USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Past and present of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 35
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The following high schools have grown up since the seventies: Sugar Grove, O'Dell, Romney, Dayton, Wea, West Point, Montmorenci, Monitor, Hebron, Battle Ground, Buck Creek and Colburn. The efficiency of these schools has been materially assisted by consolidating district schools.
The closing of the Shigley school in Washington township in 1908 made that township the first completely consolidated school township in the county. Now Americus has a two-room building, Colburn a three-room building, two rooms of which are used, and Buck Creek a four-room building, all of which rooms are in use.
Lauramie and Randolph townships have each one district school, Monroe and South Raub, respectively. Randolph cares for all other pupils at the Romney grade and high school, where six teachers are employed. Lauramie has three large graded schools-Gladden's Corner, a non-certified school ; Clark's Hill and Stockwell, each with a commissioned high school. Wea township has only three district schools. The graded and high schools care for all other pupils of the township.
The law of 1907 relative to high schools has made marked difference in the above high schools. Sugar Grove, Colburn and Hebron have been closed as high schools and eight of the strongest have become commissioned or certified schools, under the inspection of the state board of education and the county superintendent.
Following is a list of these schools: Commissioned-Clark's Hill, Day- ton, Romney and Stockwell; certified-Battle Ground, Monitor, Montmo- renci and West Point. Lafayette and West Lafayette high schools belong to the former class.
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NUMBER AND KIND OF SCHOOL HOUSES.
In 1874 there were one stone, twenty-two brick, one hundred and ten frame and one log school house in the county.
In 1882 the county superintendent's report shows a total of one hundred and forty-nine schools, thirty-seven of which were brick and one hundred and eleven frame.
In 1886 there were forty brick and one hundred and eight frame, a total of one hundred and forty-eight school-houses.
The records of 1898 show that there were sixty-six brick and eighty-six frame buildings in the county. A total of one hundred and fifty-two, perhaps the largest that has ever been in use in the county.
About this time the abandonment of small schools began. In 1902 there were one hundred and forty-four school-houses in the county, one stone, seventy-five brick and sixty-eight frame.
In 1902 the number had fallen to one hundred and forty-four, and in 1904 to one hundred and twenty-one-sixty brick and sixty-one frame, and in 1906 there were one hundred and ten. The report of 1908 shows one hundred and seven school-houses in the county.
The reaction against the closing of small schools came in the legislature of 1909, and it remains to be seen how far it will influence the return to the district school.
THE LIBRARY.
Very early in the history of the county the county and township libraries came into use. They were patronized generally. People in those days rode miles to the library on horseback to borrow two books. When the whole family had finished those another supply was laid in. Many of these town- ship libraries have found their way into district schools. And though the volumes generally were in library binding, they have been succeeded by other volumes more attractive in form and substance. No district school today is without its own library. Teachers give entertainments in the form of socials or recitations for which small fees are charged. These funds are put into books for the use of the children and parents.
TEACHERS' READING CIRCLE.
At the suggestion of W. A. Bell, the State Teachers' Association of 1883 appointed a board of directors and organized the Indiana Teachers'
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Reading Circle. The purpose was the improvement of the teachers of the state. The subjects of study are professional and literary. The first books of the course were Brooks' Mental Science, Barnes' General History and Parker's Talks on Teaching. The circle has been in operation in Tippecanoe county since its inception and has been a means of culture and of elevating the standard of every-day school work.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S READING CIRCLE.
In 1887 W .E. Bailey. superintendent of Marshall county, suggested to the county superintendents in session at Indianapolis that the Reading Circle should be extended to the children. The Teachers' Association of that year voted to give the management of that circle to the directors of the Teachers' Reading Circle. Since that date the best of books have been furnished to teachers and pupils at reduced prices. The movement has, in large measure, taken the place of the township libraries. Incalculable good has come from this source.
ATTENDANCE.
