History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 112

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830

USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 112
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 112

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The school was to be opened quarterly under the direction of the township school committee and the general supervision of the Mayor and Common Conn- vil; the pupils were to reside in Jersey t'ity and were to pay fifty cents for spelling and reading, and, includ- ing writing, arithmetic and other branches, one dol- lar per quarter ; but no child was to be kept away because of inability to pay, the matter of payment being left to the town board.

In Is47 the population had increased to six thousand, and the Common Council appointed a com- mitter which opened the first publie free school in the city. The committee had authority to engage six teachers, at a costof twothousand three hundred dollars for salaries, and they expected an attendance of four Hundred and fifty pupils. That school was opened Feb. 8, 1815, Mr. George HI. Linsley being selected as the principal, which position he still holds (1884). Mrs. S. J. Eveland was an assistant in the same schoot. and is still connected with the public schools as principal of the primary department of No. 2.

The gentlemen composing the committee having charge of this undertaking spent six weeks in visiting the schools of New York and studying the public chool system of that city. In 1851 Jersey City and Van Vorst township were unite 1, and the new charter

"That the teachers of the public schools be advised to manciate them- selves together in n chiss for mutual instruction, and aid in qualifying themselves most fully for their important work, to meet at such time as may be most convenient to them. " .

As might be expected, the teachers paid little attention to the resolution, and the need of such a school became more apparent. In March, 1-54, the board directed the committee on teachers and salaries to organize a normal class for the benefit of the junior teachers, to meet on the Saturdays of each weck, and to be under the joint management of both principals, Messrs. George 11. Lainsley and C. A. Yarrington. Even this action was not effectnal, and in February, 1850, the board again returned to the charge by ap- pointing a special committee "to consider the pro- priety of establishing Normal Schools." At that time the school population had increased so much that there were two thousand and seventy-five names on the school registers, and an average attendance of twelve hundred and twenty-six, and more than thirty teachers were employed. The school was organized

Chomas Pillar

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EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS OF HUDSON COUNTY.

in 155, with Mr. Linsey as principal, and continued under his charge until 1878, when it was abolished on account of the formation of a normal class and training school in connection with the High School. During its existence the Saturday Normal School filled an important place in the school system of the city.

It numbered among its instructors the most skillful teachers in the schools, and was the best provision that could well be made at that time to upply the ured then existing in all parts of the county for such a school. Afterwards Saturday normal choses were finmed in Bergen and in Hudson City All of them we're devoted more to supp limenting the education of the junior teachers in the different elementary branches of an English education than to imparting in- stru tion in the methods of training and educating children.

Many of the younger teachers did not fully appreciate the work sought to be accomplished, and were irregular in their attendance. At first all teachers below the grade of first a sistawe were obliged to attend the school, until especially excused, but after a time periodical examinations were held, and all those passing to the satisfaction of the committee received a license to teach in any grade in the city, without further attendance. Tuition was free to assistant teachers and to any lady intending to tael in the city when qualified. The school population increased very rapidly, and in 1855 a new scho 1 building was opened and dedicated in what was then known as the Fourth Ward. The builling is Low known as No. 2, on Eri . Street. I: 1557 there were five thousand seven hundred and forty-three children in the city entitled to school privileges, of whom two thousand and nineteen were on the school register; and the annual estimate of the amount re- quired for the ensuing year was fourteen thousand dollars.

GRAND SCHOOLS. - The idea of grading the schools was discussed during this year, and a special committee reported in its favor, but without special result. In 19-tu a new building, now No. 3. was created on the school lots owned by thecity, on Bright Street, and Mr. William L. Dickinson, afterwards city and county superintendent of schools, and at that tinte an active member of the Board of Education. was appointed principal at a sale ry of twelve hundred dollars.

The next school building created was the one now known as No. I, built in landets, at a chat. including the furniture, of sixty-three thousand dol- lars, not including the lots on which it stands. It was dedicated on the evening of Feb. 21, 1968, and was opened for pupils March 2d. It stands on Eighth Street, near Grove Street. At the time of the consoli- dation of Hudson City and Bergen with Jersey City, in 1570, the value of Jersey City's school property was estimated to be as follows, viz. :

S Ho 14.

