History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 24

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 24

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In Fearing township, Stanleyville, near the center, is a separate district and contains a school partially graded. In Grandview sep- arate district, first reported to the State Com- missioner in 1884, P. L. Topie, R. K. Walton, and J. F. Hannun, have successively served as superintendents. Newport separate dis- trict appears in the State Report after 1885 and its superintendents have been: G. W. Welty, J. W. McDaniel, L. E. Booher, F. J. Bailey, II. C. Mckinney, and W. E. Seabock. Their first union school building was de- stroyed by fire, but they now have a new and commodious structure amply sufficient for the growth of the town.

New Matamoras has the following list of superintendents, beginning in 1889: John H. Martin, A. D. Hoffer, D. F. Grier, C. C. Mid- dleswart, S. A. Wiggins, C. W. True, and C. E. Caldwell. They have a large and commodi- ous building and a school attendance next to ȘIarietta.

Harmar, as a separate district from 1866 to 1890, reported the following superinten- dents,-J. F. Lukens, M. R. Andrews, John T. Duff, N. M. Mclaughlin, Jefferson Hes- ton, J. D. Phillips, HI. A. Meyers, and J. L. Jordan. Since that time it has been a part of the Marietta City district.

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Beverly began as a separate district in 1854 with John Tarbell as teacher of the upper grades. It began the formation of a district library with the State donation in 1885. Its superintendents have been: Z. G. Budee. Jefferson Heston, T. C. Ryan and the present incumbent. J. F. Wagner, who has been in service in that position since 1880 and is there- fore in years of service the ranking superin- tendent in the county.

Watertown separate district has been re- ported since 1895. L. E. Booher and G. W. Perkins have been superintendents.

The plan of union schools adopted by Ak- ron in 1847 was quickly followed by other townships in the State. In May, 1849, the schools of Marietta were organized on the un- ion plan. The very name is suggestive of a change which those of the present generation can hardly understand. Why union schools? Simply because at that time there were five separate districts in Marietta, each with its own ungraded school, having no more connec- tion one with the other than do the sub-districts in a township. In fact, not nearly so much as the sub-districts now have under the present law. These five separate districts were united. that is, formed into a union of schools, which rendered graded schools possible. The first Board of Education consisted of Dr. I. W. Andrews. T. W. Ewart. R. E. Harte, Lucius Brigham. E. H. Allen, and Robert Crawford. Theodore Scott, who for many years taught a private school in Marietta, was the first teacher of the grammar schools. As a natural result of a system of graded schools, a high school was found nec- essary and organized in 1850 with E. D. Kingsley as principal of the school and su- perintendent of all the schools. In 1855 Hon. M. D. Follett took charge of the schools, teach- ing in the high school until 1857, when he re- signed to begin the practice of law.

For many years Marietta had no general superintendent of schools but the principal of each school building had general charge over the group of schools in his building, while the principal of the high school examined pit-

pils for promotion to that grade. This sys- tem would hardly have been possible had not such members of the School Board as Dr. I. W. Andrews, Dr. John Boyd and others, per- formed many of the duties in the general man- agement which now devolves upon a superin- tendent.

In 1873 Supt. E. A. Jones, of Massillon, was called to take charge of the Marietta schools but after two years of very successful service he returned to his former home where he is still superintendent of schools. From 1879 until 1891 C. K. Wells was superinten- dent. He was succeeded by W. W. Boyd and he in turn by H. G. Williams in 1808. In 1002 Mr. Williams resigned his position to accept that of dean of the new Normal School connected with Ohio University and J. V. McMillan was elected in his place.

OTHER MEANS OF EDUCATION.

WASHINGTON COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Ohio Bible Society was organ- ized at Marietta, October 22, 1812. with Gen. Rufus Putnam, president ; Rev. Lyman Potter (of Steubenville ) vice-president : Da- vid Putnam, treasurer; and Samuel P. Rob- bins, secretary.