The enrollment in Tippecanoe county by decades, beginning 1861, is as follows :
1861, four thousand nine hundred and fifty-one; 1871, seven thousand eight hundred and fifteen ; 1881, eight thousand four hundred and sixty-nine; 1891, eight thousand one hundred and seventy-one; 1901, eight thousand two hundred and sixty-two.
Enrollment in county for 1908:
Fairfield township, two hundred and forty-five; Jackson township, one hundred and eighty-two: Lanramie township, five hundred and ten; Perry township, two hundred and twenty-three; Randolph township, one hundred and seventy-five; Sheffield township, two hundred and thirty-five; Shelby township, two hundred and ninety-seven ; Tippecanoe township, four hundred and thirty-seven ; Union township, seventy-five; Wabash township, two hundred and fifty; Washington township, two hundred and twenty; Wayne township, two hundred and fifty-three; Wea township, two hundred and six ; West Lafayette, six hundred and two; Lafayette, three thousand five hundred and fifteen.
COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
Compulsory education was established in Indiana by the legislature of 1901. The first truant officer was W. D. Robinson of Lafayette. A com-
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parison of the enumeration reports of 1900 to 1908 and the total enrollment in the schools of the county for the same period shows no advantage arising from compulsory education. But such a comparison is not just, for the en- rollment should be compared with the enumeration of those persons between six and fourteen, the compulsory age. Since we have no such item in our reports we cannot say statistically that compulsory education has increased the attendance at school. But observation of individual cases and remarks from school officials show that illiteracy is on the decrease and attendance at school on the increase.
THE TEACHER.
The school teacher has always had a problem to face: How to make one dollar of salary pay a two-dollar grocery bill. The salary, until recent years, was a matter of mutual agreement with no legal fixed standard. The twentieth century has given him material consideration. The legislature of 1901 provided that two and one-half cents multiplied by the general average of the teacher's license should be the per diem of the teacher. Under this minimum law it was possible to make from one dollar, sixty-two and one-half cents to two dollars, thirty-seven and one-half cents per day.
In 1903 two and one-fourth, two and one-half and two and three-fourths cents were made the multiplicands for beginners; teachers of one and two years' experience ; and teachers of three or more years' experience, respectively. Two per cent. was added to the general average of teachers' license for five days' attendance at the county institute. This law was an improvement.
In 1907 the minimum multiplicand was changed to two and one-half, three and three and one-half cents, and certain professional and scholastic qualifications are required. This law went into effect in 1908: nineteen teach- ers prepared for their work under this law and taught during the year 1908- '09. School officials are becoming more liberal than they were under the first and second minimum wage laws. Trustees do not consider the law the maxi- innim and are paying teachers more liberally. High school teachers are not paid by what their licenses call for, but are started at from sixty-five to seventy- five dollars per monthi. The superintendents of our town schools are paid from ninety dollars to one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
There were in the county last year-1908-two hundred and forty teachers, of which fifty-eight were male and one hundred and eighty-two female.
In 1907 there were thirteen teachers holding six-months' licenses ; sixty- six holding twelve-months' licenses; twenty-two with thirty-six-months'
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licenses ; twelve with higher licenses, including sixty months and life licenses. and fifty-four teaching under the exemption license.
For the year 1909 there will be seventy-one teachers with twelve months' licenses ; sixty-three with twenty-four months; seventy-two with thirty-six months; two with sixty months; ten with life state, and twenty-three exemptions.
It will be seen that the law has affected the exemption licenses very materially by decreasing the number of those teaching under that license. It will also be observed that the mimber of those teaching under a three- years' license has increased greatly.
COUNTY INSTITUTE.
The county institute was established in 1865. It was to be held five days in each year. If there were twenty-five teachers in attendance the county auditor was authorized to draw his warrant on the treasurer of the county for twenty-five dollars to help defray the expenses of the instruction.
In 1901 the act of 1865 was amended so that if twenty-five teachers were in attendance thirty-five dollars could be drawn from the county treasurer ; if forty were in attendance, fifty dollars; and an attendance of seventy-five would draw one hundred dollars.
In 1907 the legislature provided that the auditor should draw his war- rant upon the treasurer for one hundred dollars for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the county institute regardless of the number of teachers in attendance.
