USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. I > Part 56
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" V'e bave uow rea .bed, in this historic sketch, the lowest ebb in the tide of progress of this time-honored institution. From an institu- tion standing for many years at the head of the academies in the State, boasting to have nouthered among its pupils many who afterwards became distinguished among the first and leading men in the State, we find it at this date struggling nuder pecuniary embarrasstuents.
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
and without a classical department. Other rival institutions had sprung up and been established in all directions, which cut off its foreign support and threw it entirely upon its home patronage. That, unfortunately, proved insufficient to sustain it.
" In this sketeb we have thus far limnitel our notice to the progress of the classical department, af1, indeed, up to this time the care and attention of the board had been to a great extent confined to that department. The lower English branches had been constantly tanght by tenchers occupying some of the lower rooms in the academy, but, although under the supervision of the board, were not recognized as belonging to the sen lemy proper.
"The first entry in the minutes in reference to the English school is under date of May 2, 1800, when it was resolved that Mr. Martiu Stanley have the use of the lower west room of the academy for teach- ing the English language, mathematics, ete., etc .; that he become sub- jeet to a committee of the board, and conforin to sueb rules and regu- lations as the trustees might think proper to adopt.
"On the 21st of January, 1503, the same room was granted to James Shields. In July, 1804, it was granted to Amos G. Ballwin.
"On the 17th of May, ISos, it was resolved that a teacher be en- ployed by the trustres to teach an English school in tho academy under their direction and for their heueat. An English school was then established, under the charge of Mr. L. Ruggles. Ile resigned at the expiration of ahont one year, and was succeeded by Mr. Oli- phant. In September, 1810, Edward O'Neil succeeded Mr. Oliphant. On the 12th of May, 1s12, it was resolvel that the whole English department he abolished after September next, and in September, 1812, it was resolved to rent out the English school-room. MIr. O'Meil continued in the occupancy under the new arrangement. On the 7th of May, 1816, a resolution to give the trustees of the common school the control of the lower rooms was negatived, and it was determined that $150 and no more would be given to any teicher to be employed in the English school- roomu, that he be limited to forty scholars, and be under the direction of the trustees and principal of the academy. Tuition Fees to be $10, and nothing to be tonight to interfere with the upper rooui. \ contract upon this hasis was made with Nathaniel Perry for instructing the English school, and it is dated May 2, 1816.
" This plan was abandone l, and on the 7th of March. 1817, it was agreed that Cornelius Tappen might have the English school in the academy from the Ist of May then next; keeping it in good repair, and under sueb directions as he should receive from the trustees.
" In October, Je17, the grant of the lower room to Cornelius Tappen was revoked, and the room was placed at the disposal of the visiting committee. It was subsequently occupied by Mr. Morris and Mr. Walworth in succession, when Mr. French was appointed, with power to occupy the upper roofo until a classical teacher was proenred, as before referred to.
" The nendemy in its organization and early progress was confined entirely to the instruction of young men. Young luiles were not al- lowed to participate in its benefits. Shortly after its incorporation, and during the administration of Mr. Smith, three young ladies, one of whom is still living, were permitted to receive evening lessons in geography from the principal, and Lave the use of the maps and globes.
" In 1899 it appears from an entry in the minutes that sowie young ladies had been allowed admission into the academy, and their rate of tuition was established at $10. At the semi-annual meeting in May, 1809, it was resolved, that the principal of the academy bave the right of appointing one of the young ladies, his scholars, as a teacher to the females under his care; that that teacher shall not be charged anything for tuition. At a special meeting held in the month of December, Is10, the board confirmed an agreement made with Miss Wells, as female teacher, and resolved, that the school for females be continued ; and a committee was appointed to procure a female teacher capable of teaching painting, embroidery, and, if possible, other fine arty. A Miss l'aine was subsequently employed as instructress. But, at a special meeting hell on the 24th of January, 112, the female department of the academy was ordered discontinued.
" Afterwards, at a meeting of the trustees, on the 25th of June, ISIT, the principal of the academy was allowed by the board to open the upper room to such young ladies as had a wish to study the bigher branches of the English language, etc. This privilege continued in force in 1>20.
" But to resume the historical sketch of the academy from the low
ebb in the tide to which we bad reached; as appears from what has preceded, the teachers bad hitherto been employed at fixel salaries, the hoard assuming the collection of tho tuition money, except in the ense of Mr. Weller, whose number of students was limited. The trustees now found it necessary to udopt some other system in an attempt to revive and invigorate the institution.
