History of Sacramento County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, 1923, Part 31

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026

USA > California > Sacramento County > History of Sacramento County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, 1923 > Part 31

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

The filling up of I Street and the advent of the Chinese now obliterate every trace of the building and its exact site. My school opened with four pupils, and increased to six, then to eight or nine. I do not think it ever exceeded twelve. By stress of weather and other cir- cumstances I was compelled to close the school the 1st of December, 1849. That was the end of my endeavors in the way of school teach- ing. It is my impression that Crowell opened a school in the spring of 1850, but it might have been during the following autumn. In the spring there were enough families to make school-teaching desirable, and the weather and other circumstances were such as to make it practicable. I know of no other schools in 1849 than Palmer's and mine."

Up to 1854 the public schools had been merged into those of the county, and were un- der the supervision of the county assessor. by virtue of his office. The state school law pro- vided for a supervising school committee in each city, town and incorporated village. The attempt made in Sacramento to establish a common school under that law failed and in 1852 the legislature repealed that law and passed a new one, which gave to cities and in- corporated towns the control of the common schools within their limits, with a provision that if the municipal authorities did not exer- cise that power the county assessor should have charge of them and be ex-officio county superintendent. This act was amended April 26. 1853, and in that year the county assessor, H. J. Bidleman, appointed under the law as amended a board of school commissioners for the city consisting of Dr. H. W. Harkness, G. J. Phelan and George Wiggins.

Judging from the articles in the newspapers of that day, frequently demanding that the commissioners do their duty and open a public school, they must have been very dilatory in establishing the schools. At last, in February. 1854, the following advertisement appeared :

"Public School. The citizens of Sacramento are hereby notified that the school commis- sioners for this city will open a public school on the southeast corner of Fifth and K Streets, on Monday morning, February 20, 1854, at 9 o'clock. G. H. Peck will have charge of the male department, and Miss Griswold of the female department. By order of the Commis- sioners of Common Schools."

The school was opened on the day desig- nated and was the first public school opened in this city. The day of coeducation had not then arrived, and two rooms were occupied, one by the boys and the other by the girls. The school opened on the first day with fifty boys and forty girls in attendance. Most of them were between seven and nine years old and the greater portion had never attended

school before. The attendance increased rapidly and on the fourth day there were ninety boys and seventy girls in attendance. It was found that the school was growing so fast that there was not room for the accom- modation of the pupils and soon there were 200 on the roll. The building not being large enough to accommodate all, another school was opened in an old building known as the Indiana House on I Street, near Tenth, and the board appointed A. R. Jackson as teacher. This school in turn became too crowded, and another building was leased, on the corner of Tenth and G Streets. The girls of the I Street school were removed to this place and placed in charge of M. E. Corby. On June 19 a school for girls and boys was opened near the corner of Seventh and K Strets. W. A. Mur- ray being placed in charge. The attendance still increasing, a primary school was opened in the rear of the Fifth Street school, in a building formerly occupied as a mechanic's shop, and the care of the pupils was confided to Miss A. E. Roberts.

And still the movement grew. In July, 1854. it is stated that there were 261 pupils attend- ing the public schools, and 250 in private schools. The day of the children had come, and the city was becoming a city of homes in- stead of men only. From this time on the ad- vance in the cause of education was rapid. October 2, 1854, the city council passed an ordinance which had been drafted by N. A. H. Ball, and which provided for the election of a city superintendent of schools and a board of education. The board was to assume the con- trol of the city schools, which had heretofore been controlled by the county assessor.

The council elected Dr. H. W. Harkness superintendent, and N. A. H. Ball, George Wiggins and Dr. T. A. Thomas trustees or members of the board, which organized on the Ist of the following month, Harkness occupy- ing the chair and Ball being secretary. At this meeting the board estimated the school income and expenses necessary for the ensu- ing year at $22,000. A controversy arose be- tween the county superintendent and the board, the former declining to surrender con- trol of the schools on the ground that it would deprive him of his $1.000 salary. The matter was finally adjusted and on December 7 the county commissioners and Superintendent Bidleman formally surrendered all the public schools in the city, the city board agreeing to liquidate all indebtedness. On the 11th the county superintendent and commissioners re- signed their offices and the city board assumed full control of the schools.

