USA > California > Merced County > History of Merced County, California with biographical sketches of prominent citizens > Part 41
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We have no account of the trial of these murderers, hut it is safe to say that they were never punished as they deserved.
194
HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
MERCED COUNTY COMMON SCHOOLS.
First School, Present Condition, Taxes, Teach- ers, Private Schools, Financial Reports, etc.
SCHOOL.
County Superintendent E. T. Dixon says : From the min- utes of the Board of Supervisors, I fiud that no Superintendent of Schools was elected at the first election of county officers in Merced County, November 1856, and that S. H. P. Ross was appointed County Superintendent in February, 1857, by the Board of Supervisors ; but no record of his official accounts can be found.
B. F. Howell eleeted Superintendent in 1858.
Rev. Burnett elected Superintendent in 1860.
F. J. Woodward tendered his resignation as Superintendent of Common Schools of Merced County, which was accepted, and R. B. Huey, was appointed to fill the vacancy. (1862.)
H. B. Huey elected Superintendent in 1862, re-elected in 1863.
T. O. Ellis filled by appointment the unexpired term of H. B. Huey, resigned.
T. O. Ellis, elected Superintendent in 1865, M. C. Monroe appointed to fill vacancy by resignation of Ellis.
S. H. P. Ross elected Superintendent in 1871, and died hefore the expiration of his term. The office was filled by the appoint- ment of J. K. Law, who held the office until 1873, when L. D. Stockton was elected.
E. T. Dixon was elected in 1879.
There is no record of the Superintendent's office until the year 1865, when I find there were four school districts in the county viz .:
Jackson District, census children 52
Pioneer 81
Jefferson 214
Merced Falls " 41
Total . 388
The salary first paid Superintendents was $200 per year.
A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT SCHOOL.
The following is an account of a visit hy the editor of the Banner to the school at Snelling.
July 10, 1862, we had the pleasure of witnessing the exam- ination of the pupils of the district school at this place. That quaint little school house, the notched desks, the water pail and rusty tin cup hrought back to our mind pleasant memories of our girlhood days, and again we lived over those romping,
innocent hours. As the several classes were examined iu the various hranches, each showed signs of studious scholarship. Miss Mary Fitzhugh won the prize-a copy of Byron.
We regret that there was hut one prize offered, as we think that there were others equally deserving, according to their opportunities. Mrs. Lake, a lady of some sixteen summers, acquitted herself. with much credit, and her modest demeanor excited the admiration of all present.
After the classes in Natural Philosophy, Grammar, Arithme- tie and Spelling had been examined, several yonng misses and masters appeared in recitations and dialogues. Of course we were treated to that very familiar composition-" On Linden, when the sun was low," and many other fine productions, among which was -- , by Miss Mary Fitzhugh. In this recitation Miss Mary gave evidence of superior talent as a delineator of the feelings of the human heart, and we venture to say that with a little cultivation Miss Mary would become a fine reader.
We have before us two compositions, one entitled " Charac- ter," written by Mrs. Annie Lake, the other, "Prejudice," by Miss Fitzhugh, both of which are highly creditable, and we would take pleasure in publishing them but for the fact that they are too lengthy for our columns.
There were mauy well-educated and talented persons pres- ent, and all scemed perfectly satisfied with the advancement made by the students in the several branches of their studies. We would suggest to those interested in the education of the rising generation the propriety of retaining the services of Mr. Fowler, or some other goud teacher.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE IN 1862.
It would seem from the following article, taken from the Bunner, published at Snelling in 1862, that the rawhide was used to a considerable extent :-
"For some time past, we have heard complaints of cruel, unnecessary punishment being inflieted upon children in sehool, in this town, by our village pedagogue, with a large-sized cow- hide. We examined the rawhide ourselves, and upon measur- ing it, found it to measure three feet two inches in length, and full three-fourths of an inch at the butt end. We have heen compelled to stop sending our children to school on account of the cruel punishment one of them received with the instrument of torture, at the hands of the apology of a teacher, and we understand that several of our neighbors have taken their chil- dren away from school for the same cause. We have been informed that one little girl, aged about six years, received so severe a whipping on the hand, with the cowhide, that for sev- eral days she could not use a knife or fork at the table.
