USA > Michigan > Cass County > A twentieth century history of Cass County, Michigan > Part 23
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
sacrifices in this direction were in many cases surprising." Long after the formation of the state government in 1837 the schools of Cass county fitted very closely the descriptions given by Judge Cooley of the territorial schools.
Michigan owes a large debt of gratitude to Isaac C. Crary and John D. Pierce. More than any other two men, they were instrumental in laying the foundations of her educational system, and in giving direc- tion to its early development.
Mr. Crary was a member of the constitutional convention of 1835, and was appointed chairman of the committee on education. The com- mittee reported an article on education which was adopted by the con- vention almost without debate. This article provided for a system of education very similar to what we now have.
In the constitutional convention of 1850, Mr. Crary and Mr. Pierce were both members from Calhoun county. Mr. Pierce was a member of the committee on education. An article was finally adopted provid- ing for our present system of education. but not without some very ex- tended and serious debates.
The question of free schools was earnestly debated, and the de- bates revealed a wide diversity of views. The discussions upon this topic were long and earnest, and resulted in the compromise which pro- vided for a free school in each district for three months each year. The limit of three months was unsatisfactory to the friends of free schools, but they accepted it on the principle that "half a loaf is better than no bread at all."
It is impossible in this article to enter into a full discussion of every section of the constitution on education. Section one states that "the superintendent of public instruction shall have the general super- vision of public instruction, and his duties shall be prescribed by law."
John D. Pierce was appointed the first superintendent of public instruction by Governor Mason July 26. 1836. At the session of the legislature held in January, 1837, he reported a system of common schools, and a plan for a university and its branches. The plan has undergone many changes since then, but the fundamental principles remain practically the same.
Mr. Pierce gave a long and very complete report to the first legis- lature. As a basis for the recommendations which he proposed to make. he began by calling attention to the vital importance of knowledge and virtue as the "broad and permanent foundations of a free state."
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
In regard to the importance of education he said: "In an educated and virtuous community there is safety; the rights of individuals are regarded and property is respected and secure. It may be assumed as a fundamental principle in our form of government that knowledge is an element so essential to its existence and vigorous action that we can have no rational hope of its perpetuation unless it is generally diffused." He emphasized especially the value and importance of elementary edu- cation for the great mass of the people. "Universities may be highly important and academies of great utility, but primary schools are the main dependence. National liberty, sound morals and education must stand or fall together. Common schools are democratic in their nature and influence ; they tend to unify society ; in them the rich and the poor come together on terms of perfect equality.
"Let free schools be established and maintained in perpetuity and there can be no such thing as a permanent aristocracy in our land; for the monopoly of wealth is powerless where mind is allowed freely to come in contact with mind. We need wisdom, and prudence, and fore- sight in our councils; fixedness of purpose, integrity and uprightness of heart in our rulers : unwavering attachment to the rights of men among all people ; but these high attributes of a noble patriotism, these essential elements of civilization and improvement will disappear when schools shall cease to exert an all-pervading influence through the length and breadth of our land."
A primary school system was soon organized. The unit of this system was, as it still is, the subdivision of the township known as the school district, and not to exceed nine sections or one-fourth of a town- ship. This limit was not removed until 1901. The school district was made practically almost independent in the management of its educa- tional affairs. As the law now stands, the officers are the moderator, treasurer and director, all elected for three years.
In the upper peninstila an entire township may be organized into one district, with a board of education consisting of five members. In the township district's there may be any number of schools. The object of the township unit system was to bring all lands of a township under taxation for school purposes.
School districts may now be consolidated into one district by the consent of a majority of the resident taxpayers of each district.
School districts when consolidated, may levy taxes for the pur- pose of transporting pupils to and from school within the boundaries
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of the district and may use the funds arising from the one mill tax for the same purpose. The law for the consolidation of school dis- tricts was enacted in 1903. Since then there have been a few cases of consolidation. There have been nine cases of the consolidation of two districts and four cases where three or more districts have been con- solidated. The counties where consolidation has been tried are St. Clair, Wayne, Genesee, Kent, Isabella, Marquette, Emmet, Macomb, Kalamazoo and Charlevoix.
