USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > Salem in Columbiana County > History of Salem and the immediate vicinity : Columbiana County, Ohio > Part 3
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Returning eastward on the north side of Green street, we first find the residence of Hannah Test, which remains. She was the widow of one of the early settlers, and her eccentricities were notable in those days. Across the road was the brick house, in which William Reed lived, and then his shoemaker shop-a small frame. The next was Stephen Wis- ner's. He, for many years, was a justice-of-the- peace. On this lot was built the first frame house in the town. Mr. Wisner was a shoemaker by trade. and worked in D. Gaskill's store. There, when trade was brisk and customers throng, he assisted as sales- man. The next lot was occupied by the old Methodist meeting house. It was a common hewed log struct-
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
ure. Next to it was an old log house weather- boarded. An elegant house, built in modern style, now is in its place. The corner lot against the Ells- worth road was Levi Fawcett's residence.
North of Green street, and east of the Ellsworth road was a vacant lot, belonging to the Friends. Their ground divided the town into two parts. The division in their society had occurred a few years before this time; and there was a division of their property, by which the Orthodox party got that on the south side of Main street, and the Hicksite-that on the north side. Next to their property was the lot and a small brick house, in which lived a respect- able woman of color, named Maria Britt. *
The first district school-house was built in 1831, at the corner of Chestnut and Green street; previous to this the lot was entirely vacant. Across what is now Chestnut street was a small one-story brick house with an overjet. Between this and what is now Lundy street there were only one or two frame houses. There was a large open lot where the Presbyterian church stands. Here, during several subsequent years, traveling menageries often pitched their tents.
The next corner lot was then vacant, and on the next was a common two-story frame house, owned and occupied by John Hines. Between this and Wil- liam Ware's blacksmith shop were two common frame houses. His dwelling was one of them. His shop was a long frame building, with an end towards the street. He had much skill in heavy iron-work, and this gave him a great reputation in his line. Between this and the Canfield road, the lots were all vacant and remained so for several years. The lots
*See Anecdotes and Miscellanies.
SALEM IN FORMER DAYS AND ITS PROGRESS. 39
north of Green street formed the boundary of that side of the town. Beyond them were cultivated fields. Samuel Davis's house stood isolated from all others. It is still somewhat isolated. It is between Ellsworth and West-School street, and north of East- Fourth.
PROGRESS OF SALEM.
The town of Salem was incorporated in 1832, and, in 1842, it contained a population of 1000. Its munic- ipal affairs were then managed by a president, a recorder, and a board of trustees-five in number. This arrangement continued till 1852. John Camp- bell was the first president. He served two years. Other presidents, were: James Brown, five years; J. J. Brooks and James Eggman, each four years; E. W. Williams, three years; Joseph Saxon and Emmor T. Weaver, each one year.
"On the 4th day of June, 1852, the trustees passed a resolution changing the name of the corporation from the Town of Salem to the Incorporated Village of Salem, and thereupon, Alfred Wright, the presi- dent of the Town of Salem, became the mayor of the Incoporated Village of Salem." This new arrange- ment continued till 1887. In 1870 the number of councilmen was increased to six. In 1887 the number was increased by two more. From 1852 to 1898 the following persons have been mayors, viz: John Harris, J. Woodruff; Peter. A. Laubie, Daniel Ham- ilton, John Hudson, and C. Curry, each one year : Enos Eldridge and Wm. R. Rvus, each part of a year; J. S. Clemmer and J. W. Northrup, each two. years: L. B. Lockhart, M. V. Dunlap, Frank Mercer. and A. W. Taylor, each four years; Alfred Heacock, five years; Joseph D. Fountain, six years; Joseph Fawcett, seven years.
CHAPTER IV.
THE POST-OFFICE.
POST-OFFICE was first established in 1807. John Street was then the only merchant in the place; and he was appointed postmaster. He held the office till 1829. How often the mail was received and sent out is not now known; perhaps not oftener than once a week, and it was carried by horse- back riders.
The next postmaster was Isaac Wilson. He was a Jacksonian democrat. When president Jackson was inaugurated, he set the example of turning out of office all postmasters and other officials who did not vote for him. John Street, therefore, was one of the proscribed ones. Like most of the Friends, he is presumed to have voted for John Quincy Adams, and therefore lost the post-office.
