USA > Indiana > Boone County > History of Boone County, Indiana : With biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families, Volume I > Part 28
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Professor Charles N. Sims, A. B., kept up his studies in Asbury Univer- sity and graduated from it while teaching in the Academy at Thorntown. His administration was a marked success. His executive ability was ad- mirable and the Institution grew in efficiency and ranked among the first of its grade, while under his Principalship. In the recitation room he was
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perfectly at home and gave stimulus to those whom he instructed. In mind he was analytic and philosophic and was classed among the first of platform speakers.
Professor Oliver H. Smith, A. M., was recognized as a man of ripe scholarship, and was eminently successful as an instructor, and especially so in the Higher Mathematics and the Classic. His record was a praiseworthy one, and his administration highly commendable. Reference to him was often made by those who knew him best in such terms as thorough teacher, good man, genial friend.
Professor John C. Ridpath, A. B., whose fame since those days has be- come national and international, as historian and lecturer, kept up his studies in the University, graduating, taking first honors of his class at the University, while connected with Thorntown Academy. He was especially apt and ready in the work of the recitation room and imparted great en- thusiam to his classes. He was an acknowledged genius, and his career as Principal was characterized by an energetic and aggressive spirit.
Professor William O. Wyant, A. B., was a man of superior intellectual endowment and refined culture. As an instructor he was clear and logical, impressing his classes with the facts considered. He was an orator of ac- knowledged ability, possessed a gentle spirit and was in the highest sense a manly man.
Professor John P. Rous, A. M., as an instructor was accurate and pains- taking and gave special attention to classification in the different depart- ments. His administration was a smooth and pleasant one. In manner he was quiet, was truly a matter of fact man, and was always conscientions for the right. It is proper that place be given here, touching the work of assistant or subordinate teachers.
Louis D. Willard was but a short time connected with the Academy, but he did excellent work, was independent and firm in disposition, yet pleasant with it all.
Professor Henry G. Jackson, A. B., kept up his studies in the University while teaching in Thorntown, graduating from the University, taking first honors of his class. As a teacher he was clear and accurate in illustration. His lectures in the school elicited noteworthy and favorable comment.
Professor Frederick S. Woodcock, A. B., was genial, and in every way ready to assist the student that endeavored to succeed. His pleasant smile
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and greeting in the recitation room and without drew the student body and general public to him.
Professor Levi Thorne exemplified great earnestness and a spirit of in- vestigation in his general work.
Professor Joseph J. Osborne gave constant evidence of his thoroughness in that which he taught and in Mathematics; there were none superior to him in the institution. His mode of instruction in this branch as well as in others gave stimulus to his class, noteworthy and highly commendable. He was personally social and pleasant.
Professor Joseph Foxworthy, B. S., was noted for his energy and keen perception of that which he had in hand as instructor. He was personally cheerful with an occasional vein of humor, which was always helpful to present surroundings.
Professor David H. Ashman had a superior intellect. As instructor he ranked as first class, and was constantly equipped for daily duty. His lectures were of high order.
Ladies of the Intermediate and Primary departments, Mesdames Phipps and Palmer, together with the Misses Parsons, Gray, Perry, Shaw, Campbell and Fisher each showed great efficiency in their several positions and were affable and cheerful in the same.
The teachers of music in the persons of Mesdames Tarr and Rous, to- gether with the Misses Reeves, Shipp, Bedell, Lee and Fraley, also Pro- fessors Fielding and Adair, gave cheer and animation to school life, in song and melodious accompaniment, and made an impress on student life, indelibly for good, of which the Institution was justly proud.
During the entire history of the Academy, in the devotional exercises held each morning in the chapel, preceding the regular work of the day, the teachers and students sang from the church hymn book without notes, but later on a choir of vocal music was established and a book of sacred songs with notes was introduced and used.
