The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc, Part 36

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Kansas City Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1056


USA > Missouri > Johnson County > The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc > Part 36


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Heretofore we have been largely dependent on other states for good teachers; hereafter we shall be able to turn out as good teachers as any other state-our own sons and daughters-and give them an honorable profession in which they can be productive of great good. Our state is unsurpassed in the great. sisterhood of states in her agricultural and mineral wealths-the basis of all real prosperity-and soon must be in her manufacturing and commercial resources. Let us see that her educational interests keep pace with all her other great interests; that she becomes as conspicuous in educational facilities, and in the intelligence, enterprise and morality of her people as she is conspicuous in her material wealth. Let her be as noted in the galaxy of states. To effect this object we must look to our common schools; they are the props which support. the whole educational edifice; if these are weak and inefficient the whole super- structure will be a failure.


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There were other excellent addresses, but space allows mention of only one other.


The ceremonies of the day were closed by the following fitting remarks from Geo. P. Beard, the newly elected president. Mr. Beard addressed himself to the people, and pointed out their duties toward the school. After adecade of unusual prosperity has passed, his words may yet be read with interest and profit:


It is fitting that the people of Warrensburg and Johnson county celebrate the corner-stone laying of their pecuniary and social prosperity, so eminently sym- bolized in the ceremonies of to-day. Your children and their children, to the remotest generations, will reap the fruits of this institution, in all that goes to make home pleasant, life desirable and labor profitable. Not to this community alone, but to this broad commonwealth comes the blessing of a new era of edu- cational progress, and in the dawn of a new era of intelligence-a broader empire of mind over matter-a more lucrative application of capital and labor, in the industrial interests of the state, a higher social culture, a nobler type and standard of manhood, a broader, better citizenship-these, as the legitimate results of right education for all the people, are prophesied in this corner-stone to-day. It is, therefore, peculiarly appropriate that representatives of all classes of peo- ple, from the remotest borders to the center of the state, participate, as you do to-day, in this celebration.


One only thought, and that the uppermost in my mind, is all that I desire to impress.


Let the foundation of this institution be laid in the hearts of the people. Let an affectionate zeal for the weal of this school characterize every citizen of this broad commonwealth. It is in the strictest sense the people's college. Nourish it as such. Be proud that you have each invested something of your strength, something of your nerve, something of your substance, something of your benc- dictions and prayers in this institution. No one, no few men can make it to prosper-it must be what you, the people, make it.


Will you patronize, will you encourage, will you stand by it? If so, be assured that those who have been called to watch and administer its affairs will work all the more earnestly and effectually for the consciousness that their efforts are sup- plemented and their hands upheld by those for whom they work. The sure foundation of future prosperity, the present assurance of a future complete suc- cess of this institution, is found in the God-speed and good-will of the people, by whom, and for whom, this superstructure shall be reared.


Foster this infant institution into a vigorous youth, up to a glorious maturity. Be content with nothing short of a first class school. Build broad, firm and high of the best material you can command. Let there be here a vitalizing cen- ter of educational growth that shall send its life-pulse into every school and home in the state.


It will be profitable to pause at this point, and glance for a moment at education in Missouri. The year of 1871 is one of the most remarkable in its history. The starved body is rejuvenated. Life pulses through every fibre of its being.


We find that during this year the university receives a new impetus. The agricultural college and school of mines are made a part of it. Sym- metry begins to mark its development.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY. 1


Normal schools are established, the vitalizing power of the system is set in operation, that which shall build up the decaying tissues is beginning to rush through all the various arteries, and under the magic of "method" the common schools begin to put on a new form. From these centres, circles of harmony widen. A new purpose imbues the hearts of the people. Con- ventionality in the school is thrown aside. The electric fire of progress flashes throughout the thoughts of men, and the scientific toiler with the soul stands enthroned.


