USA > Indiana > Boone County > History of Boone County, Indiana : With biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families, Volume I > Part 27
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This timely movement received a generous and ready endorsement from the ministerial and other ranks, where were found earnest advocates of any measure, that might prove conducive to the well being of every com- munity.
There was no man more solicitous for the success of this, then advanced, yet laudable step in mental culture, than the Reverend John L. Smith, and it was in the year 1854 that he began his work as instigator of the edu- cational enterprise, which resulted in the founding of the Thorntown Acad- emy.
That we may be more accurate as to time and introductory movements of this undertaking, we quote from a letter from Dr. Smith, written in 1894. He says :
"In 1854 I was appointed to the Indianapolis District as Presiding elder and immediately moved from Laporte, Indiana, (where I had resided for years) to the Capital City. My district extended westward including Crawfordsville and Thorntown. After settling my family in the new home I made a tour through the district, seeking a suitable location for school purposes, where I might educate my children, having in view the establish-
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ment of a school, if I found none to suit me already in operation. I ac- cordingly visited Zionsville, Crawfordsville, Danville, Darlington and Thorn- town. At Thorntown I met Reverend William Campbell, Oliver Craven, Phillip King, N. W. Weakly and others. When I told my business to them they all said with one accord, Thorntown is the place for the school. In look- ing around the town, I said, if we can secure two thousand five hundred dollars in reliable pledges, as a fund for the purchase of a suitable lot, and the erection of a suitable building, I will lead the subscription by giving five hundred dollars, and will return to Indianapolis and move my family to Thorntown next week. The pledges were made in a few minutes. Phillip King was employed to put up the building.
"I secured a house for my family and within the next three days we were residents of Thorntown. The frame of the Academy was soon up and enclosed, but not yet finished. Winter came on and it was not until the spring of 1855 that it was ready for occupancy. It was then that the Reverend Levi Tarr, coming from the pastorate, began his work as principal in the new building, The Thorntown Academy. Miss Lou Cooper was chosen assistant teacher."
This closes the first quotation from Dr. Smith. The departments at the organization of the school were known as Academic and Primary. To the school, both sexes were admitted with equal rights and privileges. The Academic year was divided into three sessions or terms of thirteen weeks each. The school, under the supervision of the teachers above named, rapidly grew in influence and popularity, having the hearty co-operation and wise counsel of the Board of Trustees. The esteem in which the academy was held by its patrons and many friends, was continuously exemplified by the general attention given it and the special interest taken in the public examina- tions, in the branches taught, and the literary entertainments at the close of each term. Rhetorical exercises were then introduced and continued in all the departments of the school. Each department was divided into two sections. Each student was required to declaim or read an original essay on each alternate Friday afternoon in the presence of one or more of the teachers. This exercise was invaluable to effective school work.
By this time the teachers realized the necessity of organizing a literary society for the benefit of the Academic Department. It was done and was
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named Excelsorian. It had for its motto the Latin sentence, "LABOR OMNIA VINCIT," in English, meaning "Labor Conquers all things." Officers were elected, constitution and by-laws adopted, in which the routine of duties was specified. At a special time during the year a public exhibition of the society was given, the performers being chosen by election. Both ladies and gentlemen were admitted to membership, each having the same rights and privileges.
At this period in the history of the Academy, the town began to take on new life. Material improvements were manifest on every hand. New business and dwelling houses were being built. An opening for the board- ing of students was made in many homes. Circulars were distributed and newspaper comments made here and there over the country, each speaking of the efficient work done by this new institution of learning, and of the pros- pects for its future success.
The town continued to increase in population, as many families from various sections of the surrounding country came to the town, making it their place of residence, that they might have the privilege of the educational ad- vantages then and there afforded.
Early in the calendar year 1856 the increase in the number of students in the Academic department became such as to demand an addition to the faculty. Professor L. D. Willard, a teacher of some experience, was chosen assistant in the Academic department. Soon after this, in the same scholastic year, Miss Cooper resigned her position as teacher in the primary department, and the vacancy was filled by the election of Miss S. A. Perry, who at once began her work in this department. The faculty then was, viz, Professor Tarr, Principal; Professor Willard, Assistant in Academic department and Miss Perry, primary teacher.