We give extracts from some of their reports to show what this society did for education in this county :

"Report of the directors of the Washing- ton County Bible Society, presented at the an- nual meeting, on Friday evening. January 4. 1828 .-

"The directors of the Washington County Bible Society, in presenting their sixth annual report, would express their grateful acknowl- edgements to the Father of all our mercies that they have been spared to meet the members of the Society at this anniversary. In review- ing the operations of the past year, the Direc- tors deeply regret that they have effected so lit- tle in the great cause in which they are en- gaged. Our labors have been far dispropor- I tioned to the wants of the destitute. While we

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

believe that the operation of the Society has not been without its benefits, we must at the same time confess that the exertions, which have been made for the circulation of the Scrip- tures within the County, have been far less than what our ability and our duty requires of us. We have looked forward with pleasure to this annual meeting, as a new era in the history of our operations, or those of our successors, and we believe that our expectations will not be disappointed.

"At the time of our last annual report. the Society had funds to the amount of $18.45. and a small supply of Bibles and Testaments. Since then we have purchased of the Ohio Bible Society 71 Bibles and 96 Testaments, at a cost of $88.98. There have been issued from the depository during the past year, 60 Bibles and 102 Testaments, making the whole num- ber since the commencement of the institution 316 Bibles and 465 Testaments. Some prob- ably yet remain in the hands of agents, but the exact number we cannot state. Twenty-five Bibles and 19 Testaments have been distribut- ed gratuitously since the last annual report. The receipts into the treasury during the past year have amounted to $106.12 1-2 of which $39.50 were received on subscription, and $66.6212 for sales of Bibles and Testaments, and from the estate of the late treasurer. have at present on hand 17 Bibles and 36 Test- aments, and funds to the amount of $35.59."

The following is taken from the seventh annual report of the directors of the Washing- ton County Bible Society, made in January, 1829 .-

"At the meeting of the directors last Feb- ruary they made the necessary arrangements for the purchase of Bibles, and appointed two of their number as the general agents of the Society, one on the east, and the other on the west side of the Muskingum, to whom was entrusted. under the direction of the Board, the power and duty of appointing subordinate agents in such parts of the county as they might think fit, and supplying them with Bi- bles for distribution. In the execution of this business, your Directors and general agents

have met with many difficulties, but none such as materially to retard the work. They have great reason to be thankful to God, that the difficulties have not been greater, but that the work has been accomplished to the extent that we have previously mentioned. In our last annual report we estimated the number of families in the county, destitute of the Bible, at 300; a number then thought by many, to have been far too great; but so far from liav- ing been so, it falls far short of what has been found to be true. The number of Bibles dis- tributed by our agents in several townships, by donation, sale for cash, and on credit, is as follows:

Adams, 23

Marietta. 79

Aurelius. 14

Newport, 18

Barlow, 9 Roxbury, 35

Belpre. 18 Salem, 23

Decatur. 7 Union, 10

Fearing, 18 Warren. 1Q

Lawrence. 33

Waterford. 46

Grandview, 35

Watertown, 32

Ludlow, 25

Wesley, 18

"In addition to the above, a considerable number have been sold and distributed direct- ly by the general agents. The number of Bi- bles donated is about 120; of the balance, a large proportion have been sold on credit, and for many of which the Society will never re- ceive the payment. We have not the means of stating the exact number of families, who were found to be destitute, as in some cases the agent sold Bibles to those who were previous- ly in possession of one, but we feel safe in saying that the number exceeds 450. In the township of Grandview, the number of desti- tute families was estimated by our agent there at 10. It will be seen above that 35 have been distributed there, nearly, if not quite, all of which were among the destitute.

"The manner in which these Bibles have been received, though in some cases such as to cause Christians to mourn, have, in others. been attended with pleasing circumstances. One of our agents states that in many instances the Bible was received with evident tokens of gratitude, and thankfulness to the Society;

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while in others, but few cases, with the most marked opposition."

PUBLIC NOTICE

Is hereby given that a meeting of the friends of moral- ty and religion will be held on Thursday evening. the 22nd inst .. at 6 o'clock, in the Methodist Meeting House, for the purpose of organizing a [ pion to pr )- mote the observance of the Christian Sabbath. The attendance of all the friends of the Sabbath is re spectfully invited.

Also, notice is given that the same evening a Com- mittee will make report upon the necessity and ex- pediency of forming a Society for the promotion of temperance.

