USA > Iowa > Delaware County > History of Delaware County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 4
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
and comfortable buildings. Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent progress of the State of lowa been more marked and rapid than in her common- school system and in her schoolhouses. Today the schoolhouses which every- where dot the broad and fertile prairies of Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other state in this great Union. More especially is this true in all her cities and villages, where liberal and lavish appropriations have been voted by a generous people for the erection of large. commodious and elegant buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements, and costing from $10,000 to $60,- 000 each. The people of the state have expended more than twenty-five million dollars for the erection of publie school buildings, which stand as momments of magnificence.
THE FIRST SCHOOL BUILDING AT DUBUQUE
Dubuque saw within its limits the first school building erected in the State of Iowa, which was built by J. J. Langworthy and a few other miners in the fall of 1833. When it was completed, George Cabbage was employed as teacher during the winter of 1833-34 and thirty-five pupils answered to his roll call. Barrett Whittemore taught the school term and had twenty-five pupils in attendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter commenced teaching in Dubnque in March, 1836. She was the first female teacher there and probably the first in Iowa. In 1839 Thomas H. Benton. fr .. afterwards for ten years superintendent of public instruction, opened an English and classical school in Dubuque. The first tax for the support of schools at Dubnque was levied in 1840. A com- modious log schoolhouse was built at Burlington in 1834 and was one of the first buildings erected in that settlement. A Mr. Johnson tanght the first school in the winter of 1834-35. In Seott County, in the winter of 1835-36, Simon Crazen taught a four months' term of school in the house of J. B. Chamberlin. In Muscatine County, the first term of school was taught by George Baumgardner in the spring of 1837. In 1839 a log schoolhouse was erected in Muscatine, which served for a long time as schoolhouse, meeting house and publie hall. The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. 1 Fairfield, Miss Clarissa Sawyer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught school in 1839.
Johnson County was an entire wilderness when Iowa City was located as the capital of the Territory of Iowa in May. 1839. The first sale of lots took place August 18, 1839, and before January 1. 1840. about twenty families had settled in the town. During the same year Jesse Berry opened a school in a small frame building he had erected on what is now known as College Street.
In Monroe County the first settlement was made in 1843 by John R. Gray. about two miles from the present site of Eddyville, and in the summer of 1844 a log schoolhouse was built by Gray and others, and the first school was opened by Miss Uriana Adams. About a year after the first eabin was built in Oska- loosa, a log schoolhouse was built, in which school was opened by Samnel W. Caldwell, in 1844.
At Fort Des Moines, now the capital of the state, the first school was tanght by Lewis Whitten, clerk of the District Court, in the winter of 1846-47, in one of the rooms on "Coon Row," built for barracks.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
The first school in Pottawattamie County was opened by George Green, a Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1849, and until about 1854 nearly all the teachers in that vicinity were Mormons.
The first school in Decorah was taught in 1855 by Cyrus C. Carpenter, since governor of the state. During the first twenty years of the history of Iowa the log schoolhouse prevailed, and in 1861 there were 893 of these primitive structures in use for school purposes in the state. Since that time they have been gradually disappearing. In 1865 there were 796; in 1870, 336; in 1875, 121; and today there is probably not a vestige of one remaining.
In 1846, the year of Iowa's admission as a state, there were 20,000 pupils in schools, out of 100,000 inhabitants. About four hundred school districts had been organized. In 1850 there were 1,200 and in 1857 the number had increased to 3,265. The system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849 and now schools in which more than one teacher is employed, are universally graded. Teach- ers' institutes were organized early in the history of the state. The first official mention of them oceurs in the annual report of Hon. Thomas II. Benton. Jr., made December 2, 1850, who said : "An institution of this character was organ- ized a few years ago, composed of the teachers of the mineral regions of Illinois, Wisconsin and lowa. An association of teachers has also been formed in the County of Henry and an effort was made October last to organize a regular institute in the County of Jones."
