History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 127

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457

USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 127

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Considerable competition sprang up to secure the location of the proposed school. Propositions were made to the board by the peo- ple of Jackson, Marshall, Niles, Gull Prairie and Ypsilanti. The proposition from Ypsilanti was accepted, and the location was made at that place. The board proceeded immediately to erect a building 55x100 feet and three stories high, at the cost of $15,200,

1164

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

of which the citizens paid $12,000. The building was dedicated with appropriate exercises Oct. 5, 1852. Addresses were made by Hon. J. D. Pierce upon " A perfect school system;" by Hon. Ross Wilkins, upon " The Constitution of the United States and the Du- ties and Rights of Citizens." Hon. Isaac E. Crary, President of the Board of Education, pronounced a brief formula of dedication. Hon. Chauncey Joslin, in a short address, delivered the commis- sion of his office to the Principal elect, Prof. A. S. Welch, who made an appropriate reply accepting the commission and express- ing his views of the character of the duties of the position which he was assuming.

An original "dedication hymn," composed by D. Bethune Duf- field for the occasion, was sung. The closing stanza of this hymn is as follows:

" Great God! preserve this sacred fane, And let thy smiles upon it rest, For art and science build in vain, Unless the work the Lord has blessed; Take it within thine own embrace And bless it to our land and race."

A teachers' institute followed the dedication. During this insti- tute an incipient organization of the "State Teachers' Association" was made. The attendance at this institute reached the num- ber of 250. Thus, after much effort on the part of the friends of progress, the Michigan State Normal School was finally estab- lished.

Some Items of Subsequent History .- In 1853 the Legislature passed an act appropriating to the "endowment fund> of the school certain moneys, not exceeding $30,000, arising from the sale of swamp lands by the general Government, but no advantage to the school came from this act. The permanent endowement fund derived from the sale of "salt-spring lands " amounts to about $69,000, which, held by the State as a trust fund, yields an income of a little more than $4,000 per annum.

October 28, 1859, the original building was destroyed by fire, to- gether with all its contents, except the philosophical and chemical apparatus and a few cases of minerals and insects. Temporary rooms for the use of the school were furnished by the liberality of the citizens of Ypsilanti, so that ,the sessions of the school were only slightly interrupted by the destruction of the building. The work of rebuilding was entered upon immediately with such vigor that on the 10th day of April, 1860, the school returned to its old quarters. The cost of rebuilding and furnishing was $13,161.54. Of this sum, $8,000 were received from the Hartford Insurance Co., and the balance was paid from the ordinary funds of the school.

In 1864 the Board of Education made an arrangement with the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural Society to erect a building 70x40 and two-stories high above the basement,

1165

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

to be used by the school and to contain the museum of the Agri- cultural Society. The terms were that the society should contrib- ute $2,000, the citizens of Ypsilanti $1,500, and the Board of Education the balance necessary for the erection of the building. The work was begun and the building enclosed in 1865, but cir- cumstances contributed to discourage the Agricultural Society, and after an expenditure on the part of the society of $3,250, they assigned all their interests in the property to the Board of Educa- tion. In 1869 the Legislature appropriated $7,500 to complete the building, and in 1871 reimbursed the Agricultural Society the amount which they had expended. This building was very poorly adapted to school purposes, but has been used to accommodate the practice department of the Normal school since its com- pletion.

During the years 1877 and 1878, a large addition was made to the original main building, which has very greatly increased the facilities of the school for doing its peculiar work. This addition is about 85x85 feet, and three-stories high above the basement. The Legislature, at the session of 1877, appropriated $30,000 to defray the expense of this enlargement. The citizens of Ypsilanti sub- scribed something over $2,000 for the erection of a tower in connection with the building. The balance of the cost of the addition was paid from the current expense fund of the school.

OFFICERS AND INSTRUCTORS.

The school is under the direct control of the State Board of Ed- ucation, which, at present, consists of the following persons :- Hon. Witter J. Baxter, President, Jonesville; Hon. Cornelius A. Gower, Secretary, Lansing; Hon. Edgar Rexford, Ypsilanti; Hon. George F. Edwards, Niles. The first Principal was Prof. A. S. Welch, now President of the Iowa Agricultural College. Prof. J. M. B. Sill, now Superintendent of the schools of the city of Detroit, was acting Principal for some time. Prof. D. P. Mayhew was Principal for several years. After his resignation Prof. C. F. R. Bellows was acting Principal for one year, until the election of Prof. Joseph Estabrook to that position. Prof. Estabrook resigned the principalship at the close of the school year 1879-'80, to accept a professorship in Olivet College. The present Principal is Dr. Malcolm Mac Vicar, for several years at the head of the Normal School in Potsdam, N. Y.

