USA > Missouri > St Louis County > St Louis City > Education in Indiana. An outline of the growth of the common school system, together with statements relating to the condition of secondary and higher education in the state and a brief history of the educational exhibit. Prepared for the Louisiana purchase exposition, held at Saint Louis, May 1 to November 30, 1904 > Part 39
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
The stockholders elect the board of directors, and these have in charge the general conduct of the college, making an annual report to the stockholders. This board is composed of four officers and twelve members; the members are divided into three classes, one of which is elected each year.
There are eleven professors, including the two professors of music (instrumental and vocal).
The equipment consists of grounds and buildings estimated at $80,000; a library of 15,000 volumes; a geological collection of 40,000 specimens ; chemical and physical apparatus worth $3,000, and an endowment of $231,000.
The enrollment of students the past year was 183, and it will be as many, or more, this year.
The college is supported by interest on endowment and by fees from students. The total income at present is from $17,000 to $18,000. The total present assets of the institution are $419,500.
Dr. W. T. Stott is president of Franklin college, which position he has ably filled since 1872.
555
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
i. MOORES HILL COLLEGE-MOORES HILL.
Moores Hill college was established for the purpose of furnish- ing a liberal education to both sexes. For the first thirteen years of the life of the institution the school was known as the male and female collegiate institute, heralding to the country that in south- ern Indiana there was an institution great enough and broad enough to say to the daughters of Methodism, we welcome you to our halls and our laboratories to compete on equal terms with your brothers.
The fourteenth year of the life of the institution witnessed a change in name. It was known everywhere that the institute was co-educational. Advanced ground was to be taken and the name was changed to Moores Hill college, with Thomas Harrison, D. D., as president and such men on the board as Dr. Enoch G. Wood, Hon. John K. Thompson, Sampson Tincher, D. D., Judge Downey, Gov. Will Cumback and others. The college was favored with a large enrollment and soon took rank with other colleges of the state. A glance at the list of chief executives as the years pass reveals the fact that the college has had eleven presidents. Rev. S. R. Adams served as president from 1856 to 1863. In 1861 and 1862, however, he was absent from the college and Dr. Robert F. Brewington took his place, as acting president. Rev. W. O. Pierce was principal from 1863 to 1864. Rev. Thomas Harrison, D. D., president from 1864 to 1870. Rev. J. H. Martin, D. D., president from 1870 to 1872. F. A. Hester, D. D., president from 1872 to 1876. Rev. J. P. D. John, D. D., president from 1876 to 1879. Rev. J. H. Doddridge, D. D., president 1879 to 1880. Rev. J. P. D. John, D. D., president from 1880 to 1882. Rev. L. G. Adkinson, D. D., president from 1882 to 1887. Rev. G. P. Jenkins, D. D., president from 1887 to 1890. Dr. Martin presi- dent from 1890 to 1897. Charles Willard Lewis, D. D., acting president from 1897 to 1898, president 1898 to 1903.
The board of trustees consists of the president of the college, ex- officio, and twenty-seven members, all of whom are elected by the Indiana annual conference for a term of three years. In addition to the regular members of the board the conference appoints an- nually six conference visitors and two alumni visitors, making in all a body of thirty-six members.
556
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
The board of trustees has the power of receiving, holding and administering funds, appointing faculties, conferring degrees and making laws for the government of the institution.
In order that the college may be able to meet the growing de- mands for additional equipment and room it is necessary that the income should be largely increased by additional endowments.
The institution has had a splendid history of forty-eight years. The army of noble men and women who have been connected with Moores Hill college, hundreds of whom have graduated, is proof- evident of the great work accomplished. The future never was brighter and if christian people within her patronizing territory will do their full duty Moores Hill will live to bless the world in the future even more abundantly than in the past.
Moores Hill college is located in the quiet, picturesque town of Moores Hill, Indiana. It is on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwest- ern railway, forty miles southwest of Cincinnati and eighty-five miles northeast of Louisville. It is seventy-five miles southeast of Indianapolis, and is easily reached by connections at North Ver- non and Lawrenceburg. The town is thus placed in direct com- . munication with all parts of the state as well as with Ohio, Ken- tucky and Illinois.