The office was held by Isaac Wilson till some time in 1834; when some people, who felt interested, thought there ought to be a change. Finding that a movement for this purpose was being made Mr. Wilson resigned. A petition was then circulated for the appointment of Rodney R. Scott, who was rep- resented as "a very fine young man." This was true according to the strabismatic eyesight of many of the people. He got the appointment and took charge of the office.
This man then carried on a saddlery and harness shop in a low and long building, belonging to Jehu Fawcett, and standing on the site of C. I. Hayes'
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THE POST-OFFICE.
store. He managed the office in a passable manner for a while, and then absconded, leaving the office and some creditors to take consequences. He also deserted his wife, and she therefore felt obliged to apply for a divorce. The office was then managed in a bungling manner for awhile by his father-in-law and brother-in-law; both of whom could scarcely read writing. A letter was delivered to an uneducated woman, whose name was Emma Amos, which she opened and took to one of her friends to have it read. There it was found to be for Aaron Antrim.
Such awkwardness as this, in matters of such importance as mails, was not to be tolerated by the better class of people in the town and neighborhood. Wherefore a petition was circulated and signed for the appointment of Joseph Goulbourn, who then car- ried on an extensive tailor shop in a part of what is now the Pickett house. In order that it might be carried safely to the postmaster-general, it was entrusted to the care of William Chaney; and he rode to Lisbon by night and there mailed it.
In due time, Joseph Goulbourn unexpectedly received his appointment, and the office was trans- ferred to his shop. He held the office about fifteen years, and gave complete satisfaction. No official of this class has ever been more accommodating in this duty than he. When any person came to inquire for mail, he never hesitated to lay down his work and look; while some of this kind of officials which we have known, would give a gruff answer in the nega- tive that raised suspicion that he was either too indolent or too self-important to accommodate even a respectful inquirer.
Postage at that time was seldom paid in advance.
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
It was not required. And postmasters were then required every quarter to advertise the letters remaining in their offices. The business of the dead letter office at that time must have been great.
In the time of Joseph Goulbourn, the mail matter was much increased in amount and importance. And the needed attention was not lacking. There was a gradual increase afterwards. And, with few excep- tions, the officials felt their responsibility, and they discharged their duties lawfully.
The first stage line through the town, by which mails were carried was from Wellsville to Cleveland. From Lisbon it came direct to Salem, and Deerfield was the next station. This line was established about 1830 by Zadok Street and some others. In 1836, or thereabouts, this line was discontinued, and, in its place, one called the railroad line was estab- lished. It went north by way of Greenford and Canfield, and terminated at Fairport. It was thus named because some persons, especially interested then thought that there would soon be a railroad constructed on or near this stage route. This route was continued and carried the mails tri-weekly till it was superseded by railroads. There was also at this time a mail carried on horse-back from Damas- cus through Salem to Columbiana. It was not till at, or near the completion of the railroad, that a daily mail was here received. With the railroads mails were vastly increased everywhere. The reduction of postage rates too, has increased post-office busi- ness very much.
Postal rates, prior to 1845, were thus: For any distance not over thirty miles, 6 cents; over thirty, and not over one hundred, 10 cents; over one hundred,
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THE POST-OFFICE.
and not over one hundred and fifty, 1212 cents; over one hundred and fifty and not over four hundred, 1834 cents; over four hundred, 25 cents. Envelopes were then not used. A single sheet, however large. went at a single rate. A piece enclosed, however small, added another rate. To help the postmasters letters were often marked "single." Some of the old fash- ioned ways of folding letters would be something of a curiosity to people of this day.
It was some time in 1845 that the first reduction of rates was made; and then the rates were after- wards regulated by weight. Envelopes then came into use. Stamps were first used about 1850. For awhile pre-payment was optional; and it was a few cents less than when paid by the receiver.
Mr. Goulbourn was succeeded by James Brown; then the following: Geo. W. Wilson, Peter H. Bos- well, Jesse B. Webb, Daniel Lupton, Comly Town- send, J. S. Clemmer, Allan Boyle, Frank Webster, C. H. Dorwart, H. J. Haldeman, and F. P. Dunlap.
