USA > Ohio > Licking County > Granville > The history of Granville, Licking County, Ohio > Part 18
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As an outgrowth of the new enterprise in educational matters, a female department of the University began to be contemplated. Though not encouraged by a majority, the agitation led eventually to the establishment of a separate school in the same educational interest.
In 1859, Prof. John Stevens, who, since 1843, had been in
241
PROF. JOHN STEVENS - PRES. SAMSON TALBOT.
employment elsewhere, returned and was installed in the chair of Latin and Greek Language and Literature, and re- mained in that position until 1868, father and son sharing the labors of the department. The theological class was also revived, and the following year it was more definitely pro- vided for.
In 1863, Rev. Samson Talbot, D. D., was made President, and so continued until his death in 1873. He was an alum- nus of the institution, had acquired his education by stren- uous personal exertions, and was admirably adapted to fill the position. He greatly endeared himself to his associates by his humility and his affable, brotherly spirit. He com- manded the respect of his students, and died greatly beloved and lamented by all. His mind was of philosophic turn, he was an original thinker, and his heart being true to the Christian religion, he was invariably, if this can be said of any one, found on the right side. Almost simultaneously with his election, an effort was made to increase the endow- ment of the University. Up to this time $75,000 only had been given to the institution. Of this, $40,000 were still in possession. The remaining $35,000 had been consumed in the necessary running expenses of the thirty-two years the institution had been in operation, a trifle over $1,000 a year ; a small sum, as President Talbot intimates, to have been paid for the good accomplished by the College. An effort was at once made to raise $50,000 toward permanent en- dowment.
In 1864, Rev. Marsena Stone was made Professor of The- ology, and so continued to serve, without salary, until 1870.
As the Professors were inconvenienced by their inadequate support, the alumni came to the rescue by the pledge to fur- nish $800 yearly for the support of one of them. In pur- suance of the project of raising the fund for endowment, district committees were appointed over all the State, and the sum aimed at was increased to $100,000. An earnest endeavor was blessed with ultimate success.
242
PROFS. ALMON U. THRESHER AND L. E. HICKS.
In 1867, Alinon U. Threshier was made Professor of Rhe- toric and English Literature, in which capacity he still serves. In the following year, Professor John Stevens' chair was lim- ited to the Latin Language and Literature.
The Trustees took legal steps to conformn to the State law of 1852 for the incorporation of colleges and other institu- tions of learning.
A third building was added to the brick and mortar invest- ment of the College; a four-story brick building of hand- some outline, 135 feet long, of irregular width, from 32 to 66 feet, affording a chapel and recitation rooms, and accommoda- tions for 72 students.
In 1869, Lewis E. Hicks was made Professor of Natural Sciences, and so continues at this day. One hundred and three thousand dollars were reported as secured for the en- dowment. The friends gave thanks, took courage, and pro- ceeded at once to the effort of raising another $100,000, and in addition, $50,000 for buildings and apparatus.
In 1873, the institution sustained a great loss in the death of President Talbot, June 29th. He died at Newton, Mass- achusetts; the former home of Mrs. Talbot, whither he had gone for much needed rest. He died from long continued overwork, the beginning of the overtaxing of his powers being as early as his college days. His remains were subse- quently removed to Granville and deposited in the University Cemetery. Professor F. O. Marslı was made Acting Presi- dent, and so continued until 1875. John L. Gilpatrick was made Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and so remains at this time. Irving J. Manatt was made Profes- sor of Latin Language and Literature. Professor John Stevens, on account of the increasing infirmities of age, was permitted to retire on a salary.
The growing evil, so regarded, of college fraternities was nipped by forbidding any students becoming members, and leaving it discretionary with the faculty to receive or reject
243
PRESIDENTS E. B. ANDREWS AND A. OWEN, D.D.
any applicants who might come from other institutions, being already members.
The new endowment fund was reported complete, and efforts to raise more still went forward.
In 1875, Rev. E. Benjamin Andrews was elected President, and served until 1879. In 1876, Charles Chandler was made Professor of Latin Language and Literature, and so continues. In 1877, Rev. R. S. Colwell was made Professor of Greek Language and Literature, and so continues.
Mr. W. H. Doane, Doc. Mus., of Cincinnati, Ohio, an alumnus of the institution, at an expense of $10,000, erected a handsome building for the library and cabinets, which was named " Doane's Hall." It stands a little to the west of the other brick buildings.
Soon after the resignation of President E. B. Andrews, Rev. A. Owen, D. D., of Chicago, after a service of twenty- three years in the ministry, was called to the Presidency.
