USA > Illinois > Illinois, historical and statistical, comprising the essential facts of its planting and growth as a province, county, territory, and state, Vol. II > Part 43
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The attendance has been regularly increasing during the past six years, the number enrolled for 1890-I being over 500; the whole number of matriculants is 2601; and the num- ber graduated, including the class of 1889, 644. Since 1871, females have been admitted on the same terms as males.
In 1880, Dr. Gregory, who, for more than thirteen years, had served the university as regent with rare ability, resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. Selim H. Peabody, who, for several years had filled the chair of mechanical engineering and physics, and to whose efficient administration the institution is, in no small degree, indebted for its present prosperous condition.
In 1884, the State Laboratory, under the directorship of Prof. S. A. Forbes, was removed from Normal to the Univer- sity. In 1887, under the operation of the Hatch act, an experiment station was organized and has since been con- ducted at the university and upon its experimental farms. The annual expenditure for this purpose is $15,000. The reports of this work are made in quarterly bulletins, which are sent free of charge to all farmers in the State who express a desire to have them. In 1890, congress appropriated to each of the states, for the use of the colleges which had been established under the land-grant act of 1862, the sum of $15,000, increasing annually by $1000, until the sum shall reach $25,000 per annum.
In 1885, the name, which was at first the Illinois Industrial University, was changed by the legislature to that of the University of Illinois. A still further change was made by an act of the general assembly of 1887, which provided for the election of the trustees by the people.
The institution has not escaped sharp criticism nor has it failed to arouse bitter antagonism. It has encountered serious troubles and drawbacks, but is believed now to be established on a sure foundation.
The Illinois State Normal University having demonstrated its usefulness and importance as a training-school for teachers,
1004
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
a movement was set on foot in 1868-9, for the establishment of a similar institution in southern Illinois, which resulted in the passage of a law for the establishment of the "Southern Illinois Normal University," in 1869. Proposals with donation bids having been received from several towns and cities, the preference was given by the five trustees to that from Carbon- dale; which was estimated at the time, including lands and bonds, to amount in value to $229,000, but which, by reason of shrinkage, in the end amounted only to about $75,000.
The corner-stone of the building was laid May 20, 1870, and the latter was completed and ready for occupancy July I, 1874. It was three stories high, having a frontage of 209 feet, with two wings each 109 feet long. It was well furnished and presented an attractive, if not imposing, appearance. The cost was $265,000, of which $205,000 was covered by State appropriation.
Dr. Robert Allyn, a professor of large experience and high distinction, was appointed principal of the school, November 20, 1874, and, with nine other teachers, the work of training began. The normal course of four years embraces two thor- ough courses-a classical and scientific.
The whole number of students the first year was 396, which continued about the same up to 1881, but for the last year reported-1889-90, had increased to 736; the whole number received having been 3953; while there have been 162 gradu- ates. The appropriation the first year was $15,000, 1888-9, $27,000; and the total sum reaches $296,780. The institution met with the great misfortune of losing its fine building by fire, November 26, 1883. A new structure, for which $150,000 was appropriated, was ready for occupancy and dedicated, February 24, 1887.
Among the leading men whose names are honorably linked to the creation of these State educational institutions, as they were with the foundation of the common school system, may be mentioned, without drawing invidious distinction, the follow- ing: Jonathan B. Turner and Newton Bateman, Morgan County, Rev. John F. Brooks and Ninian W. Edwards of Sangamon, Benaiah G. Roots of Perry, John S. Wright and William H. Wells of Cook, Calvin Goudy of Morgan, Wesley Sloan of
1005
COLLEGES, SEMINARIES, AND ACADAMIES.
Pope, Joel S. Post of Macon, William H. Powell of Kane, Jesse W. Fell and Charles E. Hovey of McLean, and Samuel W. Moulton of Shelby. Of all these, the voice and pen of Prof. Turner were undoubtedly the longest and most persistent in the service. He is yet living at his old home in Jacksonville, in the serenity of the green old age of 87 years. Dr. Bateman, president of Knox College, Gen. Hovey and Hon. S. W. Moulton, also still survive in the enjoyment of a vigorous and honorable old age.