The town occupies one of the highest elevations in southeastern Indiana, being 460 feet above the Ohio river. The surface is roll- ing and slopes in all directions from the town, thus affording the best drainage. It is a remarkably healthful place.
The main college building is a substantially built three-story brick. The chapel is situated in the central part of the first floor and is very tastefully decorated. It is equipped with comfortable and convenient folding opera chairs. The library and reading- room occupy all of the south wing of the first floor. The greater part of the first and second stories of the north wing is occupied by the chemical, physical and biological laboratories. These are equipped with the latest apparatus and appliances for laboratory work.
Moores Hill college does not seek to develop the mind alone, but believing that education consists of more than mere intellectual training strives to bring to the highest possible state of develop- ment the threefold nature of man-spirit, mind and body-and be- lieving that spiritual interests are always paramount, the institu-
.
557
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
tion carefully surrounds her students with christian influences. Every member of the faculty and about ninety per cent. of the students are professed christians, and christian principles and practices are everywhere taught.
Devotional exercises are conducted in the chapel each morning by the faculty. Church services are held twice each Sunday, besides Sunday school at 2 p. m. and class meeting at 3 p. m.
While the college is under the control of the Methodist Episco- pal church it is not sectarian, and nowhere in the chapel or class room is any distinction made in the direction of creed.
The library is composed of six distinct divisions, viz .: The college library, the Harvey Harris and wife library, the Thomas Harrison library, and the three society libraries. These contain in all about five thousand bound volumes and two thousand pam- phlets, so diversified and distributed in subject as to furnish valu- able reference works for the students in the various departments.
That the physical nature might be developed and an interest in athletics fostered the Moores Hill college athletic association was organized in 1893. The membership is open to all alumni, stu- dents and faculty of the college. The president of the association is a member of the faculty and associated with him to form the executive committee, are two members from each of the literary societies.
The expenses of membership are placed at the minimum, and every effort is made by the executive committee, through judicious appropriations, to give to the association the largest possible return for the amount thus invested.
The Will F. Stevens gymnasium is now regarded as one of the necessary factors in the college. Military drill, Indian club drill, basketball games, all under the skillful management of a director, enable the student to keep pace physically with advancement in- tellectually. While the gymnasium "room" for all practical pur- poses is surpassed by few, if any in the state, a steam plant is needed for heating and additional apparatus for work. It is hoped that in the very near future some friend will add these improve- ments.
There are three literary societies as follows: The Philoneikean and Photozetean for the young men of the college and the Sigour-
558
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
nean for the young ladies. These three societies meet in the Peter Myer's literary hall at different times in the week.
Philoneikean Society .- This organization is the oldest society in the college. Its organization occurred in 1856. The purpose of the society is the development of "strong, well rounded intel- lectual and patriotic manhood." The members of this organiza- tion have shown themselves to be full of loyalty not only to their society but the college interests in general. Contributions for va- rious interests have been quite liberal. The "Philos" now have under headway a plan by means of which a new chapter house may be erected at an expenditure of $3,000. It is believed that such a building will be not only a source of strength to the society, but a factor in the advancement of the best interests of the college. Motto, Excelsior.
Photozetean Society .- This society was founded in 1867 for the special benefit of young men studying for the ministry. In early days it was possible for a young man to belong to the two societies. As the years passed by however the organization gradually and al- most imperceptibly passed into the regular literary phase and to- day ranks as one of the important factors in the college life. The members of this organization are characterized by earnestness, de- votion to the society and college interests ; are progressive and fully awake to the responsibilities thrown upon them by membership in the society. Motto (translation), Find a way or make one.
Sigournean Society .- This organization meets every Friday afternoon. At this time a program consisting of literary produc- tions, elocutionary selections, music, etc., is rendered, thus giving in addition to the regular literary training an opportunity to cul- tivate ease of manner by frequent appearance before a public audience. The aim of the society is to develop the best talent in the organization. Meetings held for business purposes are con- ducted in harmony with parliamentary customs, Robert's rules of order being the authority. At the end of the year a public enter- tainment is given in connection with regular commencement exer- cises. The influence of this society on college life is one of the important factors in the growth of the institution. Motto, Laureas super montem scient carpe. Organized 1857.
