USA > Alabama > Memorial record of Alabama. A concise account of the state's political, military, professional and industrial progress, together with the personal memoirs of many of its people. Volume I > Part 25
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Under a provision of an act of the legislature, approved February 17, 1885, two schools were established for white and three for colored chil- dren, in Uniontown district, with an enrollment of 564 and an average attendance of 429. The enrollment in the white school, in 1891, was 123; in the colored school, 437. The average attendance in the white school is reported at 95; at the colored school, 303. The expenditures for the year were $4,402.30. The authorities of Uniontown appropriated $600 in aid of the schools.
Besides the schools enumerated, there are flourishing schools under the general school laws in several other towns and villages in the state, in which the state appropriation is supplemented by local collections, but as they do not report officially to the state superintendent, the sta- tistics for these schools are meager as shown in the reports of the several county superintendents.
PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS.
The growing excellence and popularity of the public schools of Ala- bama have tended to circumscribe the number and influence of schools kept up by private enterprise for private benefit, except in the elementary branches for small children and for the convenience of neighborhoods not yet supplied with good public school facilities. Before the civil war a number of private schools of high character were liberally sustained; indeed, nearly every county had its seminary or high school, located in come healthy and attractive spot, which formed the nucleus for a refined and cultured society, gathered from the rich lands and plantations, combining intellectual privileges with social enjoyments. Some of these school attained a wide renown and were worthy of their high reputation. Having accomplished their mission they have passed away, but their memory "still lives" and their influence for good will long be felt in the commonwealth they did so much to honor and to build up. Among these may be mentioned the "Green Springs academy" for boys, founded and managed by Prof. Henry Tutwiler-one of the ablest and most illustrious educators of his day. This school was organized in 1847, and soon became famous. Here were gathered the flower of the youth of the state and here were laid the foundations of many a distinguished reputation. The school was uniformly prosperous. The limits of attendance fixed by the principal were always reached. The purpose and plan of the school, as stated by the founder, was, "to prepare young men for the business of life or for the higher classes in our colleges and universi- ties." The school was well supplied with apparatus and all the appli-
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ances needed for successful educational work and an efficient corps of instructors, and was justly designated the "Rugby of the south."
The Green Springs school was continued without interruption until June, 1877, when the exercises were suspended to give the principal a much needed rest. They were resumed in October, 1879, and continued until the death of Professor Tutwiler, which sad event occurred in 1884. The Alabama female institute, located at Tuscaloosa, is worthy of men- tion as a typical school for girls. This school reached the zenith of its prosperity and influence about 1858-60. It was then under the charge of Mrs. M. B. Stafford, a lady of much versatility of talent, highly cul- tivated and accomplished. She was educated in the celebrated seminary at Mount Holyoke, Mass., had rare skill as an instructor and guide, and evidently had a "call to teach." Many of her pupils became the wives of distinguished men whose homes they adorned, or were otherwise dis- tinguished in social and intellectual life. She was the wife of a distin- guished professor of the university of Alabama and is still living in full possession of her mental faculties, loved and venerated by all with whom she comes in contact. The school was suspended at the beginning of the war and has not been reopened.
Among the private academies of to-day, the Marion military academy, located at the county site of Perry county, holds a conspicuous place. Its founder, Col. J. T. Murfee, LL. D., was, at the beginning of the civil war, commandant of cadets at the university of Alabama and afterward became the successful president of the "Howard college." The denom- ination which controlled this college determined, in 1887, to remove it to Birmingham, whereupon Col. Murfee, who disapproved this decision, resigned the presidency and founded the "Military institute," using the college buildings for the purpose. The attendance the first year was seventy-nine and the numbers have since increased to the limit fixed by the principal. Col. Murfee is one of the most thorough, progressive and successful educators of the south. His military training at the Military institute of Virginia, under Stonewall Jackson, and liis study and expe- rience since, have fitted him pre-eminently for the important work he has undertaken.
