USA > South Carolina > Richland County > Columbia > Historical and descriptive sketch of the leading manufacturing and mercantile enterprises, public buildings, officials, professional men, schools, churches, ets., railroads, canals, rivers, advantages and surroundings of Columbia, S.C. > Part 5
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
institution ranked from its com-
After 22 years' absence, the Nuns mencement among leading educa- have again resumed their labors in the city, having lately purchased the
tional establishments in the United States, and continued its prosperous property which they had saved so career, fulfilling its high mission, many years before-the well-known until February 17th, 1865, when it Hampton-Preston Place, one of the
·
33
COLUMBIA CITY.
most beautiful residences in the tages are still here, and with the in- South. It occupies an entire block crease of harmonious feelings be- of 4 acres, surrounded on three sides tween the States, the Theological by a high brick wall, and enclosed Seminary will doubtless regain some in front by a strong iron railing. of its Northern patronage.
The main building is a large, hand-
Among the eminent names who some, and elegant brick structure, have been members of its Faculty furnished with the best and latest came Thos. Goulding, 1828; George sanitary arrangements-gas and Howe, 1831; A. W. Leland, 1833; water (hot and cold) carried over Charles C. Jones, 1836; Alex. T. the house, which is heated with fur- McGill, 1852; B. M. Palmer, 1853; nąces, so there is no danger of tak- J. H. Thornwell, 1856; J. B. Adger, ing cold in going through the halls 1857; Jas. Woodrow, 1861; Wm. S.
and corridors. The grounds are Plumer, 1867; Jos. R. Wilson, 1870 ; magnificent. The pupils are, at all Chas. R. Hemphill and Wm. E. Boggs, times, under the immediate super- 1882. John L. Girardeau, D. D., vision of tbe Ursuline ladies, who LL.D., is the oldest among the pres- endeavor to be as good mothers to- ent Faculty in point of service, hav- wards all under their charge, and ing commenced his labors with the particular attention is paid to their Seminary in 1876, and with short in- deportment and manners. In the termissions has been connected with admission of pupils no distinction of it ever since. Dr. Girardeau, Profes- religion is made, nor is there any sor of Didactic and Polemic Theolo- undue influence exercised over their religious principles.
gy, is a native of Charleston County, graduating from the Charleston Col- lege in 1844, and ordained to the
This institution was incorporated by the Legislature in 1861. and char- ministry in 1850. He served as a tered as a college in 1878-its aim pastor in Charleston for many years, and object being to cultivate and and is well and favorably known by train the minds and hearts of its Columbia people. James D. Tadlock, pupils. It is prepared to give a first- D. D., Professor of Church History class education. Besides the Eng- and Government, and Chairman of lish branches, mathematics, &c., mu- the Faculty, is a Tennesseean, and sic, vocal and instrumental (piano, was President of King College, at Bristol, that State, prior to coming here two years since. Chas. C. Hers-
harp, guitar, and organ), are thor- oughly taught, as also drawing, crayon, pastil, &c., and calisthenics, man, D. D., Professor of Biblical Lit- The corps of teachers at present erature and Exegesis of Scriptures, numbers ten.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. AUSPICES PRESBYTERIAN SYNODS.
is a native of Kentucky, and was President of Westminster College at Fulton, Mo., prior to his call here a year since. It is expected that the. Perkins chair, now vacant, will soon be filled, and a Professor of Pastoral Theology be elected.
The Columbia Theological Semi- nary was opened up sixty years ago, and prior to the war was in a pros- perous condition, as many students The number of students since its founding has been about 600, while came from the Northern States to the Columbia Seminary for sanitary the present attendance is quite small, reasons. The same climatic advan- numbering but 21. The Seminary is
3
..