Young Men's Christian Association .- The Young Men's Chris- tian association holds a regular devotional meeting each Monday
559
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
evening in the church parlors. This association work is one of the most beneficial forces in college life. The aim of the young men banded together is to reach every man in college and influence him to a higher and better life. Young men coming to the college for the first time are met by these men and safely advised as to the best plans for beginning the new work. The association has no room, as yet of its own. It is hoped that some "big hearted" christian philanthropist will in the near future make it possible for these young workers to have a home of their own.
Young Women's Christian Association .- All that has been said of the above organization may be repeated of the women's organi- zation. Their meetings are held on Wednesday night just before the regular mid-week prayer meeting service. The Bible classes carried on by these associations make it possible for every student in college to secure in the course of a year a great deal of informa- tion about the book of books.
Delegates are sent each year to Geneva and to the state conven- tions and much is accomplished in elevating the spiritual life of the students and in training them in active Christian work.
Students in all departments are subjected each term to a written examination, and are classed according to their average as follows : Below 70 per cent., poor ; from 70 to 80 per cent., medium; from 80 to 90 per cent., good; from 90 to 100 per cent., excellent-a medium per cent., at least being necessary to advancement. Meri- torious conduct, together with the student's class report, will be considered in determining his grade or rank in college. This will be placed upon the records, and if desired, a copy will be sent to the parents or guardian.
In calling attention to the necessary expenses it must not be supposed that because the rates are the minimum the grade of in- struction offered is low. It has been claimed and is now asserted that the thoroughness and the accuracy of the work done here are not excelled anywhere. More than this the institution is not kept up by the small fees collected as tuition but has other sources of income by means of which it is able to offer to the educational public the advantages of a christian college.
Many of our best students rent furnished rooms at fifty cents a week, and by a system of clubbing, reduce their table expenses to $1.50 or less, and their entire expenses to $2.00 a week. Those
560
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
who desire private board may secure good rooms, board and every- thing furnished, at $2.50 and $3.00 per week.
j. CONCORDIA COLLEGE-FORT WAYNE.
Concordia college was founded in 1839, in Perry county, Mis- souri. Its founders, a body of German Lutherans, had left their native land for religious reasons, and in spite of their bitter pov- erty, established an institution of learning in order to insure to themselves and their children their own spiritual heritage. The purpose of the institution as expressed in the charter is "to educate young men for the ministry of the German Evangelical Lutheran denomination." This has been its aim and object up to the pres- ent time, and only an exceedingly small proportion of its alumni are to be found in other walks of life.
When the little log cabin college opened its doors, it had five students and four instructors. In 1850 it became the property of the German Evangelical Lutheran synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, and was removed to St. Louis, Mo. Its attendance had increased to thirty-four, and various changes had meanwhile taken place in the faculty. During this period the theological and the preparatory (classical) departments were combined. In 1861, however, the preparatory department was removed to Ft. Wayne, Ind., its present home.
The trustees are elected by the synod at its triennial meetings, with the exception of the praeses of the middle district of said synod, who is ex-officio president of the board. Its faculty con- sists of the president and seven instructors, all of whom are chosen by a board of electors appointed by the synod.
The library contains about seven thousand volumes, of which three thousand are accessible to the students, while the rest are reserved as reference books of the faculty. Its museums and scientific apparatus have a value of about twelve hundred dollars. This equipment may seem inadequate, but considering the severely classical and linguistic bent of the curriculum answer their pur- pose quite well. For seven recitations per week for six years are devoted to Latin, six per week for four years to Greek, and three per week for two years to Hebrew. English and German occupy from three to five periods per week during the entire course of six
561
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
years. The remaining recitations per week, of which there are thirty, are assigned to mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, physiology, and history.
The enrollment has fluctuated considerably during the sixty- five years. At present it numbers 182 students.
