USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153
Blairsville, September 29, 1852.
MINUTES OF THE CONEMAUGH TEACHERS INSTITUTE.
Blairsville, October 25. 1852.
According to the call published in the papers, a number of teachers and others met in the Publie school house. Opened with prayer by Rev. A. MI. Milligan.
A temporary organization was effeeted by ap- pointing .John M. Barnett, President.
After the reading of the call, the Committee of In- vitation, through their Chairman, Geo. S. Mendell. reported that Hon. Thos. H. Burrowes, of Lancaster; Rev. S. Newbury. of Cleveland, Ohio; Rev. A. M. Milli- gan, and others of the gentlemen invited as instruct- ors and lecturers were present.
J. M. MeElroy. from the Committee on organization, reported a constitution and by-laws, which, with some slight amendments, were adopted, as follows:
Each succeeding generation of the human family should aim and strive both to raise itself in the scale of excellence, and also to increase facilities for more general, more rapid, and yet more lofty eleva- tion to be attained by generations following. To- ward the exeention of this noble work. education. in the most comprehensive sense of the term. is the greatest instrumentality to be employed. This sei- ence of sciences, this art of arts, claims from the enlightened friends of humanity. attention and en- couragement in all its departments. Here, however, as in everything else, foundation work is of para- mount importance. No matter how institutions of every higher grade may be multiplied, endowed, and manned with thoroughbred instructors, sound educa- tion. incapable of finding a nativity in any of these, must slumber on in embryo until, at the potent call of the proper authority. the cause of Common Schools emerges from beneath the waves of indifference and negleet. and becomes a new Delos to afford it a place of honorable birth, To wake to life and use- fulness a region of such essential value, and "give it a local habitation," instead of the mere nominal ex- istence it has so long possessed. and render it the true eradle of Science. is an object well worthy the assoei- ated effort of all whose arms of affection would en- fold their race. and with soul of aspiration raise them to the skies. The Teachers' Institute, that wand which with more than magie influence has been wielded for a like purpose elsewhere, has at length fallen into our hands. Joyfully we gather together
212
HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
from a wide extent of country "pueri in nuptaeque puellae"; eagerly we lay united hands upon it, and expend our combined energies in the pleasing endeavor to direct it aright. Desiring and hoping soon to see the day when every county in the Keystone State, and especially each of those counties represented in this present convocation, shall within itself furnish a sufficiency of trained hands for its management, we now in the incipiency of the movement in this region organize ourselves temporarily, in the center of a wider circle, under the designation of the Conemangh Teachers' Institute.
EVENING SESSION.
Institute called to order in the Presbyterian Church, at 7.o'clock. Opened with prayer by Rev. S. Newbury. Addressed by Rev. A. M. Milligan on the duties of the Christian ministry in regard to Com- mon Schools. After the address, interesting statis- tics were given by a number of teachers, in answer to the following questions: 1. How long is your school open annually? 2. Number of scholars in attend- ance? 3. Wages paid? 4. What books used?
7. Resolved, That though we believe a full and blackboard in your school, and do you use it? 7. familiar knowledge of the textbooks in use in his
What length of time have you taught? 6. Is there a 5. What is your method of teaching penmanship? 8. What are your greatest difficulties?
The Institute was in session five days and at the close the following Resolutions were adopted:
1. Resolved, That in terminating the first session of the Conemaugh Teachers' Institute, its members find even more than their reasonable hope of suc- cess fulfilled. Teachers in larger number than was expected have met; have been benefited and inter- ested, by instruction of the most useful kind; have been associated together in a kindly professional fel- lowship, and now depart to their several posts, with their hands strengthened, their minds elevated and improved, and their hearts warmed for the better dis- charge of duty. We can therefore most cordially rec- ommend the self-improving agency of similar Insti- tutes to all fellow teachers in every part of the State and hereby pledge our utmost exertions for the con- tinuance of its benefits in this region.
2. Resolved, That we believe that the small por- tion of the funds of the State, necessary to give exis- tence and aid to a system of Teachers' Institutes in every county, would be an application of the public money which, at the present juncture, would yield more benefit to our publie system of education than that of like amount to any other object; and accord- ingly we urge its demand by all citizens desirous of the perfection of that system, and most earnestly re- quest its grant by the Legislature.
3. Resolved, That although much good can be ef- fected by Teachers' Institutes, yet the full prepara- tion of the teacher for the performance of his mo- mentous duties can only be effected by a regular, thorough professional system of training. If it be true that "the right to punish crime involves the duty to educate for the prevention of crime," then it must be true that the same right involves the duty of providing all the means of education. Of these we consider Normal Schools, founded by the State, for the preparation of teachers, as among the most neces- sary and efficient; and therefore we strongly advo- cate their early establishment.
4. Resolved, That we believe the agency of County Superintendents would be highly beneficial, and pro- mote the uniformity, efficiency and success of our Common Schools in every respect. We accordingly
approve the proposition to have these officers ap- pointed by law.
5. Resolved, That reason, experience and economy alike demand the grading of Common Schools, so that pupils of widely different degrees of advancement may neither be associated in the same class to their mutual disadvantage, nor in the care of the same teacher to the great waste of his time and decrease of efficiency; and that whether these results be avoided in towns by the union of several graded schools in the same building, or in rural districts by the establishment of primary and grammar or sec- ondary schools at separate localities, the good effect is alike desirable.
6. Resolved. That though the assistance of oc- casional teachers, who merely embrace the profession for a time with the intention of finally devoting them- selves to other pursuits, is useful so long as a full corps of permanent teachers does not exist, yet we believe that the complete success of the schools will never be secured till not only a full supply of perma- nent professional teachers be secured, but till the present system of frequently changing the teacher of the same school shall be abandoned.
school to be indispensable to the efficient teacher, yet we believe that this is not all sufficient, but that a proper sense of the importance and responsibility of his calling and ability to understand human nature are essential.
8. Resolved, That as teachers we not only are will- ing to submit to, but demand at the hands of Di- rectors. a thorough examination into the moral char- acter and professional qualifications, as well as the literary attainments of all applicants; under the be- lief that though such investigation will not have the effect of creating perfectly qualified teachers where they do not already exist, yet it will at least give the due preference to the most worthy and thereby en- courage self-improvement.
9. Resolved. That we most decidedly approve of the introduction of vocal music into every school, not merely as an agreeable and useful addition to educa- tion, but as a harmonizing agent in discipline and most efficient help in culture.
10. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Institute, it is a matter of high importance that a uniform sys- tem of textbooks in our schools be secured; that we regard any system as preferable to no system; and that we respectfully but earnestly urge the Directors of the Common Schools in every district to perform their duty in this respect, by adopting and requiring the use of a uniform series of textbooks.
11. Resolved, That the thanks of the Institute are due and are hereby most cordially tendered to the Hon. Thos. H. Burrowes for his important services as principal of the Institute; to Messrs. David Parsons and Rev. S. Newbury for their invaluable daily in- structions and evening lectures; to the Trustees of the Presbyterian and Associate Reformed Churches for the use of their houses of worship; to the School Directors of Blairsville for the free use of their house; to the teachers for suspending their school during the session of the Institute; to the people of Blairsville for the kind interest they have manifested in the Institute, and their liberality in entertaining female teachers free of expense; and to editors who rendered invaluable assistance by allowing us the free use of their columns.
12. Resolved. That in order to secure harmonious and efficient action by the friends of Education
213
HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
throughout the State, and with a view to organizing a State Association, we recommend the holding of a State Teachers' Convention at Harrisburg during the coming winter.
13. Resolved, That this Institute is of opinion that there is an unjust inequality between the compensa- tion allowed to male and female teachers, and re- spectfully commends to the consideration of Directors the justice of such an increase in the compensation of females as shall be in more near proportion to the value of the services rendered and the claims of the sex.
On motion, Resolved, That the blank in the 12th article of the Constitution be filled with "first" (making the meeting of the next Institute on the first Monday of October).
On motion. New Alexandria was fixed upon as the place of holding the next meeting of the Institute.
On motion, Resolved. That Messrs. McElroy, Dick, Mendell, Parker, and Barnett deserve our gratitude for their untiring efforts in getting up the Institute, and we therefore tender them our sincere thanks, and promise our hearty co-operation in their future exertions in the cause of the teacher and of education.
Resolved, That we tender our hearty thanks to Hon. Thos. H. Burrowes for his able and instructive address.
After closing remarks hy Messrs. Newbury and Parsons, and a parting song, the Institute adjourned to meet at New Alexandria, on the first Monday of October, 1853.
