USA > Iowa > Polk County > Centennial history of Polk County, Iowa > Part 14
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OF POLK COUNTY.
extensive business. The members of the firm are all prac- tical workmen, having been associated with this branch of business from boyhood; and the building which they occupy was erected expressly to fill the requirements of a Publish- ing House.
There are several establishments in Des Moines, which would properly come under the head of publishing houses, but as all these publish newspapers, we have specially re- ferred to them under the head of journalism.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY
EDUCATIONAL.
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SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.
Like many other matters connected with the early colo- nization of the County, it has been very difficult, and in some cases utterly impossible, to obtain reliable data in ref- erence to our educational system. Much that would have been useful to the historian, and interesting to the public, has gone down to oblivion; and much that remains is in a condition so confused and chaotic, that it defies all arrange- ment and classification. In writing of the Townships, we have mentioned the first schools, and the first teachers, whenever the materials in our possession gave us opportu- nity. By reference to these Townships, the reader will dis- cover that the pioneers who settled them, were not remiss in caring for the education of their children.
The report for 1876, of Col. Abernethy, late State Super- intendent of Public Instruction, contains an article from the pen of our fellow-citizen, Rev. J. A. Nash, which we take pleasure in presenting here, on account of the information which it gives in regard to the early schools of Des Moines:
"The first school in Des Moines, (then Fort Des Moines,) was taught by Lewis Whitten, Clerk of the District Court, in the Winter of 1846-7, in one of the rooms in "'Coon Row," built by the United States for soldiers' barracks.
In the Summer of 1847, a three months' school was taught by R. L. Tidrick, still of Des Moines. This, also, was kept in one of the Government buildings.
SECOND WARD SCHOOL BUILDING, DES MOINES.
THE NEW YORK! PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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OF POLK COUNTY.
In the Winter of 1847-8, a school was taught by a Mr. Davis, and during the next Summer, a three months' school was taught by Andrew J. Stevens.
All the above were subscription schools.
The first organization of public schools was effected Sep- ter 8th, 1849, Byron Rice being the first teacher. The pub- lic school fund was supposed to amount, for that school year, to about $60.00. This amount was appropriated for a six months' school, with an additional allowance of $2.50 for each scholar, per term of twelve weeks. The school was commenced in the Methodist Church; but about the first of January, was removed to the new Court House, which was then without outside doors; with inside doors of rough boards; the room being unplastered; the warming apparatus consisting of one box stove and one old cook stove. The school was, by request of the teacher, suspended at the end of three months.
The following year, Charles L. Anderson was employed as teacher, and during the winter of 1850-51, Miss Arizona Perkins, sent out by Gov. Slade, kept school in the Metho- dist Church.
In the Spring of 1851, $100 were paid for one-half acre of ground for a school-house site on the corner of Ninth and Locust streets, now occupied by Mr. Getchell's residence.
Mrs. Karus taught the school the two succeeding Win- ters, a term of some three months each.
In November, 1854, a tax of two and one-half mills on the dollar was voted for the erection of a school building, amounting in the aggregate to over $5,000. During the next year, a brick school-house was commenced, which, when completed, cost about $11,000, and was occupied dur- ing the Winter of 1856-7 by a corps of four teachers, J. A. Stickney being principal.
With the occupancy of this building, the common-school system was fully inaugurated in Des Moines,
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In the Autumn of 1853, a select school was opened by Rev. J. A. Nash, assisted by Mrs. Nash, which was contin- ued as Forest Home Seminary until 1862."
The election record, given in another place, presents the names, in succession, of all the County Superintendents who have been elected, commencing with Samuel Bell, in 1858, and terminating with R. S. Hughes, elected in 1875.
From the State Superintendent's Report for 1875, we glean the following facts, illustrative of our present condi- tion in regard to schools: Polk county contains fifteen district townships. There are 133 ungraded, and 11 graded schools. Of teachers, 113 are males, and 187 females, mak- ing an aggregate of 300. The average monthly compensa- tion of teachers is, for males, $41.19, and females, $31.79.
The number of pupils in the county between the ages of five and twenty one is, males, 6,279, females, 5,993, in all, 12,272. The number enrolled in the public schools is, 8,424. Total average attendance is, 4,769. The average cost of tuition per month, per each pupil, is $1.72.
The number of school houses in Polk county made of frame, is 134; of brick 10; in all, 144. The estimated value of these buildings, is $342,095. The brick structures, some of which are very large and commodious as well as costly, are generally confined to the city. The value of the school apparatus, is $1,037. Number of volumes in the library, one hundred and twenty-six.
