USA > Indiana > Boone County > History of Boone County, Indiana : With biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families, Volume I > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48
He was followed by Capt. H. H. McDowell, of Pontiac, Ill., who spoke in the interest of the Philosonian Society. He was more fortunate than Rev. Buckles in that he was armed and equipped with a forty year old program that was able to speak for itself. He felt jubilant over the mat-
309
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
ter that he was able to bring before them a real live session of the society of which he was president. He proceeded to read from the program the name and exercise of some one on duty and comment thereon. This would elicit remarks from some one in the audience about the person named, how well he did, his characteristics, she did so and so, I remember her well, this funny incident, and so on making a running comment on each as the name and exercise was read. This awakened much interest and each was anxious to know who would be introduced next, what would be said about him or her by those present. To record this spirited comment as the pro- gram was served would require more space than we can devote in these pages. It was a happy hit of Mr. McDowell to bring a real live session of his society before the meeting and refresh their memories of its doing. There was such a stir of feeling that we believe those present forgot the forty years that had past and that they were indeed back in a real session of their loved society. The program was indeed a happy surprise to all present. It set the thinkers of all present agoing and many reminiscences were related. Mrs. Carrie Shipp-Jones very pleasantly referred to her own feelings and experiences. It had vividly come to her mind during the evening. She did so enjoy the fun side in her school life, the tendency to play sly tricks and jokes and have a good time, would so lead her away from study and duty. She stated that when C. N. Sims came in charge there was such a potent influence about him that it drew her towards better things and she was able to overcome her fun propensity and get down to real hard study and enjoy it. She got so interested and others with her that they would go without meals in order to get their lessons. To acquire knowledge and please instructors was the height of ambition.
Rev. Henry Huffman very naturally ran off along the line of the play of Cupid among the students in those days. He spoke from experience, as he himself was pierced by an arrow and fell a victim, which ended in marriage. Many stories along this line followed and heart secrets were fessed up that revealed the fact that students of the Old Academy were susceptible to the feelings and emotions that are manifest in the human heart everywhere.
Just at this juncture it was announced that the photographer was on the outside ready to take a snapshot, so a recess was given and all lined up ac- cording to directions, and the company was taken in, as shown up by the picture on the adjoining page.
310
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Picture taken, recess over, order restored, Dr. H. G. Jackson, of Chicago, took the floor, and in his happy go easy style began to tell of this one and that, brought out many pleasant remembrances. He fixed as date February 10, 1861, and asked how many present went to the water tank that day to see Abraham Lincoln? Quite a number responded, I was there. Lincoln was on his way to Washington via Indianapolis to assume the duties of President. The train stopped, Lincoln appeared and made a short talk to the student body who surrounded the train, eager to catch the words that fell from his lips. We all remember his saying in reply to the question, "What do you think will be the outcome of the war?" "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" and again in the words of Caleb, "Let us go up, for we are well able to overcome it."
The speaker then gave an interesting reminiscence of some temperance work done by the boys in those days to rid the town of two saloons, which was very effectual. He came near letting out a secret as to just how the thing was done, but not quite. He closed his remarks by saying that no state in the Union unless it be Massachusetts had surpassed Indiana in its literary characters, rounding up the roll with the name of our own John Clark Ridpath as the eminent historian of our day. We are and of right ought to be proud of the educational and literary standing of our state, and to know that this Institution played a part in its early development.
Rev. N. W. Hamilton, a Methodist minister, who had come all the way from Kansas, was turned loose upon the meeting and he gave them a rouser. Before the session closed a glowing tribute was paid to the exceptional world wide work of Mrs. Elizabeth Andrews and Dr. Kate Bushnell, both of Oakland, Cal.
The emphatic thought of this session was the wonderful and benefi- cent work of literary societies in connection with school life. We have shadowed this line of work in our modern training by other lines and it may be a question about improvement to be solved later.