In November 25, 1854, the following teachers were elected by the new board : For the Second Ward female grammar school, Miss Anderson ;

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Second Ward female primary school, Miss Frost; Second Ward male grammar school. G. H. Peck ; Third Ward male grammar school, A. R. Jackson. The first common schoolhouse was erected on the corner of Tenth and H Streets, upon land tendered free by John H. Gass, A. B. Asper contracting to build it in fifteen days for $1,487. It was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, January 20, 1855. February 5, 1855, a primary school was estab- lished at Eleventh and I Streets, with Mrs. Eliza A. Wright as teacher. The board ap- portioned scholars to the different schools, to the number of 574. The teachers were to register the applicants and if the pupil ab- sented himself for more than a week without good cause the board and the parents were to be notified, his name dropped and the next ap- plicant on the list admitted. Dr. Harkness in his first report showed accommodations for only 414 pupils-157 boys, 157 girls and 100 primary scholars. Five hundred seventy-eight pupils had made application to enter, and the accommodations were insufficient, there being an average attendance of 463.

In March, 1855, the authority to elect the board was taken from the council and given to the people by legislative act, the number of commissioners being increased to six. At the first election in April, 1855, Francis Tukey was elected superintendent, and R. P. Johnson, H. Houghton, F. A. Hatch, J. F. Morse, George W. Wooley and George Wiggins commis- sioners. The new board organized April 11. the total salaries of teachers being at that time $1,350 monthly. On the 15th Lee & Marshall's circus gave a benefit to the schools, netting $321, and subsequently gave other benefits. The schools grew rapidly and on May 5 the new board elected teachers, there being ten principals and two assistants. In February, 1856, Tukey resigned as superintendent and F. W. Hatch was elected in his place, William E. Chamberlain being elected commissioner in place of Hatch. The report of Superintendent Hatch on March 18 showed that in the six grammar schools there were 199 boys and 267 girls, a total of 466; average attendance 254. In the five primary schools there were 270 boys and 234 girls ; total 504, average attend- ance 250. Twelve of the pupils were born in California and one in China. From Illinois came 93. Early this year came W. H. Watson, who succeeded Mr. Wooley as a member of the board.

A superintendent and board of commis- sioners were elected in April, 1856, and met on the 11th. It consisted of F. W. Hatch, re- elected superintendent ; Dr. C. Burrell, David Maddux, John F. Dreman, J. F. Thompson, A. Montgomery and C. H. Bradford. On May 12 the board apportioned $25 a month for

the colored school, which was to be taught by J. B. Anderson. This was the first aid the colored school had received. In November J. B. Harmon succeeded Burrell. The report of Superintendent Hatch showed studies pur- sued in the various schools as follows: Gram- mar, 312; arithmetic, 612; reading, 821 ; spell- ing, 843 ; writing, 538 ; geography, 372; history, 103; algebra, 63; Latin, 28; chemistry, 39; geometry, 4; composition, 227; declamation, 151.

A new board consisting of J. G. Lawton, superintendent ; Samuel Cross, R. A. Pearis, David Murray, H. J. Bidleman, P. W. S. Rayles and J. G. Simmons, commissioners, took their places. In the latter part of 1857 the building of the Franklin Grammar School, at Sixth and L Streets, now known as the old Armory, was begun. December 22 the cor- ner-stone was laid in the presence of a large assemblage, under the auspices of the Masons. The lot cost $4,500 and the building $7,500.

May 4, 1858, the school directors, composed of the board of education appointed under the Consolidation Act, held their first meeting and elected Samuel Cross president and Dr. Sim- mons secretary. Daniel J. Thomas was ap- pointed a director by the board of supervisors in place of Dr. R. A. Pearis, but the board of education declared the appointment illegal

The board of education organized October 4, 1858, consisted of G. J. Phelan, A. G. Richard- son, H. J. Bidleman, T. M. Morton, H. B. Os- borne, G. I. N. Monell, John Hatch and G. L. Simmons; Phelan, president. Hatch did not qualify and the board of supervisors elected David Meeker to fill his place. Dr. Simmons resigned in January, 1859, and was succeeded by C. A. Hill. Early in 1859 a school building was erected at a cost of $3,800, at Thirteenth and G Streets and named the Washington schoolhouse. Secretary Bidleman was removed May 9, and was succeeded by 'Monell.

A new board met October 3, 1859, consisting of Cyril Hawkins, H. J. Bidleman, J. M. Frey, G. L. Simmons, J. J. Murphy, G. I. N. Monell, D. J. Thomas and Henry McCreary. Dr. Frey was president and Monell secretary. An un- successful attempt was made to establish a Normal School, to be taught two days in the week. At the close of the year there were one high, four grammar, two primary and interme- diate, and six primary schools in the city. Scholars enrolled, 1,031, with an average at- tendance of 790. Fifteen teachers were ent- ployed, one assistant and ten monitors, salaries amounting to $1,850 a month, the board be- lieving the monitorial system less expensive. while at the same time it gave more teachers

The board of education for 1860 met Decem- ber 3, with G. Taylor, J. F. Crawford, H. Miller, J. M. Frey, J. M. Milliken, A. C. Sweet-

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

ser. S. M. Mouser and J. Bithell members ; Miller president and Sweetser secretary. It discharged all the teachers and monitors, graded the schools, decided that male teachers should be employed as principals of the high school and of the first grade of the grammar school. J. W. Anderson was elected principal of the Franklin grammar school and Miss Doyle his assistant. June 7, 1861, Anderson was elected principal of the high school, and Mr. Templeton to fill his place in the Frank- lin school.

