History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 19

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896

USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 19

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SAVANNAH,

formerly Vermillion, in Clearcreek township, wa, Hid out December 25, 1818, by John Haney. It is situated on a beautiful plateau, on the old Vermillion road, and con tains a population of about four hundred. It has five

churches, two dry goods stores, one tavern, two grocery stores, a wagon and carriage shop, a tannery, two black- smith shops, a saddle and harness shop, a tailor shop, a cabinet shop, a tin shop, and a number of mechanics. It ·has, also, a fine academy, which is well patronized, and adds thrift and spirit to the town. Jts inhabitants are, largely, the descendants of Scotch-Irish, intermixed with people of New England birth. The town is noted for its adhesion to total abstinence from every form of intoxi- cating drinks, and, in this respect, is a safe resort for young men seeking an education, and preparing for future usefulness.

ORANGE,

in Orange township, was laid out by Amos Norris and John Chilcote, April 22, 1828. It is located on section twenty-eight, on a branch of Mohican creek, in the midst of splendid farming lands. It was for many years a flourishing village ; but its nearness to the county-seat has somewhat checked its growth. It contains one hotel, one dry goods store, one or two groceries, a black- smith shop, two tanneries, a shoe shop, a harness manu- factory, a tailor shop, a post-office called Nankin, a phy- sician, a Presbyterian and a Methodist church, and a good school. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio rail- way passes near the village and has a small station and telegraph office. The village is estimated to contain two hundred and fifty inhabitants.

HAYESVILLE,

situated near the center of Vermillion township, was laid out October 26, 1830, by Jolm Cox and Linus Hayes. The State roads running from Wooster to Mansfield and from Ashland to Loudonville, intersect each other in the center of the town, and constitute its principal streets. It contains two dry goods stores, a wagon and carriage manufactory, two or three black- smith shops, a cabinet shop, a shoe shop and store, two or three groceries, two hotels, one or two boarding houses, a good district school, one Presbyterian, one United Presbyterian, and one Methodist church, post- office, two physicians, and many pleasant residences. The population and business are on the increase. In 1875, a newspaper was started, in connection with Ver- million institute, which has for many years been the ornament of the town. The population of Hayesville is estimated at about six hundred It is surrounded by a good farming community, and must continue to in- crease in wealth and population.

PERRYSBURGH,

in Jackson township, was laid out October 13, 1830, by Josiah Lee and David Buchanan. It has a population of about one hundred and fifty. It has one tavein, two small stores, a shoe shop, a blacksmith shop, a wagon manufactory, a cabinet shop, a tailor, and one church. The post office is named Albion. The village has had a gradual growth, and is supported by a good farming community.

MOHICANVILLE,

in the southwest part of Mohican township, was laid out July 2, 1833, by Simcon Beall and Henty Sherradden.

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

It contains a population of near two hundred, and has three churches, a hotel, one store, a grist-mill propelled by steam and water, a woollen manufactory a wagon shop, a shoe shop, a harness manufactory. a carriage shop, a paint shop, a cabinet shop, a good school, a post- office, and two physicians. The people of the village are wide-awake and prosperous The village has very fine water-power, and is healthfully located in the midst of excellent farming lands. It has a fair trade, and is mostly supported by the farmers.

SULLIVAN,

situated in the center of Sullivan township, was laid out in 1836 by Sylvanus Parmely, Ira Palmer, Joseph Pal- mer and Joseph Carlton, whose lands formed the corners of the center. It contains one tavern, one dry goods store, one shoe shop, one grocery, one carriage shop, one blacksmith shop, one cabinet shop, one harness shop, one steam saw-mill, four good churches, a good school, and is eligibily situated. Its population is about two hundred, and mostly from New England. The - post-office bears the name of the village. Its principal support is derived from the neighborhood trade. The population of the township is largely engaged in the dairy business and grazing.

ROWSBURGH,

in the center of Perry township, was laid out by Michael D. Row, April 15, 1835. It is situated on the main road from Ashland to Wooster, and has a population of about two hundred and fifty. It has two stores, one tav- ern, one wagon and blacksmith shop, a large tannery. a cabinet shop, two harness manufactories, three churches, a fine school and a post office. It also has one physi- cian. The country about the village contains many val- uable farms, and the patronage of the farmers contributes largely to the growth and prosperity of the town. There is also considerable travel.