In addition to the above statement, we take pleasure in presenting at this point the subjoined exhibit of Polk county schools, from the pen of R. S. Hughes, County Superin- tendent:
DES MOINES, July 20, 1876.
In the townships of Allen, Beaver, Camp, Delaware, Douglas, Elkhart, Four Mile, Franklin, Jefferson, Walnut, and Washington, there are forty-five sub-districts; in all of
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OF POLK COUNTY.
which, there were schools taught during last winter, and in nearly all this summer. In the remaining townships are eighty eight independent districts, including one in Mitchellville, and one in Altoona.
In the city of Des Moines, including both divisions, East and West, about thirty-five teachers have been employed this year. Nearly one hundred and seventy teachers have thus been employed the present year. I am not prepared to state the number of school houses built during the year, or since the last report; but a number have been built, and more are under contract. The schools generally are in fine condition; and teachers, I trust, are to a good degree awake to the interests of their vocation.
Our city schools would not suffer in comparison with the schools of any sister city.
R. S. HUGHES, Co. Supt.
The City of Des Moines is divided into two Independent School Districts, one on the east and the other on the west side of the Des Moines River. We learn from the report of ex-President C. A. Dudley, dated September 15, 1875, that there are four fine and costly school houses in West Des Moines, and that the value of school property in the same District, including sites, buildings, furnitue, and ap- paratus, is $217,000. The number of rooms in the build- ings is thirty-four, seating 1,855 pupils. The school sys- tem embraces three departments, the High, Grammar, and Primary.
The High School, of which A. N. Ozias is Principal, had in 1873, 135 pupils; in 1874, 143; in 1875, 107. During the last mentioned year, there were ten graduates. In 1$75, the First Ward School, with two teachers, had 106 pupils; the Second Ward, with nine teachers, had 694 ; the Third Ward, with nine teachers, 630; the Fourth, with four teach- ers, had 284; making a total of twenty-four teachers, and
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1,714 pupils. The number of pupils in this District, ac- cording to the report of 1875, was 2,848.
The present Superintendent of the Des Moines Schools, West Side, is J. H. Thompson. The School Board is con- stituted as follows: President, C. H. Gatch; Secretary, J. M. St. John; Treasurer, J. J. Town; Directors, C. A. Dud- ley, G. M. Hippie, George H. Maish, P. M. Cassady, and H. L. Skinner.
The Second Ward School House, built in 1867, cost $75,000. Third Ward was built in 1870, at a cost of $60,- 000. The Fourth Ward structure, erected in 1875, cost a little more than $20,000. The First Ward School House was built in 1874. All of these structures are in Des Moines, West Side. The High School building in East Des Moines cost $30,000.
East Des Moines Independent School District contains four school edifices, with twenty-two rooms, twenty-four teachers, 1,100 enrolled pupils. The entire school property of the District, including sites, buildings, and apparatus, is estimated at $125,000. There are four departments, viz: High, Grammar, Intermediate, and Primary. The Principal . of the High School is Isaac Hillis; of the 7th Ward School, Prof. Dixon; of Sixteenth Street School, Captain A. H. Bodkins.
The present School Board is constituted as follows: Su- perintendent, T. H. Smith; President, H. C. Paige; Secre- tary, Charles M. Larsh; Treasurer, Captain I. N. Thomas; Directors, George Lendrum, Jeremiah Williams, Jos. Wil- liams, W. H. Fleming, and Jackson Wisehart.
Thus, from the small beginnings thirty years ago, when educational facilities were few and far between in this new country, our benevolent school system, encouraged and fos- tered by earnestness and intelligent enterprise, has grown and flourished, until in this Centennial year, the County is filled to the full measure of the popular demand with school
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buildings; and the City is ornamented with eight structures of this kind, some of which rank among the finest school edifices in the West. The value of school property has in- creased during the same period, from a sum too insignificant to mention, to the full and rounded proportions, in the City alone, of $342,000; and as a year has expired since the re- ports were made out by the officers of the respective Dis- tricts, it is proper to infer that the value of this property has increased during this time in a ratio corresponding with other city property. It would be right, therefore, to assume that, in 1876, we have an investment, as a City, in school property, worth not much less, if any, than half a million of dollars.
ST. AMBROSE SCHOOLS, (CATHOLIC.)
These schools were organized in 1865, under the princi- palship of Sister Mary Michael. Sister Mary Bassil is the present principal, assisted by a corps of six Sisters. The present number of pupils is between 300 and 400.
