Jackson County, Missouri - Chapter 17: Social Development of Kansas City, 1881 (part 2 of 2)

The Academy has two functions, (i) to increase a knowledge of science by original observation and investigation, and (2) to diffuse a knowledge of science. Located in a large and growing commercial center the Academy has assumed to a considerable extent, a popular character, and many valuable papers have been read which in due time will be gathered up and published in the permanent Transactions. And the Academy has already done some original work worthy of mention. The discovery of the Mounds in Clay county by Judge E. P.

West, Vice-President, and their development 'uiider the auspices of the Academyhas been a work worthy of any scientific body. The Academy has made some valuable collections and has a growing library. The influence of the Academy in diffusing a scientific spirit is beginning to be felt throughout the city and its immediate vicinity.

The Woman's Christian Association organized in the year 1876, has increased rapidly in membership, and extended its benevolent work to all parts of the city. The society now owns a valuable building lot and will soon commence the erection of a suitable and permanent building. The benevolent work accomplished by the society is beyond estimation and has been met and performed in the spirit of true Christian charity. The present officers of the society are : Mrs. F. M. Black, President; Mrs. J. K. Cravens, and Mrs. F. J. Baird, Vice-Presidents ; Mrs. H . M. Holden, Treasurer ; Mrs. Wm. Williamson, Secretary.

Were organized in the year 1877. The first military officers were J. N. Dubois, Captain ; E. V. Wilkes, First Lieutenant ; John Conover, Second Lieutenant ; John Duncan, Third Lieutenant. The Civil officers were J. A. Cooper, President; W. J. Herry, Vice-President; Geo. E. Leach, Secretary; W. H. Winants, Treasurer. The present officers are John Conover, Captain ; John A. Duncan, First Lieutenant ; Wm. Peake, Second Lieutenant. The office of Third Lieutenant has been abolished. The present civil officers are Milton Moore, President ; Chas. W. Freeman, Vice-President ; E. G. Moore, Secretary and Treasurer; C. A. Brown, Assistant Secretary. The Staff officers are S. T. Smith, Adjutant; M. A. Bogie, Surgeon; T. F. Cakes, Commissary; C. E. Kearney, Quartermaster; C. H. Prescott, Ordinance Officer; A. D. Madeira, Chaplain.

Jackson County Medical Society. - Dr. C. D. McDonald, President ; Dr. A. B. Spruill, Vice-Presi'^ent; Dr. M. A. Bogie, Secretary and Treasurer.

Homoeopathic Medical Society of Kansas City. - Meets first and third Tuesdays of each month. J. Feld, M. D., President; B. Baker, M D., Vice-President; W. H. Jenney, M. D., Secretary.

Histo-pathological Society - Meets semi-monthly at 120 west Ninth street. F. B. Tiffany, President; A. Jameson, Vice-President; R. T. Shaw, Secretary and Treasurer.

Kansas City Gun Club. - Meets monthly at the Exposition Grounds. J. K. Stark, President; George C. Sharp, Secretary; J. H. McGee, Treasurer.

Kansas City Amateur Shooting Club. - J. S Chase, President; J. E. Guinotte, Secretary; Al. Walmsley, Treasurer. Meets on the second Monday of each month, at No. 10 West Fourth street.

Arion Singing Club. - Meets at Turner Hall every Tuesday and Thursday evening. F. A. Nichy, Secretary; Henry Steubneroch, President; Adolph Ott, Treasurer.

Young Men's Christian Association. - Organized May 21, 1876. The first officers of the organization were : John Doggett, President ; J. L. Whittemore, Secretary; J. W. Byers, Treasurer. Present officers: W. McDonald, President; A. G. Trumbull, Vice-President; J. W. Byers, Treasurer; C. Mainhart, Corresponding Secretary; C. E. Paxon, General Secretary. Meetings are held at the rooms, 718 Main street, the first Tuesday in each month. Religious meetings weekly.