LAFAYETTE,

in the north part of the township of Perry, was laid out in the spring of 1835, just prior to the platting of Rows- burgh. The original proprietors were William Hamilton and John Zimmerman. The location of the village at that time, gave promise of a fair business and considerable growth, being situated on a much traveled road. The country around the village is very productive, and is filled by industrions, frugal, and prosperous farmers. It has one store, a blacksmith, a cabinet maker, a shoemaker and other mechanics, a good school and one or two churches. The population has not increased of late years.

POLK,

in Jackson township, was laid out May 4, 1849, by John Kuhn. It is located near the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio railway, and contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It has a good store, a tavern, a steam saw mill, a harness mannfactory, a blacksmith shop. a post office, a railroad station, two chinches, a good school and two physicians. Its growth for the last few years has been quite rapid.

TROY CENTER, .

in the center of Troy township, became a village in 1851, upon the addition of Norris division. The corners were re-surveyed and consolidated in 1868, and platted. Its post-office is called "Nova." It has one tavein, one store, a blacksmith shop, a steam saw-mill, a shoemaker, a cab- inet-maker, a tailor, a tin shop, a harness maker, and ·about forty dwelling houses, one church and school house." It also has one lawyer and a physician. The roads from Sullivan and from Ashland cross at right angles, and form the principal streets. It has a fair neighborhood trade.

RUGGLES CENTER

is located on the intersection of the Ashland, New Lon- don and Sullivan roads, and contains a post-office, a gro cery store, a blacksmith shop, two shoe shops, one Meth- odist and one Congregational church, a school, and twelve residences. The old point of trade in the township was the corner west of the center; but since the old trade route to Mohican has been abandoned, in consequence of the completion of the Atlantic & Great Western railway (now the New York, Pennsylvania & Chic), through Ashland, it has gone down.

CHAPTER. XXXI.

EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING.

A Description of the First School-Houses .- Farly Teachers. --- What Branches Taught .- School Amusements .- Improved Methods and Progress. - School Statisties for 1875. -- Ashland Academy .-- Ashland Union School. -- Vermillion Institute. - Loudenville Academy. -- Savannahlı Academy. -- Perrysville Academy. -- Ashland College. - Ashland City Church.

IN the early settlement of the territory now constitut- ing Ashland county, the system of education adopted by the pioneers was very ineffective. The schools of that period were supported almost exclusively by individual subscriptions, the only aid being a nominal sum received in each township, from leases on section sixteen. Teachers were employed for low wages, or it would have been impossible for the sparse settlers to have main- tained or supported any schools. At first, a few pupils were collected in a cabin of one of the pioneers, for in- struction, by a volunteer teacher, deemed capable of importing a knowledge of the elementary branches. In examining the pioneer records, it is found that, in many localities, the first teachers were single or married ladies, and that the amount received for tuition, from the par- ents of the pupils, was used to defray the expense of clearing and preparing a homesteadt. They were noble sisters and exemplary wives.

The first schoolhouses were of round logs, and were created by the joint voluntary efforts of the cairens residing within the district, which was generally large. These "backwoods colleges," as they were sometimes denominated in jest, kad puncheon floors, benches of

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

split timber, writing desks of planed boards, placed in front of a long window, formed by cutting out a log, while the light was reflected through oiled paper ; and benches, the legs of which, for some unexplained reason, were generally quite lengthy. The fire-place was very broad, and the chimney generally erected against the end of the school-house, and formed of split timber, lined with stone and clay. The fuel was of large, round logs for "back sticks," and smaller ones for "fore sticks," which rested upon a stone or andirons. The school- house, by such a fire, could be made quite comfortable, in all the stages of winter. The fuel was delivered in a sort of voluntary frolic, with teams of oxen and horses, while the axe-men cut and prepared it. In this way, for many years, the earlier schools were supplied with fuel.

The earlier teachers were from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and the New England States. Some- times an educated Irishman sought and obtained em- ployment as a teacher. In a general way, good order, in school hours, was rigidly enforced; and if a ready compliance, on the part of the pupil, was not yielded, an application of birch readily induced the recreant scholar to comply. The theory of moral suasion was not so popular then as now. The commands of the teacher were obeyed, much as those of the military officer, where no argument, as to the right or wrong of a com- mand, is permitted. The modern theory is: More argument, and less birch. Both systems have their ad- vocates.

---

The course of instruction in those days was generally limited to the elementary branches, such as spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and English grammar. These branches were carefully and thoroughly taught. In penmanship, the old fashioned round hand prevailed. The Spencerian was unknown. In spelling, the scholar champion often spelled every word in the book. . In aritlunetic, every problen: was solved. In fact, the scholars of those days illustrated the adage ---- "beware of the man of one book," because they knew all that their school books contained. The brains of the student were not addled, like the over-tasked scholar of the present, with six or eight half-mastered, and ill- digested branches. The speculation in new text books had not been introduced.

