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 82
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The organization of the Board, September, 1869, was as follows :
W. E. Sheffield, President; A A. Bainbridge, Secretary ; James Craig, Treasurer ; T. B. Lester, Patrick Shannon, J. V. C. Karnes. John R. Phillips, Superintendent.
This school year marks a new era in the history and progress of the schools. Prior to the organization in September. Prof. John R. Phillips was elected Super- intendent, which position he filled till August, 1874.
The work in the school-rooms was now molded into definite form. Classi- fication and grading, which had been sadly neglected, were enforced at the beginning of the first term; the teachers were required to adhere as nearly as possible to the tabulated courses of study. History of the United States and the elements of Physiology were now taught for the first time since the organization of the schools. Notwithstanding the one-sided culture which the pupils had re- ceived in former years, the close of the year found the schools in a prosperous condition. The number of pupils enrolled was 3,034 ; average number belong- ing, 2,671 ; average daily attendance, 1,388 ; per cent. of attendance, 83.
1870-I.
The Board, organized September, 1870, was as follows :
W. E. Sheffield, President ; Joseph Feld, Secretary; J. V. C. Karnes, Treasurer ; James Craig, T. B. Lester, Henry Tobener.
The statistics of this year show that it was one of decided progress and in- creased prosperity. The number of pupils was larger, the attendance more regular and punctual, the discipline more healthy and judicious, the instruction more exact and thorough than during any preceding year ; enumeration of school children was 4,046; the enrollment, 3,866; the average number belonging, 2,237 ; the average daily attendance, 2,049, and the percentage of attendance 91. The number of teachers employed was 42.
1871-2.
There were some changes in the Board this year.
W. E. Sheffield, President ; James Craig, Secretary; J. V. C. Karnes, Treasurer ; Joseph Feld, H. H. Buckner and Henry R. Seeger, members.
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HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY.
The total number of persons in the district of school age was 5,850; the enrollment, 4,042; average number belonging, 2,295; average daily atten- dance, 2,036 ; number of teachers employed, 50; percentage of attendance, 91.
The course of study received some modifications this year. Too much prominence had been given to Geography, and it was discontinued in the two highest grades and Botany introduced instead, which alternated with History of the United States. Some little progress was thought to have been made in vocal music, under a special teacher. The regular teachers, so it appears from the published report of this year, had, with few exceptions, not encouraged the music teacher in his labors.
Drawing had a worse fate than music. The instruction was not systematic and therefore unproductive of practical results. Superintendent Phillips said: "I see no remedy except in employing a thoroughly competent special teacher to superintendent and direct the teaching of mechanical and object drawing in all the schools."
1872-3-4.
No report of the schools was published from 1872 to 1874. The superin- tendent preserved some of the statistics, which indicate continued progress in the quantity and quality of the work. Public sentiment in favor of the schools was forming and crystallizing, and whatever opposition there had once been was rapidly dying out. An effort was made during this period to teach " object les- sons " after the plan proposed by Mr. Sheldon. The results in the lower grades were not satisfactory, and the work in this direction was virtually abandoned.
When the Board was organized in September, 1872, W. E. Sheffield was elected President; James Craig, Secretary, and J. V. C. Karnes, Treasurer. The other members were T. K. Hanna, Henry R. Seeger and Joseph Feld. John R. Phillips, Superintendent.
The enumeration of school children in 1872 was 6, 198, of whom 4, 138 were enrolled in the schools. The average number belonging was 2,361; the average daily attendance, 2,034 ; the percentage of attendance, 90. There were em- ployed 57 teachers, including the special teachers of music and German.
The school year of 1873-4 produced the following changes in the Board: Major Henry A. White and Mr. C. A. Chace were elected the successors of W. E. Sheffield and Joseph Feld, the retiring members. The only change in the of- ficers was that Henry A. White was elected President. The Secretary and Treasurer were re-elected.
Each year the schools continued to improve. The pupils were more regu- lar in their attendance, better discipline was maintained, and there was a per- ceptible improvement in methods of instruction.
