History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 94

Author: George Dallas Albert, editor
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Of the visits by the superintendent, there were 302 schools visited once, 63 twice, 37 thrice, and 17 four times, an average of 3 per day, and he traveled 1440 miles in this duty.

The county institute met Oct. 1, 1867, and was in session five days. The greater part of the exercises was carried on and work done by our own teachers, with the assistance of Prof. R. Kidd, of Kentucky, Prof. Cooper, of Edenboro', Pa., and Gen. Frazer, of Bellefonte, Pa. There were 245 teachers present, out of 302 in the county. District institutes were held in each township once every two weeks, according to law. The text-books were confined to township uni- formity. Public sentiment was decidedly pronounced in favor of the common schools. The wages were: for males, from $28 to $55 per month, and for females, from $27 to $45.

From June, 1868, to June, 1869, there were 16 new school-houses built, at an aggregate cost of $40,000. Graded schools were beginning to be formed all over the county. The comfort of the scholars was attended

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to in a more marked degree, and neatnees was taken account of as well as durability. Modern desks and seats generally took the place of the old style of side- desks and benches. The walls were uniformly deco- rated with outline maps and charts, and a globe was put in each school-house built. There was an in- crease of 18 new schools, making in all 812 schools this year. More advanced pupils were in attendance, and the average attendance was 85 per cent.

The public examinations were held in the districts. At most of these the attendance was large, and a gen- eral interest was manifested in the teachers' welfare.

This school year the superintendent visited 815 schools once, 87 twice, 28 thrice, and rode 2121 miles. In these visits, at nearly every school-house, he was favored with the company of one or two of the direc- tors. The district institutes were held very generally and with tolerable success, but it was noticed that they were becoming unpopular among citizens and directors, on account, as was alleged, of the teachers neglecting their other duties and losing sight of the object they were instituted for. A hindrance was noticed and complaint made on account of the dis- tance many teachers had to travel to reach the place of meetings. This year 45 teachers held professional and 12 permanent certificates, the rest held provis- ional ones. On account of the low wages quite a number of the older teachers left their profession. Some dissatisfaction was caused by the employment of female teachers, so that in some districts they were entirely excluded from teaching winter terms. The average salaries were only thirty-five dollars per month. There were this year, for summer session, six normal training-schools, which continued in ses- sion 12 to 18 weeks.

The county institute was held at Greensburg, Dec. 26, 1868. The principal lecturers and instructors were Professor Byerly, Rev. A. B. Fields, and Hon. J. P. Wickersham.

While it was noticed and remarked by the super- intendent that the press was the best friend of the school system and the teachers, the pulpit did but little for their encouragement or advancement, and showed but little sympathy, and there were few visi- tations noted on the part of the clergy.

Mr. Walthour, in furnishing this desirable informa- tion, thus concludes in a candid and earnest manner his observations :

" Whilst we did not make all the improvement and advancement that our condition demanded, yet, all things considered, we did reasonably well, it having been my ambition in assuming the duties of the office of county superintendent to see the greatest possible improvement in those things pertaining to common- school work. But when I consider the enormous bur- dens imposed upon us at that time by the war, I can- not complain of the directors for not doing more. Taking the disadvantages into account, I can say that we all did well."

HENRY M. JONES was born in the eastern part of Salem township, Oct .. 28, 1828. In the fall of 1882 his father, Hon. John Jones, afterward an associate judge, bought a farm on Porter Run, in that township, and moved upon it April 1, 1833. He lived on this farm until May 21, 1872, when he died. In the fall of 1888, Mr. H. M. Jones commenced his common- school course in a school-house about half a mile north of his father's house, and continued going to school there during the winter season up to the spring of 1847. In the fall of 1847 he commenced teaching at the Elwood school, in the northern part of Frank- lin township. He taught this school two successive winter terms of six months each. In the fall of 1849 he took charge of the Concord school, in Loyalhanna township, and taught a term of six months. In 1850 he taught a five months' term at Harmony Indepen- dent school. During this time, in the summer sea- sons, Mr. Jones prosecuted his studies in the higher branches of the mathematics and in the dead lan- guages, under the immediate tutorship of his elder brother, Rev. John M. Jones, a theological graduate, and at present a pastor of a Presbyterian congrega- tion in this county.