The old Church frame building was first employed for this purpose; but in November, 1872, the schools were trans- ferred to the fine and commodious building which is now occupied. This edifice, composed of brick, three stories high, contains eight large school rooms in the first and second stories. The third story contains two fine halls, running the entire length of the building, which are ad- mirably fitted up for exhibitions and other public exercises.
The cost of the entire structure was about $30,000.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC GERMAN SCHOOL.
These schools were established in 1871, by Father A. N. Sassel, under the management of three Sisters of St. Francis, from the St. Rosa's a Viterbo Convent of La Crosse, Wis- consin. This is a mixed school in which are taught all the
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branches of our public schools, in the German and English languages. The number of pupils is 125.
KINDERGARTEN.
The school with the above title commenced August 21st, 1876, on the corner of Ninth and Sycamore, under the man- agement of Mrs. Lucy A. Collins.
ST. PAUL'S GUILD.
This institution was established by Rev. J. Saunders Reed, Rector of St. Paul's Church, January 18, 1874. The following were the first officers: President, the Rector; Vice-President, V. J. Luin; Secretary and Superintendent, I. S. Morse; Treasurer, C. Seeberger; Matron, Mrs. Esther Porter.
In connection with the Guild, there were established two months later, a reading room, free library, Seabury School, twenty three lodging rooms, free night school, and Holly Tree Coffee rooms. These different enterprises, all under the comprehensive management of the Guild, have accom- plished much good.
SEABURY SCHOOL.
This institution, to which reference is made elsewhere in this history, is now under the management of Rev. J. B. Clark, Rector of St. Paul's Parish, Des Moines. It was not established as a competitor of the Public Schools, but as a supplement thereto, as the highest branches of science are taught in it, together with the art of Drawing, Painting in Oil and Water colors, and Vocal and Instrumental Music. It is exclusively for young ladies; and in its special charac- teristics, it is the only school of the kind in the State. The Trinity term of this school commenced the 11th of Septem- ber, 1876.
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OF POLK COUNTY.
SELECT SCHOOL.
In 1868, Mrs. Winkley, of Pleasant street, Des Moines, established a select school, the principal feature of which is instruction in Instrumental and Vocal Music. The school is well patronized, and is in a prosperous condition.
NORMAL SCHOOL.
The first Teachers' Institute in Polk County, was held in Fifth Street M. E. Church, in 1862. At that time, E. D. Hawes was County Superintendent; and that gentleman, in conjunction with J. W. Doughty, led the exercises. Every year thereafter, until the Institutes were superceded by the County Normal School, in 1875, they met regularly in the city, accomplishing much good in the proper culture of teachers. The Normal School, under the direction of the County Superintendent, R. S. Hughes, met, August 21st, 1876, in Des Moines, at which time the following persons led in the different exercises: Miss Carrie Bassett, late of Sioux City, but now of Des Moines; J. W. King, T. H. Smith, and J. H. Thompson, all of Des Moines.
The State Normal School convened in Des Moines during the past Summer.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
The German-American Independent School Association was organized Sept. 1st, 1868. The object of this school is to teach the elementary branches of science in the Ger- man and English languages. The first meeting was held in the room of a young Architect, named Hugo Wildt, a strong friend of the enterprise. Charles Weitz was called to the Chair, and Mr. Wildt was Secretary. Messrs. Stehm, F. Harbach, John Tobien, and Charles Braum, were appointed a committee to canvass the City for pupils, and procure needed funds to start the school.
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The old Baptist Church building, on Mulberry street, was selected as the school house.
A permanent organization was effected September 8, 1868, by the election of the following officers: President, C. Youngerman; Vice-President, Andrew Yaun; Sec., Louis Stutz; Treasurer, C. Heil; Directors, C, Beck, Louis Voigt, Phillip Nau, and H. Wildt. The Association was incorpo- rated September 15th, 1868. The first teacher was Jas. I. Weighe, who was followed by C. Beck, under whose man- agement the school made such fine progress, that an assist- ant teacher, Katie Lynch, was employed. The two teachers were very successful; and in time, through the agency of fairs, festivals, and private subscriptions, a lot was pur- chased of A. Morris, on Eighth street, for $1,200, on which a fine brick structure, two and one-half stories high, was erected. The entire cost of property is $7,000.
At the time the building was completed, the school av- eraged seventy-five pupils, and the Association had a mem- bership of forty.