The subject of education in this State would hardly be com- plete without reference to the lately-founded and organized institution, the University of Chicago, which originated with the American Baptist Educational Society at its meeting in May, 1889, at which time John D. Rockefeller proposed to contribute $600,000 toward "an endowment fund for a college to be estab- lished at Chicago." This sum was increased during the follow- ing year by $600,000 additional subscriptions, by those who had become interested in the proposed college; soon after which time, the same liberal giver, John D. Rockefeller, made an addi- tional contribution of $1,000,000-making, it is stated, the largest sum ever contributed by one man while still living, to the cause of education. The university was legally incorporated in June, 1890, by John D. Rockefeller, E. Nelson Blake, Marshall Field, Francis E. Hinckley, Frederick T. Gates, and Thomas W. Good- speed. The three blocks of ground selected as a site for the buildings lies in the city of Chicago between Jackson and Washington parks and fronting on Midway Plaisance; one-half of which was the gift of Marshall Field, the other half having been purchased at the cost of $132,500.
Prof. William R. Harper of Yale University has been elected president of the university, and the work of instruction will begin October 1, 1892. The work of the university is to be arranged under three general divisions, namely, the university proper, the university extension work, and the university publi- cation work; and it is believed by those who have studied the plan and general regulations, that the facilities for an advanced education will be more amply afforded in this institution than in many of the older universities.
Public libraries in their influence upon the educational work
1006
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
of the State are too important a factor not to have a place in this connection. They are the workshops of the intellectually inclined, with tools ready at command; the university of the common people-"an institution where any person may find instruction in study." Illinois possessed many valuable public libraries in the earlier period of her history, especially those connected with her first colleges; but they have greatly increased in number since the passage of the law of 1872 authorizing cities and towns to establish and maintain free public libraries and reading-rooms. The number of all descriptions in the State, according to the report of the United-States commis- sioner of education, and added information, in 1889, was 177, containing in the aggregate 650,000 volumes. The largest of these, outside of Chicago, are the state library at Springfield, containing 45,000 volumes; that of the Northwestern University at Evanston, 28,000 volumes; and that of Peoria, 27,000.
The destruction of libraries in Chicago by the great fire of 1871, excited the sympathy of men of letters and educators in England. With Thomas Hughes at their head, an appeal was made throughout Great Britain, which resulted in the generous contribution, toward repairing the loss, of 7000 volumes, includ- ing valuable works from the British Museum, the Master of the Rolls, and a volume from Queen Victoria. The nucleus thus formed was the origin of the present public library, which was organized under the law of 1872. It was opened for circulation May 1, 1874, with 17,000 volumes. William F. Poole, L.L.D., who had been the librarian of the Boston Atheneum and of the Cincinnati Public Library, was appointed librarian in October, 1873. Dr. Poole's administration, which continued until his resignation in July, 1887, to accept of another place, was eminently satisfactory and successful. He was succeeded by Frederick H. Hild, for several years Dr. Poole's able assistant, who has given to the public, intelligent, efficient, and courteous service.
The number of volumes in the Library January 1, 1890, was 156,243, an increase of 7077 during the year. The aggregate circulation and use of books for the year was 1,220,479-the daily average circulation, for home use, being 2746. The rooms occupied by the library in the city- hall haye become over-
1007
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY.
crowded, and steps have been already taken for the erection of a new building on the Dearborn-Park block, which it is in- tended to have ready for occupancy by 1893. John G. Shortall is president of the board of directors, and Wm. B. Wickersham secretary.
