USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Bloomington > Historic treasures: true tales of deeds with interesting data in the life of Bloomington, Indiana University and Monroe County--written in simple language and about real people, with other important things and illustrations > Part 14
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In 1920-1921 school year this prize in honor of Dr. Maxwell's honorable life, was awarded to Miss Louis Van- ceave, an undergraduate woman stu- dent of Indiana University.
THREE HINKLE BROTHERS WERE FAMOUS SCHOOL TEACHERS IN BEAN BLOSSOM TOWNSHIP DURING THIRTIES
During the decade of the Thirties, away back there, when an education was considered a luxury, there came to Bean Blossom township, in Mon- roe county, Indiana, three brothers, Eusebius, Euraneus and Ambrose Hinkle, sons of a wealthy slave-holder of Tennessee.
The three young men were soon noted among the then backwoodsmen for their fine manners, which marked them as men of good family, and fin- ished education.
These men were in such demand to take charge of schools in the com- munity that comparatively large sums were offered them as teachers. These amounts were raised by subscriptions in addition to the amount of money supplied by the school fund to pay the three brothers for their services.
The Hinkle brothers became famous as educators and maintained the best quality of discipline that could be boasted of in any of the early settle- ments at the time.
Eusebius Hinkle, one of the broth- ers, the oldest of the three, was a Lutheran minister, and often preached in German to members of his church who could not understand English very well.
The brothers were single men, though Eusebius married one of the fair daughters of Bean Blossom town- ship at a later date.
These men introduced grammar, United States history, and algebra into their schools and created an in- terest in improved and advanced edu- cation that had a marked effect upon the schools of the surrounding coun- try.
Clinton C. Owens was another early teacher in the township who was famous as a teacher of pronounced success. He was well educated and his discipline was the pride of the district where he taught.
MEDICAL MEN FORM CLINIC SIMILAR TO MAYO BROTHERS
Bloomington has had her quota of medical inen, the same as every other city in the United States, and these men whose work brings them into such close touch with all that is vital in the life of the community in which they labor have maintained a very high standard of professional effi- ciency, in keeping with the progres- sive spirit of our city and great Uni- versity.
Before the World War plans were discussed and partially completed for the still closer co-operation of these medical men by the organization of a medical and surgical clinic. - The in- tentions was to erect a modern build- ing in which would be located the offices, library, laboratories, first aid rooms, etc., of the members. The idea was that by having a modern, well equipped clinic building in which the physicians would carry on their
work and study as is done in the Mayo Brothers clinic at Rochester, Minn., the close association of the members would greatly benefit by improving the quality of work done, and by creating a medical and surgical cen- ter for the public.
When the United States took her stand in the great World War, Bloom- ington sent her quota of physicians into the conflict and the clinic plans were of course interrupted. After peace was declared these men were gradually discharged and returned home to pick up the broken threads of their profession, and the clinic idea was again taken up. This time the plans were worked out more in detail, and the members incorporated. A modern building of pleasing archi- tectual design for the exclusive use of the clinic will be built in the near future.
The membership as it now stands is as follows:
F. H. Austin-Internal medicine ; gastro in- testinal diseases.
F. H. Batman-General practice.
W. H. Culmer-Ear, nose and throat.
O. K. Harris-Ellettsville, Ind .- General prac- tice.
W. W. Harris-General practice.
J. E. P. Holland-Eye-Also University phy- sician.
G. F. Holland-Major surgery.
Joseph Kentling-General practice.
G. L. Mitchell, Smithville, Ind .- General prac- tice.
O. M. Morris-General practice. B. D. Myers-Professor of anatomy.
Wm. C. Reed-General practice.
O. F. Rogers-General practice.
R. C. Rogers-General practice.
J. C. Ross-General practice.
Rodney Smith-Anesthetics and general prac- tice.
C. C. Stroup-General practice.
F. F. Tourner -- General practice.
J. P. Tourner-General practice.
Leon E. Whetsell-Chronic diseasese and
X-Ray laboratory.
Homer Wooley-Pediatrics and obstetreas.
Halos (sundogs), the large circles or parts of circles about the sun or moon, occurring after the weather in- dicate the approach of a storm.
A deep blue sky color, even when seen through the clouds, is an indica- tion of fair weather; a growing white- ness indicates an approaching storm.
The small colored circles (corona) frequently seen around the sun or moon, are regarded as indications of changing weather. A corona grow- ing smaller indicates rain; a corona growing larger indicates fair weather.