The amusements of those days consisted in a game of "town ball," somewhat like the modern "base ball," "corner ball," "chase the fox," leaping, running, and wrestling. These athletic sports were harmless, and en- tered into at recess and noon, with much spirit and good humor, and were supposed to add vigor to both body and mind. Spelling schools were conducted with a good deal of enthusiasm, and rival schools, from ad- joining neighborhoods, often competed for the champi- onship.

At the approach of the holidays, it was the custom of the larger boys and girls to insist upon the enforcement of the immemorial usage of exacting a "trent " from the teacher. This generally consisted in the donation of a bushel of apples, a gallon or two of rider, and a lot of pies or cakes. As a general rule, the teacher yielded to

the custom, but sometimes refused. Upon refusal, the sport of "barring " the door and windows, to exclude the teacher, was the next resort. The issue being thus joined, either the teacher or scholars had to surrender. A good deal of strategy followed on both sides. If the teacher-an Irishman-gained admission, a beech or hickory rod soon enforced obedience. Sometimes the boys, being large and rugged, seized the teacher and expelled him by force. In that case the obstinate "mas- ter" compromised by agreeing to donate a bushel of apples, while the courageous scholars would remit the cider and pies. The apples were distributed, and after a good deal of merriment and many practical jokes, steady habits and hard study were resumed.

But a change was rapidly approaching. Farmiers were becoming wealthy. The school lands were sold, and the deficiency of funds was supplied by direct taxation. The next grand improvement was the erection of neat, commodious, well painted and furnished school-houses in every district in the county. Township school boards enforced this system by local taxation, and the standard of qualification for teachers was raised, until our com- mon schools now rival, in number of branches, the academies of forty years ago.

The names of a few of the early teachers are well re- membered. Miss Elizabeth Rice, afterwards Mrs. John Coulter, taught a little subscription school in a cabin near the present site of Perrysville, in the summer of 1814. She yet survives, and lives in the village of Con- gress, in Wayne county, Ohio. In the winter of 1816 Asa Brown had a school about one mile north of Perrys- ville. In the summer of 1817 Mis. Patrick Elliott taught a small school in her cabin home in Clearcreek. In the winter of 1817 Robert Nelson taught in a cabin on the premises of the iate Abraham Huffman, in Clearcreek. In 1818 Rev. John Hazard taught a small school in what is now known as the "Crouse" district, in Montgomery. He was followed by the iate Sage Kellogg, in r$19 -20. In 1818 John G. Mosier is believed to have taught the first school in Perry. About the same time 1 .. Parker taught a small school in the Priest neighborhood, in Lake. At a later period John Bryte, of Clearcreek, Hugh Burns, of Milton, Therygood Smith, of Montgomery, the daughters of Sterling G. Bushnell, of Vermilli , Chand- ler Foot and Lorin Andrews, of Montgomery, were among the noted teachers. The thoughtless destruction of township records makes it impossible to extend, accu- rately, a list of the early teachers. It is proper to state, in this connection, that many of the better educated pio- neers instructed their own families in the elementary branches.

The common schools of this county are now in a flourishing condition. The amount annually appropri- ated for the employment of competent teachers. ensures a continuous school, in each district, of from four to six months each year.

the total number of segments enrolled . comme, schoolfor

The total number enrolled in the high > how's faire 1875. W. The total number of teachers in the common mail high sen 230

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

The total value of school-houses in 1875, was. .$89,800

The total value of high school property, in 1375 was 71.500 The total amount paid teachers of common schools, in 1875, was 42, 258 The total amount paid teachers in high schools, in 1875, was. . 36,357 The total number of school-houses, in 1375. was. 118

The total amount for defraying expenses in the erection of high

school buildings in 1875, $2.905

The amount received from section 16. Fund in 1875 1,686

The amount of Western Reserve fund received in 1875 65

From the foregoing statistics, it will be seen, that the neglect to give each member of a family, at least a good common school education, is growing unpopular ; and to be illiterate, amid so many school advantages, is regarded as inexcu :? ble. Mental culture and intellectual develop- ment bring out the latest sparks of genius, and enable civilized communities to advance in all that conduces to the peace, prosperity and happiness of man.

We will now direct attention to the higher institutions of learning, and see that the people of Ashland county have placed a proper estimate upon the importance and value of a finished education.

ASHLAND ACADEMY.

