Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 59

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

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Insane Asylum of Western Pennsylvania; $20,000 to superannuated clergymen of the Protestant Methodist Church; $20,000 to Oberlin Institute, or College, in Ohio, and small sums to niany of the local churches, including the African Church, for which he had previously done so much. The residue of his estate was donated to the cause of Christianity and civilization in Africa and to the elevation of the colored people in the United States and British America. The college founded by him for the colored people became in all respects as efficient as any of the public schools of this vicinity.

The establishment of this institute, however, did not thereby deprive the colored people of their right to a share of the public fund, and to the further right of having suitable buildings and other facilities provided for them by the city authorities. In October, 1849, the directors met in the Fourth Ward school and considered a plan to organize a central free school for the benefit of colored youth. Thomas Hamilton was chairman of the meeting, and John W. Bell secretary. George W. Layng, on behalf of the colored people, had previously communicated with the State Superintendent, and had received an answer, which he read to the directors present. The superintendent stated that the colored people were entitled to every right under the school law enjoyed by the white people. The result of this meeting was the thorough organization and equip- ment of colored schools in Pittsburg and Allegheny. In 1858 G. B. Vashon was a prominent instructor of the colored youth of the city. He reported an attendance of 89 boys and 61 girls, and that his schoolrooms were crowded and 1incomfortable.

Early in the decade of the fifties, the Legislature enacted that Allegheny, Butler, and Beaver counties should constitute the Eleventh District for the establishment of normal schools, and provided for the formation of stock companies to educate and train teachers. Under this law the Allegheny Normal School was established at Mansfield, five miles from Pittsburg, at the junction of the Noblestown and Washington plank roads, in 1855, where the first term was opened in April of that year. Rev. Robert Curry, A. M., was chosen principal, and soon had some forty teachers in attendance. The school became known as the New Brighton Normal Academy. Other normal schools or special schools for the training of teachers were opened here, one of which was conducted by Professor Burtt, principal of the Fifth Ward Public School, in a room in the Iron City Commercial College. Under the school law of 1855, the county superintendent was authorized at certain seasons of the year to conduct an Allegheny County normal school for the training of teachers. In 1855, B. M. Kerr, county superintendent, and Professor Curry were associated in conducting several normal schools throughout the county. Curry University, a normal training school for teachers, was founded in 1869, and in the course of time became one of the most prosperous institutions of the kind in the United States.

"The situation of the town of Pittsburg is greatly to be chosen for a seat of learning. The inhabitants have entertained the idea of instituting an academy, but have it not in their power all at once to accomplish every wish. The first efforts have been made to accommodate themselves with lots of ground with buildings and the common means of life; next to establish and support a Christian Church. In a short time, more conveniently, they may be able to attend to that great object, the education of youth. One or two schools are established to teach the first elements, but it is greatly desirable that there be such which can conduce to more advancement in science. I do not know that the Legislature could do a more acceptable service to the Commonwealth than by endowing a school at this place. It will introduce money to Pennsylvania for a series of years from the whole Western country. It will institute knowledge

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and abilities in this extreme of the Government. The college at Carlisle is at the distance of nearly 200 miles from the greater part of this country, and admitting that the expenses of education are not greater there than they would be at a seminary here, yet the inconvenience must be obvious of sending to so great a distance and providing for the usual wants of those abroad. But why shall this country be under the necessity of remitting money to the county of Cumberland for the advancement of education? The country west of the mountains certainly deserves a particular attention from the Commonwealth. It has been a barrier of the war against the savages, and has greatly suffered from the depredations. To the inhabitants the whole war has been a tour of duty. Since the war, money has been drawn from the country in obtaining rights for the lands which they have defended. In the meantime the country on the west of the Ohio has been sold at a distance, and scarcely an individual of this country has had it in his power to make any purchase. Inasmuch as there are lands still remaining, might it not be wise in the Government and discover a disposition of doing equal justice to all parts of the Commonwealth to appropriate some of them for the use of an academy at Pittsburg? The 3,000 acres that are opposite the town, sold in lots, would establish a handsome fund for that purpose. There is cer- tainly no better use to which the wisdom of the State could apply it. It will be well that the representatives, especially of the three western counties, press this point. It will be for the interest of this county in particular, and for the credit and interest of the whole Commonwealth" (a).