January 6, 1862, the board organized was composed of J. F. Dreman, D. J. Thomas. W. Bidwell, H. Miller, W. H. Hill, J. M. Milliken, S. M. Mouser and Edward Collins; Hill presi- dent. In March Mrs. Folger was elected teacher of the colored school, the board voting to pay her salary whenever the building and furniture should be furnished by the parents interested. On the 3rd of March the schools, which had been considerably damaged by the flood, reopened, except the one at Sixteenth and N Streets, which was still surrounded by water. Mouser resigned and his place was filled by J. T. Peck. The schoolhouse at Tenth and P Streets was erected, at a cost of $2,500.

The board elected in January, 1863, com- prised Edward Collins, John F. Dreman, W. H. Hill, H. H. Hartley, Paul Morrill, D. J. Thomas, W. Bidwell and H. J. Bidleman. Hill was president. At the close of the year 1.093 pupils were enrolled, average attendance, 795. The graduating class numbered 215. Pupils in the colored school, 32, average attendance, 27. A building for the colored school was erected at Fifth and O Streets, but was set on fire by an incendiary and consumed with its contents. Total disbursements for the eleven schools, $24,483.57.

In January, 1864. W. Bidwell, M. C. Briggs, J. H. Carroll, J. F. Crawford, Henry H. Hart- ley, Paul Morrill, O. D. Lambard and H. J. Bidleman composed the board, which elected Briggs president. When the year closed the number of schools had increased to thirteen- six primary, three intermediate, one high, one grammar, one ungraded and one colored, with 1.202 pupils in attendance, 919 of whom were born in the state. The intermediate school at Thirteenth and G Streets was opened, as also an ungraded one at Twenty-ninth and J Streets. The board, in compliance with a peti- tion from the colored people, placed their school on the same footing as the white schools, except as to grade. The expenses for the year were $28,660.08 : receipts, $27,276.86.

The board of 1865 organized in January, with M. C. Briggs, W. E. Chamberlain, O. D. Lambard, Eugene Soule, J. W. Avery, J. H. Carroll, J. W. Crawford and Paul Morrill. Briggs was reelected president. The Union

schoolhouse at Seventh and G Streets was completed and accepted February 7. J. L. Fogg was chosen principal of the grammar school, Mr. Templeton being made principal of the high school. The total number of pupils had increased to 1,458, of whom 870 were born in the state. The first story of the Union High School was completed May 1, and two schools moved in. Cost. $15,786.56. Receipts, $31,489 .- 35. Expenses, $34,459.68.

In January, 1866, the new board organized, with J. W. Avery, W. E. Chamberlain, Paschal H. Coggins, John F. Dreman, G. R. Moore, O. D. Lambard, Paul Morrill and Eugene Soule, directors : president, WV. E. Chamberlain. The close of the year showed 1,524 pupils en- rolled, 1,010 born in the state. There were now fourteen schools in the city. H. H. Howe was elected principal of the grammar school, Fogg having resigned. A schoolhouse for colored children was erected costing $700, and a frame schoolhouse at Ninth and M Streets, costing $3,946, and school was opened there August 1. Receipts for the year, $34,443.31; expenditures, $32,136.43, receipts for the first time exceeding expenses.

The board of 1867 was composed of the same members, Paul Morrill being president. At the close of the year 1,736 children were on the rolls, 1,227 born in California and 457 else- where. Early in the year the Lincoln school building was erected, the cost being $8,049.69. In March $200 was set aside from the state ap- portionment for a school library. About 250 volumes were purchased and the number has increased yearly since. Lambard resigned and was replaced by John F. Crawford, and Soule resigning, David S. Ross was elected in his place. Receipts, $33,639 ; expenditures, $44,207.

In 1868 the board was: J. F. Crawford, Joseph Davis, J. W. Avery, Henry Miller, D. S. Ross, F. A. Gibbs, Paschal H. Coggins and Horace Adams. Miller was president. The year closed with 1,727 names enrolled, 920 boys and 807 girls, with an average attendance of 1,142. Born in the state 1,241. Receipts, $43,194.68 ; expenses, $48,362.

