USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Annual of the Bradford County Historical Society, 1906 > Part 20
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History of Troy Schools.
Paper by Mrs, Sarah Willett Before Special Meeting of Bradford County Historical Society, April 26, 1910, at Troy, Pa.
T HIS paper makes no pretense to thoroughness of investigation. It is an attempt to give merely an impression of the school history of Troy, especially of the old Academy. So brief a narrative is mainly a work of selection, and, perhaps no two persons would agree upon what to put in and what to leave out. I have laid emphasis upon those teachers, whose achievements seem most important, judging by the clearness with which they are recalled after so long a lapse of time. It is not possible for any one without experience to realize how difficult it is to obtain satis- factory data upon which to base an authentic history. The records of Troy's past are few and meagre, and furnish but little information. Files of old newspa- pers have been searched, pages of old journals have been diligently scanned, and while they give much informa- tion concerning the social and business life of the town they contain little of a purely historical nature. Old friends have been questioned, but many of those who
History of Troy Schools.
could have given important data concerning the early history of our town have ended their earthly labors. Some will probably be disappointed that names have been omitted from this history, but I trust that they will believe, that as honest an effort has been made to pre- pare a complete record as was possible under the circum- stances.
In nearly all the early settlements of this country the church and the school were the earliest established in- stitutions, built in the clearings as soon as the population warranted their rude construction. Troy was no excep- tion to this rule. Probably the oldest institution of learning in this vicinity was the Old Shad school house, situated west of the Burlington road about half way be- tween Major Long's and Esquire Allen's. It took its name from the weather-vane in the form of a fish which surmounted the building. One of the earliest existing documents relating to our town is the following, dated November 5, 1823: "At a meeting of a number of inhab- itants of the vicinity of Lansingburgh at the school house, to devise or fix some plan for finishing the said school house, thereby making it more comfortable for our chil- dren, and we, the proprietors, the more applauded by foriners. Voted unanimous that we finish off the school house. Proceeded to sine for the purpose above men- tioned, and then voted that after the subscription is ex- pended to proceed in finishing off the same, and we are bound to pay in proportion to what we have already sined. To be superintended by Almerin Herrick. (Signed) Laban Landon, chairman ; Elihu Case, secretary."
The accompanying subscription is signed by A. Her- rick, Churchill Barnes, John Dobbins, Elihu Newberry,
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History of Troy Schools.
Zoraster Porter, Benjamin Oviatt, Isaac N. Pomeroy, Vine Baldwin, Elihu Case, Ansel Williams, Abraham Case, James Lucas, Daniel Gregory and several others. Opposite each signature there were placed three columns -one for the number of days' work subscribed, another for the number of bushels of wheat, and a third for the number of feet of lumber. There is also a column for subscription in money, but all the contributions are in the other columns. Dr. Almerin Herrick's subscription takes the lead, with eight days' work, two bushels of wheat and ten pounds of iron. Elihu Case's subscription is one day's work, 200 feet of boards and ten pounds of iron. Vine Baldwin's twenty pounds of 4-penny and S- penny nails, and twenty pounds of iron. The old school house stood on the present site of the meat market. Forty years after its erection it was bought by Bryan Hanaway and moved to the lower end of Elmira street, to make room for the new school house, which, converted into a meat market, still stands on the old site.
The Mckean Female Seminary was founded about 1838. It was situated on West Main street, on the site of the double house now owned by Mr. N. M. Pomeroy. The building served the double purpose of school and church, and is now used by Mr. Lyman Oliver as a barn. It was named from Gen. Samuel Mckean, by whom it was endowed in his will. How much, if anything, was realized from this fund is uncertain. In the year 1839 Miss Mary Sayer was principal, and the following men composed the board of trustees : Reuben Wilbur, I. P. Ballard, O. P. Ballard, C. Barnes, I. N. Pomeroy, Charles. Orwin and Elihu Newberry.
The Troy Academy was built in 1840. This date is
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History of Troy Schools.
fixed positively by Mr. N. M. Pomeroy, who remembers, as a boy, the spirited political campaign of that year. He remembers one political meeting, in particular, held in the academy, which had so nearly reached completion as to lack nothing but the seats. At this meeting the audience was worked to a high pitch of enthusiasm by the cry, "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too." The famous singers, the Bird brothers of Smithfield, helped too, to augment the popular enthusiasm. When finally a pro- cession was formed, headed by a band, which marched to the old Eagle hotel, where more speeches were made and more songs sung. Nothing was lacking, so thought that small boy, to make it the most glorious occasion ever known.
