History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 68

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013

USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 68

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The location of the institute was not good, though the best that could be had at the time ; the building was rough, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. After some years it be- came too small. A new site was purchased on the Hills- boro' Turnpike, about one mile outside of the city, consisting of thirty acres of land, with a mansion-house and outbuild- ings. The location is very beautiful, high, and command- ing a grand and wide prospect. The buildings consist of the mansion-house,-forty-eight by eighty feet,-four stories high, furnishing apartments for the teachers and dormito- ries for the young women, and Centennial Hall,-forty-nine by one hundred and eighty-five feet,-four stories high, with ample basement, furnishing accommodations for the boarding department; the main story is devoted to public rooms, and the three stories above furnish dormitories for about one hundred and forty young men. For this build- ing the institute is indebted most of all to the benefactions of Hon. Nathan Bishop and wife, of New York City.

The institute was removed to its present location the first Wednesday in October, 1876. Ever since then it has been enlarging in all directions. The number of students has about doubled, the course of studies has been raised.

Its leading object, as at the beginning, is to advance

Biblical knowledge and practical Christianity, believing that the word and Spirit of God are the only power that can raise any people. All the scholars have a lesson in the Bible every day. All the branches of education commonly taught in schools of this class, whether called by some humble name or some high-sounding title, receive ample attention in this institute. The plan is to afford to the colored people all the advantages for education that they need.

The students at the institute are carefully watched over, and from the beginning till now no serious breach of mo- rality has occurred.

During the vacation, and considerably in term-time, the greater part of the students are engaged in teaching, and generally they bring with them testimonials of good success.

The success of the institute is very greatly due to Prof. L. B. Tefft, a graduate of Brown University, Rochester Theological Seminary, a ripe scholar, and unexcelled as a teacher. Also to Miss Carrie V. Dyer, a lady of superior abilities and most assiduous in her devotion to the duties of her profession.

Dr. Phillips, the president, is a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1837, and of Newton Theological Institution in 1838. He came to Nashville in 1864, and has labored here in the cause of education with great zeal and success ever since.

CENTRAL TENNESSEE COLLEGE.

During the latter years of the civil war the city of Nashville was thronged with colored people, who were en- deavoring to escape from places where their newly-acquired rights of freedom were hardly recognized. In doing this they found the larger cities, where the Federal soldiers were stationed in considerable numbers, the only places of refuge from a class of outrages that were of too frequent occur- rence, and that continued after the close of the war, and against which the civil law was scarcely the shadow of a protection. These people were poor beyond description. They had nothing. They were homeless, moneyless, and almost naked, and ignorant of all provident manner of living. The government did much to relieve their physical wants, but left much of this, and, most of all, their intel- lectual and moral culture, to the philanthropist and the Christian. This work was cheerfully undertaken by the Freedman's Aid Societies, in which the various Christian churches united. The Methodist Episcopal Church was a large contributor of both workers and means, and aided in establishing schools for the freedmen, and in supporting the teachers. In 1865, after the formation of the Freed- man's Aid Societies by some of the leading denominations, the active members of the Western Branch of the Freed- man's Aid Society, who were connected with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, organized a society, the object of which was to aid in the elevation, intellec- tually and morally, of the freedman of the South. This society has had a vigorous existence, and has raised and expended in this work over seven hundred and fifty thous- and dollars, and has, in addition to this, property in school- buildings and land to the value of two hundred and seventy-

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

five thousand dollars. In 1865 the Methodist Episcopal Church began its denominational work in Nashville. A school was organized, under the direction of Bishop Clark, by Rev. A. A. Gee, who employed such teachers as were available. The building used was the church formerly belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and · known as Andrew Chapel, which was purchased by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and since known as Clark Chapel. This mission-school grew rapidly in numbers, the scholars crowding the rooms provided for them. In 1866, Rev. John Seys, D.D., for many years missionary to Africa, was appointed pastor of Clark Chapel, and princi- pal of the mission-school. The school becoming too large for the building, it became necessary, in the spring of this year, to secure more commodious accommodations. The large brick building known as the Gun Factory, on South College Street, which was in the possession of the Federal government as abandoned property, was turned over to the proper persons for the use of the school. The building was fitted up for school purposes, excepting the school-furni- ture, by the Freedman's Bureau.