Olympic Club. - This society was organized during the winter of 1881 with a large membership. It has increased in numbers and influence since its commencement, and has been successful in carrying out the object aimed at in its organization: namely the encouragement of physical culture and social intercourse. Meetings are held regularly every month in their rooms in the Ridge building on Main street opposite Eleventh street. They now have one hundred and thirty members. The present officers are: T. B. Bullene, President; J. W. Sifyder, First Vice-President; G. M. Dean, Second Vice-President; C. C. Courtney, Secretary; M. O. Dean, Treasurer; Dr. W. B. Sawyer, Captain. These officers are members of the Board of Directors, ex-offic'io. Besides these are three members of the club: W. N. Allen, E. P. Burroughs, W. E. Taylor, who constitute the Board.

In 1865, Missouri, shattered and bleeding at every pore, was without a public school system. Private schools and colleges, which had flourished in other years, had been abandoned, or were eking out a precarious existence. Even the State University scarcely had life enough to open its hall doors for the admission of students. During the strife, which had raged for four years with merciless fury, and devastated all parts of the State, the minds of the people had been diverted from all peaceful and ennobling pursuits; their affections alienated so that neighbor not unfrequently regarded neighbor with feelings of suspicion and distrust, and at times with intense hatred. Society was torn asunder, and amid the general convulsion, the education of the youth was almost entirely neglected. The children were growing up illiterates, and unless something could be done, and that speedily, a cloud of ignorance would soon overshadow the whole State. At this crisis, laws were enacted, specifying how to organize country, village, town ,and city schools ; also the mode of levying taxes for buildings and school purposes, and how to collect the same. The duties and qualifications of school officers and teachers were clearly set forth.

This was a new chapter in the history of Missouri. The measure met with violent opposition in many sections of the State. The conflict raged in town and country. In some localities the citizens positively refused to organize for school purposes, and displayed their hostility to the measure in various ways.

The press, the public educator, in some counties fell in with the opposition or maintained a lofty silence. Kansas City fared no better than other localities. Public opinion was divided here as elsewhere. Business interests and industries of the west and south drew people here from all sections of the Union. When they came they made their homes among a generous and noble-hearted people. The rankling passions which other and bitter years had produced, were soon extinguished or hushed in silence. . Reason, parental love, and philanthropy prevailed. Schools must be established and the children educated, was the decision of the majority.

Thus matters stood when the Kansas City School District was organized under an act entitled : " An act authorizing any city, town or village to organize for school purposes, with special privileges," approved March 15, 1866; also an act entitled : "An act authorizing any city, town or village to organize for school purposes with special privilege," approved March 19, 1866.

By virtue and under the authority of this act, the Board of Education of Kansas City was organized August i, 1867, composed of the following gentlemen : W. E. Sheffield, President; H. C. Kumpf, Secretary; J. A. Bachman, Treasurer; Ed. H. Allen, T. B. Lester and E. H. Spalding; J. B. Bradley, Superintendent and teacher in Central school.

Immediately after the organization of the Board, Mr. Kumpf retired, and Mr. A. A. Bainbridge was chosen to fill the vacancy. There were at this time 2,150 children of school age, living within the limits of the school district. There was not a public school building in the city. Disorganization reigned supreme. The city was utterly destitute of all school accommodations, and there was not a dollar available for school expenses. The buildings that could be rented for school purposes were old deserted dwellings, unoccupied store rooms and damp, gloomy basements in some of the churches. But the Board was in earnest, and every effort was made to put the schools in operation. In October, 1867, the schools were formally opened in rented rooms, which had been hastily and scantily furnished. Into these unattractive abodes the children were huddled together to receive instruction. A Sperintendent and sixteen teachers were employed during the year, but as no statistics of the school work are found in the records, it is impossible to give a satisfactory account of what was done. If the work in the schools was unsatisfactory, the energy of the Board was unabated. Preparations for a grand work continued. Sites were purchased, bonds issued and school houses erected. The rapid and marvelous growth of the city, while it brought a large influx to the school population, did not produce a corresponding increase in the valuation of the taxable property of the district.