THE MARIETTA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

1833 .-

"Is one which bears no light testimony to the standard of literature in this town. The Association is composed generally of mem- bers resident in town, who are stockholders. They possess an excellent library, containing none but choice and valuable works, compre- hending history, biography. travels, belle lettres, natural and moral philosophy. stand- ard works on the arts and sciences, the most authentic and genuine authors on law, medi- cine, and theology; as also files of the ablest reviews, and journals of the present day, while at the same time 'light reading.' in general, is rejected. Here may be found a rich repast for all who love a mental feast. And much credit does it reflect on Marietta, that to the valuable collections now in use, new and im- portant additions are constantly being made. .A very neat and commodious building con- taining three rooms: two offices which are rented, and the Library Hall. the depository of the library: the upper story forming one large arched room, which is occupied by the Marietta Lyceum, as also by two of the reli- gious societies of the town. Long may this institution flourish, and continue to prove of interst and improvement to all.

"Another instance of the taste for litera- ture, which Marietta possesses, may be noticed in the fact that the Universalist Society devotes the property which annually accrues to its treasury, to the acquisition of an extensive and

valuable library. The collections of books is large, and the selection of them has been able and well judged.

THE MARIETTA LYCEUM

"Is an institution well calculated for the extensive diffusion of useful knowledge. It was founded nearly three years ago, and has at present on its register the names of 85 men- bers. Regular meetings are held, at which are occasionally delivered lectures on chemis- try, and other subjects connected with natural philosophy and history, with the improve- ments constantly making in the arts, and dis- coveries in the sciences, and on many other subjects of interest and importance. Discus- sions are regularly held for the improvement and pleasure of the members. The Lyceum has in its possession a handsome electrical ap- paratus ; and measures have been taken to de- sign a map of Marietta and vicinity, which will probably be published at a future period by this institution.

"We might refer to other societies of less note, which, like small rills, tend in their con- sequence, to help pour forth their tribute of knowledge and learning in the common cause of education, and point out the 'Phila-Mathe- sian Society,' and the 'Society of Inquiry,'- hoth formed and sustained by the young gen- tlemen pursuing their collegiate studies at the Institute, but we hesitate to intrude further on Tour readers' attention at this time."

FIRST MECHANICS' LYCEUM.

March, 1838 .-

To Incorporate the First Mechanics Lyceum of Mar- ietta, in the County of Washington.

Ses I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That John Grainer. Robert John- son, Marcellus J. Merse, Hugh Hill, Robert South. George Lee, Lewis S. Grenzard, Francis I. John on and their associates, and those who may be ass wit . I with them hereafter. be. and they are hereby, creat J a body corporate and politie, by the name ind sty c of the "First Mechanics' Lyceum of Marietta:" and by such nume shall have perpetual succession. be capa- ble of suing and being suel, pha ling and cing im- pleaded, in any court of law or cyunity ; they may ove

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a common seal, and they may break or alter the same at pleasure.

MR. EDITOR :- Attracted by curiosity, I have several times attended the discussion of various subjects, by the members of this so- ciety ( Mechanics' Lyceum), and I can assure you that I have spent but few evenings more pleasantly. As its name indicates, it is com- posed exclusively of mechanics, mostly of young men, who in their debates evinced a de- gree of skill and eloquence worthy of praise. The frequent reference to historical authors shows that the art of public speaking is not the only good to be derived from a society of this kind. To furnish arguments for debate re- quires much study, and the amount of useful information thereby obtained can never be lost. It is indeed a cheering sight to see our young men, instead of partaking of the sinful pleas- ures of the card table, or the chequer board, instead of wasting their time at the grocery or the tavern, thus wisely devote their leisure hours to the pursuit of knowledge. To the originators of this society too much praise can- not be awarded, and under difficulties, which to many appeared insurmountable, they pre- served and complete success has crowned their efforts. The society, I understand, numbers about 75 members, who for intelligence and polemic skill are unequalled by any lyceum which it has been my fortune to visit. These few remarks, thus loosely thrown together, may serve to call the attention of our citizens to this society, which has sprang into existence as if by magic, and which is capable, and I doubt not will produce beneficial results. So- cieties of this kind should be encouraged by every means in our power, and I am confident will be by the citizens of Marietta."

NOTICE.

There will be a public debate at the Masonic Hall. on the evening of the 7th day of April, commencing at 6 o'clock, when the following question will be dis- cussed, viz. : "Have the Catholics been more perse- cuted than all other denominations combined (the

Jews excepted ) ?" Ladies and gentlemen are invited to attend.

