The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 31

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Missouri > Jackson County > The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county > Part 31

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Like most of the private institutions of learning, especially those under the control of principals and teachers not in sympathy with the invasion of southern rights, this school was suspended during the war and Mrs. Tillery was banished from her home. When the war closed Mrs. T. returned, but so reduced in her resources that she was unable to afford the accommodations usually enjoyed in the institution. Having conducted the school for a few years longer, the posi- tion of first assistant in the public schools of the city was offered and accepted ; which situation she continue to fill until 1876, when she resigned and went to Kentucky, where she still resides.

In 1869 Profs. W. A. and W. Buckner, former principals of Bourbon Female College, Paris, Kentucky, purchased at a cost of $11,000 the property known as the McCauley property, in the western suburbs of the city, an eligible and command- ing site on the Kansas City road, and on the line of the contemplated boulevard. The building was suitably enlarged, by the addition of wings, at a cost of $4, 500, making the whole cost of property and furniture nearly $17,000.

With encouraging prospects, these enterprising young gentlemen opened their school in the fall of the same year. This school was from the first designed for a female school, and Messrs. Buckner, bringing to the institution ripe scholar- ship and large experience, could but command the patronage of an intelligent community. The faculty was composed of Profs. W. A. and W. Buckner, as- sociate principals. Mrs. H. S. Twyman, first assistant, and Miss Hattie Hutton, preparatory department.

The music department was under the instruction of Miss M. Gossine.

The session of 1870-71 opened with the same gentlemen as principals. Prof. Frank Smith, mathematics; Mrs. Smith, preparatory, and Miss M. Gossine, music.

The graduates this year were Misses Eva Mariner, Jessie Farrar and Nannie Ragan.

For the years 1871-2-3, the working principal, Prof. W. A. Buckner, having been called to the presidency of Lexington Christian Female College, Wood- land College came under the control of Prof. A. E. Higgason. During this time young gentlemen were admitted to the classes.

At the opening of the session of 1873-4 Prof. W. A. Buckner again took charge of the school, as president, assisted by Mr. F. W. Smith, Mrs. C. B. Buckner and Miss Jessie Tipton.

The graduates were Misses Lizzie Mariner, Emma Ragan and Kate Ross.

1874-5. Faculty-Prof. W. A. Buckner, President; Mrs. Aldrich and Mrs. C. B. Buckner, assistants; Mrs. Sallie Price, music department.

1875-6. Faculty-Prof. W. A. Buckner, President; Mrs. C. B. Buckner, assistant ; music, Prof. H. Schultz.

1876-7. Prof. W. A. Buckner, President ; assistants, F. W. Allen and Miss Ida Gray; music, Miss Louise Hoffman.

Graduates : Misses Ida Gray, Kate Gibson, Linda Thomson, Louise L. Noland, Lula Waldo, Laura Moss, Emma Weitzel and Lula Stone.

1877-8. Faculty same as preceding.

Graduates : Misses Carrie Robinson, Alice M. Moore, Maud McVay, Lou. Hardin, Kate Buckner, Annie Oldham, Betta Frazier and Annie Wize.

1878-9. Faculty-Prof. W. A. Buckner, Mrs. C. B. Buckner, Miss Kate Buckner ; music, Miss M. E. McGary.

In 1879 the institution was purchased by a stock company and organized as a mixed school for young ladies and gentlemen, with the following gentleman as

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a board of trustees : Messrs. E. A. Hickman, J. S. Mott, J. P. Jones, Chas. E. Wilson, L. M. Sea, H. C. St. Clair, John Bryant, Jr., H. H. Noland, Alexander Procter and J. P. Alexander.

The officers of the board were Maj. E. A. Hickman, President; J. S. Mott, Vice-President ; H. H. Noland, Secretary, and H. C. St. Clair, Treasurer.

The faculty consisted of the following : Alex. Proctor, A. M., President and Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Evidences of Christianity ; J. W. Ellis, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, Latin, Ancient and English Literature, and Dean of Faculty ; H. Christopher, A. M., M. D., Professor of Natural Science, Natural History and Greek; W. A. Buckner, A. M., Professor of English branches and Astronomy ; Maj. E. A. Hickman, Professor of Field Practice and Applied Mathematics ; Miss Nellie Loar, instrumental and vocal music; Mrs. C. Buckner, primary department.

Graduates for 1880: Misses Nannie D. Cox, salutatory. Gertrude L. Beard, Martha Crenshaw, Lucy E. Crump, Louisa Farnish, Myra Gilkey, Lena G. Hardin, Lizzie H. Masters, Virginia White, salutatory. Mr. Alfred N. Gosset, valedictory.