The academy was built by James Riddle, under the direction of Colonel Pomeroy. Among those who orig- inated and aided in this undertaking, were Colonel Pom- eroy, V. M. Long, Francis Smith and S. W. Paine. In 1842 it was incorporated, and for some time received aid from the state, but this was not its only means of sup- port. Its chief revenue was derived from the tuition- bills of the students paid in the good coin of the govern- ment. This old building was long the center of culture for a wide extent of territory. Occupied now as a dwell- ing house, it still stands in its original position on Paine's Hill, overlooking the village from the east.
The academy was opened in 1842. The first principal was Rev. Freeman Lane, an Episcopal clergyman. From the pages of the Democrat Analyzer, published by O. P. Ballard, May 26, 1842, the following notice is taken : "Preparations are being made for the opening of the Troy Academy on the second Monday of next month. Rev.
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History of Troy Schools.
F. Lane of Montrose is engaged as principal, a gentleman highly recommended as a teacher. If the patronage of the school depended upon the rates of tuition, we should fear it would be quite too liberal. We hope to see it flourish, and all that is now wanting is scholars, and there are plenty of them who need these advantages." Mr. Charles C. Paine was the second principal, who had for his assistant a Miss Greenough, afterwards Mrs. Charles Lamb, who died only a few years ago.
The third principal was Mr. Ezra Osden Long. The curriculum was, for that day, an unusually liberal one for quoting from the journal of Mr. Long, we have this record : Commenced the second term in the Troy Acad- emy, August 18, 1845. Miss Margaret Eglin, assistant teacher, takes charges of the primary department, hears a class in botany, and gives lessons to a small class in drawing and painting. That Mr. Long took an interest in all matters pertaining to the general culture of the com- munity, is proved by another extract. After spending a short time perusing Guizot's History of Civilization went to the academy, where I found a small audience assembled for the purpose of listening to a discussion of the following question : " Does Civilization Conduce to the Happiness of Mankind" ? and an address from J. M. Shepard. The question was discussed by E. O. Long and F. Smith upon the side of the affirmative; J. M. Shepard and S. E. Al- vord on the side of the negative. The question was de- cided in favor of the affirmative. Mr. Shepard's address -subject, "Progress of the Human Race," was very good. He received a vote of thanks from the audience. We are indebted to the pages of Mr. Long's journal for a little glimpse into the political agitations of the times.
History of Troy Schools.
He writes : Attended the Whig caucus. Alonzo Long and T. B. Baldwin were appointed delegates, and were in - structed to go for Dobbins for sheriff. Caucus held at the Eagle hotel. The Loco caucus held at the Troy House, appointed S. E. Shepard and A. Pierce delegates, with a resolution to use all excusable means to procure the election of E. Aspinwall to the office of sheriff, pro- vided Chester Thomas was not nominated for that office.
I regret that he does not give a complete list of the students, but that the school continued to grow in pros- perity and, consequently, in numbers. I gather from the following entry : Had an increase of four scholars in the forenoon-S. Freeman, Augustus Pomeroy, Mar- shall Hazard and Edwin Williams. The Journal closes with the date, October 10, 1845, when he writes : John A. Liddell arrived this afternoon for the purpose of going into the Troy Academy. Mr. Long then began the study of law with the Hon. David Wilmot of Towanda, and just as he was about to be admitted to the Bar he suddenly died. He was graduated from Union College, and was made during the first year of his course a mem- ber of the Kappa Alpha society, a fraternity founded in 1825 at Union College, and the parent of the present great system of college fraternities. A paper still pre- served in the Long family certifies that Ezra O. Long has been admitted to the K. A. fraternity, on account of his literary attainments and his moral character. There are still residents of our village who distinctly remember Mr. Long, and recall those qualities which strongly en- deared him to all his friends. Miss Eglin continued as assistant to Mr. Liddell, and also for a time was associ- ated with Ambrose Axtell, who succeeded Mr. Liddell.
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History of Troy Schools.
An advertisement of the Academy appearing in the Troy Banner for the year 1845 states that Miss Eglin was chosen for this position, because strongly recommended by the Athens Academy. Miss Eglin was succeeded by Miss Ripley of Owego.