There are now several other schools which may be called "private" in the state which are in a prosperous condition and are doing a good work. Among these may be mentioned the "Noble institute for boys" and the "Noble institute for girls" at Anniston, the male and female acad- emies at Athens, the high school at Calera, the female college at Cam- den, the high school at Columbia, the Marengo institute at Demopolis, the Union female college at Eufaula, the Opelika seminary, the Pleasant Hill academy, Towles' school for boys and the young ladies' seminary, taught by Miss Mary Bagby, Mobile, and, not least, the young ladies' seminary, by Professor Alonzo Hill of Tuscaloosa, one of the best con- ducted and most flourishing institutions for female education in the state.
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According to the figures of the last United States census there were, in 1891, 24,445 pupils attending private (including parochial) schools in Alabama, distributed as follows: Commercial schools, 197; elementary schools, 16,359; secondary schools, 6,456; superior or high grade schools, 1,433. This statement shows that the enrollment at private schools is only about eight per cent. of the enrollment at the public schools in the state.
Among the schools, not public, established for the education of colored children may be mentioned the "Emerson institute" at Mobile and Talladega college at Talladega, both founded and supported by the "American Missionary association" of New York. The former has had an eventful experience, but is now in good condition and has a faculty of ten instructors. It is divided into primary, intermediate, grammar school and normal grades. Pupils of both sexes are admitted. Instruction in plain sewing (made obligatory) is given to girls in the pri- mary and intermediate departments. A small tuition fee, ranging from 80 cents to $2 per month, according to the studies pursued, is charged for instruction. The attendance at the "Emerson institute" is large, ranging from 350, upward. The Talladega college (colored) has had 427 students in all departments and is well established. It has a theological department and has furnished many pastors for Congregational churches.
Denominational schools, which have always been more or less popular in Alabama, appear to have taken on new life and their interests are vigilantly watched, and earnestly promoted by the church authorities of the respective denominations to which they belong. The oldest of these institutions is the St. Joseph's college at Spring Hill, Mobile county, which was founded by the Jesuit fathers in 1830, and chartered by the legislature in 1836, "with all the rights and privileges of a university," and empowered to confer academic honors. It has three courses of study, preparatory, classical and commercial, the first to occupy one year; the second, six years; the third, four years of study. While the government and religious scope of the college are Roman Catholic, pupils of other denominations are received, provided they are willing "to con- form to the exterior exercises of worship." The college build- ings are well located on rising ground about fifty feet above sea level, and the college is well supplied with books and apparatus. The ages for admission are five to fifteen years. There are two literary, three relig- ious and two musical societies, each presided over by a Jesuit father, and beside these, there are the "college orchestra," "the college choir," the "billiard room association" and the "reading room association," each under the direction of an officer of the college. Among the distinguished alumni of this college, may be mentioned Revs. A. D. Pillicer and Dom- inic Manucy-both elevated to the bishopric of the Catholic church-Hon. S. D. McEnery, formerly governor (now on the supreme bench) of Louis- iana; Hon. George A. Gallagher, justice of the supreme court of Arkan-
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sas; Hon. N. H. R. Dawson, United States commissioner of education under the Cleveland administration; Professor R. A. Hardaway, of the university of Alabama, and many others who have attained distinction in professional life.
Besides the college the Catholics have a convent called the "Academy of Visitation," near Mobile, and a number of other schools of lesser grades in Mobile and in different portions of the state.
LaGrange college was established in the year 1830, about the same date with the Spring Hill college. It was the second college organized by the Methodist denomination in the south. It was first located at La- Grange in north Alabama, but was subsequently removed to Florence. Robert Paine, celebrated as an orator and a distinguished minister of the church, was the first president and did much to build up the institution. In 1846, he was elected a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church and was succeeded, as president, by Rev. Edward Wadsworth, who held the position five years, when he resigned, and Professor J. W. Hardee was elected. Professor Hardee died in 1852, and was succeeded in office by Rev. Rich- ard H. Rivers, D. D., a member of the first class which graduated from the institution. During his administration the college was removed to Florence and was for a time very prosperous, having had 225 students in 1861, an endowment of $50,000 and was out of debt. This endowment. was lost during the war, the college was closed, and, after several vain attempts at resuscitation, the work was abandoned and the buildings were tendered to and accepted by the state, and it became the foundation of the flourishing normal school hereinbefore described. Among the graduates of LaGrange college, who afterward became distinguished, may be mentioned Rev. William R. Nicholson, a bishop of the Reformed Episcopal church, Gen. E. A. O'Neal, a governor of Alabama; Jeremiah Clemens, United States senator; William L. Byrd, a justice of the supreme court, and Dr. Thomas L. Maddin of Tennessee, still one of the most es- teemed and skillful physicians of Nashville.