At the close of the first session, Prof. Ellis retired and took possession and control of the flourishing Academy at Plattsburgh, Mo. The vacancy thus occurring, was filled by the appointment of Prof. C. R. Thomson, of Midway, Kentucky.

Miss Nellie Loar having resigned her position as teacher of music, the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Miss Rosa Lee Wilhoyte, of Louisville, Kentucky.

There has been inaugurated a school, which, with intelligent and liberal management, may prove a rich blessing to this broad, God-favored western country.

In 1845, McDonald District No. 2, in the southwestern part of the county, in township forty-eight, range thirty-three, was organized into a High School, by Mr. Jefferson H. Johnson, of Hinds county, Mississippi, a gentleman of liberal education and endowed with a spirit of enterprise and progress. Devoted to the cause of education, and realizing the necessity of suitable accommodations for such an enterprise, he, on his own land, and at his own expense, the next year, erected suitable buildings, about one and a half miles from the original site, and a short distance north of the south line, of what is now Brooking township. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Johnson, as proprietor and head of the [boarding department, opened the school under the title of Highland Academy. The first Principal was Mr. S. S. Woods, of New York, a man of superior scholarship and accomplishments, but soon developed a lack of administrative ability, and was discharged after a few months' service. The number of pupils was about forty. In this school were taught the higher branches of English, together with Latin and Greek. Prof. Woods was succeeded by Mr. Young, who, proving wholly incompetent to conduct the school, at his own suggestion, was relieved, and suc- ceeded by Mr. Joseph Bledsoe, a gentleman of fine endowments, who had de- voted himself to the profession of law ; and having with great ability and success, conducted the Academy for five months, resigned, to enter upon the practice of the profession of his choice. The resignation of Mr. Bledsoe was much regretted by all the friends of this young and growing enterprise. Through all these dis- couragements the school was continued, and in 1846, Prof. J. H. Youley was induced to accept the position of Principal, than whom, perhaps, no better selec- tion could have been made. Thoroughly conversant with all the departments of English and classical education; and endowed with eminent decision of character, and withal devoted to the profession of teaching, he was especially fitted to take charge of such an institution. His eminent qualifications being recognized, the school opened with fifty or sixty pupils, which number was soon augmented to

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

seventy or eighty of all grades, but chiefly of the higher. They came from several different States, north, as well as south. Prof. Youley continued to preside over the institution until 1849, when, having been called to a position at Camden Point, in Platte county, he resigned the trust, carrying with him the regret of the whole community.

In this school, were educated young men, who, in after life, became the most useful and influential citizens of the States, from which they came ; among. whom may be mentioned, of this county : J. T. Belt, J. L. Winchester, Hon. S. C. Ragan, N. L. Simpson, H. Clay, James Cogswell and Charles Cowherd; Reed and McGee, of Platte, James Payne, of Clay, Quincy and Thomas Mercer, of Hinds county, Miss., and R. and W. Forbes, of Nelson Co., Ky.

The failing health of Mr. Johnson, shortly after resulting in his death, lead to the suspension of the school. After his death, the property fell in other hands, and the school was not re-opened.

After the suspension of Highland Academy, the intelligent citizens of the same neighborhood, having enjoyed the blessing of a good school, and not alto- gether disposed to give up the good work, built a commodious school house, about one and a half miles southwest of Highland, which is now known as Union Point. A school was here opened under the direction and tuition of Mr. S. C. Ragan, a pupil of Highland. At this place, a good school has ever since been sustained. The school, however, about 1850 or 1851, was organized under the public school law, and has thus been conducted ever since.

An important enterprise connected with the educational interests of Jackson county, known as Independence High School, chiefly under the supervision and instruction of Prof. George S. Bryant, deserves especial notice. Some time in 1857 Prof. M. W. Miller opened a school for instruction in the higher branches in the southwestern part of the city. The accommodations being limited and wholly unsuited to the purpose, the friends of Prof. M. associated themselves in a stock company and erected the building still standing on the property adjoining that of Dr. John Bryant, Sr., where the school was conducted by Prof. M. until 1860. At this time George S. Bryant, having graduated with honors at Bethany College, Va., and the success of the school demanding assistance, went in as associate principal. The war ensuing a few months later, Prof. Miller, on account of his strong Southern proclivities, was forced to leave the county. He went to St. Louis, and is now one of the ward principals in that city. Mr. Bryant con- tinued the conduct of the school after the war and until 1875. At this date he was chosen Principal of the Christian Female College at Columbia, Mo., and severed his connection with the school at Independence, and is still the popular and honored President of the above named college.