" Mr. Dwight Baldwin was first employed in the atteint to revive the academy. Ilis attempt proved a failure, and scarely a dozen students could be gathered. The failure was not owing to any want of capacity on bis part, for he was nn ahle and faithful instructor. Ile resigned in 1823.
"Alter bis resignation, and at a meeting of the trustees, bell on the 14th day of August, 1523, they adopted a new principle in the em- ployment of an instructor, which is shown by the resolution setting fortb the terms of the contract with his successor, which is as follows :
"' Reroleed, That the Trustees employ the Rev. Daniel Parker for one year to take charge of the Institution upon the following torins : The Trustees to pay the said Parker three hundred dollars annually, in quarterly instalments, the mid Parker to bave in addition the sum of money which shall be appor- tioned to the Academy by the Regents of the University, as also the avails of tuition money, which, however, shall be collected at his own risk and respon. sibility. That the said Parker have the exclusive use of the whole building, except one room, which shall not be used as a school-room.'
" This contract had the effect to ebauge the character of the academy into a mixed school, divided into a male and female departiuent, by giving the full control of the entire academy to the principal, and making it his interest to gather into his fold as many pupils as possi- ble, of all classes and stages of advancement. It was undoubtedly the only course to be pursued to revive the institution, but it was au unfortunate necessity.
" The trustees, at a wiecting held hy them on the 28th day of May, 1826, directed their president to notify Mr. Parker of the discontinu- ance of their contract with him, from and after the lotb day of Sep- tember, then next. On the 22d of July, 1826, the trustees directed that Mr. Parker might refuain in the academy, to receive for his compensation the Regents' money and avails of tuition.
" At a muecting of the trustees, held in December, 1826, Mr. Hateh was euydoyed as principal of the academy for oue year, his com- pensation to be the tuition and Regents' money, the upper school- room to be under his care and eoutrol, and the lower room to be appropriated to the purpose of u female school, also under bim.
"On the 11th of January, 1528, the trustees rescinded their reso- lution lien.ting their number to 12, and at their next meeting, on the 19th of January, 1825, filled all the vacancies.
" At the meeting on the 19th of January, 182s, Mr. Hateh's res- ignation was received and accepted, and Mr. Iliram P. Ames was employed as bis successor. In July, 1829, Mr. Ames resigned, to take cheet on the let day of November following. Mr. Rudolphus B. Hubbard was elected as his successor.
" At a meeting of the trustees, held on tho ftb of March, 1830, a committee was appointed with full powers to make sueb repairs up.on the acadeiay as they might think proper.
" At a meeting held ou the 16th day of March, 1530, a preamble and resolutions were adopted, reciting that a considerable sumu had been raised by subscription to build a new academy, and directing that the committee on repairs suspend further proceedings, and at ucxt meeting report a general plan or plans for a new academy.
" At a uireting of the trustees, held on the 27th of March, 1830, the committee on repairs were discharged from further duty. It was resolved to build a new academy of brick on the triangular lot, and a committee appointed to procure a draft aud estimates, and enter iuto a contract for the building. A committee was also appointed to sell the old academy at auction. On the litb of April, 1830, the committee reported a sale of the old academy for $501, which was approvel and accepted.
"On the Ist of May, 1850, $3300 was appropriated towards build- ing the new academy. A contrast to build the same for $3325 was entered into, aud the buibling put up and completed accordingly. In 1834, Mr. Ilnbbard resigned as principal, and Mr. Isaac A. Blau- velt was appointed to succeed hiun.
" On the 31st day of December, 1835, the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Gosman, as president, was received and accepted; and on the 16th of January, 1836, the Rev. Jobu Lillie was elected president of the board.
" On the 22d of February, 1836, a committee was appointed to in-
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CITY AND TOWN OF KINGSTON.
spect the neademy and examine the pupils monthly, and report to the board.
" On the 28th of March, 1836, the examining committee, by Rev. Mr. Lillie, reported that they had attended examinations of the students, were satisfied with the proticiruey in studies and the ability of the teachers; but that there were too many different branches of elucation pursued in the school, and Mr. Blauvelt could not do justice to the scholars on that account, and recommended the employ- ment of an assistant.
"At a meeting of the board, held on the 21st of April, 1837, the following expression of opiniou was unanimously adopted :
".The Board of Trustees of the Kingston Academy, having carefully exam- ined the two departments, male and female, of that institution, frel themselves called upon to express their united testimony to the very high gratification which they have derived from the resuit. The proficiency displayed by the pupils in the various branches of study that came under review has been equally honorable to them and their Instructors. It is with entire confidence that the Board! now commend the Academy to the increasing favor and pitrou. age of the public.'
