USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 63
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In 1841 and 1842, Miss Frances Lewis ( Mrs. Norton L. Miller) and Miss Hall (Mrs. Thomas Forster) together taught a private school in the Lewis House, only recently torn down to make way for the new Macomb County jail. Just previous to this (1840) Miss Hall (Mrs. Forster) had been teaching in the Cady District just north of Mount Clemens.
In the winter of 1841 42, Miss Zemira Hall (Mrs. Forster's sister, taught a term in the Dryer Settlement, in the township of Lenox. The schoolhouse, which was a poor old log affair. burned during the term. It must have been about 1840 or 1842 when Simon S. Hall taught -- probably in the Brown building.
Miss Delia Grosvenor (afterward Mrs. Goodman and now Mrs. Magee, wife of Rev Mr. Magee, an Episcopal clergyman, of Detroit), for a number of years, from 1840 to 1845 or 1846, taught in various places in town in the Goldby House, in the Lewis House, in the Lee House, in James Williams' shop (about on the site of Mr. Bentley's jewelry-store), in a building about on the site of Mr. T. W. Snook's store, and finally, as Mrs. Goodman. she taught in the academy. Her school was chiefly for young ladies. She was regarded as a teacher of a high order.
Miss Eliza Hillis (afterward Mrs. William Jenney), in 1842 to 1844 or 1845, taught a private school in her own house just back of Father Ryckaert's residence on Pine street, and also in the Lee House. Miss Ada Traver (Mrs. J. E. Van Eps) taught a private school in the Lee House about 1842 or 1843. Miss Harriet Allen, in 1842 or 1843, taught a private school on East street, in the house now occupied by Charles King. In 1842 or 1843, Miss Dana taught a school in the house now owned and occupied by Mr. Patton on Pine street. In 1847, Miss Hannah Brown taught a private school on Fraser street. Miss Annette Ward taught a private school in 1847. In the spring of 1850, Miss Gregory taught a private school in the Fenton House on Shelby street. The front room on the first floor was used as the school-room.
Either late in the 40's or early in the 50's, Miss Sarah Murray (now Mrs. MeDonald) taught a private school in a yellow house now standing on the site of Van Eps & Co.'s store. She also taught in a house on Shelby street near the present residence of Mrs. Axtell. About this time Miss Margaret Cook taught a private school on Macomb street. Miss Clara Fulton, in about 1849 or 1850. taught a private school in the building which stood on the site now occupied by A. Jacobi. The school was held on the second floor. At a time not far from this. Miss Vaughan, who had previously taught in the academy. taught a private school in the Mershon House, one door north of Mr. DeHate's residence. North Gratiot street. In about 1850 or 1851, Miss Mary Power (afterward Mrs. Henry Wales, recently deceased), taught in the upper story of Brehler's wagon-shop, on North Gratiot street.
In about 1840, Miss Mary Fiero taught a private school in the old tannery, formerly standing on the site of Snook & Robinson's stave-mill. She also taught, about the same time, another school in a yellow house formerly standing on the present Avery House site.
The last of the private schools, previous to 1857, of which I have any record, was taught by Miss Dr. Arnold, now of Detroit. Let me introduce to the reader Miss Arnold and permit her to speak for herself. Copy of letter received from Miss Arnold:
DETROIT, MICH., September 9. 1881.
PROF. SEARS-Sir : During the spring of 1857, the union school system of Mount Clemens was adopted, and the three districts made one. The plan met with much opposition and it was thought best to experiment a few months on the workings of the system using the old buildings before levying tax for new buildings: During the three years previous to this I had been teaching a large academic
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
school. The first year in the old academy building, the building being in a rather dilapidated con- (lition, I rented and fitted up a private building which stood directly in front of the Presbyterian Church, and continued teaching there until the spring of 1857. I then reluctantly vielded to the im- portunities of the school board to help start them off under the new organization. I taught in the building near Mr. Eldredge's residence in the rear of the Methodist Church. My brother, S. O. Arnold. taught in the lower district and a Mr. Coppernoll in the middle district, where Mr. Bingham had for a number of years taught. The older scholars of the town were almost universally my pupils in private school, hence it was thought best by the board to allow those who desired from the other distriets to at- tend my school. The result was, I had on my list over 150 pupils with one assistant. My salary was $51 per month which was thought to be generous. $23 being the highest price paid before this. I taught six months except two weeks, being released for that time, with salary paid, to enable me to start for Philadelphia in time to enter my first course of medical Jectures.
A part of the questions asked I cannot answer, but you should have no difficulty in securing the desired information and probably will not.