Mr. Brown kept the office at or near the corner of Main and Depot streets. It was afterwards in the block where Dr. Rush lives; then at two places on Broadway; and lastly in the opera house block. In March, 1888, free delivery was commenced. C. B. Dorwart was then postmaster.
CHAPTER V.
SCHOOLS.
ALEM'S first settlers were of the Society of Friends, and they were friends of common schools. Although the com- pensation of teachers then came only from voluntary patronage, and much inconvenience on their part was experienced, yet the instruction of the youth was not neglected. The extent of their learning and their chances were much less than those of the present time, but good use was made of what was in their reach.
It is not certainly known who kept the first school in this place. Joseph Shreve, who was during many years engaged by the Friends in their school, wrote and published two poems on the conclusion of his teaching, and gave with them a list of the names of Salem teachers; and there is some evidence of their being given in the order of their times of service. The first mentioned is Judith Townsend. The author thus alludes to himself and one of the early teachers:
" Nor too myself let me too much engross, The pious Fisher nursed thy early days ; She long bestowed attention strict and close, Beneath whose efforts science spread her rays."
This was Hannah Fisher. She and Judith Town- send were undoubtedly the first teachers in the place. A man named James Craig is said to have kept a school in Salem or the vicinity about this time. The names of Nathan Ball, Moses Stanley, Ann Warring- ton, and Caleb Hunt are given as teachers succeeding those first mentioned. They kept such schools as
ยท
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, ERECTED IN 1897.
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SCHOOLS.
could be made up for one-quarter at a time, at a cer- tain rate per pupil.
The first schools were kept in rooms fitted tempor- arily for the purpose. The meeting house, that stood back of the site of the Town hall, was, for a short time, used as a school room. Then a hewed log school- house was built, near the site of McMillan's bookstore. This was done in 1810 or 1811. In the fall of 1809 Joseph Shreve came to Salem, and was engaged to keep a school during the following winter. In the spring he returned to Pennsylvania. After him came a couple of female teachers.
"Then Tollerton, with stern commanding brow, Bade mathematics lift her piercing eye ; Bade freakish youth to rigid order bow,
And rising powers neglected grammar try."
It was in the fall of 1811 that James Tollerton took charge of the school, and, until some time in the year of 1816, he was the principal teacher in the town. There was some smaller schools than his, one of which was kept by Mary Blackledge; and he sometimes had an assistant. His knowledge of grammar was seen in his not using the pronoun "thee" in the nominative case. He gained a great reputa- tion for skill in training bad boys, and is said to have used the rod severely, even the knock-down argu- ment. But there is no account of any interference with his discipline, by parents, whose affection for their wayward young hopefuls took away their judg- ment; which is a failing too common among the parents in modern times, and often causes the demor- alization of schools, and helps fast children to the position of head of the family.
Several teachers followed J. Tollerton, whose
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
terms were short. Among them were Martha Town- send, Benjamin Marshall, Daniel Stratton, Joshua Shinn and others.
" The polished Lightfoot, too, adorned thy hall, Precise to read and practice with the quill ;
And many more, whose names I now recall,
Lent time and talents, teacher's chair to fill."
The one here mentioned is said to have been a fine scholar and a profound thinker, but unfortunately too sensitive to the opinions of others. This extreme sensitiveness unfits too many teachers for encounter- ing the vexations that are the common lot of their profession, coming from spoiled children, injudicious parents, and a general lack of appreciation of the beauties and intrinsic worth of science and litera- ture. And yet, when these finer feelings are properly developed and reciprocated, they bring the teacher into such a sympathy with his pupils, that he becomes like a parent to them; and it is only then that his teaching has its greatest power.
In April, 1822, Joseph Shreve again came to Salem, and commenced teaching in the log school-house on Main street. For about eleven years his school was the principal one in the town. In 1827 or 1828 a brick school-house was built on the Friends' lot at what is now the corner formed by Broadway and Dry streets. The expense of building was defrayed by contributions from the Friends; and the schools held in it were under the direction of their Monthly Meeting. This school increased in interest, and many young persons came to Salem to attend it. The teacher was just the man for the place, prominent among which was his good standing among the Friends. He had their entire confidence; and he took great interest in his work.
