USA > Iowa > Story County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa > Part 31
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The earliest records of the Department of Education show that, for the year ending Octo- ber 31, 1854, there was but one school in a frame house in Story County, while the chil- dren of school age numbered but 80, but 30 of whom were enrolled in the school for
*Col. Scott's address of 1876.
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a sixty-days' term. From the teachers' fund but $10 was paid, to which $20 was added by voluntary subscription. The tax raised for the building was $75 .* There were no reports made for the following three years, during which period the enumeration increased to 1,069. The first full report was that of 1858, showing 8 districts, 35 sub-districts, and 24 schools, with 25 teachers, of whom 14 were male and 11 female, whose monthly compen- sations were, respectively, $22.39 and $12.44. This is somewhat of an improvement over the first monthly wages of $10. These teachers taught 326 of the 1,363 children enumerated, in 9 frame, 1 brick and 9 log school-houses, altogether valued at $7,900, and the total amount paid teachers was $1,396. A marked increase was made in 1859, for $2,736 was paid 23 male and 18 female teachers in 33 schools with 45 sub-districts and 10 township districts. The number of pupils enrolled rose to 1,208, and the average attendance was 695. The buildings, too, had increased in number-15 frame, 1 brick and 10 log, all valued at $8,770. In 1860 the value arose to $11,008, with 16 frame, 1 brick and 11 log buildings, in which 49 schools were taught, and in which 27 male and 25 female teachers were employed, at a to- tal salary of $2,748. A slight increase was made in the feminine salary, and the gentle- men had to be content with a little less than the previous year. The enumeration reached 1,484. In 1861 it sprang to 1,517, with an enrollment of 1,152, out of which the average attendance was but 632. The gentlemen had a still greater reduction in salary, although the whole amount paid to teachers was increased to $2,824, which was distributed to 32 male and 27 female educators in 46 schools, using 20 frame, 1 brick, and but 10 log school-houses.
*This is all that is found in the report to the Department of Ed- neation.
Here we have the first indication of a change from the log to frame school-houses, and the districts are increased from 10 to 11. In 1862 there were 44 schools with 26 frame, 1 brick and 9 log buildings valued at $12,354. To 35 male and 25 female teachers was paid $3,506, with still greater favor to the ladies. The enu- meration reached 1,662, of whom but 1,585 were enrolled. In 1863 the enumeration was 1,702, with 1,402 enrolled in 46 sub-districts, with 28 frame, 1 brick and 10 log "founts of knowledge." In these, with the young men in the army, were employed but 15 male and 42 female teachers, who were paid a total of $4,279, with the old differences in compensa- tion between ladies and gentlemen. But $3,815 was paid in 1864 to 25 male and 50 female teachers, in 65 schools and 47 sub-dis- tricts, in which were 33 frame, 2 brick, 1 stone and 7 log buildings, all valued at $15,465. The enumeration reported 1,823 children, of whom but 1,581 were enrolled. All this shows a remarkable growth for one decade, and that too the first of a county's existence, and while it took part in the greatest civil war that ever occurred on earth. The west is so familiar with gigantic strides in growth, that these evidences of it are seldom fully realized, and are too frequently taken as a matter of course.
