History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 34

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840

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The first district organized was undoubtedly that known as No. I, now the Salina School ; after which the districts were formed in numerical order, as the town became settled and new schools were required to meet the wants of a growing population. At the time of the city organization, the schools exist- ing within its limits were as follows : In the First Ward, there were Nos. 1, 8, 15 and 16. In what is now the Second Ward there was none. In the Third Ward was No. 4, occupying the building now used as a blacksmith's shop, on Church street. In the Fourth Ward was one, known as No. 5, now the Prescott School, (organized Jan. 26, 1839,) on Lock street. In the Fifth Ward was one, occupying a little old wooden building, since removed. The Sixth Ward contained one, called No. 6, located on Fayette street. In the Seventh Ward was the present Putnam School, on the corner of Jefferson and Montgomery streets. In the Eighth Ward was No. 10, situated on East Fayette street.

In these schools there were, at the time of the city organization, 35 teachers employed. We have no statistics of the school population, attendance, ex- penditures or other items.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The incorporation of the city of Syracuse in- augurated a new era in educational affairs. " An Act in Relation to the Public Schools of Syracuse " was passed April 11, 1848. This act, with some slight amendments, is the basis of the present public school system of the city. It provided for

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the appointment by the Mayor and Common Council, of two Commissioners of common schools from each ward, to be divided into two classes, one of which should hold office one year and the other two years from the date of the first appointment, and that, thereafter, one Commissioner should be clected from each ward annually. The Commis- sioners so elected and holding till their successors are chosen and qualified, constitute the Board of Education of the city of Syracuse, who have control of everything relating to the public schools.

The act was amended March 11, 1865, March 26, 1866, and March 27, 1868.

By one of these amendments, one Commissioner is now elected annually from each ward for two years, and it is so arranged that the even wards clect one year and the odd wards the next, thus giving the Board only four new members each year

In pursuance of the act, eight Commissioners were appointed by the Mayor and Common Council, who met at Market Hall (now City Hall) April 21, 1848, and after choosing Hiram Putnam and R. A. Yoe, President and Secretary, pro tem., proceeded to draw for their respective terms, as follows :

First Ward-William Clark 2 years.

J. P. Babcock 1

Second Ward-James Noxon C. M Brosnan I

Third Ward-Iliram Putnam

Daniel Bradley 1

Fourth Ward-Oliver Teall C. A. Wheaton I

William Clark was elected President of the Board, but declined to serve, whereupon Hiram Putnam was elected in his place.

At the next meeting of the Board, April 26, 1848, A. G. Salisbury was chosen Clerk, and his salary fixed at $500 a year.

The Board, upon its organization, adopted the following resolutions :

" Resolved, That the Board of Education will not employ any teacher in any of the public schools of the city who uses intoxicating liquors as a beverage or who is addicted to the use of tobacco."

" Resolved, That the President of the Board give public notice that the common schools of the city will be opened free to all the children of the city.

FIRST TEACHERS APPOINTED BY THE BOARD.

The following roll shows the first appointment of teachers in the different schools and wards of the city, and their respective salaries, per month :

First Ward.

No. 1-Lewis Cornell, Principal, Salary, $35

8-Edward Smith .. 35

15-I. B. Brigham,

* Resigned, and place filled by T. B. Fitch.

No. 16-Jas. Johonnot, Principal, Salary. $35 .. 15

16-Miss Delia Earll, Assistant,

Second Ward.

No. 4 - N. P. Stanton, Principal, Salary, $48

4-Mrs. Stanton, 2d Department.

4-Miss Palmer, Ist 15

5-R. R. Stetson, Principal, .€

5- Mrs. Stetson, Ist Department, 16

5-Miss M. A. Clapp. 2d 18

5-Miss J. A. Van Denburg, 3d D'pt." 18

Third Ward.

No. 6-J. B. Beal, Principal, Salary, $35

6-Miss Hannah Burnet, Ass't .. 15

20-Miss A. Bennett, Principal.

Fourth Ward.

No. 7-W. W. Newman, Principal, Salary, $50 7 Miss E. E. Williams, ist D'pt., =

7-Miss E. Williams, ist D'pt., 15 7-Miss J. Brooks, 2d Department, " 1S

7-Miss S. M. Cox, 3d 18

7-Miss R. C. Newman, 4th " 18

12-J. M. Winchell, Principal, 35 ..

