USA > New York > Cortland County > Virgil > Festal gathering of the early settlers! and present inhabitants of the town of Virgil, Cortland County, N.Y., 1853 > Part 7
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NUMBER XI.
I "T would seem that the subject of education should be considered of importance enough to claim, at least, one letter in this series. And that may, perhaps, come in as well at this time as any other.
It was much to the credit of the people here, that they considered the subject of education to their children, of such importance, that they associated together, in the separate neighborhoods, and erected their rude school-houses. It will be understood that the School Law had not then been enacted, and there was no organization of school districts ; but a few neighbors would voluntarily associate to concert means for the advancement of this vital object. As early as 1798 a school house was erected in the west part of the Town, near
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the present residence of Aaron Hutchings. This building was oc- cupied for a few terms, when a collection of young people was had, and they occupied it for their exercises, and it was burned down in consequence. One of the number is still living at an advanced age. His name is Seth Stevens. When the writer commenced his school days, a few years afterwards, a log house, forsaken by its occupants, was used for this purpose, and a man hired for a year, gave direc- tion to the young idea, which was ready to shoot. This teacher was employed by a written contract, which the writer has seen within, comparatively, a few years, pasted on a window to help supply the place of a pane of glass. The names of the parties were legibly written upon the same.
It must be acknowledged that here is incontrovertible evidence of the energy and determination of those early settlers, who, without State aid, incurred this considerable expense for the promotion of this very important and laudable object. Schools were sustained in ยท all the principal neighborhoods, with more or less efficiency, until 1813, when the School Law took effect, and school districts were organized, school houses built, and order established. Numerous districts were formed, so that in about 1840 there were in Town, districts and parts of districts, amounting in number to forty or more. Soon after this the Town was divided; and now we have in its pres- ent limits about twenty districts. The advanced branches of com- mon school education were brought in by slow degrees, and it was a long time before English Grammar was tolerated as a legitimate branch of common school education.
Academies were few and of very recent organization in the coun- try generally, and various causes operated to prevent attendance on them by our more advanced scholars. To obviate these difficulties, in part, a High School, or as known in common parlance, "The Virgil Literary Institute," was organized and sustained for twelve or more years, with a good degree of success. At length academies and other literary institutions around, have furnished such facilities that this has been given up.
Numerous teachers have been raised up, of very respectable ac- quisitions, and have gone to different parts of our country to engage in the instruction of children and youth in the fundamental branches ; and also in the more advanced studies pursued in Academies and
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Normal Schools. It might be considered invidious to name some of those who have distinguished themselves in this department, and not to name others, but as it is impracticable to mention all, we must be permitted to allude to some without intending disparage- ment to any. It has been said that the merit of success is in pro- portion to the difficulties overcome. If the difficulties in the way of our students were greater than those in many places, the effort necessary to overcome them when sustained, might lead to still more strenuous exertion, and greater acquisitions would be made. Stu- dents from here, must, of course, meet obstacles and expenses un- known by those who live in the villages or cities where literary institutions are located. The expenses incident upon attendance at those institutions have pressed very heavily upon parents in our Town, and evinced much zeal and generosity in parents, as they have given from the fruits of their toil for the sustenance and aid of their sons and daughters while they were making solid acquisitions in the sciences there taught.
Allusion will be made to a few facts in illustration of the general truths set forth above. Some time in the course of the years of 1850-'54, a number of our scholars were in attendance upon the Cortland Academy, then under superintendency of Prof. Wool- worth. At a certain time he was attending the recitation of a class, most of whom had their residence with their parents in Homer vil- lage, while the remainder were mostly from Virgil. The Homer scholars answered the questions but poorly, and they would pass along until a Virgil scholar was reached, when they would be an- swered. This continued a while when the feelings of the preceptor were aroused, and he gave vent to them in manner and form fol- lowing, to wit :- " I am ashamed of you. Here you have lived all your lives in this village, having convenient access to the school at all times, and here are scholars coming from the Virgil hills, bring- ing their board, hiring a room, and answering your questions."