These are grave charges to make against a school teacher, and we would not make them against the teacher in this place, were we not assured from positive testimony that they are true.
195
EARLY SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTY.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT FOR 1863.
It may be interesting to many of our citizens to know some- thing about the condition of our schools, and their financial prospects for the ensuing school year. We have nothing encour- aging to present, however important the subject.
The revenue of the county applicable to the support and maintenance of schools being one-half less per cent. than that of the preceding school year, reduces the fund so much that its value, relatively, is merely nominal. This act of our Super- visors is to be very much regretted. I am aware they were prompted to this purely from motives of public and private economy. How far such action may affect the proposed result I will not here take space to discuss. But oue thing seems very reasonable to the candid and impartial mind, and that is, if we should ever manifest any liberal disposition on matters either of a public or private character, our schools ought not to receive the least of it.
It is certainly very desirable that our schools should be liberally sustained. We have in our midst a very interesting young population growing up, and it should not be the least of our pride, as a county, to provide ample means for their edu- cation. It is in these cherished associations that they, iu a great measure, receive the impressions which form the basis of their future character and usefulness.
Merced County reports 267 children, which, at ninety cents each, would entitle her to $240.30. This distributed among the four districts, would be, Jefferson District, 134 children, at niuety cents each, $120.60; Pioncer, fifty-six, at ninety cents each, $50.40; Jackson, forty-two, at ninety cents Pach, $37.80; and Merced Falls, thirty-five, at niuety cents each, $31.50. Total, $240.30.
There has been reported to the County Superintendent for school purposes up to December 8, 1862, the sum of $813.67, derived from the revenues of the county set apart for that pur- pose. This gives to Jefferson School District, the sum of $414.51; Pioneer, $162.73; Jackson, $128.95; Merced Falls, $107.46. These figures will be slightly increased from a small amount yet to be apportioned. In the aggregate the county fund will probably reach $1,000. R. BYRON HUEY,
County Superinteudeut of Schools.
January 10, 1863.
APPEAL OF SUPERINTENDENT TO CITIZENS.
Can we place an estimate on the intellectual and moral worth of the 400 little boys and girls in our connty that are looking up to us for that training - that mental and moral culture which is only perfectly attainable to all by car- rying out and liberally supporting one of the most beneficent of human institutions, that a free and enlightel Government ever bestowed upon its citizens? The subject appeals to the beart and judgment of every parent. You may shut your eyes and close your ears to the sound thereof, but that still,
yet all-powerful and ever-present monitor, conseience, coupled with a sense of parental duty, will exercise the mind and influ- ence the heart, producing many unpleasant feelings
If you wish your children to have an education that will make men and women of them, then come forward and help us to raise our schools to a first-class standard. Let us infuse into them a spirit of activity, that will enconrage a vigorous course of instruction such as will make itself both seen and felt in the daily rounds of business, in society, and amid the family circle; that will expand the mind, cultivate the virtues of the heart, bring peace and consolation, and impart solid enjoyments and sunshine to the decline of life.
That this may be accomplished, it is necessary that we have tbe means to keep our public schools open eight months in the year, and that we neglect none of the essentials to render them comfortable and attractive. When this is done, it is equally as important that the pupil have all the advantages possible to attend regularly. Punctual attendance alone will lead to suc- cess. They should be instructed to be diligent, obedient and studions, and to consider no task as impossible.
By pursuing this course, with an active, energetic, and com- petent teacher at the helm, we may anticipate a degree of suc- cess and prosperity in our schools, hitherto unthought of, or but dimly seen, R. BYRON HUEY.