The Year 1 868-9

The school year of 1868-9, with the exception of the improvements in buildings and the purely business character of the proceedings, has scarcely left a trace in statistical information. Enough is preserved to show positively that the schools were taught, but the superintendent made no report to the Board of Education. What was done, or how it was done, are matters of conjecture.

One change only was made in the Board. Patrick Shannon was chosen the successor of Mr. Spalding. Prof. E. P. Tucke was elected superintendent, which position he held one year. There was also a tremendous increase in the enumeration of school children. The number reported was 3,287, a gain of fiftythree per cent, over the previous year. At the close of the year twelve rooms belonged to the district and twenty one teachers had been employed.

Washington school, southwest corner of Independence avenue and Cherry, was opened in April, 1868; enlarged in 1869; contains eight rooms, and willseat five hundred pupils.

Humboldt school, northwest corner of Twelfth and Locust ; opened November, 1868; six rooms; branch established in 1875, Eleventh and Locust, three rooms; total, nine rooms; will seat five hundred and forty pupils.

Central school, southeast corner Eleventh and Locust, was purchased in June, 1869; enlarged in 1875 to nine rooms, and will seat four hundred pupils.

Franklin school, northeast corner Fourteenth and Jefferson ; opened October, 1868; seven rooms, and will seat four hundred and twenty pupils.

Lincoln school, Ninth street; opened November, 1869; removed in 1878 to Eleventh and Campbell'; six rooms, and will seat four hundred pupils.

Benton school, northeast corner Thirteenth and Liberty; erected in 1870 and enlarged in 1871; eight rooms, and will seat four hundred and eighty pupils.

Woodland school, eastern part of the district; erected 1871 ; opened in November, 1871 ; four rooms, and will seat two hundred and forty pupils.

As will be seen, the work on the school buildings was pushed forward with wonderful rapidity. April, i868, the Washington school was ready for the admission of pupils, and before the close of the year the Humboldt and Central schools were ready for occupancy. The Franklin and Lincoln were completed in 1869; the Lathrop, Morse and Benton, in 187 1.

Two changes were made in the Board of Educatioil in 1869-70. The retiring members were Messrs. Bachman and Allen. Messrs. Craig and Karnes were chosen their successors and have remained in the Board ever since.

W. E. Sheffield, President; A A. Bainbridge, Secretary; James Craig, Treasurer; T. B. Lester, Patrick Shannon, J. V. C. Karnes. John R. Phillips, Superintendent.

This school year marks a new era in the history and progress of the schools. Prior to the organization in September. Prof. John R. Phillips was elected Superintendent, which position he filled till August, 1874.

The work in the school-rooms was now molded into definite form. Classification and grading, which had been sadly neglected, were enforced at the beginning of the first term ; the teachers were required to adhere as nearly as possible to the tabulated courses of study. History of the United States and the elements of Physiology were now taught for the first time since the organization of the schools. Notwithstanding the one-sided culture which the pupils had received in former years, the close of the year found the schools in a prosperous condition. The number of pupils enrolled was 3,034 ; average number belonging, 2,671 ; average daily attendance, 1,388; per cent, of attendance, 83.

The statistics of this year show that it was one of decided progress and increased prosperity. The number of pupils was larger, the attendance more regular and punctual, the discipline more healthy and judicious, the instruction more exact and thorough than during any preceding year ; enumeration of school children was 4,046; the enrollment, 3,866; the average number belonging, 2,237 ; the average daily attendance, 2,049, ^i^d the percentage of attendance 91. The number of teachers employed was 42.

The total number of persons in the district of school age was 5,850; the enrollment, 4,042; average number belonging, 2,295; average daily attendance, 2,036; number of teachers employed, 50; percentage of attendance, 91.

The course of study received some modifications this year. Too much prominence had been given to Geography, and it was discontinued in the two highest grades and Botany introduced instead, which alternated with History of the United States. Some little progress was thought to have been made in vocal music, under a special teacher. The regular teachers, so it appears from the published report of this year, had, with few exceptions, not encouraged the music teacher in his labors.