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At the consolidation there were sixteen war 1, an l the Board of Education enssted of two members from each ward with the mayor, the chairman of the alderumnie con onttee off schools and the school nl- perintendent as crew members. The following wer. the members of the board : First Ward. . \. 11. Wallis, John We Vneiny, Jr. , Second War 1, M. Mal- Ione. Jr., James Warner ; Third Ward. P. H. Nn cont, 1. 1. Vanderbeek; Fourth Ward, John Van Vorst, George Warren ; Fifth Ward. A. V. Gaddis, Hor ld Kenwood; Sixth Ward, Myles Tierney, George Berk ; Seventh Ward, Patrick Bean, John O'Mara ; Lighth Ward, James Davis, A. J. Dit mar; Ninth Ward, ('. W. Perveil, C. J. Rooney ; T nth Ward, J. s. Mider, Thomas M. Norton ; Eleventh Ward, J. B. Hingorchis, Emil Steger; Twelfth Ward, Liverge B. Brown. J R. Tate; Thirteenth Ward, t'. D. Miler. C. P. Buffet : Fourteenth Ward, James Soper, B. I. Wash ; Fifteenth Ward, C. A. Dr. With. J. t'. Wester- volt; Sixteenth Ward, Harrett Vreeland, Abram Clark. The ex-officin members were E. O. Chapman, school superintendent ; C. P. Dakin, chairman alder- manic committee; and C. H. U'Neill, mavor. Mr. W. L. Dickinson was assistant superintendent, which position he had held since 1so7, and also county an- perintendent. The presidents of the boar | from its organization, in 1552. to the present have been . P. D. Vrom, 189-14; A. S. Jewell, 1554-5 ; George Pord, 1855-57, David Genld, 1857-64; C. V. Trapha- gen, 1864-65- B. F. Randolph. 1565 to his resignation, in 1869; Leon AAbbett, part of 1869-70; A. A. Gaddis, 1870 72; Thomas Potter, 1872 74; Edwin O. Cha] - man, 1874-75; William J. Lyon, 1575-76; John W. Pangborn, 1576-77; Jame R. Mercein. 1877-75; Thomas M. Norton, 1578-79; Jeremiah P. O'Sullivan, 1579-80; John D. Metiill, 1850-82; Edwin Van Ilon- ten, 1-2-33; William 11. Simmons. 1% ;- 8]; Wi liam R. Laird, 1% 4.

THOMAS POTTER, who was President of the Board of Education from 1 572-74, was the grandson of Thomas Potter, who emigrated from England to New Jersey. His son Jeseph married a Miss Pettit, who was a Qua- ker of French extraction, and had children, Thomas, William, John, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary Anna, Deb- vrah, and Emily. Thomas, of this number, was born in 1804_ near Manasquan, Ocean Co., where he engaged in fishing and boating until the age of manhond way attained, when Rahway became his home. Here he

1128

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

remained until his death, in 1878. He married Miss , gave all of his time to the work. He held that posi- Charlotte Clark, daughter of Isaac Marsh, of Scotch Plains, N. J., and had children,-Adolphus. Thomas, Joseph, Lydia, Elizabeth, Martha, and Adeline, all of whom, with the exception of Thomas and Joseph, are deceased. The birth of Thomas Potter occurred ou the 13th of August, 1837, at Rahway, N. J. At the ag of fourteen he sought employment in the city of his residence, and two years later engaged in teach- ing in Somerset County, remaining one year thus em- ployed, when his services were secured in the capacity of clerk in Newark. In 1557 he removed to Jersey City, and entered the service of the Delaware, Lacka- wanna and Western Railroad as shipping agent. Various other commercial operations occupied his at- tention until Is66, when he embarked in the ship chandlery business. Meeting. in 1873, with financial reverses, Mr. Potter was led to seek a field of labor where his mechanical skill and engineering capacity could be made available, and the same year began what has since become an extensive contracting and dredging enterprise. This business has assumed extended proportions, his contracts having embraced important improvements in the larger cities of the country, many of them under government auspices. In these various undertakings he has met with a large measure of success, the result of peculiar ability properly directed and great application. Mr. Potter was, in 1856, married to Miss Emily B., daughter of John W. Stout, of Newark. Their children are fifteen in number, of whom the survivors are Frank. Wilfred E., Horace S., Julia S., Robert t., Ruth t'., Helen I. and lloward L. Mr. Potter is in his polit- ical affiliations a Republican, and while active and zealous as a worker, regards character and fitness in a candidate as paramount to all party claims. He has filled no othee other than president for two years of the Board of Elucation, during which administration the educational interests of Jersey City reached a de- gree of prosperity never before attained. He secured, during this period, the passage of a bill by the State Legislature anthorizing the Board of Education of the city to establish a free library for the use of schools, as also for the public, and carried out various measures which have resulted in public benefit. Mr. Potter's religious associations are in connection with the Baptist Church, of which Mrs. Potter is a member.