The library of the Chicago Law Institute was founded in 1857, and contains 23,000 volumes, of which 975 were added in 1890. The officers are John H. Hamline president, Frederick W. Packard secretary, William H. Holden treasurer, Julius Rosenthal librarian, and Charles C. Pickett assistant-librarian.
The Newberry Library was founded by Walter Loomis New- / berry, who died in 1868 leaving for that purpose one-half of his large estate, which being divided in 1885, amounted to the munifi- cent sum of $2,149,201. The trustees, who have had the care and administration of the estate, and upon whom the duty of establishing the library has devolved, are Eliphalet W. Blatch- ford and William H. Bradley. Dr. Poole, so long the accom- plished librarian of the Chicago Public Library, was appointed librarian, and entered upon the discharge of his duties August 1, 1887.
The site finally selected for the library building is the Ogden block, between North-Clark Street and Dearborn Avenue, and fronting Walton Place and Washington Square. In the mean- time, awaiting its construction, a temporary structure has been erected on the northeast corner of North-State and Oak streets, where the accessions so far accumulated have been comfortably and conveniently housed. The Newberry is solely a reference library, and, by January 1, 1890, it contained 37,375 carefully- selected volumes, and 12,349 pamphlets. Since then, valuable, rare, and costly additions have been made, and the institution is in successful operation. Plans for a library building, to accom- modate 1,000,000 volumes, have been agreed upon, and the foundation has been laid.
Walter L. Newberry, to whose philanthropic liberality the people are indebted for this splendid institution, was one of the first settlers of Chicago in 1833, where he became a successful merchant and banker. He was always active and influential in the promotion of education and in the establishment of public libraries, having been president of the Chicago Historical
1008
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
Society for many years, and one of the founders of the Young Men's Library Association. He died at sea, while returning from a visit to Europe, November 6, 1868, aged 64.
Chicago is also fortunate in the princely endowment of another public library, to be located on the south side, by the noble benefaction of the late John Crerar. The sum bequeathed in his last will for this purpose is estimated by the trustees- Norman Williams and Huntington W. Jackson-to amount to $2,500,000. John Crerar was also an old citizen of Chicago, where the greater portion of his fortune was accumulated. He was also a member of the Chicago Historical Society, and among the many generous donations which illuminate the pages of his will, that institution is to receive the sum of $25,000. He died October 19, 1889, aged 65.
The west side is also to have a well-endowed institution, to consist of a polytechnic school, library, reading, and lecture rooms, to be known as the Lewis Institute.
John Lewis came to Chicago from Connecticut before 1850, and invested in real estate which made him a fortune. At his decease, he left the greater portion of his property to his brother, Allen C., who came to Chicago in 1852, with the request that he should provide for the establishment of such an institu- tion. This disposition of the estate, his brother faithfully carried out in his last will made in February, 1877. The trustees are Henry F. Lewis, James M Adsit, and Hugh A. White. The property has accumulated until it now amounts to over $1,000,- 000. A site has been secured on the southwest corner of Morgan and West-Van Buren streets; the plans of a building, to cost $250,000, have been practically agreed upon, and its construction is expected to begin the present year, 1891.
The Chicago Historical Society combines the advantages of a well-selected library and of a depository of documents, relics, and materials, in manuscript and other forms, which tend to the establishment and preservation of valuable historical facts. The importance of such a society was so strongly impressed upon the early writers and public men of our State that one was organized at Vandalia, with Judge James Hall as president, as early as 1827. Among its members are found the historic names of Chief-Justice William Wilson, Gov. Coles, Judge Mc
1009
THE CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Roberts, Gov. Reynolds, William Thomas, Richard M. Young, Sidney Breese, Samuel D. Lockwood, Wm. H. Brown, Edmund D. Taylor, David J. Baker, John Mason Peck, Peter Cartwright, William L. D. Ewing, and Theophilus W. Smith. It flourished for several years, and gathered a vast amount of information, some of which, doubtless, is embodied in the works of its dis- tinguished president, and in those of the historian, Peck.
