USA > Ohio > Knox County > Past and present of Knox County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 11
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In Union township there were no schools until several years after the real settlement had been effected that were not of the crude type and were taught in log cabins and at the homes of farmers. Among the earliest teach- ers may be recalled John Wells, and William Critchfield was another very early teacher who taught in a log building near the site of Millwood.
In the town of Fredericktown schools have always been good. Either Artemas Corbin or William Y. Farquhar taught the pioneer school at this point in a little frame building erected during the war of 1812 for a block- house. About the same time a school was opened in the cabin that stood
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on the old Columbus road, within the present bounds of Morris township, on the Benjamin Dowler farm. Alma Ashley taught there, also Curtis Allen. Among the first to teach were Asa B. Woodward and a Mr. Ashburn. Philo Doolittle, another pioneer teacher, erected him a house for dwelling pur- poses and had attached to it a school room in which he taught many terms of school. This building stood on the borders of the famous and ancient earth- work, near the public square. He taught "select school" there until his death, probably a quarter of a century in all. The next school building was near the block-house and this was a good sized frame structure and was used for school purposes for more than twenty years until a brick building took its place. Among the teachers of note in this building were Sturges, Wilcox, Horner, Duncan, Baugh, Elizabeth Duncan, Miss Roberts and others whose names are not now recalled by historic research.
The system of union or graded schools was established in 1852. Doctor Dwyer was made president of the board under the new system; Philo Doo- little, secretary, and S. W. Woodruff, treasurer. The school examiners at that date were Rev. John M. Farris, Philo Doolittle and Rev. H. D. Webb. After great pains and much expense to provide the thirty-eight by forty- eight-foot school building, of two stories in height, erected by direct taxation, a school was opened up in September, 1853, with William Mitchell, of Co- lumbus, as superintendent. Since then the school has been in successful operation and has turned out into the great field of life's action many good men and noble, highly educated women.
In Pike township the first school was taught by William Scoles in a portion of his own house in the southwest corner of section 13. The first hewed-log school building was on the land of Robert Kirkpatrick, the date being about the year 1833. The first brick house in the township was built on the Francis Popham property.
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY.
In Middlebury township schools have always been looked upon as the most potent factor in civilization. The early schools were "private subscrip- tion" in character, but the township was eager to establish the free school system and took an active and early part in so doing.
In 1880 it supported six good district schools and at a much earlier date boasted of an academy, "Westminster," a Presbyterian institution. It was situated in the village of Waterford and conducted by Rev. Robert Morrison and his brother, Prof. William Morrison, both from Kentucky. This school grew out of the division in the Presbyterian church over the subject of slav- ery and its proposed abolition. Those who were opposed to that measure
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started this institution (how short-sighted) to perpetuate their views and create public opinion for their cause. For a time it was well patronized, but after the civil war came on and, as a "war measure," as it was called by some, the slaves were declared free, this institution went down.
MOUNT VERNON COLLEGE.
This institution of learning is conducted by the Seventh-Day Adventists and was the outgrowth of the old Mount Vernon Academy. Many years ago there was a sanitarium established by this sect at this point, but in the con- ference held in Baltimore in 1893 it was decided to do away with that and convert the buildings into a school for the church. In the fall of 1893 the school was thrown open for pupils for Ohio, but many were admitted from other sections of the country. "Its object was to train workers for the cause of God." says their account of it. The missionary cause was chief in mind in establishing this academy. In 1905 it was thought best to enlarge and con- vert the academy into a college, and as such it was incorporated in March, 1905. It is within the Columbia Union Conference and takes in many states. There are more than two hundred Advent churches in this conference and a membership of six thousand people of this faith. The conference contains seventeen million people, hence the need for a college teaching the doctrines of the church, as well as other things to fit men and women best to serve their Master. Here one finds all that goes to make up a great college, conducted on modern plans. The buildings are brick and frame ; a power house, laundry, printing house, all heated by steam and lighted by electricity. There are libraries, laboratories, a museum, etc. Literary, scientific and normal courses are here taught; also music and nurse training departments are included in the things thoroughly taught here. None but Adventists in religious faith are accepted as students. There are now about one hundred and eighty stu- dents enrolled in this college.
