Lafayette County, Missouri - Chapter 9: Educational Interests Schools and Colleges, 1910

Chapter 9: Educational Interests Schools and Colleges

"Knowledge is power," and this was early realized by the pioneer settlers who braved the storms and trials of the period from 1820 to 1840 in Lafayette county. As a result of the foundation stones laid by these intelligent and far-sighted pioneers, the present generation has the splendid educational facilities that it enjoys.

The date of the first schools within Lafayette county hovers around 1820. It was in 1817 that settlement was effected a few miles to the west of the present town of Waverly. Those who located there, to build homes for themselves, were Littleberry Estes, John Evans, a Mr. Hyde, a Mr. Russell and a few more whose names are now forgotten to the oldest inhabitant. The settlers came in mostly from Madison county, Kentucky. It matters but little just where the first school was taught, or by whom. It only matters about how early did the pioneer band in this part of Missouri take measures to provide schools for their children. By some it has long been claimed that the first school was taught by a son of the above pioneer Estes in the winter of 1819-20, while by others, just as positively, it is claimed that the first school was taught by Benjamin Gooch, in 1820, in what was called the Bedwell school house, two miles east of Lexington, on the old Dover road. Be this as it may, the time of establishing schools was about the year 1820.

The early schools were the two already named and the following : One taught by John Drummond in 1823-24, which was about two miles farther out from Lexington than the one taught by Joseph Farrar in 1822; James Warren taught in 1822 in the John Catron neighborhood; Col. John Stapp, later a county judge, taught, in 1828-29, at the Swift school house; James Frances taught in or near Old Lexington, in 1829-30; Dr. A. T. Buck taught the earliest grammar school in Lafayette county, in the old log court house in Lexington; Judge James Pearson taught one or two years prior to 1830 in the Warder vicinity; William Spratt taught, in 1833, four miles east of Lexington, in the Catron settlement. These facts have been sifted down from history, record and tradition by such good authorities as William H. Chiles, John Catron, Dr. William A. Gordon and Rev. Joseph Warder.

I98 Lafayette County, Missouri

known, oft-used term in America prior to 1840. The buildings, like the cabin homes of the patrons, were built from round logs. The floor was simply the earth, well pounded down. The seats were made from slabs, with pegs inserted in auger holes for legs. The building was sometimes lighted with a single window and some had greased paper as a substitute for glass. They were heated by the old-fashioned mud-chimney fireplace. In these buildings hung the "master's lash," which was too frequently used to be enjoyed by the erring youth who dared to disobey the many hardto-keep rules of the instructor. "The Hoosier Schoolmaster," by Edward Eggleston, might have been written in Missouri, as easily as in Indiana!

In these schools the teacher was usually paid the sum of one dollar per month for each scholar, and boarded around from one house to another. It was a purely private enterprise, by which the schoolmaster made his living. The community, however, always favored such educational plans, by furnishing as good a log school house as was within their means. These buildings were also used for religious services, for be it remembered that a majority of the settlers who came in from beyond the Mississippi river, to make homes for themselves, did not (as has by some historians been claimed) "leave their religion in the East." Each new settlement of fifteen or more families had its own subscription school privileges, and no special improvement was made for nearly twenty years. In these schools only reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic were taught. Writing was done by means of a goose-quill pen, and often pokeberry juice was used for ink, the "copies" being set by the teacher, whose penmanship was sometimes good and sometimes not so good !

It is found by research that by 1836 Dover got to "puttin' on airs" and had a school house with a puncheon floor, and in other ways was quite in advance of the other sections of Lafayette county. For this reason, that school was termed the "Dover Academy." It was taught by John A. Tutt, and became so largely attended that he had to have an assistant. There were also taught grammar, geography, natural philosophy, geometry, and even an attempt at trigonometry. The pupils paid a dollar for the "common branches" and as high as two dollars and a half for the "higher branches." Doctor Gordon, later of Lexington, taught there, after attending the school.

The Aull Fund

John Aull, a well-known and, for that day, well-to-do citizen of Lexington, made his will on May 2, 1838, and he died in February, 1842, just four years from the day he made his will. It contained this bequest :

"I give, devise and bequeath in trust to the county court of Lafayette county, in the state of Missouri, the sum of one thousand dollars, to be loaned out by said court on real estate security, of ample value and free from all incumbrance - and the interest carrying therefrom to be applied under the direction of said court to pay the tuition or education" of orphan or poor children under the age of sixteen years, at or within two miles of the county seat of said county."

He also gave the same amounts from his estate to Ray, Clay and Jackson counties. This accounts for what at one time seemed a mysterious thing in the school fund reports of the county, for later it was placed in the public school fund, where it was designated as the "Aull Fund."

Early School Statistics

It appears from the state records that the public school came into prominence about 1840, as the first apportionment was sent to the state superintendent by J. L. Minor in January, 1842, and this shows the following array of facts for the various districts that reported, though it is certain that the county had more school districts at that date than is here shown :

According to the printed report of the state superintendent in 1871, it is seen that the county had eighty-two sub-districts. There were seventysix school houses, six brick, sixty-three frame and seven log. The total number of white children was 7,388; colored children, 1,286; total, 8,674. All were in public schools except 601, who attended private schools. Average wages for male teachers, $55.11 ; female, $39.28.

Ten years later the record discloses the fact that Lafayette was keeping pace with her sister counties. She then (in 1881) had one hundred and six houses in which school was taught ; had ninety white and nineteen colored schools in operation. The wages, be it said with regret, had not advanced, but had been reduced, - men getting forty dollars and women thirty-one dollars. But in all other ways the schools were in a superior condition. The rate levied for school purposes was then thirty-three cents on every hundred dollars worth of property. The cost per pupil, per day, was eight cents.

Lexington schools, in 1909, had an enrollment of 1,254; teachers employed, 28; average daily attendance, 976; in high school, 129; average wages paid, $46.64; assessed valuation of district, $1,500,000.

Corder schools - Enrollment, 231 ; average attendance, 190; teachers employed, 5; average wages paid, $51.80; levy on one hundred dollars, $1.05; assessed valuation of district, $296,400.

Wellington schools - Teachers employed, 4; average wages paid, $47.56; enrollment, 180; assessed valuation of district, $190,000; levy on a hundred dollars worth of property, seventy cents.