--
34
HISTORICAL SKETCH
under the control of the Synods of The present Board of School Com- South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, missioners is composed of the follow- and South Georgia and Florida, and ing gentlemen : F. W. McMaster, has a library of about 22.000 volumes. Chairman, and Messrs. R. L. Bryan, The total value of Seminary proper- W. H. Lyles, W. C. Swaffield, Jno. ty, including endowment funds and P. Thomas, Jr., Edward S. Joynes, real estate, is estimated at $280,000; and W. J. Duffie. Prof. D. B. John- the location in the city being pleasant son, Superintendent of schools at and the buildings ample for every Newberne, N. C., had been highly necessity. Dr. George Howe, a native recommended as a successful organ- of Massachusetts, who died April, izer and teacher, and his decided 1883. was the moving spirit of the qualifications in this respect, together Columbia Theological Seminary for with testimonials as to his high moral a period of 51 years. and will long character, led the first Board of Com- be remembered for his devotion to missioners to select him as Superin- the cause, and noble and efficient ser- tendent of the Columbia Schools, vice. No charges are made for tui- which position he has filled to the tion or room rent. but every advan- entire satisfaction of our people for tage given to the student to secure five years past. a theological education at the mini- mum cost.
COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. D. B. JOHNSON, SUPERINTENDENT.
The Act of the General Assembly which provided for the reorganiza-
Under the wise supervision of the Board, and the energetic and judi- cious management of the Superinten- dent, assisted by a corps of earnest teachers of both sexes, the growth of the Schools has been steady, while the good will and confidence of the
tion of the public school system of people, expressed in words of kindly the city of Columbia became a law comment and in constantly increas- on the 24th day of December, 1880. ing patronage, have led to the confi- Under this Act. the public schools of dent expectation that still greater Columbia were opened on the 28th advancement is in store for the com- day of September, 1883. The man- ing year. Under the auspices of agement and control are vested in a these schools, the general prosperity Board of School Commissioners, com- of the city of Columbia has been en- posed of seven members, four of hanced. Many persons have moved whom are elected by the voters of to the city, to avail themselves of each of the four wards of the city, the advantages of the schools, and two of whom are appointed by the thus the policy, from a business Governor, upon the recommendation standpoint, of the earnest support of of the Board of Trustees of the Co- these institutions by the business lumbia Academy, and the seventh men has been amply vindicated. But one is chosen by the City Council this is a small consideration in com- from among their own number.
parison with the higher advantages
This Board is charged by law with secured. The light of intelligence all the duties which had appertained has been sent into homes humble as to the office of County School Com- well as more favored, and the cause missioner, and also with the same of popular education has been placed duties in the city which are required upon high and easy ground. Prof. of School Trustees in the County. Johnson, being an enterprising edu-
1
35
COLUMBIA CITY. 1727137
cator, in sympathy with the most ally provided for the training of col- progressive and intelligent teaching ored teachers, but, strange to recite, methods of the day, and being with- no provision had been made until a al an enthusiast in bis profession, recent period for white teachers. It has brought the schools up to an ac- was reserved for Columbia to take knowledged high standard. They the initiative in this important busi- are not excelled by any in the State. ness, so closely allied with the for- It is conceded that they meet the tunes of educational progress.
demands of the public. They have
In a communication to the Charles- promoted largely the intelligence of ton News and Courier in May, 1887, the youth committed to their train- John P. Thomas. Jr., Esq., the ac- tive member of the Board of Trus- tees, gives the following information as to the origin of the Winthrop Training School for teachers. He says :
ing, while they have at the same time, under the religious influence exerted, improved the manners and elevated the ethics of the pupils. In fine, these schools are for both the races in Columbia a power for good and a source of unmeasured blessings.
It may be added that the city gov- ernment has always evinced due con- sideration for these schools, while the Trustees of the Peabody Fund have illustrated in behalf of the schools their characteristic liberality in repeated contributions. In build- ing for the children of the city, the Board have laid the foundations broad and deep, and the master workman has done his part well. Let the crown go on the deserving brow. Education is at once the orna- ment and the cheap defence of the city. That is, such an education as the city schools afford, where the State. effort is to make mental and moral training go hand in hand.
The record shows the large atten- dance at this time of 1,700 pupils- 885 white and S15 colored-with an ever-increasing tendency.
WINTHROP TRAINING SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS.
"The Winthrop Training School was opened in Columbia on Novem- ber 15, 1886, in the buildings of the Theological Seminary, which have been temporarily secured for the use of the school. The school was or- ganized under the general powers conferred by law upon the board of school commissioners of the city of Columbia, but the school had not been in operation long before the idea was conceived to enlarge its scope. With this view application was made to the General Assembly for a charter. Under the provisions of this charter the school will be operated for the benefit of the whole
"The school is named in honor of Robert C. Winthrop, the venerable and philanthropic chairman of the Peabody board, and it is by the lib. erality of this board that the school is mainly supported. It has been in successful operation since its open- ing under the following corps : Prof. D. B. Johnson, Superintendent ; Miss M. H. Leonard, Principal'; Miss A.