The total number of teachers employed was 56. Enumeration of children of school age, 6,636, a small increase over the preceding year. There were en- rolled in the schools, 4, 164 pupils; the average number belonging, 2,517; aver- age daily attendance, 2,328 ; and percentage of attendance, 91.5.
SUPERINTENDENT JOHN R. PHILLIPS.
Supt. Phillips resigned July, 1874, after having charge of the city schools for five years. He found the schools unorganized, ungraded, and each school independent of the others. There was an entire absence of anything like a com- mon unity in the work. He addressed himself diligently to the reformation of abuses that had crept into the schools. A course of study, such as had the sanc- tion of the best educators of our country, was adopted, embracing seven years for the ward schools and four years for the high school department. As an or- ganizer, Mr. Phillips planned and executed well. His entire administration was
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eminently successful, and he laid a solid foundation at the beginning of his work here to which he conscientiously adhered.
In his official relations with the Board of Education and the teachers he was always courteous and gentlemanly. His sense of right and justice were two of the most prominent traits of his character, and he carried these ideas into all the practical duties of life.
November, 1874, after a brief illness, Prof. John R. Phillips died at his resi- dence on Forest avenue. Thus passed away in the prime of his manhood one who had devoted five years to building up of the cause of popular education in Kansas City. His loss was universally deplored by all classes of citizens.
1874-5.
In July, 1874, Mr. J. M. Greenwood was elected Superintendent, which position he still occupies.
For the school year of 1874-5, the officers of the board were unchanged. Mr. R. H. Hunt and Mr. James Craig were elected to fill the vacancies which occurred in September, 1874. The board thus organized was composed of the following gentlemen : Messrs. H. A. White, President; J. V. C. Karnes, Secre- tary ; James Craig Treasurer; Thos. K. Hanna, C. A. Chace and R. H. Hunt. Enumeration of school children April, 1874, was 7,738; and the following year 8, 144. The number of pupils enrolled was 4,262, an increase of sixty-six over the previous year. Fifty-five rooms were owned by the district. During the year there were fifty-eight teachers employed in the schools.
Upon taking charge of the schools Mr. Greenwood arranged a syllabus of the course of study that would serve as a guide for the teachers. Using this, the work was systematized in all the grades. Special attention was given to language and composition exercises. To remedy defects in reading the teachers received special drill in phonic analysis. How to teach each branch in the ward schools and how to adapt the instruction to the capacity of the pupils were fully explained at the monthly meetings.
The plan of promoting upon the final examination only was discontinued ; and promotions were made upon the " mean" average of the written examinations, the daily work, and the daily deportment record. Excellent results were pro- duced in the schools, and greater incentives to good conduct established. Self- control became an important factor in school management.
1875-6.
The school year opened favorably. Messrs. Hanna and White retired, and Mr. Henry Switzer and Mr. E. L. Martin were elected their successors.
ORGANIZATION SEPTEMBER, 1875.
Officers : J. V. C. Karnes, President ; Henry Switzer, Secretary; James Craig, Treasurer. Members : J. V. C. Karnes, Robert H. Hunt, James Craig, Henry Switzer, C. A. Chace, E. L. Martin.
STATISTICS.
Total number of persons, between six and twenty years of age, 7, 126; total enrollment of pupils in the schools, 4,301 ; number of teachers, 60. During the summer the Central school building was erected. The total expenditures for all purposes per treasurer's report, was $87,262.98.
In methods of instruction the following principles were closely adhered to :
I. The teacher must understand the entire nature of the pupil to be educated -physically, morally, intellectually, socially and esthetically.
2. This knowledge can be acquired by studying the body and its relations to the mind and reciprocally.
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HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY.
3. The subject to be taught must always be adapted to the capacity of the pupil.
4. In teaching, pass by easy steps from the known to the unknown.
5. In teaching, first present the concrete phase of the subject before the abstract by addressing both the eye and ear.
6. Small children, especially, need a great deal of practice and but little theory.
7. Teach one thing only at a time.
8. Mark the difference between thorough teaching and exhaustive teaching.
9. The teacher must know the subject matter to be taught.
SUMMARY OF THE YEAR'S WORK.