22 West Columbia Street.
Yours respectfully,
LUCY M. ARNOLD.
The three districts of which Miss Arnold speaks in the above letter will be discussed immediately after the history of the academy has been disposed of.
HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY.
If your historian were to attempt to write the history of the barbarous tribes of Cen- tral Africa, he could find but little less authentic record than he has been able to ascertain concerning the academy of Mt. Clemens. No one seems to know when its career began, who began it, how it was commenced. how it was afterward managed. nor what was the order in rotation of the instructors. The idea has become pretty well fixed in the histor- ian's brain, that if evolution is a natural process, it was most eminently true of the academy, viz., it began itself, run itself, and, when it run itself out, died a peaceful and natural death.
The academy building was the original Methodist Church of Mt. Clemens, lately owned by the German Church and recently torn down to make room for their present brick edifice. The building was constructed with a basement, which, for some time, was used for school purposes. It seems as far back as early in the 40's, the school was called an academy, but that title did not properly apply to it until later, probably about 1850. From an old school record, lately handed me by E. Wright Hall, and belonging to Old Dis- triet No. 1 -vet to be discussed-I find that in 1843 to 1846. District No. 1 rented the basement of the building in which to hold its district school. The building was rented of Robert Thompson. but was then owned by the Methodists. I incline to the opinion that Mr. Thompson had a lease to the building for a term of years, and that he had previously (1840-42) taught a school there. From records in the county register's office, it appears that the Methodists did not dispose of the property until 1850. It was then purchased by a corporation that styled itself the Clinton Institute. The Trustees of said institute were A. C. Smith, William Jenney, John I. Traver, John Stephens, H. H. Cady and David Shook. Probably previous to this time (1850), the schools taught in the building were private schools, except when District No. 1 rented it.
It had, however, in some way, acquired the name of academy, and that had seemed to be its designating term. but it was not nntil after 1850 that so worthy a title belonged to it. From 1850 to about 1853, the academy saw its palmiest days. After the Clinton Institute purchased the building, up to 1862 or 1863, when the Germans bought it, the property passed through several hands, being owned at one time, about 1856 or 1856, by William Jenney.
Early in the 40's (1840-42), it appears that one Robert (" Bob ") Thompson com- menced teaching in the academy building. Probably his was nothing more than an ordinary private school, he renting the building of the Methodists and teaching on his own responsi- bility. He evidently allowed considerable latitude to the wild career of his pupils, and
InSC
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, MT. CLEMENS.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
hence, when Mr. Chase afterward taught, he being a sharp disciplinarian. the boys really and truly agreed that that was " no Bob Thompson's school, but an academy."
After Prof. Chase, some of the teachers were the following: S. B. Axtell, about 1844 or 1545: Carlos Bacon. about 1845 or 1846; Mrs. Goodman, about 1846 or 1847; Justin Fuller, about 1847 or 1848: Luther Taylor, about 1848 or 1849; Nathaniel Culver, about 1849 or 1550; the Newcombs, in 1851 to 1853; Miss Dr. Arnold, in 1854-55. Mr. Chase had for assistant teachers Mrs. Forster, Miss Mary Bacon and Miss Vaughn. Mr. Chase was considered a good organizer and manager. He was so jealous of his reputation as a disciplinarian than rather to permit his honor in that regard to suffer, he would soundly flog a boy four times in a half day, one of Mt Clemens' prominent professional men being a party to the transaction. S. B. Axtell has since been prominently connected with the political affairs of New Mexico and Utah Territories, at one time being their Governor. Mrs. Goodman bas been previously mentioned in connection with the private schools of this period. Carlos Bacon besides teaching in the academy also conducted one of the dis- trict schools afterward. Justin Fulton is now a prominent Baptist clergyman of Boston (formerly of New York). Nathaniel Culver was especially esteemed by the fair sex. He was an exemplary young man, not radically strict upon discipline, but probably better liked on that account. Miss Catharine Traver (now Mrs. T. M. Crocker) and Miss Lucy Post were his assistants.
When the Newcombs conducted the academy, it saw its most prosperous days. George and Henry Newcomb, assisted by their father, Rev. Mr. Newcomb, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, were the principal teachers. They were ably seconded by Miss Catharine Traver and Miss Julia Murdock as assistants, and Miss Tregent as inusic- teacher. At this time, the school was quite well supplied with school apparatus and it partook of the nature of the seminary. The higher branches were taught, including ancient and modern languages. During this period. William Jenney, father of William Jenney, present Secretary of State, was an earnest supporter of the institution and did much to advance its interests. Henry Newcomb is now a lawyer of Ludington and George Newcomb a lawyer at East Saginaw.
