20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 49

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 49

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

"On this roll of worthies must be in- scribed the names of Miss Matilda Stout, who kept a seltool at the northeast corner of Factory and Main Streets; Mr. Me Will- iams, William Reid and his sister, Jane Reid, Rev. William McGookin and Rev. John Rowe, all of whom spent many years of their lives in the cause of popular edu- cation."

PRESENT SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Prior to 1850 it seems that the schools were conducted by teachers in their own buildings, the Council estimating and de- termining the amount to be paid for tuition, according to the number of pupils attending each school. In 1847 the Legis- lature passed a law applied particularly to the town of Akron and providing for a School Board. This law was afterwards extended so as to allow any town of 200 inhabitants to organize under the act.

In 1850 Robert Black and John Ludlow were appointed managers of the public schools, and in March, 1851, the people voted to build two new schoolhonses. In February, 1853. a recommendation was reported in Council to purchase two lots; mme was the present site of the western school building and the other, which was formerly that of the eastern school build- ing. was located on High Street, imme- diately northwest of the Big Four Rail- road. north of the bridge.

In 1855 the first Board of Education

was selected, consisting of Chandler Rob- bins, Joseph Brown and C. H. Williams.

the western and Daniel Berger of the eastern school. The Board of Education was elected by wards until the adoption of the new municipal code, when it was provided that there should be elected cer- tain members at large, the others to be chosen by the various wards. The High School Building was erected in 1875 at a cost of $70,000. A few years ago an ad- dition almost doubling its capacity was added to the west part. At this time there are a large number of excellent school buildings in various parts of the city.

The following is a list of the superin- tendents of the schools so far as we are able to give their names:

F. W. Hurt, James Cowles, Chandler Robbins, Charles B. Ruggles, Allen Arm- strong. John F. Rynman, Charles H. Evans, J. A. Jackson, W. J. White, A. F. Taylor, William H. Weir. Carey Boggess, John S. Weaver, Carey Boggess.

In 1855 there were fourteen teachers, including the superintendent and prin- cipal; in 1860, eighteen; 1865, twenty- four; 1870, thirty-four: 1875, forty-two; 1880, sixty-two; 1907, superintendent, one; special teachers, three; elementary German teachers, five; principals, six- teen; high school teachers, eighteen ; man- ual training teacher, one; elementary teachers, one hundred and twenty-six; total, one hundred and seventy.

In 1872 and 1873 the enumeration was 4.047: 1878-1880 it wa: 5,789. In 1907 it is as follows:

Springfield City-First ward, males, 1.493; females, 1,305; total, 2.798.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

Second Ward-Males, 1,126; females,

Fifth-Males, 907; females, 895; total.

1,061 ; total. 2.187.

Third Ward-Males, 1,203; females,

1,235; total, 2.438.

Fourth-Males, 642; females, 895;

total, 1,802.

Total-Males, 6,347; females, 6,043; total males and females, 12,390.

NAME, LOCATION, PRINCIPAL AND ENROLLMENT OF THE VARIOUS SCHOOLS BUILDINGS (1907).

Name.

I.ncntion.

Principal.

Enrollment.

High School

Nouthwret corper High & Factory

Chas. C. Patterson

Bushnell

N. W. corner Schaffer and Columhis

D. H. Long

C'entra1

Southwest corner High and Factory

Trillena White

Clifton Street

Southeast rommer L'hfton & Taylor

I. S. Meiny

319

Tubert Avenue

Southeast corner Dilwert Ave, & Jackson

Theo J. Rebert

301

Elmwoodl

Northeast corner Oakland Ave, & Elmwood Ave.

1'. N. Altman

Franklin

south side Fair between Mimmi & Y Springs

Augustu Wiegel

135

Garfield

Southeast rather Pleasant & Winter streets

W'm. Roberts

Gray

West shle Dayton Pike near Hughes

Chna. A. Kimer

414

Jefferson

N. S. MeCrright Ave. b. Limestone & Fountain Ave.

O. E. Allen

Jancola

West side l'earl briween Southern Ave, & Rice

7 .. Taylor

McKinler

South side llich between East & Mary

Peter Lynch

393

Northern

Bunth alde College Ave. b. Fountain Ave. & Limestone

Ladru Ml. Layton

Nouthern

Northeast corner Miller & Limestone

Daniel Ehersole

3AZ

Washington

Northwest corner Lagonda & Park Aves.