It might be accounted indelicate in the writer to name the scholars referred to, as coming from Virgil and answering those questions. I am told that some from our Town have distinguished themselves also, in the academy in Cortland village, previous to the institution of the Normal School. Among these were Anna Sheerar, Orrin Luce and Mary Lecch. In the Normal School, some from this
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Town have graduated; John E. Winslow, James H. Shults, W. S. Spencer, etc., some of whom have been employed in the same insti- tution as teachers.
In the Autumn of 1868 there was what was called the Regents' Examination in the two Academies of Cortland and Whitney's Point. Questions were sent to be proposed to the students in the classes. A large class was examined in the Cortland Academy, under Prof. J. J. Pease. Only one of the whole number passed in all branches, and that was Miss Sarah B. Leech, now Mrs. Louks, from one of the "Virgil hills." The same examination was had at Whitney's Point, under Prof. E. C. Beach. About thirty in the class and none of them received the certificate involved, except Lydia Bloomer, now Mrs. Davis, who like Mrs. Louks, was born and reared in Old Virgil. It seems that there must have been de- cided merit in their acquisitions, respectively, or these scholars and their native Town would not have had this distinguishing tribute, while all other towns and localities represented in these institutions failed to endure this test.
NUMBER XII.
NE would conclude on perusal of my last extended letter, that the subject of education in Virgil, had been sufficiently set forth, but upon reflection and further consultation with friends, it is thought best to continue the subject in another article, with the de- sire to do impartial justice to those interested, which, it must be con- ceded, is a delicate and responsible task.
It seems that a slight error obtained in the last number in refer- ence to John E. Winslow, who was named as one who had graduated at the Normal School. It appears that he was prevented from graduating by ill health, and was forced to return home, where he has since remained, owing to sickness in the family, and has not yet resumed his studies. It is due to him to say that he has the repu- tation of a thorough scholar, so far as his health and other circum-
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stances permitted him to proceed. Others beside those named have graduated and have become distinguished teachers, among whom are George E. Ryan and Alice Lincoln. Some years since Marvin Ryan, son of Jonathan Ryan, became a teacher of distinction, and went to Illinois and engaged in teaching in an institution of some note, where he continued for a time, when he was taken with dis- ease and returned home. To the great grief of his friends and ac- quaintances, his disease terminated in death. The aforementioned George E. Ryan is a younger brother of the deceased just referred to, and is now engaged as Principal in the same institution, called a Union or Graded School, at a salary of $800, with two hundred and fifty scholars enrolled. Miss Lincoln has been engaged as teacher in institutions of distinction in Dryden and Binghamton.
During the early years of our Town's history, several teachers have.risen among us, who have acquitted themselves nobly in their profession. Among these are William Hunter, Michael Frank, P. F. Grow, Frederick Hyde, W. E. Gee, George Graham, I. B. Bloomer, J. S. Squires, John M. Roe, Rachel and Milly Bouton, Ruth and Minerva Lincoln, Charlotte and Jane Palmer, Charlotte Ehle, and others too numerous to mention. A large number have engaged in this honorable and responsible calling in more recent years, among whom, owing to his want of acquaintance, the writer feels that he is incompetent to discriminate, though many of them are doubtless fully equal in merit and success to those in the list named.
We have lived and progressed under the different forms of ad- ministration that have obtained during the sixty years since the en- actment of the School Law. We have had School Commissioners, School Inspectors, Town Superintendents, County Superintendents and District Commissioners. All these officers have had resting on them, in the times of their administration, respectively the respon- sible duty of examining candidates offering themselves for teachers. And even before the enactment of the School Law, a sense of the importance of some sort of test appeared necessary to the sagacious, early settlers, and they endeavored to discharge this duty according to the best of their ability. Every one acquainted with the spelling book published about the year 1800, by Noah Webster, Jr., Esq., knows that at the close of a long chapter of hard names there were
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two short columns of long names of five, six or more syllables, such as Ompompanoosuc, Canajoharie, Michillimacinac, etc. . In the ex- ercise of their prerogative and their best judgment, they chose, in one instance at least, the lesson containing the aforementioned names, and directed the candidate to pronounce them, which she did to the satisfaction of those who conducted the examination. This occurred in about 1807. It will not probably be considered impertinent to give her name. It was Mercy Wright, and the writer participated in the benefits derived from her intelligent and faithful labors. If I were asked at what time in the history of our Town, the interest in the cause of common school education was greatest, my answer would be, that it was, in my opinion, in the time when the " Virgil Literary Institute " was held, and during the adminis- tration of Hon. H. S. Randall, County Superintendent, which were co-temporary.