The college has no productive funds of any kind. The salaries of the instructors are paid from voluntary contributions to the synodical treasury, and the buildings are erected and maintained from funds procured in the same manner.
k. UNION CHRISTIAN COLLEGE-MEROM.
This institution was founded in August, 1859. It was the out- growth of a general convention of the christians held at Peru, Indiana, November, 1858.
The location of the college at Merom was determined not only by the natural scenery and homelike surroundings of the place, but also by the fact that Merom citizens contributed a bonus of $35,- 000 with which to make a beginning.
Although about two miles distant from the Illinois Central rail- way, the quiet village life and the healthful bluffs of the Wabash are regarded as constituting a very desirable location for a chris- tian school.
The college was opened to students September 9, 1860, and graduated its first class four years later. Since 1864 about two hundred and fifty graduates have been sent out, the majority of whom have entered the professions of teaching and the christian ministry.
The first president was Dr. Nicholas Summerbell (1860-1865), next came Dr. Thomas Holmes (1866-1876), who was followed by Dr. Thomas C. Smith (1877-1882). The fourth president, Rev. Elisha Mudge, A. M., served nearly five years (1882-1887), and the present encumbent, Dr. Leander J. Aldrich, has served for nearly seventeen years.
The charter, secured in 1859, and renewed and enlarged in 1882, provides for a coeducational, unsectarian institution, gov- erned by a board of fifteen trustees, who are elected in groups of five annually by the stockholders from nominations made by the christian conference of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.
36-EDUCATION.
562
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
The following are active members of the faculty, 1903-04:
Leander J. Aldrich, A. M., D. D., president, ethics.
Arthur M. Ward, M. S., secretary, English.
Daniel B. Atkinson, M. A., treasurer, Latin.
Benjamin F. McHenry, M. A., science and mathematics. S. Elizabeth Hatten, M. A., Greek and German.
Edward L. Lawson, Ph. B., psychology and normal.
Sadie F. Plunkett, M. A., drawing and painting.
Margaret Flanner, vocal and instrumental music. Pearl Wright, elocution and physical culture.
William H. Martin, penmanship.
Zenobia Weimer, librarian.
Sanna HI. Sutton, matron of ladies hall.
The college maintains academie and collegiate departments ; the standard courses of Indiana higher institutions; also special courses in English bible, homileties and theology.
The library contains about 3,600 volumes. Connected with the library is a free reading room, containing the leading magazines and a variety of daily and weekly journals.
A chemical laboratory and cabinet of mineralogy and natural history each provide facilities for scientific research.
The institution is supported from the income of $75,000, in- vested endowment, from tuition fees, rents and personal donations.
The years 1902 and 1903 were marked by a very material in- crease of permanent endowment. The Hon. Francis A. Palmer of New York, contributed $30,000 August 1, 1903, to which more than five hundred other friends added $20,000 the same year.
The year previous Mr. and Mrs. Levi Wilkinson of Cynthiana, Indiana, deeded the college a farm in Gibson county, Indiana, valued at $15,000.
Several different states are represented in the student body, but the attendance, which averages about 170 annually, is chiefly from the adjoining counties of Indiana and Illinois. The present term enrollment is about 100-nearly one-half of whom are young women.
563
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
1. NORTH MANCHESTER COLLEGE, NORTH MANCHESTER.
Founded 1895. Owned and controlled by four state districts of the German Baptist Brethren Church in Indiana and Ohio.
The trustees are chosen in the annual conference of these sev- eral districts by the delegate body.
Officers of the Board of Trustees : Chairman, Elder S. F. Sanger, South Bend, Ind. ; Secretary, Elder L. A. Bookwalter, Dayton, Ohio; Treasurer, Elder S. S. Ulrey, North Manchester, Ind. The school is leased to the following Board of Management : President, E. M. Crouch, A. M .; Secretary, I. Bruce Book, A. B .; Treasurer, L. D. Ikenberry, A. M .; M. M. Sherrick, A. M.
Strong faculty of teachers trained in some of our best colleges and universities.
COURSES.