The 1911 officers are : B. G. Wilkinson, president; S. M. Butler, secre- tary and treasurer; E. R. Brown, auditor. The college is an attractive place ; the fine campus and the surrounding landscape scenes are calculated to in- spire one with awe and reverence for the Creator of all things. Its location is to the east of Hiawatha Park, near the street car line from the city.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF MT. VERNON.
The history of the Mt. Vernon schools, private and public, date back to near the date of platting the village in 1805, more than a century ago. The early records are not in existence, if indeed there were any kept. But both
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newspaper files and well-founded tradition makes it quite certain that the following was about the chain of schools and the principal buildings that have been used for school purposes in the city, from its earliest day :
As a result of the determination on the part of parents in Mt. Vernon, a small log school house was erected on the southwest corner of the public square, near the line of High and Main streets, its size being about fourteen by eighteen feet and only one story high. It was covered with clapboards nailed on; it was lighted by small windows and heated by a large old-fash- ioned fire-place, with no furniture but the teacher's chair and rough slab benches for pupils' seats ; 'desks made of boards attached to the walls, inclin- ing inward and a little downward, on which the pupils placed their books and slates and copy books. Pupils all sat with faces to the walls and backs to the teacher. Such was the pioneer school house of Mt. Vernon. The only orna- ment in way of wall decorations was a map of the town of Mt. Vernon, drawn by the teacher with his pen, to exhibit his skill in wielding the little instrument which he took much pride in.
Among the very earliest to teach in this building was an Irishman named Thomas Irvine, who located here in the spring of 1811 and taught for a number of years. In 1816 came John Roberts, from Pennsylvania, and he soon became the teacher, continuing for two seasons. About 1818 or possi- bly a year or so later, this building was abandoned and where it had stood so long the market house was erected in 1832.
Another subscription paper was circulated for the purpose of raising money with which to build the second school house for Mt. Vernon. The committee purchased two lots on Mulberry street from John Williamson. By the united efforts of the subscription committee, the school trustees and the members of the Masonic lodge, a neat two-story brick building was erected on the lots just named, in 1818. The upper story was occupied by the Masonic fraternity, while the ground floor was for school purposes. But the money ran low and its walls were left unplastered and old log and slab benches were employed. same as in the log building, which condition obtained until more means could be raised. Joseph Chapman, brother of Judge Chap- man, taught several terms of school in this building. In it, also, were held the Sunday regular religious services, making it one of the most popular of buildings in the little village of Mt. Vernon. In 1824 it was resolved by the citizens to plaster the building. This was done under supervision of pioneer Henry B. Curtis, and the house was also comfortably seated. The central part of the school room was an open space, occupied by the teacher, and the classes when called out to recite.
After the general Ohio school law was enacted the schools were under the control of the trustees of Clinton township up to 1845. But, strange to
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relate, the common people did not take kindly to the new school law. In fact many kept their children at home rather than sanction it. Many of the more wealthy and aristocratic ones felt that they dare not allow their children to mingle with the rougher, poorer classes, hence they went back to the old select school plan. It really took many years to overcome this prejudice. In the meantime the select school and academy were immensely popular. Rev. R. R. Sloan established such an educational institution and it was conducted more than twenty years. Later, it was converted into a female seminary, which flourished for a few years and died a natural death for lack of attend- ance.
In 1845, when Mt. Vernon was incorporated as a town by act of the Ohio Legislature, the schools went into the hands of the mayor and council, each ward becoming a sub-district, the councilman being director from his district-ward. Old records show that in September, 1845, these directors met and agreed on paying the sum of twenty-two dollars per month to instructors who should provide themselves with a suitable room, fuel and furniture to be approved by the directors. It was also provided that when the district found any part of these school furnishings that the wages should be proportionately less. Another provision was that the people and the directors themselves should reserve the right to visit the schools and to cause the discharge of any teacher for good reasons, at any date in the term, when no further pay should be collected. After a time, the brick school building on the square, which was badly run down, was leased to Rev. R. R. Sloan and John K. True, for educational purposes, with the understanding that it should be suitably re- paired. Thus the old building was leased for a term of fifteen years, and the schools of Mt. Vernon forever taken from the hands of the mayor and town council.
