USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 23
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 23
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This assembly addressed itself early to the task of providing for a system of com- mon schools, and enacted a law providing for the formation of districts, the estab- lishing of schools, and authorized the voters of each district, when lawfully assembled, to levy and collect the neces- sary taxes, " either in cash or good, mer- chantable property, at cash price, upon the inhabitants of their respective dis- tricts, not exceeding one-half per centum, nor amounting to more than $10 on any one person, to do all and everything nec- essary to the establishment and support of schools within the same."
The second legislative assembly enacted, Jan. 16, 1840, a much more comprehen- sive law to establish a system of common schools-a law containing many excellent features. Its provisions were, however, in advance of the existing public senti- ment, on the subject of education, mak- ing ample provision as it did for free pub- lic schools. Even the people of Iowa were scarcely ready for such a law.
In the United States census of 1840, very few schools, either private or public, were reported. One academy in Scott
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
county, with 25 scholars, and in the State, 63 primary and common schools with 1,500 scholars, being the whole number reported.
The first section of the act of 1839 for the establishment of common schools pro- vided, that "there shall be established a common school, or schools, in each of the counties of this Territory, which shall be open and free for every class of white citizens between the ages of five and twen- ty-one years;" the second section provid- ing that "the county board shall, from time to time, form such districts in their respective counties, whenever a petition may be presented for that purpose by a majority of the voters resident within such contemplated district." These districts were governed by a board of three trustees, whose duties were to examine and employ teachers, superintend the schools, and collect and disburse the taxes voted by the electors for school purposes.
Among the earlier enactments of the Territorial legislature were those requir- ing that each district maintain at least three month's school every year, and that the expenses for the same be raised by taxes levied upon the property of said dis- trict. Among the latter enactments was that providing for a county school tax to be levied to pay teachers, and that what- ever additional sum might be required for this purpose should be assessed upon the parents sending in proportion to the length of time sent. The rate-bill system was thus adopted near the close of the Territorial period.
When Iowa was admitted into the Union as a State, Dec. 28, 1846, with a population of 100,000, and a reported school population of about 20,000, about
400 districts had been organized. From this time the number of districts rap- idly increased, reaching 1,000 in 1879, and 1,200 in 1850. In 1857 the number of organized school districts had increased to 3,265. The Hon. Maturin L. Fisher, who then so ably filled the office of super- intendent of public instruction, in his re- port, dated November, 1857, urged the re- vision of the school law, and of the reduc- tion in the number of school districts.
The seventh general assembly again took up the subject of the revision of the school laws, and on the 12th day of March, 1858, passed " An act for the Public In- struction of the State of Iowa," the first section of which provided that "Each civil township in the sever I counties of this State is hereby declared a school dis- triet for all the purposes of this act, the boundaries of. said township being the boundaries of said school district, and every township hereafter laid out and or- ganized, a school district ; and each dis- trict, as at present organized, shall be- come a sub-district for the purposes here- inafter provided : Provided, that each in- corporated city or town, including the territory annexed thereto for school pur- poses, and which contains not less than 1,000 inhabitants, shall be and is hereby created a school district." This law took effect March 20, 1858, and reduced the number of districts from abont 3,500 to less than 900.
In December, 1858, a law was enacted providing that any city or incorporated town, including the territory annexed thereto for school purposes, may constitute a school district, by vote of the majority of electors residing upon the territory of
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
such contemplated district. In 1860 the provisions of this act were extended to unincorporated towns and villages con- taining not less than 300 inhabitants.
By an act passed April 3, 1866, this privilege was further extended to any city or sub-district containing not less than 200 inhabitants, and certain territory contigu- ous thereto. It soon became evident that by this amendment a serious innovation would be made in the district township system, by the formation of independent districts in the more thickly settled and wealthier portions of the townships. The amendment was repealed early in the ses- sion of the following General Assembly.
Hon. D. F. Wells, in his report, dated December, 1867, says that "the advantages of the district township system are so nul- merous and apparent that prominent edu- cators in other States where it is not yet introduced are laboring earnestly for its adoption."