Concordia schools - Enrollment, 126; teachers employed, 3; average in wages, $66.30; district valuation, $300,000; levy thirty cents on a hundred dollars.

Dover schools - Enrollment, 81; teachers employed, 3; average wages, $42.50; district valuation, $165,000; levy on a hundred dollars, sixty-five cents.

Napoleon schools - Enrollment, 71 ; teachers employed, 2 ; average wages paid, $41.75; valuation of district, $49,000; levy on a hundred dollars, eighty-five cents.

The total number of school houses in the county was 103 for white children and 15 for colored children. Of these buildings, 12 were constructed of brick. The number of pupils was 5,483 white and 694 colored, - making a total of 6,177. Of these, 1 10 graduated in the state course of study.

The average daily attendance was 4,859. Estimated value of all school property, $200,000. Average monthly wages for men teachers, $76; average for women, $45. Number of teachers employed in county, 173. Amount paid for teachers' wages, $68,000. Average levy on every hundred dollars of taxable property for school purposes, sixty-five cents. Total number of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one in county, 9,145, of which 1,066 were colored persons. Total number of school districts in Lafayette county, 99.

Recently the rural schools of the county have been organized under close supervision of the county superintendent, with a course of study from which pupils can graduate and go directly to the high schools of the county, without further preparation or loss of time.

The teachers, patrons of the schools and school boards are taking more interest in the work of making good, efficient schools for the rural districts than has ever been seen in the history of the state.

From 1866 to 1873 'n Missouri there existed a school law which provided for a county school superintendent, but at the last named date it was repealed and each township had its school officers and there was a school commissioner system, which was anything but a good thing for the educational advantages of the county. After much discussion, pro and con, in the Legislature for over thirty years, the present system was brought about. Now the people elect a highly competent educator to look after the general school interests and instruct the teachers in many ways. The present school law went into effect in 1909 and is giving the best of satisfaction.

Chapel Hill College

No history of Lafayette county would be considered in any way complete in the treatment of the educational institutions once existing within its borders, if it failed to mention something concerning "Chapel Hill'' and her illustrious alumni.

The present generation knows but little, if indeed anything, of this once famous educational institution, where many of the men who have made Missouri famous obtained their education and which was destroyed during the terrible Civil war fought between the years 1861 and 1865.

About the year 1840 Archibald Wellington Ridings, a scholarly man, who was born in Surry county, North Carolina, in 1815, came to Missouri and located on a large farm lying in both Johnson and Lafayette counties, just three miles east of the Jackson county line. On a beautiful and commanding ridge on the Lafayette side, but only one hundred yards from the Johnson county line, Mr. Ridings built a comfortable home and had numerous cabins for his negro servants. This picturesque point overlooked the beautiful valley of the Blackwater creek almost its entire course through Johnson county - indeed, the source of this stream is a fine spring in a shady dale at the foot of the ridge upon which this able pioneer built his home and where later was the big stone college which should ever perpetuate his name, for be it understood that in his day and generation Mr. Ridings might well be likened to Horace Mann for his educational qualifications and what he accomplished for the great, busy world in which he moved as a leading spirit. There remains at the present day on that lonely and now quite silent spot nothing to mark or suggest the location of the once noted Chapel Hill College, save possibly a heap of stones long ago moss-covered and overgrown with brambles. And there is nothing to mark the old townsite, but a church, a store and a few residences.

Mr. Ridings, the eminent founder of this educational institution, was educated at Chapel Hill, the State University of North Carolina, so he named his school in the then new West after his alma mater. He began with but one student and the commencement of this school came about in this way : Soon after the founder came to Missouri he was happily married to Mary J. Stapp, a sister of Senator F. M. Cockrell's first wife. Milton Stapp, a youth of seventeen and a brother of Mrs. Ridings, was fond of hunting and on one of their journeys in pursuit of game he accidentally wounded himself in the leg. The limb was so shattered it had to be amputated. Thus maimed, the bright lad had to abandon his usual pursuits and pleasures, so his considerate brother-in-law, Mr. Ridings, determined to give him a thorough education. There were no good schools near, so he took upon himself the task of teaching the boy. After a while, as was natural, this method became somewhat monotonous to the lad, so, to keep him interested and content, his teacher told him to ask two or three of his friends to join him in his studies. At the close of the session in the spring, Mr. Ridings, who was a "gentleman of leisure," was so interested in his new occupation that he told his pupils to bring with them in September any friends who desired an education. They took him at his word and accompanying the boys in the fall were ten others. It may be that the big-hearted tutor got more than he bargained for, but he never said so. A room in the spacious home was set apart and furnished as a school room.

From this small beginning developed the Chapel Hill College. In the early forties a school building became necessary to accommodate the rapidly increasing numbers of students, and a large two-story stone structure was erected upon the most sightly location on the ridge. The dormitories for the students were two-room cottages, with porches in front, scattered about the campus and adjacent lots. These were for male students only. The girls - and there were many of these, as this was a mixed school - boarded with private families in the neighborhood.

ing fact in connection with the history of this college was the item of living expenses. Lodging, board and washing and candles (this being long before kerosene or electric lights were thought of) cost the students one dollar and twenty-five cents a week. And it was board "fit for a king," too. Turkeys, wild and tame ; chickens, game, spare-ribs, sausage, old ham and oodles of rich cream, milk and other good things. But then it must be understood that turkeys sold for twenty-five and thirty cents each; chicken, ten cents; pork, two and a half cents, and butter at ten cents, so really it cost little to feed the inner man. Just what the tuition was is not now a matter of record.

A brother of A. W. Ridings and the father of Mrs. P. L. Fulkerson, of Lexington, Missouri, lived in a very large house in the vicinity of Chapel Hill. He had a great many colored servants (slaves), so he was induced to furnish board and lodging for the girl students. Sometimes there were thirty or forty boarders in that home in one term.

After the institution was fairly launched as a college the faculty consisted of the president and ten professors. The Rev. C. G. McPherson was its first president. He was succeeded after four years by the Rev. Robert D. Morrow. Later, the chair was occupied by Dr. William Washington Suddath, and his successor was the Rev. George V. Ridley. All these were men of thorough education and well known divines.

In all this time Mr. Ridings remained in the college as one of the instructors. Senator Cockrell, who graduated there, taught Greek and Latin one year after his graduation. Milton Stapp, in whose interest the school began, taught mathematics many years in the college.