The following poem was read by the author, Dr. H. G. Jackson, during the session :
3II
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
TENTING ON THE OLD CAMPGROUND.
"Turn backward, turn backward, O Time in your flight," We would be young once more; Bring back the days that are gone, to-night, "The good old days of yore." Happy were we all in the old school then, Yes happy, a happy student band, Happy are we now to meet our friends again, And clasp each welcome hand, Meeting again; meeting again ; Meeting in old Thorntown.
O pleasant were the days of Academic life, Bright with the hopes of youth, Longing for the future, eager for the strife For righteousness and truth Ah, many are the battles which we have had to fight, Many the vic'tries won; Many, too, our losses, fighting for the right, From dawn till set of sun. Fighting for the right; Fighting for the right; Fighting till the field was won.
We remember the fallen of other years, The years now long gone by, We bring them a tribute of love and tears, In fancy they draw nigh; Yes, many are the friends that are absent to-night, Friends, whom our hearts hold dear;
They now are safe in the mansions of delight, Their songs we almost hear, Singing to-night; Singing to-night; Singing Redemption's song.
312
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
The boys and the girls of long ago, Are the "old folks" to-day ;
Their sight is dim, their steps are slow, Their locks are thin and gray,
Life with its duties, its sorrows, its joys, Is passing like a tale that's told,
But love in the hearts of the girls and the boys,
True love will not grow old.
Never grow old: never grow old; True love will never grow old.
WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION 7:30.
Long before the hour of meeting many gathered at the church to hold their tete a tetes. It seemed that they loved to linger around the con- secrated ground where they would be in plain view of the old Academy site. Citizens and visitors gathered in groups with eager anticipations of the feast of good things about to be served. Each had the sunshine in the heart and countenance radiant with hope as if entertaining an old fashioned love feast without formality. The Hon. W. C. Vanarsdel, of Greencastle, with geniality of spirit was a fit person to preside over such a delightful ses- sion. Someone rolled in the "Rock of Ages" as opening song and there was a sweet melody and such a soulsome spirit thrown into it that we are sure everyone felt secure upon the rock. After which all joined in prayer, with Rev. W. P. Mckinsey as leader.
The chairman in his opening remarks struck the keynote of the spirit and character of the reunion, when he said that the great success of the gathering and the influence that had inclined so many of them (over seventy,) to gather here from distant homes, forty years after the close of an Institution of a few years' duration was remarkable. It could be ac- counted for upon no other ground than the spirit of Christ that pervaded the school and was uppermost in the minds and hearts of instructors and students. This proves that christian morals are lasting, and that they who build upon so firm a foundation build for eternity ; and that this spirit cements hearts into a union of fellowship that is indissoluble, hence the longing to come to-
313
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
gether had brought them from their homes. He stated a truth when he said that this spirit of Christ is the real essence and life of any school. If it does not exist in our public schools it will necessitate private schools. This key unlocked the hearts of the audience and there were many approving re- sponses and acclamations.
The meeting was now in full harness and each was made to feel at home, and turned loose with freedom to pull in any direction that the heart prompted. This moved the big heart of W. P. Mckinsey, who was on the floor in a jiffy, and wanted to tell how he came to Thorntown. He said his father gave him a colt, and after it had grown into a horse, he concluded to put it into his head. His father tried hard to dissuade him from so foolish a purpose, but he was set in his way and the horse had to go. So he and the horse came to Thorntown, and it was set up for a board bill and literally consumed. (That was a funny way for a horse to get into one's head, passing through the stomach.) I never regretted it. I did not eat up the entire horse. I received a great many good things here. Best of all I found Christ and by no means the least, I found my sweetheart. Adam like he laid the whole trouble on Anna, said she followed him up and laid such a close siege upon him that he had to surrender. He said she was still after him and he didn't care. She had made him what he was and they had sweetly companioned thus far in life and hoped to continue until the triumph. He added that he felt that he was the most highly favored of any old preacher in the state by the inspiration of his 500 boys at Plain- field. Elisha Little of Williamsport, sprang to the floor before the speaker had fairly got seated and said he was not surprised at the horse sense of Mckinsey, since he had heard the colt story.