Hon. A. S. Kissell labored assiduously to secure such a change as would remove the sub-district feature of our system, which had proved a fruitful source of dis- . cord and dissatisfaction, and was every year making the system more unpopular as it became more difficult of administra- tion. He desired to abolish the sub-dis- trict meeting and the office of sub-director, and make each township a single school district, to be governed by a board of di- rectors elected at the annual district town- ship meeting for the term of three years. In his report, dated Jan. 1, 1872, he says : "In this system every township becomes a school district, and all sub-dis- triet boundaries are abandoned ; and if this plan were carried into effect in this
State it would allow no other school di- visions than those of the independent and township districts.
"'The most experienced educators of the country have advocated this system. Among these are such men as Horace Mann, U. S. Commissioner Barnard, ex- Gov. Boutwell, Dr. Newton Bateman, of Illinois. Dr. Gregory, late superintendent, of Michigan, and the county and State superintendents of one-third of the States of the Union. The arguments advanced by many of these experienced school men are unanswerable. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have tested the system prac- tically for several years; it is pronounced by these States a success; and this suc- cessful experiment of three or four years should have greater weight with us in this young and growing commonwealth than any theoretical arguments that could be advanced."
Notwithstanding the efforts and array of argument, and the conviction on the part of those who had made a special study of this subject, the general assembly which convened Jan. 8, 1872, enacted a law providing for the formation of independent districts, from the sub-districts of a dis- trict township. This law has ever been a plague to county superintendents, and several efforts have been made to effect its repeal, but without avail.
Every governor that Iowa has had has given his warmest approval of the com- mon school system. Gov. James W. Grimes, in his inaugural message, Dec. 9, 1854, displays broad statesmanship, advanced and liberal views and eminently sound philosophy in the following lan- guage :
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
" Government is established for the pro- tection of the governed. But, that protec- tion does not consist merely in the enforce- ment of laws against injury to the person and property. Men do not make a volun- tary abnegation of their natural rights, simply that those rights may be protected by the body politic. It reaches more vital interests than those of property. Its greatest object is to elevate and ennoble the citizen. It would fall far short of its design if it did not disseminate intelli- gence, and build up the moral energies of the people. It is organized to establish justice, promote the public welfare and secure the blessings of liberty. It is de- signed to foster the instincts of truth, jus- tice and philanthrophy, that are implanted in our very natures, and from which all constitutions and laws derive their va- lidity and value. It should afford moral as well as physical protection by educat- ing the rising generation ; by encouraging industry and sobriety; by steadfas ly ad- hering to the right, and by being ever true to the instincts of freedom and humanity.
"To accomplish these high aims of gov. ernment, the first requisite is ample provision for the education of the youth of the State. The common school fund of the State should be scrupu- lously preserved, and a more efficient sys- tem of common schools than we now have should be adopted. The State should see to it that the elements of education, like the elements of universal nature, are above, around, and beneath all.
"It is agreed that the safety and per- petuity of our republican institutions de- pend upon the diffusion of intelligence among the masses of the people. The
statistics of the penitentiaries and alms- houses throughout the country abundantly show that education is the best preventa- tive of pauperism and crime. They show, also, that the prevention of those evils is much less expensive than the punishment of the one, and the relief of the other. Education, too, is the great equalizer of human conditions. It places the poor on an equality with the rich. It subjects the appetites and passions of the rich to the restraints of reason and conscience, and thus prepares each for a career of useful- ness and honor. Every consideration, therefore, of duty and policy impels us to sustain the common schools of the State in the highest possible efficiency."
SCHOOL FUND COMMISSIONERS.
When Franklin county came into exist- ence, in 1855, the office of superintendent had not been created. The only school officer was the school fund commissioner, who merely had charge of the school funds, to a certain extent the same as has the board of supervisors of to-day. He had anthority to make loans of the school funds to private parties upon sufficient se- curity, and most of the mortgages recorded as made in early days were made to him in consideration of the loan of school funds. In those days the directors hired the teacher, examining those whom they wished to employ, and public examina- tions were unknown.