By the year 1865 the Teachers' Institute was well established and attended by over three-fourths of the teachers of the county. The great value of county supervision was acknowledged, and it was recognized as the greatest need. There were no libraries worth mention, and the total value of apparatus in the entire county was estimated at only $15! There were 24 male and 58 female teachers distributed over the county, as follows: Indian Creek, 7 male and 7 female; Washington, 5 male and 5 female; Franklin, 1 male and 6
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female; Union, 7 female; Howard, 1 male and 6 female; Palestine, 2 male and 3 female; La Fayette, 1 male and 5 female; Milford, 1 male and 2 female, with none in Col- lins reported. These were in 49 schools, with an enrollment of 2,196 out of 2,597 enumerated, an average attendance of 1,198. The proportion of time occupied by schools was represented by 3,069 for summer and 2,375 for winter. The buildings were 2 brick, one in Union and one in Nevada Township, at Nevada, 37 frame, the largest number of which (7) were in Nevada Township, and but 6 log, the largest number (3) being in Indian Creek Township. Their value was estimated at $23,523. Among the workers and lecturers in the institute that year were W. S. McFea- ters, F. D. Thompson, Col. John Scott and L. Q. Hoggatt. The institute of the following year was conducted by D. Franklin Wells, State superintendent, with an attendance of 36. During that year there were 55 schools in 55 districts,* employing 42 male and 123 female teachers. This probably included the entire college faculty, for the enumeration was but 2,924, and the enrollment 2,042. The build- ings numbered 44 frame, 2 brick and but 5 log, valued at $25,790, and new apparatus at $294.80. The entire amount paid teachers was $10,501.92. That paid them in 1867 was $11,760.31, there being 41 male and 63 female teachers in 63 schools of 62 districts, in which were enumerated 3,206 children, with 2,317 enrolled. These were in 5 brick, 54 frame, and 2 log buildings valued at $36,825, with apparatus valued at $2,277.75. County Superintendent Rev. J. G. Beckley's report says: "The schools have improved at least 200 per cent in the past two years." Nevada Town- ship stood first and Washington second in the number of schools; Washington first in the
number of male teachers, Nevada first and Indian Creek next in the number of female teachers; Washington first and Nevada next in the amount paid teachers. In 1870 the number of certificates issued was: First grade, 22 male and 19 female; second grade, 20 male and 22 female; third grade, 20 male and 49 female. The number of these reading profes- sional books was seventy-five. The attend- ance at the institute was 45 male and 58 female. In 1874 there were 12 independent dis- tricts and 108 sub-districts, with 108 un- graded and 5 graded schools, employing 84 male and 126 female teachers, at average monthly salaries of $33.93 and $26.25 re- spectively. The enumeration reached 4,990 and the enrollment 4,227, with an average attendance of but 2,303. These were taught in ten brick, 106 frame but no log buildings, and all valued at $66,945. Certificates were issued to 77 male and 127 female teach- ers, all of first and second grade. The institute had an attendance of 65. In 1875 there were 105 frame and 12 brick build- ings, valued at $82,925. There were 113 un- graded and 4 graded schools. The amount paid teachers was $27,985.69. The attend- ance at the institute was 124. In 1876 County Superintendent C. H. Balliet said: "Tax-payers are annually raising the onerous tax of about $71,000 for all purposes and that without a murmur, but saying give us better schools." The need for more careful official reports was recognized. The independent dis- tricts had risen to 22 and the districts to 112, with 114 ungraded and 4 graded schools, employing 99 male and 139 female teachers. The great effect of the Agricultural College was beginning to be more clearly marked. The aver- age attendance was improved, being 2,340 out of 4,750 enrollment. The 108 frame and 14 brick school-houses were valued at $89,421, and
*Sub-districts.
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118 library volumes were reported. The total amount paid to teachers was $30,534.37. In 1877 Nevada, Ames, Colo, Iowa Center and Cambridge were reported as graded schools. In 1878 County Superintendent L. B. Baughman reported the increased use of improved seats and the marked supply of good teachers de- rived from the Agricultural College, together with a noticeable decrease in salaries. The institute on its improved plan held for three weeks with an attendance of 151, and under the instruction of E. R. Eldridge and Prof. W. P. and Mrs. A. M. Payne.
In 1879 there were 110 districts and 22 inde- pendent districts, with 124 ungraded and 16 rooms of graded schools, employing 119 male and 141 female teachers at average monthly salaries of $27.89 and $23.25 respect- ively. Of the 5,131 enumerated, 4,947 were enrolled, with an average attendance of 2,813. These used 117 frame and 13 brick buildings valued at 888,045, and the teachers were paid $27,963.20. The Normal Institute had a three- week session, with 47 male and 83 female teachers in attendance. The bonded indebted- ness of independent districts reached $7,700. The library volumes were reported over 300. In 1880 a better class of school houses, better wages, and a healthy public sentiment were noted. In 1881 there were 127 ungraded and 20 graded schools, employing 93 male and 159 female teachers, using 122 frame and 13 brick buildings, valued at $93,920, and apparatus at $2,135. During these years, too, the length of the school year was steadily increasing, and likewise the attendance on the Normal In- stitute. In 1882, the first year of the present superintendent, Mr. O. O. Roe, there were 24 independent and 109 sub-districts, with 126 ungraded and 21 graded schools, employ- ing 79 male and 196 female teachers. The enumeration was 6,089, the enrollment 5,318,