In the fall of 1866, at the first session of the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. W. B. Crichlow was appointed pastor of Clark Chapel and principal of the school. A large corps of teachers were employed, and the school numbered in the aggregate attendance during the year nearly eight hundred scholars.

During the month of July of this year a board of trus- tees was organized, and a college charter obtained from the Legislature. Up to this time no tuition or incidental fee had been charged, in view of the poverty of the people, and the fact that there was no provision made for their educa- tion by the State. But, in the autumn of 1867, the city of Nashville opened free schools for the colored people. In view of this fact, and that the object of the school being to prepare colored teachers to become the educators of their own people and to prepare young men for the ministry, and not wishing to do work that others would do, and do well, a tuition-fee was charged of. one dollar per month. Rev. J. Braden was appointed pastor of Clark Chapel and prin- cipal of the college school. The trustees had received from the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church ten thousand dollars to aid in securing a site and erecting suitable buildings for the school. They succeeded in pur- chasing an eligible lot in South Nashville, not far from the medical college, and proposed to erect buildings at once and move the school into them, as the Gun Factory was only temporarily in the possession of the government. But such was the opposition to having a school for the colored people erected there that a decree was procured from the chancery court annulling the sale, and the money was re- funded.

The school opened in the Gun Factory for the second year on the 15th of September, 1867, and during the year numbered, notwithstanding the city free schools and the tuition-fce of one dollar per month charged at the college, over two hundred. Of the teachers this year, Rev. J. .Braden was elected president by the board of trustees, Miss Emily Preston, Miss Julia Evans, Mrs. S. L. Larned, and Mrs. Mary Murphy assistants. During the year efforts

were made to secure a place for a building, and attempts were made to purchase property in Franklin and Murfrees- boro', but the opposition to the education of the colored people prevented any purchases. Threats were intimated that it would not be safe to start "nigger schools" in .either of these places. The feeling that a school for the colored people, established by the Methodist Episcopal Church, in any of the smaller towns in Middle Tennessee would be insecure to person and property, led to the aban- donment of the idea of leaving Nashville, and also of seek- ing property outside of the corporation. Property was purchased on Maple Street, known as the Nance property. The only building on it being a large brick family resi- dence, and as the Gun Factory had been returned to the creditors of the company who built it, and rented for the city schools, the school was moved to this building, and the school year opened, late in the autumn of 1868, under the supervision of Rev. G. H. Hartupee, who had been placed in charge of the school by the trustees, Rev. J. Braden having resigned his position at the close of the previous year.

During the winter and spring of 1869, with the aid of the Freedman's Bureau, which contributed about $18,000, there were erected two brick buildings, furnishing a large and commodious chapel, with dormitories above it in one building, and school-rooms and dormitories in the other, capable of accommodating about two hundred students. At the close of the school year 1869, Rev. G. H. Hartupee resigned, and Rev. J. Braden was re-elected president. The first catalogue was published this year, and indicated an enrollment of 192 students in all departments. The pri- mary class was thrown out of the course of study, and none admitted who could not read in the Second Reader.

The catalogue for 1870-71 showed an enrollment of 226. The departments organized were the intermediate, academic and normal, preparatory and theological. Many of the students in the academic and normal departments were en- gaged in teaching ; and, although but partially prepared, yet such was the ignorance of the colored people in the country places that students who had not advanced beyond the Third Reader and simple addition found employment as teachers, and did a good work in imparting a knowledge of letters and reading to their people.