Howard college, the next in order of time, was founded by the Baptist, denomination in 1834, at Greensboro, Alabama. The convention resolved the college should have both a literary and a theological department and should be incorporated under the name of the "Alabama Institute of Lit- erature and Industry." In 1835 the trustees reported the completion of six domitories (two rooms each), one dining room, a house for one pro- fessor, and the appointment of two professors-one of theology, the other of mathematics. In 1838, this property was sold and the exercises of the institution were discontinued. The reasons given for the abandonment were the prevailing opinion that the location was not favorable and that the plan of the college was unwise.
In 1841, the state Baptist convention decided to re-establish the college, with a theological department attached, raise a large endowment, provide a fund for buildings and apparatus and to locate the new institute at.
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PROGRESS OF EDUCATION.
Marion, where a building and lot had been tendered for the purpose by citizens of the town. During the year a charter for "Howard college" was obtained and a classical school was opened. The work of endowment having proceeded favorably, the trustees, in 1843, elected a professor of thelogy, a literary professor and a teacher in the preparatory school. On the 10th of May, the college building was destroyed by fire, but the library was saved and the apparatus also, but in a damaged con- dition. The college exercises were continued in the Baptist church until a new building could be erected, which was completed in October, 1846. At this time a college curriculum was adopted, a faculty chosen and the institution started with high hopes upon a new career. The anticipations of its friends seemed to be realized in the progress of the college for the next eight years, but in October, 1854, it again "passed under the fire, " and the college property was entirely destroyed. Recourse was had, as before, to the church, where college exercises were continued, and an earnest appeal was made to its friends for renewed aid. Liberal contri- butions came in so freely that by 1858 a new edifice was erected, in a more eligible location, and the new quarters were soon filled with students. An era of marked prosperity followed; the trustees reported to the con- vention, of 1860, available property in their possession to the amount of two hundred and sixty-four thousand four hundred and ninety-nine dollars and eighty cents. Then came the war, taking, in a brief period from the faculty, three of its professors and from the college not less than forty students; and before its close only one professor was left to represent the institution. One of the saddest results of the war, to the college, was the wreck of its entire endowment fund, but notwithstanding this great discouragement, the exercises of the college were resumed in 1865, and have been continued, with slight intermission, ever since, under the ad- ministration of the following presidents: Hon. J. C. M. Curry, F. O. Thornton, Samuel Freeman, Col. J. T. Murfee, T. J. Dill and B. F. Riley. In July, 1887, the Alabama Baptist convention decided to remove the col- lege from Marion to East Lake, near Birmingham, in the expectation and with the assurance that it would again be richly endowed. The college was accordingly removed, new, commodious and expensive buildings have been erected, and, whether or not, fully realizing the expectations of the advocates of its removal from Marion, it is prosecuting its educational work with vigor and success.
The Judson female institute, also a Baptist institution located at Marion, was organized - in the winter of 1839, commencing its first exercises in a modest, two-story building, thirty by forty feet, with two small wing attachments. Professor Milo P. Jewett was the first presi- dent; the first month forty-seven pupils were enrolled. By the close of the second session there were 118 pupils, and a year later the number had grown to 157. Of the original buildings, not a vestige remains. They were replaced by three handsome brick edifices three stories high, joined 1
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MEMORIAL RECORD OF ALABAMA.