The Academic year, which closed in the summer of 1856, was replete with success on all lines, and the reputation of the academy was far reaching. Interested visitors came often through the year to the town, expressing highest commendation of the wise management shown in the affairs of the school and for the excellent record thus far made by it.
We here make the second quotation from the late Dr. John L. Smith. He says :
"In the Fall of 1856, at the annual Conference, to which I belonged, 1 requested that the Bishop appoint the Reverend W. F. Wheeler Presiding
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REUNION 1907.
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Elder in my place and to assign me to Thorntown as its first stationed Metho- dist pastor. This was cheerfully done, and by this appointment I was to spend more time at home and give more special attention and direction in the development of our new school work, so recently and hopefully commenced. Altogether I invested seven hundred and twenty-five dollars in the school property, which was a larger sum than that given by any other person. It was a good investment and I have never regretted that I made it."
This ends the second and last quotation from Dr. Smith. We record also the names of other liberal donors who readily responded to this urgent call for five hundred dollar pledges, in the persons of Rev. W. F. Wheeler, Armstrong Ross, Isaac Gerhart and Oliver Craven. Later on still there were others who contributed, some of whom gave as liberally as the first donors, when necessity demanded.
At the close of the winter term of 1856, Professor Willard, having had offered him a more lucrative position, resigned his place in the school. This necessitated the selection of another teacher, and in January, 1857, at the beginning of the winter or middle term of the year, Reverend Charles N. Sims, then an undergraduate of Indiana Asbury University, was chosen Principal. The faculty was then as follows: Professor Charles N. Sims, Principal; Professor Levi Tarr, assistant teacher in Academic depart- ment ; Miss S. A. Perry, teacher of primary department and Mrs. Amanda Tarr, teacher of instrumental music. The school continued with marked prosperity, and before the close of the Academic year, which was in mid- summer, 1857, it was seen that the capacity of the Academic building would be inadequate for the accommodation of the large number of students expected at the beginning of the next term. At a meeting of the trustees and faculty in July of that year, it was resolved to at once begin the work of enlarging the building, which when completed would be three times its foriner size. The work, when commenced, went rapidly forward, yet was not completed at the opening of the Fall term, the beginning of the Academic year in September, 1857. Of necessity the Methodist church was used for chapel exercises temporarily and in it the primary department was taught, while the new building was being completed.
In grading and classifying it was found necessary to create another department, which was done, and was known as the Intermediate. The record of class standing in recitations in the Intermediate and Academic
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departments ranged in a scale from zero to ten. The student making ex- tra grades was entitled to ten extra.
Miss Jennie Parsons, of Illinois, was elected as teacher for this new department. By the opening of the second term of this Academic year, January, 1858, the new building was completed in all its parts. The General Assembly of the State this year granted a charter to the Thorntown Academy. A senior class of three in number was organized.
Apparatus to be applied in the study of natural science was purchased. The student body had so much increased in number that it more than doubled that of any previous year. Additional facilities for the study of vocal and instrumental music had recently been provided. At the close of this scholas- tic year the large and interested audiences, that attend class examinations and exhibitions of the several departments, gave evidence of the merits of the new, yet growing institution.
It was then that a new feature in the work was presented; that of a commencement ; the graduation of the first senior class of two gentlemen and one lady.
It was at this time that Professor Tarr, having been elected to the Prin- cipalship of the Danville Academy, Danville, Indiana, resigned his position in Thorntown Academy and at once went to his new field of labor. Mrs. Tarr also resigned her position as teacher of instrumental music, and Miss Arabelle Reeves was elected to fill this vacancy. At this time Miss Parsons resigned as teacher of the Intermediate department, and Miss Anna Gray was elected in her stead. Then was Professor Oliver H. Smith, A. B., elected to fill the chair that Professor Tarr vacated. The scholastic year opened September 22, 1858, with most favorable surroundings, with in part a new faculty. The faculty was then Rev. Charles N. Sims, Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Languages; Oliver H. Smith, A. B., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science; Miss Anna Gray, teacher of Intermediate department ; Miss S. A. Perry, teacher of Primary Department, and Arabelle Reeves, teacher of instrumental music. During this year the course of study was partially revised and a senior class of five was organized. The North- west Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church favorably recog- nized the work and influence of the Academy, and appointed two of its members as visitors to the school, and the visits were accordingly made at the close of each term in the year.