47
SCHOOLS.
Some of his pupils afterwards became teachers, and many of them retained pleasant remembrances of happy times in that school. Some of them attended under great expense and' difficulty, but they made good use of their time and opportunity. He had several assistants at different times, among whom might be mentioned his brother, Thomas, and sister Eliza. At times a separate school was kept in the same house, it being in two apartments. One of the most interesting of these was kept by Esther Hunt, in 1831 and 1832.
" Beneath this roof, beneath two teachers' care, Two sister-schools dispensed their useful lore ; These kindred schools in kindly union dwelt ;
From hall to hall were mutual visits made; And teachers, too, the friendly impulse felt, And interchanging social visits paid."
This was true professional courtesy, a quality in which too many modern teachers are much lacking. and yet, by it, they may help each other greatly. By using the opposite quality many succeed among credulous patrons in exalting themselves at the expense of fellow teachers who are equally deserving of respect and confidence.
In the spring of 1832 Joseph Shreve closed his school, and published a poem on its conclusion, and also one on the conclusion of the previous winter's term. These were read with interest by all of his friends and pupils, and they will, with many persons, awaken pleasing reminiscences. From them some quotations have been given in this history. He was induced to teach again the next winter. Having commenced the study of medicine at some time pre- vious to this, he then retired from the profession of
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
teaching, and, for several years, was a successful physician at Mt. Union. He died in 1846. He was one of the best teachers of his day, and, it is a great misfortune, that such persons as he so seldom find encouragement to make teaching a profession for life. Love of science and literature, combined with good wishes for the moral culture of the youth, lead many persons into the profession of teaching, but, after a few terms, poor pay and lack of appreciation causes them to seek a business more lucrative and less vexatious.
The next teacher was Isaac Trescott. He kept two or three winter terms. After him came Wil- liam Holloway, Josiah Cameron, Clayton Lamborn, J. W. Cattell, Jacob Branson, and Moses D. Gove. These had under-teachers, and all of them had pretty good success, and rendered much benefit to their charges. But, during their administrations the inter- est of this school gradually declined, while other schools in the town gained interest and popularity.
"In the first schools nothing was taught but read- ing, spelling, writing and arithmetic. In the schools kept by J. Tollerton and D. Stratton, grammar and surveying were taught. In J. Shreve's school the additional branches were geography and astronomy. History, the highest branches of mathematics, and the natural sciences were much taught after the adoption of the Union system, and to some extent before."
The first schools were made up by subscribing an article of agreement, prepared by the teacher. Each subscriber agreed to send and pay for the tuition of one or more pupils. The usual rate in the first
*Annual Report for 1876.
REUBEN MOMILLAN.
49
SCHOOLS.
schools was $1.50 per quarter, for each pupil. Some teachers did not get more than $1. In 1830 some of the best teachers received $2 per pupil, and then the terms arose gradually to what they now are in select schools and academies. Prior to the adoption of the graded system, it was customary to have school on every alternate Saturday, and twenty-four days of teaching then made a school month. In the first schools the teachers made their own specific regula- tions; there being then no directors or examiners to ascertain the teacher's qualifications.
About the year 1840 and a few following years, by the doings of some inefficient teachers, the schools became demoralized. In 1843 Reuben McMillan kept a term with good success. Then, Lewis T. Park, during two or three years of teaching, raised the schools to a condition of much respectability. After some changes Jesse Markham, an accomplished teacher, was engaged. He commenced in 1846 or 1847. While he was here the Union system was established. The old building at the corner of Green and Chestnut streets was taken down, and, in its place, a new one built (since turned to other purposes). Some rooms in other buildings were used for primary departments. This new house, and the support of a corps of teachers then employed, required a larger school tax than the Salem people had ever paid, hence there was much opposition to it. This was made to vield, and the school set into operation. "William McClain, who had been the principal of a High school on Green street, was engaged by the board of education to take charge of the High school under the graded system. Mr. Markham was also employed to superintend all the grades below the High school."