For 1871-72 the total number of students was 241. The students were more punctual and attended school for a longer period than before, and seemed to have clearer ideas of acquiring knowledge of the higher branches. Classes in algebra, geometry, Latin, Greek, natural science, Bibli- cal studies were taught, and passed such examinations as gave great satisfaction to the numerous visitors and exami- ners who were present, at the close of the year.

The number of students for 1872-73 was 270. Over one-fourth of the entire number engaged in teaching during the year.

In 1874 the number of students was about the same as the previous year. Raising the standard of admission from the Second to the Third Reader cut off a number who made application to enter the school. The number of students from a distance boarding in the institution was largely in excess of any former year. Many who had been out teach-

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CENTRAL TENNESSEE

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MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

OLLEGE NASHVILLE TENN.

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Photo. by Armstrong, Nashville.

2. 4. Tucker

WILLIAM TUCKER, who settled in Williamson County in 1810, and was one of the early settlers of Middle Tennessee, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and born in North Carolina about 1790. He purchased in Williamson County three hundred acres of land, which are now owned by his descendants. His grandson, Dr. N. G. Tucker, still regards this as the " old, old home," and whenever a death occurs in his family the remains are deposited in the family cemetery on this place. He mar- ried Rachel Dowdy in Williamson County, and filled well his sphere for many years.

Ephraim Bugg came from Virginia at an early day to Wil- liamson County. He married Martha Lanier. They were the maternal grandparents of Dr. Tucker. Both were of Scotch-Irish descent, coming to Tennessee from Mecklenburg, Va. Their descendants are numerous.

Allen C. Tucker, son of William Tucker, married Eliza- beth J. Bugg. Both were born in Williamson County in 1819. They had six children, of whom Dr. Tucker was the oldest.

Newton G. Tucker was born in Williamson County, on the farm before alluded to, March 28, 1839. When he was an infant his father removed to Marshall County, where he re- sided fifteen years, and returned to Williamson County, dying in 1856, esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.

At this period Dr. Tucker, only sixteen years old, com- menced teaching in the public schools, and taught for three years. He began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Johnson & McClure, at Lewisburg, in the spring of 1859, and graduated at the University of Nashville, March 1, 1861. On July 18th, in the same year, he married Mary E. Cochran, of Pontotoc, Miss., daughter of Silas M. and Nancy W. Coch- ran. Soon after graduation he was recommended for appoint- ment as surgeon in the Army of Tennessee, C. S. A., but never entered active service, being ordered by Governor Har-

ris to his home in Marshall County to care for those left without medical aid at that place. From that time for thirteen years he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and made many warm friends. In 1870 he was elected mayor of Lewisburg, and held that position until he removed to Nashville, in August, 1878, when he tendered his resigna- tion.

His interest in public affairs soon attracted the attention of the people, and in 1875 he was elected to the position of coun- cilman of the city of Nashville. Oct. 1, 1877, he was chosen as president of the common council, which position he holds at this writing.

Dr. Tucker was elected in the summer of 1877 to fill the chair of theory and practice of medicine in Meharry Medi- cal College of Nashville, and yet occupies it. He is a member of the Davidson County Medical Society, Nashville Medical Society, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and ex-vice- president of the Tennessee Medical Society.

Dr. Tucker is an active member of several societies. He was Worthy Master of Farmington and Delahunte Lodges of F. and A. M., in Marshall County; belongs now to Phoenix Lodge, No. 181, F. and A. M., Tennessee Lodge, No. 20, Knights of Honor, and Capitol Lodge, No. 87, A. O. U. W.

Religiously, Dr. Tucker has been an adherent and member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. His political senti- ments were in his early days in accord with the old-line Whigs, but since the civil war he has acted with the Demo- cratic party and been thoroughly identified with it.

Dr. Tucker is of medium stature, of sanguine temperament, and shows the characteristics of that temperament by being quick and active in every direction. He responds at once to charitable and public objects; is prompt and decided in his friendships, and is progressive and in harmony with every- thing tending to elevate and improve mankind.