The names of the city superintendents are Rev. L. Colby, 1552-53 ; Jreph Met'oy, 1553-54, and 1863 to his death, in 1869; A. S. Jewell, 185-62; A. 11. Wallis, part of 1362-63; S. B. Bevans, part of 1869- 70; E. O. Chapman, 1-70-71 ; William L. Dickinson, 1871 till his death, November, 1883 ; and theorge H. Barton, 1883, who now holds the office. Mr. C'hap- man was the first superintendent to receive a salary. I'revious to 1870 the office was held by merchants and business Inen, who were not expected to devote much of their time to school-work. In 1865, Mr. William L. Dickinson was appointed assistant superintendent, and

tion until he was elected superintendent in 1871. From 1852 to 1871 the superintendent, was elected by the people at the charter elections, since 1871 the office has been filled by appointment by the Board of Education, and the term of office is three years. Mr. Dickinson was also county superintendent from 1867 until his death, in which office also Mr. George II. Barton was his successor.

WILLIAM LEVERETT DICKINSON. - Nathaniel Diekinson, the progenitor of the Dickinson family, came to this country, probably from the northern part of the county of Essex, England, in the year 1637. He was a true Puritan, and left his home for liberty's sake. He settled in Wethersfield, Mass., and remained twenty years, when circumstances in- fluenced his removal to Hadley, Mass. As the line of descent is traced, the successive names of Nathan- iel, Nehemiah, William, Josiah, Colton and Cotton Gaylord, appear. The last-named, and the father of William L. moved from Hadley to Windsor, Vt., where the latter was born on the 9th of January, 1819. Ile carly removed with his father to St. Johns- bury, in the same State, where his childhood was spent. Being the oldest of seven children,-two sons and five daughters,-he gladly assumed the responsi- bility which his position iu the family placed upon him. and exercised a tacit guardianship over all, expressing constantly responsibility for and interest in the well-being of all. Ilis father was the black- smith of the village, and his eldest son early deter- mined to pursue this honorable calling. An accident, however, changed his plans, and influenced him to acquire as thorough an education as his native State could afford. When sixteen years of age he left his home, and passing a ereditable examination, entered the sophomore class of the University of Vermont. IIc taught during the vacation months, and thus as- sisted in defraying his expenses. During his college course he was known as a faithful and conscientious student, intellectual and industrious, high in respect among his fellow-students. On graduating he at once removed to Jersey City and engaged in teach- ing. He at the same time began the study of law, was admitted to the bar and undoubtedly would have entered upon the practice of his profession had not a very advantageous offer in connection with the public schools of the city been tendered him. Ile became so useful and indispensable in connection with the Department of Public Instruction that the people wonkl not let him retire, and held him to that important work by promotion and constantly repeated expressions of their confidence and appreciation. After serving for several years as principal he re- ecived the appointment of assistant superintendent of the public schools of Jersey City. The wisdom of this selection soon became apparent. A master- mind was called to the system of public instruction, and the extensive and perfect organization left behind

1129

EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS OF HUDSON COUNTY.

bears evidence of his ability and conscientiousnes. In 1871, Mr. Dickinson received the appointment of superintendent of the schools of Hudson County, in- eluding Jersey t ity, and during the period of his incum- bency worked with one purposeonly -the perfection of the common-schoolsystem. In thiseffort he was patient earnest and successful. The same conscientious de- votion to duty was seen in his relation to his church. Almost immediately after his arrival in JJersey City he joined the First Reformed Church, and remained an earnest, consistent and helpful member until his death, on the 3d of November, 1983. During most of this time he served either as elder or deacon. Mr Dickinson was, on the 20th of August, 1843, married to Miss Celia, daughter of Philip Goss, of Lyndon, Vt. Their children are William Henry, a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and Gordon K., a practicing physician in Jersey City.