OLD COUNTY SEMINARY SYSTEM WAS CENTER FOR LEARNING
First Step in Establishing Higher Educational Institutions Was Attractive Feature in the Growth of Bloomington's Early Life-Old Female Seminary Came Later in the Field-Building Finally Converted into Residence.
The State of Indiana was admitted to the Union on the 11th day of De- cember, 1816. The State constitution provided for a graded system of schools leading upward from the town- ship school to the State University. Indiana was at that time, however, a
dense forest, broken only by scattered settlements along the Ohio river and the lower Wabash. Little immediate progress was therefore made in the direction of higher education. Ten years previously (Nov. 29, 1806) the General Assembly of the Territory of
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall .
Indiana had incorporated a university at Vincennes, but for reasons which need not be given here, the Vincennes University was never fully recognized as a State institution. During the administration of President Monroe a township of land was given by the national government to the State of Indiana for university purposes. This township, the present one of Perry, lying on the southern boundary of the town of Bloomington, was located by Monroe, in honor of whom the county containing the township was named Monroe county.
In the early times of our state's life, it should be remembered the free common school system of today was unknown. Scholars then were required to pay tuition fees in all schools.
As the weight of these expenses fell upon the families who were less able to sustain it, the system, if such it may be called, was not favorable to the education of the masses. Also, there was a lack of higher education- al facilities in the early times.
Creation of Centers of Learning.
All this led to the creation of cen- ters of learning where private or public enterprise, or individual dona- tions and bequests were the sustain- ing or maintaining power.
The County Seminary was designed to afford each county the means of furnishing a higher education to the youth within its own borders. For many years this proved to be a pop- ular institution.
The funds for maintenance of the Seminary was furnished from fines, forfeitures, etc.
In July, 1829, the fund in Monroe County, Indiana, was $443.89. Six years later, the fund had increased to nearly $2,000.
Brick Seminary Building Erected.
At this time, the old brick Semin- ary building was built in Blooming- ton, and school in it was begun.
Long, long before the idea of ever allowing a girl to attend the same college as the boy-rather, a young lady and young man-Bloomington was put on record by the establish- ment and incorporation of what we of today have heard called "The Old Female Seminary."
This institution of Monroe county was incorporated in 1833 under the name of "Monroe County Seminary and Female Institute," and committed to a board of trustees.
From its first organization, (with the exception of one session it was placed under the superintendency of Prof. C. Pering, A.M., as principal, whose literary attainments and ex- periences as an instructor eminently qualified him for this responsible pos- ition. (Mention is made of both Mr. Pering and the "Seminary" in other articles in this book.)
Three Classes.
The pupils were divided into three classes, Primary, Junior and Senior, in which the charges were respective- ly, $5, $7, and $10 each session-extra charges were made for French, $8; for Music, with use of piano, $10; for painting in crayon and oil, $10, in water colors, $8; and for a course of lessons in Short Hand, $3.
The price of boarding for pupils in
Old "Seminary Building," first building we have any record of as a part of the great educational institution we know as Indiana University-this appeared in Professor Pearing's letter as the smaller building on the old College Campus.
Bloomington was from $1.25 to $2 a week, including room.
In one of the institution's adver- tisements we find the following:
"Ladies desirous of qualifying them- selves for competent and efficient teachers, so much needed throughout our State and country, will find the mode of teaching and discipline here pursued well calculated to promote this desirable object."
The following advertisement ap- peared in the "Indiana Gazette and Advocate" issued in Bloomington, Ind. on April 25, 1835, which gives us a rather good idea of the old school, and the terms for tuition and the sub- jects taught. Also, it gives us in- formation concerning the educational standards of that day.
"Monroe County Female Seminary."
"The first session of this institu- tion will commence on Monday, the 4th of May next, in the new building erected by the Trustees for that pur- pose.
"The high and airy situation of the edifice, it is presumed, will materially conduce to the comfort and health of the Young Ladies who may attend school.
"The terms for a general English education are eight dollars per session of five months, Music ten dollars, Drawing and Painting in water col- our, eight dolars. The French language eight dollars, Stenography three dolalrs the course.
"The advantages offered to the pub-
lic in this establishment are of the highest order. Mr. Pering's abilities, and success as a teacher are well known, and we will, we trust, ensure the patronage of an inteligent com- munity.