The following is an advertisement of the Troy Acad- emy, which appeared in the Troy Banner, for the year 1846 :
" R. Ambrose Axtell, Principal. Miss Frances C. Ripley, Assistant.
The trustees take pleasure in announcing that the Acad- emy is in successful operation under the immediate charge of Mr. Axtell, who maintains the character of a popular and successful teacher. Feeling confident that the manner in which the Academy is conducted will en- able it to take that rank among the institutions of the state, to which its peculiar advantages entitle it. They are happy to recommend it to all who are desirous of ob- taining a thorough English education, or of pursuing the classics and more ornamental branches of Polite Litera- ture, as no pains will be spared on the part of the teach- ers to afford every facility to those who shall claim their attention as members of the Academy. They cannot but congratulate the patrons and friends of this institution upon its flourishing condition at the present time, and the reputation it sustains for thorough and strict discip- line, which alone can enable any institution to be bene- ficial to those intrusted to its care for the purpose of in- struction. The services of Miss Ripley, who enjoys the reputation of being a superior teacher, having had suffi- cient experience and possessing a just knowledge of the youthful mind, have been procured.
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History of Troy Schools.
Drawing and Painting.
Miss Chamberlain is connected with the Academy for the present term, as teacher of Drawing and Painting, in its several varieties, who will be happy to render all assist- ance in her power to those who may wish to acquire this useful accomplishment.
Tuition for Term : Primary Branches, $1.50. Common Branches, $2.50. Higher English Branches, Geometry, Surveying, Chem- istry, Natural Philosophy, Botany, $4.00. Classics and Modern Languages, $5.00. Drawing and Painting, $3.00 to $5.00.
Board can be obtained in private families from $1.00 to
$1.50 per week.
F. Smith, President. S. W. Paine, Secretary."
This brings us down to 1848, when H. Boardman Smith was principal, and his sister, Grace, had charge of the primary department. Mr. Smith was noted for the strictness of his discipline. A lady of our town, who as a very young child attended his school, has told me that she stood in such awe of him that she hardly dared raise her voice above a whisper. One day, Mr. Smith, look- ing sternly at her, said : "Miss Emma, you are going to be a great expense to me, for I shall either have to buy a speaking trumpet for you or an ear trumpet for myself."
The Kellum family were next in succession. Mr. John H. Kellum as principal, his sister, Augusta, as teacher of the primary department. and Mrs. Kellum as music teacher. These were accomplished and charming people, and when Mr. Kellum removed to East Bloom- field to take charge of the Academy there, he was ac-
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History of Troy Schools.
companied by Emma Pierce, Charles Paine (afterward Dr. Paine) and Clarence Williams.
The next principal was P. S. Ruth, who also served the congregation of the Episcopal church as rector. It has been said of Mr. Ruth that he had a withered arm, but he was generally accorded a sound head.
Next comes Dr. Pratt, who seems to have been music- ally inclined, as he set all the boys and girls singing the multiplication table, and geography was learned in the same fascinating manner. A former member of his school, speaking of him the other day, sang for me this ditty :
" Erie, Adams, Mckean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne."
Mr. J. H. Calkins writes me: "I think that there was no school in the Academy from the Spring of 1854 to the Fall of 1856."
"During the Summer of 1856 the building was repaired and the school commencing that Fall was conducted by Hiram C. Johns, who had as his assistant the first term a Miss Seymour ; for the second term his assistant was Albert C. Hopkins. Miss Lydia Long was both pupil and teacher of music in the school at the time. The re- pairs had been made so late, that at the commencement of the school the varnish on the seats had not had time to harden ; so if the scholars did not stick to their lessons they certainly did to their seats. At these terms of school my particular chums were Robert F. Redington, W. H. Carnochan, Ansel Williams and Benjamin F. Beebe. Our especial delight was our Debating Club, with the pretentious motto, "Eloquentia mundam regit." A rather odd character by the name of Kilburn belonged
History of Troy Schools.
the club. One night we were debating the Slavery question, then the absorbing topic. Beebe was arguing the pro-slavery side, when Kilburn grew indignant and accused Beebe of wishing to make slaves of all poor men. Beebe, without changing a muscle of his face, turned to Kilburn and said: "I would like to ask the gentleman what right a man has to be born poor "?
