and libels against the best government. God keep us from both." Most loyal subject of Jack Cade who tells Lord Say, " Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar school; and whereas, before our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used; and contrary to the king, his crown, and dignity, thou hast built a paper mill." Under this same wise governor, Berkle}^ on reference of the subject to the king, a printing press was destroyed, and public educanon, and printing all news or books forbidden. Yet when this same Virginia ceded to the general government her territory northwest of the Ohio river, the congress of the confederation, in accordance with the spirit of the deed of cession, declared in the celebrated ordinance of 1787, for the perpetual government of the ceded lands, article 3, " Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government, and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." And Washington, in his farewell address, before leaving the presidency, said, "Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to pubhc opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."

Guided by these wise and judicious views, the framers of the first constitution of Indiana, in 1816, adopted as a fundamental principle the following which was verified by the people. " Knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community being essential to the preservation of a free government, and spreading the opportunities and advantages of education through the various parts of the country being highly conducive to this end," " it shall be the duty of the general assembly," " to provide by law for a general sj'stem of education ascending in a regular gradation from township schools to a state university, wherein tution shall be gratis, and equally open to all." The language of the revised constitution of 185 1 differs slightly from this, but is essentiall}- of the same import. It makes it the duty of the general assembly " to encourage by all suitable means, moral, intellectual, scientific and agricultural improvement; and to provide by law, for a general and uniform, system of common schools, wherein tuition shall be without charge, and equally open to all."

In the enabling act authorizing the state of Indiana, congress, ta ensure the carrying out of the directions of the ordinance of 1787, provided that section sixteen in ever}- township should be granted to such township for the use of schools, and also provided that two whole townships should be appropriated to the use of a seminary of learning.

Private and Church Schools. - There is a tradition that the earliest school, in what now constitutes Allen county, was established at a very early day by the Society of the Friends, but no records or reminiscences whatever, concerning such school can be found. In 182 1, while Allen county still formed a part of Randolph county. Rev. Isaac McCoy was sent as a missionar}- and teacher to the Indians by the Baptist missionarysociety. Opening a school in the old fort for these, he also received the children of such white parents as desired his services. In this school, which was small, he was assisted at various times by Matthew Montgomery, by Mr. and Mrs. Potts, and Mr. Hugh B. McKean.

In 1825, after the organization of the county, the first school-house built in Fori Wayne, was erected on a lot adjoining the old grave-yard, in the rear of the present jail, and was known as the County seminary. In this building for many years, under the old ideas so admirably and tersely put by " Pete Jones," the young of the place, male and female,, were taught by Mr. John P. Hedges and his successors in office. About the same time Henry Cooper, afterward well-known as a law3^er, taught in an upper room in the old log house on the southwest corner of the public square. The barred windows of this primitive school-house must have served to depress the spirits of the scholars in the bright spring weather, while the rough floor and seats could have had Httle resemblance to the comfortable and even elegant apphances now provided for the scholar.

Mr. Aughinbaugh, afler teaching in the old Masonic hallof that day, had charge of the seminary in 1832-3, being followed in 1834 b}^ Smallwood Noel, who died mmy 3'ears later an honored and respected old man. He in turn was followed by Mr. James Requa in the following year. About the same time Mr. Beggs taught in a small building on Columbia street.

In 1835-6 Mr. Myron F. Barbour, a most popular and successful teacher, still living, had charge of the seminary where he laid the foundation of a soHd and practical education, to the benefit of many of the best business men and citizens of the town. He was followed by Mr.. John C. Sivey, afterward well-known as a civil engineer engaged on the Wabash & Erie canal, who became a resident of Wabash.

An anecdote still lives in the memor}' of the old men of the cit}-, concerning an applicant for the position of teacher in the seminary, against whose moral character the examineers entertained suspicions, and want of moral character being apparently no ground of action, they endeavored to defeat him by a strict and thorough examination in the essentials, an examination, however, which in less than an hour resulted in the utter defeat of the entire board, and the issuance of the license.

In the spring of 1S36, Miss Mafin, now the honored wife of ex-Secretary of Treasury McCulloch, and the mother of Charles McCulloch, president of the Hamilton National Bank, and Miss StabbeU, the late Mrs. Royal Taylor, came from the east and opened a school in a room in the old court-house, but after teaching there for a short time joined the Rev. Jesse Hoover, who had, on August 2, 1S36. opened a school in the basement of the Presbyterian church, near the corner of Berry and Lafayette streets, then the first and only church in the town. Mr. Hoover was succeeded bv the Rev. W. W. Stevens, with Alexander Mcjunkin, as assistant. Mr. Stevens subsequently built a school-house on West Berry street, where with his wife, he taught for many years.