Funds for the support of public schools are derived in various ways. The sixteenth seetion of every congressional township was set apart by the general government for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth part of all the lands in the state. The minimum price of all these lands was fixed at $1.25 per aere. Congress also made an additional donation to the state of 500,000 aeres and an appropriation of 5 per cent on all the sales of publie lands to the school fund. The state gives to this fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it, the proceeds of all fines, for the violation of liquor and criminal laws. The money derived from these sources constitutes the permanent school fund of the state, which cannot be diverted to any other purpose. The penal- ties collected by the courts in fines and for Forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties according to their request, and the counties loan the money to indi- viduals for long terms at 8 per cent interest, on security of lands valued at three times the value of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and improvements thereon. The interest on these loans is paid into the state treasury and becomes the available school fund of the state. The counties are responsible to the state for all money so loaned and the state is likewise responsible to the school fund for all money transferred to the counties. The interest on these loans is appor- tioned by the state auditor semi-annually to the several counties of the state, in proportion to the mumuber of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years. The counties also levy a tax for school purposes, which is apportioned to the several distriet townships in the same way. A district tax is also levied for the same purpose. The money arising from these several sources constitutes the support of the publie schools and is sufficient to enable every sub-distriet in the state to afford from six to nine months' school each year. The burden of district taxation is thus lightened and the efficiency of schools is inereased. The taxes levied for the support of the schools are self-imposed. Under the
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
admirable school laws of the state no taxes can be legally assessed or collected for the erection of schoolhonses until they have been ordered by the election of a school district at a school meeting legally called. The teachers' and con- tingent funds are determined by the board of directors under certain legal instructions. These boards are elected annually. The only exception to this method of levying taxes for school purposes is the county tax, which is deter- mined by the county board of supervisors. In each county a teachers' institute is held annually under the direction of the county superintendent, the state distributing annually a sum of money to each of these institutes.
STATE UNIVERSITY
By act of Congress, approved July 20, 1840, the secretary of the treasury was authorized to "set apart and reserve from sale, out of any public lands within the Territory of Iowa not otherwise claimed or appropriated, a quantity of land not exceeding two entire townships, for the use and support of a uni- versity within said territory when it becomes a state." The first General Assem- bly, therefore, by act approved February 25, 1847, established the "State Uni- versity of Iowa" at Iowa City, then the capital of the state. The public buildings and other property at lowa City were appropriated to the univer- sity but the legislative sessions and state offices were to be held in them until a permanent location for a capital was made. The control and management of the university were committed to a board of fifteen trustees and five were to be chosen every two years. The superintendent of publie instruction was made president of this board. The organic act provided that the university should never be under the control of any religious organization whatever, and that as soon as the revenue from the grant and donations should amount to $2,000 a year. the university should commenee and continue the instruction free of charge, of fifty students annually. Of course the organization of the univer- sity was impracticable so long as the seat of government was retained at Towa City.
In January, 1849, two branches of the university and three normal schools were established. The branches were located at Fairfield and Dubuque and were placed upon an equal footing, in respect to funds and all other matters, with the university at Iowa City. At Fairfield the board of directors organized and erected a building at a cost of $2,500. This was nearly destroyed by a hurricane the following year but was rebuilt more substantially by the citizens of Fairfield. This branch never received any aid from the state and, January 24. 1853, at the request of the board, the General Assembly terminated its relations to the state. The branch at Dubuque had only a nominal existence. The normal schools were located at Andrew, Oskaloosa and Mount Pleasant. Each was to be governed by a board of seven trustees to be appointed by the trustees of the university. Each was to receive $500 annually from the income of the university fund, upon condition that they should educate eight common school teachers. free of charge for tuition, and that the citizen should contribute an equal sum for the erection of requisite buildings. The school at Andrew was organized November 21. 1849, with Samuel Ray as principal. A building was commenced and over one thousand dollars expended on it but it was never
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
completed. The school at Oskaloosa was started in the courthouse, September 13, 1852, under charge of Prof. G. M. Drake and wife. A two-story brick building was erected in 1853, costing $2,473. The school at Mount Pleasant was never organized. Neither of these schools received any aid from the university fund, but in 1857 the Legislature appropriated $1,000 for each of the two schools and repealed the laws authorizing the payment to them of money from the university fund. From that time they made no further effort to continue in operation.
From 1847 to 1855 the board of trustees of the university was kept full by regular elections by the Legislature and the trustees held frequent meet- ings, but there was no actual organization of the university. In March, 1855, it was partially opened for a term of sixteen weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean, of Albany, New York, was elected president but he never fully entered into his duties. The university was again opened in September, 1855, and continued in operation until June, 1856, under Professors Johnson, Van Valkenburg and Griffin, The faculty was then reorganized with some change and the university was again opened on the third Wednesday of September, 1856. There were 124 students (eighty-three males and forty-one females) in attendance during the year 1856-57, and the first regular catalogne was published. At a special meeting of the board, September 22, 1857, the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. Franklin Wells. This was the first degree con- ferred by the university.
By the constitution of 1857 it was provided that there be no branches of the state university. In December of that year the old capitol building was turned over to the trustees of the university. In 1858, $10,000 was appro- priated for the erection of a students' boarding hall. The board elosed the university April 27, 1858, on account of insufficient funds and dismissed all the faculty with the exception of Chancellor Dean. At the same time a resolu- tion was passed exeluding females. This was soon after reversed by the Gen- eral Assembly. The university was reopened September 19, 1860, and from this time the real existence of the university dates. Chancellor Dean had resigned before this and Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D., was elected president, at a salary of $2,000. August 19, 1862, he resigned and was succeeded by Oliver M. Spencer. President Spencer was granted leave of absence for fifteen months to visit Europe. Prof. Nathan R. Leonard was elected president pro tem. President Spencer resigning, James Black, D. D., vice president of Washing- ton and Jefferson College, of Pennsylvania, was elected president. He entered upon his duties in September, 1868.