Hon. Albert C. Hopkins writes : "My knowledge of the schools of Troy is confined to the memories of the single winter of 1856 and '57, during which I acted with Prof. H. C. Johns as teacher to the attendants of the Troy Academy during one term. If my memory serves me correctly, we had 101 students of various ages and attainments, some being quite advanced. I had been at- tending Alfred University and Mr. Johns was a class- mate. I remained only one term, and that was the first and the last of my school teaching. I have always considered that winter as one of the bright ones in my life, and have always maintained most pleasant relations with many of the students, whom I have ever counted as my friends." Mr. Johns was succeeded by J. J. Crandall, with Miss Wilmot and Miss Mary Bowen as his assist- ants.
Rev. Sidney Mills was principal during a part of the year 1857 and during the year 1858. Besides teaching in the Academy he put in his spare time as minister to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mills, who was a superior elocutionist, set all the boys to speaking pieces, a kind of torture comparatively unknown up to this time. The girls, too, had troubles of their own, for they were put to writing compositions, and while to their friends Friday afternoon may have been a time of diversion, to the boys
History of Troy Schools.
and girls it was a time of keenest anguish. Prof. Charles A. Daniels was principal of the Academy during the years 1859, 1860 and 1861. He was assisted during these years at longer or shorter intervals by Mrs. Dan- iels, Miss Kilburn and Miss Eliza Smith.
My own education began under the tuition of Professor Daniels, and I am glad of an opportunity to express my appreciation of the culture and great ability of this re- markable teacher. I am only one of many upon whose minds he has left an indelible impression. He had but few rules, but these were rigidly enforced. M. Y. O. B. in large letters stand at us from the blackboard. If our attention flagged or our eyes wandered from our book, the mention of these cabalistic letters, or even a glance at the blackboard was sufficient to recall our wandering attention. To be absent from school was almost un- heard of, while to be late was a disgrace to burn into one's very soul. Old students will recall the miscellane- ous questions that were given out one Friday to be ans- wered the next, and which converted each of us into an animated interrogation point. Journals were kept by the students, which cover the entire period of Mr. Daniel's stay in Troy. These have been sent to me, but they have proved rather sad reading, so few are left of those happy boys and girls, who assembled at the ringing of the nine o'clock bell.
Mr. John A. Parsons, a former pupil, says : "Prof. Daniels possessed marked ability, and as an educator was held in high esteem by his scholars." Mrs. Lydia Oli- ver writes : "To me the lovely part of Mr. Daniels being ing in Troy, was not an incident here and there, but the feeling which clings to me in age that he brought some
-
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History of Troy Schools.
indefinable beautiful influence into my life, which has always brightened it and made me better and happier for having known him."
Professor Daniels went from Troy to Malden, Mass., where he is now completing his 47th year of service in the city as teacher, principal of the high school and su- perintendent of the schools. At the close of the present year he will have completed his 56th year of teaching. The city council of Malden honored him last year by naming their largest grammar school, which had just been completed, the "Charles A. Daniels School." Pro- fessor Daniels writes : "Mrs. Daniels and I formed many warm friendships in Troy, which we have often recalled with much pleasure."
Professor Cowdry, assisted by Miss Whitney, had charge of the Academy during the year 1862, and Mr. Goss a few months in 1863. Prof. F. N. Corss was prin- cipal during 1863 and 1864. Miss Eliza Eglin was as- sistant a part of this time, and was succeeded by Miss Mary Crouch. Mr. Corss was a conscientious teacher, who was much beloved by all his pupils. After retiring from the principalship of the Academy, he took up the study of medicine. He was for many years a reputed physician of Kingston, Pa. He died April 1, 190S.
Professor Verrill came to Troy in 1865 from Maine, immediately after his graduation from Bowdoin College. He arrived one Saturday night, and the next morning he heard the announcement given from one of the Troy pul- pits : " A Mr. Verywell has arrived in town, and to- morrow will open the Academy at nine o'clock." Profes- sor Verrill went from Troy to Mansfield, where in the Normal School he taught for many years. This ends
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History of Troy Schools.
record of the old Academy. Soon after the graded school was opened, which absorbed all others.