The legislature of 1901 enacted a law by which township high schools may be organized. Only pupils who have passed the eightli grade can be admitted to those schools. There have been 110 suchi schools organized up to this time, but the matter has been under con- sideration in several counties.
One of the provisions with which the early settlers became 1111- willingly familiar was the famous "rate bill" law, passed in 1843. which provided that the patrons of each school might raise the funds necessary to continue the school through the term. The parents or guardians of the children were assessed a tax in proportion to the time such children attended school. This rate bill was made out by the teacher at the close of each term, and the amount distributed among the patrons. The law did not work well, for the poor parents or those indifferent to education would send to school as long as the public funds lasted, and when the rate hill set in would take their children out. Primary education thus became a question of ability to pay for it. and the fundamental principle of popular education was threatened. Never- theless, despite the inequality, the rate bill law was not repealed until 1869.
CERTIFICATES OF TEACHERS.
Under the provisions of the first school law of the state the town- ship school inspectors were the examining and supervising board of the township. They were required to examine all persons proposing to teach in the public schools "in regard to moral character, learning and ability to teach school." At first the certificates were valid for one year. An amendment to the law in 1859 allowed the inspectors, in their discretion, to grant certificates for a term of not less than six months nor more than two years. Until the passage of the act creating the office of county superintendent in 1867, all examinations of teachers of all grades, and all supervision of the common schools were made by the township boards of school inspectors. This system of certifica-
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
tion and supervision continued for thirty years. It had many weak points, and was pronounced a failure by the state superintendent in his report for 1866.
In 1867 the legislature passed an act creating the office of county superintendent of schools. The law provided for the election of the superintendents, for a term of two years, by vote of the people at the .April election. The county superintendents held examinations in each township at least once a year, and granted three grades of certificates. The first grade was valid for two years; the second for one year; and the third for six months.
The extent of the examination was left to the discretion of the superintendent, with only the proviso that it must include orthography, reading, writing, grammar, geography and arithmetic.
In 1875 the legislature repealed the county superintendency act and submitted a system of township superintendents, differing only a little from the discarded and worthless plan of township inspectors. The township superintendent's duties were very similar to those of the county superintendent, in the holding of examinations, and granting certificates.
A new law, enacted in 1881. attempted to combine county exami- nations with township supervision. The law provided for a county board of three examiners elected by the chairman of the boards of school inspectors, for a term of three years. This board examined the teachers of the county and gave three grades of certificates, the first grade valid for three years; the second for two years: the third for one year, throughout the county. The chairman of the board of school inspectors was made supervisor of the schools of his township with the ordinary duties and powers pertaining to that position.
In 188; this law was revised and amended. Under this new law two county examiners were chosen for a term of two years, by the chairman of the township boards of inspectors. These two with the judge of probate, appointed and employed a secretary for the term of one year. The secretary examined candidates for positions as teachers, and the other members of the board acted with him in granting certificates. The examination questions were to be furnished by the superintendent of public instruction. In 1881 theory and art of teaching, history of the United States, and civil government had been added to the studies in which examinations must be made. In 1887 physiology and hygiene were also included.
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The secretary was required to visit each school in the county at least once in the year, and to perform all the usual duties of a supervis- ing officer.
In 1891 an act was passed providing for county commissioners of schools and two county examiners.
Until 1903 commissioners were elected on the first Monday of April for a term of two years; since then they are elected for four years. The commissioner is a county superintendent with a different title, and is charged with the duty of supervising the schools of the county.
Two school examiners are elected by the county board of super- visors for a term of two years. The examiners assist the commissioner in conducting examinations.
Three grades of certificates are granted. The first grade is valid for four years, the second grade for three years, and the third grade for one year.
All questions for examination are prepared and furnished by the state superintendent. Certificates may be renewed without examination under certain circumstances, and the examiners in one county may accept examination papers written in another county and treat them as if written before themselves.