In 1851 and 1852, Mr. Jones taught the Concord school again, and in 1853 a term of six months at Union Independent school. In 1854 he took charge of the Porter Run school, where he had received his pris mary education, and this school he taught eleven terms, nine of which were public and two select. During the time he had charge of the Porter Run school, in Salem township, he also taught four summer terms at Concord, and from the fall of 1868 till the spring of 1869 he had charge of this school. In 1869 he was elected superintendent of the common schools of the county for three years, at a salary of $800 per annum. In 1872 he was re-elected without opposition, and his salary increased to $1500.

His term of office as superintendent was.eminently satisfactory. He worked with untiring zeal towards the development of the system which he had so much at heart, and during his terms the system advanced far in perfection. From time to time in his annual report he made suggestions which evince his practi- cal knowledge and his foresight. Some of the defects which he pointed out have been corrected, others in time will be. One of these defects which was patent he seasonably corrected. He insisted with the teach- ers that English grammar should take up some of the exclusive attention then given to mental arithmetic, and within a few years he was gratified to see the fruits of his zealous efforts all over the county. He also early advocated a uniformity in text-books throughout the county, the want of which is to this day regarded by educators as a defect.

At the close of his official term, in 1875, he turned over the books and papers of his office to his succes- sor. He then retired from active school work for one. year, which he spent in the mountains of Colorado.

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In the fall of 1876 he again engaged in his favorite vocation at what he calls "our home school" (No. 1, Salem township), which he has taught every year to the present time. He has thus been engaged in public instruction since 1847, with the exception of the one year spent in travel and recreation.

H. M. Jones entered upon the duties of the office of superintendent of schools of the county June, 1869. There were then 812 schools in the county. During the first year the number increased to 815; 200 male teachers were employed, and 115 females. The cala- ries of male teachers averaged $44.12, that of females $84.47; average cost of instruction per month, 92 cents per scholar ; 882 applicants were examined, 28 of whom were rejected.

During his second year (ending June, 1871) 16 new houses were erected; number of schools increased to 821; 218 male and 108 female teachers were employed ; average salaries of male teachers, $43.85; that of females, $84.34; average cost of instruction, 92 cents per month; 422 applicants were examined, 80. of whom failed to come up to the grade.

Third year (ending June, 1872) : six new houses built; schools, 822 ; males employed, 218; females, 104; average salaries of males, $44.08 ; average salaries of females, $85.61; average cost of tuition per month, 90 cents; 450 applicants were examined, 99 of whom were rejected.

Fourth year (ending June, 1878) : 12 new houses built; schools, 829; male teachers employed, 197; females employed, 182; average salaries of males, $44.88; females, 884.60; cost of tuition per month, 81 cents ; 481 applicants examined, 90 of whom were re- jected.

Fifth year (ending June, 1874) : new houses built, 12; schools, 885; male teachers employed, 205; females, 188; average salaries of males, $45.55; females, $87.88; cost of tuition, 88 cents per month ; 400 applicants examined, of whom 92 failed.

Sixth year (ending June, 1875): 15 new houses built; schools in the county, 842; male teachers em- ployed, 212; females, 188; average salaries males, 48.50; females, $38.95; cost of tuition per month, 88 centa; applicants examined, 475, of whom 102 were rejected.

JAMES SILLIMAN was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Jan. 24, 1827. His father came from Ireland when a young man. His mother was of Quaker de- scent, born in America. He moved with his parents from Lancaster to East Huntingdon township, West- moreland County, in 1883, and he has since been a resident of that township. His mother having died when he was about seven years of age, he commenced work among strangers when he was about ten. His schooling until he was about nineteen was received at the common schools, he working nights and morp- ings in the winter for his lodging. From common schools he went several terms to high or graded schools, and subsequently to Mount Pleasant College.

He commenced teaching when he was twenty-one, and continued in this profession until 1875, when he was elected county superintendent to succeed H. M. Jones, Esq. Mr. Silliman, while being a professional teacher, is also a practical surveyor, and he has con- tinued to teach and survey since the expiration of his official term.

J. RAU SPIEGEL, the present superintendent of pub- lic instruction of Westmoreland County, was reared in East Huntingdon township, but born near Stuttgart, Aug. 27, 1847. His parents emigrated to this country in June, 1852, and settled in East Huntingdon town- ship, in which township they have been living ever since.

William Spiegel, the father, is a descendant of Frederick Spiegel, German orientalist and professor of oriental languages for many years at Erlagen ; he served six years in the German army, and he has a brother who is holding at the present time a high position under the German government.

Christina Rau, the mother, is a descendant of Karl Heinrich Rau, German political economist and pro- fessor of political economy and financial science for almost forty years at Heidelberg College. 'Mrs. Spie- gel is from one of the best German families.