The names ofthe clerks, with the times during which they hell office, are J. W. Parker, 1552, resigned at the second meeting of the board ; John A. Ryersom, 1×52; David Gould, 1852-56; P. D. Vroom, Is56-65; C. W. Perveil, 1-65-69, also 1870-1873; M. S. Wiek- ware, 1850-70; Wilson A. Dickson, 1:72 73; Martin Tue HIGH School .- Long before it was estab- lished these acquainted with the educational inter- ests of the city felt the need of such a school. Mayor Gopsill urged it in his message in 1×67. Superin- tendent McCoy, in has report for 1865, said that such a school "would have a healthy influence on the lower departments, elevate the standard of scholar- ship among the teachers and promote thoroughness got rally in the schools." The University of the t'ity of New York, in the exercise of a generous and catholic spirit, has given to our city and other cities in our county free scholarships in that institution. We have a bailar privilege in Columbia College. Our county has the right to send four pupils annually to Finck, 1878-73, also 1877-80; John A. Mettrath, 1876-77 ; 1larry 11. Shrope, 1ss0-s1 ; E. P. Cringle, 1881-42; George Warren, 1842 83; J. F. O'Sullivan, 1843. The treasurers of the board were I. I. Van- derbeck, 1867-71; George Miller, 1-72-73; Leroy Schermerhorn, 1873-71 ; James R. Mercein, 1875-76; John A. Metirath, 1876-7; Unstead Wells, 1877- 79; Dr. Theodore F. Morris, 1879 80; Jeremiah I. O'Sullivan, 1880-83; E. J. Van Winkle, 1883 until the office was abolished by the Legislature, 1883-84. Under the school law of 1575 and its amendments, the board now consists of twelve members, two from each allermanic district, one-half of whom goes ont of offre each year, their successors being elected at the ; the Agricultural College or Scientific School at New charter elections. Tothe Board of Education is given Brunswick, free of all charge. Not one of the pup ils of our public schools can avail himself of these privi- the entire charge of the schools, and it is their duty to provide for the free education of all children in the | leges without recourse to additional instruction to county between the ages of five and eighteen years. fit him to enter those institutions." They have power to provide everything necessary for that purpose except to purchase land, erect school- houses, and make repairs the cost of which shall ex- verd five hundred dollars. There are twenty pri- mary schools, fourteen grammar sel ools, and one High School, with which is connected a teachers' class and training-school for those preparing to become teachers. In most of the schools the principals do not teach classes, but exercise a general supervision. Male alson hope that from such a school, with which should principals in the grammar schools receive sixteen hundred and eighty dollars per an num ; female prin- cipal receive nine hundred and twelve dollars. In the grammar department the salaries received by the assistants in the various grades are : First grade, $70% ; second, $501; third, $420; fourth, 8342; fifth, $306; sixth, $276. In the primary department: First, Shox, second, $456; third, $42); fourth, $378; fifth, $312;

sixth, $276. The number of grammar school teach- ers en ploved is one hundred and thirty -six ; of pri- mary school teachers, two hundred. The average attendance during each year for four voir- part Has been : In 1879, 12,429 ; in 1ss0, 12,905 ; in 1 == 1. 12 733 ; in 18-2, 12.962; ix 1883, 13 .- 31. The average number of pupils on the register of each class in the grammar departments is 36; in the primary departmenta 58. The reports of the superintendents for many years show that the accommodations provided are insula- cient. During the year ending Nov. 30, 15%, two thousand four hundred applications for admissions to the schools were refused for want of room. Some of these appleants were probably counted more than once in the above estimate, as pupils are permitted to attend school in any part of the city, and having been refused at one, may apply to other- for admis- sim. The cost per pupil in 12-3, based upon the average attendance, was $13.43. The estimated value of the school property is $625,590. The course of study in the primary departments is divided into six grades; that in the grammar department- into five grades.

