USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > History of Ashtabula County, Ohio > Part 69
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SETTLEMENT.
The first settler within the limits of Geneva was, without doubt, Theobalt Bar- tholomew, who came from Charlotte, Schoharie county, New York, in the year 1805, and made settlement on the South Ridge road, near the west bank of Cowles ereck. Mr. B. was somewhat advanced in life when he came into Geneva, but he lived many years, and during those years saw the inhabitants rapidly increasing and settlements advancing. He was a soldier in the frontier and border warfare maintained at Sehoharie and the neighboring settlements during the dark and gloomy days of the Revolution, and in his new home rose to considerable distinc- tion. The next settler was Elisha Wiard, who came from Conneetient, and located some quarter of a mile north of Bartholomew's. Wiard was a young, active, and industrious settler, and made considerable improvement. He died in the winter of 1812. The next settlers were James Morrison, Sr., and Levi Gaylord. These pioneers came from Harpersfield, New York, and located in Geneva in the year 1806. They settled near each other on the South Ridge road, near the east line of the township. At the time of their emigration Morrison had arrived at the age of fifty, and Gaylord forty-six years. Major Gaylord filled some of the most important offices in the county. He represented the county one term ; in fact was the only representative from Geneva township until the fall of 1877, when our able young statesman, the Hon. Freeman Thorp, was elected. For further partienlars of the life of Major Gaylord see biographieal notes in another portiou of this volume.
In 1807, John and Robert Lamont and Benjamin Custin made a temporary settlement on the Norman Webster farm ; remained some two years, and removed to what is now Harpersfield township, the history of which see for further par- tieulars of this family. In the year 1808, Eleazer Davis commeneed improve- ment on the farm afterwards owned by the Reverend Jonathan Leslie, now the property of John C. Brakeman. About this time, Dr. Nathan B. Johnson and Noah Cowles came to reside in Geneva, and located on the South Ridge road, cast of Cowles ereek. These are thought to be all the settlers in Geneva town- ship up to 1808. During the next seven years there were aecessions made to the settlement, consisting of perhaps fifteen families. Among them were Squire B. French, John Ketchum, John, Benjamin, and Jacob Bartholomew, Rev. Jonathan Leslie, Samuel Quinton, Abisha Lawton, and Truman Watkins. On the North ridge were Samuel Thompson, Norman Webster, and Harvey S. Spencer (father of Warren Platt Speneer, of the Geneva twins, and brother of the renowned father of penmanship, Platt R. Spencer, whose biographies appear, the one in connection with the group of editors of the county, and the other with the Spencer family group, which see for further mention). Another settlement was begun on the lake-shore, in the northeast corner of the township, as early as 1811. This consisted of Barzillia N. Speueer, lot 53; John Austin, lot 51; James M. Morse, lot 50; Jacob Hall, lots 44 and 45 ; and Strowbridge Morrison, on lot 46. From divers causes, this settlement was finally abandoned, and the cabins were left to resolve themselves into their original elements. The carly settlers of Geneva, in common with all the pioneers of the Reserve, endured privations and
17 1
IIISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
hardships of which those of to-day ean have but a faint conception. Under the most favorable circumstances, their food was always coarse, often unsavory, and, if accident befell the sources from which they were supplied, seantiness as well as evarseness mingled with their meals. The two principal articles of food upon the tables of the early settlers were bread and meat. If the bread chaneed to be inade of wheat flour, and the meat consisted of the flesh of domestic animals, then was the fare considered good in the superlative degree. If the bread chanced to be made of eoru-meal, and the meat consisted of the flesh of the deer, the bear, or the raccoon, there was no complaining, for in those days were they less concerned about the quality of the food than they were about the quantity. Coffee was known only by the name, and tea, if drunk at all, was drunk abont as fre- quently as it was by the Whigs of Boston innmediately after that article was east into the harbor from the British shins. In respect to clothing, as well as other necessaries for which the settlers had to depend in whole or in part upon the market, they were about as well provided for as they were in respect to tea and coffee. There were no stores in the vicinity, so that whatever was required be- yond what their own hands could supply was entirely dispensed with or supplied in a meagre manner. The consequence was that the wardrobe of the ladies com- ported but miserably with their patient and untiring industry.
SCHOOLS.
