USA > Indiana > Bartholomew County > History of Bartholomew County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc. : Together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 48
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Rock Crock Township .- Jame Burns taught the first school in this township, in 1830. His daughter, now Mrs. John Callahan, and William T. Strickland, were among his pupils. The next teacher was David Hill, who taught at the same place, one or more terms. These were followed by Christian Parker, H. St. John, and others. But few persons are now living who will remember these teachers, who gave perhap's all the education that many of the children of the pioneers received. Later came James K. Pat- terson, a student from Hanover College, who taught at Burnsville, and also near the old Donaldson Church about the year 1850. James W. Wells and David Stobo were pupils of his, and bear tes- timony to his high character and standing as an instructor and scholar. This township has much unwritten history in connection with its early school days, which would be of great interest to the present generation, but the writer has been unable to obtain it.
The history of the teachers of the last quarter century must in the main be left for the future historian, who with facile pen, will
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write during the next century of the progress of education in the past. This township is well supplied with good, roomy, brick school buildings, with many conveniences in doors and out, to make the teacher and children comfortable. In respect to furniture and other appliances, such as blackboard surface, reference books, maps, charts, globes, etc., it is not surpassed by any other town- ship in the county. Time would fail us to speak particularly of W. T. Strickland and D. B. Clapp, at number six; of A. W. Dean, James Phillips and J. R. Callahan, at number one; James W. Wells, M. Hacker and Birch Barrett, at number two; W. M. Garrettson, at number three; of Joseph Stevenson, at number four, and John Petree, at number five, besides a host of others, many of whom are equally deserving of mention.
Wayne Township .- Thomas Winkler taught the first school in this township near the present site of the village of Waynesville, in 1824. Mrs. Silas Thompson, Sr., of Columbus, Ind., whose maiden name was Lane, was a pupil of this school. The next teacher was Peter Kinney, who owned and operated one of the old time copper distilleries in the neighborhood. He taught in an old blacksmith shop in Waynesville. This was a winter term and only attended by boys and young men. The first lady teacher in this township, and probably the second in the county, was Miss Nancy Thompson, sister of Archie F. Thompson. She taught in an old house in or near the town of Augusta, in the summer of 1825 or 1826. This school was only attended by the smaller boys and girls of the neigh- borhood. This village was a short distance south of Waynesville, and in time was supplanted by its rival. During the summer of 1827 a teacher named Myers, who had only one arm, taught a school which was attended only by the smaller children and young ladies. In the early days young men and young women past school age would often attend school, especially during the winter term, which usually lasted three months. As the teachers were paid by rate bills made up by subscription, it made no difference about the age of pupils. At this time there was no school fund in Indiana, for the support of schools; indeed, no general school laws were pub- lished until 1824, and no revenue was derived until a later period. These accounts show what meager opportunities our fathers had
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to obtain an education, and yet these were the humble beginning of our magnificent system of schools. A large parochial school under "charge of the Lutheran church, has been in successful operation for about twenty (20) years. They have a good brick school house of two rooms, located about four miles west of Jonesville, with an average enrollment of seventy-five scholars. Prof. II. T. Bollman, of Columbus, Ind., was a teacher in this school for several years. Mr. II. Lotz is principal. There is a parochial school in Jonesville with an enrollment of twenty-five scholars, with Rev. HI. Eirich as teacher. Among the later teachers of this township we would mention William Hubbard, Ben F. Kobbe, William J. Thompson, F. D. Harger, H. F. Eckelman, Dr. J. S. Clark, James W. Over- man, H. S. Quick, B. W. Parker, Dr. George E. Clark, Misses Lizzie R. Parker, Viola Perry, Mrs. Flora (Lowe) Godfrey, Mrs. Ella (Clark) Ensley, Mrs. Lucy (Bush) Sincebaugh and Lewis H. Donhost.