The Chicago Historical Society was organized in 1856, and incorporated in 1857. As Wm. H. Brown, who was a member of the society formed at Vandalia, was the first president, it may not be inaptly called a reorganization or continuation of that society. Its first charter members were William B. Ogden, J. Young Scammon, Mason Brayman, Mark Skinner, George Manierre, John H. Kinzie, James V.Z. Blaney, Edward I. Tink- ham, Joseph D. Webster, William A. Smallwood, Charles H. Ray, Mahlon D. Ogden, Franklin Scammon, William Barry, Van H. Higgins, Dr. Nathan S. Davis, Samuel D. Ward, and Ezra B. McCagg-a distinguished list of influential Chicago citizens-the last four of whom still survive. The objects of the society were declared to be: first, the establishment of a library; second, the collection into a safe and permanent de- positary of manuscripts and documents of historical value; third, to encourage the investigation of aboriginal remains; and fourth, to collect and preserve such historical materials as shall serve to illustrate the settlement and growth of Chicago.
When the destructive fire of 1871 occurred, the society had erected a commodious brick building for its use on a portion of its lot, at the northwest corner of Dearborn Avenue and Ontario Street, in which, under the faithful and intelligent management of its secretary, Rev. Wm. Barry, had been accumulated a library of 14,000 volumes, besides priceless treasures in manuscripts and records, including that great document, the "Emancipation Proclamation," with President Lincoln's signature affixed thereto. The devouring flames left not a vestage unconsumed.
The society was not forgotten in the work of restoration, but the liberal contributions received as a nucleus for a new library were again swept away by the great fire of 1874. The friends of the society were naturally discouraged, but donations of books were made, and cared for by Edwin H. Sheldon, at his
IOIO
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
office on Clark Street, until, at a meeting of the society on January 23, 1877, it was determined to erect a new building; and an appeal to the members for subscriptions meeting with a favorable response, resulted in the erection of the present build- ing, which was ready for occupancy by October, 1877. From this time forward, the society has been prosperous, the present accumulations amounting to 18,000 bound volumes, and 40,000 unbound volumes and pamphlets. In the department of Ameri- cana, the collections are very valuable, as also in national and state documents, and in portraits, and unpublished archives.
The life and resident members number 150, and the corres- ponding and honorary 120. The permanent funds of the society amount to about $120,000, securely invested, besides a legacy of $25,000 bequeathed by John Crerar, not yet received. It is a singular fact that the munificent bequest of Henry D. Gilpin, who died in Philadelphia, January 29, 1860, now amounting to $105,000, came from one who was neither a member of the society, nor a resident of the city or state in which it is located. The society has entirely outgrown its present home, and as it owns an eligible corner lot, and has a large sum available for building purposes, there would seem to be no good reason why it should not occupy a new, convenient, and fire-proof building before 1893 .*
By reference to the subjoined table of institutions in the State devoted to the attainment of a higher education, it will be seen
* List of officers : presidents, William H. Brown, 1856-60; Walter L. Newberry, 1861-8; J. Young Scammon, 1869; Edwin H. Sheldon, 1870-5; Isaac N. Arnold, 1876-83; Elihu B. Washburne, 1884-6; Edward Gay Mason, 1887-91. William B. Ogden was vice-president from 1856-68; George Manierre, J. Young Scammon, Edwin H. Sheldon, Thomas Hoyne, Ezra B. McCagg, Robert T. Lincoln, William Hickling, John Wentworth, and E. G. Mason; Gen. Alexander C. McClurg, and Gen. George W. Smith have served since 1884, and now occupy the position.
William Barry was secretary from 1856-65; following him came Thomas H. Arm- strong, J. W. Hoyt, William Cochran, and Belden F. Culver. Albert D. Hager served from 1877-87, and was succeeded by John Moses, the present incumbent.