One striking characteristic of the pioneer settlements on the Reserve was their eagerness to afford the advantages of schools to their families. Geneva was fully the equal of her sister townships in this particular. In default of positive knowl- edge in relation to the first sehool-house in the township, Harvey R. Gaylord, Esq., now of Saginaw, Michigan, was appealed to with the following result : " No doubt the log school-house which stood nearly opposite S. P. Holden's, on or near the site of which Jesse Leonard afterwards had a wagon-shop, was the first school- house built in Geneva. This was undoubtedly creeted in the fall of 1807 or spring of 1808. I am sure that my sister Margaret (afterwards the wife of Otis Johnson) taught a term in this house iu the summer of 1808, which was the first school taught in the township of Geneva." The first frame school-house was built in probably 1821. W. P. Spencer, of the Geneva Times, furnishes us the following in relation to that old-time teacher, Josialı Alford : " Born iu Conneeti- cut in 1771. In about the year 1817 he removed to Ashtabula County, and located in Geneva. His wife was Pauline, sister of Judge Q. F. Atkins (of whom see prominent mention elsewhere). Mr. Alford was a professional teacher; taught his first term in Granby, Connecticut, in 1792, and his last in Trumbull, this county, in 1837, covering a period of forty-four years. During this interval he taught in the townships of Saybrook, Jefferson, Geneva, Morgan, Harpersfield, Windsor, Conneant, and Trumbull; also in Crawford and Mercer counties, Penn- sylvania, and in Trumbull county, this State. This faithful old teacher and most exemplary citizen died at his residence on the lake-shore, in Geneva, in the year 1851." As a contrast to the present wages paid teachers we learn that the first two terms this gentleman taught in Granby, Connecticut, he was paid at the rate of tro dollars per month and his board, and for his last school (in Trumbull ) he received twelve dollars per month, boarded around, and had fifty-one scholars. For statistical matter pertaining to Geneva township,-number of teachers employed, number of scholars enrolled, ete.,-see close of this history. The following his- torical matter in relation to the Geneva normal school was prepared by Prof. J. P'. Treat, the able principal of that school, to whom our thanks are tendered :
GENEVA NORMAL SCHOOL.
During the month of April, 1868, the following notice appeared in the Geneva Times :
" Notice is hereby given by the board of education of Geneva school district that there will be a special meeting of the qualified voters of said district at the school-house, on Monday, the 20th day of April, 1868, at one o'clock P.M., to consider the question whether a tax of from eight to ten thousand dollars shall be levied upon the taxable property of said distriet to build a new school-house. The crection of such a house is, in the judgment of the board, necessary.
" A full and prompt attendance is respectfully urged.
" By order of the board,
I. C. CHAMBERLIN, Secretary."
Pursuant to the above notice the qualified voters met, and, by a vote of sixty- six to two, decided to levy a tax for the purpose stated.
Such, in brief, was the origin of the normal school. The educational neces- sities of the village and the surrounding country demanded it, and the people responded promptly.
The board of education at this time consisted of J. L. Morgan, president ; Asa Lamb, treasurer ; I. C. Chamberlin, secretary ; N. Brigham, H. S. Munger, and S. S. Burrows. J. S. Morgan and II. S. Munger constituted the building com-
mittee. The building was planned by Hurd & Blythe, Cleveland, Ohio. Under the direction of the building committee the work was begun in the early part of May, 1868, and the structure was ready for occupancy by the 1st of September following.
Description of the Building .- The Normal building is one of the finest in the county. It is brick, seventy-five feet long, forty feet wide, of modern style of architecture, and four stories high. The first story, with one exception, is devoted entirely to the purposes of a boarding-hall. The pantries, kitchen, and matrons' rooms are all large and conveniently arranged. The music-room is also pleasantly situated in this story.
The laboratory, commercial-room, library, chapel, and recitation-rooms are located in the second story. The chapel is large, well seated, and contains an organ, pictures, ete. The floor is matted and the rostrum carpeted. The halls and the three flights of stairs are also matted. The recitation-rooms are pleasantly situ- ated and well lighted. In the third and fourth stories are rooms or dormitories conveniently arranged for the oeeupaney of teachers and foreign students. The preeeptress' recitation-room and the reception-room are also located in the third story. The dormitories are large, well lighted, and very delightful places for study. Lake Erie, nearly all Geneva, and a large portion of the surrounding country can be seen from the rooms. The building stands on elevated ground, and faces Eagle and Park streets. It is surrounded by a beautiful grove of maple-trees. The building, with furniture, apparatus, etc., cost sixteen thousand dollars.