B. B. Melntyre

376

Western

Northeast coruer Main & Yellow Springs

II. E. Roggess

321

Selected statistics for school years 1905 to 1907 :

1905

5474

5014

Enrolled for year-

.3191

811+4

3233

charla

Total

6517

Average monthly enrollment

Average daily attendance-

2715

Total

PRIVATE SCHOOLS OTHER THAN WITTEN- BERG COLLEGE.

In 1834, by an Act of the General As- sembly of Ohio, the Springfield High School, in the town of Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, was incorporated. Quite an extended account of this institution is given in Beers' History, and many of the prominent men of the town were engaged in promoting this worthy enterprise. In the list are the names of Sampson Mason,

Charles Anthony, Judge W. A. Rogers, Dr. Robert Rodgers. Dr. B. Gillett, Jere- miah Warder, Edmond Ogden, Reuben Miller, James S. Halsey, Levy Reinhart. John Bacon, Charles Cavalier, Harry Bretney, Samuel and James Barnett, Will- iam Worden, John Whiteley, James Reid. Rev. Edward H. Cummings, Rev. John S. Galloway and John M. Gallagher.

A site was selected for this school on East High Street, immediately east of the Methodist Church, and a building erected there, which is used at this time as a pri- vate academy. The High School was or- ganized in 1835, with Milo G. Williams as principal. He resigned his position in 1841 and was surceeded by Chandler Rob- bins. For some reason it was proposed to transfer the school to the conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the proposition was made and accepted by

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Enrolled In June ..

Hoys

Belmont Ave., Lazona

Salathiel Ogan

Northwest corner Anburn Ave. & Erie Ave.

C'harkitte MI. Swanton

1,802.

Sixth-Males, 976; females, 925; total, 1,901.

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that body in 1841, and in '42 an act was and conducted it as a seminary until it was sold in 1871 to the Board of Educa- tion.

passed to incorporate the Ohio Confer- ence High School in the town of Spring- field. Chandler Robbins was steveeded ns principal by Rev. Solomon Howard in 1545. He resigned in '52 and was sue- ceeded by Rev. John W. Weakly, and in 1860 Mr. Weakly was succeeded by E. G. Dial, Mr. Dial's successor being W. J. Ellsworth, who was followed by J. W. Herron. The latter resigned in 1869. when the building was leased to the Board of Education of Springfield for five years, to be used for a public high school. Upon the termination of this lease the school passed again under private control. Miss Anna B. Johnson now condnets a primary school in this historic building.

SPRINGFIELD FEMALE SEMINARV.

In 1840 Rev. Jonathan Edwards con- dneted a select school for ladies in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church, and in 1852 a charter was oh- tained. A large building was erected for the purpose of the Female Seminary on the spot where the Northern School Building now stands.

Mr. John A. Smith had charge of this school, which was conducted under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Smith was spreceded by M. H. Chris- tian in 1854, and he was succeeded in 1855 by Rev. Charles Sturdevant. By reason of a debt and financial embarrass- ments, Mr. Sturdevant assumed the lia- bilities and became the owner. In 1857 Rev. James L. Roberts bought a half in- terest, and in 1860 Rev. Henry R. Wilson bought Mr. Sturdevant's share. In 1865 Rev. J. S. Rogers became the sole owner

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLA.

The Catholic Churches and some of the old Lutheran Churches of the city still condnet parochial schools. These schools at present are the following :

St. Raphael School.

St. Bernard's Parochial School.

St. Joseph's Convent and Conservatory of Music.

St. Joseph's Parochial School.

German Evangelical Lutheran School (Zion's).

In addition there are the following : Williss Business I'niversity.

Nelson's Business College.

The following constitute the present members of the Board of Edneation and the officers of the same: W. A. Martin, president ; S. R. Hntehings, J. M. Derrick- son, A. F. Linn, Panl C. Martin, H. L. Schaeffer, W. S. Meredith, Carey Bog- gess, superintendent of instructions; W. H. Thomas, Clerk: C. W. Arbogast, treasurer.

At the election held November, 1907. it was voted to erect a new High School Building at a cost not to exceed $200,000.

WITTENBERG COLLEGE.