NUMBER XIII.
I T is probable that by this time your readers are expecting some- thing brilliant in the setting forth of the names of distinguished individuals of our Town, in the several departments and aspects in which human life is viewed by contemplative observers. Your readers may rest assured that we have a bright array of names to be presented, and commendable and honorable deeds done, before we close these essays. In order that these shall shine in a manner to give a just and appropriate view, the picture must have painted for it a proper background. As these are to be brilliant, it would seem that the background should be dark, that the contrast may be the more significant.
As early as the earliest recollection of the oldest inhabitant, the practice of intemperance in the use of intoxicating drinks has pre- vailed in Town, and has produced its lamentable effects. It would be difficult to add much to the vivid descriptions of the untold evils of this practice, as they have been set forth by the tongue and pen of eloquence which have been employed on this painful subject dur- ing the long years that have passed since 1829, when the minds of
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the people were thoroughly aroused on this subject. Temperance societies were formed to counteract and remove this great evil. Much good has been done, relief has been gained, individuals have been reformed and evil prevented. But the warfare was an unequal one. The friends of the cause of temperance had unanswerable ar- guments founded on moral principle to present, which were available for a good purpose, when set before the moral, intelligent and re- flective portion of the community. These, however, were not adapted to effect the mind of the seller of the deleterious article, or to make head against the craving, insatiable thirst of his victim. Numerous plans have been put in requisition to save, if possible, those who have been drawn into the net of the remorseless tyrant, Intemperance. When approached by a kind friend in his sober hours it seemed as though reformation were probable, and high hopes
would be cherished by ardent, hoping, solicitous friends. Such hopes have proved, in a majority of instances, to be delusive, and the cherished object of affection and anxiety has returned to his cups, and the last state of that man is worse than the first. It is painful to trace the history of the rum-sellers of our town. They and their families have mostly come to ruin.
We have not time nor inclination to particularize. It would be impossible to set forth, within the compass of an essay of tolerable length, any comprehensive or adequate view of the evils and suffer- ings involved. How many families made wretched, hopes blasted, lives sacrificed, and poverty, shame and ignorance entailed on inno- cent and helpless sufferers. These and numberless other ills go to make up the aggregate of the burdens borne by the industrious, economical, thrifty and reliable portion of the community. The reader may be induced to inquire: Is that so ? Has Virgil been subject to such evils and burdens in consequence of intemperance ? How would the description given apply to our country generally, or to other countries, or to the world ? I apprehend that the descrip- tion given fails almost entirely of presenting a true view of the sub- ject. It lacks immeasurably in force, vividness of description and pungency of expression to come up to the truth. Indeed, language fails, words fall infinitely short of expressing the woful reality. Efforts have been put forth, taking various forms, and organized on different plans. We have had temperance organizations differently
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constituted which continued, each for a time, and were productive of good-we know not how much-as we cannot know how debased we might have been, but for these instumentalities. We have now no temperance organization, and shall not have any that will inspire much confidence while spirits are employed in medicine for the sick, as freely as at present. These remarks may be thought rather sug- gestive; but the writer has been cognizant of several very painful instances of this kind. In one case a man in middle life, under the direction of a physician, imbibed so much that he was disguised and unfit for the transaction of financial business. Many similar cases might be adduced, but I forbear. There remains another branch of this subject to be discussed, which must wait for a subse- quent article.
NUMBER XIV.