12-Miss A. Barker, Ist Department, " 15

12-Miss H. Kingsley, 2d 18

Other teachers were appointed from time to time, as the exigencies of the schools demanded, and every effort made to advance the standard of qualification, and make the schools an honor to the city. As the population increased, new buildings were erected, in some cases, rented, old buildings improved and en- larged, new districts formed and new lots purchased and built upon, to meet the wants of the continually increasing number of children to be provided for. The Board has never been wanting in men of en- larged views and self-sacrificing in the cause of pub- lic education ; the officers have been faithful and efficient ; and it should be said to the credit of the citizens, without a single noted exception, that they have heartily and cheerfully cooperated in all the just measures of the Board calculated to advance and perfect the public schools of Syracuse.

The citizens of the Central City have shown their appreciation of public education by the amount of money they have cheerfully paid to provide substan- tial and elegant school houses. These appear in every part of the city as monuments to the people's zeal and liberality. In some instances the building of these costly structures required an enormous ex- penditure for several consecutive years - the years, for instance from 1868 to 1875.

In 1868, the May School building was erected at a cost, including furniture, of $20,cco. In 1869, the High School building was completed at a cost, including lot, of $100,coo. In 1870, the Franklin School building was erected at a cost, including lot,

l'hoto, by Bonta & Curtias, Syracuse.

HENRY SHATTUCK.

Ansel Shattuck, the father of the subject of this sketch, was bern in Deerfield, Mass., Ang. 10, 1789, and settled in Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he died, Feb. 8, 1849, in his sixtieth year. He was a well-to-do farmer and contractor for public works. He built the Erie canal through Little Falls. He married Rachel Bump, of Pompey. The result of this union was nine children, viz., Henry, Electa, Almira, Loron, Chester, Hiram, Caroline O., Adaline M., and Angeline. All are now living, except Hiram and Adaline.

Henry was born Sept. 13, 1811, in the town of Pompey. ITis earlier years were passed on his father's farm, and his limited edu- cation was obtained in the common schools of his native town. At the age of fifteen years he came to Syracuse, where he learned and followed the brickmaker's trade for about seven years. On April 28, 1831, he was united in marriage to Mehetabel, daughter of Jesse Knapp, of Pompey. She was born Nov. 18, 1804. She died Dec. 7, 1840, leaving two children, viz., Mary Ann, born Jan. 1, 1832 (married Erasmus S. Hungerford, of De Witt) ; Cor- nelia, born Nov. 22, 1834 (married Edward H. White, of Syra- cuse). After his marriage he settled in Jamesville, town of De Witt, and engaged in the business of hotel-keeping. After resid- ing there about two years he was elected constable, and from that time for thirty years he held the offices, at different times, of con- stable, deputy-sheriff, under-sheriff, and deputy United States mar- shal, and all these positions he filled not only with great eredit to himself but to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the town and county.

On March 23, 1842, he married Sarah F., daughter of Dr. Silas Park, of Lafayette. There were born to them five children, namely, Mehetabel, Alice A. (married George M. Dorr, of

Florida), Adelbert, Henry, and Frank. All, except Alice A., who was born June 16, 1844, died quite young. Mrs. Dorr died March 10, 1872.

After residing in Jamesville for about six years he moved to Syracuse, and continued in public offiee until about the year 1861. From that time on for several years he was engaged in buying and selling real estate, and in the manufacture of salt, having owned and worked two blocks.

Since 1862 he has built and sold a large number of houses in the eity of Syracuse.

In 1826, Mr. Shattuck enlisted in a company of light infantry raised by General Granger. Was elected fourth corporal. Was captain four years, and was appointed colonel of the 176th Regi- ment of Infantry by Gov. Silas Wright, July 26, 1845, which position he held for three years.

Politically he has always been a staunch Demoerat, and in re- ligious sentiment is a Presbyterian, and has been for several years a consistent member and a liberal supporter of the Fourth Presbyterian church of Syracuse.

While a resident of Jamesville he was school trustee for several years, and contributed largely to the educational interests of the town.

The numerous and important official positions held by Mr. Shattuck, both by election and appointment, sufficiently attest the respect and confidence with which he has been regarded by his fellow-citizens ; and when we consider that every trust committed to his care, whether publie or private, has been intelligently, faith fully, and honestly discharged, and that he is in the enjoyment of the undiminished confidence and respect of all who know him, we must pronounce his a useful and successful life.