Forlorn Hope, February 4, 1863.
FIRST EDUCATIONAL CONVENTION AND TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
In pursuance of the call made by the County Superintend- ent of Schools for Merced County, a number of Trustees, teachers, and others interested in education, met at the Court House in Snelling on Thursday, fourth of June, 1863, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Court being in session, the Convention adjourned to meet at the school bouse at 1 o'clock, P. M.
At half-past one o'clock the Convention was called to order by R. B. Huey, Superintendent of Schools, who, after express- ing his thanks for having the honor to preside over a meeting convened for such a noble purpose, made some very appropri- ate remarks with regard to the objects for which the Conven- tion was called, and expressed a desire that its proceedings might be conducted with a spirit of inquiry and good-will, corresponding with the importance of the business wbicb should be presented to the Convention for its consideration and action. At the close of the remarks of the President, a motion was made and carried that C. S. Hatch act as Secre- tary pro tem. An hour was spent in discussing the order of. business, when it was unanimously agreed to proceed to the permanent organization of a County Teachers' Institute. A motion was made by James M. Fowler and seconded by J. W. Longwith that this Association be known as the Merced County Teachers' Institute. Remarks were then made by C. S. Hatch, G. P. Lake, J. W. Longwith, and the President, on various subjects relating to schools and education.
196
HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
FIRST BOARD OF EXAMINERS.
The first Examining Board was appointed by T. O. Ellis in 1865, as follows : Judge J. W. Robertson, Rev. J. C. Pender- gast, S. K. Spears and J. C. Breen.
FIRST BOARD OF EDUCATION.
The County Board of Education mnet at the Court House in Snelling, Saturday, December 29, 1865. A full Board was present, Dr. L. O. Ellis, Sr., County Superintendent, presiding. Three teachers were examined and granted certificates of qual- ification to teach schools, viz., Mr. Evcrett, of Merced Falls, Mr. Monroe, of Forlorn Hope; and Mr. Folwell, of the mouth of the Merced River.
This was the first Board of Education ever organized in the county, for wliich Dr. Ellis deserves the thanks of the people. The subject of common schools in our county is one of mueh interest, and one which has hicretofore been comparatively neg- lected. We shall allude to the subject hercafter.
TEACHERS' INSTITUTE, 1872.
The Institute was held November 15, 1872, by S. H. P. Ross, Superintendent-the following teachers present: F. M. Ramsey, B. F. Fowler, N. Z. Woodward, F. L. Chapman, Marian McSwain, Mrs. F. H. French, Fannie Ward, Mrs. A. K. Brand, Ella S. Nunn, M. Howell, and J. F. McSwain.
TEACHERS' INSTITUTE, 1880.
The last Institute convened in Merced, April 6, 1880. E. T. Dixon, Superintendent in the chair; J. L. McClelland, Secretary. The following-named teachers were present: M. Howell, R. Gracy, John York, Jr., A. M. Chadwick, B. F. Fowler, J. C. Boynton, Z. T. Smith, W. P. Kelsey, J. L. McClel- land, W. A. Long, L. D. Stockton, James A. Norvell, Robert Taylor, Mrs. May White, Mrs. Jos. A. Norvell, Miss May Tackett, Miss L. P. Swain, Miss Nettie Spangenberg, Miss Sadie Lynch, Miss Laura Collier, Miss Hattie Collier, Miss Sadie Price, Miss E. V. Spencer, Miss Vinnie Phillips, Miss Mary Shaver, Miss Alice Garison, Miss Elma Garison, Miss Rose Tompkins, Miss Mary Ragsdale, and Miss Laura McFarland.
The Institute remained in session three days, during which time many subjects of interest were discussed, and the time was passed pleasantly as well as profitably to all. Professor Allen, of San Jose, was engaged to lecture on the occasion, but was prevented at the last moment from coming.