by two-story wings, making an imposing structure 250 feet front, by a depth of 120 feet. In front, was a large and beautiful lawn inclosed with evergreen hedges and diversified with "pleasing grass plots, broad and graceful walks, shade trees, flowers and shrubs." The buildings were well furnished, gas was manufactured on the premises and water conveyed to every floor. This beautiful and stately edifice, with its costly appar- atus and musical instruments, was entirely destroyed by fire in the spring of 1889. This disaster nerved the numerous friends of the Judson to new and energetic action, which soon caused a larger and handsomer structure to be built on the ruins. The new edifice was ready for use and was opened to students at the session commencing October 1st, 1889. The faculty of the institute has grown from six to sixteen teachers. Four foreign langauges and a wide range of subjects pertaining to a liberal and practical education, and some of the industrial arts, are taught there. They have, beside, a music course of six and an art course of four years. The seminary is under the control of the Baptist state convention and has always held a high rank as an advanced school for girls. The bible is made a text book and the bible lesson is made a part of each day's work. The charges are reasonable and the standard high. More than five hundred young ladies have been graduated from the institute since its organization. Prof. S W. Averett, LL. D., is president of the semi- nary, and Hon. John Moore is president of the board of trustees.
The Southern university was established at Greensboro in 1856, by the Alabama conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, south. The first board of trustees was composed of able men, among whom were some of the best known names in the state. Bishop Paine, formerly president of La Grange college, was president of this board and John Erwin, one of the ablest lawyers of the state, vice-president. The corner stone of the college building was laid on the 11th of June, 1856, and on October 3d, 1859, the halls were opened for the admission of students. Except for an intermission of the sessions of 1864-65, they have been kept open ever since. Some of the ablest ministers of the Methodist church have, from time to time, been members of the faculty and agents for the university. Among these may be mentioned Rev. William M. Wightman, D. D, LL. D .; Rev. Edward Wadsworth, A. M., D.D .; Rev. C. C. Calloway; Rev. R. B. Hargrove, D. D .; Rev. J. A. Heard; Rev. Jefferson Hamilton, D. D. ; Rev. A. S. Andrews, A. M .. D. D., and others too numerous to mention. In 1881, the outlook was not encouraging, but during the ensuing year its friends "took heart of grace" and worked energetically for its rehabil- itation. The charter was so amended as to make the university the joint property of the Alabama and North Alabama conferences. In July, 1883, Rev. Dr. A. S. Andrews was again called to the presidency and a new energy and zeal were manifest throughout the denomination. During the year the enrollment was 106; the next year, 127; the next, 171; the next, 192; and so on, increasing until the number of 225 was reached.
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The buildings have been renovated and improved and the university is in a healthy and prosperous condition.
The Alabama Conference female college, located at Tuskegee, is also, as its title imports, a denominational school, under the care of the Metho- dist conference. It was founded in 1856, the inspiration of Mrs. Martha Alexander, and was organized February 11th, 1856. Its first president was Rev. A. A. Lipscomb, D. D., LL. D., a man of fine literary culture and large attainments, and under his wise and skillful management the enterprise became an immediate success. He remained in charge until 1859, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. W. F. Price, also a man of culture and at- tainments. The trustees afterward sold the property to Rev. Jesse Wood, who assumed the direction of the college. In 1863, Mr. Wood sold to Dr. C. D. Elliott, who managed the school until the spring of 1865, when Dr. Price was again placed at the head of the college and continued to manage its affairs until 1872, when the Alabama conference became owner in fee simple of the property and at once assumed control, through a board of managers chosen by the conference. This board placed Rev. H. D. Moore, D. D., in charge of the institution, which position he con- tinued to occupy until 1875, when he was recalled to the active duties of the ministry, and Rev. E. L. Lovelace, D. D., was chosen to fill the vacancy until the close of the session. In June, 1876, John Massey, LL. D., was elected president for a term of five years and by successive re- elections has remained in control of the college ever since. Dr. Massey is a born educator, a man of high attainments, courteous manners, broad culture, a good disciplinarian, of fine executive ability and a conscientious and earnest christian gentleman. Attracted by his high character. at- tainments and ability, other institutions have sought to allure him to their folds, but the trustees of the Conference female college are too sagacious and too highly appreciate his value to permit him too leave them so long as his services can be retained.