Dr. Jemima Gordon, of Newcastle, emphasized the thought of the open- ing address of Vanarsdel, and spoke of the higher spirit that prevailed among the pupils and teachers of the Academy. Rev. C. B. Mock, of LaFayette, said that he too brought a horse but did not put it all in his head. He stated that he was among the first to suggest that the Academy be merged into the public schools.
Oliver P. Stufflebeam, of Rossville, Ill., spoke of some of the difficulties that he encountered in scaling the steeps of science and how he overcame his awkwardness and timidity and secured his wife. (By the way these boys let out on each other in their love stories and so many of them being
314
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
wounded for life, there must have been considerable heart work in their loved Institution as well as some head toil.)
Professor J. J. Osborn, of Cedarville, Ohio, said that he was brought to the Institution by a dispatch from Oliver Craven, President of the Board of Directors. A beautiful young lady here had highly recommended him. Rev. F. M. Cones met him at the station, they became chums and lasting friends. They were still the warmest of friends and he could speak in the highest commendation of the parentage of each, but he could not offer a syllable in favor of the posterity of either. He thought he had made a serious mistake and thought he could mend things yet, if he would go back and try it over. (The trouble was that these bachelor friends had been so intent on their duties as instructors on head lines that they failed utterly on the heart line and were impervious to the darts of Cupid that so many report as flying around here during those Halcyon days.)
Next in order comes James F. Pierce, of LaFayette, the man that feared he would overspeak his time. He had a long story to tell of how he was going to be a lawyer. That was his purpose in coming. Had his stakes set high. Wanted, a council with the Professor, about his chosen profes- sion, the law. Appointment was made, he came, feeling very big with a cigar in mouth. The Professor asked him about it, said the best students did not smoke. He fumbled it awhile, dropped it, never picked it up again. The Professor discouraged him about the law, told of its hardships and asked if he could not think of something else he would like to do. He gave it up went home and took up the hoe handle, and to this day blames the Pro- fessor for what he and the state has lost because he was not induced to practice law. Called himself to time and sat down amid great applause.
Mrs. Mary Sims spoke of the pleasure she received from F. M. Cones' historical sketch of the Institution.
Mary Kramer-Stafford stated as the shadow in her thought that she was the only one on this side of the river of the class of 1865.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted as presented by Capt. H. H. McDowell :
Resolved: That an expression of thanks and gratitude be extended to Rev. F. M. Cones for his untiring efforts in promoting their union. To J. S. Daugherty for his faithful service as secretary. To L. M. Crist for his kindness and courtesy as editor. To Misses Mabel Miller, Flossie
315
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Henry, Mamie Martin and Hester Seawright for decorating church, etc. To the local committee for their faithful work of preparation. To the pas- tor and trustees of the M. E. church for courteous use of church. To the citizens in general for the hearty reception and to those who opened their homes in particular for their splendid hospitality.
AULD LANG SYNE.
Should auld ac-quaint-ance be for-got, And never brought to mind; Should auld ac-quaint-ance be for-got, And days of auld lang syne.
Chorus. For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne ; We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne.
We twa' ha'e run a-boot the braes, And pu'd the gowans fine; But we've wan-der'd mo-nya wea-ry foot, Sin' auld lang syne.
Chorus.
We twa' ha'e sport-ed i' the burn, Frae morn-in' sun till dine ; But seas be-tween us braid ha'e roared, Sin' auld lang syne.
Chorus.
And here's a hand, my trust-y frien,' And gie's a hand o' thine; We'll tak' a cup o' kind-ness yet, For auld lang syne.
Chorus.
316
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
THOSE PRESENT.