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CITY OF NASHVILLE. .

ing returned, earnestly desiring to improve themselves for . more efficient work in this department.

In 1875, there were enrolled 240. Of these one was in the college class, 29 in the preparatory, 25 in the theologi- cal, and 56 in the academic and normal, and 152 were in the common English studies. In 1876 the enrollment was 210; in 1877, it was 227 ; in 1878, it was 295, and in 1879, it was 287. The number of students enrolled for the year 1879-80 is 331; of these 18 are in the college course, 18 in the preparatory, 12 in the academic, 173 in the normal, 91 in the English course, 50 in the theological, 22 in the medical, and 2 in the law course.

Four classes in the Meharry Medical Department have graduated 20 students,-1877, 1; 1878, 3; 1879, 8; 1880, 8.

The advancement in the studies pursued may be seen in the fact that in 1867 not a student was advanced beyond the common English branches, and the majority of them were in such primary studies as spelling, reading in the First, Second, and Third Readers, elements of arithmetic, and writing. In the catalogue for 1879, the conditions of admission are that the candidate must read in the Fourth Reader and have some knowledge of arithmetic. Such a condition ten years ago would have kept out fivo-sixths of the students. In addition to the common English studies there have been classes completing the study of algebra, geometry, trigonometry. analytical geometry, astronomy, mechanics and calculus in mathematics, and have read the usual authors of the college course in Latin and Greek suc- cessfully, as well as having creditably completed a course in natural sciences and belles-lettres, and the usual degree of Bachelor of Arts has been conferred. That which seemed incredible a few years ago, in the intellectual capacity of the negro, has actually been accomplished. Young men and women who were born slaves have finished some of the higher courses of study in the college, and are taking high rank among the educated of our land. In the school-room hundreds of the students of this college have proved them- selves most successful teachers. They have been com- mended by boards of examination and county superintend- ents for their proficiency in the studies on which they have been examined. Others have made commendable progress in Biblical studies, and now occupy some of the most im- portant positions in the churches to which they belong, honoring their positions by clear and earnest presentations of truth and intelligent Christian lives.

Meharry Medical Department .- In 1874 the nucleus of the medical department was formed, and has gradually developed into a thoroughly organized school. The brothers Hugh, Samuel, and Rev. Alexander Meharry, D.D., fur- nished means to carry forward this department, and three classes, aggregating twelve, have graduated, and have met with a very cordial reception from the members of the pro- fession wherever they have settled. Two of them have had practice in yellow fever,-Dr. J. S. Bass, in Chattanooga, in 1878, and Dr. L. D. Key, near Memphis. Both ac- quitted themselves creditably in their positions of danger. All graduates have passed a thorough examination on the full course in medicine, and have demonstrated their ability to deal with the science of medicine successfully.

The law department has a small beginning, but will no doubt grow as have the other departments. It is the aim of the trustees to furnish the means, as far as practicable, for qualifying the students for any profession in life which may be open to them. The great demand for workers in Africa is not forgotten, and it is confidently expected that some who are or have been students in this school will find their life-work in that rapidly-opening continent. The men who most impress the world are those who wrestle with the problems of every-day life, hence the education of those who are to battle with these problems should be practical. The education which this school proposes to give is of this kind, fitting its students for the farm, the workshop, the store, as well as for the school-room, the office, or the pulpit.

The results of the thirteen years of the existence of this school may be summed up as follows : The course of study has advanced from the primary English to the full college course, which has been successfully completed by some of the race who have been held as incapable of mastering any but the commonest studies. The conditions of admission are such as would have been impossible for any consider- able number of the colored people to comply with when the school was opened in 1866. Hundreds of young men and women have been fitted for successful work as teachers of their people, in the school-room, in the home, and in the church. The labors of these students compare favorably with the same kind of labor of white teachers. The same may be said of the theological and medical students. The positions which the former occupy in the church, and the reception which the latter receive from the medical profes- sion, is clear evidence of the ability of these educated stu- dents to discharge acceptably and successfully some of the gravest duties of life.