By Benjamin F. Prince, A. M., Ph. D .*

As most early collegiate institutions in our country, Wittenberg College was founded under the pressure of a religious

*Dr Prince graduated from this institution In Ions ant commenced his daten as an instructor in vin all how remained with the institution ever since, a perked of forty-two years.

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organization. The Evangelical Lutherans of Ohio and Indiana realizing that if they were to gain and maintain a permanent footing in the West, as these states were designated in the early forties, decided to establish an educational institution which should be under their control.

FOUNDATION.

As early as 1830 such an effort was made and a seminary for the special train- ing of ministers was commenced. This was largely controlled by the German ele- ment of the church, and did not, as was thought of some, sufficiently take into ac- count the interests of those who had passed from the German into the English stage. The latter desired an institution which would not only give opportunity for a theological education, but a scientific one as well, and one where the laity might receive a training which would better qualify them for entrance into one of the professions or into business and the chan- nels of trade. With this in view Witteu- berg College was chartered March 11th, 1845. At this time there was no money in the hands of the Board of Directors, but their hopes aud expectations were in the future. They believed that friends would rise up and take care of the new in- stitution and push it forward to success.

The charter provided for both a theo- logical aud scientific education and that the usual collegiate degrees might be con- ferred when property to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) should be in possession of the Board of Directors.

DR. KELLER.

Rev. Ezra Keller, D. D., was the moving spirit in the enterprise. He had traveled

as a missionary through the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, and from his observation became impressed with the importance of educating a min- istry for the church to which he belonged, on the territory where their labors were so much needed on account of the rapidly growing population. He also had in mind the training of young men who would not enter the ministry, in subjects that be- longed to higher education and which would make them leaders in society. church and state.

LOCATION.

It was through his advice that Witten- berg College was located at Springfield. Other places were considered by him. while casting about for a suitable location for the college, as Wooster, Cantou and Xenia. In 1844 Dr. Keller opened a school at Wooster, but he felt that the permanent place for it should be further to the south and west. Springfield was finally decided upon as the future home of the institution and the selection of the site was made in March, 1845. For the next six or seven months Dr. Keller oe- cupied himself in awakening an interest among the Lutheran people in the states to be connected with the enterprise, and in securing the co-operation of the resi- dents of Springfield and Clark County in the new institution. On November 3rd, 1845, the school was opened. Five stu- dents were present at the first hour and four more camte in during the day. Others came later, and the aggregate number for the first year was about seventy. There was as yet no building erected by the col- lege board. The classes were heard in the basement of what is now known as the

Theday Google

SELMA SPECEM. SCHOOL, SELMA

BUSHNELL. SCHOOL, SPRINGFIELD

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First Lutheran Church, which was yet in an unfinished state. It contained several small rooms, which served as places in which to hear and instruct the various classes.

ERECTION OF FIRST COLLEGE, ETC.

In the summer of 1846 the erection of the east wing of what is now the young men's dormitory was begun. Funds were low and the completion of the wing was greatly delayed. In the spring of 1847 Dr. Keller made himself personally re- sponsible to the various contractors if they would proceed with the work. In this manner the building was completed and occupied by transferring the classes from the church. The main building with the west wing was still to be erected, to which work Dr. Keller gave much thought and energy. But he was not destined to see its consummation. In December, 1848, he was suddenly stricken with typhoid fever. His system, reduced by hard labor and anxiety concerning the many growing and pressing interests that confronted him, was unable to resist the encroachments of the disease and on De- cember 29th he fell a victim to its ravages. His death was a great loss to the institu- tion and was deeply mourned by his many friends in the city, who were numbered among all denominations and who ever held his memory in the profoundest esteem and respect. His body was laid to rest nearby the institution to which he had given five years of earnest toil. After the opening of Ferncliff Cemetery his re- mains were removed to its beautiful and attractive grounds.

REV. SAMUEL SPRECHER.

The Board of Directors now elected Rev. Samuel Sprecher to the place made vacant by the death of Dr. Keller. Rev. Sprecher was a warm friend of Dr. Keller and the person whom the latter would have chosen as his successor. The repu- tation of Rev. Sprecher as a scholar, theologian, philosopher and eloquent speaker was already well known.