Mrs. Minta Boardman-Atkinson, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mrs. Addie Mc- Dowell-Taylor, Indianapolis, Indiana; J. F. Compton, Perrysville, Indiana; A. F. Wells, Lafayette, Indiana; Elisha Little, Williamsport, Indiana; H. H. McDowell, Pontiac, Illinois; F. M. Cones, Soldier's Home, Lafayette, In- diana: N. W. Hamilton, Burlington, Iowa; J. H. H. Lovett, Frankfort, In- diana; Miss Jemima Gordon, Newcastle, Indiana; Mrs. Ella VanArsdel- Baker, Salina, Kansas; Mrs. Emma VanArsdel-Lyons, Salina, Kansas; Mrs. Mary Haugh Guntle, Colfax, Indiana; W. C. VanArsdel, Greencastle, In- diana; Anson E. Buckley, Kansas City, Kansas; Mrs. C. M. Craven-King, Morgan Hill, California; H. G. Jackson, Chicago, Illinois; John C. Goodwin, West Lebanon, Indiana; Mrs. Maggie Smith Pierce, Lebanon, Indiana; Car- ter D. Smith, Lebanon, Indiana; W. P. Mckinsey, Plainfield, Indiana; Mrs. L. J. Thompson, Bronson, Kansas; Mrs. Sallie Anderson Peebles, Darling- ton, Indiana; Mrs. Mary McCorkle-Sims, Frankfort, Indiana; Mrs. Anna B. Morris-Wren, North Salem, Indiana; Mrs. F. A. Baldwin, Oxford, Indiana; Rev. C. B. Mock, West Lafayette, Indiana; Mrs. C. B. Mock, West Lafay- ette, Indiana; Mrs. Mary C. Ashman, Frankfort, Indiana; Dr. T. H. McCor- kle, Terre Haute, Indiana ; Mrs. T. H. McCorkle, Terre Haute, Indiana; Mrs. Sade Miller-Royer, Stockwell, Indiana; Mrs. Sade Kring-Good, Atlanta, In- diana; Mrs. Carrie Shipp-Jones, Watseka, Illinois; Rev. Charles N. Sims, Liberty, Indiana; Mrs. Anna Cones-Mckinsey, Plainfield, Indiana; Lydia M. Hoath, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Anna F. Webb, Indianapolis, In- diana; Mrs. Nellie Webb, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mrs. Eliza A. Sims, Liberty, Indiana; Mrs. Mary Kramer-Stafford, Crawfordsville, Indiana; O. P. Stuf- flebeam, Rossville, Illinois; Mrs. Anna Stuffllebeam, Rossville, Illinois ; Mrs. Malissa Allen-Custer, Lebanon, Indiana; J. N. Caster, Lebanon, Indiana ; Mrs. Mollie Moore-Caster, Lebanon, Indiana; Mrs. Maria Allen-Ellis, Veedersburg, Indiana; Rev. H. O. Huffman, Bloomington, Illinois; Rev. L. C. Buckles, Lafayette, Indiana ; Mrs. Ellen Martin, Otterbein, Indiana; Mrs. Ursha Kernodle Darnell, Lebanon, Indiana; Mrs. Emma Gustin-Reagan, Leb- anon, Indiana : Mrs. Nervy Youkey, Lebanon, Indiana; Lewis F. Johnson, Lafayette, Indiana ; L. B. Foster, Soldiers' Home, Lafayette, Indiana; P. K. Hessong, Zionsville, Indiana: Joseph Binford, Crawfordsville, Indiana; J. C.
317
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Caldwell, Lafayette, Indiana; A. L. Welch, Lebanon, Indiana; W. S. Kinkaid, Atlanta, Georgia; Mrs. W. S. Kinkaid, Atlanta, Georgia; Mrs. Esther G. Frame, Richmond, Indiana; Nathan Frame, Richmond, Indiana; Prof. J. J. Osborn, Cincinnati, Ohio; James F. Pierce, Lafayette, Indiana ; H. F. Kramer, Lebanon, Indiana; John P. McCorkle, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mrs. Ella Craven-LaFollette, Chicago, Illinois; Henry Payne, 1237 Spann Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana.