and the average attendance 2,912, while the 120 frame and 14 brick buildings were esti- mated at $115,935. The teachers were paid $33,402.01, all of whom held first and second- grade licenses. In 1885 there were 25 inde- pendent and 118 sub-districts, with 135 un- graded and 27 graded schools, with 91 male and 195 female teachers at average monthly salaries of $38.54 and $29.23 respectively. Of 6,288 of school age enumerated, 5,553 were enrolled and 3,121 the average attendance. The 130 frame and 15 brick buildings were valued at $126,775 and apparatus at $2,040. The total amount paid teachers was $39,024.78, while in 1886 it reached $40,060.43 to 82 male and 207 female teachers, in 32 rooms of graded and 134 ungraded schools, in 129 frame and 16 brick buildings, valued at $129,990 and ap- paratus at $2,972. On the grounds were re- ported 848 trees set out, and the Normal Insti- tute was increased to a four-weeks session, with an attendance of 227. The enumeration was 6,073, of whom 5,370 were enrolled, with an average attendance of 3,004. In 1887 Super- intendent Roe reported the Normal Institute as closely following the graded course of the State and with nine graduates. He directed attention to needed improvement in school-house ventil- ation, etc., reported Arbor Day as successfully observed, showed that special attention was given to reading, language and drawing, and recognized the high influence of the Agricult- ural College and the high schools of Nevada and Ames upon public education in the county. | In 1888 there were 27 independent and 116 sub-districts, with 145 buildings, of which 111 were good, 24 fair and 10 poor. In these were 131 ungraded and 37 rooms of graded school, employing 90 male and 212 female teachers, who received $42,662.83. The buildings were valued at $137,350 and the apparatus at $2,- 977, while 1,439 trees shaded the grounds, and
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374 volumes were reported in school libraries. There were also 167, practically the entire number of schools, in which special attention was given to teaching the evil effects of stimu- lants and narcotics. The institute had an at- tendance of 172, but twenty of whom were male teachers. The report of 1889 showed an increased average attendance of 3,109 out of the total enrollment, 5,027, from an enumeration of 5,982, attending in 27 independent and 116 sub-districts, with 35 rooms of graded and 133 ungraded schools, employing 79 male and 233 female teachers, at average monthly salaries of $34.80 and $29.01 respectively. The total amount paid teachers was $41,713.41. The increase over the last decade was about $7 for . men and about $6 for women per month. The 16 brick and 129 frame buildings were valued at $128,125, the apparatus at $2,929, the libra- ry volumes numbering 670, and the number of trees 1,512. There were issued 99 first-grade and 184 second-grade certificates, while the attendance at the Normal Institute was 190. While the last decade may not compare favor- ably with the first in increase of quantity, it certainly will far surpass it in development . and quality to a degree that places Story County among the first counties of the State.
Private schools have been below par in Story County. Palestine Seminary, a solitary effort of this kind, was intended by its founder, Rev. Ives Marks, an energetic and business-like pastor of the United Brethren Church, to be the beginning of a denominational college and seminary. In 1858 he secured a subscription of $1,800 in the Big Creek region, and at once erected a two story building on Section 14 of Palestine Township, near "Pickard's Store."
The first term began in October of that year with Mr. Leonard Brown as instructor, and about twenty-eight pupils. Robert Wilson taught afterward, but a failure in finances and
the removal of Rev. Marks caused the project to come to naught, and the building, after service a while longer for subscription schools, degener- ated into a barn.
The only State institution ever in the county is the Agricultural College and Farm, a mile and a half west of Ames, the location of which in the county is due to the county's vigorous efforts to secure it in her early years, when she herself had existed scarcely a decade either in population or organization. This wise foresight displayed by the early pioneers has proven its wisdom over and over again in the great influence exerted by this institution on the entire educational system of Story County as well as her general intelligence.
The list of county superintendents with school fund commissioners who, in a meager way, represented the superintendent's position before the creation of the latter, are as follows: School fund commissioners, John H. Keigley, 1853; S. P. O'Brien, 1854-55; John J. Bell, 1856-58; the county superintendents-George M. Maxwell, 1858: Dr. W. H. Grafton, 1859; I. H. Rees, 1860-61; D. P. Ballard, 1862-63; W. M. White, 1864-65; Rev. J. G. Beckley, 1866-67; F. D. Thompson, 1868-69; John R. Hays, 1870-71; J. H. Franks, 1872-75: Charles H. Balliet, 1876-77; L. B. Baughman, 1878-81; and O. O. Roe, from 1882 to the present.