Ohio Township. - One of the first schools in this township, of which we can gain any information, was taught by Joseph Rose about 1847. He continued to teach in different districts for several years. He had the reputation of being a good teacher. He is still living in the township at an advanced age, and is one of the few pioneers remaining. Josialı Cooper was one of the first set- tlers, and probably taught the first school in the township. While our knowledge with reference to the early teachers is very meager, the citizens have always taken a deep interest in the education of their children. They have enjoyed the distinction for a good many years of having the longest terms of schools, with the lowest per cent. of school taxes of any township in the county. The districts are large and their school houses few in number. This causes the children to travel farther to school with the advantage of having seven or eight months of school without the burden of heavy tax- ation. Many of their teachers have found employment in other townships when not engaged at home. Among those who will be remembered for their success and faithfulness in teaching, we would mention the names of Misses Clara E. Moore, Fannie Ogilvie, Anna Wint, Rachel Moore, Julia Ogilvie, Parmelia Winchester, and Messrs. V. D. Ault, J. M. Davis, Rollin Brown, C. H. Wright,
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Chris. Hininger, and Rev. Scott Sims, now a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, living in Kentucky.
Jackson Township .- William Howbert taught the first schoo in this township in the winter of 1844-45. It was held in an old log cabin, which had been used as a dwelling house, near the vil- lage of Mount Healthy. As it was the only school in the town- ship, pupils came in from a distance of three or four miles. This part of the county at that time was almost an unbroken wilderness, with here and there a small clearing surrounding a dwelling. Wolves, deer and wild turkey were still abundant. The second school was held near the present town of Waymansville on the Wantland farm about 1845. It was taught by Gideon Fitch, father of Samuel Fitch, of Ohio Township. Soon after the town of Mount Healthy was laid out an effort was made to establish a school; a round log cabin was erected and a school was taught in IS47, by William Howbert. This house was replaced in a few years by a large, roughly made frame building, which was called the Mount Healthy Academy. It. was advertised by means of a circular, but on account of the difficulty of access, and perhaps the lack of advant- ages, it did not prosper. But few persons are now living who at- tended these early schools, and hence the difficulty of obtaining information regarding them. Mrs. Donaker, of Columbus, is the only one whose name we can give. She retains a vivid recollection of her early school days, and to her we are indebted for these items. Perhaps the fact that many of the early settlers were from Ohio and other States where they had good school privileges, was the cause of their early efforts to found an academy, so as to afford their children better opportunities for education than is usually found in a new country. The name of Rev. Henry Borchers was so well known in this township, and his work so intimately con- nected with the cause of education, that while he was not a resident we feel that he deserves a brief notice. Mr. Borchers was a Luth- eran minister who opened and taught a select school just over the line in Jackson County, about the year 1848.
This school was continued about thirty years, during which time quite a number of young men from this township enjoyed the bene- fits of his instruction inthe elements of the German and English
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languages and some of the higher branches of study, which proved of lasting value to them in after life. Among the teachers whose names we recall, as his pupils are, Charles E. Meseke, B. F. `Miller, Thomas J. Kobbe and B. F. Kobbe, of this county, and Henry Mullenbraugh, and Henry Myers, of Kansas, all of whom did good work in teaching English and German schools in this and other townships. Rev. Borchers was a graduate of a German university and could read and translate German, English, French, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Ile was a good thinker and a fluent writer. Of the later teachers of this township we mention Meseke, Miller, Mellenbraugh, Myers, H. G. Chamberlain, Henry Aufderheide, Miss Mary Wichman and Miss Julia Ogilvie. There is a parochial school at the village of Waymansville established about 1865. The first teacher was Rev. Henry Wendt, who held the position for a number of years. At present Rev. Schaffer, pas- tor of the Lutheran Church, has charge of the school which has an attendance of about thirty scholars.
Harrison Township .- The pioneers of this township, and we may say of the county, have passed away with here and there an exception. The little we can learn of their early history brings out many noble traits of character. Prominent among these was the fact that as soon as a settlement was made and the first year's crop housed, provision was made for a school, in which their chil- dren might obtain the rudiments, at least, of an English education. The cabin was erected, the rude furniture was put in place, and a teacher employed. In this township it seems they did not always wait to find a deserted cabin or to build a school house.