DUTIES OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
The powers of the County Sehool Superintendents are grcater than they were in the beginning. At first they were required
to exercise a general supervision over schools, and to give to the Commissioners of Common Schools, Sehool Marshals and teachers sueh " aid and counsel as might be important to the prosperity of the schools" In 1855 they were required to aid the School Trustees in the examination of teachers-a duty which would have been rather hard to perform in case two or more Boards of Trustees had held examination at ten o'clock of the same day. County Superintendents are required: To appor- tion all school moneys; to report to the State Superintendent on the blanks furnished; to fill all vacancies in the Boards of Trustces by appointment; to draw requisitions for all warrants on the school fund; to visit schools; to preside over Teachers' Institutes, and to secure the attendance thereat of competent lecturers; to issue temperorary certificates in certain cases, when authorized by the County Board of Education ; to pre- serve all school reports, and to grade the schools. The County Superintendent is ex officio Secretary and member of the Boards of Education.
HIGH STANDARD OF QUALIFICATION
Since the laws have demanded a higher standard of qualifi- eation among teachers, the schools of the county and of the State have improved. But there is another reason for this increased efficiency. It is found in the more liberal provisions for paying teachers' wages out of the public funds, i. e., in the inereased taxation for school purposes ; for it is as true of tcach- ing as of any other profession, that a small salary will rarely secure the best talent.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS-HOW DESCRIBED.
According to the school law in 1852, towns, cities and vil- lages were designated as school districts. In 1855, each city, town or township constituted a school district until otherwise determined by the Board of Supervisors. By the law of 1866, each county or city or incorporated town was declared a school district unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Supervisors. The law of 1878 also declared that every county, eity and incorporated town formed a school district unless subdivided by the Board of Supervisors. The law of 1880 defined a school distriet as did the law of 1878.
HOW NEW DISTRICTS MAY BE FORMED.
No new district can now be formed unless the parents or guardians of at least fifteen eensus children, resident of such proposcd new district, and residing at a greater distance than two miles from any school house, present a petition to the County Superintendent, to be by him transmitted to the Board of Supervisors, nor can the boundaries of any school district be changed except on the petition of ten heads of families residing in the district affected by the proposed change.
RES. OF WM APPLEGARTH 6 MILES EAST OF PLAINSBURG MERCED CO.,CAL.
BUFFUM & STOCKTON'S ANGORA GOAT RANCH, 6 MILES EAST OF HORNITOS, MARIPOSA CO .. CAL. .
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT -OF- CENSUS RETURNS FOR MERCED COUNTY, FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDING. JUNE 30, 1881.
PREPARED BY E. T. DIXON.
| No. of Districts . .... ..
NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT.
NAME OF DISTRICT CLERK.
POST-OFFICE ADDRESS.
entolles
curulled ..
Tutal inumber of girls
Total number eurolied .
der ilve years of age ...
schoul- during the year.
Number of children wh
9 .hunt during the year
Number of children who
Children born of native
1
Anderson
J. N. Harler
Snelling
17
12
29
7
26
S
21
2
Appling .
E. R. Appling .
Buchanan, F. Co
11
1~
18
17
1
19
3
Bear Creek
H. C. Wolfson
Merced
18
15
33
17
28
3
35
4
Barfield.
A. B. Munson.
Turlock.
17
S
25
11
16
30
5
Clay . . . ,
U. S. Johnson .
Hill's Ferry
17
10
27
9
6
33
G
Cunningham
Jas. Cunningham
Plainsburg
13
S
21
10
17
1
25
7
Charleston
Chas. Bambour
Charleston
12
5
17
B
17
11
8
Canal
Thos. F. Kerr.
Hill's Ferry
20
7
27
25
20
7
43
9
Eden
Win. Roberson.