In June, 1849, President Sprecher as- sumed the duties of the position to which he had been elected, performing them to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors, friends and students of the college. At his coming he found but one wing of the proposed building completed and the money for erecting the remaining parts mostly to be raised. It seemed almost an impossible task, but he gave himself hero- ically to it and by the close of the col- legiate year, 1850-51, the heavy duty was accomplished.

FIRST CLASS.

In the year 1851 the first class was graduated from the college. It consisted of eight members. Four became minis- ters, two lawyers, one a physician and one entered upon a business career. One still (1908), Rev. William H. Wynn, D. D., Tacoma, Wash., survives to remember the day of his graduation.

Among the hard problems which the in- stitution had to meet, that of finance was the most strenuous. It did not begin full-handed, as many institutions of a later date, but had to struggle in its ef- forts to do the best possible work with slender means. That it turned out so

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many persons in its early history who be- came eminent in the various professions which they entered, is a proof that much can be accomplished in awakening ambi- tion for scholarship and inciting of lofty aims without a lavish expenditure of money. At the various meetings of the College Board in those enrly days the sub- ject of finance was a common theme, and plans looking to the betterment were from time to time inaugurated,

In accordance with the practice of other educational institutions of the day, scholarships were sold at a very low fig- nre, with the hope that a large number would be taken, and from this source an endowment of considerable dimensions would accrue to the college; but the re- sults, as elsewhere, were far from satis- factory. At various periods during the presidency of Dr. Sprecher, he took the field to secure funds for the college and was able to add materially to the endow- meut of the institution. The war of 1861-5 affected greatly the attendance of students and thereby its resources. Many of the students enlisted, some for three months, some for three years and some for the war. The number who went was so large as to call from the government special commendation.

During Dr. Sprecher's administration of twenty-five years a high grade of scholarship was seenred and maintained by the young men who passed through the courses of study then offered by the col- lege. The president himself was the om- bodiment of high thinking and by it he inspired many young men who came un- der bis influence with an ambition for learning and scholarship.

DR. J. B. HELWIG.

In 1874 Dr. Sprecher resigned the pres- ideney aud was succeeded by Rev. John B. Helwig, D. D., who for eight years pre- sided over the affairs of the institution. He was earnest in his endeavor to build up its interest. During his administra- tiou young women were admitted and the work of co-education at Wittenberg be- gan. A more extended and flexible eur- riculum of studies was adopted. The financial condition was somewhat im- proved. Plans for the erection of a new building, so greatly needed, were dis- cussed and subscriptions for that purpose taken. The college had now outgrowu its contracted quarters and the pressure was at hand for enlargement. But the duties of administration and the labor connected with the effort to secure better facilities for carrying forward the work of the in- stitution began to weigh heavily on the mind and body of Dr. Helwig, and feeling the strain too great, he resigned in the spring of 1882.

DR. S. A. ORT.

The Board of Directors now elected to fill the vacaney Rev. Samuel A. Ort, D. D., who for two years past had filled a chair in the school of theology. He at once as- smmed the duties of the position and gave his first attention to the securing of funds for the proposed new building.

NEW COLLEGE BURJIANG.

This was successful and by April, 18$3, the work of construction was commenced. Owing to delays from various causes the

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building now named Recitation Hall was not ready for occupancy until September, 1886. Its completion meant much for the professors and students. Better class rooms with various added facilities were provided, which were a great help in car- rying on the work of the institution. The citizens of Springfield and Clark County generously contributed the greater part of the funds for the building.

In the meantime the field of instruction had been much broadened. In the sciences the opportunity for more extended and practical work was greatly increased and the new methods for their study fully in- augurated. The student was encouraged to become an investigator in the scientific field and find out for himself the secrets of nature. Also English and German, as well as the ancient clussies, history aud political science, philosophy and mathe- maties, all took an advanced step in the scope of their study and as far as pos- sible in the methods of instruction. All these improvements, together with the new spirit which necessarily followed on account of them, made the institution vastly different from what it had been a quarter of a century earlier.

ADMISSION OF WOMEN.