Thos. H. Burrowes, Principal.
John M. Barnett, Secretary.
[The Institute was composed of 120 members, whose names are omitted for want of room.]
THE COUNTY INSTITUTE
The first attempt to have a county organiza- tion at the county seat was a meeting called by County Superintendent S. P. Bollman, August 22, 1854. After discussing various topics, one of which was the expediency of forming a county association, Messrs. S. M. Clark, J. A. Ewing, Samuel Wolf, Thomas E.
LOCAL INSTITUTES
Washington Township Institute
Washington township organized the first local institute during the winter of 1853-54. The meetings were held on Saturdays. During the forenoon the school where the institute was held was in session, and in the afternoon the teachers' methods of teaching were dis- cussed. Washington township has been the banner township for local institutes. It has held them almost continuously ever since. White township organized an institute in 1854 in which lectures were delivered on grammar, arithmetic, penmanship. orthography and order. Center township organized the same year. Very soon every township in the county held local institutes.
Conemaugh Teachers' Institute
Met at Saltsburg, Indiana county, Monday, October 2, 1854, at two o'clock, P. M.
Officers : J. A. Brown, A. M., principal; W. H. Townsend, R. E. Richards, J. C. Thom, assistant principals; Samuel Kennedy, Esq., secretary ; J. A. Thompson, treasurer.
Instructors: J. D. Cox, A. M., of Warren, Ohio : Mr. E. Lamborn, of Lancaster county ; Mr. F. J. Thomas, of Pittsburg; Dr. Pearson, Massachusetts; Mr. J. C. Thom, Eldersridge Academy; Mr. R. Thorn, Crawford's Mills Academy.
Rev. W. W. Woodend, of Saltsburg, was called upon to address the audience on the subject of education. He kindly complied, and, after a brief apology for his unexpected appearance before the Institute, proceeded to Morgan and William Loughry were appointed the task by asking, what is it to be educated ? a committee to prepare a constitution to be presented at the next meeting. In December of the same year the Superintendent called a meeting and permanent organization was ef-
The hand may be educated to obey the man- dates of the will, as exhibited in the art of penmanship. The tongue may be brought under subjection to the will and be made by fected. A. T. Moorhead, Sr., was elected education a powerful instrument in directing president, Thomas Gibson, vice president, A. and influencing the affairs of nations. Music W. Kimmel, recording secretary, John Barge, corresponding secretary, and W. H. Coleman, is an important element in physical education. This, however, he conceived to be but a partial treasurer, each to serve for one year. The idea of education. A person may be able to number of members present cannot be ascer- tained, but at some sessions there were from sixty to ninety, and at others twenty to forty. read correctly and fluently, he may be able to write beautifully and solve every question in Ray's or Davies' Arithmetic, and yet not be educated. The requirements of our nature demand that the moral faculties must be cul- tivated. The pupil must be taught to think.
The County Institute has been a potent factor in keeping alive publie sentiment in favor of good schools. The institute has grown from time to time. In 1900 over 300 of the Thinking closely and logically supersedes the 314 teachers employed were present and dur- necessity of rules. Moral and religious edu- ing several sessions from 1,000 to 1,500 people were in attendance.
cation are superior to the physical. A school without moral instruction, and the Bible as
214
HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
the textbook, is worse than no school. He con- cluded by enjoining upon teachers to weigh well and consider the magnitude of the respon- sibility committed to them, Ile might, he said, commit with indifference the training of a dog or a horse to a groom, but his child being possessed of mind capable of being trained for higher enjoyments than those of earth, or of being hurried along the downward path to perdition, it became him to pause and consider under whose care and tuition he should place him. The address was listened to with interest and profit by the Institute. But as the reverend gentleman had given his thoughts on the subject without any previous preparation, they could not be procured from him for publication.
After some further business the Conemaugh Teachers' Institute was deelared formally dis- solved, and the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Mr. Penny.