Drawing had a worse fate than music. The instruction was not systematic and therefore unproductive of practical results. Superintendent Phillips said: ' ' I see no remedy except in employing a thoroughly competent special teacher to superintendent and direct the teaching of mechanical and object drawing in all the schools."

No report of the schools was published from 1872 to 1874. The superintendent preserved some of the statistics, which indicate continued progress in the quantity and quality of the work. Public sentiment in favor of the schools was forming and crystallizing, and whatever opposition there had once been was rapidly dying out. An effort was made during this period to teach "object lessons " after the plan proposed by Mr. Sheldon. The results in the lower grades were not satisfactory, and the work in this direction was virtually abandoned.

When the Board was organized in September, 1872, W. E. Sheffield was elected President; James Craig, Secretary, and J. V. C. Karnes, Treasurer. The other members were T. K. Hanna, Henry R. Seeger and Joseph Feld. John R. Phillips, Superintendent.

The enumeration of school children in 1872 was 6,198, of whom 4,138 were enrolled in the schools. The average number belonging was 2,361; the average daily attendance, 2,034; the percentage of attendance, 90. There were employed 57 teachers, including the special teachers of music and German.

The school year of 1873-4 produced the following changes in the Board: Major Henry A. White and Mr. C. A. Chace were elected the successors of W. E. Sheffield and Joseph Feld, the retiring members. The only change in the officers was that Henry A. White was elected President. The Secretary and Treasurer were re-elected.

teach year the schools continued to improve. The pupils were more regular in their attendance, better discipline was maintained, and there was a perceptible improvement in methods of instruction.

The total number of teachers employed was 56. Enumeration of children of school age, 6,636, a small increase over the preceding year. There were enrolled in the schools, 4,164 pupils; the average number belonging, 2,517; average daily attendance, 2,328; and percentage of attendance, 91.5.

Superintendent John R. Phillips

Supt. Phillips resigned July, 1874, after having charge of the city schools for five years. He found the schools unorganized, ungraded, and each school independent of the others. There was an entire absence of anything like a common unity in the work. He addressed himself dihgently to the reformation of abuses that had crept into the schools, A course of study, such as had the sanction of the best educators of our country, was adopted, embracing seven years for the ward schools and four years for the high school department. As an organizer, Mr. Phillips planned^ and executed well. His entire administration was

In his official relations with the Board of Education and the teachers he was always courteous and gentlemanly. His sense of right and justice were two of the most prominent traits of his character, and he carried these ideas into all the practical duties of life.

November, 1874, after a brief illness. Prof. John R. Phillips died at his residence on Forest avenue. Thus passed away in the prime of his manhood one who had devoted five years to building up of the cause of popular education in Kansas City. His loss was universally deplored by all classes of citizens.

For the school year of 1874-5, the officers of the board were unchanged. Mr. R. H. Hunt and Mr. James Craig were elected to fill the vacancies which occurred in September, 1874. The board thus organized was composed of the following gentlemen : Messrs. H. A. White, President ; J. V. C. Karnes, Secretary; James Craig Treasurer; Thos. K. Hanna, C. A. Chace and R. H. Hunt.

Enumeration of school children April, 1874, was 7,738; and the following year 8,144. The number of pupils enrolled was 4,262, an increase of sixty-six over the previous year. Fifty-five rooms were owned by the district. During the year there were fifty-eight teachers employed in the schools.

Upon taking charge of the schools Mr. Greenwood arranged a syllabus of the course of study that would serve as a guide for the teachers. Using this, the work was systematized in all the grades. Special attention was given to language and composition exercises. To remedy defects in reading the teachers received special drill in phonic analysis. How to teach each branch in the ward schools and how to adapt the instruction to the capacity of the pupils were fully explained at the monthly meetings.