The Constitution of this State pro- E. Bonham, Practice Teacher; Mrs. vides for a State Normal School, But T. C. Robertson, Teacher of Draw- until recently the State was making ing. no appropriation in this direction. "The school has been attended by
Northern philanthropy had liber- twenty-one young ladies. The up-
36
HISTORICAL SKETCH
country, low-country, and the mid- honored one in this city and this dle section of the State have all been State. represented. During the short time At the close of the first year's the school has been in session the session of the school, fourteen pu- following work has been accom- pils of the twenty-one enrolled dur- plished. The pupils have been ing the year completed the course taught the methods of the various of study and received diplomas of rooms in the city graded schools, and
the school. Twelve of this number they have had the opportunity to ob- were residents of Columbia, one of serve, by personal inspection, the Summerville, and one of Union practical workings of these schools County. and the ways of management in The faculty for the session of vogue. In addition to this, each 1886-7 was as follows : training school pupil has bad a D. B. Johnson, Superintendent. week's practice in the school-room, Miss M. H. Leonard, Principal. instructing and managing children, under the direction of the practice teacher.
""Their class-work has included psychology, physiology, methods of teaching reading, arithmetic, Eng- lish language, geography, history, penmanship, music, drawing, and calisthenics. Lessons on 'forms and plants,' as bearing upon primary in- struction, have been given. The school is open to all those in the State wishing to prepare themselves for the teaching profession."
This school, thus organized and put into operation, was named in honor of Mr. Robert C. Winthrop, sources and its dependency upon the the venerable statesman and philan- thropist, of Massachusetts-him who, upon the occasion of the death of John Caldwell Calhoun in Wash- ington. pronounced one of the most appreciative and chaste of the many remarkable eulogies given when Senators and Representatives gath- ered in mourning phalanx about the bier of the great statesman of South Carolina.
It was chiefly through Mr. Win- priation from the common treasury throp's influence that the Peabody to supplement the Peabody gift. In grant was secured, which made the accordance with this plan, bills were establishment of the school possible. introduced to carry the proposed Well, therefore, for good reasons, measure. The gist of the measure may the name of Winthrop be an was a proposed annual appropria-
Miss A. E. Bonham, Pra. Teacher. Mrs. T. C. Robertson, Drawing.
So much for the Winthrop Train- ing School for Teachers as founded and established under the Act of 1886, entitled "An Act relating to the Winthrop Training School for Teach- ers." This Act provided for no State aid. It incorporated the school and granted the usual privileges to the Board of Trustees, but beyond en- titling the graduates of the school to teach without further examina- tion in any of the public schools of the State as first grade teachers, the Act left the school to its own re- Peabody beneficence of a yearly ap- propriation of $1,500.
The friends of the school, how- ever, wisely determined last year to rise to higher ground. The efficient superintendent, encouraged and aided by the Board of Trustees, con- ceived the scheme of enlarging the sphere of the school and increasing its usefulness by making it a State institution, and asking for an appro-
37
COLUMBIA CITY.