Honorable mention of those who were members of the Board of Trus- tees, Custodians, of this time honored Institution, claims our attention. They were Reverend William Campbell, William F. Wheeler, Conrad S. Bergner, John L. Smith, John H. Hull and Samuel Godfrey, together with Oliver Craven, Jeffery Horner, Baltser Kramer, M. D., Allen Younts, James Miller, Nelson W. Weakly, Samuel Cason, John T. Alford, David Binford,
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Joseph Cones, George W. Cones and Joseph Shipp, all of whom have pass- ed out of this life save Dr. Samuel Godfrey and Mr. Joseph Shipp. These were all trustworthy and rendered valuable service in this relation. Oliver Craven was the only one of this number who was a member of the Board continuously, from the founding of the Academy to the close of its history. We venerate his name and are assured we voice the belief of those now living who knew him best, that the prosperity of the financial strength and the business means devised which contributed to the success of the school were largely due to the energy, tact and generous sacrifice of this good man.
From Dr. Kramer, Jeffery Horner, N. W. Weakly and others who were constant residents of Thorntown and vicinity were obtained wise coun- sel, financial support and hearty co-operation in sustaining this school of Academic grade.
Of the six Principals who presided over the interests of this Institution, all were ministers of the gospel but two, namely, Professor Ridpath and Pro- fessor Rous.
All except Professor Tarr were classical graduates of Indiana, Asbury (now DePauw) University, Professor Tarr also had been a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University.
But three of them are now living, viz : Professors Sims, Smith and Rous. Some of the subordinate teachers have also passed way from this life. Like- wise many students are no more among the living.
It is here just to state that some of the teachers and students once con- nected with this school have since those days received from Institutions of learning, honorary degrees.
While in this reunion our minds are busy with reminiscent scenes of school life, and such associations, we gratefully call to mind and pay tribute of tenderest regard to the memory of that faithful janitor, Jacob Vanarsdel. With gratitude we recall his characteristic acts of kindness. When on a stormy winter's morning a student a little behind time was hastening to the chapel exercises, as the bell was announcing the hour for the same, and fear- ing a record of tardiness against himself, inevitable, he is seen by his stead- fast friend, the janitor, who by a continued grasp on the rope gives additional strokes to the bell, thereby prolonging the time and enabling the anxious student to gain his place in the chapel, free from the anticipated demerit. He ever greeted us with pleasing salutations. Peace to his memory.
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In those days Thorntown was known throughout the state for its tem- perance proclivities. Dating from the spring of 1857 forward for seven- teen consecutive years the town had no saloons. Its opposition to intem- perance was so marked that its citizens were styled, whisky fighters and whisky spillers. It was said that the clergy of the town not only prayed that the saloon might not enter their midst but when active measures for protec- tion were necessary in personal, physical endeavor, the preachers, led the van. In 1874, in the crusade movement, Thorntown was at the front in duty. Thus we see, the influence of sentiment established in Academy days per- petuated:
Thorntown Academy was founded in 1855 and was chartered as the property of the Methodist Episcopal church and was under its supervision. A course of study was provided which met the demands of its patrons and was fully as comprehensive as that of any school of its grade. Young gentlemen completing the regular Academic course received the Degree, Bachelor of Science. Young ladies completing the same course received the Degree, Mistress of English Literature.
The following ladies and gentlemen completed the prescribed course of study and received their respective Degree:
Class of 1858: Cynthia Cason, James F. Scull and Russell D. Utter; Cynthia Cason, deceased.
Class of 1859: Amelia J. Campbell, Emma Yount, Henry E. W. Camp- bell, Joseph Foxworthy, John N. Holloway : all deceased except Mr. Camp- bell.
Class of 1860: Mattie J. Davis, Jemima Gordon, Miss Jemima Gor- don of this class was for four years previous to her graduation an efficient assistant teacher in the Intermediate department; Philora Russell, Mary A. Tiberghein, Mattie J. Wilson, Addison, O'Rear, James H. O'Rear, Archi- bald McCurdy, William H. H. King, Samuel L. Cason, Samuel W. Cosand and Francis M. Cones. Of this class of twelve in number eight are deceased, of the gentlemen, King, McCurdy, Addison, O'Rear, Samuel W. Cosand; of the ladies, Davis, Russell, Tiberghein and Wilson.
Class of 1861 : James M. Adams, Roderick H. Galloway, Elisha Little, Alpheus Odell and Mary A. Harris. Deceased, Adams and Miss Harris.
Class of 1862: Mary A. Binford, Mary E. Holloway, Mary F. Posey, John A. Lovett and Alex H. Hendricson. Deceased, Lovett and Hendricson.