"By order of the Board of Trustees. "JOHN BOWLAND, Pres. "WM. ALEXANDER, Sec'y."
Converted Into Residence.
In 1852, when the new school law was adopted, the Seminary was or- dered sold, and was purchased by the Methodists, but soon after was re- turned to the county, and was used for school purposes for many years.
Some time during the late seven- ties or early eighties, the county sold the Seminary to Mr. Leppert, who converted it into a dwelling.
The building is owned at the pres- ent time by the Bloomington lodge of Masons, who, it is understood, in- tend to wreck the old building and construct a modern lodge home on the lot, which is situated north across the street from Bloomington's present Post Office building.
More people live in the valley of the Yangtse Kiang than along any other of the world's greatest water- ways.
Radium traces in hot mineral wa- ters point to its existence in con- siderable quantities in the interior of the earth.
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
EARLY HISTORY OF INDIANA COLLEGE SHOWS INTERESTING FACTS
Educational Institution Was Great Factor in Growth of Bloomington in Early
Days-Dr. Wylie's Arrival in City Occasion for Celebration-Joseph A.
.
Wright Was Janitor, Later Became Governor of State-Future Must Be
Looked After.
Indiana University was first named "Indiana College" and later became a school for both men and women, but at first was an exclusive men's col- lege, and the old Female Seminary took care of the feminine seekers of learning.
We realize that most of Blooming- ton residents are familiar with his- tory of the old school, still most ar- ticles we have found on the subject are drawn out and cover so many de- tails that some people merely glance over the pages and lose the fine points.
On the 20th of January, 1820, an act was passed definitely establishing the "State Seminary," in Perry township, at Bloomington. This seminary, giv- ing at first instruction little nigner than that of the present common schools, was changed by the act of January 24, 1828, into the "Indiana College." The college was organized by the election of a president, Dr., Andrew Wylie, and two professors, Baynard R. Hall and John Harney. During the first year 42 students were enrolled, and in 1830 a class of four finished the classical course.
The institution known as "Indiana College" was built in 1823 (we find in a note of 1830 date) and was the pride of the town.
"In 1830," says an old history, "the population of Bloomington was not less than 700. At that time the 'In- diana College' had a large attendance, an excellent corps of instructors and a superior curriculum.
Bloomington Prosperous.
"This institution, which was built in 1823, was the pride of the town and the means of rapidly and greatly increasing its population, enterprise and material wealth. The town also boasted a flourishing newspaper.
"The citizens had established the village a number of years before and this was another source of joy and satisfaction. In addition to all this there were numerous factories of leather, liquor, domestic and farming implements, flour, tailor goods, oil, and numerous stores, shops, offices, mechanics, artisans, tradesmen, edu- cators, professional men and specu- lators. The pioneer town of Bloom- ington was a prosperous place."
From other sources we find that in 1822, the Trustees let out the building of two seminary houses, one to be used as a dwelling for a teach- er, and the other for the State Sem- inary.
Seminary Absorbed in 1827-28.
At the session of the Legislature in 1827-28, an act was passed to
transform the State Seminary into the Indiana College, and Edward Bor- land, Samuel Dodds, Leroy Mayfield, Jonathan Nichols, James Blair, Da- vid H. Maxwell, William Banester and William Lowe, of Monroe county; Seth M. Levenworth of Crawford county, and William Dunn of Mont- gomery county, were appointed to make the alternation and establish the new institution in accordance with the provisions of the new enactment.
"On May 5, 1828, the above named board of trustees met in the Semi- nary building in Blomington, elected Dr. D. H. Maxwell, president of the board; the Rev. P. M. Dorsey, secre-
tary, and James Borland, treasurer. And on motion of Mr. Dunn, proceed- ed to the election of officers of the new Indiana College.
Dr. Wylie Chosen President.
"The Rev. Andrew Wylie, D.D., of Washington county, Pennsylvania, was unanimously chosen President of the college; B. R. Hall, Professor of Languages, and John H. Barney, Pro- fessor of Mathematics and Natural Phylosophy for one session, at a sal- ary of $400 per year, with the addi- tion of $40 to Harney for house rent. The following is a copy of an allow- ance made to Joseph A. Wright, aft- erward Governor of Indiana:
Rang School Bell-Became Governor. "Ordered, That Joseph A. Wrght be allowed for ringing the college bell, making fires in the college build- ing during the last session of the State Seminary, $16.25; also for lock, bell rope and brooms, $1.37 1-2, and that the treasurer of the late State Seminary pay the same.