" Iu 1839 considerable additions were made to the library and to the philosophical and chemical apparatus hy voluntary contribution- and ail from the Regents.
"In 1841, Mr. Blauvelt resigned as principal, and was succeeded by the Rev. Jamies Nichols.
"Ou tho 21st of January, 1842, the Rev. Mr. Lillie resigned his office as president, and thereupon Marins Schoonmaker was elected president of the board.
" In July, 1842, Mr. Nichols resigned as principal, and Mr. Charles L. Hungerford was elected his successor. In 1844, Mr. Hungerford resigned, and Mr. Francis If. Wells was elected to succeed him.
" In 1814, $800 was raised by loan to put the seademy buildings iu repair. And in the same year large a lditions were made by volun- tary subscriptions to the library and apparatus.
" In IS45, Mr. Wells resigned as principal, and Mr. William Me- George succeeded him.
" In 1552, upon the resignation of Mr. MeGeorge, Mr. David M. Kimball was appointed iu his stead.
" In the same year the trustees determined to erect a building on the academy groundIs suitable for a dwelling- and boarding-house for the principal, and authorized $5000 to be raised by mortgage for that purpose. After the completion of the building in 1853, the committee rented the academy builling, and grounds to the prin- cipal, Mr. Kimball, for $400 a year.
" In May, 1853, an additional loan by muortgage was authorized, to pay the expenses of repairs ail alterations in the ohl building.
"Ju March, 185-1, Mr. Schoonmaker resigued as president of the board, aud the Rev. J. C. F. Hoes was elected his successor.
"In April, 1851. the trustees raised the rate of tuition to $24 per year, and fixed the rent to be paid by the principal at $375, and be to receive the Regents' money an'l tuition fees.
"In Decevibes, 1856, Mr. Kimtoll rezigned as principal, to take effeet at the close of the spring term. Mr. J. E. Pillsbury was elected his successor.
" At a special meeting hell in May, 1857, it was resolved that the primary department he revived, and as far as possible be made to maintain its distinctive character.
" In May, 1859, Mr. Pillsbury tenderel his resignation, which was accepted, to take effect on the loth of August.
" At a meeting held on the 25th of July, 1839, the trustees deter- mined to take the academy into their own ban.Is, employ the teach- ers, and receive the income of the institution. The Rev. John Van Vleck was subsequently electel principal, at an annual salary.
" Mr. Van Vleck having resigned as principal, to take effect in Au- gust, 1861, Mr. John N. Pomeroy was elected his successor, to take the academy upon an agreement similar to the one made with Mr. Pillsbury, and to have the Regents' money and tuition, and to pay rent for the buildings to the buar.l.
" At several meetings of the board in May. 1862, discussions were had in reference to the graded school system ; and on the 2rith of May, 1562, a preamble and resolutions were offered, providing for the ap- pointment of a committee to make arrangements with the school dis- tricts in the village for the adoption of the graded school system, pro- vided the elissical department could be retained in the academy, and other details could be made satisfactory to the trustees. After a lengthy discussion the preamble and resolutions were withdrawn, and
a committee of tive appointed to solicit subscriptions to pay off the debt ut the academy.
"On the 10th day of November, 1862, a preamble aud resolution providing for the appointment of a committee to confer with a similar committee from the public schools on the subject of adopting the graded system, was lost by a tie vote.
" Ata meeting of the trustees, held on the Sth day of February, 1864, a report was submitted to the board by the chairman of a committee previously appointed, in which it was stated, among other things, that the committee upon the debt had the means within their reach to extinguish the indebtedness of the aenemy within thirty days, 'pro- vided it is decided by the board to sustain the academy as an inde- peudent institution at all hazards.' But the report concludes with a recommendation that the academy be leased to the Board of Education. After considerable discussion the board adjourned without action. At a meeting held on the 12th day of February, the report being again under discussion, it was by a vote of $ to 5 ' resolved, that it is for the interest of the Kingston Academy to uuite it with the Board of Educa- tion of the village of Kingston.' By another resolution at the same meeting a committee was appointed to negotiate the terms of the transfer of the academy property to the Kingston Board of Education, the property to be forever held for the purposes of a classical and high-school education.
" At a meeting of the trustees, held on the 6th day of June, 1864, the comtuittee of conference reported that the Board of Education were willing to take the transfer of the academy property upon the condi- tion of paying all the debts of the pendlemy, and establishing and maintaining therein a first-class academy ; and in case of a repeal of the law creating the Board of Education, or a failure to establish and maintain the classical academy, the property should revert to the trustees.