The present faculty is as follows :-

Malcolm MacVicar, Ph. D., LL.D., Principal, Mental and Moral Philosophy and Higher Professional Instruction.

Ruth Hoppin, M. A., Preceptress, Botany and History.

Frederic H. Pease, Vocal and Instrumental Music.

Charles Fitz Roy Bellows, M. A., C. E., Mathematics.

Daniel Putnam. M. A., Elementary Principals of Education ; Director of Practice School; Natural History.

Lewis McLouth, M. A., Natural Sciences.

1166

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

Joseph P. Vroman, M. A., Latin and Greek Languages.

August Lodeman, German and French Languages.

Austin George, M. A., Geography, Rhetoric and English Literature.

Helen Post, English Grammar; Teacher in Grammar Department of Practice School.

Fanny E. Goffe, Drawing, Penmanship and Book-Keeping.

Elizabeth I. Coates, Teacher in Primary Department of Practice School.

THE UNION SCHOOL.

In making a reference to the " brick hotel," in the foregoing pages, it has been shown how that building was not dedicated to the gods of the hostelry. The purchase of this building by the offi- cers of school district No. 4, viz., Charles Stuck, James Sanders and Philander Hascall, in 1848, was the beginning of a new era in the educational world of Ypsilanti. Rev. Moses S. Hawley was appointed Principal of the institution. E. J. Mills, Prof. O. A. Jackson, Misses Rogers, Rice, Morton, Clayton, Powers, Comstock, Norris, Clapp, and Loomis formed the corps of teachers. The Board of Education exercised a salutary vigilance, and the people were satisfied that the new order of affairs, in this connection, was of a most excellent character. A short time, and a most justifiable ambition seized upon the tax-payers of the district. The school building must be enlarged, the board strengthened, a higher grade established; and no effort was spared which might elevate the school. With this view the Legislature was besought to pass an act enlarging the powers of the Ypsilanti School Board, and the latter then redoubled its efforts. The school districts of the village were attached from time to time; the citizens watched the progress of their schools with joy; the name " Model" school was exchanged for " Union" school; the course of study was improved; a center of learning was established, and the " Union Seminary" of Ypsilanti a fixed institution.

In April, 1853, Rev. Joseph Estabrook was appointed Princi- pal. He with Miss H. N. Cutcheon were appointed the head teachers. The assistant teachers' roll comprised 13 names; the standard of the curriculum was advanced; a new form of school government introduced. Everything pointed to great results.

For a period extending over four years the high expectations of the people in regard to the institution were realized. Even after the conflagration of March 29, 1857, the classes were continued in rooms throughout the city until Aug. 17, 1858, when the new building, dedicated that day, was formally opened to the pupils. The old " Model" school was the first actual " free" school in this State, as it is also said to be the first " graded" school.

The Union school-house, erected in 1857-'8, was a structure at once large and architecturally beautiful. Its entire frontage was a fraction over 120 feet, the height of main building 59 feet; three cupolas surmounted the pile, giving to it a Roman character. The contractors, Messrs. Mitchell and McDuff, carried out the designs of the architects, Messrs. Jordan and Anderson; the people were

1167

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

not slow to admire this admirable school building; they celebrated its inauguration on the same day that gas-light was introduced into this city and the Atlantic cable flashed its first message from Valen- tia in Ireland to its Americanterminus. The fire of Dec. 9, 1877, was the annihilator of the joy which that celebration enkindled. During the month of December of that year, the fire-fiend took possession of the school, and in a brief space of time one of the grandest mon- uments of education known then in Michigan was reduced to a ruin. With an enterprise worthy of the Chicagoans, the citizens rose equal to this misfortune, determined to build a still grander house, and succeeded in raising an educational temple more beauti- ful than the one destroyed. This new Central school building was inaugurated in 1879 with the following named instructors in charge: Prof. R. W. Putnam, Superintendent; Hubert W. Brown, A. M., Principal; Miss Fanny E. Gray, Assistant; Miss Ida M. Littlefield, in charge of seventh grade; Miss Carrie L. Towner, sixth grade; Mrs. Kittie A. Gilbert and Miss Clara Dole, fifth grade; Miss Fannie Bogardus, fourth grade; Miss Emilie C. Hall, third grade; Miss Ella Joslin, second grade; Miss Emma Barr and Mrs. E. B. Dunham, first grade.

The " grade system" has perfected itself in this school. A twelve- years' course, divided into three parts of four years each, has been established, now known as the Primary, Grammar and High- School courses.

THE WARD SCHOOLS.

There are three schools in the city, together with the Central school, known as the 1st, 4th and 5th ward schools. The first-ward school is attended by children of the colored inhabitants, in charge of whom is one teacher. The fourth- ward school-house was erected a few years ago. There are two teachers here, Mrs. Ellen J. Whit- man, in charge of the children belonging to the third and fourth grades, and Miss Susie Gordon, teacher of the first and second classes. The fifth-ward building is the most important of the ward schools. D. W. C. Matthews is the Principal. Miss Jennie Fullerton, Miss Mary E. Carpenter, and Miss Hattie O. Hoffman are the assistant teachers. These schools receive much attention from Superintendent R. W. Putnam and their respective teachers.

The School Board, as now constituted, comprises the following members: Don C. Batchelder, 1882; Charles E. King, Secretary, 1882; Philo Ferrier, 1881; Lambert A. Barnes, Treasurer, 1881; Thomas Ninde, President, 1883; Isaac N. Conklin, 1883.

Standing committees: On Building and Grounds-Messrs. Fer- rier, Barnes, and Batchelder; on Heating and Fuel-Messrs. Barnes, Conkling, and Ferrier; on Claims and Accounts-Messrs. Barnes, Conkling, and Ferrier; on Teachers and Text Books-Messrs. Ninde, King, and Batchelder; on Supplies-Messrs. Batchelder, King, and Ferrier.

1168

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

The financial exhibit bears a high testimony to the ability of the former Board of Education. The estimates for the year to end in September, 1881, are satisfactory.

: The value of the buildings devoted to educational purposes with- in the city is stated to be $150,000, of which $85,000 are credited to the Normal, and $65,000 to the city school buildings.

>The estimate for 1880-'81 is set down as follows: Prospective expenditures $13,366.76; resources from primary-school fund, and mill and general tax $13,366.76. This financial report was signed by Thomas Ninde, President, and Charles E. King, Secretary of the board. The statistics show a steady advance in the number of pupils attending the city schools.

Notwithstanding the high character of these schools, there are men and women found who obstruct rather than co-operate. Men who forget these duties, forget also what is due to their children; they do not render all that co-operation which is in their power, and consequently teachers are driven to lose interest in, if not hate, the children of negligent parents, who become incorrigible under home influences. Now, ignorance and a pure federalism cannot dwell in the same house; the Republic decrees that liberty and enlighten- ment must walk hand in hand; therefore the unfortunate parent who encourages an incorrigible boy, is a foe to the Republic as well as a danger to the community in which he dwells.

THE CHURCHES.

In this city and township the varied forms of Christianity have made great advance indeed. Church buildings have multiplied; they have attained a certain magnificence, until at present this city and township show the spires and cupolas of so many houses of worship that the skeptic is apt to confess the presence of a Chris- tian people. The bells do not now ring out peals of discord, as in time prior to the establishment of liberty, and even after the greatest battle was fought and won. No; the civilizing influence of freedom, the blessings which follow the Republic, have abolished religious bigotry, leaving nature to act the despot in winning the minds of men toward the Christian Church, and the Great Archi- tect to design their hearts for the reception of Christian truths. There is only one powerful influence operating against the Churches. The evil examples of members do more actual injury than all the sophisms of the infidel, the power of the decent Mussulmans, or the armed millions of Celestials could ever accomplish. To correct these abuses, should be the object of the Christians of our day. Each has sufficient work to do, and in performing it, that valuable experience which has resulted in rendering so many men capable of minding their own affairs, will be obtained.

The editor of the Sentinel, speaking on the impropriety of making a church subject to taxation, introduced this tale of olden days: "It is told for a truth that at an early day, in the settlement of

1169

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

this city, the gospel was introduced in the following singular manner. A large number of the pioneers were assembled on some jolly occasion, when a person of unmistakable clerical appearance and garb quietly passed along the near highway. He had passed but a little way when he was discovered, and the shout was raised: ' Halloo, boys, there goes a parson; he is just the man we want; let's catch him.' Like the witches in ' Tam O'Shanter,' the whole crowd ' biled out' after him. The ' parson ' took to his heels, no doubt thinking he was to be barbecued, but some of the fleeter youngsters overtook him, and brought him back in triumph. Nor did they allow him to pursue his journey until he had held a service, and given a taste of what, rough as they were, they had. prized in their Eastern homes."

The following notices will prove the advances made by the Church as well as the people:

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The first Baptist society organized at Ypsilanti was that in October, 1836, by Elder J. S. Twist, of Ann Arbor. Previous to this year, Messrs. Booth, Powell and Loomis preached to Baptists here. The society of 1836 comprised A. Clawson, Eleanor Clawson, M. Lyon, W. E. Still, Mrs. Still, Talman Brown, Geo. Guthrie, Mrs. Guthrie, Phoebe Guthrie, Melinda Lay, Sily Lay, Hannah Cros- sett, Phoebe Hiscock, Mary Sabin, John Conant and Charlotte Stewart. The first officers were: Elder John Goff, Pastor; A. Clawson and Matthias Lyon, Deacons, and W. E. Still, Clerk. Elder Samuel Jones succeeded Mr. Goff as pastor, and he became minister in 1838.

In 1839 some doctrinal ideas caused dissention to enter the society; a conciliation was, however, effected. Elder J. Keyes suc - ceeded Rev. Mr. Jones. In 1843 Elder L. H. Moore was called to the pastorate. Under his advice the old Methodist church, a brick house on the east side of the Huron, was purchased, repaired, and converted into a house of worship.

In 1846 the members essayed to raise funds toward building a new church, which resulted in the society contracting with Deacon I. N. Field. In 1847 Elder L. H. Moore, who then was principal of the seminary, placed the chapel of that institution at the dis- posal of his co-religionists. The new church was completed by Mr. Field, and dedicated June 17, 1847. The services of dedication were performed by Elders Ten Brook and Piper. In October of the same year, the State association held its annual meeting in the new building. Mr. Moore retired from the pastorate and was succeeded by Elder S. A. Taft.

Dec. 23, 1849, the church was destroyed by fire. The society resolved to rebuild, and Sept. 4, 1850, another church was dedicated. This was improved in 1865, and enlarged. In 1874 the society re- solved to erect a $30,000 building, which at present stands a monu- ment of the earnestness of the early Baptists here, as well as of their successful contest with serions difficulties.

1170

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The history of this Church in Ypsilanti may be carried back into the past over a period of two centuries. In this connection, how- ever, such an inquiry is unnecessary, since in other sections of this work a very full reference is made to the early missionary fathers, whose zeal led them to visit every Indian village within the confines of this peninsula. The impracticability of attaining a true list of the priests who visited Godfroy's settlement from 1809 to 1823, renders an extended account of that period also un- necessary. For many years subsequently the village was visited by Revs. Montard, Cullen and Montcoq. In 1845 a lot was pur- chased by Rev. Mr. Cullen, on which was built a frame structure, 24x16 feet. The service of the Church was celebrated here once every month for 13 years. In 1856 the next lot was purchased, on which the frame of a large church was erected. This building was completed in 1858 under the direction of Rev. Mr. Lamejie, the first resident pastor. This gentleman had charge of the mis- sion for 14 months, when Rev. Van Jenniss, of Dexter, was ap- pointed to visit this portion of the county once a month. In 1862 Rev. Edward Van Pammell was appointed resident pastor. During his term here another lot was added to the Church property, a pa- rochial house erected and other improvements made. In 1865 he purchased the cemetery grounds; two years later he built a school- house, and in 1870 enlarged the church building. Rev. Father Willigan was pastor in 1871-'2; his successor, Rev. Mr. Murray, was pastor duringthe three following years, when the Rev. Wm. De Bever took charge of the mission. Since his coming the church has been completed. The interior with its frescoes, cande- labra, statues, organ and beautiful altar will compare favorably with any church in the State. This building is a great credit to the small congregation, and even to the citizens. It is said that with- out the aid of such men as Follett, Joslin, Hawkins and many others, the completion of the building in its present form would have been an impossibility. The soldiers of the 14th Mich. Inf. subscribed over $500 before leaving for the war. In 1880 a resi- dence was purchased for the "Sisters," and preparations made for . the building of a large brick school-house, both of which are to be placed at the disposal of the Sisters for educational purposes. The number of families at present belonging to the Church is set down at 125. The congregation numbers about 500.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

of Ypsilanti dates its birth away back in the solemn past, so far back that no one of its first members can be found at this date (1881) to rehearse its primeval story; and while we "gather up the fragments that remain " to us of its inception, we can but feel:

" This place is holy ground :

World, with its cares, away!"