The work of the year was quite satisfactory. Decided improvement in teaching some of the branches was made, and the instruction in other branches more thorough, systematic and rational than ever before. Reading was better taught, and there appeared to be much greater interest taken in the subject than formerly. The reading of the pupils was, generally, natural, the articulation plain and distinct, and there seemed to be an earnest desire on the part of teachers and pupils to express the sentiments and feelings of the author in appropriate language.
Perhaps one of the marked improvements was in teaching Geography. This subject in nearly all the schools was brought to a fair degree of perfection.
The year before, the first attempt was made to teach writing on a scientific basis. Most cheerfully the teachers made the effort, and the rapid progress of the pupils surpassed all expectations.
Drawing received considerable attention ; many pupils made wonderful prog- ress. As a means of cultivating the hand, the eye, the imagination, the taste to appreciate the artistic in painting, sculpture, architecture, and designs of all kinds, drawing is invaluable.
Composition by degrees worked its way into all the schools, so that now it was one of the regular exercises of each week.
During the year a public library, to be under the immediate supervision of the board, and to be as permanent as any other department of the school system, was established. In aid of this movement three entertainments were given by the principals of the Lathrop, Humboldt and Washington schools, from which was realized $446.50, and to this was added the very handsome sum of $490, given by the patriotic ladies of the Centennial Association. From this beginning, together with the many contributions from the citizens, the foundation of a library was laid which will greatly increase the efficiency of our schools, and exert a direct influence on the prosperity of our city. The library was opened November, 1876, with a thousand volumns of choice works on the shelves.
1876-7.
The organization of the board remained the same as the year previous, and there was no change in the membership.
The school population was 8,303; the total enrollment of pupils 4,334, in- structed by 58 teachers. Instruction in the German language was discontinued in the District Schools but retained in the Central school.
The financial condition of the district steadily improved. In the schools themselves everything was most satisfactory, and it was undoubtedly the most successful year since the organization of the schools, its workings becoming better understood by the people, and they lent a hearty support. In every department there has been the most perfect harmony, and one aim has seemingly prompted all alike, and that was for the greatest possible efficiency and progress.
A thousand volumes were added to the library. It seemed to meet a public
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necessity, and the demand has been constantly increasing. There are now in the library about two thousand volumes, embracing every line of reading and investigation.
During the year the work of the board had been very pleasant. Not a single disturbing element from within, and but few complaints have come from without. The fame of the schools, their harmony and efficiency, has gone abroad, and that the educational growth is considered as marvelous as the commercial prosperity of the city.
1877-8.
Owing to a change in the school law the Board was not re-organized till April 1878. The only change in the officers that occurred was that Mr. E. L. Martin was elected Treasurer and Mr. James Craig General Agent. .
The total number of persons in the district was 9,622, of whom 4, 622 attended school, and were instructed by 59 teachers.
The new Lincoln school building, consisting of seven rooms was erected at a total cost of $7.000.
On June 14, 1878, the public schools of Kansas City closed their eleventh year. From a small and doubtful beginning in the fall of 1867, they steadily grew in usefulness and prosperity until, with much pride and satisfaction, we can fairly say that they were now unsurpassed by any system of public instruction in the west. This high ground had been reached after much care and effort. To maintain this high standard it was necessary to ignore all sectarian and political influence, to preserve entire harmony in all the departments, and in the election of teachers to disregard all favoritism, and employ only those of the broadest cul- ture and most extended experience.
The past year had been one of unusual success. There had been no dis- turbances of any kind. The teachers vied with one another in the full discharge of their important duties, and as an evidence of their efficiency and fidelity, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, and with the concurrence of every member of the Board, the entire corps, without a single exception were all re-elected.
1878-9.
During this year one change only was made in the Board. Mr. R. L. Yea- ger having been elected successor to Mr. R. H. Hunt.
The officers were re-elected so that there was no change in the organization.