Superintendent Spiegel's parents were very poor when they came to this country ; the father kept a family of five persons on forty cents per day. This. their children are not ashamed to acknowledge. When: seven years of age he first attended the public schools,. known as the Mennonite School, now Stonerville, ex-County Superintendent Silliman being his first teacher. In 1856 his parents moved to Bethany, into what is known as Pool's School District; in this dis- trict he received his common-school education. Among his teachers are J. D. Cope, J. A. Stevenson, M. O. Lane, Rev. Peter Loucks. At the age of thirteen he was elected assistant teacher in Pool's School, James Silliman, principal. At fourteen taught one term as assistant in the same school, J. D. Cope, principal. Taught the first public term at the age of fifteen, in South Huntingdon township, Gaut's School. Taught next in New Stanton; then at Hillside, Mount Pleas- ant township, three years in succession ; then at Louck's, now Scottdale. The following prominent positions he has filled as teacher : Principal of Mount Pleasant Public Schools, principal teacher Titusville Soldiers' Orphans', principal of Wilcox Public Schools, Elk County; principal of Wiconisco Public Schools, near Harrisburg; principal of Greensburg Public Schools. He received calls from the Boards of Direc- tors and Trustees of Williamsport High School and of several of our Normal Schools. He was married to Miss E. Jennie Thomas, Dec. 19, 1876. Mrs. Spiegel is a native of Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa., a teacher for several years.

Mr. Spiegel educated himself entirely; teaching in the winter, and attending school in the spring and summer. He almost completed a course at West-

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moreland College, now Mount Pleasant Institute, and finished his course at Mount Union College, Ohio, at which college he graduated in 1871.

PRESENT STATUS OF THE COMMON SCHOOLS.

At the present time, 1882, there are 898 common schools in the county and 852 houses, of which two- thirds are seated with what is known as the "im- proved furniture," and one-half are supplied with the ordinary school appliances. There are 54 school dis- tricts and 824 school directors. The average length of the school term is five and three-quarters months. The average salary is $84 per month. The average number of annual examinations, based on the current term of the present superintendent, is 22. The super- intendent announces these examinations by publica- tion in the newspapers about three weeks before they are held. The examinations are conducted in both the written and oral method. To these examinations there come annually about 600 applicants. In 1881 the superintendent granted only 882 provisional cer- tifentes, being aicut 16 fewer than there were schools in the county. This most certainly is an excellent indication of the high standard of qualification ce- tablished by the superintendent.

The educational progress of Westmoreland County within the last three years is largely due to the an- nual county institute and joint teachers' educational meetings held throughout the county. Superintend- ent Spiegel, in four years of his official life just passed, has expended almost $8600 towards the pro- motion of the teachers' work in having the leading lecturers and instructors of the land at the annual institute. The teachers and the large number of citi- zens who have attended have had the pleasure of hearing such lecturers as Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, Hon. Edgar Cowan, Theo- dore Tilton, Robert Bardette, and many other lec- turers and instructors of national reputation. The proceedings of the institute for 1881, which we give at length, will give an idea of the manner in which these have been conducted.

During the four years of Mr. Spiegel's superintend- ency he has made 1623 visits to schools, averaging one hour and a quarter in each school; traveled on an average twelve miles per day, which in these four years, including the annual examination tour, amounts to 7600 miles.

The teachers evidently manifest a profound interest in educational meetings. During the sessions of the county institute in 1881 there were in attendance 885 teachers out of 398. The citizens also manifested what might aptly be called an absorbing interest in these meetings. In many of the townships the direc. tors allowed their teachers the time while attending the county meetings,-this before the late act of As- sembly allowing them the time so spent as part of' their term.

As an example of the hearty manner in which Mr.

Spiegel conducts his work, and as a thing to be re- membered hereafter, the following "Remarks," as part of the programme of the twenty-fifth annual meeting of the institute, are retained :

"I need say nothing in behalf of car programme; it to the strongest in the State. Directors, patroni, and citieses, you are cordially invited to attend. Teschers, you are paid for the week ; let all be present; let every teacher fool that it is his or her duty to participate in the exer- chess. How many of car teachers can awaken the energy that will bring out classes of the cubeol-room to the fastitute, and the teachers of the respective classse exhibit their method of instruction and progress in a branch or branches proscouted by the papdin ? Specimens of paply' work-free-band, dotation, meg, elementary projection drawing, cle- mestary design of primary coboole, and specimens of poumonshty- are sollolted. Prises will be awarded for the above work, poesed upon by the committee. Course tickets rate as follows: Orchestra, 81.80; Dress Cirele, 81.26 ; Gallery, 81.00. Biagio admission tickets: Orchestra, 60 cents; Dress Oireie, 25 cents ; Gallery, 26 conta; except Thursday oven- ing, when they will cell: Orchestra, 76 conte; Dress Ofreie, 80 conte; Gallery, 35 cents. Due notice of the mie of tickets will be given. Becare your tickets and boarding carly.