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In consequence of the war the higher classes were so diminished that there was no graduating class in 1863 and 1864.
Class of 1865: Lucy E. Hargrave, Mary V. Kramer, Charles Cones and John W. Scott. Mrs. Mary V. Kramer-Stafford is the only survivor of this class.
Class of 1866: Notly S. Campbell, William C. Vanarsdel and Melchart H. Garten.
There was no graduating class in 1867.
Class of 1868: Anna Clapham, Nannie J. Alley, Albert W. Caldwell and Charles Harmon. Mrs. Nannie Alley-Berner deceased.
This was the eighth and last senior class in the thirteen years history of of Thorntown Academy. There were others, both ladies and gentlemen who did not complete the full course of study, who have occupied honorable positions in life. The voices of some who were once students of the Academy have been and are still heard from the pulpit, and others from the bar of civil justice, and others in halls of Legislation, while many have become physicians, eminent in the practice of the healing art, while others have graced the editorial chair.
In fact very many have honored their teachers and the old Academy in the various vocations of life. With sadness of heart we recall the names of others who were of great promise but failing in health fell victim to the King of Terrors, just as the avenues of usefulness were opening to them. Their record was noble and influence for good unsurpassed.
In order to a proper appreciation of the government and character of this Institution we quote from paragraphs as given in one of the earliest catalogues. It reads thus :
"The government of the Institution is mild but firm, aiming always to develop the ennobling feeling of self respect and to cultivate love for law rather than fear of authority. The social manners, and moral habits, and religious feelings, of both sexes, are strictly guarded and diligently culti- vated. Therefore, it is expected that all in the Academic departments will attend some church on Sunday morning and a lecture in the afternoon, deliver- ed by some member of the faculty in the Academy chapel. Morning worship is held in the chapel as the opening exercise of each day." This closes the quotation from the catalogue.
It was always a welcome occasion for the town as well as the Academy
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when one of the faculty was to deliver the Sunday afternoon lecture. These addresses varied in topic of the highest moral and religious tone, and gave in- spiration to student life in words of character building.
The government of the school was vested in the faculty; it constantly assumed the moral sense of the students and relied upon their disposition to do right for its efficiency. In all the instruction given, touching the relig- ious character, there was freedom from sectarian bias. Among the students attending the Academy there were represented various church communions. Many of the students during their sojourn in the town had homes with families, while others chose to board themselves. To aid the student in the acquisition of knowledge, and the development of commendable character, was the purpose of the Institution. While text books were employed in the attainment of these ends the cultivation of the heart was not neglected. While the students were under the special care of exemplary instruc- tors social meetings were instituted for their spiritual culture. In seasons of special religious awakenings many students, through the influence and ministrations of devoted teachers, found the Pearl of Great Price and hence- forth lead peaceful lives.
As we revert to these scenes of the long ago, as related to Thorntown Academy, we can but say those days were Halcyon days, and our hearts in unison are expressive of this thought, when we say, hallowed associa- tions, sacred memories.
The existence of Thorntown Academy was of no little significance. In its existence there was a prayerful, careful, judicious sowing, from which there has ever been a reaping, bounteous and fruitful of good.
THE THORNTOWN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
This school was organized in 1867 to succeed the Thorntown Academy. The first superintendent was J. P. Rous, followed by N. B. Parker, A. E. Buckley, Milton McCune, Alonzo Lyster, G. W. Shuck, H. J. Shafer, M. O. Harper, L. M. Crist, James R. Hart, J. P. Hester, A. E. Malsberry, - Baldwin, H. C. Neal, L. B. O'Dell, J. P. Kennedy, Frank Long, serving to this date, 1914.
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THORNTOWN ACADEMY REUNION
Held at Thorntown, July 16-17, 1907.
The Methodist church which stands on the site of the old church known during the days of the Academy was made a rendezvous for the visitors.
