USA > Illinois > Williamson County > Historical souvenir of Williamson County, Illinois : being a brief review of the county from date of founding to the present > Part 5
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"Number of teachers employed, 173; No. of Districts, 105; No. of
RESIDENCE OF M. W. ROBERTSON.
H. M. RICKART aud GRANDSON. The ouly chill of an only son; Frederick William Rickart, all of Lauder near Carterville, 111.
libraries, 58; No. of Vols, in li- braries, 5022; amount paid teach- ers for the year (1902) $41,130.58; whole amount for all school pur- poses paid for the year (1902) $58,569.00; No. of children, 15,756; No. of school age, 11,030; No. en- rolled for the year (1902), 9,012; value of school property, $108- 248.50; value of apparatus, $3,256- .00; value of libraries, $2827.90; No. enrolled at annual Institute, 166; No. of days Institute was in session, 5; expenses of Institute, $144.73; instructors, H. W. Shry- ock, J. W. Asbury, Sarah Mont- gomery and R. O. Clarida, con- ductor."
By a glance at the above it can readily be seen the great quantity of work to be doue by the County Superintendent over and above what was required in au earlier day. It is true, the County Superintendent is now under the law, allowed a specified salary, but compared with the increased amount of work and the increased responsibility, it is not more, if hardly equal, to the emoluments of the office in the early days.
Mr. Clarida took up the work at the close of Mr. Swan's term with a strong arm, the State Course of Study and professional work being among the strong features of the service. Resulting from complete gradation of the common schools by reason of the use of the Course of Study therein, County Graduation Exercises were held at an evening of the annual Teachers' Institute in 1903. A large class of pupils were given diplomas for finishing the Course at this, the first annual County Commencement. The effect
45
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
REV. N. A. HUNT, Dec'd. Presbyterian Minister, Built
the second house in Marion and the first church.
MRS. CLARISSA HUNT, Dec'd. Wife of Rev. N. A. Hunt.
.4
ALONZO P. BAKER, M. D. Cottage Home, Illinois.
seems to have been electrical among the pupils and patrons of the county throughout.
A course of professional reading is pursued by the teachers, in which they have to show themselves rea- sonably proficient by examination before they are permitted to teach.
The educational outlook in the
county was never quite so bright as now, 1904. The wages of county teachers in many places are suf- ficiently large as to have a tendency to lead some teachers to life work, or to dignify country teaching up to a profession.
As a means of helping and en- couraging teachers to do better pro-
fessional work, the Teachers' Coun- ty Library is serving a useful pur- pose, there being now 269 volumes, bearing on every phase of school work. These books are freely read by the teachers of the county, espe- cially by the young teachers. A fee of $1 constitutes a life membership. Members are privileged to draw and
THE OLD DR. LEWIS OR GALLIGHER HOUSE.
The Second Residence built in Marion, Illinois. The brick at the corner stands on the spot where Rev. N. A. Hunt built the first Church erected in Marion.
46
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
FRANK P. GILLIS, M. D.
L. B. CASEY, M. D.
RESIDENCE OF ROBERT C. THOMPSON, ERECTED 1892.
Names of group from left to right. Top row -- William Spoors, Joseph Smith, John Smith, Belle Smith, his wife, Miss Clara Thompson, John Cassedy, Miss Margaret Thompson, Mrs. Mary Thompson, Joseph Thompson, her husband. Second row- Harry Thompson, with horse and buggy, Robert C. Thomp- son and his grandson, Lester Thompson, Mrs. Anna Thompson and her grandson, Robert T., Harry Bell and his danghter Maggie, James W. Bell, Mrs. Hannah Bell and daughter Elsie.
47
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
FARM RESIDENCE OF WILLIS AIKMAN.
REV. J. S. EDMONDS. Late Pastor of Missionary Baptist Church, now of Blackwell, Oklahoma.
keep a book six weeks, and a fail- ure to return it at the end of that time subjects the delinquent to a fine of ten cents. A board of three directors is elected at each annual Institute, who has control of the Library, and who is empowered to purchase new books and to pre- scribe new rules.
As a means of enthusing and stimulating patrons as well as pu- pils and teachers, a school officers'
meeting was held at the County Seat in the summer of 1903. This proved an innovation. It clearly showed the need of closer touch of Superintendent, teachers and school officers, as well as patrons. This meeting is to be a yearly feature, and promises untold good for the common schools. At each session is to be discussed vital questions af- fecting the schools for good, as well as bad.
FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
Thus it is that the schools of
Williamson County have grown from the back woods, old-time insti- tution to the modern Public School, as good as any in the State, or as any in the Middle West.
ROBERT O. CLARIDA.
Robert O. Clarida, County Super- intendent of Schools, is of German and Irish parentage, his father, a native of Virginia and his mother of Tennessee. He was born, reared and educated in Williamson County, and has spent the greater part of his life in promoting the interests of the public schools. His father,
Archibald Clarida. died while Robert was quite young, and to his mother largely belongs the credit of his rearing. In order to com- plete his education he was com- pelled to begin teaching at 20 and for 14 successive years taught in the schools of the County. Much of this time he worked on the farm summers and taught winters. He succeeded in getting in four years at Crab Orchard Academy, and gradnated in 1896. It is an indi- cation of his worth as a teacher that he taught one school eight terms, and the last three terms of his 14 years at Crab Orchard.
In 1902 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools on the Republican ticket by a majority of 800, running ahead of his ticket.
May 27th, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora Wilson, daughter of A. H. Wilson, of Crab
48
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
FAMILY GROUP OF WILLIAM J. SPILLER AND SUSAN E. SPILLER, HIS WIFE.
The parents are easily distinguished, sitting at opposite ends of the group with the eldest, Mrs. W. H. Boles, of Albion, next to the father, and the youngest, Miss Byrd G. Spiller, next to the mother. The up- per row is composed of John W. Spiller, James R. Spiller and Mrs. M. L. Baker, of Marion. Counting the middle row from the left towards the right we have Mrs. J. V. Walker, of Carterville; Mrs. W. L. Eskew, of Benton; Mrs. J. H. Duncan, of Marion; Mrs. J. B. Goddard. of Marion; Mrs. Harrison White, of near Marion; Mrs. W. O. Potter, of Marion. The members of the group are numbered in the order of their ages.
49
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
MARION STATE AND SAVINGS BANK.
M. W. BAKER, Director.
THOS. A. COX, Director.
WM. T. NEWTON, Director.
W. W. WHITTINGTON, Vice President.
C. H. DENISON, President.
EARL B. JACKSON, Cashier.
1
W. G. COCHRAN, Director.
J. H. BURNETT, Director. Collector International Revenue,
W. J. AIKMAN, Director.
St. Louis, Mo.
50
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
HON. WILLIAM H. BUNDY.
W. S. BURKHART, Cashier Williamson Co. Bank.
Orchard. They have had four chil- dren, three girls and one boy, the eldest. He is a member of the
Metho list Episcopal Church, and
is the President of the Williamson
County Sunday School Association.
He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, an Odd Fellow, and also belongs to the Blue Lodge A. F. and A. M.
JAS. W. TURNER.
James W. Turner, Ex-Superin- tendent of Schools at Carterville, commenced teaching in 1868, taught
The elegant home of the Hon. William H. Bundy, on South Market Street, Marion, Ill. Erected in 1896.
51
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
JOAB GOODALL.
MRS. GOODALL.
eleven years in country schools, nine terms being in the same dis- trict. Was principal of Stone Fort Schools from '79 to '83; conductor of the Williamson County Institute in '83, and was assistant instructor for many years. Was principal of Marion schools in the year of '83-4. Was principal of Crab Orchard pub- lic schools for five years; founder of Crab Orchard Academy in 1889, and served as principal of that Institu- tion for twenty consecutive terms. Was again principal of Stone Fort schools from '96 to '99, organized Carterville High School in 1899, and has served as Superintendent of that school since. Was chosen Pres- ident of the Tri-County Teachers' Association for 1904.
THE MARION CITY SCHOOLS.
By Prof. J. W. Asbury.
Anything like a complete and im- partial history of public education in Marion would fill a volumn. Hence we shall have to content our- selves with a more or less meager "write up." There are doubtless many incidents of both interest and importance in the minds of many of the citizens which the writer either does not know or cannot use. A great many citizens have heen connected intimately with the schools as teachers and as officers; some of them will receive mention for one reason or another, while others will not. Neither partiality nor slight is intended.
The school sentiment of our town has always been reasonably strong and healthful. In fact, an over- whelming majority of the American people believe thoroughly in the free school. It is our most distinc-
tive institution, as a nation. It is the most democratic of our free in- stitutions. The lives of all the peo- ple are definitely touched by its power and influence. Here, at least, all are for several years on an equality. The children of the rich and poor, the influential and the obscure, have the same advantages and opportunities. What an in- estimahle privilege for all classes! What a God send to the poor and those even of moderate means!