The members of the board of education appointed by the town council met in April, 1856, Samuel Israel being president, and Joseph F. Davis was made clerk of the new board. In June, the same year, they resolved "That this board fix, as their estimate of the probable cost of a suitable public school building, the sum of ten thousand dollars."
An election was duly called and held and at such election there were five hundred thirty-eight ballots cast, of which all but thirty-two were favor- able for the erection of a union and high school, as it was then called. It also called for the purchase of lots known as the George W. True site, at a cost of four thousand five hundred dollars, which lots were eight in number. This being out of the way. the matter of fixing teachers' wages came before the board and it was decided to pay forty dollars to men and twenty-five to women, which was a great step forward and insured a good grade of instruc- tors, for those days. In October, 1857, the bids were opened for the erection
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of the new central or union school building. Out of eight bids, that of Henry Haller and Joseph Gardner was accepted. The building was to be completed in August, 1859. When all sized up and provided for use, the lots, building and furniture cost the city districts the sum of about thirty thousand dollars. William Mitchell was secured as the head of the first union school. He es- tablished four grades, primary, secondary, grammar and high school. The school year was fixed at ten months, the first term to begin in the first week in September. Thirteen teachers were then engaged and the new system pros- pered from the very start. In 1867 the grades were changed and a new course of study was introduced and later other necessary changes were effected.
In 1873 there was commenced a new two-story brick building, with four large, comfortable rooms ; this was finished in the autumn of 1874. This building was the one erected on a very fine, elevated site, at the west end of North street in the fifth ward of the city, purchased of Dr. J. W. Russell. Fowler & Armstrong were the main contractors.
In 1877 another neat two-story brick school house was built in the second ward, southeast corner of Scott and Vine streets. O. W. Hubbel was the contractor.
The above facts have been largely extracted from a lengthy article on Mt. Vernon schools written by Joseph S. Davis, A. M., about 1880, and brought the matters up to that date, which are of interest, coming, as they do, from one so well versed in school history here in Mt. Vernon.
Since 1877, when the last school house he speaks of was erected, there have been the following erected :
The old third ward school building was torn down in 1883 and a new structure erected, costing thirteen thousand dollars. This is on Chestnut street.
The fourth ward building was enlarged in 1892. This is near the Balti- more & Ohio depot.
The high school building, erected in 1858 at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, was added to in 1902-3, making it a very large, well planned school building and centrally located. It stands on the corner of Mulberry and Hamtramck streets.
The second ward school building was erected in 1877 on Vine and Scott (Jackson) streets.
The fifth ward, now called the Davis school house, was built in 1875-6 and is situated on Lamartine street. It was named in honor of Judge Davis, who served many years as a member of the board of education. It is still in use and a well preserved building, too.
At this date (October, 1911) the superintendent of the city schools, Prof. J. S Alan, gives the statement that the following have served as superin-
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tendents since 1879, when R. B. Marsh was in charge: 1879-83, R. B. Marsh: 1883-89. Jacob A. Shawan; 1889-1898, Lewis S. Bonebrake; 1898- 1905, John K. Baxter; 1905-07, Joshua G. Leland; 1907 and still serving acceptably. John S. Alan.
The total number of graduates in the history of the school, eight hun- dred and seven; number of graduates in 1911, forty-four.
There are now employed forty-five teachers in the city schools, thirty- five in elementary and ten in high school work. Prof. Alan receives the sum of two thousand dollars per year for his services.
SCHOOLS IN GENERAL.
At the close of 1910, Knox county had the following showing in the state school reports :
Number of township districts, III; separate districts, with elementary schools in, 8, and with high schools in, 9; total number of school rooms, 214.
The same authority gave the school property a valuation of almost $600,000.