The school census shows the enumeration of persons of school age in the district to be 11, 325, and the enrollment of pupils in school is 5,259, taught by sixty-two teachers.
The rapid growth of the city rendered it necessary that increased school accommodations should be provided, and during the summer vacation additions were made to the Franklin and Humboldt school buildings, thus furnishing eight new and commodious rooms at a total cost of $8,640; but the crowded condition of the schools still remained a subject of constant and anxious consideration of the Board. All the schools were literally packed full of children, yet the entire working of the school system was highly satisfactory.
1879-80.
Since the last annual report, another school year has come and gone. This period has been marked by more than the usnal changes in the educational management, the most important of which have been in the organization of the board. On October 31, 1879, James Craig, having removed from the State, re- signed the office of director, which he had held continuously since December 2, 1869; and, on April 29, 1880, Henry Switzer died, leaving vacant the director- ship he had likewise held continuously since September 21, 1875. Both of these
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BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE KANSAS CITY STOCK YARDS.
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HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY.
were men of efficiency, thoroughly devoted to the work of establishing and per- fecting the public school system in our city. Their loss will be long felt by the community, and their memories deserve to be, and will be enshrined in the affections of a grateful people. Of these positions, the former was filled by the appointment and subsequent election of Gen. Frank Askew, and the latter by the appoint- ment of Henry C. Kumpf, Esq., both of whom have been long and favorably known to our citizens. Mr. Craig had likewise been the business agent of the board for several years, and, upon his retirement, J. W. Perkins, late principal of the Washington school, was engaged to fill the place. He resigned recently and W. E. Benson, late city clerk, was secured for the position which he now holds and fills nost acceptably. With these exceptions, the board remains as heretofore.
There was an increased enumeration of children this year over last of three thousand, eight hundred and fifty, (3,850,) making it necessary to greatly extend the school facilities. For that purpose, at the spring election, there was voted a two- mill tax for building purposes. The collection of this was anticipated and four- teen additional rooms were erected. This was accomplished by the erection of the Karnes school on Troost avenue, between Third and Fourth streets ; by adding to the Lathrop, Woodland and Lincoln buildings, and by the purchase of a house in West Kansas, designed temporarily, for a branch of the Lincoln school. Year by year the schools grow in favor; the per cent. of attendance is larger ; the city is doubling itself every decade; the proportion of children to taxable wealth is very great; so under these circumstances, how to meet the pressing demands is a question of no ordinary importance.
The school work of the past year has been entirely satisfactory. Every year is an improvement on the previous one. Our educational growth is keeping pace with our commercial. The people in their wise action, have directed the exclusion of all sectarian or political influences, and so the current of educational life flows smoothly on, widening and deepening as it flows. Our course of in- struction is not so comprehensive as that attempted in many places, but that which is undertaken is well done, and the preparation for useful, intelligent citizenship is now within the reach of every child in this city.
The same unity of feeling pervades every department that has characterized the school management for years past. The people at all times have accorded a hearty support. From the day the public school system was established in this city, no step has been taken backward, and there is every reason to expect a continuance of this increasing prosperity.
1880-81.
The schools closed June 9, 1881, after having completed the mnost prosper- ous year's work since their organization. For seven years the utmost harmony has prevailed in every department-the Board of Education, the Superintendent, and teachers-all having worked unceasingly to bring the schools to the highest degree of perfection. From sixteen teachers in 1867, the corps has increased till at present it numbers one hundred and three earnest and faithful workers. Complete preparations have been made to furnish and equip sixteen additional rooms during the present summer so that they will be ready for occupancy when the schools open in September.
Under the skillful financial management of the Board, all claims of whatso- ever character have been promptly paid on demand, and the entire business for the last six years has been conducted on a cash basis.
In 1873 the first class, consisting of four members, graduated from the Cen- tral school, and a class has graduated every year since. The total number of graduates is 136, of whom forty-three are males.