In the year 1838, Professor Samuel McClure, of Cuyahoga Falls, taught a select school in Ashland, which attracted a good deal of interest. Public attention was directed by Professor McClure and others, to the project of erecting and organizing, under trustees, an Academy at Ashland, with a view of attracting a large number of foreign students. In the years 1838-9, through the efforts of the principal citizens of Ashland, and other villages in what is now Ashland county, a handsome brick structure, two stories high, was erected, and dedi- cated as Ashland academy.

The board of trustees was as follows: Rev. Robert Fulton, president ; John P. Rizner, John Jacobs, William S. Granger, Joseph Wasson, Francis Graham, James Stewart, Abraham Huffman, Joseph McComb, Daniel W. Brown, Willliam McComb; Jones Stout and Silas Robbins, secretaries; and John L. Lang, treasurer.

The board elected Rev. Robert Fulton, A. M., princi- pal; Rev. R. R. Sloan, assistant ; and Miss Jane E. Coul- ter, precepiress of the ladies department. They entered on the discharge of their duties in May, 1839. Professor R. Fulton died in (841, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Fulton, of Pittsburgh. Professor Sloan and Miss Coulter continued as assistants about two years, under the new principal. Professor Samuel Johnston succeeded Rev. S. bulion, and a sister, Cecilia, became preceptress in lieu of Miss Coulter, who became Mrs. Sloan; and Lorin Andrews succeeded Professor Sloan. In 1844 l'rofessor Johnston resigned, and Professor Lorin .In- drews became principal, Professor A. M. Fulton, assistant, and Miss Liste, preceptress. She remained about one year, and Miss Jane M. Becket became preceptres of the ladies' department. Professor A. M. Fulton resigned about 1846; and was succeeded by Professor John M. Rankin, who continued about eighteen months. In 1817 Professor Adress resigned to engage in the union school enterprise. He was succeeded by Rev. John M. Rowe in 1848, who was added by Professor T. V. Milli- gan. After a struggle of about one year the labors of

Professor Rowe terminated, and the academy was discon- tinued: and the buildings finally merged into the union school.

Ashland academy had a very successful career of over ten years, during which it sustained a high reputation at home and abroad. Very few academic institutions of Ohio can furnish a roll of scholars containing more in fluential and leading men, as teachers, attorneys, physi- cians, men of science, and politicians.

ASHLAND UNION SCHOOL.

Under the act authorizing the erection, of union schools, the electors of the Ashland school district, in 1850, adopted that system and proceeded to erect build- ings. A large central building was constructed, adjoin- ing the old academy, for the high school, while the lat- ter was occupied for the primary branches. Professor John Lynch was elected by the board the first superin- tendent. He resigned in 1852, and was succeeded by Professor Seth M. Barber, Professor Barber continued until 1861, when he resigned to take a captain's position in the army. He was temporarily succeeded by Profes- sor C. W. Mykrants. Professor George L. Mills suc- ceeded Mr. Mykrants in September, 1862. Professor Mills was succeeded by Professor Foose, and he by Professor S. E. Peatree, and he, in 186;, by Professor Barber, who continued as superintendent until IS72, when he resigned, and Professor T. J. Bartin was elected. In 1875 Professor J. A. Beattie was elected. In I$74-'5 a large central building was erected at an ex- pense of thirty-two thousand dollars. It makes a fine ap- pearance.

VERMILLION INSTITUTE.

Those in Vermillion township who desired advanced educational training beyond the facilities furnished in the common schools, were compelled to send their chil. dren to the academy of Ashland or to mere distant in. stitutions. The enterprising people of Hayesville and Vermillion township, upon a full discussion of the subject, concluded that the establishment of a high school or academy at Hayesville would reduce the expense of sending their youth to distant schools, and it the saire time contribute to the growth and interest of the village. By the joint efforts of her citizens, a sufficient amount of stock was subscribed to warrant the erection of m academic building. In 1842 a high school was opened by Rev. Lewis Granger, of Granville, who was elected principal. The school was non-sectarian. Rev. J. L .. Mclean took a deep interest in the school, and it pros- pered beyond expectation. In :8415 a charter was granted by the legislature erecting the school with Ver- million institute, and authorizing it to conter degrees. The crection of a suitable building for the institute was conppenced, and on the fourth of July, 1St3, the corner stone was laid. Upon the completion of the building. Rev. J. I. Metean was elected president, with assist ants W. J. Booth and others. The institute course of studies was the same as a collegiate routine. The mi- chivery was the intricate for the patronage, and the in stitution resumed the academic course. Under this ar

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.

rangement the institution had a prosperous career for about five years.