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

of $30,000. In 1871, the Madison School building and furniture cost the city $20,000. In 1875, the Salina School building, which had been built in 1860 and burned, was rebuilt at a cost, including furniture, of $17,000. In addition to this in 1870, 1871 and 1872, the Genesee, Salina and Seymour School buildings were enlarged at an aggregate cost of $20,000. Here is the grand total of $207,000 expended in the short period of six years for pub- lic school buildings alone. If we leave off the re- building of the Salina School building in 1875, it will then be $190,000 expended in four consecutive years for school houses. We venture the assertion that few cities of the size of Syracuse can show as good a record.

Most of the other school buildings in the city are good buildings, ranging in value, including lots, from $12,000 to $30,000.

The entire value of school property is as follows : Lots, $156,000 ; buildings, $570,000; total, $726,000.

PRESENT NUMBER OF SCHOOLS.

The public school system of this city compre- hends sixteen schools and school buildings, as fol- lows :

High School, corner West Genesee and Wallace streets.

Salina School, First Ward, between Center and Bear streets.

Jefferson School, First Ward, corner Park and Court streets.

Townsend School, corner Townsend and Ash streets.

Franklin School, corner Butternut and Peters streets.

Genesee School, corner Genesee and Wallace streets.

Prescott School, Lock street near Willow.

Clinton School, Lodi street near Hawley.

Seymour School, Seymour street near West.

May School, Seneca street between Otisco and Tully.

Grace Street School, corner Grace and Ontario streets.

Montgomery School, Montgomery street between Adams and Jackson.

Putnam School, corner Montgomery and Jeffer- son streets.

Adams School, Adams street between Grape and Orange.

Irving School, corner Fayette and Irving streets.

Madison School, corner Madison and. Spruce streets.

GRADES.

The schools of the city are graded in four depart-

ments, viz : Primary, Junior, Senior and High School. The Primary Department requires three years, the Junior two and a half, the Senior two and a half, and the High School three years, to complete the prescribed course of study. Formerly the High School required four years, but that has been recently changed by the Board.

HIGH SCHOOL.

The High School was organized in the brick building, formerly No. 4, now used as a blacksmith's shop, on Church street, in 1855. Prior to this there existed what was known as the " Higher Depart- ment," in which the sciences and languages were taught, in the building now known as the Prescott School House. . The High School proved a success from the start, and an indispensable adjunct of the public school system of the city. Besides advanc- ing the grade of education to a thorough academic course, and providing facilities for fitting students for college, it has been the only source of a sufficient supply of competent teachers, and the greater share of the vacancies in the public schools of the city have been filled from graduates of the High School. The preference is given to these, as being better qualified as a general rule, than those who apply for situations from places outside the city. And this has also the double advantage of affording a con- stant supply of excellent teachers and of enabling the Board to give employment to a large number of their own citizens. Of the seventy teachers em- ployed in 1860, about fifty were permanent residents of the city, and a majority of them had been mem- bers of the High School.

FIRST GRADUATING CLASS.

The names of the first graduates from the High School in 1856, are as follows :

Rossiter Raymond, H. Wadsworth Clarke,

Samuel L. Comstock, Osgood V. Tracy,

Arinda L. Adams, Catharine B. Poole,

Ellen A. Evans, Ellyette W. Casey,

Ellen V. Bowen.

Since then a large number have completed the prescribed course of study and have gone forth with the honors and benefits of the school to fill various responsible and useful situations. Last year the class of graduates consisted of 21 persons-7 young gentlemen and 14 young ladies. Most of the young ladies had pursued the studies of the Teacher's Class, with a purpose of teaching in the city schools, provided they should be able to pass the necessary examination, and openings should occur offering them situations. The opportunities which this class presents to those who purpose to

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

make teaching a profession, are very valuable as compared with those of a quarter of a century ago. when nothing but a smattering of the common branches was expected of one offering their services as a common school teacher. The members of this class have spent four years in the High School, in addition to the course in the Senior School, which is more than an equivalent for the entire acquire- ment for a teacher of only a few years since, where they have pursued the higher mathematics, lan- guages-including Latin, French and German- with a thorough review of the English, the natural sciences, and mental and moral philosophy. In addition to this, they have received, during the last year of the course, daily lessons in at least one of the subjects taught in the ward schools, having in view a perfect understanding of the principles of these subjects and the best method of developing children's minds in them.

HIGH SCHOOL AND STATE UNIVERSITY.

By an act of the Legislature the High School is placed under the visitation of the Regents of the State University, and is made to participate in the distri- bution of the Literature Fund. This law applies to all High Schools in the State which conform to the requirements of the Board of Regents, and it gives them a higher character, placing them on equal foot- ing with all other academic institutions.