By order of the Mechanics' Lyceum. MATTHIAS MOOT, Secretary. Marietta, April 3, 1838.

CONCERT.

March 30, 1839 .-

A Concert of Instrumental and Vocal Music will be given by the Marietta Town Band, under the direc- tion of their instructor and leader, at the Presbyterian Church on Monday evening, April 8th, commencing at 7 o'clock. The assistance of a first rate Pianist is engaged for the occasion.

An address on the subject of Music, will be de- livered by Mr. Beman Gates. Further particulars of the performance will be made known by a bill. Tickets at twenty-five cents each may be had of the Treasurer at the store of Messrs. Edgerton & Wood- bridge.

A HINT ON HOME TRAINING.

March 7, 1829 .-

"Mr. Prentiss-You will oblige a friend of the youth of our town and county by publish- ing the following-which is for the particular notice of parents, guardians and instructors, and is well worthy of their consideration.

"We believe that the slight regard in which strict truth is held among mankind is princi- pally owing to the lies which are told to chil- dren by their parents during the first few years of their lives. Then is the time that permanent impressions may be as well made as at any later period. It is then, probable, that what is called the natural propensity of a child is unfolded. Many persons who have a great abhorrence of lying, and whip their children if they detect them in it, yet make no scruple of telling and acting to them the most atrocious falsehoods. There are but a few parents who do this in a greater or less degree, though doubtless without dream- ing they are guilty of criminal deception. With many the whole business of managing their children is a piece of mere artifice and trick. They are cheated in their amusements, cheated in their food, cheated in their dress. Lies are told them to do anything that is dis .. agreeable. If a child is to take physic, the

BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING.

NEW MATAMORAS PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING.

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mother tells him that she has something good for him to drink: if reluctant, she says she will send for the doctor to cut off his ears, or pull his teeth, or that she will go away and leave him, and a thousand things of the same kind, each of which may deceive once and an- swer the present purpose. Parents are too apt to endeavor to pacify their children by making promises of a ride, or a walk, or some- thing else which will please them, but without any intention of gratifying them. This is lying, downright lying. People think nothing of breaking their promises to children, if the performance be not perfectly convenient. But they are the last persons to whom promises should be broken, because they can not com- prehend the reason, if there be one, why they are not kept. Such promises should be scru- pulously redeemed, though at a great incon- venience, and even when inadvertently made. For the child's moral habit is of infinitely more consequence than any such inconvenience can be to the parent."

CARLEY, PURDY & WRIGHT'S MENAGERIE.

September IT. 1830 .-

This extensive collection of foreign animals may be seen in Marietta, near Mr, Cole's Hotel, on Satur- day. 18th of September.

l: consists of the Asiatic Lion and Lioness. African Camels, male and female, Hunting Leopard of Asia, N. American Panther and Pantheress, Brazilian Tiger Peruvian Llamas, male and female. Hyena of Etihopia, African Lion, Kangaroo, of New Holland, Zebra from the Cape of Good Hope. Prairie Wolf, and a large variety of small Animals.

At IT o'clock A. M. and 4 P. M. the keeper of the Asiatic Lion and Lioness will enter their respective cages! Immediately preceding which the Camels, Ponies, Monkies and Llamas, will be exercised in the ring. At 5 P. M the Lions will be fed in the presence of the audience.

The whole will be exhibited under a Pavilion- Scats will be prepared for the Ladies-good order en- forced, and every exertion used by the Proprietors to amuse and accommodate all visitors.

Hours of exhibition from 10 A. M. until 6 P. M. Admittance 25 cents. Children under 12. half price.

GERMAN LANGUAGE.

May 16, 1839 .-

Mr. Meyer. respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Marietta, that he designs, if sufficient encouragement be given. to establish himself in this town, as a teacher in German.

All persons who are desirous of embracing this opportunity of obtaining a knowledge of the German Language, will please meet at the Library Hall, on Monday evening at seven o'clock.

Terms :- $6, in advance per quarter. embracing fifty lessons.

References :- President Linsley. Prof. Smith.

SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

The Society in Marietta for the Promotion of Good Morals, organized in 1814, made a long report of its work in 1819. From this report we make a few quotations :

"In April, 1817, the Society resolved to patronize Sunday-schools, and appointed a committee to establish and superintend two or more Sunday-schools in the town. On the IIth of May, 1817, three schools were organ- ized and opened in Marietta; one, at Buell's school room, under the superintendence of William Slocomb; one at the Muskingum Academy, under the care of E. Huntington : and one at Point llarmar, under the charge of Dr. Cotton. To each of these schools several young gentlemen and ladies were engaged and attached as assistant teachers.