COMMITTEES.
Arrangements, Mrs. Samuel Haworth, chairman; J. S. Daugherty, sec- retary and treasurer. Reception, T. E. Horner, chairman. Registration, C. E. Cloud, chairman.
THOSE WHO SENT REGRETS.
Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler-Andrews, Oakland, California ; Dr. T. J. Adams, North Salem, Indiana; Mrs. Anna Waring-Allen, Erie, Kansas; Mrs. Anna Clapham-Beasley, Attica, Indiana; Dr. Kate Bushnell, Oakland, California; M. Council, 328 VanBuren street, Topeka, Kansas; Mrs. Phoebe Rous- Curryer, 720 E. 15th street, Indianapolis, Indiana; John W. Dale, Danville, Illinois; Mrs. Mollie Belle Dunlap, Covington, Indiana; Mrs. Laura Essex, Atlanta, Indiana; Dr. B. F. French, 810 Olive street, St. Louis, Missouri; Mrs. Minnie C. Goldsberry, Washington, C. H., Ohio; Dr. and Mrs. M. H. Garten, Lincoln, Nebraska; Charles Harmon, Brownsburg, Indiana; E. D. Kirby, Winona Lake, Indiana; Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Mikels, South Bend, In- diana; E. A. Mills, Austin, Texas; W. W. Mills, Austin, Texas; Zack Mor- ris, New Providence, Iowa; J. J. Newcomer, Tipton, Indiana; Mrs. Florence .Smith-Oglesby, Tipton, Indiana; Prof. J. P. Rous, Dorchester, Massachu- setts ; James F. Scull, Rochester, Indiana; O. H. Smith, Greencastle, Indiana ; Mrs. Ella Welch, Salem, Oregon; Mrs. Mary Posey-Woodcock, Pasadena, California : M. V. Wright, Norborne, Missouri.
THE LEBANON SCHOOLS.
Lebanon has splendid schools and is justly proud of them. Able and experienced teachers are in charge, and no effort is spared to keep abreast
318
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
with all matters pertaining to public instruction. One of the first questions asked by a man intending to move to a locality is "What kind of schools are there?" In fact, a man with a family who does not take an interest in the public schools is not the kind of a citizen Lebanon wants.
The public educational institutions of this city are thoroughly adequate in every manner to cope with the demands and expectations of the people. The buildings as herewith represented are of the handsomest and most sub- stantial kind, splendidly equipped and arranged, and of the best architectural style. They are each two and one-half stories high, made of brick with stone trimmings. The rooms are bright, spacious and airy, heated by furnace and equipped with every modern convenience, and the grounds are large and at- tractive. The buildings, grounds and equipment represent a cost.of about $70,000. But first and foremost is the plane of excellence upon which the local public schools are conducted. The most competent teachers obtainable are procured and the system and methods enforced are such as to merit the commendation of the whole community.
The first school house of this city was a log house, just south of the depot, and among the early teachers were Henry A. Shulse and Cyrus Wright. The county seminary was located here in 1842, after a terrific struggle with Thorntown citizens, who insisted that it should be located in that town. It was a brick building and is still standing on East Main street and occupied as the Pleasant Grove Hotel. Judge Stephen Neal opened the seminary in 1843, as its first teacher, and was succeeded the following year by John M. Patton. It enjoyed many years of a flourishing career.
In 1854 two frame buildings were erected, one on East Washington street, which has since been remodeled and occupied as a dwelling, and the other on West South street, just west of the steam laundry. This building is still standing and presents very much the same appearance as it did a quar- ter of a century ago. Among the early teachers there were James L. Gor- man and D. M. Burns.