tive of $5,100 upon the basis of departments, as well as all the high- $150 each for the advantage of 34 er branches and fine arts. The school young women. one from each county has 65 to 70 names, many of the of the State, meritorious in charac- pupils coming from other parts of ter and scholarship, but not rich in the State or from distant States .. Miss worldly goods, selected by competi- Martin has been fortunate in her tive examination. The measure selection of teachers, having secured passed the General Assembly by an the first year the services of Prof. L. overwhelming majority. This new Plate as principal instructor in mu- scheme will go into operation at the sic, and she attributes much of the beginning of the next school year. success of the institution to his pa- It promises the best of results. The tient, thorough, and superior work, school is modelled after the best in as many who have been under his the country. For the first time since instructions are now prominent ar- the appropriation for Normal Train- tists and teachers. Her assistants ing in Charleston, long since discon- in music, as well as in other branch- tinued, South Carolina provides for es of the fine arts. have been noted white teacher training. Tardy jus- for their merit and success. In the tice bas at last been done to the French and German departments fairer and better part of a common- none but natives of Europe or those wealth, opulent with the deeds and who have been educated there are
examples of a womanhood resplend- accepted. Mrs. Mary Preston Dar- by, her present teacher of these lan- guages, by long residence and travel on the continent, is fully prepared ent with patriotic spirit and Chris- tian graces. To enlarge this influ- ence and to augment its resources ; to make South Carolina purer and to do efficient work. This enter- stronger by ennobling its homes- prise, now in its twenty-third year, this is the exalted mission of the is in a prosperous condition, having Winthrop Training School for Teach- more applicants for boarding pupils. ers. Looking to the mothers' influ- than it is prepared to receive. Its ence in forming character and local patronage is very large, and the moulding the malleable, this matter Columbia High School for Girls may cannot well be magnified. Nerved justly be considered a complete suc- with strong affirmative, we chant cess. The Faculty is composed of here the beauty of the good.
ten teachers, several of whom are graduates of the school.
HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. MISS I. D. MARTIN, PRINCIPAL.
COLUMBIA HOME SCHOOL. MISS S. E. ELMORE, PRINCIPAL.
In 1865, Miss Isabel D. Martin and her sister began a private school at
At the close of the war, Miss El- their present location, which has more and ber sisters were in Ches- grown into a very worthy institute ter, S. C., where they opened a of learning, known as the Columbia school in the Academy building, and High School for Girls. The board- met with excellent success, but pre- ing feature was not contemplated at ferring Columbia, their native place, first, but was added by request and as a residence, they accepted the is now a prominent feature of the opportunity to open a boarding and enterprise. The course of study day school in this city, notwith- comprises primary and preparatory standing there were three others
.
38 .
HISTORICAL SKETCH
already in successful operation here. ciety, with the object in view of giv- Miss Elmore's venture proved a suc- ing theological education. Mrs. B. cess, the school steadily gained in A. Benedict, Pawtucket, R. I., paid numbers and has a good reputation the first purchase money, and bas at home and abroad. The location been a constant and liberal sup- at 71 Laurel street is pleasant, and porter of the institution. Subse- the name, "Home School," is sugges- quently a classical and normal course tive of its surroundings. Every ef- was added, and a year or two since fort is made to secure to the young an industrial department, which is people the characteristics which be- aided by an annual appropriation long to the home circle and prepare from the John F. Slater Fund under them to meet the influences which the management of Rev. A. G. Hay- surround every one in active and good. Rev. H. bas assisted in the responsible life. The quantity of development of an industrial annex knowledge is not so much sought to many of the colored institutes of after by Miss Elmore as the quality, the South, and through his wise ap- and she endeavors to impress upon
propriation of the proceeds from the each pupil the importance of under- Slater Fund, is doing great good to standing her own sphere, so that the negro race. Shortly after the upon leaving school she may the war there was a rush for education better appreciate the means for fur- among the colored people, many of ther development of mind and soul. whom at first believed it to be the
The course of study extends from means of escaping work, but they the primary to the collegiate, in- now better understand its import cluding mathematics, language, es- and seek for improvement in literary pecially English, history, and philo- pursuits upon its real merit. All the sophy. These necessarily include colored churches are committed to literature. The musical and French the cause of education, and, consid- departments are in charge' of Mrs. ering their means, are liberal in their Thos. Taylor, and Mrs. M. P. Darby donations, and are thus being trained teaches German. Other teachers to help themselves. The Benedict attend to the regular branches, and is principally supported by Northern each department has its proper con- philanthropy, and as its objects are sideration ; in fine, Miss Elmore has to make successful teachers, preach- demonstrated her abilility as a Prin- ers, and workers, perfecting them in cipal and established an enviable the traits of good citizenship, it reputation for the "Home School." should receive the bearty encourage- Miss Elmore is a descendant of the ment and good will of South Carolina Taylor family, a household word in people, which we believe it does. Columbia, and a daughter of Col. Franklin H. Elmore, a former Con- gressman and prominent statesman from this district. The course of study here covers Nor- mal. English, Classical, and Theo- logical, as well as careful teaching in several lines of industry for both men BENEDICT INSTITUTE, BAPTIST HOME MISSION SOCIETY. and women. The enrolment of the Benedict Institute averages about 225, and the students come from The Benedict Institute, of Colum- nearly every county in the State. bia, was founded in 1871 by the After leaving the school, they are American Baptist Home Mission So- eagerly sought for in the various
.39
COLUMBIA CITY.
walks of life. as they have here been women are provided with board and taught practical application and rooms in Christian families at rea- good citizenship, as well as their pro- sonable rates. The price of tuition per religious and moral responsibil- is very low, and every advantage is ity. For seven years past the Insti- given to those who desire to gain a tute has been in charge of Rev. C. E. higher education. Industrial pur- Becker, a graduate from the Madison suits have been also introduced, and University of Hamilton, N. Y., and will be added to from time to time, also from the Crozer Theological to meet the growing requirements. Seminary near Philadelphia. Prof. The course of study comprises a G. F. Genung, a graduate from the graded, intermediate. normal college, Union College of Schenectady, N.Y., and regular collegiate course, includ- has recently been added to the Fac- ing law and theology. Students who ulty. Two or three years since a stand the required examinations, re- very handsome brick edifice was ceive the degrees of A. B., LL.B., erected, and the entire property of and B. D .. in the last named, respec- the Benedict Institute is valned at tively, and in the Normal Course a about $45,000. In addition to ample Diploma.
recitation rooms, there are dormi-
The Faculty are: Prof. J. W. tories for both sexes, ample grounds, Morris. A. M., LL.B., Columbia. S. facilities for industrial pursuits. and C., Prof. of Mathematics and Ancient the various school apparatus and fa- Languages; Mr. P. F. Oliver, LL.B., cilities for acquiring a liberal educa- Dean of Law Department; Thomas tion.
A. Saxon, LL.B., Secretary and In- ALLEN UNIVERSITY. AUSPICES OF A. M. E. CHURCH. structor in the Law Department; Mr. T. A. Saxon, A. B., LL.B., Tutor in Collegiate and Normal Depart- The African Methodist Episcopal Church is deserving of credit for its commendable zeal in the education of the negro race, and the Allen Uni- versity is an evidence of their ability to found and manage an institution for higher education entirely within ments; Mr. A. J. Jamison, A. B., LL.B .. Tutor in Collegiate and Nor- mal Departments; Mr. J. G. Lee, Assistant in Normal Department ; Miss Emma E. Felder, Teacher in Intermediate Department; Mrs. E. M. Carr, Teacher in Primary De- their own people. The Allen was partment. Rev. R. E. Wall officiates founded in 1881, incorporated under as Secretary and Treasurer.
the laws of this State. and its first, Prof. Morris, the President, is a class of four graduated from the Law native of Charleston, and graduated Department in 1884. A year later from the Law Department of the three more received the degree of South Carolina College in 1876. He LL.B. Five young women were received the degree of A. M. from the graduated from the Normal Course Howard University of Washington, in 1885, two in 1886. and six young D. C., and appears to well understand men received the degree of A. B. last how to handle his people. Any in- year, making now 21 of its alumna. stitution devoted to the education,
The average attendance is abont refinement. and moral culture of the 160, some 20 male students boarding citizens of the State should have due in the Campus, at a cost of $6 per credit, and the success of the Allen month, including room; while young University under the tutorship, fos-
40.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
In addition to the schools already noticed, we have the English and Classical Schools of Profs. Clarkson and Barnwell, well known teachers, and of the Misses Reynolds and other . private elementary schools not here mentioned.
We have given this lengthy out- line of educational institutions that the reader might form some ade- quate conception of Columbia's ad- vantages in moral and mental cul- ture, the fine arts, etc., and for teach- ing-or preaching-directed espe- cially to moral training, we will next give a brief review of churches.
CHURCHES, ETC.
Y. M. C. A. OF COLUMBIA.
tering care, and finances of the col- the leading secular, religious, and ored people, is an achievement illustrated papers of the land, to- worthy of note and deserving of the gether with many magazines and sympathies and good will of all. pamphlets containing much valuable information. Games of various kinds, also an organ and piano are in the rooms for the use of members. The average daily attendance in the rooms is about forty. Two religious meetings for young men are held weekly, also a worker's training class, and debating society, which hold regular meetings.
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.