As has been said, the county superintendent's personal element is the standard above which the county schools seldom rise. It is not easy to distinguish between the excellencies of all these officers, but, as length of service generally indicates satisfaction on both sides, it may be noticed that J. H. Franks, L. B. Baughman and Supt. Ole O. Roe have had the longest terms of service-the last mentioned, double that of any other, and it is safe to say in addi- tion, that Mr. Roe's executive ability, his solid,
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progressive educational views, and his profes- sional spirit have done more for the schools of Story County than any other one personal ele- ment. The standard of requirement has been kept up; the institutes have been put on the footing of a thorough course of study and graduation since 1874. Their attendance has risen from thirty-six in 1866 to 190 in 1889, when the session held four weeks. Besides this, for the past ten years, nearly a voluntary teachers' association has been kept up for the purpose of mutual improvement in a profes- sional way.
There are a few schools in the county which have outgrown their early country dimensions, and require from two to nine teachers, while their enumeration has reached, in the highest case, 477, and the enrollment 385. It will be of interest to glance at these separately and in the order of size or estimated rank.
The Nevada public schools began in the fall of 1854, in an old log building, near the site of Mr. S. E. Harrison's new home, and with William Margason as the first teacher. Mr. Alderman headed the districts in establishing it. During the next few years Randolph Good- in, Mrs. B. R. Mitchell, Wilson Cessna, Mrs. S. Statler, Roland C. Macomber, S. E. Briggs and others were the pedagogues. The old court-house and private houses were used. About 1859 a brick was built-now a part of O. B. Alderman's residence-and Dr. E. Fuller and Miss Mary Moore (now Boynton ) were the first teachers. During the war, a frame was built in the street, just north of the brick, for the noticeable development of the school. In 1875 it was determined to build a large brick, worthy of the place, and a part of the present building was erected, at a cost of about $16,000. A few years later the present im- posing structure was made by an addition to that of 1875, early in the present decade, at
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a large, additional cost. It has a beautiful, elevated situation in the east part of town, and with its nine school-rooms, two recitation- rooms, basement, steam-heating apparatus and outfits, the brick structure is probably the lead- ing one in the county. It cost about $25,000 | entire, and has a good reference library of 100 volumes, and other general appliances in keep- ing with a school of this character.
The district became independent in March, 1867, with the following board of education: E. G. Day, president; G. A. Kellogg, vice- president; E. Lewis, secretary ; I. Reid, treas- urer, and T. E. Alderman, J. L. Dana and James Hawthorn, directors. Among the presi- dents of the board since then have been G. A. Kellogg, T. Kindlespire, T. C. McCall, R. J. Silliman and others.
Among the principals of the school from 1867 to the present are L. W. Wells, in 1867; J. R. Hays, in 1868; C. H. Balliet, in 1869; Samuel Morgan, in 1870; Mr. Balliet, in 1871- 72; E. R. Munk, in 1873; Mr. Clingan, in 1874; W. P. Payne, from 1875 to 1880; A. H. Smith, two years; T. E. Plummer, three years; L. M. Hastings, one year, and L. T. Weld, four years to the present. Among these and other teachers who should receive special men- tion are J. R. Hays (who excelled as an in- structor), Mr. Morgan, W. P. and Mrs. Payne (who were excellent organizers), T. E. Plum- mer (whose enthusiasm was contagious), Prof. Weld (whose work is marked by thorough- ness and scholarship). Among others (not principals ) who might be mentioned, Mrs. Mary Boynton, who has served Nevada so long as a teacher, should not be omitted.
In 1859 there were two teachers; in 1867, four; in 1877, seven, and in 1890, eight, be- sides the superintendent. The enumeration of 1889 was 477, and the enrollment 380-the largest in the county.
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Improvements in the course began under J. R. Hays, and Prof. Payne brought it to a com- plete course, with eight grades below high school, and four in the latter, with the usual high-school studies. The first class graduated was that of 1877, and it included Minnie Ald- erman, Florence Dana, Rose Murphy, Lina Hambleton, Helen Harper, W. O. Payne, New- ton Simmons, Will Hague and Peter Joor. The course has been developed some by succes- sive principals and superintendents. The schools have won a reputation for good work, and sent out bright representatives in several lines. There are 420 pupils now, about sixty-two being in the high school. It is unfortunate that this, as well as all other high schools, should, year by year, show a smaller proportion of male graduates.
The Ames public schools also have seven rooms and eight teachers, besides the princi- pal, who has not been made superintendent, as at Nevada, however. Her architectural brick structure, too, looming up on the west edge of the town, between Story and Iowa Streets, is probably the finest one in the place. It is of brick, somewhat irregular in form, two stories, basement and seven rooms with halls and general rooms heated by steam. It was finished about 1982, at a cost of probably $16,000 or $17,000. An old building on the south side of the track also is used for a primary department, for in 1889 Ames enu- merated 389 of school age, and had an enroll- ment of 343, some of whom, living on the south side, were given a special primary room in the old building. The graduates of 1889, five in number, had the advantage of a com- plete course, that was adopted in 1883, with ten grades below, and three in the high-school, with usual studies found in a standard school of this order.