The first school fund commissioner was Henry Schroyer, who was elected in August, 1865.
Henry Schroyer settled in Franklin county, in 1854, coming from Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind. He was not an edu- cated man, but was possessed of good
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
-
natural ability. He was an active poli- tician and was an efficient officer, serving his constituents with good satisfaction. He left the county in 1859 and moved to Mahaska county.
In April, 1858, George W. Hansell was elected school fund commissioner.
In the spring of 1858 the office of school fund commissioner was abolished, the duties thereafter devolving mostly upon the board of supervisors. The office of county superintendent of schools was at this time created. The duties and work of the office was then the same as at the present day, visiting schools, holding ex- aminations, and looking after the interests of educational matters in general.
The first to fill this office was Robert F. Piatt, who was elected in 1858, and re- signed in November of the same year.
W. N. Davidson was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Piatt, and in 1859 was elected to the office.
N. B. Chapman succeeded W. N. Dav- idson in the office of county superintend- ent of schools in the fall of 1861.
In 1863, Dr. C. F. West was elected county superintendent of schools. Dr. West was a practicing physician of Hamp- ton. .
Dr. West was succeeded by N. B. Chap- man in 1865, and in 1867 L. B. Raymond was elected county superintendent.
The next superintendent was J. C. Whitney, who was elected in 1869 and re- elected in 1871. Mr. Whitney was at this time editor of the Franklin Reporter. Mr. Whitney resigning in the spring of 1872, G. G. Clemmer was appointed to fill the vacany. Mr. Clemmer held the office
until fall, when J. W. Myers was elected. Mr Clemmer was elected to the office in the fall of 1873.
The office of superintendent was made vacant in the fall of 1875, by the resigna- tion of Mr. Clemmer. G. H. Brock was appointed to the office and held it until Jan. 1, 1876, when Miss O. M. Reeve, superintendent elect, entered upon the duties of the office. In the summer of 1877, Miss Reeve resigned and L. B. Raymond was appointed to complete the year.
In the fall of 1877, I. W. Myers was elected county superintendent and served for one term.
The next county superintendent was John E Evans, who was elected in 1879, and re-elected in 1881.
John E. Evans, the present superintend- ent of schools of Franklin county, came here in 1876, and soon after became prin- cipal of the schools at Geneva and retained the position six terms. He was born in Racine Co., Wis., Aug. 22, 1850, and is a son of E. J. and Ann (Davis) Evans. His parents removed to Iowa Co., Iowa, when he was eight years of age. He obtained a fair degree of educa- tion at the district schools, and studied three years at the University at Iowa City. Mr. Evans is a supporter of the principles of the republican party, and a member of the Congregational Church at Hampton. He was married, in 1875, to Amelia Jones, born in the State of New York.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
From the time of the first settlement of the county, and the organization of the first district, the number of school districts increased very rapidly, and educational
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
facilities became more and more efficient. Every decade that passed showed a marked contrast to the preceding one. In 1870, there were 1,889 persons in Franklin county between the ages of five and twenty- one years, 985 males and 904 females, and of these, 1,129 were enrolled in the schools of the county. There were fifty-six schools in the county, with one graded. There were two brick, four stone and thirty- eight frame school houses. Male teachers received an average of $6.75 per week, and female teachers $9.13. In 1875, the number between the ages of five and twenty-one had increased to 1,191 males and 1,142 females, 1,804 being enrolled as pupils in the public schools. The number of schools had increased to seventy-one, with one graded. There were two brick, six stone, and sixty-three frame school houses in the county. Male teachers received a monthly compensation of $34.57, and females $25.43.
PRESENT CONDITION.
From the last statistical report, a num- ber of items have been collected which will show conclusively the condition of educational matters in Franklin county in 1883:
Number of district townships in the county. 15
Number of independent districts. 31 Number of sub-districts. 71
Number of ungraded schools in the county. 103
Number of rooms in graded schools .. 14
Average term of schools in county .... Number of male teachers employed in the county. 52
7.19
Number of female teachers. 68
Average monthly compensation to male teachers. $35.38
Female teachers. 27.47
Total number of children in county
between ages of five and twenty-one years .. 3,891
Total number of pupils enrolled in the schools of the county. 3,029
Total average attendance 1,717
Number of school houses in the county: Frame. 107
Brick.