"The learners were employed in reading the Scriptures, committing portions to mem- ory, and in such other lessons as are usually taught in such institutions. Several com- menced with the alphabet and made good pro- ficiency. The schools were continued 20 Sab- baths. to the last in September, when the sea- son rendered it inconvenient for the children to assemble, on account of the distance some of thent had to go.

"In 1818 only two schools were opened: one at the Muskingum Academy, under the care of Mr. Slocomb, and the other at Point Harmar under the superintendence of Mr. Judson. To the school in the Muskingum Academy 130 were admitted and to the one at Point Harmar, 78.

"The schools this season. as they were the last, have been composed of adults and chil- (ren, male and female, white and black.

"Summary: The whole number of schol- ars in the two schools, 208: the whole num- ber of verses learned in both schools, 45,784;

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

highest number committed to memory by one scholar, 3.517."

The report is signed by David Putnam, S. P. Hildreth, and John Cotton.

They also make note of the fact that Mrs. Hannah Mathews had through the summer of 1810 maintained a Sunday-school on the Muskingum, six miles above Marietta, and that Miss Sophia Barker had done the same not far away on the other side of the river.

Proceedings of the Board of Commission- ers for Schools in the county of Washington at their annual meeting held October 4, 1820, and Exhibition of the Sabbath-schools :

"The members of the Board and of the Sab- bath-school Committee convened at the Con- gregational Meeting House in Marietta where the following report was read and accepted, viz. :

Report of the Sabbath School Committee.

It is deemed unnecessary by your committee in making their report, to address any arguments to prove the utility of Sabbath-schools. This would be en- deavoring to produce a point which has repeatedly been established, and may we not add, of which you have had cular demonstration.

Your committee made the necessary arrangements for opening the school in the town carly in the season. which commenced on the third Sabbath in October. Wilham Holyoke has had the charge of the school at the Muskingum Academy, William Slocomb, on Point Ilarmar, and Wyllys Hall and Miss Sally Emerson at the upper point. The number of scholars who have regularly attended through the season is about 175.

Owing to the propensity which has existed in the schools generally to commit more to memory than wond] be done in a proper manner, your committee were inalneed to recommend that 25 verses be con- sidere I a day's lesson

"A communication was received from Rev. William Boies, of Waterford, stating that during the summer months four. Sabbath- schools had been kept at Waterford, and three at Wooster.

"It was further stated that much satisfac- tion was felt at the flattering success that had attended the first attempt to establish Sab- bath-schools in that vicinity, and that strong desires had been expressed that they should commence earlier in the opening of another spring."

SUNDAY-SCHOOL NOTICE.

1829 .-

The friends of Sunday-schools in the County 'of Washington are informed that a County Sunday- school Union, has been formed auxiliary to the Amer- ican Sunday-School Union, for the purpose of aiding in the establishment of Sunday-schools in the several townships within the County, and furnishing suitable Books for Libraries.

Any Township, or District Union, on becoming auxiliary to the County Union, and paving one dollar into its treasury. will be furnished with Books at re- duced prices, and also be entitled to a loan from the Library of Books, to half the amount of those pur- chased.

It is hoped that all who are interested in the in- struction of the rising generation in useful knowledge, will avail themselves of the facilities now offered for accomplishing that benevolent object.

Applications for Books should be made to Mr. Samuel Shipman, Agent of the Union.

SABBATH SCHOOL CELEBRATION, FOURTH OF JULY, 1838.

July 20, 1838 .--

The Sabbath Schools connected with the various denominations in Marietta and the surrounding coun- try are invited to unite in celebrating the anniversary of our National Independence. on the 4th of July next. The Schools are requested to meet at the Court House in Marietta, at Io o'clock A. M. precisely, where a procession will be formed immediately, and accom- panied by a Band of Music will proceed to the First Congregational Church, where the Declaration of Inde- pendence will be read, and addresses appropriate to the occasion will be delivered; after which the pro- cession will be again formed. ind repair to the grove on Second street, where suitable refreshments will be provided.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 24

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490