Independence High School has, perhaps with justice, been regarded as the school of the county. The writer of this sketch has had much to do with the schools of the county, and, as a general thing, has found the students of Indepen- dence High School better drilled and more thoroughly instructed than those of any other school in the county, and perhaps not excelled by any institution in the State.

In the summer of 1871 the corner stone of Independence Female College, on North Liberty street, was laid with masonic ceremonies, Grandmaster W. E. Whiting officiating, and Rev. M. M. Fisher, D. D., delivering the address.

This institution was founded by enterprising citizens in connection with the First Presbyterian Church of Independence. The following gentlemen consti- tuted the first board of trustees: William Chrisman, A. Comingo, George P. Gates, Charles D. Lucas, G. W. Buchanan, John H. Taylor, William McCoy, John T. Smith, John McCoy.

The school opened with flattering prospects in the fall of 1871, and had in attendance during its first session eighty-three pupils. The faculty consisted of

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

Rev. M. M. Fisher, D. D., President; Miss M. Henderson, First Assistant; Miss Sadie Allen, Intermediate, and Miss Kate Buchanan, Preparatory. At the close of the first session, June, 1872, there were three graduates, Misses Velona Hen- derson, Annie Ralston and Mattie A. Wyatt. The music department was under the direction of Prof. H. Shultz, Mrs. M. Moulton and Mrs. M. Lucas Watson.

The session of 1873-4 was under the same faculty, and graduated six young ladies, Misses Hattie Colbern, Emma Farrar, Bettie Parberry, Laura Ragan, Susie Mariner and Maggie Chrisman.

In 1874 Prof. Strother, formerly President of St. Charles Female College, a gentleman of fine scholarship and much experience in teaching, succeeded Dr. Fisher in the presidency of the college, and brought to his assistance his accom- plished lady, Mrs. S. Strother, and his daughter Miss Minnie Strother and Miss Ruffner in the preparatory department.

Mrs. Strother, Miss Neeb and Miss Bertha Strother had charge of the music department.

The graduates this year were Misses Ella Dent, Luella Mitchell, Marietta Garvin, Jennie McCoy, Lizzie Chiles, Minnie Waldo and Scottie Buchanan.

The session of 1875 opened with the same faculty.

The only graduate this year was Miss Mary Collins.

In the fall of 1875 Rev. J. E. Wheeler, formerly of Vicksburg, Miss., and latterly of Sedalia, Mo., a gentleman of accomplished scholarship and ability, having accepted the charge of the First Presbyterian Church, was chosen presi- dent, and in September opened the school, with Miss M. Clark, First Assistant, and Miss Lillie Treadway in the primary department.

Prof. Sherwood has charge of the music department.

Mrs. Harriet Groesbeck controlling the boarding department.

Owing to a change in the curriculum and management of the school, there were no graduates in 1876.

The session of 1876-7, under the control of the same faculty, with the ex- ception of the primary department, which was efficiently conducted by Miss An- nie Groesbeck.

Graduates in 1877 : Misses Lora Cannon, Anna Pagsley, Maggie White, and Mamie Langhorne.

In 1877 the board secured the services of Prof. P. F. Witherspoon, of Pau- totoe, Mississippi, a gentleman of much experience in conducting Female Col- leges in the South. Mr. Witherspoon entered the college in June, but not until September did he take full charge of the institution, at which time he opened with an encouraging roll of pupils and the following faculty :

Prof. P. F. Witherspoon, President.

Rev. J. E. Wheeler, mental and moral science.

Mrs. Witherspoon, elocution and history.

Miss Sue Myers, intermediate department.

Miss Anna Gordon, primary department.

Miss Caroline Stoll, German department.

Prof. B. F. Curtis, music department.

The graduates this session were : Misses Maggie Hollis, Ida H. Hope, Liz- zie Lowe and Florence Perry.

The faculty for the session 1878-9 were Prof. P. F. Witherspoon, Rev. J. C. Wheeler, Mrs. W. Wheeler, Miss Jessie Farrar, Miss Ida Hope, and Miss Maggie Hollis.

Miss S. A. Smith, music. The graduates were Misses Mary Baird and Car- oline Stoll.

The session of 1879-80 opened with the following faculty :

Prof. P. F. Witherspoon, President.

Rev. J. E. Wheeler.

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Miss Nellie Epler.

Miss Mary Gentry.

Miss Caroline Stoll, German.

Miss S. A. Smith, music.