White Township Institute
Mr. Burrowes: It is some time since you heard from us, but we are still alive. Our township Association held its monthly meet- ing yesterday. It was very interesting. Essays and Lectures were read and spoken on various subjects, viz. : The Past and the Present ; The Duties of Parents and Directors; Reading ; Religious Instruction in School; The Effects of the Normal School; Vocal Music; Bible Instruction ; Geography; The Shady Side of School Teaching; The Training of the Immor- tal Mind; and The Necessity of Discipline in School; accompanied with discussions.
ing: Our district has eleven schools; two years ago, no female was permitted to teach in it. Last year there was one, this year there are seven competent females, who are succeed- ing so well, that those who were heretofore opposed to them, particularly in the winter, now remain silent, or say that they do better than they expected. So much for experience. January 6, 1856.
WM. T. HAMILI ..
INDIANA COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL
The following is a letter written by County Superintendent S. P. Bollman to Mr. Bur- rowes, State Superintendent of Public In- struction.
Friend Burrowes: After great personal exer- tion, with the co-operation of some of the friends of education in our county, I have the satisfaction of informing you that we expect to open a Normal School in Indiana, on Tuesday, the 25th instant, which will be open for the term of one month. We could have wished for a longer term, but this being a new enterprise, does not meet with such favor as to warrant us in making arrangements with Pro- fessors for any longer period. We have secured the Indiana Academy and the basement of the New As- sociate Church, for the use of the school, and with them we will he tolerably accommodated. Our Pro- fessors are men of talent and rare ability in their respective departments, and we confidently expect good results. We expect indeed to revolutionize the common schools of Indiana County.
The services of Stoddard. Walker, Cutter and Corn- well have been secured. They are all tried men and with even the imperfect accommodations with which we shall have to do we know they will make their work tell. We have now data sufficient to know that not less than from 50 to 75 Teachers will be in attendance. We shall expect, Mr. Editor, a friendly notice in the "Journal"; we need help and sympathy, and we are sure of yours.
Respectfully yours, S. P. Bollman, Co. Supt. Indiana, Sept. 10, 1855.
"This volunteer effort of the teachers of Indiana, which lately closed a four weeks' session, seems to have been most spirited and useful. One hundred and eight teachers were in attendance; and the effect produced prom- ises to be great and lasting. Deputy Superin- tendent Hickok delivered an address; and the instructions are all said to have been appro- priate and practical. Superintendent Boll- man deserves great praise for the tact and
I think we are overcoming the opposition that existed, and there is no mistake that our teachers and schools are improving. The fire- side notion that females are not fit for teachers is broken down, as may be seen by the follow- perseveranee displayed in getting up and man- aging this school."
From the "Pennsylvania School Journal" we quote:
"We see by the published list in the Indiana eounty papers that the Normal School, recently closed, in that county was largely attended. The catalogue presents the handsome aggre- gate of thirty-eight females and seventy males -in all 108. This Normal effort seems to have made the most happy impression, as may be seen from the following resolutions, highly complimentary to the County Superintendent, gentlemen associated with him in the school.
[Nothing like experience. Here it has taught a valuable lesson. The knowledge is Mr. Bollman, and no less so to the talented needed elsewhere .- Ed.]
215
HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Resolutions of 1855
"WHEREAS, a Normal School has been raised up and made to flourish in Indiana County, in the midst of not only a chilly apathy to- wards all educational advancements, but of active opposition arrayed against all improve- ment in the culture of the youthful faculties ; and whereas this school has been brought into existence, cherished and sustained, by the dis- interested and indefatigable energy and per- severance of S. P. Bollman, our County Sup- erintendent, until the most satisfactory proofs have been afforded of the incalculable utility of this school, therefore,
" Resolved, That we the pupils of the Indi- ana County Normal School, hereby express our gratitude to our Superintendent, for his un- wearying labors in behalf of education gen- erally, and particularly for the improvement of teachers, and system of teaching, etc.
"Resolved, That we hereby tender our hearty thanks to all the teachers who have been connected with this institution, inasmuch as they have manifested their interest in our institution and its success, by their continued exertions put forth by night and day."
The following is a complete list of the pupils who attended the Indiana County Normal School. Quite a number were in attendance during the entire term and the majority from one to three weeks of the term.
Armagh-N. MeCartney.
Armstrong-A. W. MeCollough, S. M. Normal School in 1856: Davis, Israel Thomas, J. Miller.
Blackliek-James MeCrea, T. D. Ewing, Israel Rankin.
Brushvalley-John Evans, Jolm Martin, R. B. George, Alex MeBeth. T. S. Robertson.
Burrell-Richard Wallace.
Cherrytree-Mary J. Hamilton, Catherine Ilowe.