" Resolutions were then passed authorizing the transfer, and direct- ing the president to excente the necessary conveyances.
" At a meeting held on the 6th day of July, 1861, the forms of ar- tieles of agreement for the transfer of the personal property and of a deed of the real estate to the Board of Education were suburitted, ap- proved, and ordered to be executed by the president under the eor- porate seal.
" At a meeting of the trustees, held on the 11th day of July, 1864, the resignation of the Rev. Dr. lloes as president was received, accom- panied with a statement ' that as the papers transferring the property of Kingston Academy to the Board of Education had not been executed, he should leave them to be executed by his successor.' And there- upon the resignation was accepted, and the Rev. Dr. Lillie appointed in his steal, with directions to execute the couveyance.
"Shortly thereafter, and on the 14th day of July, 1864, the deeds of transfer were duly excented and delivered, und the real and per- sonal property of the tru-tees passed into the hands of the Kingston Board of Education. The property has thus passed into our hands, however, under stringent but proper restrictions and limitations. The conveyance to us is 'in trust to boll and occupy the premises forever as the site of a free high school of both sexes for the Kings- ton school district, in which shall be taught all the branches of a higher English and classical education as was set forth and described in the charter of the Kingston Academy, and as is customary in the incorporated academics of this State, to such an extent at least as to prepare young men in the English branches, mathematics, sciences, Latin and Greek languages necessary to enable them to enter as students in any college or university in the United States, and as the site of such other subordinate schools as to the party of the second part shall seem best.'
" Thisis the trust which is now committed to us, and our successors as your agents. Let not that trust by auy want of support on your part be in any manner violated. Let it be our pride, pleasure, and privilege, with your countenance and support, to restore the institu- tion to the reputation and standing which it enjoyed when it num- bered among its pupils sneh men as Le Witt Clinton, Abraham Van Vechten, John C. Spencer, Thomas J. Oakley, James Van lerpoel, uml a host of others truly distinguished in their subsequent several callings in life, and thus establish it once more as an institution aliko honorable to the county and State, and the pride and glory of Kings- ton.
"M. SCHOONMAKER, President." We add from Gen. Sharpe's historical address, Dee. 20, . 1875, a few paragraphs relating to the academy :
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This famous institution was originally founded by the trustees of the town of Kingstou, in the year 1774, and afterwards incorporated by the Regents of the University on the 34 day of February, 1795. For a very long period this was one of the most famous institutions of the State. Here graduated Edward Livingston, Secretary of State under Gen. Jackson, who wrote the celebrated Nullification Proclamation, and, like his brother the chancellor, sub- sequently became minister to France; Stephen Van Rens- selaer, the old patroon ; Abraham Van Vechten, afterwards attorney-general of the State, and the father of the New York bar; John C. Spencer, the great lawyer and Secretary of the Navy ; and Judge Thomas I. Oakley, chief justice of the Superior Court. From it have gone also some of the fathers of the Dutch Church,-the Rev. Dr. Westbrook. the Rev. Dr. Ostrander, the Rev. Dr. Jacob Brodhead, father of the historian, the Rev. Dr. Van Vechten, of Schenectady, who married a daughter of the great John Mason, the Rev. Wilhehuns Eltinge, and lastly the Rev. Thomas De Witt, the chiefest of all these apostles. The acad- emy building presents the same appearance it did at the beginning of this century, except the change caused by the removal of the belfry, where the same bell hung which now calls the students. There were usually only two teachers, the principal and the usher, and the students were divided into rooms, the lower being occupied by those taking the English branches, and the upper by the classical department, in which there were no girls. The discipline was severe, and all intercourse between the tutor aud the scholars took place in Latin. "Licet ne miki erire." asked a student who wished to retire, when the emphatic " imo," or more frequently " non" was returned to him. When the roll was called those present answered " adsam," and for one who was playing hookey " abest" was shouted by a comrade. Geography, of course, was recited in Eng- lish, but in the Latin and Greek recitations the rules even were all stated in the Latin tongue. The janitor ocenpied rooms in the lower part of the building, and no wonder his duties were arduons, as cach student brought a load of wood at the commencement of the winter term, which went to formi a common stock for winter's usc.