Chapel Hill College soon passed into the hands of the Cumberland Presbyterian church synod and many eminent ministers of that denomination were educated there. It meant something to get a diploma from this fine old school. The curriculum was thorough and conducted by able professors. It was the largest school in western Missouri, if not indeed in the entire state at that day. In his zeal, his unswerving efforts in the upbuilding of Chapel Hill College and his substantial assistance where it was most needed, the Rev. Albert Moore may be called one of its founders. Certainly, he can be numbered among the great and truly good men who gave, unremunerated and unstinted, their influence and help for the promotion of the institution. This man was the father of Gen. Milton Moore and John Moore, of Kansas City.

Some Of The Eminent Graduates

Here are named a few of the many graduates of Chapel Hill : Milton Stapp and Senator F. M. Cockrell have already been named. Then came the sons of Rev. Albert Moore, Governor John S. Marmaduke and his brother,

Col. Vincent Marmaduke ; Colonel Bledsoe, of the famous "Bledsoe Battery" ; Dr. John D. Wood ; the late Joseph W. Mercer, of Independence ; the late Col. John T. Crisp ; the Rev. Dr. Hong and Rev. James Dalton, of Warrensburg, and the Rev. G. L. Wood, of Belton. Lee W. Jack, of Warrensburg, who can proudly boast that he is a part and parcel x>f Chapel Hill College, being connected by birth or marriage with each of the fine old families of that once noted neighborhood, was a student at the college with a few interruptions for six years, entering in 1850. Mr. Jack's mother was a sister of Mrs. Ridings, Mrs. W. W. Sudduth, Prof. Milton Stapp and the first wife of Senator Cockrell. A brother of L. W. Jack, John W., and a sister, Mary Jack Brook, were students at this college. W. A. Almond, of Gainsville, Texas, and Joseph Ward also spent some years there. Among the young women students were : Miss Kitty Renick, Miss Mary E. Wilson, of Bates county, who married Rev. Hong; Miss Lou Davis, Miss Mary Jennie Ridings and Miss Lucy Hall.

Many Indians and Mexicans attended school at Chapel Hill. Jose Watrous, a Spanish boy, was sent to Chapel Hill when he was but ten years old and remained twelve years, when he left the college an ordained preacher of the Presbyterian church.

Destruction Of Chapel Hill College

Monday night, March 26, 1863, the famous old college buildings were set on fire and destroyed by vandals inspired by partisan hatred. No one saw the persons who perpetrated this wicked work, but suspicion pointed only one way. The Civil war was at its height at this time, so no effort to rebuild the institution could be considered. After hostilities ceased, there was too much want and general desolation in the stricken state to admit of endeavor to build anything of a public nature. Homes had to be restored and life begun anew, especially in the rural districts of the border counties. Other institutions of learning lured students elsewhere and sealed the fate for all time of old Chapel Hill College.

Though he was compelled to witness the passing of the excellent school, upon the upbuilding of which he had spent his best years and efforts, the spirit of Archibald Wellington Ridings was undaunted. He was the moving spirit in the location of the normal school at Warrensburg, which is a fitting and enduring monument to his memory.

Wentworth Military Academy

Lexington boasts not alone of her excellent female colleges, but also has an excellent military academy, the origin of which was the outcome of a sor- row and a well-tempered philanthropic spirit upon the part of its founder, Stephen G. Wentworth, of Lexington. Mr. Wentworth had a son named William, who was born in Lexington December 30, 1852, and when fifteen years of age united with the Presbyterian church and was a devoted Christian. For five years he was acting teller in the well-known Morrison- Wentworth Bank, but his health failed and after spending some time in the milder climate of far-away Texas, he returned to his native place and on May 2, 1879, passed from earth's shining circle. This deeply affected his father, who decided to make a thank-offering in way of some public benefaction in memory of his beloved son. After looking the field over well, he concluded to found a male academy in Lexington. In 1878 the First Presbyterian church of Lexington dissolved its organization and Mr. Wentworth bought their house of worship, on the corner of Elm and North streets, for two thousand five hundred dollars (the original cost being eleven thousand dollars), with the view of founding a male academy. In September, 1880, a school was opened in this building, under the name of "Wentworth Male Academy." In September, 1879, Prof. B. L. Hobson had opened in Lexington a select school for boys, but he merged his plans with Mr. Wentworth's and associated himself with Prof. Sandford Sellers; they conducted the school one year, when Professor Hobson retired on account of failing health.

"Now therefore, we the undersigned, S. G. Wentworth and William G. McCausland, of the Presbyterian church ; Henry C. Wallace, of the Missionary Baptist church; Edward Winsor, of the Methodist Episcopal church South; George M. Catron, of the Christian church; William F. Kerdolfr", Sr., of the Episcopal church, and Benjamin D. Weedin, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, hereby constitute ourselves, our associates and successors, a body corporate and politic under the name of the 'Wentworth Male Academy' for the period of nine hundred and ninety-nine years from and after the date hereof, subject to renewals and extensions, and vested with all the rights, immunities, powers and privileges granted to educational associations under article ten of chapter twenty-one of the revised statutes of Missouri of 1879."

All denominations were to be admitted, but the institution was always to be instructed by Christian men. The first annual catalog was issued in July, 1 88 1, and showed a roll of fifty-three students. Prof. Sanford Sellers, A. M., was principal; Prof. A. W. Payne, assistant; S. G. Wentworth, president board of trustees ; George M. Catron, secretary ; William F. Kerdolff, treasurer. In addition to the academy building, Mr. Wentworth also pur- chased a house two squares farther west, at the corner of Oak and North streets, commonly called College street, for the academy boarding house, which had for its matron a devoted Christian woman.

The success of the school was assured from the first and in a short time it had outgrown its rooms and grounds, when its generous founder donated more grounds. The present buildings and twelve acres of land on which they stand comprise a part of the old Lexington battle ground of Civil war days. In 1901 it was stated "that on these campus grounds where the States met and fought, over one hundred students, from eighteen states and Old Mexico, now gather daily at the call of the bugle and learn the art that has made the parade ground historic."