It was also urged as a matter of ceone my, as in such a school could be concentrated the pupils in the various grammar schools who had finished the pre- scribed course, yet being within the school age. remained in school pursuing a supplementary course of study. A few in each school thus occupied the attention of teachers, preventing promotions and causing overerowding in the lower grades. There was be connected a normal class and training depart- ment, a supply of teachers for the public schools might be obtained. In 1872 the school was organ- ized. There were three courses of study,-a com- mercial, n modern English, and a classi al conise, ench extending over a period of three years. This time was afterwards extended to three years and at half and then to four years. In 18-3 a commercial

1130

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

cours . of two years was added for the benefit of the houses in Jersey City. He gave much of his time to) large number of boys who are obliged to leave school before they can complete the regular English or classica course. At the first examination seventy- one pupils were admitted. The teachers were George Jl. Barton, principal; Misses Annie Moore and Susie Forest, teachers in English branches; Margaritta Harrison, teacher of drawing; and Alfred Clement, tea her of tierman. The attendance has increased

public duties in various city and county offices to which he was elected, but to none did he show a more untiring devotion than in his efforts to extend the temperance reformation. He united heart and soul in the Washingtonian movement to spread the doc- trines of total abstinence from the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage. Always first in doing good, he organized the Washington Society in Jersey City, one from fifty-eight to four hundred and forty, and ten bof, if not the first in the State. A public-spirited teachers are employed. In 1879 the course of study citizen built a hall on Gregory Street, devoted exclu- sively to temperance meetings and work connected was so modified that, during the last year of their course, all who intended to become teachers i with the cause. That hall was dedicated in 1841, and might join the normal class in the theory and for years was used for the good work, the society practice of teaching. For the purpose of giving i numbering at the close of Mr. Flemming's presidency them a practical idea of their future work, the pri- "one thousand members; but men and things change, and a tire within two years past finished the career of a building that had served a noble purpose, and now mary department in the same building was used as a training school. Here they had an opportunity of observing teachers in charge of their classes and of i a bar-room occupies the spot once made sacred by the themselves conducting recitations under the super- teachings of Greeley and the eloquence of Gough. Mr. Flemming organized the Second Division in the State of Sons of Temperance, and became its first officer, and subsequently the head officer in New Jer- sey and a member of the National Division. After a while the men who had worked so hard grew tired, and the temperance excitement subsided: but its fruits remain to this day. Several times elected as alderman of Jersey City and chosen frechokler, Mr. Flemming became identified with and one of the leaders of the "Water-right party," the object of which was to secure to the people of Jersey City cer- tain privileges and control over the shore, and to pre- vent the Gothic invasion of the rights of the people of Iludson County by the rest of the State. Had proper spirit been shown by its inhabitants from 1840 to 1853 Jersey City would not now be lamenting the want of dock facilities as she does to-day. Mr. Flemming was a member of the Board of Education from its or- ganization till his death, and was instrumental in building up the public-school system in Jersey City. In the latter years of his life Mr. Flemming had re- tired from business, but kept himself busy in the per- formance of publie duties in offices filled by him. vision of older teachers. Subjects are assigned, and they prepare object-lessons for the class to which they may be sent. Graduates of the Iligh School why join the teachers' class receive a diploma from the Board of Education, which is regarded as equivalent to a license from the county examiners, and entitles the holder to teach in any grade in the city. This department has been very successful, and most of the young ladies join the training class, which has already furnished about one-third of the teachers in the city. Owing to the financial depression which has existed a large part of the time since the organi- zation of this High School, there have been many severe attacks upon it by those who would limit the studies pursued in the public schools to "the three R's." Each time. however, these attempts to abolish the school have been frustrated by its friends. Its existence and success are mainly due to the exertions of Mr George 11. Barton, principal from its beginning until the fall of 1883, and to the late William L. Dick- inson, city superintendent of schools. At the Conten- mial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1876, every class in the city was represented by some specimen of its work. The Committee on Awards on Education and Science awarded to the High School a bronze medal, the only High School in the State receiving that honor.

JAMES FLEMMING, SR., who was a member of the Board of Education from its organization till his death in 1863-was born in Tamworth, England, May 5, 1814. On his mother's side he was con- nected with the Digges and West families, so well known during the colonial days in Virginia and Dela- ware, which latter State was named after Earl de la Warr, where family name was West. In the year 1527, Mr. Flemming came to Jersey City, and in 1831 married Alice, the eldest daughter of Isaac Edge.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 112

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 830

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830