Wynkoop as Randolph, and Clarissa Cantine as Lady Randolph. The Road to Rain was among the comedies presented, and if the streets in those days were in a condi- tion resembling those of the present time, it is plain to see that the title of the play was chosen in no Pickwickian sense. In the evening a grand ball was given at De Wall's, on North Front Street, and this was generally attended by the gentry of Hudson, Catskill, Rhinebeck, and Pough- keepsie, relatives and friends of the students.
The present system of schools existing in the western division of the city of Kingston was established, as already shown, by an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, passed April 29, 1863. The first section of that act is as follows :
" SECTION 1. From and after the last Monday in May, 1863, school districts numbers five, eiglit, eleven, and fifteen of the town of Kings- ton, county of Ulster, are hereby consolidated for the purposes and to the extent in this aet specifiel, and shall hereafter for such pur- poses and to such extent form but one school district, to be called the Kingston School District."
The first Board of Education, for the year ending Sept. 1, 1864, consisted of Hon. Marius Schoonmaker, President ; Henry HJ. Reynolds, Isaac Denike, Edwin W. Budington, William C. Hale, Solomon S. Hommel, Charles W. Schaf- fer, Abrahim Wood, George Southwick, John W. Kerr ; C. R. Abbott, Secretary and Superintendent ; Cornelius Burhans, Treasurer ; Elijah Ellsworth, Collector.
The teachers employed at that time were the following : Jo- scph C. Wyckoff, A.M., Principal of Academic Department. Primary District No. 5: William D L. Robbins, Principal ; Sarah Godkins, Assistant. Primary District No. 8: Mar- cus A. Weed, Principal ; Harriet E. Du Bois, Jane L. Van Buren, Kate Doll, Anna M. Lines, Elizabeth N. Barnes, Assistants. Primary District No. 11 : John H. Howland, Principal; Magdalen Brodhead, Hannah A. Atkins, Harriet M. Vernal, Mary D. W. Traphagen, As- sistants. Primary District No. 15: Augustus Schepmioes. Principal.
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The board, in subsequent years, has been composed as follows, with the officers as nawied :
Sept. 1, 1865,-Hon. Marius Schoonmaker, President ; Henry H. Rey- nolds, Isane Denike. Elwin W. Budington. Warren Chipp. Rev. John Lillie, D.D., Charles W. Schaffer, Abraham Wood, George Southwick, Johan W. Kerr : C. R. Abbott, Secretary and Superin- teudeut ; Cornelius Burhans, Treasurer; Elijah Ellsworth, Col- lector.
The commencement was generally held about the middle of September of cach year, and was a gala-day in the town of Kingston. The students marched in a body to Bogardus' tavern, in an upper room of which, known as Freemasous' room, they were awaited by the board of trus- tces. After a formal reception by the board, salvers were Sept. 1, 1866 .- Hon. Marius Schoonmaker. President ; Isaac Denike, Edwin W. Budington, Warren Chipp, Jobu W. Cole. Rev. John Lillie, D.D., A. Schoonmaker, Jr., Abrahamu Word, John W. Kerr, Elijah Du Bois; C. R. Abbott, Secretary and Superinten- dent; Cornelius Burhans, Treasurer; Elijah Ellsworth, Collec- tor. brought in and the students were invited to take a glass of wine. A procession was then formed under the ringing of the three belis of the town, those of the court-house, of the academy, and of the First Dutch church. Ou arriv- itig at the academy the ranks of the students were opened Sept. 1, 1867 .- Hon. Marius Schoonmaker, President; Warren Chipp. John W. Kerr, Edwin W. Budington, John W. Cole, James E. Osrander, Abraham Wood, A. Schoonmaker, Jr., Elijah Du Bois, Isane Denike ; C. R. Abbott, Secretary and Superintendent; C'or- nelius Burhans, Treasurer ; Elijah Ellsworth, Collector. and the trustees passed through, and, on being seated in the large rootu, an address in Latin was delivered by one of the trustees, to the great editication of those who had Dutch preached to them throughout the rest of the year. Theu Sept. 1, 1868 .- Hou. Marius Schoonmaker, President; Edwin W. Budington, John W. Cole, James E. Ostrander. Warren Chipp. John W. Kerr, Abraham Wood, Augustus Schoonmaker, Jr .. Elijah Du Bois, Matthew Winchell; C. R. Abbott, Secretary and Superintendent ; Cornelia- Burhans, Treasurer; Elijah Ellsworth, Collector. followed the publie examination, after which dramatic exer- eises were given at the court-house. Hlere Cato and Douglas were played to admiring houses, John C. Spencer appearing at one time as Young Norval, Peter S. . Sept. 1, 1869,-Hen. Marius Scuooumaker, President; Warren Chipp,
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