History of the School .- The first school taught in the new building began the first Monday in September, 1868. C. II. Roberts was the first principal, being assisted by Mrs. C. H. Roberts, Mrs. G. M. Pinney, and others. Professor Roberts continued in charge two years. J. S. Lowe, assisted by Mrs. J. S. Lowe, Professor Rice, and others, was principal during the next three years. Under Professors Roberts and Lowe the school became very prosperous, and commanded a large foreign patronage. At one time there were sixty boarders in the boarding elub, and the average attendance exceeded one hundred studeuts. The next principal was L. V. Dodge, who was elected in the fall of 1873. He was assisted by Mrs. L. V. Dodge, Miss H. M. Blinn, Miss Libbie Churchward, and A. H. Stoekham. In 1874, L. T. Kirk was elected principal. He was assisted by Miss H. M. Blinn, A. II. Stoekham, and others. Professor Kirk was succeeded by R. H. Kinnison, who was elected principal in 1875. His assistants were Mrs. R. H. Kinnison, Miss HI. M. Blinn, aud A. H. Stoekham. This ad- ministration continued one year. In June, 1876, the board secured the services of Jay P. Treat as principal. At this writing (March, 1878) Professor Treat has been in charge nearly two years, and is elected for two years longer.
In consequence of frequent changes in the superintendeney, together with other eauses, the school did not prosper during the years of 1873 to 1875. Under its present administration the Normal is regaining much of its former influence and prosperity, and is steadily growing in favor.
Present Condition and Advantages of the School .- The present board of in- struetors is as follows : Jay P. Treat, A. M., principal and teacher of higher mathe- maties and languages; MIrs. Jay P. Treat, preceptress and teacher of natural seienees, French, painting, and drawing; Miss Laura E. Burnette, mathematics and English branches; A. H. Stockham, physiology, book-keeping, and writing; Miss Ella F. Grover, instrumental music ; Prof. C. A. Bentley, vocal musie ; Mrs. A. A. Bowers, matron ; A. H. Stockham, steward.
Normal Preparatory and Union School Department .- Prof. J. D. MeCal- mont, principal and teacher in grammar school ; Miss Emma Barnum, assistaut in grammar school; Miss Nellie Amidon, intermediate department ; Miss Ella Kinsley, primary department.
COURSES OF STUDY, REVISED AND ADOPTED IN 1876.
The courses of study-English, elassieal, teachers' course, and preparatory- are in harmony with the spirit of the age, being thorough, practical, and com- prehensive, including the higher pursuits and studies as well as the common branches.
The teachers and board of education recognize the wants of a progressive age, and have honestly endeavored to constitute liberal courses of study which shall be sufficient to qualify young ladies and gentlemen for entering upon any business calling or profession in life, or for taking an advanced standing iu any college.
ENGLISH COURSE.
Preparatory Coursc .- Studies same as A grade in grammar school.
FIRST YEAR.
Fall Term .- Arithmetie and grammar reviewed and completed, algebra. Winter Term .- Algebra, rhetorie, philosophy. Spring Term .- Algebra, philosophy, botauy.
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SCHOOL BUILDINGS, GENEVA, ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO
RES. OF H.S. MUNGER, NORTH BROADWAY, GENEVA ASHTABULA CO,0,
E.H. HART
E. HART
MRS E. HART
W.M. HART
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AND
M.
L. S.NEM. S
RESIDENCE OF CYNTHIA HART, GENEVA TP. ASHTABULA CO., OHIO
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HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
SECOND YEAR.
Full Term .- Geometry, physiology, botany.
Winter Term .- Geometry, physical geography, chemistry.
Spring Term .- Trigonometry, United States history, English eomposition.
THIRD YEAR.
Fall Term .- United States history, analytical geometry, mental philosophy. Winter Term .- Ancient history, astronomy, science of government. Spring Term .- Geology, English literature, general review and examinations. Rhetorical exercises are required during the entire course.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
Preparatory Course,-Studies same as A grade in grammar school.
FIRST YEAR.
Full Term .- Arithmetie and grammar reviewed and completed, algebra. Winter Term .- Algehra, rhetorie, philosophy.
Spring Term .- Algebra, philosophy, botany.