The growth of this school has forced a recognition from the state of Missouri and it has made it a part of the National Guard system, in 1889, commissioning its graduates and thus giving it a relationship to West Point Military Academy. The United States has for years made Wentworth Military Academy one of the one hundred military institutions to which a detail of an army officer, and also the furnishing of ordnance and stores without cost to the school have been made. During the days of the Spanish-American war, many men and officers went forth for service from this academy. Graduates from Wentworth have gone forth to enter the chief universities in the country and have won honors as both scientific and classical students. A diploma from here admits to many high grade educational institutions in the United States.

In June, 1910, there were enrolled in this Academy two hundred and nineteen students. The trustees at this date are : Judge Richard Field, president; Walter B. Waddell, secretary; Judge William G. McCausland, treasurer; Captain W. D. Rankin, Judge John E. Burden, Judge Benjamin D. Weedin, J. O. Lesueur. The officers of inspection in 1909-10 were: Capt. P. D. Lockridge, general staff United States Army ; Adjutant-Gen. F. M. Rumbold, Missouri National Guard; J. D. Elliff. A. B., A. M., inspector for the Missouri State University.

The roster of students by states in the last catalog shows : Central America, 1; Colorado, 12; Illinois, 12; Indiana, 1; Iowa, 7; Kansas, 32; Louisiana, 2; Old Mexico. 4; Mississippi, 1; Missouri, 92; Nebraska, 8; Oklahoma, 46; Wisconsin, 1 ; total, 219.

The Buildings And Grounds

The buildings include a spacious armory hall, fifty by eighty feet in size, in which drills are conducted in inclement weather. The buildings are all of solid brick masonry, except the armory hall. The whole institution has the modern advantages of hot and cold water, bath, closets, hot water heating system, electricity and gas for illuminating purposes. The grounds, including the farm near the depot, embrace nearly sixty-five acres, well elevated and drained, also nicely covered with a rich growth of blue grass and adorned with handsome shade trees. In 1908 there was constructed a new set of buildings additional to the others named. This includes a brick structure, thirty by one hundred and eight feet, three stories high, modeled after the government school at West Point. The amount expended two years ago for buildings and additional grounds and equipment was forty thousand dollars, while last year fifteen thousand dollars was spent in the purchase of fifty acres more land.

Starting as a small day school, with only a local patronage, a uniform growth has continued through various stages of development and experiment until grounds, buildings and equipment, comparing favorably with the best military schools in the country, have been secured and until an attendance has been reached equaled by only a few military schools in the United States.

Capt. G. B. Pritchard, Jr., Fifth Cavalry, U. S. A., has been detailed as military instructor and entered upon his duties in January, 19 10. He is a thorough graduate of West Point Military Academy, of the class of 1895, served through the Spanish-American war and is doing excellent work - that designed by the war department at Washington.

It may be added, that this is not now an individual enterprise, but is incorporated and belongs to a board of trustees. It has no debt whatever and these facts insure its permanence.

Lexington Masonic College

In pursuance of a benevolent purpose of the Masons of Missouri the grand lodge of the state in 1843 purchased all the property of Marion College, in Marion county, consisting of thirteen hundred acres of land and a suitable college building. The institution was incorporated under the name of the Masonic College the same year by an act of the Legislature. The faculty consisted the first year of Worthington Smith, grand master of the grand lodge of Virginia, and Archibald Patterson. The school grew and soon Professor Patterson was promoted from the preparatory department to the chair of mathematics, the vacancy being filled by Mr. Hollingsworth. With this faculty, the school continued until 1846, when the grand lodge determined to remove to Lexington, where the people had subscribed thirty-one thousand dol- lars to secure its location. In 1847 the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies conducted by Grand Master Joseph Foster. On July II, 1848, during the session of the grand lodge in Lexington, the building was dedicated. Two hundred Masons, two hundred Sons of Temperance, six hundred and fifty Sunday school children and more than two thousand ladies and gentlemen walked in the procession which marched from the court house. The following is quoted from a contemporaneous account by an eye-witness : "Upon arriving at the college the various members of the procession placed themselves immediately in front, while the fraternity marched into the building and received it from the hands of the committee. They then returned to the portico, the grand master occupying the center, the grand chaplain, grand secretary and other officers on either side, and the other members on the stone steps below. The services were commenced by singing a verse of a hymn, followed by an appropriate prayer by the grand chaplain. Another verse was sung, when the grand master, in the name of the Great Jehovah, dedicated the building to the cause of virtue. This was followed by the elevation and clapping of hands, the public demonstration of Masonic honors ; another verse was sung and the edifice was dedicated in the name of St. John. The same demonstration followed and again, after another verse was sung, it was dedicated in the name of the Masonic fraternity throughout the world. The procession then formed and went to the grove, where hundreds awaited their arrival. After some measure of order and quiet was obtained, prayer was offered by the grand chaplain. The marshal then introduced the orator of the day, A. L. Slayback, to the enormous concourse of waiting hearers, or rather spectators, which a large portion of us were compelled to be."

A description of the building by the same writer is in part as follows : "It is a neat and substantially built edifice, fifty-seven feet front by eighty feet deep, with a basement of hewn stone, and two other stories of brick. The front, which is made in imitation of stone, is in the Grecian Ionic style, with four fluted columns with their appropriate caps and entabulatures. In the center of the tympanum, protected by the corona of the pediment, stands in bold relief the letter "G," the great initial of the fraternity. On either side is that consoling emblem of universality, the sprig of evergreen. The frieze and architrone are each ornamented with appropriate Masonic emblems. The basement contains a chapel twenty-eight by forty-eight feet; on each of the other floors a wide hall runs through, with rooms on either side for recitation and other college purposes. The grounds contain a little more than six acres, wholly unimproved, but they will doubtless present a very beautiful appearance and be adorned by the skill of man."

On the next day the grand lodge elected the first faculty for the college here. It consisted of: Hon. Wilkins P. Fannehill, of Nashville, president; Archibald Patterson, professor of mathematics; William Cameron, of Virginia, professor of the preparatory department. Fannehill declined the presidency and the board of curators elected Dr. H. Sherwood, former president of Shertliff College, Illinois, who served one year. He was succeeded by Dr. C. G. McPherson, who served one year. Prof. F. L. B. Shaver, principal of the preparatory department during the session of 1849-50, was elected presi- . dent in 1850 and served three years. For the next two years Archibald Patterson, professor of mathematics, presided over the institution as president pro tern. William T. Davis, principal of the preparatory department from September, 1852, was elected president in 1855, and continued in that office until the college closed its doors in June, 1859. Professor Patterson was with the school continuously from 1843 to 1855, when he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas P. Akers, afterward member of Congress from this district. Professor Cameron remained with the school until 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Sudduth, who continued until the end. The principals of the preparatory department were in order of succession as follows : Cameron, Davis, D. C. Allen, John E. Ryland, Rev. Geo. K. Dunlop. Besides these several special lecturers were engaged in the departments of chemistry, geology and philosophy - Dr. J. B. Alexander, Dr. William H. Ruffin and Dr. J. Bull.