A T the close of our last number, it was announced that another branch of the same subject remained to be discussed.
The subject dwelt upon in the last number was intemperance, and its most efficient auxiliary is the use of tobacco. The most of those who are intemperate use this article, though many who use it are not intemperate in the use of intoxicating drinks. This practice is extremely prevalent, and is the cause of inexpressible regret and sorrow to every intelligent well-wisher to humankind. Perhaps there is no point in morals where the public mind and sentiment are so deplorably at fault as here. Let this subject be set forth in a sermon, lecture or public discussion, and any observing person will discover an ill-concealed sneer, as though the speaker were belittling himself. If in an appropriate time and place, a speaker should in- troduce this topic, and any should be led to intimate that the sub- ject was beneath the dignity of the speaker, the place or the occa- sion, then it is beneath any of us to inquire for the cause of the in- creased debility of the present generation, with those that are past. Our health is given us as a rich blessing to be watched over, cared for and preserved with the utmost vigilance. The effect of tobacco is invariable in its debilitating influence on those who use it, and on
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posterity. This proposition is amply supported by reference to medical authorities, as I am told. But were it not thus, an individ- ual with only a moderate share of discrimination might see the con- nection of weakness and disease in children, with this practice in their parents, thus furnishing a clear illustration of one of the means by which the "iniquity of the fathers is visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. "
It is melancholy to reflect upon the numerous deaths of individ- uals caused by this practice. The writer has known several persons whose death could not by the greatest ingenuity of evasion, be traced to any other cause than the use of this article. Many who practice smoking or chewing tobacco, seem totally insensible to the claims of courtesy or decency. If this were not true, how shall we account for the fact that a Justice of the Peace will start a pipe while sitting in the Judicial chair, and engaged in the trial of a cause ? How shall we judge the state of mind of a person who will go into a post office and engage in smoking a pipe or cigar ? All classes are ex- pected to call and get the intelligence directed to them ; but all are not partial to the fumes of the pipe. Nay, it is an offense to many. How shall we justify those men of business who will indulge in this practice while negotiating with those to whom it is an offence ? The writer has had important business to transact with such, when they would undertake to use the English language with a cigar or pipe in their mouth, reminding one of a carpenter trying to talk with a gimlet in his mouth. This practice by many is reckoned rather filthy.
We have no Town Hall to accommodate the citizens for meeting to attend to the various kinds of business incident to the progress of a community ; consequently it has been difficult to procure a proper and convenient place to hold such gatherings. It has been held that they are not suitable to the design of a church, and especially as a promiscuous assembly might not use the proper care to keep the same clean, from the cause previously hinted at.
This practice shortens the life of those who follow it, in most instances, besides rendering that life burdensome by the weakness and infirmity thus induced. It discourages effort in behalf of youth, who might otherwise be hopeful ; and the benevolent are deterred from rendering that help that would otherwise be freely bestowed in
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the aid of the exertions of those who would progress in the arts or sciences. Let a young man appeal for aid to a philanthropist of means, and when about to receive that encouragement which he greatly desired-if that kind friend should discover this habit in him, the desired aid would be withheld and the hope of the petition- er would vanish in thin air. It is painful to reflect that a large share of our young men contract this habit, thus throwing a pall over their prospects, and forfeiting the confidence of every one whose good opinion could be of any avail for their success and advancement in life. How much talent and capacity are thus thrown away! It is the practice of perverted human nature to turn blessings into curses. Thus the invention of matches was one which was adapted to promote great convenience in the business of life. But, alas ! how has this been perverted, as it has facilitated the smoker in his efforts to undermine health and draw on the decreptitude and de- bility of premature age. This is a practice of incredible cost. Every man that has indulged in it for forty-five years has spent $2,000, more or less, and oftener more than less. Such disable themselves measurably, from aiding worthy objects, as building churches, bridges, school houses, and even making and keeping their own families com- fortable and respectable. At a moderate estimate there has been spent in this way six times as much in this Town as has been the cost of all the churches, school houses, ministers' salaries and teach- ers' wages. If all that is worse than wasted by this practice could be expended for the increased comfort and convenience of families, and for valuable public objects, this Town might be placed in a very enviable condition.