The tidings of this armoring of the brain go abroad. Geographically "the imperial state of the union," Missouri begins her march to the front. Lawlessness slinks to the borders. Strong currents of immigration sweep across her prairies. Soon, barns are bursting with the garnered grain, and cattle roam upon a thousand hills. The network of railroads thickens. Vast commercial enterprises are projected. The press becomes an intel- lectual motor. Mines yield up untold wealth. In a word, the voice of Missouri becomes eloquent and powerful, and thrills through every sister state.


For it is written in the eternal principles of experience, that the glitter- ing aegis of education must shield every commonwealth ere law abides and love endures.


And now we shall pass hastily over that portion of the history of the Warrensburg normal, relative to the expenditure of the money appropri- ated, and the erection of the building. Censure is the province of no writer, and only the office of facts; while stigma can only brand itself as the iron sears.


At a meeting of the board of regents, at Warrensburg, on December 19, 1871, a committee of the town council appeared before them, and "explained to the board why they would not stand by their former sub- scription," and, "stated in effect that the citizens were dissatisfied with the manner in which the funds had been squandered, and had no confidence in the architect or contractors," and further averred that "if it were placed in their hands, the building would undoubtedly be completed in time."


The board refusing to interfere in this dispute between the council on the one hand, and the agents of the town and contractors on the other, and adjourning, the work upon the building ceased.


Later, the board extended the time for completion, upon condition that $50,000 be placed in the hands of the treasurer of the board. This failed to be accepted.


At a meeting, held June 19, 1872, Messrs. Fike, Moorman, Jetmore, and Gen. Cockrell, a committee, representing the citizens, proposed to raise $45,000 (an amount sufficient to enclose the building and finish the


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


first story), through ninety bonds, of $500 each, on condition that the board give assurance of permanent location.


This, with the modifications of heating apparatus for the entire building, furniture for the completed story, the board accepted, which, if accepted on the part of the town, before the 1st of August, 1872, forever located the school.


The bonds were created, placed in the hands of the treasurer of the board, accepted by the board, and the school located' upon the old site in Warrensburg, without recourse of the regents to change.


For the scholastic year of 1872 and 1873, James Johonnot, of New York, was elected principal, and was authorized "to select and nominate his own assistants, subject to the approval of the board." The assistants chosen were L. H. Cheney, Emma Dickerman, and Marion Johonnot.


James Johonnot was, in many respects, a remarkable man. His genial- ity, his culture, and his great executive ability won him many friends, and made his work of upbuilding a success. He came with the best methods of the east, and re-organized the entire working of the school. He lec- tured through the state extensively, and drew attention to the school, and its members soon increased. He held, as the fundamental principle, upon which he based his course of study, that the highest culture is reached through the sciences.


His labors were continued almost a year in the public school building, where the school was originally opened, and, when the close of the first year came, there seemed to be no shadow of distrust of his work.


During the year of 1872 and 1873 the new normal structure had been inclosed, and the first story made ready for occupancy. A committee of the board of regents passed upon it, and accepted the same, releasing the contractor.


In June, of this year, the school was moved to the new building.


A description of the building may not here be out of place. It is Lom- bard-Venetian in style, and in general contour is a copy of educational in- stitutions of Europe in vogue at the time of its erection. With little broken surface it stands upon an oblong 130 feet by 80, five stories in height, including the basement and mansard roof. The footing courses of the foundation are of Osage City blue lime-stone and slate flag-stone material, which is impervious to water, and hard as iron. The remain- der of the foundation consists of an excellent quality of sandstone, found in the vicinity of Warrensburg. The basement story reaches to the surface, and is surrounded by a moat with terraces of blue-grass, presenting a rich and handsome appearance. The front facade of the structure is also of Warrensburg sandstone, highly polished, and light gray in color. The trimmings and caps are of Junction City stone, buff-colored, very hard


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and durable. The three sides are of the finest quality of St. Louis pressed brick. The mansard roof, with Dormer windows and galvanized iron ornaments, completes the edifice. The general effect of it is impos- ing, and standing, as it does, upon a slight eminence, the eye is struck with the purity of the architecture. The massiveness of the Lombard is lightened by the graceful Gothic arch of the Venetian. The inside finish of the completed portion is in natural woods, in oil, presenting a high de- gree of richness. The remainder will be made in imitation of this. Throughout, the building is heated by steam. The campus is large, and well laid out. That portion forming the front approach is especially beau- tiful, with its sinuous gravel walks and soft, green sward; its rich shade of tender, young forest trees, and shapely evergreens; its flower-beds and ornamental vases.