Center - Joseph Laughlin, William C. Stewart, William Kough, J. D. Stewart, Mar- tin Simpson, John A. Virtue, S. W. Simpson, M. J. Hammill. William Pedicord, James Lucas, Mary T. Allison, Elizabeth Allison.
Conemaugh-R. A. Wilson, Andrew Getty, J. S. Templeton, A. C. Templeton, J. F. Moon.
Eldersridge - M. A. Nesbit, Sarah J. Shearer.
Greenville-P. D. Arthurs, J. D. Laughery, Elizabeth Todd.
Indiana-Joseph Flude, Samuel Wolf, John A. Keslar, David Wilson, J. C. Donelly, A. C. Patterson, D. S. Porter, H. H. Shaffer, Robert P. Reed, Nancy W. Kelly, Adeline L. Dorney, valuable instructions.
Saralı MeClaren, Mary Tinthoff, Sarah S. Simpson.
West Lebanon-Kate MeGaugh, S. E. Har- rison.
North Mahoning-Robert Hammill, Josiah Work, David Warner.
South Mahoning-J. S. Stuchell, A. D. Richardson, Nancy T. Allison, Rebecca J. Griffith.
Mechanicsburg-Eliza W. Loughery.
Mitchells Mills-J. L. O'Niel.
Pine-John S. Coy, Henry Strong.
Rayne-Jacob Creps, E. C. Kinter, Wil- liam M. Ray, J. N. Adams, J. K. Hanison.
Shelocta-E. C. MeCollough, H. B. Miller, M. S. Speedy, Martha A. Patterson.
Washington - Andrew H. Diven, John Clowes, J. H. MeEwen, David Mahon, G. J. McHenry, John Bothell, Louisa M. Diven, James M. Carroll.
Wheatfield -- Elvira MeCartney, Thomas Griffith, Sarah Ann Skiles, Mary J. Palmore.
Westmoreland-Mary A. Mathews, Mary J. Trimble.
White-N. C. Barclay, Charles B. Reed, C. Wiggins, Walter Bell, J. Evans Myres, An- drew Ingersoll, Joseph T. Beck, John S. Suiter, John MeLain, Mary J. Moorhead, Eliza Adair, Jacintha Reed, Susan Ferguson.
Young-T. R. Ewing, James Gray, Mary Lowry.
The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Indiana County
"Whereas, We the members of the Indiana County Normal School are about to conclude a very pleasant and profitable session; Therefore
"Resolved, That as Teachers and friends of educa- tion we have renewed confidence in the utility of Normal Schools.
"Resolved. That the present session of our Normal School has been admirably adapted to prepare us for the important and responsible duties of the school- room.
"Resolved, That our untiring and efficient County Superintendent, Rev. S. P. Bollman, renewedly meets the esteem and confidence of the citizens, and the lasting gratitude of the teachers and friends of educa - tion of Indiana County.
"Resolved, That he has faithfully discharged the duties of his office; and that we express our earnest desire that he be re-elected.
"Resolved. That the talented and skillful Instructor, Prof. S. A. Terrel, has won for himself a reputation inferior to none who have visited our county as Educators; and that he has our sincere thanks for the interest he has manifested in our educational wel- fare.
"Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt thanks to Prof. J. F. Stoddard, for his repeated favors in again visiting our county, and favoring us with his in-
216
HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
"Resolved, That Prof. E. D. B. Porter has proved himself a talented and able Instructor.
"Resolved, That we appreciate the favors of those who have addressed us during the present session of our school; and also the countenance and co-opera- tion of the citizens of Indiana and vicinity.
"Resolved, That we consider Teachers' Institutes highly beneficial to the cause of Education; and that we will use our united efforts for their continuance and support.
"Resolved, That we consider the study of Physical . Geography essentially necessary to the successful prosecution of the study of Descriptive Geography; and that we will endeavor to introduce it into the schools of our country.
"Resolved, That having experienced the good effects of our Normal School hitherto, we will do all in our power for the support of its annual sessions in the time to come.
"Resolved, That we recommend to the Directors of Indiana County, the introduction of the following textbooks into the schools of this county, viz .:
"Arithmetic, Stoddard's Series.
"Grammar, Covell's Digest.
"Geography, Colton's and Fitch's Physical and De- scriptive Geographies.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.