The law department was established in June. 1868, and soon after the lowa Law School at Des Moines, which had been in successful operation for three years, was transferred to Iowa City and merged in the department. The medical department was established in 1869, and sinee April 11, 1870, the government of the university has been in the hands of a board of regents. The university has gained a reputation as one of the leading educational institu- tions of the West and this position it is determined to maintain.
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IHISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
STATE NORMAL COLLEGE
Cedar Falls, the chief city of Black Hawk County, holds the State Normal School, which is an institution for the training of teachers and is doing most excellent work.
STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
By act of the Legislature, approved March 23, 1858, the State Agricultural College and Farm was established at Ames, in Story County. In 1862 Congress granted to Iowa 240,000 aeres of land for the endowment of schools of agri- culture and the mechanical arts. In 1864 the General Assembly voted $20,000 for the erection of the college buildings. In 1866, $91,000 more was appro- priated for the same purpose. The building was completed in 1868 and the institution was opened the following year. The institution is modeled to some extent after the Michigan Agricultural College. In this school of learning admission is free to all students of the state over sixteen years of age. Stu- dents are required to work on the farm 216 hours each day. The faenlty is of a very high character and the college one of the best of its kind. The sale of spirits, wine or beer is prohibited within three miles of the farm. The eur- rent expenses of this institution are paid by the income from the permanent endowment. Besides the institution here mentioned are many others through- out the state. Amity College is located at College Springs, in Page County. Burlington University at Burlington. Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa College at Grinnell. ete.
STATE INSTITUTIONS
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
The Legislature established the institution for the deaf and dinnb, January 24, 1855, and located it at Iowa City. A great effort was made for its removal to Des Moines, but it was finally located at Council Bluffs. In 1868 an appro- priation was made by the Legislature of $125,000 for the ereetion of new build- ings, and ninety acres of land were selected south of the eity. October, 1870, the main building and one wing were completed and occupied. In February. 1877, fire destroyed the main building and east wing. About one hundred and fifty students were in attendance at the time. There is a regular appropria- tion for this institution of $22 per capita per month for nine months of each vear, for the payment of officers' and teachers' salaries and for a support fund. The institution is free to all of school age, too deaf to be educated in the com- mon schools, sound in mind and free from immoral habits and from contagious and offensive diseases. No charge is made for board or tuition. "The session of the school begins the first day of October and ends the last day of June of each year.
COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND
In 1852 Prof. Samuel Bacon, himself blind, established a school for the instruction of the blind at Keokuk. He was the first person in the state to agitate a public institution for the blind, and in 1853 the institute was adopted
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
by the Legislature, by statute, approved January 18, 1853, and removed to Iowa City. During his first term twenty-three pupils were admitted. Pro- fessor Bacon was a fine scholar, an economical manager and in every way adapted to his position. During his administration the institution was in a great measure self-supporting by the sale of articles of manufacture by the blind pupils. There was also a charge of $25.00 as an admission fee for each pupil. In 1858 the citizens of Vinton, Benton County, donated a quarter section of land and $5,000 for the establishment of the asylum at that place. May Sth of the same year the trustees met at Vinton and made arrangements for securing the donation and adopted a plan for the erection of a suitable building. In 1860 the contract for the building was let for $10,420, and in August, 1862, the goods and furniture were removed from Iowa City to Vinton, and in the fall of the same year the school was opened with twenty- four pupils. There is a regular appropriation of $22 per capita per month for nine months of each year to cover support and maintenance. The school term begins on the first Wednesday in September and usually ends about the 1st of June. They may be admitted at any time and are at liberty to go home at any time their parents may send for them. The department of musie is supplied with a large number of pianos, one pipe organ, several cabinet organs and a sufficient number of violins, guitars, bass viols and brass instruments. Every pupil capable of receiving it is given a complete course in this depart- ment. In the industrial department the girls are required to learn knitting, erocheting, fancy work, hand and machine sewing; the boys, netting, broom making, mattress making and eane seating. Those of either sex who desire may learn carpet weaving.
HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE
The hospital for the insane was established by an act of the Legislature, January 24, 1855. The location for the institution was selected at Mount Pleasant, Henry County, and $500,000 appropriated for the buildings. which were commeneed in October of that year. One hundred patients were admitted within three months after it was opened. The Legislature of 1867-68 provided measures for an additional hospital for the insane and an appropriation of $125,000 was made for the purpose. Independence was selected by the com- missioners as the most desirable location and 320 acres were seenred one mile from the town on the west side of the Wapsipinieon River and about a mile from its banks. The hospital was opened May 1, 1873. The amount allowed for the support of these institutions is $12.00 per month for each patient. All expenses of the hospital except for special purposes are paid from the sum so named and the amount is charged to the counties from which the patients are sent.