From the catalogue of the scholastic year of 1872 and 1873 we find that in the normal department alone (there being at this time a preparatory de- partment connected with the institution, consisting of pupils belonging to the higher grades of the public schools of the city) there were enrolled one hundred and sixteen students, a remarkable showing, considering the cramped condition in the old building. The same document thus sets forth the objects of the school-the scope of its particular work:


" The great object of all normal instruction is to give to teachers a train- ing that will make them intelligent and successful in their professional work. It includes a knowledge of the branches taught, of the methods of teaching, and of the principles that underlie methods. In the organiza- tion and administration of the Warrensburg school these objects will be kept constantly in view, and every other consideration will be subordinated to their accomplishment. Pupils not prepared in the branches of science will first receive thorough and systematic instruction for the purpose of giving them a basis of culture, which will enlarge their mental capacity, and will be of use in their future work. Instruction in each of the branches of science will be accompanied by the presentation and discussion of methods of teaching, so that students graduating from any study will know the facts concerning it, the order in which they are arranged, the manner of presenting the subject, and the reason why one method of pre- sentation is better than another."


In the course of study, as here tabulated, natural history and the natural sciences receive the largest attention. Special attention is also given to drawing, as most essential in the teacher's work, while psychology, having to do with the processes of thought, is made a part of both the elementary and advanced work, as indispensible to the true trainer.


During the year H. H. Straight was added to the faculty, as instructor 20


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in natural history and German. The following constitute the entire faculty :


James Johonnot, principal and instructor in professional teaching; S. H. Cheney, vice-principal and instructor in mathematics and natural science; H. H. Straight, instructor in natural history and German; Lucy D. Maltby, instructor in algebra and grammar; Emma D. Straight, in- structor in drawing and botany; Frances H. Cheney, principal of training school, and instructor in primary methods; Marion Johonnot, instructor in language and history; Mary F. Houghton, principal of preparatory de- partment; Laura P. Cambell, instructor in arithmetic and penmanship; Mary Neet, instructor in geography and reading; G. M. Cole, instructor in vocal music; Mrs. G. M. Cole, instructor in instrumental music.


* S. H. Cheney was elected to the principalship of the Southeast Mis- souri Normal School, at Cape Girardeau, and accepted the position. + J. J. Campbell, of Warrensburg, was elected professor of language and literature. So that the faculty for 1873 and 1874 was as follows:


James Johonnot, principal, and instructor in professional teaching; H. H. Straight, instructor in mental philosophy and natural history; J. J. Campbell, instructor in geometry and language; Lucy J. Maltby, in- structor in algebra and grammar; Emma D. Straight, instructor in draw- ing and botany; Marion Johonnot, instructor in language and history; Mary F. Houghton, instructor in arithmetic and algebra; Mary V. Neet, instructor in geography and reading; Louis Harr, instructor in German; G. M. Cole, instructor in vocal music; Mrs. G. M. Cole, instructor in in- strumental music.


The catalogue for 1873-74 shows an enrollment of 398 students. From Principal Johonnot's report upon the work of the school for this year, we take the following paragraph, which in the light of future events, is important:


" The science of true living, or of good conduct in life, forms an essen- tial item in the professional course. The most important aim in all educa- tional work is the formation of good character. To accomplish this work, teachers should have a knowledge of the basis of human rights and duties, and the nature of all social relations. Upon this knowledge


* Prof. L. H. Cheney was a man of wonderful vitality and energy. Long a teacher, he won high renown in his profession. He was universally beloved and respected for his untiring devotion to the cause of education, and his marked abilities. He filled the office of principal successfully for two years in the Southeast Missouri Normal, when, on a sum- mer excursion for recreation, and the study of fossils, he fell a martyr to science by being crushed by a falling embankment at Cumberland Gap.