SECOND YEAR.
Fall Term .- Geometry, botany, Latin grammar.
Winter Term .- Geometry, chemistry, Latin grammar.
Spring Term .- Trigonometry, physiology, Roman history in Latin.
THIRD YEAR.
Fall Term .- United States history, analytical geometry, Cæsar.
Winter Term .- Astronomy, Greek grammar, Virgil.
Spring Term .- Geology, Greek grammar, Cieero.
FOURTH YEAR.
Fall Term .- Mental philosophy, Anabasis, Horaee.
Winter Term .- Seienee of government, ancient history, Anabasis or Homer, physical geography.
Spring Term .- English literature and composition, logie, Butler's Analogy, general review and examinations.
Rhetorical exercises required during the entire course. For either Greek or Latin, German or French may be substituted.
The German course is as follows: German grammar, two terms; Wilhelm Tell, one term; Herman and Dorothea, one term; German conversation, one term ; German newspaper, one term.
The French course : French grammar, two terms; Le Grand Père, one term ; Télémaque, one term ; Freneh newspaper, one term ; conversation, one term.
SPECIAL TEACHERS' COURSE, NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
Geography with map-drawing, definition and analysis of words, English gram- mar, systematic penmanship, United States and modern history, English composi- tion, book-keeping, natural philosophy, physiology, intellectual arithmetie, practical arithmetic, higher arithmetie, algebra (two terms), analysis of sentences, voeal musie, rhetorie, chemistry, geometry, drawing, didaeties, or theory and practice of teaching, leetures, and class-drill. If desirable, students pursuing this special teachers' eourse ean study the language and higher mathematies in the regular elasses.
NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
The principal is sueeeeding in making the school normal in fact as well as in name. The objeet of this department is :
First. To furnish a thorough, practical, fundamental knowledge of the branehes studied, whether for common, graded, or high schools.
Second. To give rational methods of teaching these branches.
Third. To develop correet habits of investigation and of working up material into a beautiful, symmetrical structure.
This acquisition is infinitely more valuable than the mere knowledge obtained during a school or college eourse.
Fourth. To give copious exereises which involve the use of blackboards, globes, apparatus, instruments, blocks, ohjects, ete., with a view of enabling stu- dents to introduce the same into their schools when they shall beeomne teachers.
Fifth. To aid in forming elear and exalted eoneeptions of the dignity and importance of the teacher's work.
Those students pursuing the English and elassieal courses are required to do a large part of the work provided for in the teachers' eourse. The courses are so arranged to make this not only possible but desirable, and of great advantage to the student.
Besides the regular teachers' course, a special normal or teachers' elass is or-
ganized each term for regular instruction and drill in the " seienee and art of teaching," explaining fully and practically the best and latest methods of teaching, governing, and school management, and the best means of preparing and using simple apparatus to interest and instruct pupils in the common or district schools.
This elass is organized for those who cannot complete the regular teachers' course, yet who are engaged in teaching common schools. The members of this elass are subjected to most rigid and satisfactory drills in orthography, English grammar, analysis of sentenees, letter-writing, arithmetic, geography, map-drawing, and eloeution, as well as in theory and practice of teaching. They are thoroughly prepared for the work of teaching, and for passing first-class examinations before the county board.
German .- This branch receives special attention. It is daily becoming more important, and, from a eommereial point of view, it ranks next to a knowledge of book-keeping. In many places, a person must he able to speak it in order to do business successfully.
This branch is taught hy an experienced teacher well versed in the language.
COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT.
The eommereial department of the Normal, as in the past, will continue to be a leading feature of the school. A. H. Stockham, the principal, is a graduate of Eastman's National business college, situated at Poughkeepsie, New York. After his graduation he was thought competent to take charge of one of the depart- ments in the college, which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers. He has heen connected with the Normal four years. During this time his department has met with large sueeess, and is rapidly growing in favor.
Book-keeping .- Book-keeping is taught in theory and practice. In single and douhle entry, commission, shipping, partnership business, eommereial calculations, business paper and forms, business hahits, etc., the instruction is thorough and practical. The usual regular business course is followed, and upon its completion in a satisfactory manner a diploma is awarded the student.
Penmanship is taught in all its branches, ineluding business and ornamental, ladies' hand, running hand, flourishing, pen-drawing and card-making. Pen- drawing receives special attention. By a moderate expenditure of time during one term a drawing may be taken off suitable for framing.