Samuel D. Ward was the first treasurer, who was succeeded by Edward I. Tink- ham, William Blair, George F. Rumsey, Solomon A. Smith, Byron L. Smith, Henry H. Nash from 1879-89, and Gilbert B. Shaw, now in office.
The executive committee is constituted as follows: the president ex-officio, George L. Dunlap, Samuel H. Kerfoot, 1891; Edward E. Ayer, 1892, one vacancy; Daniel K. Pearsons, George W. Smith, 1893; Henry J. Willing, Levi Z. Leiter, 1894.
IOII
MONTICELLO FEMALE SEMINARY
that the oldest is that of Monticello Female Seminary at God- frey, Madison County, which was founded in 1835 by Captain Benjamin Godfrey. It was a free gift, the deeds being placed in the hands of a board of trustees which is self-perpetuating, and the curriculum was modelled after that of Yale College. Rev. Theron Baldwin was the first principal, holding that office until 1843, and since that time, greatly to the credit of the management be it said, it has had but two others-Miss Philena Fobes, who occupied the position with great zeal and fidelity until 1866; and Miss Harriet N. Haskell, who has since then so successfully conducted the institution.
The first building was erected in the primeval forest, and in its ivy-covered stone walls was held, in June, 1888, the semi-cen- tennial anniversary of the seminary. Five months later, on November 4, the building with all its contents was destroyed by fire. The school, however, was continued in a temporary struct- ure erected on the grounds, and arrangements were immedi- ately made for a new building. Through the untiring energy and superior executive ability of the principal, Miss Haskell, aided by willing contributions from former pupils, and friends all over the country, an imposing three-story stone edifice and chapel have been erected, with all modern improvements and arrangements suggested by fifty years of experience, and at a cost of $250,000. The average number of students is 125, and the seminary has entered upon its fifty-fourth year with greatly-increased facilities and brighter prospects than ever before.
Private schools for instruction in the higher branches were very rare in an early day in this State, and were not generally overstocked with pupils. Among these was one taught by Prof. Daniel B. Tuthill in Jackson County as early as 1835. He was a native of Vermont, and was educated for the Episcopalian ministry. Coming to Illinois in 1829, he settled on the prairie, which subsequently bore his name. He was a gentleman of fine attainments, and those who attended his classical school, among whom were many prominent men of the State, all have spoken highly of his ability as a teacher. Judge Richard S. Tuthill of Chicago is his son.
IO12
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
The following table gives the corporate title, location, date of incorporation, number of teachers and pupils, name of presi- dent or principal, and unincumbered value of property, of all incorporated institutions for the advancement of higher educa- tion, having an average attendance, in 1888, of 100 or over:
COLLEGES, SEMINARIES, AND ACADEMIES:
NAME
PLACE DATE TEACH' PUPILS PRESIDENT OR PRINCIPAL VALUE"
Almira College, -
Greenville, 1857 10 62 James P. Slade, A. M.,
$33.500
Augustana College, -
Rock Island, 1865 20 227 Prof. Olof Olson, 200,000
Baptist Union Theological " Morgan Park, '65 9 101 Geo. W. Northrup,D.D.L. L. D. 435,000
Bettie Stuart Institute,
- Springfield, 1868 13 126 Mrs. A. M. Brooks,
35,000
Blackburn University, -
- Carlinville, 1857 10 IOI Rev. E. L. Hurd,
150,000
Carthage College,
Carthage, 1873 - 56
Rev. Holmes Dysinger, D. D.,
-
Chaddock College, - Quincy,
I878 25 168
M. P. Lackland,
192,000
Chicago Theological Seminary,
Concordia College,
Springfield, 1879 4 210 Rev. A. Craemer,
21,000
Elgin Academy,
- Elgin, - 1839 7 141 Orlando Davidson, 31,200
Eureka College,
Eureka, 1855 12 221
Carl Johann, A. M., 100,000
Evangelical Proseminary,
Elmhurst, 1869 7 I17
E. A. W. Krauss, - 53,400
Garrett Biblical Institute, - Evanston, 1855 8 156
H. B.Ridgaway, D.D., L. L.D., 512,000
Grand Prairie Seminary,
- Onarga, 1864 9 277 Rev. Samuel Van Pelt, - 31,700
German English College; - Galena, 1881 7 99 Rev. F. Schaub, A. M., - 20,000 -
German Theological Seminary, Chicago, 1885 - -
Rev. J. D. Severinghaus, D.D., Rev. J. G. Evans, D. D.,
60,000
Ill. College and Whipple Acad., Jacksonville, '29
12 180
280,000 Rev. E. A. Tanner, D. D., Rev. W. F. Short, D. D., 62,000
Illinois Wesleyan University,
Bloomington, '52 18 819
Rev. W. H. Wilder, D. D., 200,000
Jacksonville Female Academy,
Jacksonville, '35 I8 162 E. F. Bullard, A. M., -
Jennings Seminary, .