Rev. F. M. Cones, of LaFayette, who was active in promoting the reunion, was early on the ground, Monday the 15th, looking after the de- tails of the meeting. Several parties who had friends and relatives still living here arrived some days before. On Tuesday, the day of the first meeting, every train brought new arrivals. They were met by committees and directed or escorted to the Methodist church. At its portals there were many warm greetings and clasp of hands that had not touched in years. Early in the afternoon of Tuesday quite a number had assembled and were warmly talk- ing of old associations and refreshing their memories of incidents of long ago. The hours flew by rapidly as comrade after comrade came dropping in and was greeted all around and was re-introduced. The years of long separation had left traces and it was interesting to see them meet, grasp the hand and query, "Is this you?" There would be smiles and then there would be tears, as the sunshine and shadow of soul would come and go, as the memory would gather in those present and the many that they could not greet until they reached the other shore.
The first formal session of the reunion was held in the lecture room and parlors of the church, Tuesday evening, 7:30, in the form of a social re- ception, Rev. W. P. Mckinsey, of Plainfield, presiding. The meeting was called to order in such a free, open and informal way that everyone was put to ease, and made to feel at home from the start, and all with one accord joined in and sang with a spirit, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," which was followed by prayer, led by Rev. C. B. Mock, of LaFayette, Indiana. Song, "The Saints Home," to the tune of Home, Sweet Home. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Rev. J. C. Martin, pastor of the M. E. church of Thorntown, Indiana.
After extending a most hearty welcome to each visitor present and to all who may come later the speaker gave some thought for wholesome re- flection along the lines of the earlier methods and plans of discipline and training in school life, comparing them with methods and processes of this
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day, with decided conclusions in favor of the former. He thought that the spirit and methods in vogue in the days of the Academy were calculated to produce truer and more substantial characters than the processes of today were able to inspire in the body of students. Those of that day gave closer application to study and their duties in school life than those of our day manifest. It was not dreamed in that day that physical culture depended upon the ball game, as it does now. The ax helve, hoe handle and saw buck were considered more efficient in developing muscle than the ball bat. He preferred the former and never wanted his son to resort to the ball games for culture of body, much less of mind or spirit. At the close of the address the following song was sung :
LONG, LONG AGO.
(Words by J. S. Daugherty. Tune -- Long, Long Ago.)
"Tell me the tales that to me were so dear," Long, long ago, long, long ago; "Sing me the songs I delighted to hear," Long, long ago, long ago.
Now you have come each other to meet, To clasp the warm hand, the fond heart to greet; And talk of the days that were tender and sweet, Long, long ago, long ago.
Well we remember the faces we met, Long, long ago, long, long ago; We loved them so fondly we cannot forget, Long, long ago, long ago. You have grown older, your hair has turned white, Your faces have wrinkled, and dim is your sight,
You've only grown sweeter as years took their flight, Long, long ago, long ago.
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The old church is gone that we all loved so dear, Long, long ago, long, long ago;
The school house is gone too we left with a tear, Long, long ago, long ago. Some have departed, their life race is run,
We too shall hear the welcome "well done,"
If we are true to the faith that begun, Long, long ago, long ago.
Sung by Messrs. A. C. Taylor, J. S. Daugherty, T. E. Horner, and Ross Cohoon.
The chairman now introduced Rev. H. G. Jackson, D. D., of Chicago, Illinois, in the most complimentary terms as instructor in the Academy, soldier in the army for the Union, minister of the gospel, missionary in South America and an untiring worker for humanity and the Lord-to make Response. The doctor arose somewhat embarrassed by the encomiums heap- ed upon him that he desired some back door that he might slip out. However, he finally wore off the embarrassment and got a start by calling over the roll of long ago, telling of some of the pranks, courtships and marriages of the boys and girls of fifty years ago and came the nearest kind of unveiling some of the history of the temperance work in Thorntown of that date. He actually stirred up the memories of the past and set them going and said many good things. His remarks were pleasing and well received.
The response was followed by a song and social hour participated in by citizens and visitors, which was brim full of heart and soul, grasping of hands, smiles and study of faces to see if the storms of forty years had left any trace of past memories. It was a gladsome hour to all.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
Session called to order at 10:30, Rev. L. C. Buckles, of LaFayette, pre- siding. Prayer, Rev. H. G. Jackson, D. D. The principal exercises of the hour was a well prepared historical sketch of the Academy, including names of teachers and graduates by F. M. Cones, D. D., which was fully appreciated by all present.