Snelling
15
B
18
5
15
3
14
10
Fair View
Jno. Lester
Hill's Ferry
15
12
27
21
24
B
44
11
Hopeton
W'm. Little
Hopetou
15
21
36
10
27
9
48
12
Jefferson
W. C. Turner
('ressey
13
9
3
10
GI
24
13
Livingstone
E. J. Olds.
Cressey
17
10
27
29
S
11
41
14
Live Oak
E. B. Field
La Grange
5
3
S
1
S
.
13
13
26
17
19
7
39
15
Lone Tree
H. E. Reynolds
C'entral Point.
33
37
70
30
43
26
67
16
Los Baños
S. A. Smith
Merced
154
184
338
166
270
74
277
18
Merced Falls
E. Kelsey
Mcreed Falls.
16
19
35
20
20
13
33
19
Monroe
J. L. Hutchings
Turlock
13
13
26
26
26
20
Madison
N. B. Stoneroad.
Plainsburg
16
18
34
14
25
9
41
21
Mariposa
Job Wheat. .
Merced
26
44
IS
9
17
I
23
23
Mitchell .
13
20
11
12
8
31
24
Occidental
J. D. Bradley
13
10
23
12
18
5
24
25
Pioneer
R. Reynolds
21
17
38
24
24
14
43
26
Plainsburg
13
+1
17
31
10
28
27
Russel
15
28
Robla
15
25
40
14
33
7
42
29
Snelling
B. W. Jeffers
Los Baños
17
15
32
15
29
3
35
30
San Luis.
Chester
10
7
17
4
17
21
31
San Joaquin
11
16
13
12
4
25
39
Savana
39
25
67
117
33
Mendezabel
R. H. Parrish
Los Baños
8
12
20
5
15
3
24
34
Washington
D. L Silmau
Hopeton
681
643
1324 605 973 326 1394
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION.
County Boards of Education were created by the school law of 1880, in conformity to the new Constitution of California, adopted in the previous year. They supersede, at once, tlie for- iner County and State Boards of Examination, and exercise some of the powers of the State Board of Education under previous laws.
The County Board of Education has power: To prescribe and enforce rules for the examination of teachers; to examine applicants for certificates, and prescribe a standard of profi- cieney ; to prescribe and enforce the use of a uniform series of text-books; to grant certificates, and revoke certificates granted by themselves, for immoral or unprofessional conduct, or for evident unfitness for teaching ; to adopt a course of study for the schools of the county, and to adopt rules and regula-
1 tions for their own government. A. County Board of Education has even power over the matter of educational and life diplomas, for the law provides that the application for an educational or a life diploma, must be accompanied by a resolution of a County or a Local Board of Education recommending that the same be granted.
COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
By the law of 1852 the Assessor in cach county was ex officio County School Superintendent. In 1855, a change was made, and the order of things then established has been adhered to in most counties to the present day, i. e .; since 1855 they have been elected as other county officers are.
County Superintendents are, according to the new Constitu- tion of 1879, clected at each Gubernatorial Election.
34
7
55
W. F. Clark
Los Baños
27
18
18
17
44
30
22
MeSwain
Mrs. M. D. Swain
Atwater
10
S
A. Lander.
Plaiusburg
Merced
9
5
14
10
4
G. Galbreath
Merced
G. B. Neighbor
Snelling
R. W. Hammond.
Plainsburg
5
43
49
92
A. Welch.
Hill's Ferry
7
Plainsburg
28
M. Rahilly
Merced
17
Merced
E. M. Stoddard
18
22
4
Tutal nunther of binys
Number of children un.
198
HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
CLIMATE AS AFFECTED BY WIND CURRENTS.
Healthfulness, Humidity, Air Currents, Rain- fall, Temperature, Meteorological Table, etc.
CLIMATE, RAIN-FALL AND HEALTHFULNESS OF THE VALLEY.
-
THERE is one subject upon which the true Californian never wearies of dilating-"the climate." Be it in the ice-bound regions of the Sierras at midwinter, or in the heat and mid- summer of the great valleys; in the fogs of the coast, or in the sand-storms of the plains, he will assert " it is the finest climate in the world."