Aurora, 1857 13 169 Rev. C. C. Lovejoy, A. M.,
85,500
Knox College,
-
Galesburg, 1837
I9 186 Newton Bateman, L.L. D., -
393,500
Lake Forest University,
Lake Forest, '57 31 648 W. C. Roberts, D.D., L.L.D., 728,000
Lincoln University,
· Lincoln, 1865 10 196 A. E. Turner, A. M., - 50,000
Lombard University,
Monmouth, 1857 14 149
J. B. Michael,
. 175,000
Monticello Female Seminary, Godfrey, 1838 13 125
Miss H. N. Haskell,
200,00C
Northwestern College,
Naperville, 1865 14 34I
George W. Sendlinger,
128,700
Northern Illinois College, - Fulton,
1866 7 280 A. M. Hansen, A. M., . 160,000
Northwestern Normal School, Geneseo, 1883 350 W. J. Stevens, - 41,400
Northwestern University, - Evanston, 1851 99 660 Henry W. Rogers, L. L. D., 1,860,652 J. B. Dille, A. M.,
Northern Illinois Normal School, Dixon, - 1884 21 737
200,000
St. Ignatius College,
- Chicago,
1870 13 237 Very Rev. Edward A. Higgins, 200,000
St. Joseph's Seminary, -
- Kankakee, 1874 9 250 Sister St. Zephymne,
21,000
Shurtleff College,
Upper Alton, '35 10
179 A. A. Kendrick, D. D.,
· 147,058
Westfield College, . Westfield, I865 12 170 Q. L. Kiphart, D.D., - 32,300
Wheaton College,
· Wheaton, 1860 8 223 Charles A. Blanchard, B. A., 125,000
* Value of property, less indebtedness.
Herrick Johnson, D.D , L. L. D., 1, 147,980
Lebanon, 1834 8 I38 Rev. L. H. Herdmand, - 50,000
Mt. Carroll Seminary, -
· Mt. Carroll, 1852 13 155 Mrs. F. A. W. Skinner, - 95,500
Mt. Morris College, - - Mt. Morris, 1843 12 - Prof. G. B. Boyer,
. 30,000
Monmouth College, - .
- Jacksonville, '47
18 187
Galesburg, 1853 12 124 Mc Cormick Theolog'l Seminary, Chicago, 1859 II 115 Rev. W. White, Ph. D., - 190,000 Mc Kendree College,
52,000
Hedding College, - Abingdon, 1875
132
Illinois Female College,
Chicago, 1855 II II5 Franklin W. Fisk,D. D., L.L.D., 607,497
Authorities : " The Public Domain, " congressional documents, laws of Illinois, reports of the superintendents of public instruction, and especially papers therein for 1883-4, by Samuel Willard, M.D., LL.D., and in those of 1881-2, 1885-6, and 1887-8, by Prof. W. L. Pillsbury, A.M., in which the author has made exceedingly valuable and interesting contributions to the history of education.
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