In January, 1787, H. H. Brackenridge, then representing this community in the State Legislature, wrote to the citizens that a bill had been introduced to incorporate a number of trustees of the Western country for an academy at Pittsburg. He stated that he had secured from the Penns a grant of one square on what was called Ewalt's Field, for the use of such institution, and further stated that, although Mr. Ewalt had a claim upon this grant, yet he thought the trustees would have no difficulty in securing the same, upon a fair and reasonable compromise with this gentleman.

"Whereas, The education of youth ought to be a primary object with every government; and whereas, any school or college yet established is greatly distant from the country west of the Allegheny Mountains; and whereas, the town of Pittsburg is most central to that settlement, and accommodation for students can be most conveniently obtained in that town, therefore

"Be it enacted, etc., That there be erected, and is hereby erected and established in the town of Pittsburg, in the county of Westmoreland, in this State, an academy or school for the education of youth in useful arts, sciences and literature, the style, name, and title of which shall be the Pittsburg Academy.

"And be it further enacted, etc., That the following persons, viz .: The Rev. Samuel Barr, the Rev. James Finley, the Rev. James Powers, the Rev. John McClellan, the Rev. Joseph Smith and the Rev. Matthew Henderson, General John Gibson, Colonels Presley Neville, William Butler and Stephen Bayard; James Ross, David Bradford, Robert Galbraith, George Thompson, George Wallace, Edward Cook, John More, William Todd, Alexander Fowler, Esquires; Drs. Nathaniel Bedford and Thomas Parker, shall be the trustees of the said school, which said trustees and their successors, to be elected in the manner hereinafter mentioned, shall forever be and they are hereby elected, established and declared to be one body politic and corporate, with perpetual succession in deed and law, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, by the name, style and title of the Trustees of the Pittsburg Academy.

"And be it further enacted, etc., That persons of every denomination of

(a) Gazette, 1786.

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Christians shall be capable of being elected trustees. Enacted into a law at Philadelphia on Wednesday, the 28th day of February, A. D. 1787."

Among those connected with the Academy at the outset in the capacity of instructors were Revs. Mr. Steele, Mr. Swift, Mr. Stockton and others. For many years the Academy had a precarious existence, but managed to continue with a fair share of success. Supplementary laws for the benefit of the institu- tion were passed in September, 1787, and March, 1798. Among other pro- visions by the latter law was one to the effect that the Academy should not be required to educate gratis more than ten poor students at one time. In 1801 the separate department of penmanship was added to the institution. In 1800 the tuition of the Academy was collected by three inspectors, and at this time the school was placed in charge of two masters, one a clergyman, who was employed to instruct in mathematics, reading, writing, Latin and Greek, and the other for special branches. The inspectors were empowered to take charge of the finances, were required to examine scholars monthly, and at this time they re- ported that the funds were not sufficient for the purpose of securing the necessary number of instructors. Quarterly payments of tuition were required, the bills being sent to patrons. Boarding was advertised for scholars attending from abroad. At this time the Academy was in debt, having borrowed a consid- erable sum of money, upon which interest was being paid. In 1803 Mr. Hop- kins, who had lately been instructor in Princeton College, was employed to take the principalship of the Academy. Under this able teacher the institution assumed a new lease of life and soon attained an unexpected and gratifying efficiency. In April, 1804, a public exhibition was given at the Courthouse by the students of the Academy, for which an admission of 50 cents was charged. This was said to have been the first public exhibition ever given by the students of the Academy. Great interest was shown and a large attendance anticipated, as was shown by the high price of admission. The Courthouse was filled to overflowing with parents and friends of the students, and a most creditable exhibition was presented, one of the features being the rendition of a dramatic performance of considerable length, in which it was specially noticed that boys of ten and twelve years of age took part and correctly delineated by gesture and expression the principal emotions and passions. Mr. Hopkins announced in July, 1803, that a special school for the instruction of young ladies in geography, grammar, arithmetic, reading and writing would be opened in one of the upper rooms of the Academy, from 12 to 1:30 o'clock daily. It was said of Mr. Hopkins that "his instruction extended not only to the useful but to the ornamental branches of education; whilst employed in expanding the young mind by the rudiments of science, he was also careful to adorn it." Later, Rev. Mr. Stockton took charge of the Academy and placed it in a higher state of efficiency than even Mr. Hopkins had done. He was a man of great breadth of learning and strength of mind, and became one of the most prominent instructors in education and morals in all the Western country. Almost the same may be said of Rev. Robert Bruce and Rev. John Black, who were asso- ciated with him later in the management of the Academy.