1
Stone. 4
Total value of houses $64,365
Total value of apparatus. 2,683
Total number of certificates issued in 1882. 180
First grade. 74
Second grade. 65
Third grade. 41
Number of applicants rejected. 28
The following general remarks concern- ing the present condition of educational matters in Franklin county was contributed by John E. Evans, county superintendent:
"The schools of Franklin county will compare favorably with those of neighbor- ing counties. The complaints which could be made here can be made as truly in other counties, and in fact all over the State. Among these may be mentioned the scarcity of good teachers, and. the con- tinual change in the teaching force. Other employments offer inducements, and the best teachers soon leave the pro- fession. The schools are compelled to use a great deal of raw material or go without teachers. However, our school may be said to be in good condition considering the many difficulties to be overcome
"Our teachers are generally in earnest and realize he importance of their work.
"Our institutes have been well attended and have been very successful in every respect.
Mas Maria copleby,
-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Astor, Lenox and Tiden
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
"The sentiment of our people is strongly in favor of the schools. They are willing to be taxed for their support, and generally appreciate good work. A number of new school houses are built each year as the settlement demands. These houses are generally good substantial buildings, and provided with the best patent seats and other furniture.
"Franklin county stands in need of more high schools. At present there is only one school in the county which has a course of study in advance of the common school course. A county high school or private academy or any similar institution would be a great benefit, as the supply of well qualified teachers would be increased. Such an institution would be welcome.
JOHN E. EVANS, County Superintendent.
THE NORMAL INSTITUTE.
By an act passed by the General Assem- bly of Iowa in 1873, the county superin- tendents were required to commence and each year hold a teachers' or normal insti- tute at some convenient point in each county for the drill of those who were teachers, or who intended to teach. The design was to furnish teachers an oppor- tunity to review and enlarge their knowl- edge of the branches to be taught, to ac- quaint themselves with improved meth- ods of teaching, to awaken an increased desire for self-improvement in knowledge and skill and power to control others, and to give them more confidence and ability
in managing the affairs of the school. For the purpose of defraying the expenses incident to such gatherings, the institute fund was created, to which the State pays fifty dollars, the balance being made up by the one dollar examination fees paid to the county superintendent, and the fees of one dollar cach charged to each member who attends the institute. This fund is under the exclusive control of the county superintendent. There is no law com- pelling teachers to attend the institutes, but each applicant for a certificate is re- quired to show good cause for not having attended. The county superintendent is very active in this particular and contin- ually urges upon the teachers the necessi- ty of attending the institutes. The first institute was held at Hampton, in 1874, by G. G. Clemmer, county superintend- ent. There was but a meagre attendance, but the results were lasting and beneficial and year by year the institutes have been growing stronger, with steadily increasing attendance.
The ninth annual normal institute of Franklin county was held in the high school building at Hampton, Ang. 7, 1882, in compliance with the call of Jobn E. Evans, county superintendent. The total enrollment was 114. Professor Sabin, of Clinton, Iowa, was conductor of the insti- tute exercises, and occupied that position with great credit to himself and to those who had chosen him. The lecturers were Prof. Sabin, Rev. Mr. Plummer and Miss E. A. Hamilton.
8
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
CHAPTER IX.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
It is the general impression that no community could well get along without physicians, and the impression is well founded, although possibly a little exag- erated. Yet it would be trying and sor- ry work for any community to attempt to do entirely without the aid of those who have made the work of allaying the sufferings of the afflicted a life study and a life object. The work of physicians, when needed, is not measured by dollars, and the long years preparing them for emergencies where life and death are struggling for supremacy, are above value.
As to progress, the medical world has made wonderful strides, and, in the future, will undoubtedly keep up its onward march. Even to-day medical science has so mastered its intricacies that there are remedies for almost every phase of dis- ease; and, if the past rapid progress con- tinues, fifty years hence will see the science of medicine advanced to a wonder- ful stage of excellence.