The graduates this year were Misses Lizzie Collins, Neddie Cowherd, Vena Henderson, Lillie Sampson, and Pauline Witherspoon.

During the vacation of 1880, the board re-organized the faculty, with the fol- lowing appointments :

Prof. P. F. Witherspoon, president and professor of mental and moral sci- ence; Rev. A. Carroll, superintendent literary department and professor of ancient languages, science and mathematics ; Mrs. Witherspoon, history, physiol- ogy and botany ; Mrs. Helen M. Nash, modern languages and English literature ; Miss Mary Fulton, preparatory department; Miss Evelyn Westlake, vocal and instrumental music ; Mrs. H. C. Crysler, oil and portrait painting ; Mrs. Wither- spoon, wax and hair flowers, photocrome and Grecian painting ; Miss Lila Carr, matron.

Rev. A. Carroll, having for several years conducted the Independence pub- lic schools, as superintendent, and more lately the schools of Olathe, Kansas, brought to the institute that literary culture and experience that give to the friends of the college assurance of large success. This institution has been founded with an outlay of about $19,000. A liberality and devotion to the cause of edu- cation, and consequently to the best interests of the city and vicinity, on the part of the founders, so commendable, calls for cooperation and encouragement, on the part of a community so enlightened.

With Independence Female College, Woodland College, St. Mary's Semi- nary (afterward to be mentioned), and Independence public schools, Indepen- dence offers educational advantages unsurpassed by any city in the west.

St. Mary's Seminary, under the control of the Catholic Church, was built in 1878. The building is substantial and commodious, and well suited for the pur- poses for which it was built. It is located on North Liberty street.

This institution opened in the fall of 1878, with the following corps of in- struction in the female department : Mother Vincent, Sister Mary Francis, Sister Bernadette, Sister Mary Gregory ; Sister Mary Gougago, music; Sister Rose, male department. The above conducted the school for two years.

In 1880 the institution was placed under the control and instruction of the following corps of teachers in the female department : Mother Xavier, Sister Joseph, Sister Mary Austin, Sister Placide, Sister Cunagunda ; Sister Seraphine, music; Sister Mida has control of the boys' department.

This institution opened with a full attendance in both departments, which patronage has continued to the present time, thus insuring success to the institu- tion.

In addition to the above mentioned schools there have been several private schools, the history of which, at this present writing, could not be fully ascertain- ed. Notable among these is that of a school for boys, conducted by Mr. John O. Buchanan. It is much to be regretted that so few facts regarding this school are accessible to the writer. Perhaps, for the time it continued in operation, there was no school more worthy to be remembered than this. Mr. Buchanan came from New York to this county at an early date and taught several schools in dif- ferent parts of the county, and in 1846 or 1847 located in Independence and oc- cupied the building originally built for the Independence Female Seminary, in the southern part of the city. This was a school for boys. But where facts are so meager it must suffice to mention them, with such remarks as we are fully per- suaded are reliable. The writer was well acquainted with Mr. Buchanan and has ever esteemed him as an able instructor of youth in the common branches.

We regret very much that, owing to the want of proper records, so little can

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be learned at this date concerning the first organization of schools under the com- mon school laws. All that can be learned rests upon the recollection of the old citizens interested in this cause, paramount to all others save that of the church of Christ.

From the best information derived from this source, it is certain that there were organized districts, with schools and teachers, as early as 1842. In 1841, the citizens of township 48, range 32, with a spirit of progress worthy each man, conceived the idea of availing themselves of the privileges and advantages vouch- safed by the Government, and took the preliminary steps to organize a district school, which is believed to be the first common school district in the county. This organization was completed in 1842. The Hon. Alvin Brooking, John Minir and Ben. Thomson composed the first board and Jas. H. Thomas was the first teacher. The school house was built on the southwest quarter of section 27, township 49, range 32.

In the same year another district was organized in township 47, range 29, of which David Harris was the first teacher. This was in what is now called Van Buren township, and was numbered 6, from which we reasonably conclude that there were five previously organized. It is probable, however, that these were all organized during the same year. In 1838 the Legislature revised the school laws, and, from the superior provisions offered, doubtless a spirit of progress in this direction was aroused in the minds of the people which awoke them to a sense of their best interests and the advantages of a system that looked to the education of the masses. The school house in the last mentioned district was built on the southeast quarter of section 29, township 47, range 29. It was a log structure and remained until 1861 ; at this date having the same stove that warm- ed the fingers and toes of the little sovereigns who there secured the foundation of their future usefulness. We are assured by the rural bard, who was a citizen of this district at the time of its organization, that the said stove is good for at least twenty years longer

From this time onward districts continued to multiply, adding more or less every year to the number. These schools, however, having no supervision, it is not remarkable that the advance was slow. It must not be inferred that the un- organized territory was destitute of all means of education. On the contrary, in many districts where the population was sufficiently dense, might be found good schools-some taught in the "old log school house," and others in buildings more pretentious. The people, having no one whose business it was to visit their schools, explain the law to the people, and to set the system before them with all its advantages, were prone to hold on to the old system of "pay schools." Un- der the system in operation at this time, the teachers were examined by a com- mission-usually the township directors who gave the certificates.