The day sessions of the institute were held in the court-house; evening lectures in the Opera-House.

COUNTY TEACHERS' INSTITUTE, Proceedings of Theonty-fifth Annual Session.

Institute convened in Greensburg, December 26th, at two o'clock P.M., and was called to order by Bu- perintendent J. R. Spiegel. Devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. W. W. Moorhead. The proceedings were interspersed at proper intervals with music and prayer. Professor George H. Hugus, of Latrobe, was chosen secretary, and E. B. Sweeney, of Irvin, assistant secretary. O. O. Griffith, of Li- gonier, E. B. McCormick, of Irvin, and J. P. Algire, of Greensburg, were chosen as reporters for the sev- eral papers of the town. Institute then fixed the time of holding sessions. Morning session, 9 A.M. to 12 M. ; afternoon session, 1.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M .; evening session (lectures), 7.80 P.M.

Professor John J. Ladd, of Waynesboro', Va., was then introduced, who addressed the teachers with some very interesting remarks on schools and insti- tute work, founded on an experience of thirty-eight years. Secretary Hugus then proceeded to the call- ing of the roll. A number was given to each teacher, to which they were afterwards to respond. The music of the institute was conducted by Professor John R. Francis, of Greensburg.

EVENING SESSION .- Superintendent Spiegel intro- duced to a very large and appreciative audience the Hon. John Latta, of Greensburg, who greeted the teachers in a lengthy address, referring in feeling terms to the importance of the teachers' work and the accountability of the teacher. Terse responses were then made by Messrs. Sharp, Deemer, Chamber- lain, Jones, and Silliman.

The lecturer of the evening, Professor J. J. Ladd, was then introduced, and held the audience almost an hour on the subject of" parent, teacher, and pupil,"

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in which he illustrated his firm belief in the opinion that men are born for their callings, not made.

TUESDAY MORNING SESSION .- Institute convened at 9 A.M., Superintendent Spiegel in the chair, who appointed committees on journals of education, draw- ing, and spelling.

Discussion-Is it good for a school to be frequently visited by strangers? Participated in by Professors Henry Hohenchell, Stevenson, Chamberlain, Dewalt, Bryan, Jones, and others.

Professor J. J. Ladd then instructed the institute .on communication in school, cause and prevention. Remarks by superintendent. Discussion-Does arith- metic consume more than its proper time in school- room work? Opened by Professor James Silliman, followed by Monroe, Hohenchell, and Graham.

AFTERNOON SESSION .- Roll. called and minutes read.

Question-What are the duties of the directors of the common schools ? Discussed by J. G. Scorer. Methods of teaching primary reading were then il- lustrated by Mrs. Highberger, the Misses Hill, Law- son, and Reed, also by Mesers. Gardiner and McCon- nell.

Professor J. H. Ryckman addressed the institute on the subject of literature. Instruction by Professor J. J. Ladd. Discussion. Question-What relation has the teacher to the pupils out of the school? Re- marks by the Messrs. Chamberlain, Morrow, and Sharp.

EVENING SESSION .- Institute convened in Opera- House, and at eight o'clock Eli Perkins was introduced, who lectured on "The Philosophy of Fun."

WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION, DECEMBER 28 .- Boll called, minutes read, music, etc., Devotional exercises by J. Chamberlain. Remarks by Superin- tendent Spiegel. The following-named teachers were previously appointed as committee on resolutions: The Misses Hill and Naly, Mesers. Sharp, Bingham, and Davidson.

Discussion-Topic No. 2 was called for: Is there Room for the Elements of the Natural Science in the Common School Curriculum ? Remarks on topic by Miss Elma Buff, Messrs. Bryan, Cope, Hutchinson, Chamberlain, Sharp, Vandyke, Sweeney, King, and Jones.

How to teach local geography was then illustrated by J. L. Davidson and - Riggle, Miss Brown, and Miss Bell Martin.