Climate, more than any other one property, determines the comparative and intrinsic worth of a country for habitation. Every other condition inay be, to a less or greater degree, altered by human ageney; climate remains a steadfast servant to its mistress, Nature. The soil may be unfruitful ; timber wanting; the waters unfit for use ; man remedies such defects, and uations are planted in the midst of these adverse surroundings. Climate, unaltered, outlasts the labor of races.
Iu the location, theu, of a permanent settlement and the choice of a home, climatic conditions form the first and chief factor. Men pierce the frozen barriers of the north or brave the wast- ing torrid heats in pursuit of wealth, only that they may dwell in comfort where the scasons come and go mildly. Human adventurers are not bound by frost and heat; and yet homes are not inade of choice too near the extremes of either.
Enough seasonable variation exists to make the race vigor- ous, to produce grains and fruits of the finest quality, and the best varieties of domestic stock. At the same time out-door labor suffers little interruption by reason of weather stress.
The most deuse population, the highest intelligence, and the most general prevalence of the useful arts, are found along those isotherms opposiug the fewest rigors of climate to be over- come. Here, too, national and individual wealthı are accumu- lated in the largest abnudance. For physical discomforts require less expenditure in food, clothing, and shelter, and thus subtract less from the sum total of labor, leaving a maximum to be added to the individual and general capital. The north tem- perate region, accordiugly, affords resources for the highest indi- vidual and national welfare.
Reference to the geographical position of Merced County will indicate at once the general character of its climate. Situated near the center of the State, between latitude thirty-seven and thirty-eight, north, we find it in the same latitude with the southern portion of the States of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ken- tucky, and Virginia, And in a corresponding latitude with the following counties of Europe, Spain, Portugal, Lower Italy, and
Upper Greece. Blodgett says: "The elastic atmosphere and bracing effect of this climate constitute a striking difference from those of the Easteru States. All residents concur in pro- nouneing it more favorable to physical and mental activity than any they have known."
THIS CLIMATE COMPARED WITH OTHERS.
To realize the advantages of our climate, we have only to compare it with the climate of other States and counties. At Cincinnati, in January, the minimum temperature is ten degrees, that is, ten degrees below zero, or forty-two degrees below the freezing point, or, as we say, forty-two degrees of frost, whereas, in mnost of the valleys in California, and particularly here in this valley, we do not have more than two degrees of frost, and snow never, except in two iustances within the last ten years, and then only enough to cover the ground, and remaining only a few hours.
The mean temperature in Cincinnati, in January, is twenty- one degrees, Fahrenheit, indicating that the average day in that month has eleven degrees of frost, while the average January day here, is at least twenty-two degrees warmer than in Cinciu- nati. 'At Richmond, Virginia, in the same latitude with us, the minimum temperature in January is two degrees, that is, two degrees above zero, beiug something like forty degrees below the greatest cold observed here in the same latitude. There are other important points in our favor when compared with the other side of the continent-the difference in the temperature of the summer nights, which are oppressively hot in the Atlantic States, and so deliciously cool and pleasant here as to secure refreshing slumber.
REASON OF AGREEABLE CLIMATE.
One reason of this is the difference in the atmospheric moist- ure, which has a great influence upon comfort in hot weather, and which effects all climates. The air is so dry here that the perspiration is carried away rapidly, leaving the body cool and refreshed, but with our Eastern friends, the abundance of moist- ure prevents or checks evaporation, and there is more discomfort with a temperature of ninety-eight degrees there than with 110 degrees here.
When people there are suffering with prostration from sun- stroke, we here find comfort, aud safety in the gentle breeze which fans our cheeks, and wipes the perspiration from our bodies, leaving us cool and refreshed, and beyond the reach of the sun's most oppressive heat.
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