USA > Texas > Harris County > Houston > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston; containing a concise history of the state, with protraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named cities, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 18
USA > Texas > Galveston County > Galveston > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston; containing a concise history of the state, with protraits and biographies of prominent citizens of the above named cities, and personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families > Part 18
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128
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
Ile came to Texas during the oxciting times of the revolution, in 1835, and, still inspired with the martial spirit of 1812, he entered zealously into the cause of Texan independence. Ile joined the immortal band under Goneral Houston and participated in the heroic struggles which culminated in the battle of San Jacinto, which was so glorious a victory for the Texans, securing for them what they had unanimously so long sought for,-independence. Soon after this battle Colonel Alford was sent by the provisional government of the embryo republic to New Orleans, for military supplies for the famish- ing soldiery of Texas. IIere he loaded two vessels, and, returning on one of them, the brig Julius Caesar, he was captured by the Mexican bloekading fleet, under command of Captain Jose V. Matios of the Mexican brig of war General Teran, off Galveston harbor; the two vessels and cargoes were confiseated, and the captives incarcerated in a loathsome dungeon in Matamoras, Mexico; and Colonel Alford and his brother, Major Johnson II. Alford (who was returning to Texas with him), were condemmed to be shot; but they were liberated, through the intercession of Andrew Jackson, president of the United States.
Colonel Alford returned to Missouri, set- tled mp his business, and in April, 1837, moved his family and slaves to Texas, first settling in the old Spanish pueblo of Nacog- doches, and later in Crockett, the capital of Ilouston county, and there ho engaged in planting, in mercantile pursuits and as judge, until his death, April 1, 1847, his wife having preceded him February 10, same year. Ilis denth was deplored throughout the young Stato, which he had served with Spartan heroism.
JOHN HENRY BROWN, a well informed his- torian of Dallas and prominent in the annals of Texas as a pioneer, legislator, soldier and citizen, was born in Pike, county, Missouri, October 29, 1820, five months before that Territory became a State. Both his parents were natives of Kentucky, and in favorable financial cirenmstances. The family is and has been for many generations famous for patriotism and historical worth. The origin- ator of the family in this country came across the ocean in the time of Lord Baltimore.
John Henry was but four years old when he heard, with all the intensity of earnest childhood, of the charms of Texas. As he grew up he learned the art of printing. His first residence in Texas was with his nnele, Major James Kerr, on the Lavaca river. When Anstin was laid out, in 1839, he repaired thither in search of employment as a printer, and obtained a favorable introduc. tion to the principal statesmon of the place, who used their influence in his favor, and he obtained a good situation. The next year or two he engaged in soveral expeditions against raiding Indians. In 1843 he returned to Missouri and married Miss Mary Mitchel, of Groton, Connecticut. The following winter. he suffered with "black-tongue," a fover that brought him to death's door. Recover- ing and returning to Texas, he was engaged on the Victoria Advocate. When the militia of the new State was organized, in 1846, he was appointed brigade major of the Sonth- west, with the rank of colonel, which position he held four years. In February, 1848, he removed to the new town of Indianola, and nntil 1854 was a zealous worker in various positions of trust, and also edited the In- dianola Bulletin. During this time he was a contributor to De Bow's Review, on the subject of "Early Life in the South west."
120
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
In 1854 he purchased an interest in and became co-editor of the Galveston Civilian, where he did most of the responsible work, un account of the absence of the principal editor. He oxhibited such ability that he was nt length elected to the legislature. He was a talonted speaker on the political ros- trum, but in the legislature his speeches were hover over five minutes in length. Next he Was elected mayor of Galveston, where he pate eminent satisfaction, for two terms, and again he was returned to the legislature.
Receiving an injury by n full his health ` began to decline, and ho elminged his occupa- tion to that of stock.raising, but at length ho again becmine editor, this time of the Bolton Demoernt, und in 1861 he was elected a mem- ber of the sccession convontion, without a single vote being cast in opposition. During the war he served on General Ben MeCul- loch's staff, and on that of General II. E. McCulloch, and on account of failing health he returned home. During these years he had two surgical operations performed upon himself.
the New West;" and the three following years he was alderman, mayor or local judge in Dallas.
During all this time he has been industri- ously writing as an anthor or compiler. Ile now has preparod two largo works for publi- eation: History of Texas from 1685 to 1892, in two large volumes, and "The Indian Wars and Pioneers of Texas." In the latter at least 3,000 names of early pioneers, who largely clothed, fed and in war mounted themselves for their nupaid services, will ap- pear to prove that no country was ever set- tlod, reclaimed, populated and defended by a braver, more unselfish and patriotic people.
EDUCATIONAL.