Professor Ladd gave a talk on tardiness in school, cause and prevention. Secretary reports three hundred and seventy-two teachers present.

AFTERNOON SESSION .- Roll called, minutes read, etc. Committee on spelling, Miss Lide Churns, Professors Mull and Graham. Said committee pro- nounced one hundred words. Superintendent Spiegel then appointed a committee to collect and examine manuscripts.

Professor J. J. Ladd instructed institute.

Discussion-Is the Study of Grammar, as Taught in our Schools, a Proper Study? Discussed by Pro- fessor Wakefield. Recitation-The Schoolmaster's Guests, by Professor King.

Professor J. H. Ryckman addressed institute on English Literature, and how it may be taught in our common schools to make it a pleasing and profitable study. Rev. E. D. Holtz was called, and addressed the very large audience then assembled.

How to teach primary reading was discussed by Miss Elma Ruff, J. H. Ryckman, J. J. Ladd, J. D. Cope, and J. Silliman.

WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION .- Theodore Tilton was introduced to a very large audience assembled in the Opera-House, where he lectured on " The Problem of Life."

THURSDAY MORNING SESSION .- Institute con- vened in court-house at 9 A.M .; three hundred and ninety teachers reported present. Primary reading illustrated by Miss Thomas, of Greensburg public schools, with class.

Dr. E. E. Higbee, State Superintendent, was in- troduced, and addressed the institute in reference to good school directors, and the care which the teacher should exercise over the pupils' physical and intel- lectual powers.

Instruction by Professor Young, of Indiana, Pa., on pronunciation of words. Drill on gymnastics, by Miss Sadie Morrow, of Manor. Address by Professor L. H. Durling, of Indiana, Pa. Greetings received from the Somerset County Teachers' Institute, three hundred and seven teachers present. Greetings re- turned by Westmoreland County Teachers' Institute, three hundred and ninety present. Report of com- mittee on spelling : James B. Wallace, of Painter- ville, missed sixteen words, first prize; E. G. Hays, of Ligonier, missed twenty-one words, second prise.

AFTERNOON SESSION .- Roll-call, etc. Recitation by Professor King. Reports made by committees on penmanship and drawing. W. P. Dewalt, followed by others, discussed the question, When shall perma- nent certificates be annulled ?

Election of committee on permanent certificates. Professor S. K. Henrie presented his class in English Grammar before the institute. The exercise was highly interesting. Professor J. H. Young gave in- struction on the subject of marking progrees in school, and derivation of words.

Instruction by Professor Ladd.

Superintendent Spiegel then with regret read a tel- egram which announced that John B. Gough would not be present.

EVENING SESSION .- Institute met in Opera-House at 7.80 P.M. Professor King recited "Over the Hills to the Poor-House."

Address by Professor Young.

Professor King recited " Winter Winds" and "Lit- tle Lover."

Address by Professor J. J. Ladd.

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FRIDAY MORNING SESSION .- Institute convened in court-house at 9 A.M. Roll-call. Superintendent Spiegel read an article on school discipline, after which remarks were made on the care and general appearance of school property. Recitation by Professor Shields. Professor Young gave a talk on school organization. Professor J. H. Ryckman gave a talk on English Literature. Instruction by Professor Ladd. Com- mittee elected on permanent certificates : J. Chamber- lain, H. M. Jones, W. H. Morrow (Manor, Pa.), J. J. Sharp, G. H. Hugus.

AFTERNOON SESSION .- Roll-call, etc. Professor Young gave instruction on derivation of words. In- struction by Professor Ladd. Professor Young recited "Schneider's Jug."

Professor James Billiman was then called to the chair, when the committee on resolutions made its ro- port. The report was received and the committee discharged, Resolutions were adopted. A vote of thanks was tendered to Professors Ladd, Young, Byckman, King, and Francis for their valuable in- structions. Ada. cases were made by Reys. Stevenson, Sheerer, Smith, Jones, Moorhead, and Houts, and by Professors Young, Hugus, Byckman, King, Henry, and Ladd. Superintendent J. R. Spiegel then ad- dressed the institute with brief remarks, in which he thanked his secretaries, the citizens of the town, and all who assisted in the management of institute af- fairs. A vote of thanks was tendered to Superinten- dent Spiegel for his untiring seal in the interests of our common schools. Music, "Sweet By and By." Benediction by Rev. Stevenson.

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History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 94

Author: George Dallas Albert, editor Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: George Dallas Albert, editor
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: