The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I, Part 118

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co
Number of Pages: 1096

USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I > Part 118

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It should be noted that this institution was entirely controlled by two men,- a Protestant and a Catholic ; and that all this high-sounding legislation was enacted by these two persons. In case of a tie vote, what trouble there might have been !

Statute the Thirteenth was entitled "An Act to assume the Responsibility of Certain Donations from Montreal and Michilimackinac," and read as follows:

Whereas, for the relief of the sufferers by the conflagration of the ancient town of Detroit in the year 1805, there were trans- mitted from Montreal and Michilimackinac certain sums of money which are now in the city of Detroit unpaid to such suf- ferers owing to the want of some principles on which payment can be made, so as to discharge the holders thereof, and whereas, the said sufferers have generally manifested a desire that the said funds should now be appropriated in aid of the University of Michigania ; Therefore

Be it enacted by the University of Michigania that the holders of the same funds paying over the same to the trustees of the University, the said University shall be responsible for all future claims on the same, on the part of the sufferers by the conflagra- tion aforesaid.

Passed at the City of Detroit, on Saturday, the 20th day of September, 1817.

J. MONTEITH, President of the University of Michigania.

In response to this demand the sum of $940 was paid over, but one cannot help wondering why the amount was not disbursed at the time of the fire, or bestowed upon the inhabitants after they had been impoverished by the War of 1812. In this connec- tion the following copy of an original subscription list is of interest :

SUBSCRIPTION LIST.

In aid of the University of Michigan, No. 1. We the subscri- bers do agree to pay on demand the sums respectively annexed to our names, in aid of the University of Michigan.

1817. September 18. James May, $ 25.00

five dollars for five years.

paid, 315.32

1817. October 20. James Abbott, 66 Solomon Sibley, 625.67

I acknowledge in my hands $625.67, being a part of the dona- tion money donated at Michilimackinac to relieve the sufferers by fire of the late Detroit, which I assume to pay over to the Uni- versity of Michigan at the expiration of six months, on being indemnified.

SOL. SIBLEY.

October 20, 1817.

The total amount of subscriptions to the Univer- sity was about $5,100, of which $1, 100 was payable on demand, $1,000 the second year, $955 the third year, $825 the fourth year, $571 the fifth year, $631 the sixth year, and $92 each in the seventh, eighth, and ninth years.

On August 26, 1817, the Governor and Judges appropriated $300 towards the erection of a building and $80 for the lot. On November 10 a further appropriation of $200 was made.

The Act which established the university pro- vided that the public taxes should be increased fif- teen per cent for its support, and also authorized the faculty to prepare four successive lotteries, and to deduct fifteen per cent from the prizes for its benefit. Neither of these provisions was carried out ; pos- sibly a tie vote prevented. In these days it would certainly be deemed a marvel of legislation if the president and faculty of the university, including the resident clergy, were authorized to arrange for a series of lotteries for the benefit of the institution.

The corner-stone of the university building was laid on September 24, 1817. The building, twenty- four by fifty feet, was located on the west side of Bates near Congress Street. Owing to the delin- quency of subscribers, its erection proceeded slowly. Col. E. S. Sibley says that in 1817 he went to a school taught by Mr. Monteith in the old Meldrum House on Woodbridge Street, just east of what is now Shelby Street. His statement is the only evi- dence found that either Rev. Mr. Monteith or Father Richard acted as teacher, but an act of August 26, 1817, appropriated $181.25 for their annual salary, and on February 8, 1821, $215 was appropriated for the salary of the president for 1818, 1819, and 1820.

On February 2, 1818, H. M. Dickie, A. B., was commissioned by the university to open "a classical Academy where Latin and Greek languages and other branches of science were to be taught at the. customary prices." Just where he taught is un- known, but on. May 12, 1818, the university appro- priated "thirty dollars for rent of rooms for the Classical Academy up to the 11th day of June."

730

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.

