History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 46

Author: Archibald Shaw
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1123

USA > Indiana > Dearborn County > History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 46

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In 1883 James O. Churchill, of the class of 1880. became professor of belles-lettres, and Monroe Vayhinger, of the class of 1883, professor of mathe- matics.

In 1885 Charles WV. Hargitt, A. M., class of 1877, was elected professor of natural science. Professor Hargitt remained three years, then became pro- fessor of biology in Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and after three years was elected professor of zoology in Syracuse University, which position he oc- cupies at the present time. During these years he has distinguished himself as a teacher, lecturer and in research work.

Doctor Adkinson remained president for five years, his administration being eminently successful. It was passing through a critical period. and he directed the institution onward and upward. Rev. George P. Jenkins was elected to fill the vacancy. He conducted a successful administration for three years.

In 1888 Professor Main left the institution for post-graduate work. Ed- wafd B. T. Spencer, A. B., was elected professor of Latin and Greek ; Andrew J. Bigney, A. B., professor of natural science, and Miss Emma M. Wood, A. M., instructor in music.

In 1889 Charles . W. Lewis, B. S., entered the faculty as instructor in the normal department, and Estella Leonard, principal of the music department.

In 1890 Dr. John H. Martin, A. M., was elected president, with E. B. T. Spencer, vice-president; Charles W. Lewis, professor of mathematics; Jona-

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than D. Perigo, A. B., professor of pedagogy, and Carrie Rein, professor of history and German. During this administration, the normal school was or- ganized, with a four-year course. This became a popular feature, and the at- tendance was increased to two hundred and seventy-six. Two years before it was one hundred and twelve.

In 1892 Professor Bigney left for post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins University and George C. Hubbard was elected to fill the chair of natural science. Professor Spencer also began his post-graduate work at the same uni- versity. V. Lansing Collins, A. B., became professor of Latin and Greek.

In 1893 Rev. E. A. Robertson, A. M., became professor of Latin and Greek.

In 1894 Benjamin W. Aldrich, A. M., entered the faculty as professor of Greek; Quincy G. Spencer, A. B., professor of Latin, and Mrs. E. Louise Williams, as principal of the music department.

In 1896 Alfred Ross, A. B., was elected professor of literature and his- tory.

In 1897 Charles W. Lewis was elected acting president, and the next year became president of the institution. Preston S. Hyde, A. B., became professor of literature and history.

In 1899 the gymnasium was built and named in honor of its chief donor, Will F. Stevens, of Aurora.

In 1900 George H. Reibold was elected instructor of pedagogy.

In 1901 Charles E. Torbet, A. B., came from Ohio Wesleyan University and became professor of literature and history.

In 1902 Kirk Earle Wallace was elected director in physical culture. His valuable services continued for six years.

In August, 1903, President Lewis resigned, and Dr. John H. Martin, for the third time, was elected president for one year, so as to give time to find a president, as Doctor Martin did not wish to serve longer.

President Lewis had a very successful administration. During his term of office there was talk of a new building. In 1902 the opportunity to pur- chase a large, three-story business house of Hanson D. Moore appeared. This building, being suitable for scientific purposes, was purchased and remodeled. It proved a very valuable feature to the institution. The science department remained in this building for four years, when it was moved to Carnegie Hall, during the administration of President English. Doctor Lewis became presi- dent of the University of Wyoming at Laramie. His services there lasted for only one year, when he passed to his reward.

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In 1904 Dr. Frank Clare English was selected as the new president of the college. It was during his administration that the talk of a new building became a reality. Upon solicitation, Andrew Carnegie gave eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars toward a new administration building. The friends of the institution rallied to its help and met his proposition with an equal donation. The corner stone was laid in 1907, and the building was com- pleted and dedicated on June 18, 1908, being named Carnegie Hall. The building cost practically fifty thousand dollars, and is one of the most com- modious and best arranged college buildings in the state. This building has proven to be a great asset in the work of the college.

In 1904 Willard L. Severinghaus, A. M., was elected professor of modern languages ; Miss Hortense Martin, A. B., became professor of mathematics; Frank D. Churchill, A. M., principal of the normal department, and Edna Jennings. B. S., instructor in elocution.

In 1906 the semi-centennial of Moores Hill College was celebrated with appropriate exercises. In this year, Fred L. Fagley, B. S., entered the faculty as professor of history and science of education.

In 1907 R. O. Ficken, B. S., was elected professor of French, and in 1908 of German also.