In February, 1869, the board was: J. F. Crawford, J. W. Avery, B. B. Redding, Henry Miller, David S. Ross, F. A. Gibbs, W. L. Campbell and Henry McCreary : Miller, presi- dent. The year closed with 2,200 pupils en- rolled-1,128 boys and 1,072 girls ; average at- tendance, 1,584. A wooden addition was made to the school building at Thirteenth and G Streets, but within a fortnight it was destroyed by an incendiary fire, together with the old building, and the school had to be continued in other quarters until the new two-story brick building for the school could be completed. It cost $13,720, and was known as the Washing- ton School. A wooden addition was also made

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

to the Franklin schoolhouse. In November 400 German citizens petitioned the board to intro- duce the German language into the schools, which was done, Arnold Dulon being elected teacher, with fifteen pupils in the high school and 190 in the grammar school. At the close of the year there were seventeen schools in the city-one high, one grammar with four grades, four intermediate, nine primaries, one un- graded and one colored. Receipts, $78,000.94; expenditures, $77.840.44.

In 1870 the board was composed of John H. Dreman, J. W. Avery, Henry Miller, David S. Ross, F. A. Gibbs, Daniel Brown, J. F. Mont- gomery and B. B. Redding, with Miller as president. H. H. Howe resigned the principal- ship of the grammar school and A. H. McDon- ald was elected to the position, two new de- partments being added. A two-story brick schoolhouse was erected at Sixteenth and N Streets, at a cost of $9,000, but a few days after its completion it was set on fire and destroyed. The board immediately erected another, which was completed the following year. The yearly roll showed 1,219 boys and 1,137 girls; total, 2,356. Receipts,

$81,115.51. Expenditures, $80,770.47.

The next board organized January 26, 1871. was composed of W. C. Stratton, J. W. Avery, E. T. Taylor, D. S. Ross, Henry Miller, Daniel Brown, J. F. Montgomery and Henry C. Kirk, Montgomery being president. The pupils in- creased in number to 2,458, 1,249 boys and 1,209 girls. There were now twenty schools in the city and receipts for the year were $72,810 and expenses, $71,351.

In 1872 the board was: Henry C. Kirk, W. C. Stratton, Henry Miller, E. T. Taylor, E. I. Robinson, John F. Dreman, C. H. Cummings and H. K. Snow : Miller, president. Judge E. B. Crocker acquired the ground on which the schoolhouse at Second and P Streets stood, and the school was removed to Fourth and Q Streets. The city donated the public square between I and J. Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets, and the present commodious brick building, known as the Sacramento Grammar School, was erected at a cost of $60,000, to accommodate the other grammar schools. George Rowland was elected a member of the board, vice Stratton, resigned. Underwood resigned as principal of the grammar school and A. H. McDonald succeeded him. The board decided to open a night school in the two lower rooms of the Franklin Grammar School, at Sixth and K Streets.

In 1873 the board consisted of C. H. Cum- mings, J. F. Dreman, James I. Felter, E. I. Robinson, H. K. Snow. George Rowland, Felix Tracy and B. B. Redding; Cummings presiding. The census showed 3,389 children between five and fifteen years of age, with

3,053 enrolled ; average attendance, 1,810. Receipts, $73,952; expenses, $67,300.

The board as organized in 1874 consisted of C. H. Cummings, D. W. Welty, J. F. Dreman, J. 1. Felter, George Rowland, Felix Tracy, George Waite and W. F. Knox; Tracy presid- ing. A new course of study gave two grades in the primary schools, instead of three. In- termediate School No. 5 and Primary School No. 10 were organized and an additional as- sistant was employed at the grammar school. The high school opened with a new corps of teachers and 118 pupils. A truant officer was employed in September with good results. Mr. Straube resigned as German teacher and A. H. Unger was elected. The receipts were $95,041 ; disbursements, $122,249, and the deficit of $27,- 208 was met with borrowed money.

January, 1875, the new board as organized consisted of C. H. Cummings, J. F. Dreman, Albert Hart, W. F. Knox, T. M. Lindley, J. F. Montgomery, Felix Tracy and George S. Waite: Tracy presiding. Superintendent Hinkson reported the receipts as $68,946.05 and the expenditures, $57,579.72. Total num- ber enrolled, 2,633; average attendance, 2,143; born in California, 2,134. The cost for each pupil was estimated at $21.86. The Union and Lincoln and other schoolhouses were repaired during the year. The superintendent's report showed the schools to compare favorably with those of the other states, and the system of weekly and monthly examinations was in- stituted with satisfactory results.