After the admission of young women as students in 1874, their numbers gradually increased from year to year. Those who applied from abroad began to be consider- able in numbers, and places had to be found for them in homes within a rea- sonable distance from the college. This brought continual annoyance to the presi- dent and his associates; neither was this condition always satisfactory to parents

who desired to send their daughters to Wittenberg. In consequence of this grow- ing need, the Board of Directors at its meeting in June, 1887, decided to erect a >nitable building as a home for young ladies. The work was commenced and a neat and comfortable hall was finished in the spring of 1888. It was not, however, put into use nutil the following Septem- ber. Though not large, it has answered its purpose well, and Ferncliff Hall has become one of the features of college life. Plans are in hand for its enlargement as soon as there is a demand for it on ae- count of increasing numbers of young women from abroad. No building for the special use of the Theological School had been erected before 1890. In the fall of 1889 the cornerstone of such building was laid and the whole structure completed and dedicated iu November, 1890. It sup- plied a great need and opened a way for securing many advantages to the young men preparing for the ministry. The teaching force had already been enlarged and a course of instruction prepared to meet the demands necessary for the times.

HAMMAA DIVINITY HALL.

The building is known as Hamma Divin- ity Hall, in honor of the chief donor to the expense of construction, Rev. M. W. Hamma, D. D. This building was burned December, 1900, and rebuilt the following year. Since that time the corps of in- struetors of the Seminary has been forth- er increased, new courses added and vari- ous facilities provided. For the better equipment of the Seminary the legacy of the late Rev. Charles Strond and the gift of Dr. Hamma will furnish ample means

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

for it on its present foundation when suddenly stricken down with a fatal dis- once the entire sum becomes available.

ZIMMERMAN LIBRARY BUILDING.

A place for housing and caring for the growing library of the college became more and more a necessity from year to year. Realizing the needs of the institu- tion for a library building, Hon, John L. Zimmerman, an alumnus of the college, proposed to erect such a structure as a memorial to his brother, Rev. Joseph Clark Zinnerman, deceased. The offer was gladly accepted. The Zimmerman library was begun in 1891 and dedicated in 1892. The building is now crowded with books, pamphlets and magazines. Its enlargement is fast becoming a necessity. The gathering of books must go on and no doubt there will soon be provided means for the extension of the building and its further equipment.

Substantial additions were made to the endowment fund during the presidency of Dr. Ort. The number of students was greatly increased. Plans for enlarge- ment were inaugurated, many of which were of much service to the college. After eighteen years of earnest and effective labor in building up the institution in equipments, in buildings, in finances, and by the extension and addition to the vari- ous departments of instruction, Dr. Ort offered his resignation as president of the institution, retaining, however, his chair in theology in the seminary and professor of philosophy in the college.

DR. J. M. RUTHRAUFF.

Dr. Ort was succeeded by Rev. J. Mosheim Ruthrauff, D. D., who, holding the position for nearly two years, was

ease. With the coming of Dr. Ruthrauff the policy of directors with regard to the duties of the president was changed. Hitherto the presidents were expected to do their full share of teaching, look after the conduct and discipline of the students, represent the college wherever and when- ever necessary, and secure needed funds and advance the financial condition of the college. Its growing interests made this a great and impossible burden. Dr. Ruth- rauff was relieved of all teaching. lle began with commendable zeal to advance the financial interests of the institution, but his labors were destined to be of short duration. With a suddenness that falls to few the death summons came and again the presidency of the college became vaeant.

REV. CHARLES G. HECKERT.

For one year after the death of Dr. Ruthrauff, Dr. Ort had temporary over- sight of the affairs of the college. In the spring of 1903 Rev. Charles G. Heckert, D. D., who held the chair of English and logie, was elected to the vacant place. He accepted the position with the condition that his duties should begin on the follow- ing commencement day, a wish that was granted by the Board of Directors. Hav- ing been an instructor and professor in the institution for fourteen years, Dr. Heckert was well acquainted with its af- fairs and could enter upon his duties without a period of tutelage to learn the methods of administration and the needs of the various departments. Under his efforts and advice the institution has broadened its courses, enlarged its faculty

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and advanced all the interests of the various pursuits and vocations, bearing college.

CARNEGIE SCIENCE HALL.

Through his earnest efforts the latest addition to the facilities of the college, Carnegie Science Hall, has been secured. The building has been erected and equipped. It has been fitted up in the most approved method for scientific work. It equipments are of the mod- ern type and together with all its ap- pointinents it adds much to the facil- ities for teaching the sciences. The build- ing proper stands as a monument to the generosity of the donor, Mr. Carnegie; the equipment expresses the interest of alumni and friends of the college in the progress of the institution.

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 49

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993