The county institute was held in connection with the Lafayette Chau- tauqua for the years 1906 to 1908, inclusive, and proved to be very popular with the teachers.
THE TOWNSHIP INSTITUTE.
The year that the office of county superintendent was established marks the beginning of the township institute. At least one Saturday in each month during the session of the schools shall be devoted to a township institute, or model school for the improvement of teachers, and two Saturdays may be set aside for this purpose at the discretion of the township trustee. The in- stitute was presided over by a teacher or other person appointed by the trustee.
In 1889 the law placed a penalty upon teachers for non-attendance. or
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non-performance of duty. Another act of the same year makes the county superintendent chairman when present.
In connection with this institution has grown up the Teachers' Reading Circle. This set of books is selected annually by a board selected by the State Teachers' Association. The course comprises usually a professional book and a general culture subject. Much good has grown out of a study of these books, though the township with few teachers finds it as difficult to be enthusiastic as does the small school.
During the school year 1908-'09 an effort was made to overcome the objection to the institute in small townships. The teachers of seven town- ships met in the assembly room of the Lafayette high school once a month for institute purposes. Prof. G. L. Roberts, head of the educational depart- ment of Purdue University, led the sixty-three teachers in the discussion of the problems presented by Gilbert's "The School and Its Life." Dr. T. F. Moran discussed with the teachers the "Theory and the Practice of the English Government." The opinion of the sixty-three is that this plan is a success. The proximity to the city of Union, Wabash, Fairfield and Wea townships made the way easy for the teachers of these townships. The Ft. Wayne and the Indianapolis Traction lines made travel to and from the city an easy matter for teachers living in Washington and Sheffield town- ships. The teachers of Perry township drove in for the love of the work.
EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE.
In 1829 the congressional township was provided with three trustees elected for one year at the September election. These members appointed a clerk. The duties of the trustees were to divide their congressional town- ship school lands into convenient sizes for sale and set a minimum price, not less than a dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. It was the duty of the school commissioner to sell the lands thus divided to the highest bidder.
In 1833 three district trustees were provided by law. These men managed the school business of the districts.
The law of 1838 provided that the civil township should have three township trustees, selected for a term of three years, one elected each year. These appointed a clerk and a treasurer. These officers were to build roads and care for them, and divide the township into school districts. There were in each school district three district trustees whose duty it was to examine and employ teachers. In 1849 one district trustee was provided for each school district in place of three. His duties were practically those of the
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WILLIAM S-PECKHAM 1894-1897
BARNEY SPITZNAGLE . 1890- 1895
H-H-LANCASTER 1887-1890
WALTER E.DOOLITTLE 1891 - 18.94
THOSA-STUART 1889-1892
WILLIAM E.BEACH 1895-1901
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MEMBERS BOARD OF EDUCATION
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WILLIAM S.WALKER 1892-95 - 1900-06
FRANCIS JOHNSON 1096 - 1905
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WILLIAM F.FREY 1901 - 1907
E.V.BURT- 1905 -1908
MEMBERS BOARD OF EDUCATION
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three. He was paid seventy-five cents per day, as were also the township trustees.
In 1859 the "civil township was declared a school township," and "the trustee for such a township shall be trustee, treasurer and clerk." It was this law which created the present township trustee, though subsequent legislation has added much to his list of duties and largely increased his power.
In 1865 the voters of a school district met the first Saturday in October and elected one director. The duties of this official were to call meetings of the district voters, and preside. The meeting could appoint the teacher for the district; determine the branches to be taught in addition to the common branches provided by law, and could set the term of the school under two limitations. The power of employing and paying teachers belonged to the township trustee.
In 1873 the district meeting with the director lost the power of appoint- ing the teacher. This duty fell into the hands of the township trustee. From this time to the present the office of director has gradually fallen into disuse and the duties of that office generally devolve upon the township trustee.