In 1908. on the resignation of Miss Martin as professor of mathematics, Clarence E. Smith, A. M., was elected to. fill the vacancy, and Miss Ora B. Stevens, A. B., became instructor in Greek and Latin. In June, 1908, Doctor English resigned as president, and Rev. William S. Bovard, A. M., D. D., was elected to fill the vacancy.

The erection of the new building, under the leadership of President Eng- lish, was hailed with great delight by all friends of the college. for it practically assured the permanency of the institution. It was in this year that Zenos E. Scott became professor of educational physchology and method. Doctor Bo- vard remained at the head of the institution one year. Dr. Harry Andrews King. of Kansas, was elected to succeed him. In November, 1915. Doctor King resigned to become the head of Clark University. Atlanta, Georgia. and Dr. Andrew J. Bigney was chosen to succeed him.

Additions have been made to the faculty from time to time. Some of these are as follow : In 1911. Ray Bellamy. A. B., professor of chemistry and phy- sics : Mary A. Monyhan. instructor in violin. guitar and mandolin : E. E. Pat- ton, B. S .. as physical director for men ; Olive D. Burlingame. physical director for women : George H. Reibold. B. Ped., B. S .. professor of educational psy- chology and method : Madeleine B. Ritter, instructor in public speaking : Mrs. Elsie Dell Wilcox. A. B., instructor in vocal music; Charles A. Reagan. pro-

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fessor of mathematics; Hazel Gay, instructor in German and French. In 1912 a department of agriculture was established, with a two-years course, with Cyrus G. Phillips, B. Ed., A. B., of Nebraska, as professor of agriculture. In the spring of 1915 a department of domestic science was established, with Miss Grace L. Veasey as instructor.

This hasty sketch of the members of the faculty, and the development of the institution, should be supplemented by a few general statements.

The college, from its inception to the present day, has endeavored to pre- sent correct principles of Christian education as the correct method for building character and citizenship in a great state and nation. Its purpose has always been to give the best of the most progressive ideas in education. As educa- tional thought has advanced, it has inculcated these in its scholastic training. It has ever kept in mind that man is a religious being, and that his soul, as well as his mind, needs training ; likewise his body.

The material wealth of the institution has always been limited, yet, with the strictest economy and scholarly teachers, it has been able to maintain a standard equal to the richer institutions. Her output-her students-rank well with those of the largest colleges and universities of the country. The college plant is now valued at about two hundred thousand dollars. With the cam- paign that is now on, it is hoped that its material wealth may increase to at least one-half million, before the authorities are reasonably satisfied.

Dearborn county has not always appreciated the work of this college on its western border. The standards of life set by this college have exerted a powerful influence, not only through the county, but also through the state and nation.

This article would not be complete without a fuller reference to its present leader in its educational activities, and also to those who have left its halls as graduates and under-graduates.

DR. HARRY A. KING.

Dr. Harry Andrews King, the recent president, is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. He lived there until he reached early manhood, then entered Baker University, at Baldwin, Kansas, as a resident, from which he was grad- uated in 1897. He then entered the pastorate of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1901 he entered Boston Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1904. In 1905 he was elected educational secretary for his alma mater, and spent the years in that capacity until called to the presidency cf

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Moores Hill College. It was President King's policy to put Moores Hill College on a firm financial basis so as to have such an income as will enable the institution to be more aggressive in its work of training the young people of southern Indiana. One of the victories of his efforts was the unanimous deci- sion of the Indiana conference, on September 19, 1914, to raise one hundred thousand dollars during the year as an increased endowment. Plans for this campaign are well under way. Large subscriptions are already being made.

It has always been the ambition of Moores Hill College to be a college of three hundred to four hundred students, with such a plant as will make it an efficient educational power for developing such manhood and womanhood on sane Christian principles that will help make the world what it should be- truly Christian. During all the years of its history the college has been ac- complishing such results with very limited funds for support. The four hun- dred and sixty-six graduates and the thousands of under-graduates are making; good in every walk of life in probably every state in the Union and many of the foreign countries. When asked the secret of their success, they almost invari- ably say the kind of training received at Moores Hill College-the personal impress of active Christian men and women in the faculty-the emphasis placed on thorough and practical scholarship, the same culture of the literary societies and religious organizations and the opportunities for developing leadership.

They are filling positions of usefulness and prominence in various walks of life. Of the four hundred and sixty-six graduates, seventy-nine are minis- ters, one hundred and five homemakers (married women), one hundred and fifteen teachers, twenty-three physicians, the others distributed among fifty different kinds of occupations. The under-graduates probably follow very much the same classification.