1. Normal English Course-Four years professional course for teachers. Degree, B. E.
2. College Preparatory-Four years.
3. College Course-Four years. Degree, A. B. Bible-
1. Two years English course.
2. Hebrew and Greek Course-Three years. Degree, Bach- elor of Sacred Literature.
Music-
1. Course for Teachers-Two years, in both vocal and in- strumental.
2. Course in Voice Culture-Harmony and history of music.
3. Piano Course-Four years.
Commercial-
1. One year course.
2. Course of two years for commercial teachers. Degree, Master of Accounts.
3. Thorough courses in shorthand and typewriting. Elocution-Course of two years.
The institution is centrally located. A high standard of moral character and culture is maintained.
564
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
C. PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS.
u. VINCENES UNIVERSITY.
Vincennes, the seat of Vincennes university, is the county seat of Knox county. It is situated on the famous Wabash river, on a high rolling prairie, with picturesque upland surroundings and a background of forest, garden and farm land. It is 117 miles southwest of Indianapolis, and is easily reached by rail from all points in Indiana and Illinois.
Vincennes is a beautiful, healthful city, with a population of twelve thousand thrifty, hospitable, cultured people. It contains many commodious churches of various denominations, substantial public buildings, and handsome residences.
Vincennes is an historic landmark; it is the oldest city in the west and was the first capital of the northwest territory. Fort Knox, the original cathedral of the Vincennes diocese, the first legislative hall, the residence of William Henry Harrison, are among the historic places. Here also was the scene of the battle in which Gen. George Rogers Clark, after one of the most memorable marches in the annals of history, defeated Governor Hamilton and the British soldiers, and forced a surrender that eventually made the great northwest, United States territory.
By an act of congress March 26, 1804, it was provided that a township of land, 23,040 acres in the Vincennes land district, be located by the secretary of the treasury, for the use of a sem- inary.
The territorial legislature of Indiana, by an act passed No- vember 29, 1806, supplemented by an act passed September 17, 1807, established and incorporated Vincennes university, and des- ignated it as the recipient of the township of land donated by congress, and appointed a board of trustees and created said trus- tees and their successors a body corporate and politic by the name and style of "The Board of Trustees for the Vincennes University," with power to select a president and members of the faculty, establish a course of study, to grant degrees and exercise all other powers, rights and immunities usually bestowed on institutions of learning. The secretary of the treasury, Octo- ber 6, 1806, pursuant to act of congress, located and set apart to the university township 2 south, range 11 west. This land
565
EDUCATION IN INDIANA.
is in Gibson county, and is partly included in the present city of Princeton.
December 6, 1806, the first meeting of the trustees was held ; General William Henry Harrison was elected president and Gen. W. Johnson, secretary.
Under the grant the trustees were authorized to sell not ex- ceeding 4,000 acres of this land, and rent the remainder for the uses of the university. A campus of about twelve acres was purchased by the trustees, in what is now the center of the city, and a large brick building was erected thereon, a faculty was elected, and the institution opened in 1810, with Dr. Samuel T. Scott as first president, and continued until suspended by the action of the legislature of Indiana.
In 1830, and subsequently, the legislature assumed to own and control the lands of the university, appointed a commissioner to rent and sell the lands and pay the receipts into the state treasury.
By these several acts of the legislature the usefulness of the university was so weakened that for a time the school was sus- pended, but in 1843 the trustees after full investigation deter- mined to assert their rights to this property in Vincennes and the lands in Gibson county which had been sold by the state, and employed lawyers and instituted suits to recover. The leg- islature then passed an act authorizing suit to be brought by the university against the state in Marion circuit court to test the university's right to the lands, but limiting the amount to be recovered to the money realized by the state without interest and without regard to the value of the land.
This suit was brought and went to supreme court of the state, and this court decided against the university. The university appealed to the supreme court of the United States, and this court decided in favor of the university, and in the opinion stated that the lands at the time (1852) would have been worth $200,000.
In 1856 the state paid the university in bonds $66,585, of which the trustees had to pay their attorneys $26,000.
In 1895 the legislature gave the university $15,000, which was taken under protest that it was an inadequate settlement, the university determining to appeal to a future legislature.
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.