Since the foundation of the library in 1876, it had continued to increase in
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HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY.
usefulness and importance, and to attend to it properly required so much of the Superintendent's time from his other duties, that the Board last March employed Mrs. Carrie W. Judson as librarian and to perform such clerical duties at the office of the Board of Education as the Superintendent might direct. The library, is now kept open every day and its duties promptly attended to.
Already there are 3,000 volumes in the library, and large additions will be made during the year.
There are 16,981 children between six and twenty years of age in this school district, and 8,026 enrolled in the schools.
The Board remains unchanged in its organization and membership.
The public schools of this city have achieved a reputation for substantial work which places them among the foremost in the country.
CHAPTER XVIII.
KANSAS CITY-WHY SHE IS AND WHAT SHE IS.
A Summary of the Facts of Her History-The Facts that Caused Her Growth-Her Markets, Her Railroad System, and Fast Freight Lines-Steamship Agencies-The New West, and Its Resources.
The origin and development of Kansas City were based upon certain facts inherent in the nature of things, which, in this closing chapter, it will be well to review.
It will be seen in the preceding pages that these facts relate to transportation facilities. The situation now is as advantageous as in the beginning, and will in the future, as in the past, maintain for this city a controlling position.
In the first place, it was the junction of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers at this point that induced the early French traders and trappers to locate here. Their means of transportation was by packing and by batteaux on the rivers, the latter being by far the best. The junction of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, there- fore, afforded them this facility in a much more extended area of country than any other point in the west. It practically controlled the entire north and west, from the British Possessions to the 38th degree of latitude, and west to the Rocky Mountains.
Again, it was the angle in the Missouri River, at this point, that directed the Santa Fe trade hither. Steamboat navigation on the Missouri being begun almost simultaneously with that trade, afforded cheaper transportation than by wagons; hence it was employed to this, the nearest point to Santa Fe. The character of the country between this angle in the river and Santa Fe, and its superior facilities for making wagon roads and subsisting trains, held it here against all attempts to divert it to the waters of the Red and Arkansas Rivers. Between here and Santa Fe were high divides, with plenty of grass and water, while from the Arkansas and Red Rivers there were more streams to cross, yet less water and wide stretches of sandy plains.
The same superior natural facilities for transportation made this the starting point for the expeditions to Mexico during the war. In was the nearest point to Mexico to which troops and supplies could be moved by water, and afforded the best roads.
It was the same natural facility that diverted hither the larger part of the
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HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY.
great California and Utah emigration. It was the most westerly point to wbich water transportation could be had, and the country beyond afforded the best roads water grades, and fewer streams.
WHY THE TRADE CAME TO KANSAS CITY.
These facilities, however, were equally available to Independence and West- port, and as both these places were in existence before Kansas City, and fast grew rich in the Santa Fe trade, the outfitting of Mexican expeditions, and the overland emigration to California, it was another fact that finally concentrated these inter- ests at Kansas City. This fact was the superior natural landing for steamboats at this point. The angle in the river here threw the water against the shore at the point where the city is located, making here a rock levee, better than any im- provement could make one at any other point on the river. This made this a preferred point by the river men. Again, the contiguity of prairie for holding and feeding teams made this a preferred point by the freighters and emigrants. These facts led'to the concentration of these interests at the spot where the city now stands, and cansed the growth of the city up to 1857, by which time it had distanced all existing rivals.
It was the same natural facilities that diverted overland freighting to Colo- rado, which began in 1858. It was the most westerly point to which the freight could be transported by water, and hence nearest to the destination of the freight ; whether for mines or government posts, the water, grades and light ascents afford the best wagon roads. It was largely the lack of these advantages that cansed Leavenworth, Atchison and St. Joe to fall behind in competition for this trade. It was no nearer to the destination of the freight to take it to those places, while it was further from the starting point and cost more as river freight. At the same time the country between them and the points of destination did not afford such good roads. This fact was illustrated in the case of Leavenworth to a marked degree, as she, after spending two years and considerable money in attempting to open a route of her own, was at last compelled to make a road to the Kansas River and bridge that stream a few miles west of Kansas City to obtain access to Kansas City's ronte.
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