The present officers are: President, A. Mattes; Vice-Pres- ident, C. Reinig; Secretary, L. Stutz; Treasurer, C. Kurtz; Directors, F. Harbach, F. Iblher, J. F. Hahnen, and Wm. Lotz. Mr. Stutz has held the office of Secretary since the date of organization. The school is non-sectarian.
BUSINESS COLLEGE.
The Iowa Business College of Des Moines was established by Capt. J. W. Muffley, and Prof. C. B. Worthington, No- vember 7, 1865. For about two years, it was connected with the chain of Worthington & Warners' Commercial School; afterward it became the property of Captain Muffly, who continued in charge until December 21, 1872, when he sold the College to Professor J. Shrock. During the seven years preceding the change of proprietors, more than seven hund- red students were enrolled, and its graduates compose a
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majority of the first class book keepers of the city, while many others are employed at other places in and out of the State. The following gentlemen were connected with the Faculty of the College, at various dates: Hon C. C. Nourse, Commercial Law; W. D. Ellsworth, J. G. Thompson, W. H. Cummins, Writing Department; C. A. Mosier, Phonog- raphy.
ยท The College passed May 1, 1874, into the hands of Jen- nings & Ward, assisted by V. F. Noel, as principal of the Writing Department. In July, 1875, A. C. Jennings be- came sole proprietor, and it has since been continued under his management. Average number of pupils, one hundred per annum.
LAW COLLEGE.
Iowa Law College, the Law Department of Simpson Cen- tenary College, was established in Des Moines in 1875. This enterprise, though recent, has been crowned with great success. During the past year, thirty students were in at- tendance. We append here the names of the Faculty: Rev. Alexander Burns, D. D., President; Hon. C. C. Cole, LL.D., (Late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Commercial Law; Hon. Wm. E. Miller, (late of the Supreme Court of Iowa), Professor of the Law of Agency, Partnerships, etc .; J. B. Bissell, Pro- fessor of Pleading and Practice, Equity Law, etc .; J. S. Runnells, M. A., (Supreme Court Reporter), Professor of Criminal Law, Torts, etc .; Hon. Galusha Parsons, M. A., Professor of the Law of Bailment, Insurance, etc .; P. N. Bowman, Professor of the Law of Real Property, Corpora- tions, etc.
DES MOINES UNIVERSITY.
The large building in Des Moines, which is now used for the University, has the following history: In May, 1855,
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a Conference of Lutheran Ministers, held in Iowa, decided to inaugurate an institution of learning, which was to be lo- cated either at Fort Des Moines, or at some other point within forty miles of this city. It was to be called the Iowa Central College; and the Town or City, within the specified area, which should exercise the greatest liberality in donations of lands and money, was to secure within its limits the location of the institution. It was to be con- trolled by twenty-one Trustees, elected by the Conference or Synod of Iowa.
The following officers were chosen: President of the College, Rev. R. Weiser: Trustees, F. R. West, P. M. Cas- ady, F. C. and H. C. Grimmel, Rev. T. Bird, R. W. Sypher, F. A. Trisdell, T. K. Brooks, G. W. Shaffer, G. Schramm, A. Garber, Wm. L. Allison, B. Lehman, J. A. Koop, J. W. Walters, Judge Townsend, J. B. Zeigler, T. N. Sherer, J. G. Schaeffer, and S. Kirts.
F. R. West was chosen President of the Board; J. G. Shaffer, Secretary, and R. W. Sypher, Treasurer. There was a meeting of the board in Des Moines, December 5th, 1855, at which time the site of the proposed edifice was purchased for $1,600. A committee was appointed to su- pervise the erection of the building, consisting of Messrs. Weiser, West, Casady, F. C. Grimmel, and Sypher. A school in connection with the College, was commenced in a small building in town, March 19th, 1856; but it was not self-sustaining. It was, after a protracted struggle, discon- tinued.
During the Summer of 1856, the corner-stone of the Col- lege building was laid with appropriate services, conducted by Prof. Cornell, of Ohio. The building contract was given to Prof. Weiser, for $12,500.
During the same season the walls were erected. For want of available means with which to finish the structure, the committee deemed it advisable to secure, through Hoyt
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Sherman, a loan of $5,000, at thirty per cent. interest. In addition to the security given for this loan by the property itself, P. M. Casady, Thompson Bird, R. W. Sypher, F. R. West, F. C. Grimmell, and Madison Young, gave their indi- vidual notes. The following season, 1857, the roof was put on; but at this point there was a complete exhaustion of funds, and the enterprise was abandoned. It appears from papers to which we have had access, that $15,278.00 were expended in the purchase of the lot, and work done on the building. Toward liquidating this expense, there were sub- scriptions to the amount of $6,029.00. At a festival in Des Moines, during the winter of 1856-7, $307.00 were collected. These items exhibit in a strong light the liberality of our citizens, and the interest which they took in the cause of education.