The old twelfth district erected a building in 1855 on South East street and these three buildings were used for public school purposes until 1870, when the old Presbyterian Academy, on the site of the present Central school building, was purchased, which was used until May, 1887, when it was torn down and the present excellent structure was erected. The South Side build- ing was erected it 1886 and the modern, commodious North Side building was erected in 1890.
319
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
The gentlemen who have served as superintendents of the public schools since 1870 are: John R. Owen, two terms; A. O. Reubelt, two terms; J. F. Scull, two terms; O. C. Charlton, 1880-81 ; T. H. Dunn, 1881-82; T. H. Dunn and D. D. Blakeman, 1882-83; R. H. Harney, 1883-87; Joseph Wiley, 1887- 89; D. K. Goss, 1889-91 ; T. H. Dunn, 1891-92 ; U. J. Griffith, 1892-94; J. R. Hart, 1894-1901 ; Charles A. Peterson, 1901-05; H. G. Brown, 1905-14.
THE PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY IN LEBANON.
THE BUILDING.
The first catalogue was issued on June 13, 1862. It contains a picture of the building which was a three-story brick structure which stood on the lot where the Central building now stands.
The catalogue says, "The accommodations are ample. The recitation rooms are in the first story ; the society halls, apparatus room, etc., in the sec- ond; chapel and music rooms in the third."
The trustees recorded are John Bell, David Caldwell, D. H. Hamilton and John Williams. The officers of the board were William Zion, president v and D. H. Hamilton, secretary. The board of instruction was composed of J. M. Coyner, A. M., principal, teacher of higher mathematics, history, nat- ural manual and moral science ; Rev. C. K. Thompson, A. M., who taught the languages ; Miss Maggie F. Garrett, English branches and natural science, and Miss Estelle Morrow, instrumental music and drawing.
THE COURSES.
There was a scientific course with a junior and a templar class; an ir- regular scientific department ; an English department ; a primary department ; a class in instrumental music and a class in drawing. F
SOME PUPILS WELL KNOWN.
Some of the names of the pupils who became best known in the city and county are given. Of the junior class are such names as D. E. Caldwell, of
320
BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.
Dover; J. M. Saunders, of Boone county and M. B. Avery, of Lebanon. Of the templar some of the best known names are J. W. Kise, E. P. Stephen- son, Lizzie Bell, M. L. Bell. In the irregular scientific class are enrolled such familiar names as A. M. Bell, George Busby, A. L. Caldwell, O. F. Mclaughlin, W. J. McCormick, D. H. Olive, James Randall, John Saunders, S. T. Saunders, Zerilda Daugherty. In the English department are John D. Alexander, Charles Bryan, Empson Lane, James Richey, C. W. Scott, A. P. Stephenson, A. A. Zion, Sophie Haun.
Here are some from the primary department of that time: John Adair, Joseph Bratt, J. R. Cason, Zelus McCormack, John Rose, C. M. Zion, J. C. Ball, Mary Kenworthy, Kate Trips and Sallie Williamson. Of those taking instrumental music and drawing are, J. M. Saunders, H. S. Lane, E. P. Ste- phenson, Josie C. Ball, E. A. Bell, M. L. Bell, Zerilda Daugherty, M. M. Wilson.
THE GOVERNMENT.
A part of the statement about the government is "The government of the school is decisive and disciplinary, yet kind and paternal. Order is a positive requisite. The pupil is regarded as such out of school as well as in, and his and her conduct strictly observed.
"It will be the aim of the board of instruction so to train the pupil, in body and heart, that he or she may be prepared to govern self, and thus be prepared to control others."
SOCIETIES.
It is stated that "The young men have organized a society called the Calliopean. Their hall is well furnished. The young ladies have organized one called the Sigournian. They hope to have their hall furnished in a short "time. The Temperance League and the Musical Association have been or- ganized. The former meets monthly, and the latter weekly."
OTHER ITEMS.
A tuition was charged the pupils and the tuition of all boarding pupils was required in advance. Boarding, including room, fuel and lights $2.00 per week.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.