Of the three hundred and thirty-nine members of the Indiana conference of the Methodist church, sixty-seven have been educated in part or entirely in Moores Hill College. Many of the alumni are pursuing post-graduate courses in leading universities. At present the college has students in Chicago Univer- sity, Michigan University, Northwestern Medical College in Chicago, Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Louisville Medical College, Indiana Medical College, Cincinnati University Medical College, Boston University and Drew Theological Seminary at Madi- son, New Jersey.

The type of students is molded not only by high scholarship, but also by the student activities such as the Press Club, that publishes the College Life, the student paper; the four literary societies that give opportunities for literary

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expression; the Young Men's Christian Association and Young Women's Christian Association, that give training in the religious life. These associa- tions are recognized as among the best in the state. The athletic association has charge of all athletic interests in the school.

This year ( 1915) the enrollment is three hundred and twenty-eight. The summer term attendance numbers one hundred and forty, the largest in the history of the school. The faculty numbers seventeen men and women, who have been carefully trained in the best colleges of the land. Many of them have had unusual advantages in travel and post-graduate courses.

The following was the faculty for 1915-16: Rev. Harry Andrews King, S. T. B., D. D., president, professor of Biblical literature and philosophy ; Rev. John H. Martin,. D. D., emeritus professor of Biblical literature; Andrew J. Bigney, A. M., Sc. D., vice-president, professor of biology and geology ; Ben- jamin W. Aldrich, A. M., professor of ancient languages ; Mrs. E. Louise Will- iams, Mus. B., principal of music department-pianoforte; Charles E. Torbet, A. M .. professor of English and history : Mary A. Monyhan, instructor in vio- lin, guitar and mandolin ; Cyrus G. Phillips, B. Ed., A. B., professor of agricul- ture ; George H. Reibold, B. Ped., B. S., professor of educational psychology and method : Madeleine B. Ritter, instructor in public speaking ; Mrs. Elsie Dell Wilcox. A. B., instructor in vocal music; Marie S. King, assistant in history ; Nelle Sherrod, instructor in drawing; Charles A. Reagan, professor of mathe- matics : H. R. Glick, assistant in chemistry : Hazel Gay, instructor in German and French; Mrs. Jennie B. Fleming, A. B., instructor in Latin and Greek; Grace L. Veasey, domestic science.

MOORES HILL COLLEGE CHRONOLOGY.

The following dates serve as an outline of the history of the college and show the expansion of recent years :

1853-Several far-seeing philanthropists, headed by John C. Moore, re- solved to establish a college at Moores Hill that should be devoted to Christian education.

1854-Organization effected.

1856 -- First building completed and college opened.

1898-Mann property north of the campus purchased and house fitted up for ladies' dormitory.

1899-Will F. Stevens gymnasium built.

1903-Fine brick building on Main street, owned by Capt. H. D. Moore.

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MOORE HALL (OLD BUILDING), MOORES HILL COLLEGE

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purchased and fitted up for Science Hall. Used by scientific department from 1903 to 1908.

1906-Gift of eighteen thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars from Andrew Carnegie and ground broken for fifty-thousand-dollar Carnegie Hall by Governor Hanly.

1907-College reincorporated. Corner stone of Carnegie Hall laid. Col- lege accredited by state board of education for preparing teachers in classes A and B.

1908-Carnegie Hall completed and dedicated June 18.

1910-Campus enlarged and new athletic park purchased. Women's auxiliary organized for aiding college.

1912-Courses in agriculture established.

1914-New cement walks laid in campus. Moore Hall painted. Cam- paign for one hundred thousand dollars for endowment launched by the Indi- ana conference of Methodist church.

1915-Domestic science department established. November 4, Moore Hall destroyed by fire.

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CHAPTER XXXVII.

WOMEN'S CLUBS OF LAWRENCEBURG AND AURORA.

ERTHSTANE HISTORY CLUB.

At the home of Mrs. E. G. Hayes. in Lawrenceburg. on February 22, 1892. the Erthstane History Club had its birth. At that time Mrs. Hayes suggested the need of a history club and asked for an organization. Later in the year a meeting was called at the home of Mrs. E. D. Moore, when the organization was completed. Officers were elected and plans made for the year's work. Mrs. Moore was chosen president, and the subject for the year's study was "Ten Months in the United States." The first regular meeting of the club was with Mrs. N. S. Given, on September 14, 1892.