The plan of promoting upon the final examination only was discontinued ; and promotions were made upon the " mean" average of the writteh examinations, the daily work, and the daily deportment record. Excellent results were produced in the schools, and greater incentives to good conduct established. Selfcontrol became an important factor in school management.

The school year opened favorably. Messrs. Hanna and White retired, and Mr. Henry Switzer and Mr. E. L. Martin were elected their successors.

Organization September, 1875 Statistics

Total number of persons, between six and twenty years of age, 7,126; total enrollment of pupils in the schools, 4,301 ; number of teachers, 60. During the summer the Central school building was erected. The total expenditures for all purposes per treasurer's report, was $87,262.98.

I. The teacher must understand the entire nature of the pupil to be educated - physically, morally, intellectually, socially and esthetically.

The work of the year was quite satisfactory. Decided improvement in teaching some of the branches was made, and the instruction in other branches more thorough, systematic and rational than ever before. Reading was better taught, and there appeared to be much greater interest taken in the subject than formerly. The reading of the pupils was, generally, natural, the articulation plain and distinct, and there seemed to be an earnest desire on the part of teachers and pupils to express the sentiments and feelings of the author in appropriate language.

Perhaps one of the marked improvements was in teaching Geography. This subject in nearly all the schools was brought to a fair degree of perfection.

The year before, the first attempt was made to teach writing on a scientific basis. Most cheerfully the teachers made the effort, and the rapid progress of the pupils surpassed all expectations.

Drawing received considerable attention ; many pupils made wonderful progress. As a means of cultivating the hand, the eye, the imagination, the taste to appreciate the artistic in painting, sculpture, architecture, and designs of all kinds, drawing is invaluable.

During the year a public library, to be under the immediate supervision of the board, and to be as permanent as any other department of the school system, was established. In aid of this movement three entertainments were given by the principals of the Lathrop, Humboldt and Washington schools, from which was realized $446. 50, and to this was added the very handsome sum of $490, given by the patriotic ladies of the Centennial Association. From this beginning, together with the many contributions from the citizens, the foundation of a library was laid which will greatly increase the efficiency of our schools, and exert a direct influence on the prosperity of our city. The library was opened November, 1876, with a thousand volumns of choice works on the shelves.

The school population was 8,303; the total enrollment of pupils 4,334, instructed by 58 teachers. Instruction in the German language was discontinued in the District Schools but retained in the Central school.

The financial condition of the district steadily improved. In the schools themselves everything was most satisfactory, and it was undoubtedly the most successful year since the organization of the schools, its workings becoming better understood by the people, and they lent a hearty support. In every department there has been the most perfect harmony, and one aim has seemingly prompted all alike, and that was for the greatest possible efficiency and progress.

necessity, and the demand has been constantly increasing. There are now in the library about two thousand volumes, embracing every line of reading and investigation.

During the year the work of the board had been very pleasant. Not a single disturbing element from within, and but few complaints have come from without. The fame of the schools, their harmony and efficiency, has gone abroad, and that the educational growth is considered as marvelous as the commercial prosperity of the city.

Owing to a change in the school law the Board was not re-organized till April 1878. The only change in the officers that occurred was that Mr. E. L.- Martin was elected Treasurer and Mr. James Craig General Agent.

On June 14, 1878, the public schools of Kansas City closed their eleventh year. From a small and doubtful beginning in the fall of 1867, they steadily grew in usefulness and prosperity until, with much pride and satisfaction, we can fairly say that they were now unsurpassed by any system of public instruction in the west. This high ground had been reached after much care and effort. To maintain this high standard it was necessary to ignore all sectarian and political influence, to preserve entire harmony in all the departments, and in the election of teachers to disregard all favoritism, and employ only those of the broadest culture and most extended experience.

The past year had been one of unusual success. There had been no disturbances of any kind. The teachers vied with one another in the full discharge of their important duties, and as an evidence of their efficiency and fidelity, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, and with the concurrence of every member of the Board, the entire corps, without a single exception were all re-elected.

The school census shows the enumeration of persons of school age in the district to be ir,325, and the enrollment of pupils in school is 5,259, taught by sixty-two teachers.

The rapid growth of the city rendered it necessary that increased school accommodations should be provided, and during the summer vacation additions were made to the Franklin and Humboldt school buildings, thus furnishing eight new and commodious rooms at a total cost of $8,640 ; but the crowded condition of the schools still remained a subject of constant and anxious consideration of the Board. All the schools were literally packed full of children, yet the entire working of the school system was highly satisfactory.

Since the last annual report, another school year has come and gone. This period has been marked by more than the usual changes in the educational management, the most important of which have been in the organization of the board' On October 31, 1879, James Craig, having removed from the State, resigned the office of director, which he had held continuously since December 2, 1869; and, on April 29, 1880, Henry Switzer died, leaving vacant the. directorship he had likewise held continuously since September 21, 1875. Both of these were men of efficiency, thoroughly devoted to the work of establishing and perfecting the public school system in our city. Their loss will be long felt by the community, and their memories deserve to be, and will be enshrined in the affections of a grateful people. Of these positions, the former was filled by the appointment and subsequent election of Gen. Frank Askew, and the latter by the appointment of Henry C. Kumpf, Esq. , both of whom have been long and favorably known to our citizens. Mr. Craig had likewise been the business agent of the board for several years, and, upon his retirement, J. W. Perkins, late principal of the Washington school, was engaged to fill the place. He resigned recently and W. E. Benson, late city clerk, was secured for the "position which he now holds and fills most acceptably. With these exceptions, the board remains as heretofore.

There was an increased enumeration of children this year over last of three thousand, eight hundred and fifty, (3,850,) making it necessary to greatly extend the school facilities. For that purpose, at the spring election, there was voted a twomill tax for building purposes. The collection of this was anticipated and fourteen additional rooms were erected. This was accomplished by the erection of the Karnes school on Troost avenue, between Third and Fourth streets; by adding to the Lathrop, Woodland and Lincoln buildings, and by the purchase of a house in West Kansas, designed temporarily, for a branch of the Lincoln school. Year by year the schools grow in favor ; the per cent, of attendance is larger ; the city is doubling itself every decade ; the proportion of children to taxable wealth is very great ; so under these circumstances, how to meet the pressing demands is a question of no ordinary importance.

The school work of the past year has been entirely satisfactory. Every year is an improvement on the previous one. Our educational growth is keeping pace with our commercial. The people in their wise action, have directed the exclusion of all sectarian or political influences, and so the current of educational life flows smoothly on, widening and deepening as it flows. Our course of instruction is not so comprehensive as that attempted in many places, but that which is undertaken is well done, and the preparation for useful, intelligent citizenship is now within the reach of every child in this city.

The same unity of feeling pervades every department that has characterized the school management for years past. The people at all times have accorded a hearty support. From the day the public school system was established in this city, no step has been taken backward, and there is every reason to expect a continuance of this increasing prosperity.

The schools closed June 9, 1881, after having completed the most prosperous year's work since their organization. For seven years the utmost harmony has prevailed in every department - the Board of Education, the Superintendent, and teachers - all having worked unceasingly to bring the schools to the highest degree of perfection. From sixteen teachers in 1867, the corps has increased till at present it numbers one hundred and three earnest and faithful workers. Complete preparations have been made to furnish and equip sixteen additional rooms during the present summer so that they will be ready for occupancy when the schools ope.n in September.

Under the skillful financial management of the Board, all claims of whatsoever character have been promptly paid on demand, and the entire business for the last six years has been conducted on a cash basis.

In 1873 the first class, consisting of four members, graduated from the Central school, and a class has graduated every year since. The total number of graduates is 136, of whom forty-three are males.

usefulness and importance, and to attend to it properly required so much of the Superintendent's time from his other duties, that the Board last March employed Mrs. Carrie W. Judson as librarian and to perform such clerical duties at the office of the Board of Education as the Superintendent might direct. The library, is now kept open every day and its duties promptly attended to.