The University now enters upon a period, we confidently believe, of deserved prosperity. It has a well selected library of 12,000 volumes ; an exceptionally good cabinet of Natural History and Science; buildings as good as those of similar institutions in the State; a well invested endowment fund of $300,000 ; a full Faculty of scholarly men ; a history that infuses enthusiasm ; a Board of Trustees devoted to its interests ; and patrons that are well pleased with the work that is done there. It stands side by side with the first insti- tutions of learning west of the Alleghanies in all its appoint- ments.
The general catalogue of 1879 sums up the work of the past as follows: There were two hundred and forty-one alumni, of whom two hundred and eight were living. There were seventy-six ministers and sixteen theological students ; thir- ty-eight lawyers; eleven professors; twenty teachers, etc. Nineteen not graduates of the' collegiate department, had received the honorary degree of Master of Arts; nineteen of
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CATALOGUE OF 1879.
Doctor of Divinity ; six of Doctor of Laws; and one of Doc- tor of Music. Of the graduates, fifty-three have received the degree of Master of Arts; four that of Doctor of Divin- ity; one Doctor of Laws; eight are distinguished by the title Honorable, and three have become missionaries abroad.
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GRANVILLE ACADEMY.
CHAPTER XLI.
(FEMALE ACADEMY, MALE ACADEMY, FEMALE COLLEGE.)
It will be remembered that the colonists took immediate action to provide instruction for their children. They built a log school house, and employed Mr. Rathbone as teacher the first winter. The next winter the school was taught by Oliver Dickinson; the third, by Knowles Linnel; and the fourth, by a Mr. Perrin. It is related of this last that he used to carry his jug into school with him and frequently im- bibed of its contents. He was probably the last to teach in the old log house.
Miss Ruhamna Hayes taught a select school in the Masonic room in Esq. Gilman's new house, in 1810. The next year, December 16th, Dr. William S. Richards, then just arrived in the place, opened a school in the same room.
In 1810, the new frame school house came into use.
Dr. Southard taught the public school the winter of 1813- 14. He used to enforce his authority by threatening to give medicine to the recreant.
Mr. Sereno Wright succeeded him. His method of enforc- ing discipline was different. He used to divide the scholars into two classes, the meritorious and the otherwise. The. meritorious had certain privileges which were denied to the rest ; such as lectures on etiquette, military drill, practical lessons on the art of living, etc.
Miss Sophronia Taylor, afterwards Mrs. Gilman, taught in 1816. Misses Sally Baldwin, Emily Wolcott, and Mercy Boardman followed. Messrs. Kelley, Hall, Grosvenor, and McMillen taught previous to 1824, the new brick school house being in use.
Mr. Little's advent in 1827, was the occasion of a strong impulse being given to the cause of education. His wife was a woman of education, and both of them heard classes of
246
INCIPIENT LADIES' SCHOOL.
young ladies. Miss Mary Ann Howe, having been one of Mr. Little's pupils, opened a school for young ladies in the office of Dr. Cooley, a small building that stood in the eastern front corner of the Harris lot. Miss Emma Little, a sister of the pastor, succeeded Miss Howe with a school of the same character for two or three years.
Mr. Little says: "For two or three years about this time Dr. W. W. Bancroft and myself were self-made trustees to employ teachers, find a room where we could, and keep up the ladies' school." "In 1831, we employed Miss Mary Eells, a pious and discreet, as well as accomplished young lady, who exerted the best influence over scholars, and was ever ready to guide the inquiring mind to Christ."
A Miss Boardman, a relative of Dr. Richards, taught a school of both sexes in a room over the saddler's shop of Aaron McBride, at the northwest corner of Broad and Green Streets.
All this is historically introductory to the more advanced schools which followed.
In 1833, the need of a permanent and furnished room for the accommodation of the school became pressing. The Baptists were also nioving to the same end. As they were applying to those who had long been interesting themselves in school matters, for aid in putting up their building, it was supposed by the Congregationalists that they would unite with them, and allow both denominations to be represented in the Board of Trustees. A committee of three men was appointed to wait upon them with such a proposition. The reply was that such an arrangement would injure the repu- tation of the school among Baptists abroad.
Mr. Sereno Wright was then appointed a committee to see if a subscription for a building could be raised. He soon reported success and a site was purchased, being the south- west corner lot at the intersection of Main and Fair Streets, one street south of the public square. By July the frame was ready to be raised. Ere the work was begun, as the
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247
ACADEMY BUILDING.
men stood ready to stoop to their burden, "the blessing of Almighty God was invoked on the enterprise." In Decem- ber, 1833, the building, 42 x 28 feet, was so far completed and
GRANVILLE MALE ACADEMY.
furnished that Miss Eliza Foster, a descendant of John Rogers, of martyr fame, the teacher at that time, occupied the upper story. In April, 1834, the building was completed, dedicated, and out of debt, having cost $3000.