"In the fall of 1828 President An- drew Wylie arrived in Bloomington, and the occasion was considered of
Later drawing of Old Indiana College Building, which Professor Pering described and pictured in his letter.
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
much importance; a torch-light pro- cession and public illuminations was given in his honor. Jealousy on the part of Professors Hall and Harney led to unpleasantness, which event- ually caused them to leave in 1832.
"The college flourished greatly un- der the management of President Wylie, and its influence was soon felt upon the community. People of cul- ture and refinement came to live in the town; churches grew strong and shed their influence abroad, and the presence of superior intellectual and
moral culture made the town justly famous throughout the state."
The City of Bloomington owes a great part of her prosperity of past years, and her growth to Indiana University, and the institution will continue to spread out in order to accommodate more students as time passes.
In 1831 the first annual catalogue was published. On the 15th of Feb- ruary, 1838, an act was passed chang- ing the name of the institution to "The Indiana University."
SCHOOL LANDS OF MONROE COUNTY SHOW GREAT INCREASE IN VALUE AS BLOOMINGTON GROWS
Seminary Township One of Two Set Apart By Law In Indiana for Educational
Purposes-Later Named Perry Township-Infested by "Squatters in Early Days of Land Settlement-First Purchasers-Opened For Settlers in 1827 -Rural Schools of Present.
When we look back upon the deeds of our early legislators, and see the results of some of their foresighted- ness in preserving certian lands for educational purposes, we can only offer a prayer of gratitude for their gifts to the present and future gen- erations.
A very clear demonstration of what those early law-makers were intend- ing to accomplish has been brought out in tracing back the history of what we know as Perry township, situated in Monroe County, just edging in the southern part of the present-day City of Bloomington.
The Seminary Township.
Township 8 north, Range 1 west, was one of two in the State of Indiana, devoted by legislative enactments to special school purposes.
The Indiana State University was then unknown, and its future place in the social system of humanity was un- thought of.
In the year 1820, the General As- sembly of Indiana, in pursuance of an act of Congress, selected two full Congressional townships-one in Gib- son County, and the other in Monroe County, Indiana-to be used in found- ing and maintaining two State Sem- inaries.
Commission Appointed.
The selection was made through the medium of a commission, appointed by the State Legislature, such officers being required to locate the townships and carry into effect other provisions specified. This was done and Perry Township, or as it was known at that time Township 8 north, Range 1 west, being the township selected in Monroe county.
Trustees were appointed to super- intend the erection of the necessary seminary buildings-two-one for the school, and the other for the Principal to occupy.
This work was done in 1822, four sections of land on the north side of the township being reserved for the site of the seminary, Sections 4 and 5
and the west half of Sections 3 and 9, with the east half of Sections 6 and 8. These four full sections of land were reserved from sale. Neither were "squatters" allowed to make improve- ments thereon, such as clearing the land, erecting buildings, planting crops, etc.
"Squatters" Took Up Abodes.
The rest of the Seminary Township was treated diffirently, however, and many "squatters" took up abodes on the land from year to year. The citi- zens were aware of course, that at some future time, the lands of the township, except perhaps the reserved sections, would be thrown into the market and sold in parcels to suit the purchaser for the highest obtainable purchase price.
None of this land being remote from the county seat, and much of it very near, with the rapid growth of Bloom- ington, then the location of the State Seminary there, and the coming of ed- ucators and people of unusal (at that early day) culture created a demand; or rather, inspired a covetiousness for the land of the township.
In the early twenties its bounds were invated by an army of eager "squatters," who went to work, regard- less of the fact that they had no right to do so, erecting buildings, cutting down the forest, erecting mills, etc., as if the land already belonged to them.
Wanted Land Sold.
The year passed, the "squatters" ever clamoring for the sale of this land, and at last, in 1827, the Legis- lature provided for throwing this much sought for land upon the mar- ket. Then the "squatters" became quite a bit worried, for some had made extensive improvements and had be -- come much attached to their home ( ?) as the sale ment that their claims should be subjected to competitive bids of speculators, prospective citizens and themselves.
The speculators, for instance, could bid on a "squatter's" claim, and if wil- ling to buy the improvements which
the law of pre-emption required of him could run the price far above that which the "squatter" himself was will- ing or able to give, and thus secure the home of the settlers in spite of all he could do.