The admissions to the High School are semi- annual ; one class enters in September and one in February, upon the Regents' examination. A few from abroad, and pupils not regularly in the public schools, are received into the High School upon a trial examination, which, if satisfactory, admits such persons into the school, conditioned upon coming forward at the next Regents' examination, to try for his " Regents' Certificate." During the year 1876, 157 Regents' Certificates were granted, making So per cent. of the attendance at the High School Re- gents' pupils, a larger percentage of the enrollment than at any former period. The whole number en- rolled duriug the year was 372, the average number belonging being 275, and the average daily attend- ance 264.

HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.

This building is beautifully situated on West Genesee street in one of the most picturesque por- tions of the city. It is in the modern classical style of architecture, three stories high above the base- ment, of red pressed brick with Onondaga gray limestone trimmings, the style being exceedingly ornate and imposing. A fine cupola crowns the summit of the structure, capped by a gilt globe glit-

tering in the sun, and from this high elevation a beautiful view is obtained of the surrounding city, its environs and romantic scenery. This building, we have already said, was completed in 1869, at a cost, including lot, of $100,000. The length of the building is 123 feet and its width 96 feet. On the first floor is the Central Library Department, with its valuable collection of books, together with the spacious and commodious office of the Board of Education, and a department for classes in the art of drawing. On the second floor is the Central Senior Department, with its competent corps of teachers, and above this, on the third floor, is located the High School Department proper, where the higher grades of education are pursued. Ward- robes and water-closets are supplied throughout the various rooms, with every convenience necessary to the comfort of the pupils. In the basement are located the furnaces for heating the entire building, which is done by patent steam radiators of the most modern style, in keeping with the character of the furniture of the building, which is neat, attractive and substantial. Here also is to be located the Gymnasium, together with a fine cabinet of rare geological specimens, and a valuable set of philo- sophical apparatus. The conveniences for educa- tional purposes possessed by the High School are second to no similar institution in the country, and is the fit head of a system of public schools of which the citizens of Syracuse may justly be proud.

BUST OF SAMUEL J. MAY.

In July, 1875, the bust of Rev. Samuel J. May, executed by Miss Isabella Gifford, of Syracuse, was purchased by subscribers friendly to that object and presented to the Board of Education, to be placed in the Central Library Room of the High School build- ing. The committee of presentation consisted of Wm. Brown Smith, N. C. Powers, Mrs. Oliver T. Burt, Mrs. R. W. Pease, E. B. Judson, Dudley P. Phelps and J. L. Bagg. On the reception of a communi- cation from the foregoing committee, the Board passed a resolution accepting the bust, and appoint- ed a committee consisting of Commissioners Wil- liam A. Duncan, President of the Board of Educa- tion, Hon. J. W. Barker and Hon. John J. Crouse, to make arrangements for the proper ceremonies. Arrangements being completed, the transfer was made September 18, 1875, and the bust placed in the middle alcove of the Central Library, in front of the main entrance.

One of the daily papers thus speaks of this in- teresting occasion :

" The arrangements for the ceremonies were very complete. A commodious platform was erected

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

across a portion of the front of the building, and the lawn in front, made damp by the heavy rains, was covered with boards,

" Large offerings of flowers, vines and evergreens gave the platform a charming appearance, and re- flected esthetic culture, and the exercises were con- ducted in such a happy manner as to win the admi- ration of the large concourse of people. Promi- nently upon the platform, which was occupied by the Board of Education, the speakers and officiat- ing gentlemen, together with a chorus of High School students under the direction of Professor Ballou, stood the work of which the city was soon to become possessed, veiled from the view of the spectators by the American flag.

" The attendance was large, filling the space in front of the building upon the sidewalk, while the street was crowded with vehicles. The assemblage embraced, besides a large number of prominent citizens, many educators and students in art and literature, and all of the professions were well repre- sented. Almost all classes and conditions of so- ciety were present. The absence of Miss Gifford was universally regretted, particularly by those who were aware of the fact that she was obliged to fore- go the pleasure of the event in consequence of severe illness. Had she been present, the speakers and the assemblage would have given her a most cor- dial greeting.