NUMBER XV.
I come now to consider some of the effects of tobacco on the pow- ers of the minds and bodies of those who indulge in its use. And I do this by quotations from a prize essay by Elisha Harris, M. D., physician to the New York City Dispensary. He says " the ultimate results of tobacco using are invariably the same. By it the
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nerves are irritated, the senses benumbed and their functions per- verted ; the action of the heart is rendered feeble and irregular, the blood circulates imperfectly, all the functions of life become slug- gish, and old age creeps over countenances and frames that other- wise would have possessed all the bloom and vivacity of youth. Most of those cases of intermission of the heart's action which canse so much alarm to those who suffer from it; and much of that fashionable disease known as palpitation of the heart, arise from tobacco using. " Again he says, "The disastrous effects of tobacco upon the functions of the nervous system and the action of the heart, are felt throughout every tissue of the body ; the blood moves slng- gishly, and as it stagnates in delicate organs, foundation is laid for every form of disease, while at the same time the poison of the drug itself is diffused through every tissue of the living frame, benumb-
ing and paralyizing all the powers of life." Again, "Tobacco nsing is a prolific cause of that fashionable disease, dyspepsia ; and among students and literary men, it is the most frequent cause of this ex- ecrated and protean malady. . The excellent and eminent Dr. Wood- ward, so long the Superintendent of the Asylum for the insane at Worcester, Mass., has left his testimony, "that tobacco produces insanity." He says, "I am fully confident that its influence upon the brain and nervous system is hardly less than that of alcohol, and if excessively used is equally injurious."
It has been noticed by every one who has endeavored to produce an impression on moral subjects upon the mind of a tobacco-user, that it has proved to be peculiarly insusceptiable to any motives or arguments that might be adduced. Dr. Alcott has remarked that " no class of men think more tardily than tobacco users."
Many buildings have been destroyed by fire from pipes and cigars. Some twenty-five years since a barn was destroyed on Snider Hill, by the pipe of the owner. Perhaps twenty years ago a barn belong- ing to Esq. Brusie, in the east part of the Town was burnt down in consequence of a drunken man going in to stay, and endeavoring to smoke, lost his life besides destroying considerable property. The reader can attribute this to spirits or tobacco. It is not mater- ial. Within the region of my personal knowledge, at least three valuable dwelling-houses have been destroyed by this cause with- in a few years. Fires from smoking are of frequent occurrence.
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The great fire in North and Pearl streets, Boston, was caused by a cigar. A church in Chicago, which cost some thirty thousand dol- lars was laid in ashes in the same way.
Instances are known to the writer of those who have broken off this habit and never resumed it, and it has always resulted in an im- provement of health. Dr. Rufus Holton, some sixty or more years old, effectually cured himself, indicating to all who should come after him that it can be done. Jonas Owen abandoned its use, and the use of intoxicating drinks at the same time, and continues to give them a wide berth. These cases show that this practice can be abandoned with safety.
I have said tobacco-using was an auxiliary to intemperance. I will refer to a few authorities. Says that noble friend of temper- ance, E. C. Delavan, " I have had my fears for the safety of the temperance cause through the insidious influence of tobacco. It is my conviction that while the use of tobacco continues, intemperance will continue to curse the world." Dr. Woodward has remarked that " the use of tobacco is the most ready and common stepping- stone to that use of spirituous liquors which leads to intemperance." Dr. Rush has observed that " smoking and chewing dispose to the use of the stronger stimulus of ardent spirits." Having a good op- portunity once to get the opinion of a celebrated physician, Dr. F. Hyde, I asked him for the merits of tobacco as a medicine. His answer was in these words, " It is not necessary in the treatment of any disease." The pecuniary cost of spirits and tobacco consumed in the United States, of which Virgil is a part, is immense annually- sufficient, it may be presumed, to pay our National debt in one year, or at all events, in an incredibly short space of time.
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