The object of the organization, as written in the constitution, is as fol- lows: "The object of the club shall be the study of history and the social and literary culture of its members." In the beginning the membership was lin- ited to twenty, but later, was changed to twenty-five. This club joined the State Federation in October 1911, and the General Federation in April. 1912.

The following ladies have served at president of the Erthstane History Club from its organization to the present time: Mrs. E. D. Moore, 1892- 1894; Mrs. E. G. Hayes, 1894-1895; Mrs. W. D. H. Hunter, 1895-1896; Mrs. G. C. Columbia, 1896-1897; Mrs. J. D. Gatch, 1897-1898; Mrs. J. M. Bauer, 1898-1899; Mrs. G. M. Roberts, 1899-1900; Mrs. WV. R. Kirtley, 1900-1901 ; Mrs. E. D. Moore, 1901-1902; Mrs. E. G. Hayes, 1902-1903; Miss Elizabeth Hunter, 1903-1904; Mrs. A. K. James, 1904-1905 : Mrs. \V. H. O'Brien, 1905-1906; Miss Ella R. Squibb, 1906-1907; Mrs. E. G. Hayes, 1907-1908; Mrs. Belle S. Campbell, 1908-1909; Mrs. Henry Hodell, 1909- 1910; Mrs. Archibald Shaw, 1910-1911; Mrs. W. T. Gooden, 1911-1913; Miss Laura Ludlow, 1913-1914; Mrs. E. E. Crippen, 1914-1915, and Mrs. J. W. Riddle, 1915-1916.

ST. CECELIA MUSICALE.

The St. Cecelia Musicale, of Lawrenceburg, was promoted by Mrs. Hen- rietta Scott and organized in October, 1896, with forty active and forty-six associate members, at the home of Mrs. N. S. Given. The following were the first officers : President, Mrs. A. D. Cook; vice-president, Mrs. G. H. Mur-

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phy; secretary, Miss Elizabeth Hunter Patton; treasurer, Miss Katherine Lommel Wolfman; librarian, Miss Hattie B. Hodell; corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. Shaw; committee on plan of work, Mrs. George M. Roberts, Mrs. Henrietta Scott, Mrs. A. J. Hassmer, Miss Lydia Wuest and Mrs. E. D. Moore; membership committee, Mrs. W. H. O'Brien, Mrs. J. W. House, Miss Fannie Vanhorn Bateman. The presidents since organization have been : Mrs. A. D. Cook, 1896-1900; Mrs. E. D. Moore, 1901-1902; Mrs. H. K. James, 1903-1904; Mrs. A. D. Cook, 1905-1906; Miss Fannie Vanhorn Bate- man, 1907-1908; Mrs. A. J. Hassmer, 1909-1912; Mrs. A. D. Cook, 1913- 1915.

The present officers are: President, Miss Rose Mary Hassmer: vice- president, Miss Mayme Kunz; secretary, Mrs. Hiram Guard; treasurer. Miss Ella Lane; librarian, Miss Lucile McKim: corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. D. Cook; committee on plan of work, Miss Frances O'Brien, Mrs. A. Shaw, Miss Antoinette Hassmer, Miss Pauline Mueller, Mrs. Cornelius O'Brien; membership committee, Mrs. A. J. Hessmer, Mrs. Orlando Keller and Miss Lydia Wuest. The present membership is one hundred and thirty-five.

The St. Cecilia Musicale was organized and is being sustained to encour- age musical art in the city of Lawrenceburg and the surrounding commu- nities. A very fine and generous spirit predominates in the society. Its officers serve without compensation and such expenses as are incurred are met with dues and the proceeds of an annual entertainment. Ten free private recitals are given each year, from October to May.

Many young people have been encouraged by the St. Cecelia to begin a course in musical culture and self-improvement who have reflected great credit upon the society and Lawrenceburg. If it had not been for this organi- zation, many of these would not have so much as suspected their own talents. The cultural influence of this society is broader than musical art. It is social and intellectual.

The maintenance of such an organization in a manufacturing town, so near a large city, is one of the very few remaining monuments to the per- sistence of culture and refinement in the face of this commercial generation. Neither too much prominence nor praise can be given those who have so unselfishly and successfully kept this generous impulse alive in this community.

REVIEW CLUB.

The Review Club, of Lawrenceburg, was organized in 1896, having for its object the consideration and discussion of events and questions of the

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day, also the social and intellectual advancement of its members. The club joined the General Federation in 1899 and the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs in 1900. Mrs. S. E. Harryman was the first president and the first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Warren Tebbs. The scope of work has broadened as the years have passed and many worthy movements have received its help. The Lawrenceburg public library owes its existence to the work of this club. There is an art department and music has always received its hearty support.