Previous to independence Texas had scarcely any schools worth mentioning. The muniei- pality of Bejar had supported a school for a . short time, and there had been a private school near Brazoria, with thirty or forty pupils, supported by subscription, and pri- mary schools at Nacogdoches, San Angustine and Jonesburg. Those colonists who eonld afford the expense sent their children abroad for education, while the rest, the masses, did not eare for education.
Next he moved to Mexico, where he was appointed commissioner of immigration by the imperial government; in 1866 he received a commission to explore the country along the Pannco river; in the spring of 1869 he vis- As soon as Texas declared her independ- enco of Moxico, she declared in her eonstitu- tion the necessity of a school system. In 1839 the congress of the new republic as- signed three leagues of land to each organ- ized county, and in the following year an additional leagne, for the purpose of estab- lishing primary schools. At the same time fifty leagues wore devoted to the establish. ment of two colleges or universities, to be thereafter ereated. In February, 1840, a law was passed making the chief justice of ited Texns and the East in relation to the purchase of improved prins for the Mexican government; and in 1870 he delivered a hundred addresses in the Northern States in aid of a reform society in Mexico. Ile re- joined his family in Indianola, in January, 1871, and July following he moved to Dal- las, where he has since resided. Here in 1872 he was elected onco more to the State legislature; in 1875 a member of the State constitutional convention; in 1880-'81 he was revising editor of tho "Encyclopedia of I eich county, with the two associate justices,
130
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
a board of school commissioners, as an ex- eentive body, and under their supervision many schools were organized and conducted. In 1850 there were 349 public schools, with 360 teachers and 7,746 pupils. By 1860 there were 1,218 schools, with a correspond- ing increase of teachers and pupils. But even yet the schools were not entirely sup- ported by public tax. Considering the many politieal revulsions, Indian depredations, etc., to which the State of Texas has been subjeet, it is remarkable to observe the advance she has made in education and the refinements of modern civilized life. The last civil war was, of course, the greatest interruption to her progress in all directions. Under the constitution of 1866, all funds, lands and other property previously set apart for the support of the free-school system were re- dedicated as a perpetual fund. It further- more devoted to that fund all the alternate sections of land reserved out of grants to railroad companies and other corporations, together with one-half of the proceeds of all future sales of public lands. The legislature was deprived of the power to loan any por- tion of the school fund, and required to in- vest the specie principal in United States bonds, or such bonds as the State might gnarantee; and it was anthorized to levy a tax for educational purposes, special provision being made that all sums arising from taxes collected from Africans, or persons of Afri- can deseent, should be exclusively appropri- ated to the maintenance of a system of public schools for the black race. Provision for the university was renewed; a superintendent of publie instruction was directed to bo ap- pointed by the governor, who, with himself and comptroller, should constitute a board of education and have the general management of the perpetual fund and common schools.
The constitution of 1868 did not materially alter these provisions, except in one marked particular, namely, the significant omission of the provision appropriating the taxes paid by colored persons for the support of schools for their children. The schools were made free to all. The article in the constitution reads: "It shall be the duty of the legisla- ture of this State to make suitable provisions for the support and maintenance of a system of publie free schools, for the gratuitous in- struction of all the inhabitants of this State between the ages of six and eighteen."
Since the adoption of the constitution of . 1868, improvements have been constantly made, either by constitutional provision or legislation, until now, when the State has as good a school system as any in the Union.
Under the topic of public education are included:
1. The Common-School System.
2. The Normal Schools.
3. The University of Texas.
The Common-School System embraces:
1. Rural Schools.
2. Independent School Districts (cities and towns).
The Rural Schools are organized in two ways:
(A) Districts.
(B) Communities.
The districts are formed by the commis- sioners' courts, have geographical boundaries, and may vote a levy of local school tax not exceeding two mills. One hundred and thirty counties are thus districted, and about three per cent. of the districts levy local taxes. The average school term for the year 1890-'91 was 5.25 months in the districts; the average salary paid teachers was $228.05, and 90 per cent. of the children within scholastic age were enrolled in school some time during the year.
131
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
In seventy-five counties the schools are operated on a peculiar plan called the com- munity system. The community has no geographical boundaries, and enrollment on the community list is a matter of local enter- prise. Local taxes can be levied in commu- nity counties, but the plan is cumbrous and rather inefficient. The average school term in these counties for 1890-91 was 4.71 months; the average salary of teachers wns $202.76, and the percentage of enrollment on the scholastic population 88.
The cities and towne of the State may be constituted independent districts on a ma- jority vote of the people of the municipality. Independent districts may vote a levy of local school tux not exceeding five mills. There ure 127 of these districts in the State, inelnd- ing all of the larger and many of the smaller towns. The average school term in these districts in 1890-'91 was 7.48 months, the average annual salary of teachers $447.97, and the per centage of enrollment 81.3. These districts are independent of the county school officers, and receive the State appor- tionment direct from the State Treasurer.