He began about February II, and the school was in operation as late as November, and probably longer.

The university now commissioned Benjamin Stead, James Connor, and Oliver Williams as direc- tors of a Lancasterian school, and on August 10, 1818, a school under that name was opened in the University building. It began with eleven scholars, but by April following this number had increased to one hundred and thirty. It was taught by Lemuel Shattuck, of Concord, Mass., who was greatly esteemed by both parents and pupils. A sketch of his life, accompanied with a steel engraving, is given in Volume XIV, page 96, of the New Eng- land Historical and Genealogical Register. His first report of the school, dated April 24, 1819, shows that there were then one hundred and eighty-three pupils, and that the average price per quarter for each scholar was $2.60; he further showed that under the old system the instruction would have cost $3,120 in- stead of only $800.

Of the one hundred and eighty-three chil- dren admitted, twen- ty-three were to pay $1.00 per quarter, two $2.00, one hun- dred and three $2.50, and fifty-five $3.50, making a total of $738.50. Only $310 .- 46 was collected. The report intimated that most of the trustees and directors paid but little attention to the school.

On May 5, 1820, "the Board of Trustees of the Primary School and Classical Academy fixed the price of tuition at $2.50 per quarter for ordinary studies, or $3.50 if Geography and Mathematics are studied; non-residents to pay $1.00 more than above rates."

On April 30, 1821, the original University Act was repealed, and under the title of the University of Michigan all rights of the old corporation were committed to the governor and the following twenty trustees : John Biddle, N. Bolvin, D. LeRoy, C. Clemens, W. H. Puthuff, John Anderson, John Hunt, John Monteith, C. Larned, G. Richard, John R. Williams, Solomon Sibley, H. J. Hunt, J. L. Leib, P. J. Desnoyers, A. E. Wing, W. Woodbridge, B. Stead, P. Lecuyer, and William Brown. These

trustees were authorized to establish schools and colleges at their discretion, but they devoted their attention solely to Detroit. In 1821, a large lot adjoining the one already in use was conveyed to them by the Governor and Judges. On January 7, 1822, A. Edwards and A. W. Welton were ap- pointed as trustees in place of Messrs. Monteith and Stead, who declined to serve, and by Act of April 13, 1827, J. Kearsley and N. M. Wells were appointed trustees to fill vacancies, and provision was made that seven members of the Board of Trustees should form a quorum.

Under the Act of 1821, Abraham Edwards, who had been previously acting as treasurer, was again appointed, but on June 16, 1821, he resigned, and James Abbott was appointed. Lemuel Shattuck was secretary up to December 3, 1821, when C. C. Trow- bridge was appoint- ed, and continued in office until succeeded by G. Mott Williams on February 13, 1835.

1'i

BIRTHPLACE OF MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, WEST SIDE OF BATES STREET, NEAR CONGRESS.

Mr. Shattuck re- signed as teacher on October 8, 1821, and was succeeded by E. Clapp, whose first term closed on De- cember 20, and on April 1, 1822, he was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Welton; he began teaching April 9, the price of tuition was $5.00 per scholar. He was followed in October, 1824, by A. S. Wells, a graduate of Hamilton College ; he taught until November 4, 1826, when he was suc- ceeded by Charles Sears, he was paid $500 per year and remained until October, 1827. The Board of Trustees then resolved that as the funds were in- sufficient for the support of a classical school, the . teacher was thereafter to continue the school at his own risk.

In 1821 and 1822 there was much discussion as to the merits of the Lancasterian methods, and whole columns of the Gazette were devoted to the subject. The discussions seemed to favor the system, and on October 8, 1821, the trustees of the university

Resolved, that Mr. Shattuck be authorized to communicate with Mr. William A. Tweed Dale, of Albany, New York, in order to procure some suitable person for a teacher of the Lan- casterian school upon the presumptive allowance of five hundred dollars per annum for his services,

731

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.