As to the teachers employed at that season it may be stated that the total in the county was 210, and the wages run as follows: In the elementary schools men received $43 and women $41 per month; in the high schools men received $85 and women $65. The total different teachers that year was 215.
The county contained children of school age, 7,610; the grand total of enrollment was 5,705 for the 1910 school year. There were ten high schools in the county at date last mentioned, all doing excellent educational work. The total receipts for school purposes that year was $116,000.
The above is in marked contrast to other decades when the county was in a state of growth and development and school houses were few and far between. Knox may justly be proud of her common schools and other higher educational institutions. This people believe education is worth more to the child than an easy time and the possessor of many "golden spoons !"
HIGH SCHOOLS OF COUNTY.
Amity-Grades, three; salary of superintendent, $700; high school houses in district, one ; number of rooms, four ; teachers, four ; wages, $82.
Bladensburg-Salary of superintendent, $500; school rooms in district, four; value of school property, $2,500; teachers, two; average for wages, women, $42; men, $62.
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Centerburg-Grades, one; salary of superintendent, $1,500; school rooms in district, seven; value school property, $10,000; wages for men, $III ; women, $75.
College township-Grades, one; salary of superintendent, $800; school rooms of district, six ; value of school property, $35,000; wages men, $85; women, $45.
Danville, Buckeye City-Grade, one; salary of superintendent, $792; school houses in district, six; valuation school property, $30,000; wages, men, $100; women, $65.
Fredericktown-Grade, one; salary of superintendent, $1,200; school- rooms in district, ten ; value school property, $30,000; men's wages, $100, women's wages, $65.
Gann-Grades, two; salary superintendent, $588; schoolrooms, two; value school property, $3,000; wages of men, $75, women, $40.
Howard-Grades, three; salary of superintendent, $640; schoolrooms, four; value school property, $10,000: wages, men $74.
Jelloway-Grades, three; salary superintendent, $640; schoolrooms in district, three ; value of school property, $8,000; wages for men, $80.
Martinsburg-Grades, two.
Mount Vernon has special instructors as follows: Music, penmanship, and the wages for each teacher is, penmanship, $75; music, $85.
BOOKS IN LIBRARIES.
Amity
200 Fredericktown 1,800
Centerburg
1,000
Howard
380
College township
500
Jelloway
150
Danville-Buckeye City.
500
COLLEGES AND PARISH SCHOOLS.
In Knox county there are now the following colleges and parish schools : Kenyon College (Episcopal), with thirty-two students from other than the state of Ohio; expense to students aside from board, $125; located at Gambier, College township; founded in 1824; number instructors, fourteen ; number in attendance 1910-II, 125; volumes in library, 47,000.
St. Vincent de Paul (Catholic), located at Mt. Vernon, Ohio ; 25I students in 1910.
In Mt. Vernon is located a modern business college, where both sexes may receive a thorough business and commercial education.
The Mt. Vernon College is the latest school established, being the institution of the Seventh-Day Adventists. See its history elsewhere.
CHAPTER XII.
HISTORY OF KENYON COLLEGE.
By President William Foster Peirce.
The diocesan convention of the Protestant Episcopal church meeting in Novembe: 1824, at Chillicothe, Ohio, appointed a committee "in relation to the seminary," consisting of Col. John Johnston, Charles Hammond and W. K. Bond. This committee reported a constitution for the new institution and recommended that a committee be appointed to procure the passage of an act of incorporation.
The act of incorporation was passed by the Ohio Legislature on De- cember 29, 1824. By the provisions of this act the Right Rev. Philander Chase, the Rev. Messrs. Roger Searle, Intrepid Morse, Ezra B. Kellogg and Samuel Johnston, and Messrs. Bezaleel Wells, William K. Bond, John Johnston and Charles Hammond, and their successors, were constituted a body corporate and politic by the name of the "Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio," and to this body as a board of trustees the care and management of the seminary and its estate and property were committed.