However, as is true everywhere, the common school has had its op- ponents in Marion. Some men, prominent in social, political and financial affairs, have been opposed to the free school as it has devel- oped. As the course of study has been extended, as the length of term has been increased, as modern buildings have been constructed, all of which call for greater expendi- tures of money and higher taxes, some men have been found on the
wrong side. And although these men frequently controlled in other affairs, they have been, as they al- ways will be, unable to divorce pub- lic sentiment from its devotion to America's most tundamental insti- tution-the public free school.
Back somewhere ahont 1855, a four-room, two-story frame build- ing was erected for school purposes. Doubtless there was a school for years before that, as no community of American people will long be without a school, public or private. This building seems to have been adequate till about 1881-82, when a two-room addition was built. This building was destroyed by fire in the year 1885-86, then the town built a good eight-room, two-story brick, which is still used. The increase in population called for a four- room addition in 1896-97. Such is our present West Side school build- ing.
Marion had so increased in pop- ulation by 1901 that a building, partly for High School and partly for the grades, became an absolute necessity. The splendid East Side school property is the result, a fit- ting monument to all the people who favored the enterprise, more directly to the entire board of edu- cation, but more especially to the public spirited President and Sec- retary, who gave much of their val- uable time, cheerfully, to the de- mands of the business then in hand.
One Mr. Scurlock taught school in Marion about the beginning of the Civil War or before. Then Mr. Eb. Hearn was principal with Mrs. J. C. Jackson as his assistant, in 1861-62. Their salaries were $40 and $20 respectively, and they did their own janitor work. Dur- ing their early years Mr. and Mrs. Scurlock taught for some time.
RESIDENCE OF JOAB GOODALL.
52
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
.
JOHN H. WHITE. Killed at the Battle of Ft. Donaldson.
DR. H. D. NORRIS. Osteopath.
The records that are available begin in 1878. J. M. Burkhart was clerk of the Board. For some years, beginning in 1879, M. W. Robertson was treasurer of the school district; J. C. Jackson took the census; W. J. Spiller was fur- nishing coal: J. H. Duncan sold lumber; W. H. Warder, insurance; Bainbridge & Goddard, curtains; J. C. Mitchell, register and charts; Anthony Feator did the plastering, and X. Davis anl Robert Pride re- ceived pay for janitor work.
There were five teachers em- ployed, at salaries which compare favorably with those paid at the present: C. C. Stollar, principal for several years, $75; Georgia Wrot- en, $35; Parle Vick, $35; Helen Yost, $35; G. W. Rowley, $22. Misses Wroten and Yost tanght in - the schools for many years.
The following are some of the men who have had charge of the schools, that are remembered as being strong, successful school men by many of our ciitzens:
AMZI F. WHITE AND HIS FAVORITE COMPANIONS.
E. C. Hill, 1880 .- He was publicly in charge of the school some time previous. He succeeded in mak- ing the term nine months.
M. G. Kimmel, 1884-86 .- Noted as a disciplinarian of the "old type." The man the school needed. He knew everything the pupils did in school and out.
B. F. Kiser, 1886-89 .- A fine in- structor and well educated. He had an extraordinary memory. Married a Miss Goddard.
S. C. Newsoine, 1890-92 .- He was one of the best all-round men the school has ever had. He has held for some years the position of Department Superintendent in the Philippine Islands, at about $2500 per year.
W. R. Kimsey, 1892-94 .- At pres- ent he is County Superintendent, Perry County.
E. Longhons, 1891-97 .- Now with Ginn & Co. Married Miss Bundy, and was Superintendent of the Metropolis Schools for six years.
Other men who were at the head of the school for one or more years were:
Dr. John Washburn, who received the highest salary-$100 per month and all non-resident tui- tion-of any past superintendents of schools in Marion. He was probably the finest classical scholar ever connected with the school.
J. R. Davis, 1881-83.
53
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
-----
-------
SAM, MARY AND RUTH, Children of Samuel H. Goodall, together with Jem, the Shetland Pony.
Jas. W. Turner, 1883-84-Now Su- perintendent of Carterville Public Schools.
LaFayette Hunter, 1889-90.
I. O. Karraker, 1897-98 .- At pres- ent a banker at Jonesboro.
School work is not all done by principals and superintendents, any more than all the fighting is done by Generals in the army. The fol- lowing teachers have been spoken of as having been very efficient in
various grades, perhaps the list ought to be extended:
Georgia Wroten, Helen Yost, Ger- Ada trude Warder, Lon Nance, Adde Goodall, Augusta Jackson, Jeter, J. A. Emerson, Frank Joiner, F. M. Beaty, John Reid, Beulah Hall.