In 1818 the institution became the Western University of Pennsylvania. Under the management of Revs. Robert Bruce, John Black, E. P. Swift, Joseph McElroy and C. B. Maguire, faculty, elaborate courses were prepared in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, mathematics, geography, belles-lettres, logic, natural philosophy, moral philosophy and the comnion branches. "The buildings, late the property of the Pittsburg Academy, having been prepared, are now ready for the recep- tion of pupils, to whom all due attention will be paid" (b). At this time the

(b) Mercury, June 30, 1818

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board of trustees consisted of George Stevenson, president; Samuel Roberts, Francis Herron, J. H. Walker and Morgan Neville, inspectors. . "It gives me great pleasure to state that the progress made by the different classes since the last examination offers the strongest evidence of the correct system which is observed in this academy" (c).

The law provided that the Western University of Pennsylvania should be built near the town of Allegheny; that twenty-six trustees should manage the institution, nine of whom should constitute a quorum; and that the real estate held should not exceed $20,000 in value. By the act of March 9, 1826, it was provided that for each of five years, beginning January 1, 1826, the sum of $2,400 should be appropriated for the benefit of the Western University of Pennsylvania, provided the trustees should relinquish to the State the land granted the institution by the act of February 18, 1819. This tract comprised forty acres adjoining the outlots of Allegheny. The trustees announced that by the law of 1787 the land of Allegheny Common could not be made avail- able by the institution, in consequence of which they were unable to establish a university proper. In March, 1826, the board of trustees, having become con- siderably disorganized by removals and otherwise, offered to relinquish their positions in order that a new board might be appointed. This was done, where- upon the Legislature empowered Joseph Stockton and thirty others to erect the necessary buildings and place the institution on a proper basis to furnish a university education. This proceeding led to the construction of new and com- modious buildings, and to the entire reorganization of the University. It entered upon a career of progressive usefulness, and soon became the pride of this vicinity. In 1837 M. F. Eaton was professor of English, E. S. Blake of mathe- matics and natural sciences, J. S. Patch of penmanship and bookkeeping, and J. E. Barbezat of modern languages. The institution was located on Third Street, near Cherry Alley, but the situation was not considered suitable. The great fire of 1845 destroyed the structure, whereupon the trustees, in 1848, selected a site on Duquesne Way and erected thereon the necessary buildings. Soon afterward it was found that the buildings were too small to afford the facilities needed, and additional ground was called for, and at this time it was suggested that endowments of certain professorships would be most acceptable. It was stated that the erection of additional buildings on the tract on the Allegheny River would be much better than to remove the students and professors to the crowded vicinity of the Courthouse, where the "inns of court" would prove more or less damaging to the usefulness of the institution. In a short time the University was enjoying a degree of prosperity never before attained, but in 1849 fire again destroyed the buildings and the institution suffered another period of quiescence. During the first meetings held here for the purpose of establishing a high school, the professors of the University were warmly in favor of the project, contending that the establishment of such a school would prove a valuable preparatory adjunct of the University; but it was found that the site on the Allegheny River was unsuitable, and accordingly, in February, 1854, the trustees purchased a new tract, 93 by 100 feet, at the junction of Diamond and Ross streets, for $8,200, and made preparations to erect thereon a large building. The contract was given out and the work progressed satisfactorily until February, 1855, when, owing to lack of funds, labor was temporarily suspended. There was considerable talk at this time of transferring the Uni- versity buildings to the Central Board of Education for high school purposes. The Gazette asked, "If the University is to be a failure, what better use could be made of the buildings?" The trustees denied the correctness of the rumor