In 1850, the presbytery of Richland, and, in 1854, Wayne and Coshocton, joined in the purchase of the in- stitute, and elected trustees, who employed the profes- sors. At first there were ten trustees, but when Wayne and Coshocton joined Richland, in 1854, in its manage- ment, the number was extended to fifteen. By this ar- rangement the institution came under the management of the Presbyterians. Professor S. Diefendorf, a learned and accomplished scholar, was selected as principal, and W. W. Colmary and W. T. Adams assistants .. Professor W. J. Booth took charge of the mathematical branches, under President McLean, and resigned in 1850 and re- moved to Athens. Professor Diefendorf, after being ab- sent aboat one year, resumed his place as principal in 1851, and continued until 1866, when he resigned and moved west. In 1867 Professor J. Simpson took charge of the school, but remained only a short time. Protes- sor A. F. Ross became principal in the fall of 1868, but remained only a few months, and resigned. In 1869 Professor Diefendorf again resumed his old position, but

soon withdrew. In 1870-71 Professor W. J. Brugh be- came principal. In 1872 Professor John Martin suc- ceeded Professor Brugh; he remained but a short time. In 1873 Professor J. A. Bower was elected principal. Owing to disputes arising in the board of trustees, the institution was transferred, in 1874, to its original own- ers, and passed from the management of the presbytery.

In 1875 the institution again became non-sectarian, and is now managed by new trustees. Under this man- agement Professors W. J. Ward and J. B. Paine became teachers, and continued until the close of the session of 1876, when they retired. The institution, after a check- ered and restless career, is again under the management of the accomplished and learned Professor Diefendorf. The institute property is estimated to be worth about six thousand dollars. May it again flourish.

LOUDONVILLE ACADEMY.

This institution originated from a high school taught by the late Professor John McCormick, about the year 18.48. It was erected by the joint efforts of the citizens of Londonville. The location of the academy was very pleasant. The school was well patronized for the first four or five years. Professor McCormick remained about two years, and was succeeded by Professor Andrew J. Seatt, who continued until 1852, and was succeeded by the author of these notes, who continued one session, and resigned in consequence of ill health. From 1853; the school languished under a number of changes, and was finally consolidated with the high schools. .

SAVANNAH ACADEMY.

This institution was the result of a voluntary subscrip- tion on the part of the citizens of Clearcreek township. Those favoring the enterprise formed a joint stock com- pany, agreeing to name the instigsion, "The Savannah Male and Female Academy." The required stork war seemed and the necessary buildings erected. A board of trustees was elected, consisting of Dr. John Ingram,

Dr. Thomas Hayes, Rev. Alex, Scott, A. F. Shaw, Dan- iel G. Templeton, Rev. R. Newton, Rev. A. Rumfield, John R. Bailey, Rev. John Bryte, Samuel Gault, James Heant, Jared N. Slonaker, Joseph McCutchin. Dr. W. S. Shaw, S. Shaw, and Mead Fancher. One-third of the board served three years, one-third two, and one-third one year. Daniel G. Templeton was elected president, Rev. A. Riverfield vice-president, Dr. J. Ingram secretary, and Mead Fancher treasurer. The school was to be non sec- tarian. The board elected Professor E. J. Rice, of Sulli- van, principal; Miss - Foster and Miss -- Rice, grad- uates, took charge of the female department. Rev. A. Scott was elected professor of moral science, Rev. R. Newton of history, and Dr. John Ingram of natural science. The course of study in the male department was quite thorough, and that of the female department was preparatory for graduation. Professor Rice served . about two years, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Scott as principal, and Dr. J. Ingram as assistant. Miss - Stafford and Miss - Rutan had charge of the female department. In 1862, Professor C. K. Geddes was elected principal, while Miss M. Boynton took charge of the female department. Upon the resignation of Pro- fessor Geddes, Rev. Samuel F. Boyd became principal and Professor Elias Fraemfelter associate. Miss Mattie Franks took charge of the female department. Upon the resignation of Professor Boyd, Professor I. Peoples became principal, and, upon his retirement, Professor J. A. Brown took charge of the institution. The academy came under the control of the presbytery of Wooster in 1875. A committee of five was appointed to co-operate with the original trustees, who continue to be elected as in the organization of the institution. The property is valued at about four thousand dollars.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 19

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros Publication date: 1880 Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams Number of Pages: 896

Author: Hill, George William, b. 1823; Williams Bros
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: [Cleveland] Williams
Number of Pages: 896