GRANVILLE FEMALE ACADEMY.
In 1834, Misses Elizabeth Grant and Nancy Bridges, from the school of Ipswich, Massachusetts, took charge, Miss Grant of the higher, and Miss Bridges of the primary de- partment. Miss Grant was afterward married to Dr. Burton, of Chillicothe, and in 1836, September 19th, Miss Bridges was placed at the head of the school. She was a lady of won- derful executive ability, and carried the school at once to the front and sustained it there.
March 14th, 1836, the school was chartered as Granville Academy, the Trustees being Rev. Jacob Little, Hon Samuel Bancroft, Spencer Wright, Esq., Knowles Linnel, Esq., Leonard Bushnell, William Smedley, Timothy M. Rose, Henry L. Bancroft, Ebenezer Crawford, Edwin C. Wright, and Dr. W. W. Bancroft, with perpetual succession, to be known as the " Trustees of Granville Academy."
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248
TEACHERS.
December 30th, 1836, the Trustees purchased the present site of the Female College, one and a half acres, and in the ensuing year the large four-story frame building, 68 feet front, with a wing 93 feet deep, was erected at a cost of $17,000. From the more complete organization of the school with a boarding department in 1834, and until Feb- ruary 9th, 1844, it was conducted as a manual labor school, the young ladies doing most of the work in the culinary department. Tuition was four dollars and a half per quarter, and board, on this system, eighty-seven and a half cents a week.
In 1842, Miss Bridges had become Mrs. H. R. Gilmore, still retaining her position as principal of the school, her husband taking the business management of the school.
In 1843, Misses Bailey, Arms and Hamlen had charge of the school, Miss Bailey being principal and the Board retaining the details of its management.
In 1844, it ceased to be a manual labor school, and there- after was generally conducted with a gentleman at the head.
In 1845, it passed to the hands of Mr. William D. Moore, in whose care it continued to flourish until 1854.
May 9th, 1854, a contract was made leasing the school to Mr. William P. Kerr. For eighteen years he managed it with great ability, and then sub leased it to Rev. George H. Webster.
In 1875, a corps of young ladies, Miss Maggie E. Theaker being principal, took charge of it; Misses Mary Converse, Abby Kerr, Eva Robinson, Maggie E. Theaker and Sadie Follett.
In 1877, Mr. Kerr again took the position, re-leasing it in 1879 for a term of six years. A system of steam-heating was introduced, each room having its radiator, regulated at the pleasure of the occupant, and all the halls being kept warm.
Aside from the above-named principals, the following have been prominent teachers, most of them for a term of several
249
CHANGE TO COLLEGE - MALE ACADEMY.
years. In the Academic department, Misses Sarah W. Dana, Hannah O. Bailey, Eliza M. Breed, Susan E. Arms, Lucy J. Hamlen, Caroline S. Humphrey, Freelove P. McIn- tire, Elizabeth G. Knowlton. Mary P. Oliphant, Sarah E. Haight, Amelia Bancroft, Julia F. Hammond. In the Pri- mary department, Mrs. Mary T. Bryan was a most successful teacher of sixteen years' service. In the Musical depart- ment were Mr. Horace Hamnlen, who served fifteen years, Mr. S. B. Hamlen, Misses Rosa and Abby Kerr, for shorter terms. Miss Helen Humphrey was at the head of the Painting department for four years. More than a hundred and fifty have been employed as instructors.
In 1867, the name of the Institution was changed to Gran- ville Female College, the course of study lias been enlarged and the fine arts are claiming more and more attention. It has developed the talent of a large number and sent them forth as teachers, particularly in the department of oil-paint- ing and instrumental music. The school has departed some- what from the original designs of its founders, but the changes have been well considered and in response to the demands of its patrons. It now stands among the foremost schools west of the Alleghenies in facilities for female educa- tion at reasonable rates of expense.
GRANVILLE MALE ACADEMY
Was simply the boys' department of Granville Academy. Rev. T. Harris had taught several young inen in the classics preparatory to a college course, and with a view to their studying for the ministry, beginning previous to 1809. Mr. Little had done the same thing. The select schools up to 1833, received both males and females. At that time, Rev. Joseph Fowler, a graduate of Yale College, had a school for boys only, in the chamber of the two-story building on the corner back of the Congregational church.