In 1883 the legislature placed some limitations upon the trustee's power in employing teachers which were removed by the act of 1901. Under this act, although the advisory board since 1899 has limited his power in two di- rections, viz., tax levies and the number of days he may be employed as trustee, the trustee is in complete control of the schools of his township. He makes the concession of asking patrons, while taking the enumeration, what their preferences are, if any, and thus has a guide in selecting his teachers for the next year. This custom has grown out of the directors' meet- ings and taken their place.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
The county board of education was authorized by the statute of 1877. It is composed of the trustees of the townships, presidents of Lafayette and West Lafayette school boards, and the county superintendent is chairman. In practice the presidents of the school boards do not meet with the other members of the board of education for the county. Reasons are obvious. The board meets in May and September. Its duties are in general to con- sider the school interests of the county in general, except Lafayette and West Lafayette. It adopts text books for high schools and appoints a truant officer annually.
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EVOLUTION OF THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT.
As early as 1834 the judge of the circuit court was empowered to ap- point three school examiners whose duty should be the examination of teach- ers. No record of such an appointment exists.
The legislature of 1837 passed a law of forty pages in length setting forth the organization of the public schools of the congressional townships. The subjects to be taught were reading, writing and arithmetic. There were provided a school commissioner, elected; three examiners, appointed; three township trustees and three district trustees to be elected.
The township trustees collected from the school commissioners twice per year, money due their congressional township. The teachers reported to the district treasurer every person entitled to school revenue based on the attendance.
The district treasurer drew on the township treasurer and paid to the patrons, or the teacher, their respective revenue. In the former case, the patrons paid the teacher. The officers were paid in fees or were exempt from military service.
The law of 1838 was as lengthy as that of '37, and with but few changes in its essential nature, so that the present common school system may be said to have started with the statute of 1837. This law provided for the appoint- ment of three school examiners in each county for a term of one year. The appointment was made by the circuit judge. Their duty was to examine teachers and certify to the district trustees the subjects which the applicant was competent to teach. The same statute provided that the distric trustees, three in each school district. might also examine the teachers prior to employ- ing them. But a careful examination of the court records from 1838 to 1853 shows that no such appointment was made by the judge. The reason probably lies in the fact that the district trustees were adjudged competent to discharge the duties of the school examiners, thereby saving any unnecessary expense. Mr. B. Wilson Smith taught in the county in 1850 and IS51, and was not examined. This is an evidence of no examiner for the county. It also shows that the district trustees did not examine teachers. The law of 1853 provided that on the first Monday of March the county commissioners should appoint at least one nor more than three school examiners for each county for a term of one year. The fact that the commissioners did not make this appointment until September 7, 1853. seems to indicate that there had been no officer of the kind in Tippecanoe county prior to that date. On this date
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Johnson Gregory of Americus, John M. LaRue, LaFayette, and Jolin Lever- ing, Romney, were appointed to the office of examiner. On March 14, 1854, and March 12, 1855, these gentlemen were reappointed.
The statute of 1855 required three examiners to be appointed for a period of one year. This the commissioners of Tippecanoe had done; hence the law made no change for this county.
March 10, 1856, O. P. C. Evans, of Corwin, John LaRue and Johnson Gregory were made examiners.
March 9, 1857. Zebulon M. P. Hand, the father of Helen Hand of the Lafayette high school. O. P. C. Evans and Johnson Gregory were the ap- pointees.
March 9, 1858, Z. M. P. Hand, George Price, of Battle Ground, and William S. V. Hall, of West Point, were appointed.
March 10, 1859, Z. M. P. Hand, C. H. Weaver and A. J. Carter were the examiners. Mr. Carter is a citizen of Dayton.
March 14, 1860, Z. M. P. Hand, George W. Price and James K. Kiser were made examiners.
No records remain of the work of these examiners except in the memory of the oldest citizens of the county. From the statute we know that the sub- jects in which teachers were examined were orthography, writing, reading, arithmetic, geography and English grammar. Licenses were issued for six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months.
The statute of 1855 provided a fee of fifty cents for the examiner. His duty was nothing more than that of an oral examination of teachers. The school term was three months or sixty-five days of six hours.
The acts of 1861 provided for a "school examiner" who should be appointed at the June session of the commissioners for three years. Under this statute the questions were to be printed or written and the answers were to be in writing. Licenses were to be granted for six, twelve. eighteen and twenty-four months. A fee of one dollar was charged each male, and fifty cents each female applicant. The examiner might revoke licenses for causes similar to those in effect today. He should visit the schools. He was required to hold an examination at least once in three months after notice. He was paid a "reasonable and just per diem" by the order of the county commis- sioners.
The records of the commissioners' court show that on June 11, 1861, Benjamin Gonzales. of Battle Ground. was appointed examiner for three years.
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W. H. Schuyler was appointed June 15, 1864, for three years. But the act of 1865 provided that the county commissioners should appoint at its June session, 1865, and every three years thereafter, a school examiner. And, true to the statute, the commissioners appointed, on June 15, 1865, C. P. Jennings, school examiner. On the 12th day of March, 1867, the examiner resigned and Henry L. Dakin was appointed on March 13th to fill the unex- pired term. This gentleman was re-appointed at the end of the term for three years.
On June 23, 1871, J. E. Matthews was appointed. This was the last examiner appointed for Tippecanoe county. The examiners since '65 were paid a per diem of three dollars. The examination fee was uniformly one dollar. It was under the act of 1865 that physiology and United States his- tory were added to the course of study.
The legislature of 1873 abolished the office of school examiner and cre- ated the office of "county superintendent." The act provided that the town- ship trustees shall elect on the first Monday in June biennially a county super- intendent. The superintendent was to hold one examination in each month. As Mr. Matthews was the last examiner, so was he the first county superin- tendent. But in August, 1874, this gentleman resigned and W. H. Calkins was elected to his place. This gentleman held the office until February 3, 1890, when he resigned and was succeeded by J. M. Sullins. Mr. Sullins served until June, 1899.
Under the statute of 1873 the county superintendent was paid a per diem of four dollars.
The legislature of 1899 extended the term of office to four years, and in 1905 the per diem was raised to four dollars and fifty cents for days actually employed.
E. C. Crider succeeded Mr. Sullins and himself, serving the school inter- est of the county for eight years.
On the first Monday in June, at 10 o'clock, 1907, the trustees elected Brainard Hooker, then principal of the West Lafayette high school, to the office of county superintendent.
THE DUTIES OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT ARE NUMEROUS.
The county superintendent was given large duties by the text book law of 1889. He makes the requisitions for all books used in the county ; he is the bookkeeper for each of the school book contractors; and he collects from each corporation handling the books as well as from the various dealers in
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the city. For this heavy task he is required to give bond for five thousand dollars ; pay for the same and receive no compensation for his services as school book commissioner. But a recent act of the legislature is relieving. as the contracts expire, the superintendent of all these duties except the matter of making requisitions. The duty of appointing a county depository to handle the texts under the new law devolves upon the superintendent.
The county superintendent shall have the general superintendence of the schools of his county. He shall attend each township institute at least once in each school year and as often thereafter as possible, and preside over and conduct its exercises. He shall visit schools while they are in session for the purpose of increasing their usefulness and elevating, as far as practicable, the poor schools to the standard of the best. He shall conduct teachers' institutes and encourage other like associations and shall labor, in every prac- ticable way, to elevate the standard of teaching and to improve the condition of the schools of his county. In all controversies of a general nature arising under the school law, the decision of the county superintendent shall first be obtained ; and then an appeal, except on local questions relating to the legality of school meetings, establishment of schools, and the location, building. repair or removal of schoolhouses. or transfer of persons for school purposes and resignation and dismissal of teachers, may be taken from his decision to the state superintendent of public instruction on a written statement of facts, certified to by such county superintendent. He shall at all times carry out the orders and instructions of the state board of education and the state superintendent of public instruction. The same legislature that enumerated the above duties of the county superintendent also relieved him of the super- vision of cities and towns with superintendents.
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