The character of men who serve on School Boards, who have the business management of the schools and who stand in support of the
Superintendent and teachers, have much to do in determining what the schools shall be. The following have been staunch supporters of the public schools in Marion:
N. B. Calvert, W. R. Hall, A. N. Lodge, C. M. Edwards, John Good- all, G. W. Young, C. H. Denison, J. C. Jackson, J. M. Burkhart, W. W. Duncan.
But the limits of this paper pre- vent the mentioning of many others, teachers, officers and friends of the school, that the community should remember gratefully and honor.
There are many curious and sug- gestive items recorded in the treas- urer's book. But one of the most strikingly suggestive is "To W. M. Dunston, straps for school. 70c."
The growth of the school may be noted in various ways-in the char- acter and size of school buildings, in the length of term and the char- acter of course of study, in number of teachers employed and the en- rollment of pupils, in the increase of population of city of Marion. in the amount expended annually for the support of the schools.
Census
Rpt. Boys.
Girls. Total.
1893
286
250
536
1898
355
402
757
1903
761
822
1583
Enrollment in School
1892-93
247
209
456
1898-99
301
328
629
1902-03
571
621
1192
RESIDENCE OF S. H. GOODALL. Corner North Market Street and Boulevard.
Jan. 1904 over 1350.
34
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ILAND . .... 1
-
E
A. F. WHITE'S BUILDING.
The growth was gradual until 1900 and 1901, since which time the school population has increased more than 100 per cent.
The annual expenditures have in- creased till about $15,000 is now required.
Perhaps the greatest strides in the development of the city schools have been taken during the past six years. The first was in legislative act giving the district a Board of Education of six members and a president. The plan gives better re- presentatives and more share the re- sponsibility. The people have used good judgment in electing mem- bers of the Board. The second was in changing from a three-year to a four-year High School course of study. This has brought us well up to the standard for High Schools in this and other states. The third was in the erection of the East Side school building, modern and up-to- date, though now too small on ac- count of the ranid increase in popu- lation. The fourth was in securing a place on the accredited list with the State University. This was possible by showing that our work done was of such high excellence that we were entitled to this recog- nition and by the efficient aid of our Rep., Mr. Warder. The fifth was in expanding our High School course of study, offering some elec- tives. The sixth is in the policy of the Board of Education to retain, if possible, from year to year teachers who do effective work, thus making the work throughout all grades and departments more efficient from year to year, simply a very practical application of the basic principles
of the reforms in onr Civil Service.
Present Corps of Teachers.
J. W. Asbury, Superintendent; Bettie Peterson, Minnie Whittock, Angusta Henry, May Gallagher,
Carrie Malone, Agnes Sherertz, Aetha Perry, Byrd Spiller, Anna Thompson, Mande Cocke, Lola Howe, Ada Edwards, Ellen Sim- mons, Ella Lightfoot, Alice Sam- uels, Mary Bentley, J. S. Campbell, Florence Hill, Nan Hundley, Lillian Tuter, C. C. Durney, W. A. Cook.
Total number of pupils enrolled, 1354.
Present indications are that next
year the High School will demand entire second story of the East Side building and that the 7th and Sth grades must have another room. Hence, two rooms will have to be sacrificed and the increase in grades below 7th will demand four more rooms. A six-room building will be needed. Can it be furnished by the community?
We are conscious that in the above there is but a meager amount of history. May we not be permit- ted to say that the demands of a multitude of luties have made it impossible to devote the time to this matter that would be required were one to prepare any worthy history of the Marion Schools. The school problems have not all been solved for our city. The schools are overcrowded and the population increases day by day. Much wis- dom and sound judgment will be required continually. The expenses will be considerable, for additional teachers and a new building. The people are interested in the schools, the school spirit is good. The poli- cies of the educational administra- tors are, we think, sound and lib- eral. Let there be no backward step. J. W. ASBURY.
J. t. Asbury.
The subject of this sketch, Supt. J. W. Asbury, was born in 1868, in the northeastern part of the "Blue Grass State." His ancestry, Eng- lish on his father's and German on his mother's side, were successful and substantial tillers of the soil. They were always public spirited and influential citizens. Their views were not narrow, but they were pronounced in their atitude
A Merry Summer Group Posing for a Picture at Marion. Guess Who They Are.