In 1834, Rev. Edmund Garland, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who was supplying the pulpit during Mr. Little's illness, gave more form and permanency to it, having a large 26
250
SUCCESSION OF TEACHERS.
number of classical scholars; among them Rev. J. F. Tuttle, D. D., of Wabash College, Hon. George B. Wright, Alexan- der Morrison, Esq., Hon. M. M. Munson and other profes- sional men.
When Mr. Garland turned his attention again to preaching, Mr. William S. Martin, a graduate of Middlebury College, took the school and retained the position of principal until his death in 1842. He was a man particularly adapted to the place. ' His scholarship was adequate, but his capacity to govern and draw out his scholars was his strongest point. Under him the Academy attained its highest reputation, drawing scholars from a great distance. He once left his school room in session time to follow a truant boy through the streets to the top of Mt. Parnassus, east of town, where he found him in the top of a tree. There he waited upon hin in kind and firm authority until the youth thought it time to surrender, and came down, went back to school, put his mind upon his books, and became a better boy. He would keep a youth at the blackboard, trying, studying, persever- ing, until he waked him up and made a scholar of him. In 1838, the school was held for a time in the stone basement room of the new Academy building, and when the female department took possession of the new building in 1838, the male departinent was carried to the rooms above, where it had its home so long as it continued to exist. That it might not be overshadowed, its interests were confided to a separate Board of Trustees. In the summer of 1842, Mr. Martin, feeling that his health required more activity, sought exercise in the hay-field. He overworked and brought on incurable disease, dying before the fall term of the Academy commenced.
His successors were Mr. Phinney, (1843); Rev. Jonathan Pitkin, (1844); Rev. J. M. Stearns, (1845); Mr. W. P. Kerr, (1847); Mr. Ezekiel Scudder, (1850); Mr. Rollin A. Sawyer, (1851); Mr. Osmer Fay, after a vacancy of one year, (1856); Mr. O. Howard, (1858); Mr. Henry Parker, (1859); Mr. O. B. Thompson, (1860).
251
TEACHERS OF VOCAL MUSIC.
For some years it was becoming manifest that the new High School in the common school system of Ohio was infringing upon the province of the academy, and making it more and more a labor to sustain the academy as a school of preparation for college, and the effort was abandoned. There have been times since when its friends would have resuscitated it, but no effort has been successful. The build- ing passed to other uses and the floating property was trans- ferred to the female department.
TEACHERS OF VOCAL MUSIC.
Judge Bancroft, so far as appears, was the first to teach music, which he did in connection with choir training, from 1805 to 1815. In leading his choir he used to sound the key note on a peculiar little hollow box instrument in the shape of a book, with a sliding lid in one edge. It was blown like a whistle, and the different letters of the scale were marked so that the lid being adjusted to the required letter its note was sounded.
Dea. G. P. Bancroft was probably the next prominent teacher, he also leading the choir fron 1815 to 1830.
Mr. O. M. Selden, from Granville, Mass., taught here, and at the same time in Lancaster and Zanesville.
Mr. Nathaniel Paige taught to some extent in the school districts around the village, as did also Mr. Thomas H. Bushnell.
Mr. Wmn. H. Brace, having a superb bass voice, was an ex- cellent singer and instructor.
Mrs. Jacob Little had a good knowledge of the principles of music, and gave instruction to a class of young ladies for the sake of training independent singers for the choir.
Mr. Freeman Haskell deserves prominent mention also as a successful teacher.
The name at the head of the list, however, is that of Horace Hamlen, who came here in 1831, and at once took a commanding position as a trainer of singers, and a leader of
252
MR. HORACE HAMLEN.
the choir ; in which position he was sustained until he vol- untarily retired from his life-long service.
In 1837, a Mr. Allen came to the place from Oberlin and taught during the winter, making quite an impression as a capable musician and a pious man. He started a good many children in singing, introducing some of them into the choir.
The people, however, returned to their interest in Mr. Hamlen, who had now been so long among them as to be counted one of them.
He was born in Plainfield, Mass., August 23d, 1810. His talent for music began to develop at twelve years of age. He attended singing school with his older brothers and sisters, learned all the music that was sung and developed a clear, strong voice. The next year he obtained an octave flute. He attained such proficiency in its use that he was often called on for music. At the age of seventeen, he was placed at the head of a military band just formed in the town, he playing the bugle. This position he retained until he started for Ohio, October Ist, 1830. When he was nineteen years of age the Governor of Massachusetts gave him a commission as Fife Major, of which he was very proud.
Coming to Ohio in 1830, he first stopped in Chester, Geauga County, where he spent two years. He was invited to Gran- ville, where the way opened for his permanent employment.
A Mr. Thorpe and others, connected with Granville College, for brief periods, taught music, leading also the choir in the Baptist Church.