As a result of this correspondence, Major Edwards went to Albany expressly for the purpose, and secured the services of John Farmer, who was then engaged in teaching in that city. The following official notification gives details of his engagement :

At a session of the Board of Trustees of the University of Michigan, held pursuant to notice at Detroit on the third day of December, 1821, were present His Excellency Governor Cass, Henry J. Hunt, John Hunt, Charles Larned, William Wood- bridge, William Brown, Peter J. Desnoyers, and John R. Wil- liams, Esquires.

Whereas, Mr. John Farmer has arrived here under the author- ity given to Mr. William A. Tweed Dale at the last meeting of the Trustees, by the resolution, a copy of which was transmitted to Mr. Dale.

Resolved, that Mr. John Farmer be authorized and requested to take immediate charge of the Lancasterian school until a quorum can be had authorized to fix his compensation ; and that a copy of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Farmer, by the sec- retary.

I certify that the foregoing resolution is truly copied from the records of the University of Michigan.

Given under my hand at Detroit, on the third day of December, A. D. 1821.

By order.

CHARLES C. TROWBRIDGE, Secretary.

On January 7, 1822, the Board of Trustees ap- pointed a committee of three, consisting of John R. Williams, William Woodbridge, and Charles Larned, to superintend the classical and Lancasterian schools and to prescribe and enforce rules for their govern- ment.

On January 14, 1822, on motion of Mr. John Hunt, it was

Resolved, that Mr. John Farmer be allowed the sum of five hundred dollars per year for his services as teacher of the Lan- casterian school, to commence with the 10th day of December, 1821,

and on the same day he was authorized and re- quested to collect all sums due for tuition in the school.

In 1822 there were two hundred students, Lucius Lyon acting as assistant teacher. As paper was scarce and dear at this time, the scholars were taught to write by tracing the letters in a box of damp sand. Medals were awarded for good schol- arship, and this last practice was continued as late as 1825.

On January 26, 1824, Mr. Farmer resigned, in order to engage in other employment, and it was

Resolved, that in consequence of his resignation a committee be appointed to take into consideration the situation of the Academy and to report thereon ; and also what steps ought to be taken in order to supply the vacancy.

Major Rowland and Peter J. Desnoyers were appointed a committee, and in October, 1824, Mr. E. Shepard, presumably engaged by them, was teaching the primary department. He continued until December, 1825, or later, and was probably

the last primary teacher appointed and paid by the trustees.

The building after 1827 was granted for school use free of rent, or for a nominal sum to such per- sons as were deemed competent teachers. At the last meeting of the trustees, held on May 18, 1837, they passed a resolution asking the Regents of the new university, located at Ann Arbor, to establish a branch at Detroit, and tendered the building for that purpose.

The beginnings of the university at Ann Arbor, and of the Detroit branch, were as follows :

At the first session of the State Legislature, in the summer of 1836, Rev. John D. Pierce was ap- pointed Superintendent of Public Instruction, and an Act was passed July 26, 1836, instructing him to prepare a plan for a system of common schools, and for a university with its branches. In the pre- liminary work of organization Rev. Samuel New- burry, of White Pigeon, father of Mrs. John J. Bagley, rendered valuable service, and on March 18, 1837, a law was approved organizing and establish- ing the State University. Its government was vested in a Board of Regents, to be appointed by the gov- ernor and senate. It was made their duty to estab- lish not only the university, but also such branches thereof in the different parts of the State as the Legislature might authorize. A further Act, ap- proved March 20, 1837, located the university at Ann Arbor, on a site of forty acres to be donated to the State for this purpose.

At a meeting of the regents on November 14, 1837, Dr. R. C. Gibson, of Monroe, as agent of the university, reported in favor of a branch at Detroit, and on November 18 the proposition of the trustees of the old university was received. On the same day Mr. Wilkins offered the following resolution :

Resolved, that Chancellor Farnsworth and Dr. Pitcher be, and they are hereby authorized to confer with and receive from the President pro tem. of the Board of Trustees of the University of Michigan in behalf of the Regents of the University of Michigan the lease of the Academy lot in the city of Detroit, and that the committee on Branches immediately thereafter pro- ceed to organize a branch of the University in the city of Detroit.