The State Board of Education conducts examinations every year and grants teachers' certificates valid for life, or until revoked by the board.
The Normal College at Ypsilanti, and the normal schools at Alt. Pleasant, Marquette and Kalamazoo, grant limited and life certificates to their respective graduates.
The State Board of Education also grants limited and life certifi- cates, without examination, to graduates of such colleges of the state as comply with certain prescribed conditions in respect to courses of study and instruction.
In 1891 authority was granted by the legislature to the faculty of the department of literature. science and the arts of the University, to give a legal certificate of qualification to teach in any of the schools of the state.
In incorporated cities the superintendent and board of education are empowered to examine their teachers and grant certificates.
Graduates of county normal training classes are granted certifi- cates, which are valid for three years.
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
SCHIOOL FUNDS.
The moneys used for the support of the common schools are, the interest from the primary interest fund, the one-mill tax, the unappro- priated dog tax, library moneys which are appropriated by the township board for school purposes, the tuition of non-resident pupils and the voted tax in the district. The primary money can be used for no other purpose than the payment of the wages of legally qualified teachers and only by districts in which five months of school were maintained during the last preceding year.
The supervisor assesses upon the taxable property of his town- ship one mill upon each dollar of valuation. This tax is paid over to the treasurers of the several school districts.
The qualified voters may levy a tax for general school purposes. When a tax is voted. it is reported to the supervisor who assesses it on the taxable property of the district.
Whenever the unappropriated dog tax in any township is over and above the sum of one hundred dollars, it is apportioned among the several school districts of such township or city in proportion to the number of children of school age. The primary money in 1845 was twenty-eight cents a scholar. There was a slow increase per capita until 1880, when it was forty-seven cents a scholar. After 1880 a portion of all specific state taxes, except those received from the mining com- panies of the upper peninsula, were applied in paying the interest upon the primary school fund. Since then there has been a steady increase. In 1881 it was $1.06; 1890. $1.33: 1900, $2.15: 1905, $3.30. On account of the back taxes on railroads paid during the year 1906 the primary money for the October semi-annual apportionment is esti- mated at Șio per capita.
SECONDARY EDUCATION-HIGH SCHOOLS.
In the first school law no provision was made for the union of districts or for the grading of schools, and no law was made authorizing the consolidation of districts to form union schools until 1846. The first graded school was established at Flint in 1846. From 1846 to 1860 there were twenty-seven graded schools established in the state. Cassopolis and Dowagiac established graded schools in 1857. In 1860 Detroit reported a high school with a single teacher and an average attendance of thirty-seven pupils.
The first constitution of the state provided for the establishment
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of branches of the university. These branches were to serve a three- fold purpose, provide for local needs, fit students for the university, and prepare teachers for the primary schools. Branches were estab- lished at Pontiac, Monroe, Niles, Tecumseh, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Romeo and White Pigeon. These branches were supported by appro- priations made by the regents of the university.
After graded schools began to be established in 1846, the Univer- sity branches went into disfavor. and they ceased to exist after 1849. High schools then became the connecting link between the university and the ordinary common schools.
Cass county has five graded schools, three of which are on the university list. Dowagiac. Cassopolis and Marcellus high school grad- uates may enter the state university without entrance examinations.
The Dowagiac schools employ thirty teachers, Cassopolis nine, Marcellus seven, Vandalia four, Edwardsburg four.
CASS COUNTY SCHOOLS.
Schools were soon established in Cass county by the early set- tlers. Whenever a settlement was formed, arrangements were soon inade for the education of the children. The first school in the county was taught in 1828 in the western part of what is now Pokagon town- ship. The first school in the limits of La Grange township was taught in 1830, Penn 1830, Ontwa 1829 or 1830, Volinia 1832 or 1833, Por- ter 1838 or 1839, Wayne 1835. Howard 1833. Milton 1831 or 1832. Jefferson 1833, Calvin 1834, Marcellus 1840, Mason 1836. The date of the building of the first school house in Silver Creek was 1838 or 1839, and Newberg 1837. Schools may have been taught before the school houses were built, but if so the fact is unobtainable at this time.