Probably no teacher of Fort Wayne, certainly none of the earlier ones, has so impressed himself upon the memories and respect of his pupils, as did Alexander Mcjunkin. After leaving Mr. Stevens, he built a house, now standing on Lafayette street, between Berry and Wayne streets, where he most successfully taught school for many years, until in 1852, when he became the treasurer of the Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad company. A fine scholar, a good instructor, and a stern, strict disciplinarian, he most forcibl}' impressed his ideas and teachings upon the minds "of his scholars, and not infrequentl}' with equal force upon their bodies.

In the fall of 1845 the Presbyterian church opened a ladies' seminary, under the charge oE Mrs. Lydia Sykes, which promised great usefulness, but after a year and a half's very successful work, Mrs. Sykes' health failed, and she was succeeded by the Rev. James, who came to the town in 1S46. Prion to teaching in the seminar}^, this gentleman had no permanent school-house, but taught in various buildings successively. Many other small schools were taught in Fort Wayne, with various success, by residents of the town, amongst them the present Mrs. Barbara Ronan.

The Methodist college, now the Fort Wayne college, at the west end of Wayne street, was opened in 1849, for higher education, under the charge of Prof. A. C. Huestis, still living an honored retired life. Mr. Huestis was possessed of marked abihty and great originahty as a teacher and educator, and it is impossible fully to estimate the good seeds that were sown by his labors, or the fruits that have grown from them. The institution, with a hfe of varied success and depression, has continued, with some interruptions, tiU the present time. Under the judicious management of its present president, Dr. Herrick, its promisCg to regain much of its former strength and importance, and do much vaj_ uable work. It is an institution much needed in such a country as ours, and cannot fail, under wise direction, to produce an immense amount of Q-ood beyond the reach of the larger and more expensive institutions of the land.

In August, 1853, the Presbyterian academy was re-opened, on the site of the present Central grammar school, in charge of Mr. Henry McCormick, with Jacob Laniers as assistant. This school was continued under various teachers, with varying success until 1867, when it was abandoned as the public schools were more economically carrying out its objects, and the lots sold to the board of school trustees.

In the year 18S3, Miss Carrie B. Sharp and Mrs. Delphine B. Wells, two of the strongest and best qualified principals of the public schools, opened the Westminster seminary. This institution has had a career of usefulness and success which the writer earnestly hopes may continue till the present principals and their successors and pupils for many generations, have passed to their higher rewards. Large and well organized parochial schools have, from time to time, been organized under the care and direction of the Roman Catholics, Lutheran and other churches, which are well managed, well appointed, and successful in teaching their pupils the fundamental elements of religion as held by the respective churches, in connection with the more secular subjects of education. So extensively are these parochial schools patronized by the families connected with the respective religious bodies, that in connection with the private and the public schools, no excuse whatever, can exist for an ignorant child or an illiterate adult. Excluding those above the age of fifteen years who are at work, and those out of school on account of ill health or youth, the scholars of the parochial, private and public schools, together, make up nearly ninety-five of the children of school age.

One oi the most famous schools outside the city before war times was the Perry Center seminary, incorporated and established in Perry township in 1856, by Nathaniel Fitch, Jacob Kell and George Gloyd. They were moved by a laudable desire to establish a worthy institution of learning, and, with that end in view, erected near the center of the township a large frame building, and in the winter of that vear, secured the services of T. W. Tilden as teacher. In 1S60 there were formed three departments or grades, and Prof. Tilden was retained as principal with two assistants in the other grades. The pupils of this institution came from Noble, DeKalb, Allen, LaGrange and other counties. The course was academic, including the languages, higher mathematics, philosoph}', astronomy, etc. It was a prosperous institution until 1862 or 1863. Then a number of its pupils enlisted in the army, and its principal resigned. Though it never rallied, and the building is now a ruin, its work still lives, and is commemorated in the useful careers of those who studied there.

Public Sc/iooh. - The constitution of 185 1, which so fully recognized the principles of the ordinance of 1787, in its article 8, section 2, on education, declares that the common school fund shall consist of the con- gressional school fund and the lands belonging thereto; the surplus revenue fund, the saline fund and the lands belonging thereto; the bank tax fund, and the fund arising from the 114th section of the charter of the State Bank of Indiana; the fund derived from the sale of county seminaries and all properties held for the same; of all fines and forfeitures under state laws; all escheated lands and properties; all lands and the net proceeds of the sales thereof, including swamp lands; and taxes on the property of corporations that may be assessed by the general assembl}' for common school purposes. Section 3 declares that "The principal of the common school fund shall remain a perpetual fund, which may be increased, but shall never be diminished; and the income thereof shall be inviolably appropriated to the support of the common schools, and to no other purpose whatever."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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