At a subsequent meeting of the regents $8,000 was appropriated to the support of the branches, and each branch was to receive $500 towards the support of a teacher; also a proportionate amount of the $8,000 according to the number of their pupils.

On January 10, 1838, the following Board of Visi- tors for Detroit branch was appointed : J. Kearsley, C. C. Trowbridge, B. F. H. Witherell, Peter Morey, and Charles Moran, with John Owen as treasurer. The building for the Detroit Branch required many repairs, and was not ready for use until June 20, 1838. It was then opened for boys only, with one

732

COMMERCIAL COLLEGES.

principal and one assistant. Four terms a year were provided for. The price of tuition was $19.50 a year, or $5.00 a term.

The first public examination was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14 and 15, 1838.

On January 9, 1839, the Committee on Branches was authorized to employ an additional assistant for the principal at Detroit at a salary not exceeding $600. Rev. C. W. Fitch was the first principal, commencing in 1838 and continuing until August, 1841. He received $1,500 a year, and the first assis- tant $800. Mr. Fitch was succeeded by Rev. M.

mittee of the regents presented a report recommend- ing that, on account of their inability to provide the means, no further appropriations should be made for branch schools. The report was adopted, but as one of the teachers claimed to have been ap- pointed for an unexpired term running till October 7, 1842, the Detroit Branch was maintained until that time.

In 1844 the Board of Education began using the building for school purposes, and continued its use until the fall of 1858.

In 1858 the Young Men's Society claimed the lot,

BUSINE

SUNIVERSITY

OLDSMITH'SBR

PHOTO ENG.CO. N.Y.

GOLDSMITH, BRYANT, & STRATTON BUSINESS UNIVERSITY, SOUTHWEST CORNER OF GRISWOLD STREET AND LAFAYETTE AVENUE.

Meigs. The assistant teachers were : 1838, W. A. Bissell; 1839, Andrew Harvie ; 1840 and 1841, W. A. Howard; 1842, E. C. Walker, W. Gray, W. J. Baxter, and E. Loundsberry. In January, 1839, there were forty pupils, and a report of the Com- mittee on Branches, made December 18, 1839, shows that there were two teachers, and that the attendance had been, for the

First term, 59; second, 36 ; third, 28.

In 1840 the attendance was : First term, 25 ; sec- ond, 21 ; third and fourth, 25 each.

On January 8, 1841, the regents decided to grant only $500 per year to Detroit Branch in addition to the tuition fees. In August of this year there were only twenty-four pupils, and on August 19 a com-

and on November 9 began to tear down the build- ing, and in its fortieth year the building was removed.

COMMERCIAL COLLEGES.

These institutions in Detroit date from 1848, when Uriah Gregory opened his school in the old Odd Fellows' Hall on Woodward Avenue. It con- tinued for ten years.

In the fall of 1854 W. D. Cochrane opened a similar institution in the Waterman Block, on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Larned Street, and it was largely patronized. On November 28, 1857, it was sold to Bryant & Stratton, and merged with their school. J. H. Goldsmith was manager,

733

MEDICAL COLLEGES.

and after March 1, 1867, sole proprietor. In 1882 the school had four teachers, and an average of from two to three hundred students. In 1860 it was moved from Waterman Block to the fourth story of Merrill Block ; in January, 1865, to the Seitz Building on Griswold Street, and from there to Mechanic's Block, in May, 1875. On April 1, 1882, W. F. Jewell, who had been connected with the college for over eighteen years, became the principal. The college is now known as the Goldsmith, Bryant, & Stratton Business University.

In 1860 Ira Mayhew established a commercial college at Albion, and in September, 1866, trans- ferred it to Detroit, corner of Randolph and Con- gress Streets. On the completion of the new Board of Trade Building in January, 1879, the college oc- cupied rooms in the upper story. In the summer of 1883 he sold the college to Messrs. Spencer, Felton, Loomis, & Company, and in December of that year they had seven teachers and 125 scholars.

MEDICAL COLLEGES.

Detroit Medical College.

The exceptional facilities possessed by the city for clinical instruction by reason of the several hospitals here located, and the number of cases that a large city naturally affords, suggested the desirability of locating a medical college in Detroit.

Accordingly, on May 18, 1868, the Detroit Medi- cal College was organized. It was opened for the reception of students on February 2, 1869, in one of the Harper Hospital buildings, which had been fitted up for this purpose. In 1882 the trustees pur- chased the property of the Young Men's Christian Association, on Farmer Street, and on September 12, 1883, the college was opened in its new location. In June, 1885, it, with the Michigan College of Medicine, was merged into a new institution, des- ignated as the Detroit College of Medicine.

The number of students graduated each year was as follows : 1869, 33; 1870, 34; 1871, 29; 1872, 22; 1873, 14; 1874, 21 ; 1875, 25; 1876, 29; 1877, 30; 1878, 20; 1879, 30 ; 1880, 27 ; 1881, 27, 1882, II; 1883, 13; 1884, 25 ; 1885, 19.

Michigan College of Medicine.

This college was organized in June, 1879, incor- porated October 24, and first opened November 17 of the same year. It was located on the southeast corner of St. Antoine and Catharine Streets. The number of students graduated each year has been : 1881, 28; 1882, 20; 1883, 28; 1884, ; 1885, 21. In 1885 the college was merged into the Detroit College of Medicine.

A work of real philanthrophy was inaugurated by this college in the equipment of a very complete am-

bulance, tree to the public for all emergencies, which was a boon to many a person suddenly wounded or taken sick. The ambulance was put in commission on August 29, 1881. There was also a free dis- pensary connected with the institution at which ten thousand patients were treated during the year end- ing May 1, 1882.

The faculty of this college, as well as of the Detroit Medical College, served without pay, and it is con- ceded by those best qualified to judge that in their corps of instructors, course of study, and general management, these colleges had exceptional advan- tages.

Detroit College of Medicine.

This institution, incorporated in June, 1885, in- herited the prestige and effects of both the Detroit Medical College and the Michigan College of Medi- cine, pursues the same general policy, and has been very successful. In 1886 it graduated forty-six stu- dents, and in 1887 thirty-three.

The trustees in 1887 were: Sidney D. Miller, president ; Ernest L. Shurly, M. D., vice-president ; H. O. Walker, M. D., secretary ; Luther S. Trow- bridge, treasurer ; H. P. Baldwin, R. H. Fyfe, Philo Parsons, Wm. C. Williams, A. C. McGraw, Wm. A. Butler, Theo. A. McGraw, M. D., Henry F. Lyster, M. D., J. B. Book, M. D., Wm. Brodie, M. D., Charles B. Lothrop.

The faculty consisted of: Theo. A. McGraw, M. D., president ; H. O. Walker, M. D., secretary ; Wm. Brodie, M. D., Emeritus Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine and Clinical Medicine ; Theo. A. McGraw, M. D., Professor of Principles and Practice of Surgery and Clinical Sur- gery ; Henry F. Lyster, M. D., Professor of Practice of Medicine and Clinical Diseases of the Chest ; N. W. Webber, M. D., Professor of Gynæcology and Obstetrics; James B. Book, M. D., Professor of Principles and Practice of Surgery and Clinical Surgery ; H. O. Walker, M. D., Professor of Ortho- pædic Surgery, Genito-Urinary Diseases and Clinical Surgery : William C. Gustin, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics, Clinical Midwifery and Clinical Diseases of Children; E. L. Shurly, M. D., Professor of Laryngology and Clinical Medicine ; Daniel LaFerté, M. D., Professor of Anatomy, Orthopaedic Surgery and Clinical Surgery ; J. H. Carstens, M. D., Pro- fessor of Obstetrics and Clinical Gynæcology ; C. Henri Leonard, M. D., Professor of Medical and Surgical Diseases of Women, and Clinical Gynæ- cology ; Eugene Smith, M. D., Professor of Opthal- mology and Otology; Charles Douglas, M. D., Pro- fessor of Diseases of Children and Clinical Medicine; David Inglis, M. D., Professor of Mental and Ner- vous Diseases; J. E. Clark, M. D., Professor of General Chemistry and Physics : A. E. Carrier, M.D.,