Miss Arnold afterward used the academy building for a year, but her school was a private one. The Newcombs were the last teachers of the academy. Its light went out in darkness, and, as it apparently came into existence without an effort, at least so far as known, so it came to its decease without a struggle.
It will be remembered that the schoolhouse in old No. 7 was burned in 1843. Dating from about this time (1843 to 1545), there were three districts organized. including about the present territory of Mt. Clemens with some adjacent country. These districts were numbered 1, 7 and 12. The schoolhouse in No. 1 was built in 1846 at an expense of $300. Previous to this, however, District, No. 1 had maintained a school for several years in the basement of the academy building, renting it of Robert Thompson as already related.
No. 1 Schoolhouse was located on North Gratiot street, about on the site of A. E. Van Eps' residence.
No. 7 Schoolhouse was located on Fraser street, south of the Methodist Church.
No. 12 Schoolhouse was located on Jones street near the present location of the Avery House barns. The school buildings were thought to be pretty good for those times. Nos. 1 and 7 were built of wood; No. 12 of brick. The old school building of No. 1 is now used by Charles Lamb for a work-shop. It stands just back of his residence on the same lot. The No. 7 Schoolhouse is preserved in form and appearance without, and with- in it has been fitted up for dwelling purposes and is used for a residence. It stands on its old site. The schoolhouse of No. 12 was larger and more modern than the others. It
34
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
was destroyed by fire in 1848 or 1849, but was rebuilt and used continuously for school purposes until 1857. since which time it has been torn down.
From Mt. Clemens' present business and professional men much has been learned of the secret history of these early primary schools. They recall with a shudder the stripes received; but, with a keen relish, they relate the circumstances attending the throwing of a teacher out of doors or compelling his unconditional surrender.
Upon one of these occasions, in No. 7, as the boys' story goes, after the master had been obliged to run for his life, he returned to the schoolhouse where the boys were hold- ing the fort, and. putting his head in at the door, shouted: "O, boys, you'll catch it for this!" But what cared the boys School was out for the day, and, they probably reasoned. take no thought for the morrow.
Considerable jealousy existed among the boys of the various districts and not unfre- quently pre arranged pitched battles were fought on the commons near the school build- ings. In that barbarous fashion they tested their comparative prowess. Woul. it not have been more civilized had they fought with their brains, rather than with their fists? It was customary among the teachers to visit each other at their school-rooms and compare notes. In this manner. they enlarged their own ideas, while at the same time they rendered assistance to each other. The means for acquiring the theory and art of teaching were very meager, but of the teachers who were employed in these districts not a few used every aid in their power to perfect themselves for their work -- marks of true teachers. Our modern school-teachers should emulate their example.
The record furnished by Wright Hall has rendered me valuable assistance in writing the history of this district. 'It was organized in December, 1843, Dr. Henry Taylor serv- ing the notice on the taxable inhabitants of the district, as required by law. The school meeting, and afterward, the school, was held in the basement of the academy building. The first officers were: William Canfield, Moderator; John S. Park, Assessor, and W. H. Warner, Director.
No further record of the district is found until 1845, when another notice was served on the taxable inhabitants and a meeting held in May of that year. A three months' school was ordered for the summer. This district usually maintained nine or ten months' school during the year, but, in 1848, a vote was passed to have a twelve months' school for the ensuing year. This vote, however, was afterward rescinded. It was quite generally the custom of this district to levy a tax of $1 per scholar upon the taxable property of the district for defraying the expense of teachers' wages. The schoolhouse was ordered built in 1847, on a lot situated on the turnpike, 195 feet north of E. J. Tucker's lot.
The officers of the district were the following: William Canfield, Moderator, 1843, 1814, 1845-47. 1853-1854. Director, 1850-1851, 1856-1857; W. H. Warner, Di. rector. 1843-44, Moderator, 1848-49; John S. Park, Assessor, 1843-44, 1845-46; C. Van Dusen, Director, 1845 -46; W. S. Robinson, Director, 1846-48; Moderator, 1851-53; Ed- ward J. Tucker, Assessor, 1846-48; Dr. Henry Taylor, Moderator, 1847-48, Director. 1548 49; Jolm I. Traver, Assessor, 1848-49. Director, 1849-50, 1851-53: Hiram Bentley, Assessor in 1849 by appointment; D. W. Phillips, Moderator, 1849-50; Richard Stapleton, Assess or, 1849-50; E. C. Gallup, Moderator, 1850-51; Assessor, 1854 55; John Tucker, Assess- or, 1850-51; George C. Fletcher, Director, IS51-52; Dennis McCaffrey, Assessor, 1851- 53; Hosea Pratt, Director, 1853-54; E. L. Raymond, Assessor, 1853-55, 1857; E. Wright Hall, Director, 1855-56: J. C. McDonald. Moderator. 1855 56; T. J. Rutter, Moderator, 1856-57.