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
In 1854 the board of education appointed Alfred Holbrook superintendent. He was with the schools one year. He was afterwards principal of the Nor- mal school at Lebanon, Ohio. He gave one hour extra labor per day to induce the board to allow him three hours per day for superintending the several departments. From three departments he reorgan- ized the school into six departments, giving each teacher the exclusive charge of about forty pupils.
Reuben McMillan was the next superintendent and principal of the High school; and he continued in that office six years. Afterwards he had a successful career in the Youngstown schools. Then he passed the remainder of his life in Canfield, as a much hon- ored superintendent of the profession.
He said of his employment here: "I found the schools in good running condition, as left by my pre- decessor, Mr. Holbrook. I found a good corps of teachers, and an energetic wide-awake set of pupils, that would have done honor to any town. During my connection the number of pupils increased so that new rooms had to be rented and occupied till the new building on Fourth street, commenced in 1860, could be finished "
In 1861 the board elected Mr. H. H. Barney as superintendent. He was the first commissioner of education for the state of Ohio. He continued in this place a little more than a year. Under his admin- istration a list of rules and regulations was prepared and published. Mr. Barney was succeeded by Mr. Cummings, who continued with the school about a year and a-half. Ill health closed his school labors. He resigned in March 1863. Forthwith the board elected William D. Henkle.
-
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SCHOOLS.
"On the 16th of August, 1864, W. D. Henkle entered upon the duties of superintendent, and con- tinued to serve for eleven years, except two years from 1869 to 1871, when he served as state commis- sioner of schools; which office he resigned, and then returned to Salem. While absent his place was filled by Prof. Moses C. Stevens, principal of the High school, who conducted the schools without any change of plan. In each of these eleven years the superin- tendent prepared, and, the board caused to be pub- lished a sixteen page pamphlet giving full statistics of the schools, thus making the record complete for these years."
" The High school, of Salem, was organized imme- diately after the adoption of the graded system in 1853. Previous to its organization, select schools of a higher grade had been very extensively patronized by the town and surrounding country. In these, the higher branches of mathematics seem to have occu- pied a prominent place, and continued to do so after the change. As a rule, the classics and studies relat- ing to languages have found less favor among the Friends, the early settlers and fashioners, to a great extent, of public sentiment in Salem, than mathe- matics and natural sciences. "
"The High school, from its earliest days, main- tained a high order of excellence, both in discipline and acquirements; its pupils were taught to think, to compare, to judge for themselves, to regard the educa- tion of the school-room as a means rather than an end. "*
Captain Wmn. S. Wood was next elected to the superintendency. He had been in the same office at
*Annual Report for 1876.
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
Findlay, Ohio. Several changes were then made in the course of study in the High school, the grading, and the mode of conducting examinations. He con- tinued in office here two years.
George N. Carruthers wasrext engaged, and he continued here ten years, and then betook himself to farming. He kept the character of the schools fully up to what they had previously attained, and gave a start to some greater proficiency in their economy. In his annual reports he made some very good and appropriate suggestions. The following are quoted:
"The state, at public expense, has provided a school of reform, designed to save boys from the vicious influences of the street, when, by their con- duct and want of parental control, they are beyond the influence of the common public school."
"When such vicious, or immoral boys and girls are suspended from the public school for the protec- tion of the innocent, it is a serious question whether they should be reinstated without the fullest investi- gation on the part of the board. It is easy to make promises, and just as easy for this class to break them. There should be a reformatory department in connection with every public school. The vicious thereby might be saved, and the innocent protected, and patrons of the public schools relieved of much anxiety. "
"The teacher is the head-the heart of school- work. The board of education having no more responsible duty to perform than when they elect a person who shall influence the mind, manners and morals of susceptible children for days, weeks, months and years together The community have no more responsible duty to themselves than when they elect
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SCHOOLS.
a board of trustees to take charge of these most sacred matters. "
"I am constrained as much, or more, by a feeling of sympathy for the school children, as well as from a sense of duty to them and the public, to call the attention of the school officials, as well as the public, to the manner in which the school rooms, filled with eight hundred boys and girls, are seated, heated, lighted and ventilated. I would also call attention to these important matters in view of the prospect of a new school building, which the people so promptly voted for last spring, and which they are anxious to see in process of erection."
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