734

MEDICAL SOCIETIES.

Professor of Anatomy and Dermatology; E. A. Chapoton, M. D., Professor of Principles and Prac- tice of Medicine; Charles J. Lundy, M. D., Pro- fessor of Diseases of the Eye, Ear, and Throat ; Charles G. Jennings, M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Diseases of Children ; C. A. Devendorf, M. I)., Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and the Puerperal Diseases ; F. W. Brown, M. D., Professor of His- tology and Microscopy ; Duncan McLeod, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics ; R. A. Jamieson, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica ; George Duffield, M. D., Professor of Principles of Medicine ; F. P. Anderson, M. D., Professor of Physiology; Fitzhugh Edwards, M D., Professor of State Medicine and Hygiene ; John Boice, M. D., Lecturer on Minor and Clinical Surgery ; G. S. Shat- tuck, M. D., D. D. S., Lecturer on Dentistry ; J. B. Wright, M. D., Demonstrator of Anatomy ; S. G. Miner, M. D., Lecturer on Physical Diagnosis.

Detroit Homeopathic College.

An institution designated by the above name was opened in March, 1872, with L. Younghusband, M. D., as president, and E. R. Ellis, M. D., as secre- tary. Its sessions were held in the Coyl Building facing the Campus Martius. In 1874 F. X. Spranger was president. The college was discontinued in February, 1875. During its existence it graduated eighty students.

The Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery.

This college was incorporated in March, 1888, and is located in the Emergency Hospital at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Second Street, and will have the advantage of clinics held there and also at the U. S. Marine Hospital. The first term began on March 22, 1888.

The trustees are: Hal. C. Wyman, president ; Geo. F. Moore, vice-president, Webster C. Jipson, secretary and treasurer ; Hoyt Post, Chas. H. Met- calf, Dayton Parker, Henry C. Wisner.

The faculty are as follows: Edward W. Jenks, M. D. LL. D., president, Professor of Gynæcology ; Caleb B. Gilbert, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Children; Wm. H. Long, M. D., Sur- geon U. S. Marine Hospital Service,, Professor of Military and Clinical Surgery; John J. Mulheron, M. D., Secretary, Professor of Pathology and Prac- tical Medicine ; James W. Robertson, M. D., Pro- fessor of Laryngology and Hygiene ; Lewis E. Maire, M. D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Physiology; Hal. C. Wyman, M. D., treasurer, Professor of Prin- ciples of Surgery and Operative Surgery ; Oscar S. Armstrong, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy and Vene- real Diseases ; Wm. I. Hamlin, M. D., Lecturer on Chemistry and Director of Chemical Laboratory ; Zina Pitcher, M. D., Lecturer on Materia Medica and Therapeutics ; Dayton Parker, M. D., Demon- strator of Anatomy and Director of Clinics.

CHAPTER LXXV.

THE FIRST COMMON SCHOOLS .- THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, ITS SCHOOLS AND ITS MANAGEMENT.

FIRST COMMON SCHOOLS.

THE precursor of all common schools in this region was a provision of the ordinance of 1787, which declared that "religion, morality, and knowl- edge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall be forever encouraged."

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The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I, Part 118

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902 Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co
Number of Pages: 1096