The incorporators of Central College were: Messrs. Weiser, Sherer, Schaeffer, Ritz, Bird, G. W. Shaffer, D. Garner, F. C. and H. C. Grimmel, T. K. Brooks, F. R. West, P. M. Casady, F. A. Trittle, R. W. Sypher, J. B. Zeigler, G. Schramm, W. L. Allison, B. Lehman, J. A. Koop, J. W. Walters, and Judge Townsend.
From 1857, when work on the building was suspended, until 1864, the structure was left exposed to all the inroads which are invited by a deserted building. In November, 1864, a negotiation was made, although not consummated until the following year, by which for the payment of $8,000, the building became the property of the Baptist Church. At a meeting held in Oskaloosa, January, 1865, the follow- ing persons were appointed incorporators: J. T. Westover, J. O. Wilson, J. F. Childs, J. A. Nash, S. H. Mitchell, John Williams, O. Wells, and R. M Tracy.
In due time, the property was transferred to the trustees; and a subscription of $12,000.00, in aid of the newly pro- posed institution, was raised in Des Moines. Work was immediately recommenced on the building, and it was
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pushed forward so rapidly, that a school was established in it April, 1866. It was in this way that the University of Des Moines was inaugurated. The manner in which this institution has been conducted, reflects credit upon those who have had its management.
We append the names of the present Faculty of the Uni- versity: Hon. Frederick Mott, A. M., President and Pro- fessor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy; Rev. J. A. Nash, A. M., Professor of Greek and Natural Science; I. H. DeWolf, A. B., Professor of Latin; E. W. Craven, A. B., Professor of Mathematics; Mrs. J. N. Page, Assistant Teacher and Teacher of Music; W. H. Dickinson, M. D., Lecturer on Physiology; Rev. O. T. Conger, Financial Agent.
COLLEGE LITERARY ASSOCIATION.
As an appendage of Central College, a Literary Associa- tion was formed in December, 1856, which gave to the pub- lic a series of lectures, some of which were indeed brilliant. In the winter of 1856-7, Will Porter lectured on "Types of Mankind;" Dr. A. Y. Hull, on "Do the Signs of the Times Indicate the Subversion of the Government?" Judge Gray lectured on "Ben. Franklin, and Young America;" and T. H. Sypherd, on " Who Reads an American Book?" These lectures were delivered in Sherman Hall.
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RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
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FIFTH STREET M. E. CHURCH.
In the Fall of 1845, the M. E. Church effected an initial organization in Fort Des Moines, the members whereof were Rev. Abner Rathburn, Jonathan Rathburn, Rev. Ezra Rathburn, Betsey Rathburn, Benjamin T. Hoxie, Joseph Solenbarger, and W. H. Meacham and wife. Mr. Solen- barger was chosen leader of the class. In time the society erected a frame building in which to worship, occupying the site of the present massive brick structure belonging to the Methodist Church on Fifth street.
During the January session, 1848, of the Board of Com- missioners, it was ordered that a lot designated by the parties should be donated to the M. E. Church, provided that a suitable building, either frame or brick, not less in dimensions than 24 by 30, be erected thereon within two years from the date of the gift. This building, when com- pleted, as it was, in 1848, was occupied several years as a place of worship; but the growing church found it neces- sary in time to build another edifice. Work was commenced on the present large structure in 1856, and in September following, Conference was held in it, Bishop Ames pre- siding.
The Presiding Elders who have officiated in this Church, are reported in another place under the head of Wesley Chapel. The list of Conference appointments to this charge, which is now, perhaps, the most important station within
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the bounds of the Des Moines Conference, is too lengthy for insertion. Rev. G. B. Jocelyn, a talented minister and a fine lecturer, was the pastor in 1857; and since then, the pulpit has been filled in part by Revs. Williams, S. M. Ver- non, P. P. Ingalls, and T. S. Berry, the present efficient minister.
The agents of Fifth Street M. E. Church, West Side, bought on the 2d day of September, 1876, two lots on the corner of Seventh and High streets, for which they paid $6,250 cash. The object of the Church is, to erect at an early day, on these lots, a religious edifice which will not suffer in comparison with any other structure of the kind in the city.
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