As early as 1823, one Lemuel Hedges, employed a teacher and opened a school in his own house and invited his near neighbors to send in their children and enjoy its privileges. This school was on upper Wolf Creek, near that old pioneer's, F. L. Whittington, who is still living and to whom we are indebted for this interesting item of school history. The name of the teacher has been lost, but the fact and his work remain. William Franklin taught in an old deserted log dwelling near the Magaw hill, in 1840. Henry Rucker was the first teacher after this township was organized in 1841. He taught in a log school house, west of the Magaw farm.
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These schools were paid by subscription at a very low rate. San- ford Barnes followed Rucker in the same school house. Daniel Barnhart, Benjamin Whittington and Solomon Walters attended these schools. Schools were started in South Bethany and in the John P. Holtz neighborhood probably before this date, but we can not give the names of the teachers. Among later teachers in this township who deserve honorable mention are the following: Will- iam Daugherty, John W. Ault, John N. Maring, and Bush T. Haislup, who will be kindly remembered for their faithful work in the school room. Still later came F. L. Whittington, Jr., S. C. Daugherty, Charles Bruce, Robert Hart, A. E. Hart, William Taylor, Oscar Sherwood, and John R. Stewart.
The first school in this township was taught by Thomas Edger- ton, in the eastern part of the township, about 1840. A few years later Jacob Snyder, Sr., who was afterward elected Treasurer of the county, taught several terms of school in district No. I. The first lady teacher was a Miss Singer, a sister of the late Harvey Singer. She taught in a log cabin on the farm now owned by Stephen B. Cook, about one mile southwest of Drybread's mill, as early as 1845. Phillip Ports taught several terms previous to 1850. He came from Ohio and was a very good scholar and teacher. Reuben Snyder and Jacob Snyder, Jr., taught in the eastern part of the county in the 50's. Among the latter teachers whose names will be remembered, are: A. M. Rhodes, T. J. Guffey, Oscar Evans, A. W. Bolinger and Mrs. K. Smith. Much inter- esting history in this and other townships has been lost, because of the removal or death of the early settlers, and the fact that no record, even of the public schools, has been preserved.
Hartsville College. - On the third day of April, 1847, the vo- ters of district No. 7, Haw Creek Township, Bartholomew County, Ind., met at their school house in the town of Hartsville, " and after discussing the matter at some length, they concluded to build a new school-house for said district." The building was to be of wood, 25x50 feet, and two stories high, and to be located in the center of the public square, in the town of Hartsville, and when completed, to be used for school purposes, for religious worship, " and for all lawful public meetings of the citizens."
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On the 25th of November following, the job of erecting the building " was sokl at public outcry, to the lowest bidder." About the same time, the Indiana conference of the church of the United Brethren in Christ, stimulated by an act of the general conference of 1845, recommending the establishment of educational institu- tions in the church, was casting about for a location where they might establish such an institution. Hence, at a meeting held in February, 1849, the voters of district No. 7, proposed to said Indiana conference to surrender to them all claim to their new building upon condition that said conference should complete it and use it for educational purposes. This proposition was accepted, and on the 26th day of May, 1849, the transfer was made. On the 12th of January, 1850, the institution was chartered under the name of " The Hartsville Academy," in charge of a board of twenty-seven Trustees, with power to fill all vacancies occurring in the Board, also to appoint a president, professors and other in- structors, who together should constitute the faculty of Hartsville Academy," who, " by and with the consent of the Trustees, should have power to grant all such degrees in the sciences and arts, as are customary in other such colleges, universities or academies of the United States."