College Buildings .- The buildings of the college are five in number, plain, substantial brick, admirably adapted to school purposes, and costing over sixty thousand dollars. Most of this sum was contributed by the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and the result of the past work of the school is seen in the hundreds of schools taught by thor- oughly competent teachers educated in this institution ; in a multitude of Sunday schools that have been organized and conducted by these teachers, in connection with their day-schools; in the increasing intelligence of the colored people where these schools have been taught; in the higher estimate of the social virtues, a better idea of home and its sanctity, clearer views of the relation of husband and wife, parents and children, a better comprehension of own- ership, a more intelligent view of freedom and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, more intelligent work in the Sunday-school and church, and a more elevated view of Christian life and duty. The expense of the school, out- side of the current expenses, has been paid by the contri- butions of the Christian people of the North, through the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the students mostly paying their own personal expenses, as tuition, board, etc., which have been placed so low that all the energetic and industrious may be able to meet these requirements.

While the school is under the patronage of the Meth-

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

odist Episcopal Church, and the doctrines of the Bible are interpreted in harmony with the standards of this branch of the church of God, yet no efforts are made to influence those who belong to denominations viewing Biblical doc- trine from other stand-points to change their views or church relations. With the growing influence of the church among the colored people in the South, there seems to be nothing in the way of the future increasing usefulness of this school.

TENNESSEE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.

In 1844 an exhibition was given in one of the churches in Nashville of the ability of the blind to read embossed letters by the sense of touch. A good audience was assem- bled, to a majority of whom the method of reading by the fingers was something new and surprising. The exhibition at once awakened an enthusiastic interest in the education of the blind. Fingers that were capable of reading could certainly assist in other ways in developing minds which had before seemed shrouded in darkness. To many it ap- peared possible that the use of language, hearing, and the sense of touch might in a considerable measure compen- sate for the lack of vision, and they were willing to assist in the good work in proportion to their ability. Donations were made, subscriptions taken, and a house rented and furnished. Mrs. John Bell, Mrs. Matthew Watson, Mrs. Joseph H. Marshall, and Mrs. William H. Morgan were conspicuous in this good work.

Mr. James Champlin, who had given the exhibition, was selected teacher, but Mr. Champlin, through feeble health and want of energy, allowed the tide of enthusiasm to subside without attaining any important permanent re- sult. In a few months thereafter, Mr. W. H. Churchman, a young man of ability and energy, was elected principal by the then recently-appointed trustees, Rev. J. T. Edgar, Rev. R. B. C. Howell, and Rev. J. T. Wheat.

In 1846 a charter was granted to the school and a legis- lative appropriation was made for its maintenance. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Churchman sought in Indiana what he be- lieved to be a more encouraging field of labor, and Mr. E. W. Whelan, of Philadelphia, was elected to take his place, which he retained till May, 1849, when he was succeeded by Mr. Jacob Berry, of Philadelphia. In little more than a month Mr. Berry died of cholera; also the matron, stew- ard, and several of the most promising pupils. Mr. Whelan volunteered, in the midst of suffering and death, to take temporary charge of the school. His offered service was accepted. Mr. Whelan was succeeded by Mr. Fortescue, who resigned after holding the position about two months.

These frequent changes in the management of the school, and still more the fatal visitations of cholera within the household, hindered its growth and retarded the im- provement of the pupils. Parents, always more willing to part with other children than with the blind ones, were doubly unwilling to send their unfortunate children to a place where the cholera had been so fatal.

In November, 1850, Mr. J. M. Sturtevant was engaged to superintend the school. He took charge of it the follow- ing January.

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History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 68

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1013

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013