+ Prof. J. J. Campbell had for years been principal of the public schools in Warrens- burg, and had molded and shaped the city system of instruction to a state of high excel- lence.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


are founded all considerations in regard to the general treatment of pupils and the government of school."


The entire faculty, as given above, was re-elected for the scholastic year of 1874 and '75. The total enrollment was 408 students. The same general plan of instruction was pursued. The same objects were kept constantly in view. At the close of the year, the Board of Regents {consisting at that time of John Monteith, State Supt., Wm. McLean, G. W. Longan, A. W. Ridings, Wm. P. Greenlee, Henry C. Fike and Dr. Samuel Martin), elected the following faculty for the ensuing year of 1875 and '76:


G. L. Osborne, principal, and instructor in professional teaching; R. C. Norton, instructor in mental philosophy and natural history; J. J. Camp- bell, instructor in ethics and language; W. F. Bahlmann, instructor in mathematics and german; Miss Ida M. Carhart, instructor in drawing and botany; Upton Perrine, instructor in commercial department; Mrs. M. W. Fisher, instructor in arithmetic and history; Miss Hattie Floyd, instructor in geography and reading.


It is now our purpose to carefully delineate the reasons for this change, to mete out full justice as the impartial record of time.


It is true that slander flutters forth upon an unheeded breath, but the poisonous exhalation never dies. Words that are spoken lightly often burn deep, and the scar is never erased.


What James Johonnot believed as to his destiny, or as to the powers that be, is above all, his own right to know. The writer of this, who knew him well, does not presume to fathom his soul.' But throughout the district the impression had grown that the Warrensburg normal school inculcated infidelity. Where it started, who propagated it, few could tell. But the story flew upon the whispered words, was magnified, until the baleful circle lessened to its very doors. The administration in its power to do good and effective work, and to upbuild the young school, was, in truth, powerless. Upon these grounds, if upon no other, the action of the board was to the best interests of the institution.


Justice demands that it be written here that the only principles impressed upon the students under Johonnot's rules were-entire freedom of thought, the inborn right of man, love of labor, and the highest ethical morality. Neither infidelity nor christianity was taught. The peculiar nature of the broad-spread system of public education, and our constitutional law, had induced the belief in many prominent educators that this was the only plan in keeping with the liberties of a republic. To this school James Johonnot belonged, and time early proved that the maintenance of his honest con- viction caused the sacrifice of his position before the people. No stain rested upon his character.


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The following papers, of which we make a transcript, are pertinent to the situation.


When the action of the board became known, an indignation meeting of the citizens of Warrensburg was held and Col. T. T. Crittenden, Dr. T. J. Wright, and A. A. Moore, presented in its behalf this resolution to the board:


Be it resolved, That, whereas, we believe the action of the board, this after- noon, if not reconsidered, will result disastrously to our school; therefore, in view of the emergency, we send to you the united appeal of the parents and tax- payers of this community to reconsider you action, and retain the present fac- ulty, under whose present management the school has attained its present high position.


To this the following reply was immediately sent:


The board of regents of the second normal school district hereby acknowledge the receipt of the petition just passed your body, and have given the same a careful and most respectful consideration.


The board desires to show all possible deference to the wishes and feelings of the citizens of Warrensburg, and will hold itself always in readiness to do so. The board has notified Mr. Greenwood* of its action in electing him, and asked his acceptance of the presidency of the normal school, and it now feels that, though it may have the abstract right to recall its election and subsequent noti- fication, yet it could not do so with any proper regard for consistency, dignity, or due self-respect. Nor does this board believe that the citizens of Warrens- burg would ask of it a degrading sacrifice. Should Prof. Greenwood not accept in due time, or, if from other cause, the board of regents should see fit to review its action, it will gladly listen to what views or expression of feeling the citizens of Warrensburg may think proper to make.