There are at the present time one hundred and fourteen organized school districts in the county, in which are employed one hundred and fifty-seven teachers. The total wages paid to teachers in 1905 was $48,901.86. of which men teachers received $14,003.91 and women teachers received $3,897.95.
The average monthly wages paid men teachers was $46.83, and women teachers received an average wage of $33.43 a month.
The legislature of 1903 enacted a law permitting the establish- ment of county normal training classes for teachers of rural schools. In accordance with that law a class was organized and conducted in connection with the Dowagiac city schools during the year 1905-1906.
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A class of fourteen was graduated June 18, 1906. The graduates were : Fred J. H. Fricke, F. Ethel Wooster, N. Beryl Van Antwerp, Lillie Elaine Pray, Mary F. Sweetland, Bernice E. Williams, Ethel Eugenia Woodin, Agnes Straub, Jennie May Easton, Claribel Morton, Ray Murphy, Grace Aseneth East, John Alfred Norton, Mabel Cook.
Graduates of county normal training classes are granted three- year certificates which may be renewed in the county where received, or they may be transferred to other counties.
The pupils of the eighth grade in the rural schools are examined each year upon questions which are furnished by the state superintend- ent. Those who pass are granted diplomas by the county commissioner. These diplomas will admit those who hold them to high schools and the Agricultural College without examination.
SUPERVISION OF SCHOOLS.
From 1837 to 1867 the common schools were under the supervision and management of the township boards of school inspectors. Then the legislature created the office of county superintendent of schools. The first county superintendent of schools for Cass county was Chauncy L. Whitney, who was elected April 1, 1867. The term of office was two years. Mr. Whitney resigned the position in the fall of the same year, and Rev. Albert H. Gaston was appointed to fill the vacancy. In 1860 Irving Clendenen was elected, and in 1871 Lewis P. Rinehart. Samuel Johnson was chosen in 1873 and filled the office until it was abolished in 1875.
From 1875 to 1881 the schools were under the supervision of town- ship superintendents. In 1881 the legislature enacted a law which provided for a county hoard of school examiners. This board con- sisted of three members and were elected for three years by the chair- man of the township hoard of school inspectors.
The county board of school examiners on organization elected one of their number chairman and one secretary. The secretary was the executive officer of the board. The following are the boards of ex- aminers under this act :
1881-1882: E. M. Stephenson, secretary, I year : Michael Pember- ton, chairman, 2 years ; Daniel B. Ferris, 3 years.
1882-1883: Michael Pemberton, secretary, I year: Daniel B. Fer- ris, chairman, 2 years ; Charles \. Mosher, 3 years.
1883-1884: Daniel B. Ferris, secretary, 1 year ; Charles A. Mosher, chairman, 2 years : Michael Pemberton. 3 years.
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1884-1885 : Charles A\. Mosher, secretary, I year; Michael Pember- ton, chairman, 2 years ; Ralph W. Hain, 3 years.
1885-1886 : Michael Pemberton, secretary, I year ; Ralph W. Hain, chairman, 2 years ; Charles A. Mosher, 3 years.
1886-1887: Ralph W. Hain, secretary, 1 year; Charles A. Mosher, chairman, 2 years; Michael Pemberton, 3 years.
In 1887 the law was revised and amended. Two county examin- ers were chosen for a term of two years, by the chairmien of the township boards of school inspectors. These two examiners with the judge of probate, appointed and employed a secretary for the term of one year, who became ex-officio a member of the county board and its executive officer. The secretary visited all the schools in the county and received a salary of $800 per annum.
The following are the boards of county examiners under this act : 1887-1888: Frank S. Hall, secretary, I year: Charles A. Mosher, chairman. 1 year; Michael Pemberton, 2 years.
1888-1889: Daniel B. Ferris, secretary, 1 year; Michael Pem- berton, chairman, 1 year : William W. Chalmers, 2 years.
March 1, 1889. Daniel B. Ferris resigned and George W. Gard was appointed to fill the vacancy.