There are two collegiate courses of study, termed the English and classical; each has four classes, requiring four years to complete. The aim seems to be, not to multiply studies but to teach all that can be thor- oughly assimilated during the time prescribed for study. The president truly remarks -- that "every competent teacher knows that a few studies, thoroughly mastered, give more real education and strength in life's work than many subjects superficially touched." But while giving due heed to substantials, he does not neglect the æsthetical and ornamental. Much attention is paid to modern and classical literature, to music, in- strumental and vocal-and to art culture. There are three literary soci- eties in the "Conference college" designed "to meet the peculiar demands of boarding school life" -- "to stimulate aspiration for a voluntary mental culture; to promote a taste for good reading; to correct slovenly habits in the use of language and to foster chaste and elegant forms of expression." These are worthy purposes, and the character and the habits of the grad-
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MEMORIAL RECORD OF ALABAMA.
uates sent forth from the college illustrate the wisdom and adaptability to the ends sought, of these methods of instruction. There have graduated from this institution about 400 young ladies, and, by the latest reports at. tainable, the number enrolled has reached nearly 200 students. There are other denominational schools in the state which space does not fully permit to describe. The Episcopalians have a flourishing school at Mont -; . gomery, called "Hamner hall." The Presbyterians have a training school for colored preachers at Tuscaloosa; the colored Baptists have a school at Selma, called "Selma university," with several departments, and there are doubtless others not so generally known.
The latest census returns give the following as the proportionate at- tendance at denominational schools in Alabama for the year ending July 1st, 1891: Catholic, 747; Lutheran, 124; Protestant Episcopal, 279; total, 1,150. These figures do not include the "parochial schools," and can hardly be relied upon as accurate. The number given the Catholics must be considerably below the average attendance at the schools of that church.
In concluding this review, the writer feels justified in claiming for education, in Alabama, a healthy growth, sound condition and encourag- ing prospects for further developments and progress. Considering the difficulties in the way, the terrible struggle through which the people have passed; the poverty and desolation which followed the war and the period of reconstruction, the wonder is that so much has been accom- plished. The people of the state are now awake to the importance of common schools, secondary schools and the higher education, and each in its turn will receive, from time to time, all the aid which the general assembly, stimulated by an enlightened public sentiment, is able to afford.
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INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.
CHAPTER IV. STATE INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS. BY WILLIS G. CLARK, MOBILE.
AGRICULTURE - GENERAL PRODUCTS - COTTON BELT - MINERAL BELT - TENNESSEE VALLEY -CEREAL , BELT - TIMBER BELT - SURFACE IN GENERAL - MINES AND MINING - GEOLOGICAL SURVEY -THE PRE- CIOUS METALS - COPPER - LEAD - TIN-IRON-STEEL-COAL FIELDS - MANUFACTURES - COTTON AND PAPER MILLS - LIST OF FACTORIES 1 - WOOLEN GOODS - COMPRESSES - COTTON SEED OIL - GINS - FLOURING AND GRIST MILLS - ROLLING MILLS - FOUNDRIES - LIME - MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES - FORESTRY - NAVAL STORES - LUMBER MILLS - SHINGLES - STAVES - YELLOW PINE MILLS TRIBU- TARY TO MOBILE AND PENSACOLA - SAWN AND HEWN TIMBER - HARD- WOOD - STATISTICS.
HE industries of Alabama may be grouped as follows :- Agri- Aculture, mines and mining, manufactures and lumber. It is proposed in this paper to consider these topics in the order named. The chorography of the state would indicate the por- ltions of its territory best adapted to the leading industries. In north Alabama, for example, lies a mineral region of large extent and marvelous richness. In central Alabama is the great cotton belt, having a soil of unsurpassed fertility; while south Alabama, with its extensive forests of long leaf pine and cypress, is the home of the ex- tensive lumber interests which have recently developed into great and profitable industry. But, as much has been accomplished in mining, manu- factures and lumber, agriculture, as it was the primal, still remains the leading, pursuit of the people of Alabama. In the early settlements, be- fore cotton became "king," the chief attention was given to the cultiva- tion of grain, a little to cotton and to the ordinary vegetables of the gar- den. But the invention, by Whitney, of the cotton gin in 1793, soon wrought a wondrous change. . Prior to the year 1795, the total export of cotton from the United States was only 8,125 bales, averaging 400 pounds each. In 1817-18, the exports from Mobile alone reached seven thous- and bales. Four years later the receipts at Mobile increased to 25,000 bales and in 1827 to 89,000 bales. The immediate effect of the good de- mand and profitable growth of this staple was a keen inquiry for the lands of the state adapted to cotton culture, and, as a result, a rapid ad-
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