FIRST PIIYSICIAN IN THE COUNTY.
Dr. L. H. Arlidge was the first practic- ing physician to locate in Franklin county. He came from Indiana in 1854, and pur- chased a farm of Mr. Mayne, the farm now owned by J. M. Soper. Arlidge had a wife and three children. He had a com- mon school education, and, though it is said that his medical education was limited,
yet he had an extensive practice for that day. He was a minister in the M. E. Church, and a first rate preacher. Many of the present settlers remember hearing him preach.
An incident is related of him by Mr. Soper. At the time Mr. Soper purchased the farm, Franklin county was attached to Hardin county, and, before the bargain was closed between him and the doctor, they both went to Eldora to look over the records. Finding everything satisfactory, the bargain was closed and the money was paid to Mr. Soper. The doctor then went to a drug store, got a gallon demi- john full of the best brandy, to help them on the way home. He placed the demi- john in the wagon, and the roads being rough it struck a projecting bolt in the bottom of the box, making a hole through which the brandy ran into the wagon box, on seeing which, the doctor excitedly ex- claimed, "My gracious, I am losing all my brandy;" and catching a bucket he got under the wagon and caught the liquid as it ran through the cracks of the box. He was what was termed a Hoosier, and spoke that dialect. He went from here to Man- kato, Minn., but shortly came back, re- mained a few years and then went to Nebraska. He fell from the top of a wagon load of logs, and the wheel passing over his head resulted in his death. He
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
was married twice-his first wife died in Ackley, Iowa; his second wife still sur- vives, is married again and lives in the southern part of the State.
MAYSVILLE . PHYSICIANS.
Dr. L. H. Arlidge located one mile east of the present site of Maysville, in 1854, as stated.
Dr. S. R. Mitchell came in 1855, and commenced the practice of medicine at Maysville, remaining at that place until 1862, when he removed to Ottumwa, this State. The doctor was very popular as a physician, and was held in high esteen. He had a large practice, and made many long rides to reach his patients.
Dr. Addis came to Franklin county, and located near Maysville in about 1856. He remained several years, then moved to Ponca, Neb., where he practiced until his death.
HAMPTON PHYSICIANS.
Among the first physicians to locate in Hampton, was Dr. Guthrie. He came here in the fall. of 1856, and besides following his profession, kept hotel in a little building which stood on the present site of the Beed block. Dr. Guthrie was a man of good morals, and had many traits of character which made him a respected . citizen. In 1858, he removed to New Hartford, Butler Co., Iowa. His present location, if he is still living, is unknown.
Dr. T. H. Baker began the practice of medicine at Hampton at a very early day, and is still an honored citizen and physi- cian. He is the oldest practicing physician in the county.
Dr. J. S. Hurd practiced here for many years. He is still a resident of Chapin, this county.
Dr. C. F. West, allopath, came to this place in 1863, and remained until 1865. Dr. West was from Missouri, and on leav- ing Hampton, went to Indianola, Warren Co., Iowa, where he is now following his profession. Dr. West was a man of ability, but had little practice. He is now doing well and has a good business in Indianola.
Dr. O. B. Harriman located and com- menced the practice of medicine at Hamp- ton, in 1865. He was born Sept., 29, 1836, in Warner, N. H., where, in his youth, he attended Ellenwood Seminary-now Web ster. He began the study of medicine in Concord, N. H., entered Dartmouth Med- ical College in 1857, where he graduated in 1860, followed his profession four years in Rockford, Iowa, and then settled at Hampton. He was the first president of the Franklin County Medical Association, and a member of the Northwestern and Iowa State Medical Association. He was superintendent of schools, of his native town, at the age of twenty, and has held many municipal offices in Hampton. Ile was an elector on the Harrison and Tyler ticket. In a nutshell, he is a democrat, Mason, Knight Templar and Odd Fellow. In April 1868, he married Ellen J. Don- ovan and they have seven children-Ed- win, Jennie, Lily, Lura, Vera, Dua and an infant.
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