In the early days of this school trial was made of the under-graduates as assistants in the preparatory department, and while the work of these students - "pupil teachers" - met with the approbation of the college faculty, the plan was not popular w'th the patrons at large and was speedily discontinued.

From the very beginning the college supported two flourishing literary societies, the Erodelphian and the Philologian. Their public exercises at the close of sessions in February and July were considered events of quite as much importance as those of graduating day.

In 1850 Professor Patterson was sent East by the grand lodge to purchase material for the equipment of laboratories of physiological and chemical apparatus, for which the curators paid the sum of six hundred and sixty-five dollars.

The subscriptions of Lexington citizens given to secure the location of the college here were more than sufficient to purchase the land and erect the building. The support of the college was expected to come from tuition fees and from assessments upon the Masons throughout the state. These assessments proved unpopular, and resort was had to the popular, but mistaken, policy of so many colleges half a century ago - that of selling scholarships to (14) provide endowments. At considerable expense, about thirty thousand dollars worth of these scholarships were sold and as the sales were conditioned upon the sale of a minimum sum of fifty thousand dollars, the grand lodge of Mis- \ souri. in July. 1852, assumed the remaining twenty thousand dollars. But the sale of scholarships served to drain the tuition income, and soon the college was in a dangerous financial condition. The old Masonic College property was sold in 1850 for four thousand dollars, to be paid in six annual installments. This was a heavy loss. The Masons of the state grew restless under assessments. An appeal was made to Congress for a donation of public lands, but the appeal was not heard. Finally the college closed its doors in 1859 and the enterprise was abandoned - an interesting enterprise, for it was the first Masonic college in the world. Several other States - chiefly Southern states - followed the example of Missouri in establishing Masonic colleges, mostly for men. but at last, in 1851, Texas established one for women. All of them, it is believed, have failed.

In May, i860, the grand lodge of Missouri appointed a committee of three to secure the proper legislation for the transfer of the property to the state of Missouri for school purposes. The act was passed and approved in May, 1861, but the transfer was not made until May, 1866. Therefore the state made an appropriation of three thousand dollars per annum for the maintenance of a military institute, and fifteen thousand dollars for the improvement of the buildings, which had been greatly damaged by the war. How unfaithfully the work was done may be inferred from the report of the committee of the Legislature in 1.870. It was reported on the floor of the House that no school had been held for the past few years, that about two hundred dollars had been spent in repairing the building and that the military department consisted of four colored youths, who periodically parade around the dilapidated building. The Legislature forthwith passed an act authorizing the governor, B. Gratz Brown, to deed the property back to the Masonic grand lodge, which was done. On April 18, 1871, the grand lodge deeded the property to the Marvin Female Institute (since Central College), upon conditions as follows : That a first-class institute should be maintained perpetually, without more than two years consecutive intermission; that thirty boys of deceased Masons are to be received annually, free of tuition. The failure of a great farternity and of the state is exchanged for the success of the church.

Eminent Alumni

The alumni of this college included such men of note as follows : United States Senator Stephen B. Elkins, of West Virginia; Thomas B. Catron, of New Mexico ; Alonzo Slayback, Governor John S. Marmaduke ; Judge John

E. Ryland, Samuel Ruffner, Judge Samuel Gilbert, Wilbur F. Boyle, L. Bedsworth, Thomas Scudder, Ranney Brothers, St. Louis business men; Nove brothers, business factors of St. Joseph ; Robert and Richard Keith and many others who have made their mark in life's aims and ambitions.

For the present standing of this school, or rather Central College, which has succeeded the old Masonic College, the reader is referred to the item of "Central College," elsewhere in this book.

Lexington College For Young Women

In February, 185 1, the Lexington Female Collegiate Institute was incorporated by the Missouri Legislature, with a board of trustees composed of members of the Baptist, Methodist. Christian, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches. From its imposing title and its wide appeal for patronage through its board of trustees it may be presumed to have possessed a high ambition. This happened also at the period when Lafayette county, having built a new court house, which is the one now in use, had the old court house and public square, where built, for disposition. This square is the one in East Lexington which is now vacant except that the Baptist mission chapel occupies the southwest corner, and is one of the most beautiful building sites in our city. At that time the court house, which was standing about the center of the block, was a commodious brick main building and a wing, three stories in height and without anything in its architecture suggestive of its use. and was readily convertible into a school building with ample dormitories. The trustees of the budding college purchased from the county this square and building, and adapted it to the use of the institution. The fortunes and history of this school, even if pertinent to this occasion, can hardly be obtained at this late day. Its first president, however, was the Rev. C. G. McPherson, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The school was non-sectarian. Mr. McPherson retired from the presidency in 1854 and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Schenck, a Presbyterian minister, and the school closed its history in 1855. In that year a number of leading Baptists of Lexington, in anticipation of founding a Baptist college to take the place of this "institute." purchased this property for nine thousand dollars and in the same year the Baptist Female College was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature of Missouri, and its work ushered into existence under the charge of Rev. Elijah S. Dulin, its first president. Among the original trustees - twenty-one in number - we find names well known in the history of this city as well as of the church : William B. Watldell and William H. Russell, of the famous freighting firm of Waddell & Russell, the rich men of that day; Joseph McGrew, of the well-known McGrew family ; James Royle, the father of the beloved senior deacon of the Baptist church of today; the Rev. E. S. Dulin, above referred to; Rev. A. P. Williams, the famous Baptist preacher of that generation ; Rev. Edward Roth, once pastor of the Lexington church, and William Duval, whose descendants are still with us. Of the others, none left anything behind except their connection with the college, but that of itself is enough honor and glory for the average life. One trustee, William B. Waddell. has been succeeded by two generations in the same office, his son, John W. Waddell, and his grandson, Walter B. Waddell, present member of the board.