Lack of time forbids me from entering in detail upon the history of the district school. This was open all this period, and at times with teachers so popular as to draw upon the attendance of the Academy. Among these, the influence of Warner H. Carnochan, who taught about 1858, is still recognized. It is said that it was through his influence that the study of United States history was introduced into the schools of Western Bradford, and that he was an authority upon that subject.
So much time has been consumed upon the schools of ye olden time, that the schools of the present must be dismissed with a few words. The Troy schools became graded in 1867. The successive principals are Profes- sors Johnson, Hutton, McCollum, Fleischer, Murray, Whatenecht, Gordinier, White and Dennison.
Hon. Thomas Burnside,
Second Judge of Bradford County.
Contributed by C. F. Heverly.
T HOMAS Burnside, son of William Burnside, was born July 28, 1782, near Newtown Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1792 his father came to America with his family, locating in Montgomery county, Pa., near Fairview in Lower Province. At the age of eighteen, Thomas com- menced the study of law under the Hon. Robert Porter of Philadelphia ; was admitted to the Bar, February 13, 1804, and in March removed and settled in Bellefonte, Pa. In 1811 he was elected to the state senate, and was an active supporter of Governor Simon Snyder in all the war measures of 1812. He was elected to congress in 1815, and served during the memorable session of 1816. On the 28th of June, 1816, he was commissioned president judge by Governor Snyder of the Eleventh Judicial District or circuit, composed of the counties of Bradford, Tioga, Wayne, Susquehanna, Pike and Luzerne. He resigned his position in 1818 (having presided over the several courts of Bradford county from September term, 1816, to May term, 1818, inclusive), and resumed practice at Bellefonte. In 1823 he was again elected to the state
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Hon. Thomas Burnside.
senate, of which body he was chosen speaker in 1825. In 1826, before his senatorial term had expired, he was appointed president judge of the Fourth Judicial Dist- rict, which office he held until 1841, when he was ap- pointed president judge of the Seventh Judicial District (Bucks and Montgomery counties). January 2, 1845, he was commissioned an associate judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, an office which he filled with honor up to the time of his death. It will thus be seen that both he and Judge Gibson were on the Supreme bench at the same time.
As remarked by Governor Cortin, who knew him inti- mately, "Judge Burnside was a man of indomitable will, and had that intensity of purpose which baffled want, poverty and ill-fortune. He came to Central Pennsylva- nia when it was comparatively a wilderness, without means or friends, and supplied the want of early educa- tional training by his energy and perseverance. His goodness of heart and open-handed hospitality soon sur- rounded him with a circle of steadfast personal friends, and his large and liberal views of progress with his lofty state pride made him a captain of men and a ruling spirit."
As a judge, he possessed a keen and discriminating sense of justice and extensive knowledge of the law and moral courage to carry its mandate into execution. In the language of one of his students, Hon. James McManus, " his great strength of mind, common sense and quick- ness of apprehension enabled him to grasp the main points of a case,and with a vigorous step and stately march he would clear away the rubbish technically, caring only for the justice of the cause before him." Mr. McManus
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Hon. Thomas Burnside.
relates on the occasion of some eminent visitor arriving at the judge's house in Bellefonte, Mrs. Burnside sent Mr. McManus for the judge, who was holding court at Lewistown. It was late in the week and a Canal case to try, the judge asked the lawyers to continue, to oblige him. They replied the case was important, the witness being from a distance. "Well, then go on; I will try it for you," said Junge Burnside. Taking a little time to get the facts accurately, he drove the case through and charged the jury, and was ready by the time he had fixed upon to go home, and, what was remarkable, his opinion was the only only one sustained of several which went up from several districts the canal passed through, involving precisely similar questions of law.
Judge Burnside took a deep and lively interest in all the public enterprises of the day-turnpikes, canals, railroads, and there are but few public improvements, whether in his own immediate neighborhood or the re- mote portions of the state, which do not owe much of their success to his exertions and influence. If ever he was biased on the bench, it was not by any delay caused by riots or tumults obstructing their progress even tempora- rily. The late Judge A. S. Wilson used to relate an an- ecdote, in point :- I was concerned when at the Bar for a poor Irishman, who, with others, had been convicted of a riot on the canol at Lewistown, to my utter surprise, and was called up with the others for sentence. "Why, I remonstrated with the court, the evidence shows clearly that my client was on the other side of the river when the riot took place." "It don't matter," said Judge Burnside, "if he could have gotten over he would have been in it."
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