(20)
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After a short recess enlivened by hearty greetings and introductions of the latest arrivals, the session was called on and warmed up by singing songs that came from the heart and full of the spirit of fifty years ago. Then followed some short talks. C. N. Sims, D. D., of Liberty, Indiana, who had endeared himself so closely to pupils and teachers during his con- nection with the Institution, in happiest mood related some touching incidents in connection with the sketch that had been read that were timely and well received. Mrs. Anna C. Mckinsey, of Plainfield, followed with some very pleasing remarks along the same line.
We regret that we cannot give these short talks in full for they were so interesting to those present and they constitute the gems and pearls that were thrown in between the weightier articles. They were the pepper and salt, the spice and ginger and entire list of condiments in each session.
The last of this morning's feast was an original poem prepared for the occasion by Hon. Elisha Little, of Williamsport, Ind., which he pleasingly rendered.
I CAN'T.
Most worthy, venerable, high-class Seniors,
Professors and Teachers and long ago Juniors,
I come not before you with rancor or rant, But simply defending the little word Can't.
You always declared it a fraud on a student, The idea of using it very imprudent. Your word was our law, we had to receive it But fifty years later I don't half believe it.
If you can, you can, and no trouble to prove it If you can't, you can't, and that's all there is to it. Fishes can't fly, eagles can't swim,
And man can't do something God meant not for him.
Can't wisely say No! when you ought to say yes- Can't answer for certain where you only can guess. You can't give hatred in barter for love,
While hoping for mansions in Heaven above.
.
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If your coal bin is empty and the dealer can't wait, And you can't raise the money, the fire in the grate Will likely get low, but you can't stand whining While Winter on Summer's fond lap is reclining.
Heat and sunshine force upward, gravitation draws down You can't capture a sunbeam, or make it your own. There are things we can't gather with muscle or mind And we'd better unbend, ere the limit we find.
Can't afford to be small for a very small thing, Can't dare to soar high on a very weak wing. Be sure of your coupling ere you fasten your car, To some far away planet, comet, or star.
Can't face all directions ; can't afford to play double ; Can't hope to go dodging to keep out of trouble. Can't white wash with policy sin's deepest dye, Like little Geo. Washington, "Can't tell a lie."
Suppose little Georgie had said "I can." And just bristled up and lied like a man ; Although you may scoff yet I risk the opinion Today we'd have been under British dominion.
Man can't fathom the depths of immensity, Can't comprehend the soul's awful intensity Of sorrow, and woe, and heart-strings breaking ; 'Til his own Gethsemine garden he's walking.
There's much of humanity in I can't but God is in I can, There's much of humanity in us too, for man is only man; But He who doth pity the wound of the sparrow Doth pardon the archer who sendeth the arrow.
Sir Lancelot coming home from his quest Felt Hope's fire die, down deep in his breast. Elijah, down under the Juniper tree Prayed mightily to God his soul to free.
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But whether a Prophet, or brave Sir-Knight Each reaches the place where the soft green light Of radiant Hope is no more seen beaming, And "I can't" is no longer a cry unseeming.
We can't disremember those faces so honest Who toiled with us here, so faithful and earnest; Who with their triumph and failures all o'er Now walk with the angels, that ever-green shore ..
We can't help feeling that some how or other They are hovering close on our coming together; Though their voices are swelling the heavenly chorus, In fancy their forms are now gliding before us.
Faith grasps what is present and makes it her own, Hope reaches beyond for the great unknown, While Love binds together past, present and future, Writing in one Creator and Creature.
-E. Little.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
Session called to order at 1:30, Hon. John F. Compton, of Perrysville, Indiana, presiding. After the opening exercise Rev. L. C. Buckles, of LaFay- ette, Indiana, reviewed the doings and triumphs of the Excelsorian Society of the middle fifties. He stated that he had no data or records from which to speak, and that he was unable to call to mind anything special concern- ing the workings of the society. He remembered that the interest in its sessions was very inspiring and stimulating at the time to all who attended. Its warm debates, classic essays and orations were interesting, instructive and inspiring, and the music uplifting. Such was the vim and fervor of the meetings that they created an outside influence in the community and many attended their sessions.
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