In 1876 the board was composed of John F. Dreman, Albert Hart, F. M. Lindley, T. B. McFarland, J. F. Montgomery. A. T. Nelson, J. F. Richardson, Felix Tracy, and Secretary Hinkson. School Census Marshal's report showed an increase of 355 children during the past year. Total number of children attending school, 2,850; average attendance, 1,982; born in California, 1,843; number enrolled for the German class, 191. Expenses, $64,894.35. The superintendent reported against making any change in text-books.

The board for 1877 organized with J. F. Dre- man, J. I. Felter, H. H. Linnell, T. B. McFar- land. John Stevens and J. N. Young. Felter presided. The superintendent's report showed that there were in the city 4,011 white and 71 colored children between five and seventeen years of age. Of these 2.458 were attending public schools. There were fifty-five public school classes in the city and the high school was maintained for ten months during the year. There were in all, twelve school build- ings ; boys enrolled, 1.627 ; girls, 1,496 ; average attendance, eighty per cent. The high school erected this year was a fine structure with four class rooms, library room, laboratory, etc.

The board of 1878 organized with J. F. Dre-

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

man, J. 1. Felter, E. Greer, Matt F. Johnson, H. 11. Linnell, John Stevens and J. N. Young as directors; Felter presiding. Sixty-eight teachers were employed, including one of French and German. Several new school rooms were rendered necessary this year by the accession of pupils. The number of pupils enrolled was 3,148. Current expenses were $69,872. The superintendent recommended that school books be furnished to all children under restrictions that would prevent abuses. Eight additional teachers were employed and two new classes established in the grammar grades.

In 1879 the board organized with Director S. W. Butler, E. Greer, Matt F. Johnson, J. F. Dreman, John T. Griffitts, F. A. Hornblower, James McClatchy and T. B. McFarland. The latter presided. The superintendent reported the value of school property at $198,000. Num- ber of pupils enrolled, 3.539. Receipts, $78,- 947.26; expenditures, $74,082.94. He recom- mended the erection of an additional school building in the southern part of the city, the grading of teacher's salaries, and free supply of books to the pupils ; of the sixty-three class rooms one had been abandoned on account of its unhealthy location. Seventy-three teachers were employed, with an average salary of $72.83. Prof. Albert H. Unger, principal of the German classes, died this year. The night school had 100 pupils enrolled, under Professor Brier, and was reported as in a high state of efficiency.

The board of 1880 organized with Directors S. W. Butler, J. T. Griffitts, F. A. Hornblower, W. R. Knights, J. D. Lord, James McClatchy, W. D. Stalker and K. F. Wiemeyer. Griffitts presided.

Knights resigned and Felix Tracy was elected to the vacancy. F. L. Landes suc- ceeded A. C. Hinkson as superintendent. The latter reported receipts for the previous year as $82,380.32; disbursements, $81,014.95: one new schoolhouse, a fine ten-class primary school on Q Street, between Ninth and Tenth, costing $9,413, and other buildings amounting in all to $10,733 and furniture to the amount of $1.852 were among the items, giving ample accommodations for pupils. The sale of the Franklin Grammar School, at Sixth and L Streets, occupied only as a night school, was recommended. 'Total number of pupils en- rolled, 3,489; teachers employed, 79, two of them being in the evening school. The prin- cipal of the high school was O. M. Adams; vice-principal, Kirk W. Brier, who afterwards became principal. A. H. McDonald was prin- cipa! of the Sacramento Grammar School and Joseph W. Johnson, principal of the Capital Grammar; W. J. Hyde. principal of the night school.

Up to this time there had been four super- intendents-W. H. Hill. S. C. Denson, A. C. Hinkson and F. L. Landes.

Since 1880 the boards have been as follows :

1881-K. F. Wiemeyer, W. D. Stalker, J. D. Lord. L. K. Hammer, S. W. Butler, Felix Tracy, Philip Herzog and W. S. Mesick. Mesick resigned and C. H. Stevens was elected to succeed him.

1882-John F. Slater. Philip Herzog, C. H. Stevens. W. D. Stalker, S. W. Butler, Felix Tracy, Mathew C. Cooke, L. K. Hammer : G. W. Hancock succeeded Hammer, resigned.

1883-John F. Slater, C. H. Stevens, Mathew C. Cooke. W. D. Stalker, O. P. Goodhue, Felix Tracy, George W. Hancock and S. W. Butler. Goodhue died and Elwood Bruner was elected to the vacancy.

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History of Sacramento County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, 1923, Part 31

Author: Reed, G. Walter Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1026

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026