On the first Monday of May, 1850, the school was opened with Professor James McD. Miller, A. M., a graduate of the Indiana State University, class 1849, in charge. Near the end of the first year in school, the White River conference agreed to co-operate with the Indiana conference in building the school. In the fall of 1852, the co-operation of the Wabash and the St. Joseph confer- ences was secured, thus uniting all the conferences of the State in support of the school. After seven years, however, the two latter conferences, wishing to build schools in their own territories, with- drew, and for a period of twenty-two years, the institution was maintained by the Indiana and White River conferences alone. In the autumn of 1881, they were joined by the North Ohio confer- ence. It was followed the next year by the Michigan conference. "These four conferences embrace the territory of southern and eastern Indiana, northwestern Ohio and southern Michigan. By act of the Legislature, February 8, IS51, the name was changed
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from the " Hartsville Academy" to " The Hartsville University," with power to establish the various schools of a university. But failing to secure the co-operation of other conferences as had been expected, the institution was continued as an academy until about the year 1865, when it began to employ professors in the different departments of a college. March 5, ISS2, the charter was again changed. The number of Trustees was reduced to sixteen, four from each of the co-operating conferences, who were to be elected by the conference and to continue in office four years, and the insti- tution was made, in name what it was in reality-a college.
Prof. Miller was succeeded in 1852 by the Rev. David Shuck, A. M., also a graduate of the State University, class of 1846, who for thirteen years had charge of the school, most of the time em- ploying his own assistants. Within this period the scholarship en- dowment plan was instituted, and scholarships amounting to near $200,000 were sold, also the present building, a brick structure, 60x80 feet and three stories high, was erected in the center of a beautiful campus of seventeen acres, immediately south of the town. In 1865, Prof. Shuck was succeeded by Prof. J. Woodbury Scribner, A. M., of Dartmouth College. Under his administration the institution took on the form, and undertook the work of a col- lege. System was introduced and the school took rank with other colleges in the State. A hall was also erected for the accommoda- ffon of lady students, which was consumed by fire a few years ago. In 1873, Prof. Shuck was again called to the presidency of the in- stitution for one year, when he was followed by Rev. W. J. Pruner, M. S., of the class of 1866, also a graduate of Union Biblical Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. For five years, with Professors J. J. Riley, S. Wertz, L. Mobley, J. L. Funkhouser and'W. Fix, as his associates in the various departments, he carried forward the work, when the present incumbent, Rev. C. H. Kiracofe, A. M., an alumnus of Outterbein University, Ohio, was called to the head of the institution. Within his administration, the library has been largely increased, the government of the institution and its courses of study have been radically changed and improved, and the insti- tution brought into more complete harmony with the genius and polity of the United Brethren Church.
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The first class, consisting of two members, was graduated in 1859, the next in 1866. At the present time, ISSS, the alumni and 'alumna of the institution number seventy-six, of whom a large per cent. are ministers. Others are professors and presidents in colleges, editors, lawyers, physicians, teachers, housekeepers, farmers, etc. Of those not taking a full course, some have become even more distin- guished than the graduates. From the beginning both sexes have been admitted to the institution on the same conditions and with like privileges, and, doubtless, many an interesting reminiscence might be given by a Pyramus and a Thisby making love under difficulties, or, of marches stolen upon an unsuspecting (?) faculty, but since the unwritten part of history is often the most thrillingly interesting part, it may be well to leave this portion of our history unwritten, or, at least, for the pen of some alumnus or alumna who may have been a participant of the events.
The financial condition of the institution has always been em- barrassing, and has militated much against its success. The his- tory of higher education in the State, will, possibly, not show another institution which has done as much work, and done it so well, at so little expense. In this respect Hartsville College chal- lenges comparison.
Its courses of study are such as are offered in the'ordinary western college. It has been and will continue to be the place where many a poor boy or girl may secure an education, who, for want of means, could not secure it elsewhere. To all such, as well as to the more wealthy, the doors of Hartsville College are ever wide open.
Progress Under the New Constitution .- We have already spoken of the condition of things previous to this time, when there · was little or no funds to pay the teachers, and none to build houses or provide furniture or school apparatus. The houses were built by the liberalty of the citizens of the district; and meager school fund was supplemented by subscriptions sufficient to satisfy the teacher. There was no system of free schools in Indiana at this time. The new Constitution was adopted in 1851, providing for a system of free public schools. The Legislature carried this provision into effect in June, IS52, by a tax levy of 10 cents
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on each $100 worth of taxable property, for the support of the schools. Also for the building and repairing of school houses; for furnishing fuel and apparatus for the use of the pupils. The township Trustees were charged with the duty of carrying these provisions into effect. With this advance step came a new era. The old log structure passed away and better houses, better teach- ers, longer terms of school, and better attendance were the results. In 1859 came the law changing the number of Trustees in each township to one instead of three Trustees, with clerk and treasurer as before. A few years later, about 1865, the tax was increased to 16 cents on the 100, to meet the demands of an increasing popu- lation.