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Such appointment the conference continued to make year after year. Near the middle of this year it was found necessary to organize another literary society. It was readily done and named Philosonian, and had for its motto, "LUX ET VERITAS," in English it read," Light and Truth." Its order of exercises and time of weekly meetings were the same at that of the Excelsorian. Ladies and gentlemen were admitted to its membership with equal privileges. During the last term of this year Mr. Richard Foster organized a class in surveying, he was not a member of the faculty. He was employed and his work was well done and most highly appreciated. This year witnessed a still greater number of visitors at the close of each term.
During the year a spirit of rivalry sprang up between the two literary societies. A strife for supremacy was manifest. Such was the interest in this matter that the citizens of the town and vicinity, some of them not connected with the school, took sides and were eager for the triumph of their favorite society. This was emulation with a slight sprinkling of re- strained jealousy.
At the close of the second term of this year Miss Gray resigned as teacher of the Intermediate department and the vacancy was filled by Henry G. Jackson, an undergraduate of Asbury University. Before the school year closed there were frequent inquiries for boarding and rooms for students who expected to be in attendance the next term. The close of the year came in July 1859.
The usual preparations for class examinations and literary exhibitions were made. The crowds of visitors, in patrons and friends of the school, who came to the town, increased daily. Much was said about and expected of the senior class, that would appear on commencement day. The graduat- ing exercises were of the highest order. The three gentlemen and two ladies received their diplomas. The scholastic year of 1859 and 1860 began in the middle of September. Thus far favorable reports of the institution had been continuously made by the conference visitors, through the public press and otherwise. At this period a slight change in the course of study was made, and the departments were then First and Second Academic, In- termediate, Primary and Music. Before the opening of the second term of this year Miss Perry, the primary teacher, resigned and her position was supplied by Miss Amelia J. Campbell, M. E. L., graduate of the institu- tion.
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A senior class larger than any former class was organized. At the close of the second term of this year, which was in April, 1860, Professor Sims resigned the Principalship of the school, to accept the Presidency of an institution of learning in Valparaiso, Indiana. Then changes in the faculty were necessarily made. Professor Smith was elected Principal ; Professor Jackson was elected to the position vacated by Professor Smith, and Joseph Foxworthy, B. S., a graduate of the Academy, was chosen teach- er of the Intermediate department, vacated by Professor Jackson. During the scholastic year additional apparatus was procured for needed chemical and philosophical experiments, also necessary charts and maps for the use of all departments. The former prosperity of the school still continued, and as commencement approached the usual preparations were made. It came. The festivities were truly of a collegiate type. A senior class of twelve graduated, five ladies and seven gentlemen. It was then that Miss Reeves, the teacher of music, resigned and Miss Mollie Shipp was elected in her stead. The next Academic year began September 24, 1860.
Professor Foxworthy then resigned as teacher in the Intermediate de- partment and David H. Ashman, a former student, was elected to fill the vacancy. The faculty then read: Oliver H. Smith, A. M., Principal and Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Languages; Henry G. Jack- son, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science; David H. Ashman, Principal of the Intermediate department : Miss Amelia J. Campbell, teacher of Primary department. and Miss Mollie Shipp, teacher of Instrumental music.
At the close of the second or middle term of this year Professor Jack- son resigned, that he might complete his course of study at the University, and Reverend Frederick S. Woodcock, a senior in Asbury University, was chosen to fill the vacancy.