Mrs. E. J. French is the present president. The past presidents are as follow : Mrs. S. E. Harryman, Mrs. W. D. H. Hunter, Mrs. W. H. Rucker, Mrs. C. W. Olcott, Miss Elizabeth Hunter, Mrs. A. Shaw, Mrs. T. H. Meek, Mrs. W. T. Gooden, Miss Ada Florence Fitch, Mrs. B. R. Smith, Mrs. Ella Crist, Mrs. Anna M. Bauer, Mrs. G. W. Fitch, Mrs. G. T. Bateman, Mrs. O. T. Ludlow, Mrs. W. L. Tebbs and Mrs. J. W. Riddle.

ORPHEUS CLUB.

The Orpheus Club, of Aurora, was organized in 1904 by Miss Margaret Wymond, with a membership of fourteen, which has increased until today it has a membership of fifty. The object of this club is "to advance and promote the culture of musical art in Aurora and the mutual improvement of its members." That the object of this organization has been realized is evidenced by the great work it has accomplished, having given concerts, operettas of a high order, and encouraged musical talent as it would never otherwise have been. The yearly programs have been genuine studies and have embraced a wide range of subjects. Belonging to the Indiana State Federation, it has taken up outside work, and the beautiful band stand in the Mary A. Stratton park was promoted by the Orpheus Club. The influ- ence of this club has been far-reaching. All good music builds character because "its constant suggestion of harmony, order and beauty puts the the mind in a normal attitude." The club has bought two pianos and is planning for the purchase of a grand piano, which will be placed in the audi- torium of the public library, where the clubs of Aurora hold their meetings. Mrs. H. H. Sutton is president of the club at this time, and is enthusiastic and efficient in promoting its interests. In the eleven years of its existence the following list of ladies have served as president : Miss Margaret Wymond, Mrs. Elizabeth Lynn, Mrs. Bert Stockman, Mrs. H. G. Maltby, Miss Anna Cosby, Mrs. H. H. Sutton.

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AURORA WOMAN'S RESEARCH CLUB.

The modern idea of history is the growth and development of public opinion, which finally manifests itself in deeds. From that point of view the women's clubs of Dearborn county have been no unimportant factors in moulding opinions which have resulted in noble deeds, and their influence has been recognized and appreciated.

The Aurora Woman's Research Club was organized under the most favorable conditions, and to speak of its past without reference to the Bible Society from which it sprang, would be to omit its very foundation stones. The Bible Society was organized in 1892 and finished the prescribed course of study in 1895. The following spring, 1896, the Aurora Woman's Research Club was organized. The one woman who has most impressed her individ- uality upon this club, the one woman to whom is due the credit of this strong. compact organization, is the late Mrs. Mary A. Stratton, the president of the Bible Society, and the first president of the Aurora Woman's Research Club. Perhaps no one of the present generation did more for the intellectual and social uplift of the community than Mrs. Stratton, and her devotion to this club made the early years so beautiful with her words of cheer and encouragement, that the "words of her mouth" and the law of harmony bequeathed by her, remained strong characteristics of the organization. The object of the club was to promote literary and social culture of its mem- bers, but very early in its history it began to take up outside work. The beau- tiful park. Mary A. Stratton Park, named after the first president. is the work of this club, in which a waste plain was reclaimed and made beautiful. Through its departments it is doing each year some work for the benefit of the community. The educational department has been a help to the library; the domestic department has given liberally to the domestic science depart- ment of the Aurora high school, and the municipal department has inaugu- rated "clean-up" days and instituted several reforms.

Organized in 1896, the club affiliated with the I. U. L. C., in 1899. Later, it affiliated with the Indiana Federation and in 1912 affiliated with the General Federation. In the nineteen years there have been seven presi- dents, all of whom have left their impress on the growth of the club. They are as follow : Mrs. Mary A. Stratton, 1896-1903 : Miss Georgiana Sutton. 1903- 1906: Mrs. M. Emma Cobb, 1906-1908; Mrs. Louise Davis, 1908-1910: Mrs. Lucie Backman. 1910-1912; Mrs. Louise Stark, 1912-1914: Mrs. Esther Kassebaum, 1914-1916.

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History of Dearborn County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 46

Author: Archibald Shaw Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1123

Author: Archibald Shaw
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1123