The exercises were commenced by appointing as presiding officer, J. L. Bagg, Esq. After prayer by Rt. Rev. F. D. Huntington, followed by the re- peating of the Lord's Prayer, Rev. C. D. B. Mills delivered the address, portraying in eloquent lan- guage the life and character of Mr. May, and giv- ing appropriate encomiums of the work of art which so faithfully represented " some of his choicest fea- tures." Rev. S. R. Calthrop, with appropriate re- marks and a poem written for the occasion, then formally presented the bust to the Board of Edu- cation, Misses Hanchett and Barnes unveiling the beautiful likeness as the last words were spoken. It was looked upon lovingly for the first time by many present, and the skill of the young artist found strong commendation in many remarks. President Duncan then received the gift and promised to place it in the Central City Library, where it could be daily seen by the children Mr. May loved so well. They would certainly prize it for two rea- sons-as a work of art and as a most fitting me- morial of one who was a sincere friend of education. Mr. Duncan introduced President White, of Cor- nell University, who gave a glowing tribute to the character of Mr. May. Accepting the bust in be- half of the Board of Education, he said : " This bust will endure as a memorial of Mr. May's char- acter ; for the serene face will for years radiate that benign influence which will cause some to take up again the good work he loved so well."

STATISTICS-1876.

Number of buildings in which schools are kept, 18-containing schools as follows : High School, 1; Senior Grade, 6; Junior Grade, 16; Primary Grade, 17 ; Ungraded Schools, 2 ; Evening Schools, I ; Schools of all Grades, 6.

Whole number of teachers in all the schools ____ 207 Male teachers, 10 : female teachers, 197 ; regular

teachers, 206 ; special teachers, 1.

Number of persons in the city between the ages of 5 and 21 16,552

Whole number of pupils registered in all the schools 8,820 Average number belonging to all the grades, 6,624 Average daily attendance in all the schools __ 6,228 Average per cent. of attendance on number belong- ing. 94.4

Number of sittings in all the schools 8,222

COST PER PUPIL ON DAILY ATTENDANCE.

For tuition-graded schools. $16.27 ; ungraded schools, $12.49 ; all schools, $16.17 ; incidentals in all schools, $4.51 ; entire cost including all expen- ses, $20.68.

Whole amount expended for schools in the city in 1876 $125,035.81

BOARD OF EDUCATION, 1878.

Commissioners-Ist Ward, Edward E. Chapman ; 2d Ward, Peter Knaul; 3d Ward, John W. Bar- ker ; 4th Ward, Henry E. Warne : 5th Ward, Wm. A. Duncan; 6th Ward, Hiram R. Olmsted ; 7th Ward, Martin A. Knapp; Sth Ward, John H. Durston. President, John W. Barker ; Clerk and Superintendent, Edward Smith.

Standing Committees-Executive Com'rs W. A. Duncan, E. E. Chapman, and H. R. Olmsted. Fi- nance Com'rs E. E. Chapman, W. A. Duncan and H. E. Warne. Teachers-Com'rs H. E. Warne, Peter Knaul and E. E. Chapman. Library-Com'rs H. R. Olmsted, M. A. Knapp and W. A. Duncan. Course of Study-Com'rs J. H. Durston, H. E. Warne and l'eter Knaul. High School-Com'rs M. A. Knapp, H. R. Olmsted and J. H. Durston. Rules, Regulations and Printing-Com'rs Peter Knaul, J. H. Durston, M. A. Knapp.

EARLY LIBRARIES.

The first circulating library, called the " Parish Library," was formed by the exertions of Rev. Palmer Dyer, officiating clergyman in St. Paul's Church, which then stood in the center of the triangle now known as the Granger Block. Mr. Dyer's interest in the youth of the village led to the step, and to a careful selection of books suited to their needs. A room was at one time furnished by L. H. Redfield, Esq., for the accommodation of the Library, who, with Mr. Dyer, had chief charge

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

of its circulation. After doing a good work it was removed by Mr. Redfield to the Academy, in the library of which it was merged.

Madame A. J. Raoul at one time circulated books to the villagers. Then came the "Syracuse Library and Reading Room Association," of which Thomas A. Smith, Esq., at one time acted as Librarian, having his law office in the Library rooms, which he rendered attractive by a fine col- lection of hot-house plants. Public lectures were given before the Association at its rooms on the corner of Salina and Washington streets, by gentle- men of note from abroad, and " Readings " by Mrs. Fanny Kemble Butler. Here for the first time in Syracuse was heard the music of Ole Bull's charmed violin. At a later period the Association got in debt, and finally broke down. The Library con- sisting of about 1,200 volumes, was purchased by Hon. E. W. Leavenworth, Captain Putnam, Dr. Clary, and others, who opened a library at Dr. Clary's house or office. When the " Franklin Library and Institute" was formed, they made a present of the 1,200 volumes to the institution, which was for some time the bulk of the library connected with it.

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History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 34

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 840

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840