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and stated that the passage of the recent act of the Legislature, authorizing them to borrow on bond and mortgage free from taxation, was secured in order to save the University from the necessity of selling its investments in Alle- gheny County and other bonds in their then greatly depressed state, and not because the institution was without means. At any rate, the University did not pass to the High School. In September, 1855, the new buildings of the Uni- versity at Diamond and Ross streets were opened. From this time forward the institution had very little trouble to maintain an existence and attain a high degree of usefulness. Previously, its career had been troubled and involved, and often a desperate struggle for existence was necessary to save the school from extinction. Its buildings had been destroyed by fire twice, but all of the various dilemmas and calamities were survived. After the destruction of the buildings on Duquesne Way the trustees had judiciously husbanded their means until in 1855, the institution was at last, for the first time in its career, in a condition which promised permanent success. The University at that time pos- sessed a cabinet of minerals, considerable valuable philosophical apparatus and a library of several hundred volumes, and the trustees publicly solicited endow- ments for special professorships. At this time the trustees were M. Hampton, H. Hepburn, J. K. Moorhead, John Harper, Bishop Simpson, E. G. Edrington, M. D., and J. F. McLaren, D. D. The building fronted 80 feet on Diamond Alley and 70 feet on Ross Street, and comprised three stories. On the first story were four rooms for residence, and on the second were five rooms, and on the third were two rooms and a chapel. John F. McLaren was principal at the opening in the new building. In 1861 provision for military drill was made, and in 1863 a scientific course was established. In 1867 the Allegheny Observatory was transferred to the University, and in 1869 a course in engineer- ing was introduced. In 1871 a preparatory department was added, in 1872 a chemical laboratory opened and in 1880 military instruction was abandoned and instruction in mechanical engineering suspended. In 1871 William Thaw donated $100,000 to the University, upon condition that the trustees would raise the same amount from other sources. In 1874 the library of Robert Wat- son, comprising 2,500 volumes, was willed to the institution. In 1882 the Uni- versity was transferred to the Allegheny Theological Seminary building and the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, on North Avenue, Allegheny, and later to the new buildings on Observatory Hill.

In 1862 Bishop Bowman Institute was established through the aid and encouragement of Rev. Dr. Van Dusen, rector of St. Peter's Church. The first rector of the school was Rev. Anthony Ten Broeck, D. D., and the first term was opened in the old Murray residence on Second Avenue, near Smith- field Street. Later a charter was secured and the scope of the school materially extended by Bishop Kerfoot. Various changes occurred, but the school has since continued to enjoy a fair degree of prosperity. In 1869 the Pennsylvania Female College was established by the leading members of Shady Side Pres- byterian Church, among whom were Rev. W. T. Beatty, David Aiken and John A. Renshaw. In a short time $30,000 was pledged. The institution was soon incorporated, a site of ten acres purchased on Fifth Avenue, three and a half miles from Pittsburg's center, and in September, 1870, school was begun in the new buildings erected thereon. The institution was under the control of the Presbyterian Church, and was assisted to the extent of nearly $100,000 by this and neighboring presbyteries. In 1885 Joseph Dilworth donated $10,000 to found a hall, which was named in his honor.

Early in 1825 the Western Theological Seminary, an institution founded by the Presbyterian Church, was established, and in 1827 located in Allegheny. The offer of that town to donate eighteen acres of the "Common," and to raise