The first County Commissioner of whose acts we have any record, was Mr. Wm. Chrisman, at present one of the banking firm of the banking house of Chrisman, Sawyer & Co. From the record we infer that he was appointed to the office in 1853. For that year twenty-six districts reported. The enumeration of children, thus reported, amounted to 1,981. The apportionment of public funds amounted to bank dividend, $1,278.99; county revenue, $1,755.56; total, $3,034.35. In addition to this there was apportioned to districts not reporting $734.90, making the whole amount of public funds for that year $3, 767.25. Installment not given. .

In 1854 Mr. Chrisman reports 4,853 children enumerated, with an enrollment of 1, 229. This year fifty-three districts reported, giving an average enrollment of twenty-three to the district.

In 1855 examinations of thirty-seven teachers are recorded, but no grade given. Enumeration 4,339. No enrollment given.

In 1856 Mr. John O. Buchanan succeeded to the office of County Commis-

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

sioner. The only word recorded, other than the examination of teachers, during his continuance in office, is the enumeration of children, which amounted to 4,931. The number of districts reporting, fifty nine.

In November, 1857, W. L. Bone, Esq., was appointed County Commissioner. The record, of this administration, is much more full and satisfactory than that of any previous commissioner. In 1858, together with the last two months of 1857, certificates were granted to seventy-four teachers. The enumeration of children of school age amounted in 1857 to 5, 110. Enrollment not recorded. The amount of public funds disbursed was as follows : Township fund, $2, 598. - 97; county fund, $743.00; State fund, $3,577.00; total, $6,918.97. The enumeration of children for 1858 was 5,539. The distribution of public funds, not given.

For 1859 the number of certificates recorded was only forty-nine. The re- port to State Superintendent shows the following facts : Number of districts, seventy ; enumeration, 5,677 ; money disbursed, -; township fund, $2, 150 .- oo; State fund, $3, 860.00; county fund, $2,085.00.

At this date the records fail, and we have no certain knowledge of facts connected with the history of public schools, until 1862. At this date it appears that one worthy County Clerk, John R. Swearingen, was appointed County Commissioner. How long he held the office, or what was done, during his ad- ministration, appears not on the record, save a few items with regard to district government, of no public interest.

From a single item, we find that after this time, Prof. Wm. Taylor served as County Commissioner ; but as to date of appointment or length of term of service, or what was done, we have no record. 1866 Mr. W. J. Shaw seems to have acted as County Commissioner, as there is a record of the examination of a few teachers, but nothing more.

In November, 1867, Prof. Geo. S Bryant was elected commissioner; and this seems to have been the first election of County Commissioner, by the people. The only record left by Prof. Bryant, is that of the examination of 125 teachers, between November 1, 1867, and the close of 1868.

In November, 1868, at the general election, Prof. D. I. Caldwell, without solicitation on his part, was elected County Commissioner, and continued to per- form the duties of the office until January Ist, 1871.

According to his report to the State Superintendent, there were at that time eighty-two districts, in addition to the city schools of Kansas City, Independence and Westport. Total number of teachers in the county, 103; total enumeration of children, 12,379 ; total enrollment, 5,293; number of months taught, 434; average salary of teachers per month : males, $50.50, females $36.00; estimated value of property, $100,000. Previous to the administration of Prof. Caldwell, the schools of the county had not been visited, whilst required by the law, to visit all the districts in the county ; yet the time allowed for this work, together with his office work, examination of teachers, etc., was only sixty days. The consequence was that he failed to visit half the districts in the county. He visit- ed enough, however, to find out that there was a number of schools where good work was being done. An additional fact was also fixed firmly in his mind, viz : that intelligent, faithful supervision was the life of the system. The limited visi- tation which the commissioner was able to do, in the time adopted, infused new life and vigor into the work, and public schools, all over the county, were greatly improved. The work was better done; the children became more interested ; and the people estimated their schools at an increased value.

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The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 31

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068