The teachers of No. 1, so far as learned, were the following: Pettibone, 1843 or 1844: Millard about 1844 or 1845; Norman Geddes, 1845-46. now a prominent lawyer of Adrian; Mervin Tabor, 1846-47, resigned in March, 1847; Joseph Corwin, about
1
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
1847 to 1849, two years: Miss Josephine Cook, abont 1849-51; H. A. Lathrop, 1851: Miss Delia Canfield, about 1850: Miss Catharine Traver (Mrs. Crocker). 1551, summer term: Miss Kearney (Mrs. O. Chapaton), 1852, summer term: A. L. Bingham, 1852 to 1855: Mrs. McIntyre, Miss Woodruff, Miss Liva Beach, Miss Sarah Ormsby, Miss Scranton, as sistants to Bingham; Dunlap, 1853 or 1854: Mr. D. Abbey, about 1853: Miss JJulia Dick- inson, about 1854; Miss Fiero. 1854-55: Gilbert Bates, 1855-56, one year: ( W. Cop- pernoll. 1856 57, one year. I have been informed that Norman Geddes taught in the academy. The school of No. 1, which he tanght, was held in the basement of that build- ing, hence I incline to the opinion that he did not conduct the so-called academy. Corbin was a first-class teacher. He did not believe in committing rules to memory, but believed that if a pupil could solve a certain class of problems. he could state a rule for the pro cess. a fallacy which can easily be proved. The house was seated in an old- fashioned way -seats running around the walls of the room. It is stated that Corbin was obliged to enlarge the house, because of the number of pupils, which he did by building a rough ad- dition to one side of the building. My informant rather thinks that Corbin did this at his own expense, but is not sure that he was not aided by the district. Miss Josephine Cook, now Mrs. Ashley, is at present a very successful teacher in the public schools of Columbus, Ohio. Dunlap was a red-headed man with a crippled hand. During his reign, the boys did about as they pleased. Upon rhetorical exercise days, after each ex- ercise the pupils would clap their hands and stamp their feet. It is proper to say that each pupil was greeted with a round of applause At one time, to add eclat to the scene. one of the boys threw a large bottle, which he had brought for the purpose, upon the stove, breaking it into a thousand pieces, thus increasing the "bedlam." Dunlap sent out Hosea Pratt for some switches one day, and Hosea brought in some rose-bush stalks
covered with prickles. It is not related whether he used them on Hosea as he deserved. It is stated on good authority that the pupils respected Miss Traver very highly, and that her influence over them, not only in the school-room, but upon the street, was most salu- tary. Miss Kate Kearney was the true type of a teacher, enthusiastic and earnest. She also taught in No. 7. A. L. Bingham is spoken of by all as a very excellent teacher. He has followed the profession of teaching almost continuously until the present. and, in fact, is now teaching at Freeland, near Saginaw. He lives at East Saginaw and has held offices of trust. I wrote to Bingham for information in regard to his work here as a teacher. He did not seem inclined to comply with the request, and stated as one of his reasons as follows: " It is far from being a pleasant subject. When poor and in debt, needing all my hard-earned wages, a MIt. Clemens school board refused to pay me a bal- ance of $100 honestly due me, when I left to labor with a people who did and who still do pay their teachers.'
While he was teaching at Mt. Clemens, there was to be a teachers' institute at Utica. Bingham endeavored to prevail upon other teachers in town to make up a wagon-load and go over with him. All to no avail. Those teachers, like some of those at the present. probably thought they " knew it all, " and had nothing further to acquire. Bingham went alone and on foot. The others, who had refused to go, hearing of what he had done, re- pented, got up their load and surprised him by their attendance upon the institute. Bing- ham used to make Washington's birthday a sort of gala day. when his school prepared exercises to speak and read, and addresses were delivered to the pupils by prominent men in town. It was a sort of "Washington's Memorial Day."
In March. 1855, a teachers' institute was held at MIt. Clemens, which was largely attended and very successful.