This brings us to the early springtime in 1861, to a perilous period in the history of our country. Two internal factions, many years forming. were arraigned one against the other, each making demands of the other, which culminated in a conflict of arms, an open rebellion against the National Government. Many young men, students in various institutions of learning throughout the North, actuated solely from a spirit of patriotism, closed desks and books and bade adieu to school associations, responding to their country's call, gave their service to the Nation in defense of every National
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and domestic interest dear to the hearts of the Union loving citizen. Many young men thus responded who were students in Thorntown Academy. The Academic departments were much depleted in numbers, as was shown in roll call. The boys donned the blue and hastened to the front, ready for the call to duty. Some fell on the battlefield, some were victims of disease incident to soldier life, some met death in hospitals and others answered the last roll call in prison pens. Some were rapidly promoted in rank and rose to distinction. Some lived to return to loved ones again, after victory was won in the memorable surrender at Appomatox. The bodies of others found a resting place under the pines in the Southland. Some such graves are marked, that it may be known who they were, others bear the sad, yet common, inscription, "Unknown." They all nobly did duty, and those whose lives were given in the conflict for the right, are numbered as fallen heroes, the heroic dead. Such surroundings as obtained in consequence of this fratricidal war, were discouraging for school work in Thorntown Academy. War was the general topic of conversation, absorbing the public mind. A spirit of unrest possessed and dominated the loyal general public. Some who would have graduated at the close of this year had gone to the war. Even to the close of the Academic year students volunteered at their country's call. The teachers and students who remained in school were faithful in the line of duty, however, and the Academic year of 1860-61 closed with the usual interest, graduating a class of five, four gentlemen and one lady. During the summer vacation many who had been in the Academic classes the preceding year volunteered as soldiers. The next scholastic year open- ed in September, 1861, with a much smaller attendance upon the part of the male portion of the Academic departments. At this time Miss Shipp resigned as teacher of music and Miss Helen Bedell was chosen in her stead. The war news from the daily papers was closely read, and often through this medium, or by the unwelcome missives to the home, came the sad intelligence that one of the boys, well known, had fallen in battle. This scholastic year, with the usual exercise of the commencement week, closed. The graduating class numbered five, three gentlemen and two ladies. At this time Miss Bedell resigned as teacher of music and Miss Sophronia Lee was elected to fill the vacancy. Professor Woodcock also resigned and John Clark Ridpath, an undergraduate in Asbury University, was elected in his stead.
At the opening of the Academic year the middle of September, 1862,
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Professor Ashman resigned his position as Intermediate teacher and went to the army. The number of students then in attendance would not justify the continuance of the Intermediate department. The faculty then stood in their respective departments, Professors Smith and Ridpath, Miss Campbell and Miss Lee. The continuous war distractions and falling off in atten- dance on the part of the male students in the Academic departments very much detracted from the general interest of the school. Professor Ridpath's efficiency in leadership, in vocal music, however, was a very attractive fea- ture in the school work. The year closed with a good record, considering the distracted condition of the country. No graduating class this year.
The school year of 1863-64 opened with some changes in the faculty. Miss Lee, of the department of Instrumental Music, resigned and Miss Fannie M. Fraley was chosen to fill the vacancy. Miss Emma M. Chafee, M. E. L., a graduate of Brookville College, Brookville, In- diana, was elected teacher upon the guitar. The faculty for the several departments then read: Oliver H. Smith, A. M., Principal and Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Languages; John C. Ridpath, A. B., Pro- fessor of Mathematics and Natural Science; Miss Amelia J. Campbell, M. E. L., teacher of Primary department; Miss Fannie M. Fraley, teacher upon piano; Miss Emma M. Chafee, M. E. L., teacher upon guitar.
At this time the Civil war was at its height, yet the earnest work of the teachers in the Academy showed great efficiency. Visitors appoint- ed by the annual Conference frequently came to inspect the work in hand by the teachers. The examinations and entertainments as in other days had their attractions at the close of each term. The studies known as those of the Intermediate department were now taught by teachers in the higher de- partments. The Stars and Stripes were constantly afloat in and about the Academy building. This year closed, showing efficient work on the part of all concerned. No graduating class this year.