In later years, Mr. Samuel B. Hamlen, son of Horace Hamlen, was prominent in musical instruction ; also Dr. Little's sons, Joseph and Alfred.
253
GRANVILLE FEMALE SEMINARY.
CHAPTER XLII.
BAPTIST, EPISCOPAL, BAPTIST AGAIN, YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE
The successful initiation of the college enterprise in 1830, awakened also an enthusiasm in the denomination for a Female Seminary. Mr. Sawyer erected a two story frame building on Broadway in the west end of the village, for a school building; and in the rear, on Water Street, another frame building for the boarding department, which, being on the hillside, was two stories high on the north side and three on the south. Mr. Poland and his wife, of Massachusetts, , were engaged as teachers, but could not come before the spring of 1833. Rev. H. Gear being on the ground as Home Missionary Agent, his wife was prevailed upon to take the school for the winter of 1832-33. She had twenty-five scholars. Mr. Poland arrived in the spring and took charge, but the sickness and death of his wife soon interrupted his work.
Then Misses Clark and Ingraham took charge, Miss In- graham being teacher of music. In connection with her in- struction, the first piano brought to Granville was in use. It was an upright instrument, probably of five octaves, having a large satin rosette for its facing. Very few in Granville had ever seen or heard such an instrument. They were not at all common even at the East. Miss Ingraham's performn- ances, as well as those of her scholars, both on public and social occasions, were great entertainments.
Miss Kimball was teacher of the primary department, and was succeeded by Miss Maynard. Miss Converse was the next principal, having as associates Miss Elvira Moore and Miss Josephine Going, a daughter of Dr. Going. Rev. S. B. Swaim was the last to have charge of it previous to 1839, when it was bought by the Episcopalians, and was then known as
THE EPISCOPAL FEMALE SEMINARY.
It was run for a time by a Board of Trustees, with Mr.
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THE EPISCOPAL FEMALE SEMINARY.
Mansfield French as principal. Rev. Alvah Sanford was soon called to take charge of it, first as Rector and head of the boarding department. The teachers associated with Mr. French were Misses Elvira Moore, F. C. Fuller, and Julia A. Pratt. Mr. John A. Preece was teacher of instrumental music, and Mr. F. S. Thorpe of vocal music. .
Miss Julia A. Pratt succeeded Mr. French as principal for a time.
Mr. Sanford soon bought the entire property; [1838-9] the Baptists retaining the right to be represented in the faculty by one teacher. Under his management the school flour- ished for several years. Associated with him as teachers were Misses Clara F. Johnson, Emily Adams, C. T. Aydelotte, Sarah S. Sanford, M. A. DeForest, Mary L. Huggins, and Messrs. Solomon N. Sanford and Horace Hamlen.
In 1848, Mr. S. N. Sanford bought the property, (Mr. A. Sanford retiring to his farm just west of town,) and con- tinued at its head with a corps of efficient helpers, until 1857. The chief assistants were: Misses Julia A. Pratt, Clara F. Johnson, Mary L. Huggins, Frances B. Johnson, Charlotte Mahon, Sarah S. Sanford, and Julia L. Huggins.
At that time Rev. C. S. Doolittell became Rector of St. Luke's Church, and he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Lindley, bought the school property and became responsible for the instruction. Among their helpers were Mrs. Lindley, Misses Dunlap, Chase, Thrall, Jarvis, Andrews, O'Dwyer, Larned and Sawyer. At the end of two years they removed the school to Mansfield, Ohio, and resold the property to the Baptists, and it became
THE YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE.
Meantime, Dr. S. N. Burton, Pastor of the Baptist Church, with the aid of Mrs. Burton and Mrs. S. S. Carter and Emma Stultz, had commenced a school of similar grade in the base- inent of the Baptist Church. The Professors of the Univer- sity also gave their assistance in the instruction as needed,
255
THE YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE.
without charge. Two classes were graduated ; the first, of two members, the second, of nine.
Rev. M. Stone, D. D., then came to the place, September 4th, 1861, and with the assistance of the church, who gave a bonus of $1000, purchased the property of Messrs. Doo- littell and Lindley, added a fourth story to the main building, and continued the school. He continued in charge until 1868, having as assistants Misses Carter, Clark, Corwin, Hall, Hankins, Berry, Jarvis, Snyder, Cox, Woodruff, Nichols, Potts, Abbott and Partridge. One graduating class numbered fourteen. A marked feature of the school was, that for sev- eral years, all the graduates were professors of religion. The alumnæ of the Young Ladies' Institute are counted from those graduated by Dr. Burton, no connection being traced to the school of 1834-38.
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