Gilbert Bates had formerly taught in No. 12, and was well liked. He was an excel- lent mathematician. He afterward became a surveyor and gave much attention to civil
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
engineering. He was elected County Surveyor in one of the northern counties of this State, a few years since. He died a few years ago. Coppernoll was a good man and a good teacher.
Since writing the above, I have received a letter from Mr. Geddes, who is Probate Judge of Lenawee County. I give it in full:
PROBATE COURT LENAWEE COUNTY, NORMAN GEDDES, JUDGE. ADRIAN, MICH .. November 1. 1881. 6
MR. WESLEY SEARS. MOUNT CLEMENS-Dear Sir : On my return home after an absence of two werks, I fear yours of the 18th ult. I hasten to reply, but find that I shall not be able to give you any information that will be of service. I went to Mount Clemens in 1843 and remained until 1846 ; was a student in the office of Richard Butler and also of the late Giles Hubbard. While there. I taught three terms in what I think was called the north district, occupying the basement of a Methodist Church. which then stood in a northwesterly direction from the court house, not far from the residence of the late Dr. Henry Taylor and Dr. Babcock, both of whom were patrons. I do not know who preceded or snoveeded me. It is my recollection that there were two districts, in one of which the late Andrew S. Robertson taught at the same time. I know that Mr. Robertson and I roomed together while we were teaching in the village. We were friends and kept up a correspondence for several years. 1 have known many able men in my time, but have never known or associated with any man intimately, for whom I had such admiration as for Andrew S. Robertson. His knowledge of English literature was very extensive : his taste and appreciation of the beautiful, of the highest order. He was a generous, warm-hearted friend, and I shall always remember my association with him and the time spent in Mount Clemens as one of the most delightful memories. In the school taught by me, only the English branches were taught. Ithink Mr. Robertson had a Latin class, but it was very small. We each re- ceived $18 per month and board among the patrons if we chose to avail ourselves of it. Think ] averaged some thirty pupils; that Gen. Canfield, Dr. Babcock and Dr. Taylor were officers of the dis- triet. I cannot fix the exact time in which I taught. but think it was in 1845 or 1846. There was no academy at Mount Clemens while I was there, at least I have no recollections of there being such. Among my pupils now living I only recall young Dr. Taylor. A Mr. Axtell was teaching either before or after I taught, but I am not certain whether in the village or not. I regret that I cannot give you anything of interest, but the fact is that neither Robertson nor I taught school save as a means to something else, and were always glad when the quarter ended and we could draw our large (?) salaries. Hoping you may be more successful in other quarters, I am
Very truly yours, NORMAN GEDDES.
The schoolhouse of District No. 7 was located on Fraser street, south of the Method- ist Church. The building still stands on the same site and is used for a dwelling-house. Teachers of No. 7 -- Andrew S. Robertson, 1845 or 1846, assisted by Miss Amorette Childs; Rev. Mr. Hudson, about 1846; Thomas Patton, about 1846 or 1847; Carlos Ba- con, about 1848 to 1850, assisted by Jeannette Lufkin and Josephine Cook: Mr. Pettibone, about 1845 to 1850, assisted by Miss Helen Dunham; A. L. Bingham, 1850-53, assisted by Miss Cynthia Cole and Miss Leonard; Charles Dennison, 1853, in the fall of the year, until the fall of 1854, assisted by Miss Catharine Kearney (Mrs. O. Chapaton) and Miss Mary Dixon; Edward Bentley, about 1854 or 1555; Robert Campbell, about 1855 or 1856.
The district was organized about 1845. Some of its officers were: Moore Stephens, at one time Moderator; William Longstaff, at one time Director; William Roy, at one time Assessor; John Dixon, at one time Assessor; Silas Dixon and A. C. Smith.
A. S. Robertson, if he was not the first teacher in No. 7. was certainly one of the first. He afterward was one of Mt. Clemens' prominent professional and business men, also State Senator, and, for a long time, was connected with the union school as an officer. He was a thorough teacher and well liked. Hudson was pastor of the Methodist Church at the time he taught. Thomas Patton was admitted to the bar in Mt. Clemens. He afterward returned to New York State, where he soon after died of consumption. Carlos Bacon, also a teacher at one time in the academy, was not, strictly speaking, a success in disciplining. His failure in this respect resulted in sending some of the " unrulies " to the Romeo Academy, then a branch of the State University. It is not reported that the said " unrulies" ever succeeded, or even attempted, to flog the Principal of that institu- tion. Miss Lufkin is now Mrs. Benjamin, of Romeo. Miss Josephine Cook has been
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