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the sum of $21,000, to be paid in installments, was accepted by the Church Assembly. The citizens there granted the church the right to occupy a tract of ground on the "Common," and the Legislature, by act of April 17, 1827, confirmed the grant. In May, 1827, the General Assembly of the church finally decided to accept the offer, and preparations were at once made to carry the project into execution. The following directors for the Seminary were appointed: Revs. Francis Herron, Obadiah Jennings, Mathew Brown, Samuel Ralston, Ashbel Green, Elisha P. Swift, Elisha McCurdy, William Speer, Thomas Barr, William Jeffries, Robert M. Laird, Robert Johnston, Thomas E. Hughes, Charles S. Beatty, Joseph Stockton, Joseph Treat, Randolph Stone, Andrew Wilie, Thomas D. Baird, James Graham, Francis McFarland and Elders Mathew B. Lowrie, John Hannen, John M. Snowden, Samuel Thompson, George Hummer, Benjamin Williams, Aaron Kerr, Reddick McKee and Thomas Henry. The directors were notified to assemble for organization. and busi- ness in the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburg, on the third Tuesday in June, 1827, on which occasion Rev. Dr. Herron was elected president, Rev. William Speer first vice-president, Rev. Mr. Ralston second vice-president, Rev. E. P. Swift secretary, and Michael Allen treasurer. "Considerable funds have been offered in one of our Eastern cities to aid in the endowment of this institu- tion" (d). Rev. Jacob J. Janeway was chosen by the General Assembly of the church to occupy the chair of theology in the new seminary. By act of January 21, 1828, the Seminary was duly incorporated by the Legislature, and Revs. Mathew Henderson, Alexander Porter, David Proudfit, Isaiah Niblock and William Rainey were appointed trustees. Rev. Dr. Campbell, founder of the Third Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, which had its start in Northern Lib- erties in 1828, with a membership of seven persons, visited England in 1829 to solicit contributions for the seminary, and was highly successful in his mission. The institution grew slowly and suffered many buffetings and defeats. It was opened on November 16, 1827, by Revs. Janeway, Swift and Stockton, with a class of four students. In 1829 Rev. Luther Halsey succeeded Mr. Janeway. All members of the church, particularly in this vicinity, were interested in its welfare and anxious for its success. In the spring of 1831 the first building, on Seminary, now Monument, Hill was ready for occupancy. Nearly forty young men attended the opening of the school in the new building. In Janu- ary, 1854, the building was totally destroyed by fire, but in 1856 was rebuilt on a different site, lower on the same hill, at a cost of about $22,000. In 1859 Mrs. Hetty E. Beatty of Steubenville, Ohio, donated $10,000 for the erection of "Beatty Hall." The institution still pursues its mission of usefulness.

In 1825 the Allegheny Theological Seminary was established at Pittsburg by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Dr. Joseph Kerr was installed as professor. He opened the school with three students in Decem- ber, 1825, and continued with prospects of success until his death in November, 1829, checked temporarily farther progress. In October, 1831, Rev. J. T. Pressly succeeded to the position and continued to serve until his death in 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. T. Cooper. In recent years the institution has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity.

(d) Recorder, July, 1827.

CHAPTER XXI.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS-EDUCATION OF THE POOR-FUNDS, HOW RAISED-LAWS OF 1819- 2I-24-PITTSBURG MADE AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT-STRUGGLE FOR THE FREE SCHOOL LAW-COUNTY CONVENTION OF TEACHERS-SCHOOL FUND ESTAB- LISHED IN 1831-COMMON SCHOOL LAW OF 1834-TAXATION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION OPPOSED- FIRST DIRECTORS-THE LAW ADOPTED AND EN- FORCED-OPENING OF THE FIRST WARD SCHOOLS-APPORTIONMENT OF FUNDS-GREAT SUCCESS OF THE NEW SYSTEM-COUNTY AND CITY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATIONS-METHODS DISCUSSED-LECTURES-THE LAW OF 1854- THE LAW OF 1855-IMPORTANCE OF THE LATTER-PITTSBURG MADE AN INDEPENDENT DISTRICT-TAX LEVY-STATISTICS-DIVERSION OF POR- TIONS OF THE FUND CONSIDERED-THE HIGH SCHOOL- OFFICERS OF THE

CENTRAL BOARD-ENROLLMENT-OBSERVATIONS AND STATISTICS.

The Constitution of .1790 provided that the Legislature, at some con- venient time, might establish schools throughout the State for the gratuitous teaching of the poor, and that the arts and sciences should be promoted in one or more seminaries of learning. In 1802 a law was passed providing for the educa- tion of the poor, but it failed to answer the purposes intended. The law of March 19, 1804, provided that all teachers of private schools throughout the State should receive a limited number of poor children, to be sent to them by overseers of the poor, or justices of the peace, and should be recompensed from the fund provided by the county. This law was wholly experimental, and was, therefore, limited to three years' duration. A later law provided that the commissioners of counties might employ teachers and erect suitable build- ings solely for the education of the poor, the expense to be paid by taxation. These schools were established under the approval of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and were devoted exclusively to poor children.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 59

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192