During the Civil war and probably in its second year, the United States army took possession of the college buildings and used them as a barracks and a hospital. W7hen the school was thus deprived of its buildings, Rev. J. A. Hollis, then its president, removed the remnant of the school to the basement of the Methodist Episcopal church and continued in it a short time, when it ceased until the close of the war. The buildings were by misuse rendered untenable and the property was sold to private parties, who afterwards sold the buildings for old brick and had the square platted into lots, the college only getting four thousand dollars for the entire property. After a number of years, the United States government made a small appropriation to pay for the damages to the property and for its use.

In the meantime, to fill the interim during the time when the college had no home, Dr. E. S. Dulin conducted a female college on his own account, using temporarily the unfurnished auditorium of the Baptist church for a time, then the Russell mansion, now the residence of J. C. McGrew, Sr., and finally the property of Doctor Dulin, being the entire square in which is the residence of Oscar Andreen, that building and a frame row of buildings in the north half of the block constituting the plant of the "Lexington Female College," as it was styled by Doctor Dulin.

But the first Baptist Female College was not dead nor its trustees inactive, and in 1869 the Waddell mansion was purchased from Mrs. Susan C. Waddell, wife of William B. Waddell, one of the original trustees, at a cost of eleven thousand four hundred dollars, and the college re-opened there, with Rev. E. S. Dulin, D. D., as president. In the subsequent years this building was enlarged, the chapel wing built, third story added and other improvements made, which, with the Smith and Mountjoy property added on the east a few years ago, constitute the final home of our beloved college.

In 1903, for reasons which seemed to involve the best interests of the school, a large majority of the board of trustees agreed to change the name. The necessary legal measures were taken and the school now bears the name of Lexington College for Young Women, and under the charter must ever continue as a Baptist institution.

Under the management of Professors White and Cook, the college is having a degree of prosperity equal to any period in the history of the school. Having more departments and a higher standard than ever before, the work done may be counted as superior to that of former years. The friends of Lexington College are longing for enlarged accommodations by which this old historic school may lead on to still greater usefulness.

Central College For Women

"We feel the importance and absolute necessity of having, and maintaining, denominational schools and colleges, knowing that the church and society of the future depend, more than all else, perhaps, upon the character of the coming women." Thus a committee on education, in the late sixties, expressed the determination of the Methodist Episcopal church South, in Lexington, to declare formally in favor of the higher education of women, and to pledge support to an institution that might be chosen to work out its ideals.

Despite the fears of friends as to the success of such an undertaking, notwithstanding the financial pressure which the reconstruction period brought, a building was secured in a beautiful part of the city, and Marvin Institute was founded. The pastor of the Southern Methodist church, Dr. W. F. Camp, assumed the added responsibilities the position of president brought, and with the courage and faith necessary to the beginning of so great an enterprise, "threw open the doors for the reception and education of the daughters of the church on the second Monday in September, 1869." The record of the first year can be briefly stated in the words of the committee appointed to report the condition and prospects of Marvin Institute to the annual conference : "Our fondest hopes have been met and blessed." The institution was recommended to the fostering care of the St. Louis conference, then comprising the whole state south of the Missouri river.

When the old Masonic College succumbed to the desolation of war, the buildings became barracks and the campus a battlefield, where many of the sons of that noble institution surrendered all for their country. And after the war, when destruction told of the blighted hopes and ruined prospects that had centered there, the Masons of Missouri gave the buildings and grounds to the Methodists of the state, to be used perpetually for the education of women, thus pledging the denomination, in a peculiar way, to this department of church work. A charter was secured, the school incorporated as Central Female College, and the quarters moved to the present unsurpassed location on the bluff's of the Missouri.

For the four years following, Dr. W. T. J. Sullivan had charge of the college. Doctor Sullivan was a good financier, deeming the ""financial integrity of a school vital to its success" ; an able educator, appreciating the importance of the great fundamental principles of scholarship; and looked well after the spiritual interests of the young women committed to his care. The record of the year 1873-74 shows thirty-seven boarding pupils, and twenty-three day pupils enrolled, and as a further item of interest, there is added, "the school is self-sustaining."

During the administration of Rev. Marshall Mcllhaney, and of his successor, Dr. W. G. Miller, there was no retrograde movement, but each year showed improvement over the one preceding.

The election of W. F. Kerdolff to the presidency marks an epoch in the history of the college. Strict adherence to the real, the genuine, had inspired the confidence of the public, which so increased the patronage that larger buildings were demanded. In the summer of 1884 a twenty -five-thousanddollar building, modern in all of its appointments, was erected. The character of the faculty and of the school work was not overlooked in the enthusiasm over material growth, but thoroughly prepared, experienced teachers looked after the practical and ethical interests of the students.

It was no surprise, then, that President A. A. Jones, coming to the school in 1889, trained to the work of an educator, not only maintained, but enlarged upon the work that had been done. More room had to be provided, a lengthened course of study prepared and accepted, and the administration was marked by a development under approved conditions, attendance, buildings, curricula, and college spirit expanding together.

Upon the resignation of President Jones, Rev. Z. M. Williams, whose record as a Methodist pastor has identified him with every forward move- ment of the church, was called to the presidency. His work in raising the standard of the college, and in beginning a fund for an endowment, was a source of pride to the friends of the institution, and after his six years of labor, the curators gave a unanimous expression of appreciation of his efforts in the general upbuilding of Central College.

While Rev. Alfred F. Smith had charge of the institution, there were added yet other conditions of favor and strength. Again the school reached a point where further advancement was necessary. Crowded for room, hampered by lack of fuller equipment and better facilities for its enlarged work, the funds were provided for the erection of a twenty-five-thousanddollar wing to the main building, and additional money was given by the citizens of Lexington for the renovation and remodeling of the old structure. A home for the president was purchased and refitted, and the institution reincorporated as Central College for Women. By the authority of the board of curators, the course of study was made to meet the requirements as laid down by the general board of education for colleges in "Class A." Thus the energies of this president, and his associates, gave confidence to the hope that Central College for Women would grow into one of the great schools for women in America.

Believing that the past history of the college is but the prophecy of its future success, Rev. G. M. Gibson has entered upon his duties as president with the earnestness and enthusiasm that has characterized his efforts for the church in other lines of its activities. Coveting the best things for the institution, he is seeking to bring about the furtherance of its interests, and the full development of its resources.

In reviewing this record, we find that "among the colleges for women in the middle West, Central College for Women stands eminent. It is not excelled in these facts : Its buildings and grounds are worth more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars; it has a campus of forty-seven acres; it has forty years' useful history; it has a large and influential membership of past students and alumnae, and the pledged support of one hundred and ten thousand Methodists."

St. Paul's College, at Concordia, Missouri, is the property of the Evangelical Lutheran synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States, one of the sixtyfive Lutheran synods of the United States. This synod is divided into

Before 1884 the Missouri synod, as it is called, had two theological seminaries, one normal school and two colleges. The colleges are modeled after the pattern of a German college or gymnasium. The colleges were situated one at Fort Wayne, Indiana, the other at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their chief object was to prepare young men for the study of theology at the theological seminary at St. Louis, Missouri.

The rapid growth of the synod called for a large number of pastors, and it was generally felt that the material out of which pastors might be made west of the Missouri territory could not be reached in the synods by the two colleges. The demand for a third college situated in this territory therefore seemed imperative.

Pastor Biltz, of St. Paul's Lutheran church at Concordia, was at that time president of the synod's eastern district, which in those days comprised all the territory west of the Mississippi river, except Iowa and Minnesota. Being called upon to supply more ministers than he could, he, more than any other, realized the need of a western college in which students from his district could prepare for the study of theology. As this synod itself could not be moved to found one, because it thought itself unable to do so, pastor Biltz persuaded his congregation to undertake the work with the help of the surrounding Lutheran congregations.

In the fall of 1883 four acres of ground adjoining Concordia on the north were bought and the Rev. A. Baepler, the synod's English missionary in southern Missouri, was called as professor, St. Paul's congregation guaranteeing his salary. January 3, 1884, Professor Baepler began work with six students, whose number increased to seventeen before the close of the session, in July. As the college buildings had not yet been begun, the students were at first instructed in the Professor's study, and then in pastor Blitz's catechism classroom.

Like the two colleges at Fort Wayne and Milwaukee, St. Paul's College was to be on the order of the German humanistic gymnasium. In these colleges the lowest class is called Sexta ; this is followed by Quinta, Ouarta, Tertia, Segunda, Prima. Each class covers one year's instruction, but the aim is to devote two years to each of the two, if not of the three upper classes. As yet this has not been possible in the synod's colleges.

It was supposed that St. Paul's College would serve its purpose to some extent, if it had but two classes. For the students that had finished the course, it was thought, would not hesitate to take the four following classes at Fort Wayne or Milwaukee.

St. Paul'S College, Concordia, Mo

During the summer of 1884 the college building was finished, and it was dedicated August 31st. It contained rooms for the professor and his family, for the students, for the matron who took charge of the boarding department, and the necessary classrooms.

When the school began in September, 1884, Quinta was added to Sexta, Professor Baepler teaching both classes in all branches, except music, which was taught by Mr. Wilk.

It should be mentioned here that St. Paul's congregation, in 1885, offered the college to the Western district of the synod and that the synod accepted it.

In December, 1887, Professor Baepler accepted the position of principal of the synod's Fort Wayne Concordia College. He was succeeded as principal, or, as it is called according to German custom, director of St. Paul's College, by the Rev. J. H. C. Kaeppel, of Jefferson City, Missouri, who had for a number of years been a professor in Waltber's College, St. Louis.

In 1890 it became necessary to add a three-story building to the first house, and to call a third professor. This was the Rev. E. A. Pankow. In 1891 another class was added, making four, with a four-year course. At the same time five more acres of ground were added to the campus.

In 1896 the college, which, as has been stated, was now the property of the Western district of the Missouri synod, was offered to the general synod and accepted. The synod, however, reduced the classes to three.

In 1902 the synod resolved to restore the lost class to the college, thus again giving it a four-years course, and to appoint a fourth professor. Accordingly, the Rev. E. Pardieck, of Chicago, in September, 1902, entered upon his duties as a teacher of the college.

On March 11, 1905, the college was in danger of being destroyed by fire, but the fire department of Concordia succeeded in getting the fire under control before it could spread. But the three-story building was seriously damaged.

to St. Paul's College, thus making it unnecessary for the students of St. Paul's to go to Ft. Wayne or Milwaukee to finish their education. Of course, two more teachers had to be added to the faculty. In September, 1905, Secunda was added to the classes, and the Rev. H. Lobeck, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, became the fifth professor. In the following year, Prima was added, giving the college six years, and the Rev. William Schaller, of Quincy, Illinois, was installed as sixth professor.

The synod had also passed a resolution" to add a new recitation hall to the buildings of the college. In May, 1907, this new house was dedicated. At the term's close in June, 1907, sixteen members of Prima were found fitted to enter the St. Louis Theological Seminary, being the first class that had received its college education at St. Paul's only.

On January 1, 1910, the director of St. Paul's College reported to the synod students in their respective order, twenty, eighteen, nineteen, twentyfour, twenty-seven, thirty-six.

Agreeable to its purpose, St. Paul's College lays particular stress upon instruction in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, English and German. The ordinary course in algebra, plain and solid geometry and trigonometry, and in the natural sciences, is afforded. German is the means of instruction in the ancient languages and in history and religion ; all other branches are taught through the medium of the English language.

The students whose aim is to enter the Lutheran ministry - that is to say, nearly all the students - pay no tuition and no house rent, - in fact, nothing but their food and the cost of preparing it. Of course, each student provides his own books and clothing.

From the beginning, the members of the Concordia and Emma Lutheran congregations took upon themselves the care of keeping the students' linen clean, in order to save them laundry bills. On Sundays most of the students take their dinners with the families of these congregations.

Every year the Lutheran congregations of Lafayette and Saline counties collect food stuffs of every kind and take them to the college, while the church members that are not engaged in farming contribute money. All of these gifts go to the boarding department and serve to keep the board bill of the students at a very low figure. The unavoidable expenses of a great many students are defrayed, in part at least, by their home congregations.

Western Bible And Literary College, Odessa

This school was established in September, 1905. Its faculty is composed of eight regular teachers and several assistants. Preparatory and collegiate courses, leading to the degree of Bachelor of Art, Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor of Science are maintained; also special departments of piano, art, expression, commercial and shorthand studies. On the principle that God's laws are best to develop character, and that all men should know the contents of the only book that brings civilization, happiness and eternal life, the Bible is taught to each pupil daily. It is not, however, a theological school.

About one hundred and fifty students have been enrolled each year. It is co-educational and undenominational. The property consists of the college building, and a dormitory for students.

Elizabeth Aull Female Seminary

Among the defunct educational institutions of Lexington, which in its day was very prominent and prosperous, was the Elizabeth Aull Female Seminary, which was established through the noble spirit of Elizabeth Aull, who was born in New Castle, Delaware, in 1790. She united with the Presbyterian church in her native city when aged but fifteen years. She was a sister of James, John and Robert Aull and Mrs. Maria Pomeroy, all of whom were early settlers and wealthy and prominent citizens of Lexington. Her name appears as early as 1839 as being among the first members of the Presbyterian church here.

During 1857-58 Elizabeth Aull had a lingering illness, which finally resulted in her death. During this period she meditated much upon what she should do with her property, she holding about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in her own right, and it was in this time of illness and suffering that she formed her plans and purpose to do something for the education of the young women of this state. About this time occurred the failure of H. S. Chadwick & Son, to whom she had loaned ten thousand dollars and taken security on Mr. Chadwick's fine residence. This mansion was about to become her property, and it seemed like an act of kind providence in helping her to found her cherished institution for ladies. She called in her pastor, Rev. B. M. Hobson, and asked his counsel concerning some of the details. It was her own act - she had made up her mind to do this thing before ever mentioning it to any one.

"I give and bequeath to Robert Aull, George Wilson and Rev. B. M. Hobson, as trustees, upon the condition and subject to the restrictions hereinafter named, the following real estate situated in the city of Lexington, Missouri, viz : The real estate recently purchased by me of Hanson S. Chadwick, and now in his possession, embracing lots numbered five and six, seven, eight and nine, in block number two, in Mundy's addition to the town of Lexington, as described in the plat of said addition, now on file in the recorder's office for the said county of Lafayette, the real estate hereby bequeathed being the whole of the real estate conveyed to me by the said H. S. Chadwick and wife by deed dated the 29th day of September, A. D. 1858. In trust, however, to be used as a female seminary of learning, under the management and control of the Presbyterian church of Lexington, Missouri, of which I am now a member; upon condition, however, that upon said premises such seminary shall be opened and established within three years after my death. And if on such premises such seminary shall not be opened and established within the period on aforesaid premises, or said premises shall cease to be used for a period of two years, then said premises and every part thereof shall revert to and become a part of my estate. And if in addition to the real estate above specified, which I value at ten thousand dollars, a further subscription of ten thousand dollars in money shall be made and paid to the proper persons, for the use and benefit of said seminary, within three years after my death, then I give and bequeath to the said trustees, the further sum of ten thousand dollars for the use and to be expended for the benefit of said female seminary."

This will was signed and sealed by Miss Aull in the presence of Edward Stratton, William P. Boulware and A. H. McFadden, October 5, 1858. Her death occurred December 12, 1858, and on December 18th the will was probated. February 22, 1859, the will was recorded and the executor (Robert Aull) was placed under bonds of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for his faithful execution of its many bequests.

The citizens of Lexington soon commenced to raise subscriptions for the ten thousand dollars above named. About six thousand dollars was subscribed. It was feared that the ten thousand dollars could not be raised and that the property would then revert back to Mr. Aull. the executor. When this was made known, Mr. Aull made a proposition which would legally meet the terms of the will, and at the same time not thwart the wishes and plans of his sister to found a seminary for women. He would take the Chadwick property, as the will provided he should, and give his own house in place of it for the school ; and also give one-half of the contingent ten thousand dollars. This was not nearly as liberal an offer as Miss Aull had calculated to make; Mr. Aull's house was not nearly so good a one, and the amount of money was only one-half; but it was a great deal better than to lose the school entirely, because the ten thousand dollars "additional subscription" could not be raised. Thus the plan went through and the seminary was founded. Stephen G. Wentworth was a trustee from the beginning of the enterprise, and was treasurer seventeen years and president of the board for three years. Also he donated to this school a telescope and some other scientific apparatus, besides other valuable donations.

The Legislature of Missouri chartered the institution March 12, 1859, and incorporated Robert Aull, Rev. B. M. Hobson, Gen. R. C. Vaughan, Dr. J. B. Alexander, John Chamberlain, George Wilson, James Wilson, S. G. Wentworth, Samuel F. Taylor, A. W. Hutchins, W. J. Ferguson, Rev. T. A. Brachen and Edward M. Samuel as the original board of trustees.

Rev. Lewis Green Barbour was chosen first president and the school was thrown open in September, i860. The school prospered, but soon the Civil war came on and somewhat hindered its forward march. Mr. Barbour remained true to his trust until the close of the war, when he resigned and was succeeded by Capt. Rufus W. Finley, A. M., who commenced in 1865 and quit in the summer of 1867. He was followed by Anthony Haynes, who served three years and was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Quarles, A. M. The latter was a great educator and possessed much experience, but it was too much for his strength and in 1875 ne was forced to resign and was succeeded by Rev. James M. Chaney, A. M., who served only three years, being followed by Maj. A. H. Todd, A. M., who remained one year. In 1877 Mr. Quarles, having abandoned the ministry on account of his throat, was again chosen president and served ten years.

In 1879 President Quarles bought more ground and enlarged the institution greatly. Doctor Quarles continued as president of the school until 1886, when he was succeeded by Prof. J. D. Blanton, who served until 1892, when he was followed by Rev. T. Peyton Walters, who was president until 1896. Next came Prof. W. H. Morton and he served one year. Then the Rev. H. B. Berks succeeded to the presidency, but it being impossible to carry on the school under so many adverse circumstances, it was discontinued and in January, 1903, a majority of the members of the Presbyterian church authorized the trustees to sell the property. Accordingly, in 1906, the property was sold to Sanford Sellers. The proceeds of this sale, amounting to about four thousand dollars, are, in accordance with the will of Elizabeth Aull, now held by the trustees and available as a nucleus for the establishment of a Presbyterian school in Lexington, Missouri. Who will undertake the establishment of such a school is the question yet to be solved.