Again, in 1867, in obedience to an advanced public opinion, came the law allowing the Trustees to levy an amount sufficient, if desired, to open their schools from eight to ten months each year. As time passed on still higher ground was taken. Normal schools were established for the training of teachers. Teachers' institutes and associations were organized in every county in the State. Principles and methods were discussed as never before; the stand- ard was elevated and culminated under the lead of State Superin- tendent M. B. Hopkins in the county superintendency act of 1873. With it came another step in advance and Indiana came to the front educationally. This act brought the office of County Super- intendent in place of school examiner with enlarged duties and greater usefulness. With it came township institutes and a County Board of Education, from which we have uniformity of text books and grading of our town and country schools. The system is being perfected and the standard of qualifications for the teacher is being elevated by a better system of examination than before. The lead- ing educators, trustees and patrons of this county have always shown a disposition to keep abreast of all advanced movements in the cause of education. Hence the liberal support given to our public schools in the payment of special and tuition taxes for the building and furnishing of all needed apparatus, for reference books, and the payment of teachers' salaries.
This spirit is further shown in the generous support given to the various private educational institutions already mentioned in the
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township histories. The Hartsville University was founded in 1850 by the United Brethren Church. The Moravian Female Semi- nary at Hope was opened in 1866. The Friends' Seminary or High School in Sand Creek Township has been in successful operation for more than twenty-five years, while our Columbus City High School which was founded in 1859 has turned out more than one hundred graduates, besides the large number who have been pre- pared for business or have finished their education in other institu- tions of learning.
We are indebted for much of this spirit of education to the leading teachers, educators and school officers within our own bor- ders, many of whom have already been mentioned, others will fol- low. Gideon B. Hart, uncle of George Pence, of Columbus, was school commissioner for many years, indeed almost as long as one was needed. He was a wide-awake, noble-hearted man. He re- signed the office in 1847 and was succeeded by the late William H. H. Terrell, of Indianapolis. Rav. N. S. Dickey held the posi- tion as school examiner for many years. He was followed by Prof. Amos Burns, who held the position four years or till 1871. To his efforts, perhaps, more than to any of his predecessors is due the careful discrimination in reference to the teacher's character and qualifications, and his aptness to teach. Prof. Burns was a close student and a critical scholar, and. his habits were brought to bear upon the teachers' work in the school room as well as upon his manuscript. Hence there was a corresponding advance in the methods of instruction in the school room.
J. M. Wallace was the next examiner, and held the position for two years, or until the office was merged into that of County Superintendent. On account of the liberality of the county com- missioners he was permitted to do more school visiting under the law than any previous examiner. In June, 1873, he was elected County Superintendent by the township Trustees, which position he held for ten years, or until 1883. He brought a rare devotion to the cause of education, and a conscientious discharge of duty, ex- tending to all the details of his office. This united with good ex- ecutive ability, and an.interest in his work which never flagged, contributed to produce a successful administration.
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During this period a greater advance educationally was made than in any previous decade. This was owing largely to an in- creased effort on the part of the educators of the State to elevate the standard of education preceding and following the adoption of the amendments to the school law known as the "County Superin- tency Act"; also to the enlargement and extension of the powers and duties of the County Superintendent. The county institutes were better attended, and more enthusiasm prevailed. Township institutes brought the Superintendent in direct contact with the teacher, which enabled him to see his weak and strong points and to administer " a word in season." The standard of examination for teachers' license was raised and better teachers was the result. A graded course of study for the common schools was prepared by the County Superintendent, a uniform series of text books was adopted by the county board of education and immediately intro- duced in the schools of this county. A system of monthly and term reports was placed in the hands of the teachers, which has been kept up and improved each year.
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