Sharp Competition For Land.
Nothing serious was done, however, although some sharp competition de- veloped for the tracts of the superior quality or most favorable location.
The appraisment of the land was made by James Borland, in June, 1827, and the rating of the land will be noted in the following certificate made by Mr. Boland:
"I hereby certify that the above is a plat of the Reserve Township of sem- inary land in Monroe County as rated by me agreeably to an act of the Gen- eneral Assembly of the State of Ind- iana, approved January 25, 1827.
"Given under my hand this 15th day of June, 1827.
"JAMES BORLAND, Commissioner."
The land was not subject to entry in the usual way at the land offices. It was under the control of a special commissioner, who was empowered to negotiate the transfer. For a period of years James Borland was this commis- sioner.
Named For Commodor Perry.
Previous to 1830, the township re- mained attached to Bloomington town- ship for election and judicial purposes, but at a later date was given a sepa- rate organization and named in honor of Commodore Perry, the author of the famous message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," referring to his victory on Lake Erie.
Elections were ordered held at the house of Benjamin Kenton, for two Justices of the Peace. Mr. Kenton was appointed inspector; Jesse Davis and George A. Ritter, overseers of the poor; Solomon Butcher and Finney Courtney, fence viewers. The first election was held on May 26, 1830.
The first purchasers of land in this opening of the Seminary township (Perry), in 1827 as shown by old records, were chiefly the "squatters" and some Bloomington residents. Many names are still prominent among those of families of Bloomington re- sidents and the surrounding county. The first purchasers were as follows:
First Land Owners.
Alexander Kelly, Joseph Piercy, John Armstrong, and John Griffith, in Section No. 1.
James G, Fleener, Granville Ward, Milton McPhetridge, Isaac Rodgers, Aquilla Rodgers and Samuel Dunn, in Section No. 2.
Thomas Smith, on Section No. 3. George Henry, James Borland, Ellis Stone and Hiram Paugh, on Section No. 6.
Emsley Wilson, Andrew Dodds, Ab- raham Pauley, Richard Hunter and Alexander Murphy, on Section No. 7. Sammuel Dodds, Richard (Dick) Shipp and John Hight, on Section No. 8.
William Bilbo, on Section No. 9. Benjamin Rodgers, David Batterton,
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
and Zachariah Williams, on Section No. 10.
John Griffith and Jacob Isominger, on Section No. 11.
Garrett Moore, John A. Wilson and Moses Williams, on Section 12.
Benjamin Rodgers, on Section No. 14.
Josiah Baker and Abed Nego Wald- en, Section No. 15.
William Dunning, Levi Thatcher, and William Knatts, Section No. 16.
Isaac Pauley, Daniel Davis, Thomas Carter and Absalom Kennedy, Section No. 17.
Isaac Pauley, Edward Borland, and Samuel Moore, Section No. 18.
Simon Adamson, on Section No. 19. Jacob Depue, Evan Dallarhide, David Sears and John Mathers, Sec- tion No. 20.
Robert D. Alexander, William Davis John W. Nicholson, William Taylor, Michael Keith and David Findley, Section No. 21.
John Boltinghouse, William Patrick and William Taylor, Section No. 22. Solomon Butcher, Banner Brummet and James Berryman, Section No. 27.
Williamn Taylor, James Alexander, William Alverson, John Musser, Ro- bert Sanderson, James Brummet and Thomas Abbott, Section No. 28.
William Alverson, Carey James, David Sears, William Henry, James Parsons, and Charles Brookshire, Sec- tion No. 29.
Samuel Rhorer, Solomon Green, John Smith and Absalom Cooper, Sec- tion No. 30.
John Smith, on Section No. 31.
William Ross and Alexander Miller, Section No. 32.
George Short and Moses Grantham, Section No. 33 ..
William Chandler, on Section No. 34. These were the only purchasers in
1827 from October, when the sale be- gan. The four "Reserve Sections were still reserved.
1921 County Rural Schools.
Every township school in Monroe county opened for the year's work in 1921 with the exception of No. 9 in Benton township. At this school, Miss Gladys Lucas, teacher, decided not to accept the job and Trustee M. E. Chitwood opened the school with another teacher.
For the first time in the history of the county every rural school will be eight months in duration. Last year some of them were less than six and none were seven months. Last year the minimum wage rate for the year was $450 and this year. under the new law, it will be $800.
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