1889-1890: George W. Gard, secretary, I year: William W. Chal- mers, chairman. I year : Edmund Schoetzow, 2 years.
1890-1891: Michael Pemberton. secretary, 1 year; Edmund Schoetzow, chairman, I year; Miss Hattie Graham, 2 years.
In the year 1891 an act was passed providing for county commis- sioners of schools and two county examiners, the three to constitute a county board for the examination of teachers. The county com- missioner was to be chosen by the people at the election on the first Monday in April, for the term of two years. In 1903 the act was amended and thereafter the commissioner was to be elected for a term of four years. To be eligible to the office of commissioner a person must have had an experience of twelve months as a teacher in the public schools of the state, must be a graduate of the literary department of some reputable college. university or state normal school having a course of at least three years, or hold a state teacher's certificate, or be the holder of a first grade county certificate; but this last certificate qualifies the holder only in the county where it is granted. In counties having less than fifty districts a second grade certificate qualifies the holder.
The two school examiners are elected by the county board of super-
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visors for a term of two years. Any person is eligible to the office of examiner who has the qualifications required for a commissioner, or who has taught in the public schools nine months and holds, or has held within three years, a second grade certificate.
The law of 1891 provided that the county board of supervisors should elect a commissioner to serve from June 23, 1891, until July, 1893. In accordance with this act the Cass county board of super- visors elected Michael Pemberton commissioner.
At the election held on the first Monday in April, 1893, Chester E. Cone was chosen commissioner for two years. Mr. Cone was re- elected three times, thus serving eight years.
In 1901 William H. C. Hale was elected county commissioner for the term of two years, and in 1903, the law having been changed, he was re-elected for a term of four years.
The following are the county boards of school examiners under the act of 1891 :
1891-1892: Michael Pemberton, commissioner, 2 years; Hattie Graham, examiner, 2 years; Edmund Schoetzow, examiner, 1 year.
1892-1893: Michael Pemberton, commissioner, 1 year ; George .A. Shetterley, examiner, 2 years: Hattie Graham, examiner, I year.
1893-1894: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Hattie Gra- liam, examiner, 2 years; George .\. Shetterley, examiner, I year. 1894-1805: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 1 year; Simon E. Witwer, examiner, 2 years; Hattie Graham, examiner, I year.
1895-1896: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Lemuel L. Coates, examiner, 2 years: Simon E. Witwer, examiner, 1 year.
1800-1897 : Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 1 year : Simon E. Wit- wer. examiner, 2 years; Lemuel L. Coates. examiner, I year.
1897-1898: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; Lemuel L. Coates, examiner, 2 years : Simon E. Witwer, examiner, I year.
1898-1899: Chester E. Cone, commissioner. 1 year; Frank E. Faulkner, examiner, 2 years: Lemuel L. Coates, examiner, I year. 1899-1900: Chester E. Cone, commissioner, 2 years; John Finley, examiner, 2 years: Simon E. Witwer, examiner, I year.
1900-1901 : Chester E. Cone, commissioner. I year; Clifford N. Brady, examiner, 2 years: John Finley, examiner, 1 year.
1901-1902: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 2 years; John Fin- ley, examiner, 2 years ; Clifford N. Brady, examiner, 1 year. 1902-1903 : William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 1 year ; Clifford N. Brady, examiner, 2 years: John Finley, examiner, 1 year.
1903-1904: William 11. C. Hale, commissioner, 4 years; Clifford N. Brady, examiner, I year; John Finley, examiner, 2 years.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
1904-1905: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 3 years ; Herman S. East, examiner, 2 years ; John Finley, examiner, 1 year.
1905-1906: William H. C. Hale, commissioner, 2 years; Herman S. East, examiner, [ year ; John Finley, examiner, 2 years.
Mr. Hale's term expires July 1, 1907.
Mr. East's term expires October, 1900.
Mr. Finley's term expires October, 1907.
The commissioner's salary was $1,000 per annum until October, 1905, when it was increased to $1,200. The examiners receive four dollars a day for the time spent upon examination work.
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