SOLDIERS' ORPHANS' HOME
The Soldiers' Orphans' Home is located at Davenport and was originated by Mrs. Anne Whittenmeyer, during the late rebellion of the states. This noble hearted woman ealled a convention at Muscatine, September 7, 1863, for the
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
purpose of devising means for the education and support of the orphan chil- dren of lowa whose fathers had lost their lives in the defense of their country's honor. The public interest in the movement was so great that all parts of the state were largely represented and an association was organized ealled the lowa State Orphan Asylum. The first meeting of the trustees was held February 14, 1864, at Des Moines, when Governor Kirkwood suggested that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected with the asylum and arrangements were made for collecting funds. At the next meeting in Davenport the following month, a committee was appointed to lease a suitable building, solicit dona- tions and proeure suitable furniture. This committee obtained a large briek building in Lawrence, Van Buren County, and engaged Mr. Fuller at Mount Pleasant, as steward. The work of preparation was conducted so vigorously that July 13th following, the executive committee announced it was ready to receive children. Within three weeks twenty-one were admitted and in a little more than six months seventy were in the home. The home was sus- tained by voluntary contributions until 1866, when it was taken charge of by the state. The Legislature appropriated $10 per month for each orphan actu- ally supported, and provided for the establishment of three homes. The one in Cedar Falls was organized in 1865. An old hotel building was fitted up for it and by the following January there were ninety-six inmates. In October, 1869. the home was removed to a large brick building about two miles west of Cedar Falls and was very prosperous for several years, but in 1876 the Leg- islature devoted this building to the State Normal School. The same year the Legislature also devoted the buildings and grounds of the soldiers' orphans' home at Glenwood, Mills County, to an institution for the support of feeble minded children. It also provided for the removal of the soldiers' orphans at Glenwood and Cedar Falls homes to the one located at Davenport. There is in connection with this institution a school building, pleasant, commodious and well lighted, and it is the policy of the board to have the course of instrne- tion of a high standard. A kindergarten is operated for the very young pupils. The age limit to which children are kept in the home is sixteen years. Fewer than 20 per cent remain to the age limit. A library of well selected juvenile literature is a source of pleasure and profitable entertainment to the children, as from necessity their pleasures and pastimes are somewhat limited. It is the aim to provide the children with plenty of good, comfortable clothing and to teach them to take good care of the same. Their clothing is all manufactured at the home, the large girls assisting in the work. The table is well supplied with a good variety of plain, wholesome food and a reasonable amount of luxuries. The home is now supported by a regular appropriation of $12 per month for each inmate, and the actual transportation charges of the inmates to and from the institution. Each county is liable to the state for the sup- port of its children to the extent of $6 per month, except soldiers' orphans, who are cared for at the expense of the state.
FEEBLE MINDED CHILDREN
An act of the General Assembly, approved March 17, 1878, provided for the establishment of an asylum for feeble minded children at Glenwood, Mills
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IIISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
County, and the buildings and grounds of the soldiers' orphans' home were taken for that purpose. The asylum was placed under the management of three trustees, one of whom should be a resident of Mills County. The institu- tion was opened September 1, 1876. By November, 1877, the number of pupils was eighty-seven. The purpose of this institution is to provide special methods of training for that class of children deficient in mind or marked with such peculiarities as to deprive them of the benefits and privileges provided for children with normal faculties. The object is to make the child as nearly self- supporting as practicable and to approach as nearly as possible the movements and actions of normal people. It further aims to provide a home for those who are not susceptible of mental culture, relying wholly on others to supply their simple wants.
INDUSTRIAL, SCHOOLS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
The industrial school for boys is established at Eldora. By act, approved March 31, 1868, the General Assembly established a reform school at Salem, Henry County, and provided for a board of trustees from each congressional district. The trustees immediately leased the property of the lowa Mannal Labor Institute, and October 7th following, the school received its first inmate. The law at first provided for the admission of both sexes under eighteen years of age. The trustees were directed to organize a separate school for girls. In 1872 the school for boys was permanently located at Eldora, llardin County, and some time later the one for girls was established at Mitchellville. There is appropriated for these schools and their support, the sinn of $13 monthly for each boy, and $16 monthly For each girl inmate. The object of the institu- tion is the reformation of juvenile delinquents. It is not a prison. It is a com- pulsory educational institution. It is a school where wayward and criminal boys and girls are brought under the influence of Christian instructors and taught by example as well as precept the better ways of life. It is a training school, where the moral, intellectual and industrial education of the child is carried on at one and the same time.
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