An act, bearing date of January 24, 1826, supplementary to the first act. provided that "the president and professors of said semi- nary shall be considered as the faculty of a college, and as such, have the power of conferring degrees in the arts and sciences, and of performing all such other acts as pertain unto the faculties of colleges. for the encourage- ment and reward of learning; and the name and style by which the said degrees shall be conferred. and the certificates of learning given shall be that of the 'President and Professors of Kenyon College in the State of Ohio.'"
On March 16, 1839, an act was passed providing for the establishment of a college, and halls for preparatory education, committing the power of conferring degrees in the arts and sciences to the president and professors of Kenyon College, and the power of conferring degrees in theology to the president and professors of the Theological Seminary.
On August 19, 1891, in accordance with notice duly given, the corporate name of the institution was changed to "Kenyon College."
Amendments to and changes in the original constitution of 1824 have been made in the years 1826, 1839. 1857. 1872, 1881, 1904.
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PHILANDER CHASE, FOUNDER OF KENYON COLLEGE.
The first American ancestor of the founder of Kenyon College came over in 1640 from Cornwall and settled in New Hampshire. His de- scendant, Dudley Chase, the father of Philander, was the first settler at the place which he christened Cornish above Fort No. 4, on the Connecticut river. Philander. born December 14, 1775, was the youngest of fourteen children and planned from early boyhood to become a farmer, but his parents wished otherwise and sent him to Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 1795. The finding and study of a prayer book during his college course led him to enter the Episcopal ministry, in which he was ordained in 1798 by Bishop Samuel Provost, of New York. Although he was for a while com- fortably and happily settled at Hartford, Connecticut, his great energy and extraordinary force of character led him to seek work in the wilderness, so that in the spring of 1817 he undertook the perilous journey to Ohio. Trav- eling from early in March through July, he at last purchased a farm and accepted the rectorship at the little town of Worthington, Ohio. He re- ceived from the trustees of Worthington Academy the appointment of prin- cipal to oversee the destinies of that institution. He was elected bishop of Ohio, June 4, 1818, and consecrated in Philadelphia, February 11, 1819. In 1831 he resigned the episcopate of Ohio, became bishop of Illinois in 1835, and he died at Robin's Nest, now Jubilee, Illinois, September 20, 1852.
A friend writes thus concerning the Bishop :
"In height he was six feet and over; the span of his chest was nearly, if not quite, equal to his height. and with that noble trunk his limbs were in full and admirable proportion. In a crowd his giant figure, in front or back, excited, wherever he moved, universal attention. Large and heavy in stature as he was, he was remarkably light and graceful in his movements, and when not ruffled with opposition or displeasure, exceedingly agreeable, polished and finished in his manner. Towards those who betrayed hauteur in their de- portment with him, or whom he suspected as actuated by such a spirit, or who positively differed with him as to his policy, and especially toward those whom he looked upon as his enemies, he was generally distant and overbearing, and sometimes, when offended, perhaps morose. In his bearing toward them his noble countenance was always heavy and lowering, and his deportment frigid and unmistakably repulsive; but in his general intercourse, and always with his particular and intimate friends, his address and social qualities were pol- ished, delightful and captivating; his countenance was sunlight, his manner warm and genial as balmy May, and his deportment winning to a degree rare among even remarkably commanding and popular men."
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He is thus described by another friend :
"I first saw him, not long after his consecration, in the year 1819. He was then forty-four years of age. He was of large stature, tall, of clear, florid complexion, rather full habit, but well proportioned. His appearance was very striking and attractive. A stranger passing him on the street would instinctively turn to notice further his retreating figure. His manners were strikingly courteous and affable even to his inferiors. In powers of conversa- tion he excelled all persons whom I have ever known. In a large company he unconsciously became the central figure on account of his lively and in- teresting talk. I have seen a large roomful of people attracted towards him, even when occupying some obscure corner, to catch his words, which were addressed immediately to only a few. These personal and rare traits of the Bishop indicated a high degree of cultivation as well as Christian character, and perhaps constituted an element of success among the cultivated and re- fined people of England to whom he made his plea for aid in his great and holy purpose of founding an institution for the preparation of men for the sacred ministry."
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