This has grown since about 1867, when the
first old building near the timber, on the south side, was ready for Richard May to teach the first Ames school. Charles Chrisman was an early teacher. In a short time the present . south side building-a two-story frame of two rooms, was erected on the corner of Kellogg and Grant Streets. at a cost of probably $1,000. But these were Ames' years of boom, and by about 1875 a new building was necessary. To meet this need, a one-story frame of four rooms was built, on the corner of Kellogg and Grant Streets, on the north side. This cost about $1,400, and at once became the principal building. These were used until the present building was built, as before mentioned, and the old north side property sold, while that on the south was retained.
The principals began in the new building in 1875. Profs. Mahan and Ashton taught in 1876 and 1877, and were followed by G. A. Garard in 1878-79. W. F. Chevalier had a long service, from 1880 to 1889, when the present principal, W. F. Morgan, assumed charge. Prof. Garard was the first to give the school anything of a grade, and to begin giv- ing diplomas. He had many excellent quali- ties as a teacher and gentleman, but it was Principal W. F. Chevalier who placed the school more firmly on its feet in his long serv- ice, and under whom the present course of study was adopted. This course is now under process of revision.
Among other gentleman of the board and others who have been active in school affairs, space will permit the mention of but a few: H. F. Kingsbury, William West, I. L. Smith, D. A. Bigelow, L. Q. Hoggatt, G. Tilden, Dr. A. Richmond, B. Reed, M. Hemstreet, Isaac Black, G. A. Underwood and others.
The Story City schools afford four rooms, and three teachers besides the principal, while in 1889 the enrollment was sixty-two in the
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principal's room, thirty-two intermediate and seventy primary. Their course embraces ten grades, but there has been no graduation as yet. The building is a pleasantly situated frame structure of two stories, completed in 1881, at a cost of about $3,500, and is well supplied with apparatus. This is 1890, but the first school was taught in the winter of 1856-57, thirty-four years since, by Anne Sut- lief, in the old Jenness log hut. Among those who followed her were W. A. Wier, Mrs. R. P. Sheffield, Jennie Overton, Annie Brinson, E. D. Maynard, J. A. Dewey, Rose Rieman, O. O. Roe for several years, J. E. McCready, O. B. Peterson, J. A. Wellington, J. H. Leighton, W. H. Wier and E. L. Ericson for several years to the present. Mr. Roe and Mr. Ericson have beeu the greatest influences in the success of the school. It was Mr. Roe who gave the school its grade.
The first building was erected in 1857; the second cost about $500, and was sold in 1881. A third teacher was added in 1882 and a fourth in 1887. The district was organized inde- pendently in February, 1881, and among those citizens who have been careful of the welfare of their schools may be mentioned B. F. Allen, S. R. Corneliussen, S. S. Larson, O. B. Peter- son and John Swan. The district does not hesi- tate to tax itself well for the welfare of its with two stories, until two more rooms were schools.
The Maxwell schools also have three teach- ers besides the principal, with four large study-rooms and two recitation-rooms. The course has ten grades, with extra high-school studies in the last grade. The building, with its two stories of brick veneer, graces an ele- vation in the northeast part of town, and holds within its walls a fair library, apparatus, etc., the entire school building being probably worth $5,000. Among their early teachers were Davis Hankins, Rufus Hanson, Hattie
Underwood and Mattie Livingstone. The principals have been Clark McClain, Charles Stalkup, A. Bartlet and Frank Jarvis.
The first building was the old warehouse opposite the Maxwell Hotel, and the district was organized in 1883. A course of study was adopted in 1889. The citizens have spared no pains to improve their schools, and among those who have led in this movement are Dr. Goodman, J. W. Maxwell, Mr. Starr, F. W. Hill, S. E. Cooper, J. O. French, Sr., and C. W. Morse.
The Cambridge public schools started back in the fifties, Dr. Grafton teaching Mr. Chandler's children, and he therefore was a pioneer in that line for the county as well as Cambridge. There were few teachers before the war. Orin Crowser taught as early as 1862, but it was a mere country school until 1870, when two teachers were employed in the new building. About 1882 Prof. McCord gave the schools such a new impetus and grade that three teach- ers were soon needed. Since his time Mr. H. E. Wheeler, the present principal, has given the school the most systematic organization.
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