Reasons why this department offers better advantages than the regular business college :
First. It costs less than one-half as much money.
Second. The student may spend part of his time in studying other branches. Third. Work can be furnished for a part of the tuition when desired.
Fourth. The very reasonahle eost of board in the boarding elub.
Fifth. The individual interest manifested in the student's welfare.
Sixth. The social and religious influences surrounding the student.
Rates of Tuition .- Business course scholarship, with time unlimited, $20; book-keeping, per school term, $4; book-keeping, per school term, with other studies, $2.50; penmanship scholarship, time unlimited, $15; penmanship, fall and spring terms, $3.50; penmanship, winter term, 84; pen-drawing, flourish- ing, and eard-making, with plain penmanship, during fall and spring terms, 85; same, winter term, $6.
Music .- Students receive thorough instruction in this branch by competent and experienced teachers. Professor Bentley has charge of the vocal music in all the sehools, and, being hired by the board of education, his instruction eosts the stu- dent nothing. It is not often that such an excellent opportunity is afforded to stndy vocal musie. Professor Bentley has been a teacher of musie nearly forty years, and during the past seven years he has been engaged in teaching in many of the publie schools of northern Ohio. His large experience, eminent success, and deserved popularity are facts universally known in this seetion of the State.
Instrumental musie is successfully taught by Miss Ella F. Grover, who has had considerable experience. The rapid and thorough advancement of her pupils is her hest recommendation.
Literary Society .- A prosperous literary society of over sixty members, in eon- nection with the school, constitutes one of the attractions of the Normal. Its objeet is to eultivate friendship and morality, and improve its members in reading, composition, deelaiming, publie speaking, debating, book reviews, and in a knowl- edge of " parliamentary bodies." The society is known as the N. K. Y. Literary society, and its motto is, "Step by step we go along the way."
All the teachers, ineluding the principal, are regular members and perform whatever duties are assigned. The society meets regularly, every Wednesday evening, in the Normal ehapel.
A good library is owned by the society, to which the members have access free of charge. Those students who do not join the society are required to have rhetorical exereises before the sehool.
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HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO.
G . ment .-- Self-government, honest, voluntary, and prompt, founded in truth and right, is expected from every student. All are treated as ladies and gentlemen so long as such treatment is merited, and the teachers seek to gain the per-onal friendship of each student in order to encourage and dircet in all right ways. Any student willfully neglecting to govern himself in conformity with the published rules of the school will be summarily dealt with. Idleness, lawlessness, or insubordination will not be tolerated on the part of any student.
General rules .- First. Every student is expected to attend chapel exercises, to be prompt and cheerful in the performance of any duty assigned, to be courteous and respectful to teachers and fellow-students.
Second. To refrain entirely from all communication during the progress of any recitation or other exercise. Students may communicate, with the consent of the teacher, while the classes are changing or between the times of recitation.
Thi 1. To avoid all loud talking, scuffling, profanity, or boisterous conduct of any sort in or about the building.
Fourth. The Normal with its surroundings is public property, and any stu- dent damaging the same will be punished as the law directs.
Fifth. Absence from school, or from recitation, aud tardiness are strictly for- Fulden, except in cases of absolute necessity, conceruing which the principal is the ouly judge.
Students living at home are required to bring written excuses from parents or guardians for every case of absence or tardiness. These excuses must state the cause of absence or tardiness, and be properly dated and signed by the parents or guardians.
Any malicious violation of this rule ( Fifth) is severely punished in some way. No school can prosper when tardiness or absence is permitted without proper excuses and restraint ; hence the necessity of this role.
Sixth. Such other rules and regulations as may be proposed at any time by the principal, for the welfare of the students and the benefit of the school, shall be equally binding with those given above.
Additional rules and regulations for students rooming and boarding in the Normal :
First. Students are required to keep the following study hours : 7.30 A.M. to 8.30 A.M., 9 A.M. to 12 M., 1.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M., 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Sicond. No student is allowed to visit or enter another student's room during study hours.
Third. Scuffling, profanity, loud talking, or improper conduct of any kind is strictly forbidden in or about the building.
Fourth. To be respectful and courteous to teachers and fellow-students in their social relations. Not to visit saloons or lounge about places of common resort. Not to indulge in intoxicating drinks of auy kind.
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