55
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
MARION FLOURING MILLS AND ELEVATOR.
The fine flouring mills and elevator illustrated herewith stand on North Market street and the Illinois Central track. Mr. Whittington run it as a private enterprise for five years before it was incorporated, which took place early in the present year. The new management took possession March 4th. They run six double stand of rolls with a daily capacity of 100 barrels. Their out-put is entirely disposed of in South- ern Illinois with the exception of shipments to Paducah, Kentucky. The elevator has a capacity of 45,000 barrels, and has been in charge of T. J. Erwin for eleven years. The following gentlemen run the busi- ness of the new corporation: W. W. Whittington, President; S. W. Swain, Vice President, Secretary and General Manager: Directors-C. C. Whittington, D. C. Brien and W. H. Rix.
upon religious and political ques- tions. All were Methodists, but in politics one side were republicans, and the other democrats.
Mr. Asbury received his early education in the common schools; later he spent about five years in Normal Schools at Glasgow, Ky., and at Valparaiso, Indiana. He
spent one summer in the University of Illinois. His years in school were not consecutive, the interven- ing time being spent in teaching.
His first experience as a teacher was in the rural schools of Ken- tucky. For three years he was ward principal at Somerset, Kentucky, one year principal of the schools at Mayslick, Kentucky, two years principal of the Intermediate De- partment of the city schools at Maysville, Kentucky, and for the past six years Superintendent of the Marion City Schools.
Mr. Asbury has always succeede 1. Early habits of industry and self- reliance have so far made success possible. He has always stood well with the people and as a stu- dent ranked with the best. The institutions from which he has graduated have conferred upon him the degrees of B. S., A. B. and B. Pd. The fact that he has given such universal satisfaction in his present position and that the schools
have made suen decided progress under his administration is the strongest testimonial to his charac- ter and efficiency.
During the past few years Mr. Asbury has become known as a popular and efficient Institute in- structor. Mr. Asbury has supple-
mented his liberal education by ex- tensive travel both in this country and in Europe. He realizes that a school man in particular must be progressive in spirit to escape fos- silization. He is also active in lo- cal and state associations, and has been a member of the National Edu- cational Association for several years.
He always identifies himself, so far as is consistent with his duties, with the interests and welfare of the community in which he labors. While here, he has been active in conducting entertainment courses of a high order. He has been, and is yet, active in Church and Sunday School work in the M. E. Church South, of which he is a member, and in the County. He attributes his success, in no small degree, to his interest and activity in what- ever pertains to the moral and in- tellectual welfare of the community in general. He does not believe that a school man should be expect- ed to forfeit his citizenship.
Prof. Asbury married Miss Zada Baker Jannary 1st, 1903, and thus started in life anew. To them a son has been horn, and the auspices for their happiness are favorable. Mr. Asbury is yet a young man, scarcely having reached his prime. His professional career having only begun, he may confidently expect promotions and markel professional snecess in the future.
Prof. W. H. Cook.
Principal W. A. Cook is a native of Bureau County, Ill. His boy- hood days, until he was eleven, were spent on the farm. He then attended the public schools of Ke- wanee, graduating from the High
CEMETERY AT MARION, ILL.
56
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
HENRY BROWN AND FAMILY.
-
STORE BUILDING OF HENRY BROWN, MARION, ILL.
School in '98. After graduation he took the state scholarship examina- tion, and entered the State Univer- sity, graduating from there in 1902. While in the University Mr. Cook was quite prominent in athletics, especially class athletics. He also wrote the essay that won the Bryan prize, represented Illinois in Inter- collegiate debate, and won third in Oratorical contest. Since gradua- tion he has been teaching. His first year was spent as Principal of the Albion ( Ill. ) High School, and last year he came to Marion, where he has been engaged for another year.
The Second Ward New School Building.
This plain and substantial addi- tion to the school facilities of Ma- rion was begun last July and com- pleted in November, 1904. With
the city's rapidly increasing popula- tion the two large and commo lious schools, East and West, have long been inadequate to accommodate the pupils, and the building just finished has been in contemplation for a long time. It adds hetween 250 and 400 to the seating capac- ity of the schools of the city. The four large rooms on the main floor, only, will be utilized the present term, leaving the three rooms on the basement floor to be finished and occupied next year. The build- ing is of dark red repressed Belle- ville brick, with slate roof and stone trimmings, and was erected after plans furnished by G. W. Ash- by, Architect, Riverside, Ill. This gentleman was chosen not hecause Marion could not furnish a capable architect, but because it had one
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