Leopold Mail

1173

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP.

Dr. Pilcher's history makes the record that early in May, 1825, the Rev. Elias Pattee, of the Ohio Conference of the M. E. Church, who was appointed to Detroit circuit, Territory of Michigan, be- ing a man of great zeal and activity, and realizing that immigra- tion was fast pushing Westward, followed, by "blazed trees," through the low lands and swamps, until he came upon the little hamlet bearing the name of Woodruff's Grove. There he found a few families lodged in shanties and rude homes, and in their low estate, he took to them the " bread of life," and comforted them, by leading them to the promises of God in His holy word: " I will never leave thee, never forsake thee."

Returning regularly during that summer, he formed from this little number of immigrants a society, which has ever since been known as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ypsilanti; it was also the first established in Washtenaw county, and his was the first regular religious service ever held in the county. The Church record carries on the history, naming its preachers, designating its places of worship, recording its struggles,-through all, never once letting go its living, vital existence.

As early as 1831-'2 they commenced building the brick chapel, on the east side of the river. The first structure was very humble, and cost great effort and sacrifices. It had small windows, and plain benches for seats. But in September, 1834, the record says:

At a meeting of the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Ypsilanti, at the dwelling house of Justus Norris, the following persons were nominated by John Sayer, Preacher in charge, as Trustees of said Church: Levias S. Church, Aaron W. Elmore, G. V. Mooney, Timothy Showerman, Cephas Hawks, jr., Thomas M. Town, and elected by unanimous vote. Justus Norris, Secretary; adjourned to five o'clock.

Board of Trustees met at five o'clock, agreeable to adjournment.

Voted, That we take off the roof of our chapel, and put it on anew.

Voted, That a building committee of three be appointed to superintend the finishing of the chapel.

Voted, That Levias S. Church, Justus Norris and Timothy Showerman, com- pose the said committee.

Voted, That the building committee cause the furnishing of the house to be done with slips.

Read and approved.

JUSTUS NORRIS, Secretary.

JOSEPH BURT, Chairman.

Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Ypsilanti met at the gro- cery store of Justus Norris, agreeable to adjournment, Monday evening, Oct. 27, 1834, and chose standing officers. Dr. T. M. Town, Chairman; Justus Norris, Secretary ; and G. V. Moon, Treasurer. Upon proposition of Aaron W. Elmore, that he would put into the east end of the chapel, two 35-light windows, 8x10 glass, for the sum of eight dollars ($8.00), Voted, that he be employed to put them in.

Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday evening next.

T. M. TOWN, Chairman.

JUSTUS NORRIS, Secretary.

Thus the recorded history takes us along, step by step, through the struggle of securing means to go onward with the work of finishing the chapel, appointing collectors, soliciting aid and interest in their struggle to erect a house, where the Master of

1174

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

assemblies would meet His people, until the year 1836-'37, before their chapel was completed.

Ypsilanti was designated as the "head of a circuit"' until 1837, when it was dignified by conference as a " station," and Wesley J. Mills, of the Central Ohio Conference, was the first stationed min- ister.

In 1838, Ypsilanti, for the first time, was reported in the minutes of the conference, separate from the country record-and there is given at that time to the Methodist Episcopal Church of the village a membership of 190. The precise number of mem- bers when the first class, or society, was organized we cannot determine-probably from five to seven persons composed the whole; 13 years afterward a membership of 190 tells of living, breathing progress!

At this date we quote from the church record:

At a meeting of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held at the meeting-house of said Church, Jan. 31, 1838, for the purpose of electing Trustees, and organizing a Church according to law, Wesley J. Wells, preacher, and Dr. Joel Fairchild, presiding,

Resolved, That we elect three Trustees for said Church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 127

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1457

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457