(Signed),


G. W. LONGAN, President.


t Geo. L. Osborn came to assume the responsible position of president when the public feeling in the immediate vicinity of the school augured ill for his personal success. He came-a christian gentleman-an experi- enced educator-an earnest, untiring laborer in his chosen field, and won success where few could have succeeded. At a time when a false step would have resulted disastrously to himself and to the interests of the


* Mr. Greenwood subsequently declined.


+G. L. Osborne was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1835. He was reared upon a farm. After having taught school for a time, he entered college at Waynes- burg, at the age of twenty, with little to enable him to complete his education, save his indomitable will and perseverance. Dependent upon his own resources, there were many interruptions in his school life. On this account his degree of A. M. was not taken until after the war. At school he was always a hard student, developing a preference for math- ematics. In 1861, Mr. Osborne married Miss Sarah V. Swisher, of Marion county, West Virginia. After teaching for a number of years in the higher graded schools of Pennsyl- vania, he was, in 1865, elected professor of mathematics in the South-Western Normal Col- lege of that state. In 1868, he took charge of the public schools of Macon, Mo., and in 1871 assumed the same position in Louisiana, Mo. In 1875 he was elected to the position now held. A careful and conscientious student, a rigid disciplinarian, personally kind and mild-tempered in manner, ceaseless in his active duties, he will always merit success.


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school, he bore out the course that duty and conviction laid down, and the close of the first years' administration marked a triumphant success. In overcoming the many obstacles that lay in the onward pathway of the school, in organizing and enforcing changes in the objects, the discipline and government, the course of study, the general public contour of the school; he was assisted by an excellent and experienced corps of teachers. *Prof. R. C. Norton had won a most enviable reputation in Missouri as a leader among teachers. Long years of practice had made him a living power in the school-room, and a manager of ability. +Prof. Campbell was one of the ripest scholars in the west, absorbed with his work, effi- cient and tireless. ¿ Prof. Bahlmann was perfectly conversant with the languages taught, an excellent historian, earnest in manner and genial in the class-room. Harmony pervaded the movements of the faculty, and under the new administration in this first year (closing in June, 1876), there were enrolled four hundred and fourteen students. From the annual cat- alogue, we extract this as to the object of the school:


" This institution is designed to prepare teachers for the public schools of the state. The course of study embraces both academic and profes- sional training.


The purposes are:


I. To devote special attention to the branches of study prescribed by


* R. C. Norton was born in Hiram, Ohio, June 16, 1840. He early became a student- teacher. Entering the army before completing his education, he became a member of Gen. Garfield's regiment, and was present at the siege of Vicksburg, where he won an envi- able record by his gallant action. Prof Norton is a graduate of Eureka College; Illinois. Receiving an honorable discharge on account of protracted sickness, he continued teach- ing, spending part of his time at civil engineering. In 1864 he married Miss M. L. Mason, and in 1865 removed to Trenton, Mo. Here he assumed charge of the public schools, hold- ing the position until 1875, when he was elected to the vice-principalship of the normal school. He is now principal of the S. E. Mo. Normal.


+ J. J. Campbell was born in Huntington county, Pa., October 5, 1840. At the age of eighteen he entered Jefferson college. Graduating in three years, he studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, graduating here also, but never enter- ing the ministry. In 1867, he was a teacher in Tuscarora Academy, Juniata county, Pa. In August, 1870, he married R. Annie French, of Philadelphia, and in September of the same year, removed to Warrensburg, becoming principal of the public schools. In 1875, he became a member of the normal faculty of said district sehool, where he still remains.


#W. F. Bahlmann, of German parentage, was born in New York City, August 24, 1836. After eleven years training by tutors and in private schools, he spent two years in the uni- versity of the city of New York. At nineteen he became a teacher in Virginia, but soon returned to New York, and sailing for Europe, spent eighteen months in German univer- sities. Returning to America in 1860, he went to Louisiana and became a tutor. In 1861, he went to Virginia, and volunteered in the confederate service. In '1868 he removed to Missouri, locating in Lexington, as teacher of the high school. He also taught German and became principal of public schools. In 1875 he was elected to S. Mo. N. school, where he still labors.




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