At this time Professor Smith, having been elected to the Principalship of Danville Academy, Danville, Indiana, resigned his connection with Thorn- town Academy. Professor Ridpath was then elected Principal and F. M. Cones was chosen assistant in the second Academic department. Miss Camp- bell at this time resigned as Primary teacher and Miss Anna Fisher was chosen to fill the vacancy. Miss Fraley also resigned her position as music teacher and Professor S. Henry Fielding was chosen for that position. The
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regular routine of school work continued. Early in the year a senior class was organized. A year previous to this the two literary societies combined, making a new society called the Union Literary Society. Before the close of this Academic year the war cloud had passed away and peace came to the country, and many new students came thronging the halls of the Academy, making extra work for the corps of teachers then employed. The close of this Academic year was auspicious. New life on all lines of school work was taken on. All the exercises of the commencement week were attractive, and especially was that of the senior class graduating exercise. The class numbered four, two ladies and two gentlemen. During the year a piano was purchased and placed in the chapel, to be used for the various exercises held in the same. The beginning of the new school year, 1865-66, was characterized with increased interest on every line. The large ingathering of new students, many of them just home from the army, insured a large increase in the size of the higher classes. Enlargement of the faculty was demanded. Reverent W. O. Wyant, A. B., a recent graduate of Asbury University, was elected as Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science; the Intermediate department was re-established, and it was under charge of F. M. Cones. During the year Mrs. Kate Fipps was chosen assistant teach- er in the Primary department. Often for want of time recitations were held outside of the study hours. Enthusiasm characterized lectures, reci- tations and examinations. At the close of the second or middle term of this year in April, 1866, Professor Ridpath resigned the Principalship of the school and Professor Wyant was elected to fill the vacancy. Professor Levi Thorne was chosen to occupy the place made vacant by Professor Wyant's promotion. The other positions in the faculty remained the same to the close of the year. The commencement week was one of much interest. A class of three gentlemen received diplomas. At this time Professor Wyant and Thorne resigned. Professor John P. Rous, an experienced educator, was chosen Principal and Professor J. J. Osborn was elected instructor in first Academic department.
The next Academic year opened early in September, 1866, with the above changes in the faculty. Many new students came. Special attention was given to vocal music, and large classes were formed in instrumental music also. Most excellent work was done in all departments this year. At the close of the first term Miss Fisher resigned and Mrs. P. Palmer was chosen
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to fill the vacancy. F. M. Cones, at the close of the school year, resigned, and Miss Maggie Shaw was elected to fill the position. The year's work was successful and fruitful of good, yet there was no graduating class. The scholastic year, 1867-68, the last year's work of the Thorntown Academy, opened September 9, 1867, with the following as the faculty : John P. Rous, A. M., Principal and Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Languages ; Joseph J. Osborn, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science; Miss Maggie Shaw, Principal of Intermediate department; Mrs. P. Palmer, teach- er of Primary department ; Mrs. Sarah L. Rous, teacher upon the piano, and Miss Emma M. Chafee, M. E. L., teacher upon the guitar. Professor Field- ing having resigned his position as music teacher. Vocal and Instrumental music were attractive features throughout the year. A senior class was or- ganized. Earnest thorough work was done throughout the year. At the close of this year the usual attractions known to commencement occasions were manifest. With the graduating exercises of the senior class, of two ladies and two gentlemen, the Thorntown Academy closed its history of thirteen years of earnest and efficient work. The Academy property was then sold to the public school authorities of the town. The Seminary and Academy, such as the one whose history we now consider, did a good work. They gave facilities to the young men and young women for a liberal and practical education, who, for the want of time and means, could not enjoy the advantages of the college. Such institutions were also both an inspira- tion and a means for the attainment of a collegiate education. It is here in place that mention be made of the characteristic work of each successive Principal of the Academy, giving titles or degrees possessed by each, at the time of his incumbency. Professor Levi Tarr, A. M., was a model teacher and carefully and earnestly impressed his classes with the necessity of thoroughness in all their work. While he was efficient in all the branches he taught he evinced a preference for the English language and Natural Science. He was steadfast and faithful in duty, and cheerfully sacrificed for the good of others.
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