The State endowment of the common schools is large. About $7,427,808.75 in interest-bearing bonds, more than $14,380,- 900.37 in interest bearing land notes, und abant 20,000,000 neres of unsold lands con- stitute the State endowment. Of the unsold school lands a large amount is leased at 4 cents per acre, and the funds thus derived added to the annual available school fund.
Besides the State endowment fund, each county has been granted by the State four leagnes of land, which constitute county en- dowment. As these lands are sold the funds received are invested under the authority of the county commissioners' court, and the in- terest on the investment is annually applied
to the support of the schools. A consider. able portion of these lands is leased for vary- ing terms of years, and the rental applied as the rontal of the State school lands. These lands are under the exclusive control of the county anthorities; 3,896,640 acres have been thus granted to connties, and a reserva- tion has been made from the public domain for the unorganized counties.
In addition to the interest on bonds and land notes and rental from leases, the State levies an nnunal ad-valorem school tax of one and one-quarter mills, devotes one fourth of the occupation taxes, and an annual poll tax of $1 to the available school fund. The en- tire amount of available apportioned school fund for the year 1890-'91 was $2,545,524, and the total receipts by local treasurers, in- cluding balances from the previous year, were $3,958,316.07. The disbursements for the same year amounted to $3,551,442.53. 1
AVAILABLE SCHOOL FUND ACCOUNT. RECEIPTS.
Amount brought forward from previous
year. $ 357,691 76
Amount from State apportionment. 2,538,707 05
Amount from county school (available) fund. 375,806 15
Amount from local school taxes. 469,393 23
Amount from all other sources .. 215 257 64
Amount paid In excess of receipts 49,867 09
Total receipts $1,006,221 92
DISBURSEMENTS.
Cash paid to teachers $2,878,027 79
Cash paid for supervision of schools. 100,609 88
Cash paid for building schoolhouses. 152,417 89
Cash paid for rent of schoolhouses 33,720 65
Ca-h paid for repair on schoolhouses 63,456 0 ;
Cash paid for furniture for use of school- houses. 61,637 59
Cash paid for all other purposes. 277,807 18
-
٣
132
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
Cash paid treasurer for commissions. 28,370 09
Total amount of expenditures $3,596,059 15
Balance on hand. 410,162 77
Total $1,000,221 92
AVERAGE SALARY PAID TEACHERS.
General
White. Colorud. Average.
Average salary per month for
male teachers in communily
counties
.$50 34 $40 17 $49 35
Average salary per month of
female teachers in commun.
ity counties.
40 00
34 55
39 65
General average salary per month of all teachers in dis- trict counties. ..... 45 53
Average salary per month of tenchers in community coun-
48 57 46 75 ties -- males 47 61
Average salary per month of teachers in community coun- ties-females 30 35 84 13 37 16
General average salary per
month of teachers in com- munity counties ..
..... 43 05
Average salary per month of
leachers in cities and lowos
-males . 81 27 53 93 71 08
Average salary per month of
teachers in cities and towns
-females .... 48 30 38 33 45 51
General monthly average salary of all teachers in cities and independent districts. $ 59 02 General annual average salary of teachers in
cities aud independent districts 447 86
ACHOLASTIO POPULATION AND STATE APPORTIONMENT.
Total. Appropriations,
White males ..... 225,017 ¿
436,841 $1,903,534 50
While females .. . . 211,334 }
Colored males .. ... 74,262
147,494 663,723 00
Grand total .. 583,85,5 $2,627.257 50 Total population of counties out- side of cities. 472,773
2,127,478 50 Total population of cities and in-
499,779 00 dependent districts. 111,002
Grand total. 583,835
$2,027,257 50 149 district counties without
cities . 282,049
$1,269,220 50
74 community counties without
cities 190,724 858,258 00
140 cities and independent dis-
tricts
111,062
499,779 00
Grand total 583,835 $2,627,257 50
SAM HOUSTON STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
In 1879 the Normal School was estab- lished by the State of Texas for the purpose of training competent teachers for the public schools. Regarding the Normal School as the heart of the public-school system, it was decided to name the proposed institution the " Sam Houston Normal Institute," in honor of the hero of Texas independence. Houston had spent the evening of his eventful life in Ilnntsville. Here was his neglected grave. As an everlasting monument to the honored dead the Normal School was located at : IInntsville. On the 1st of October, 1879, the institute opened, with Bernard Mallon as principal. Coming here, he had said that he would make this his last and best work. But the life of this great man, so much loved and so much honored, was near its close. On the 21st of the same month in which the school opened he entered upon his rest. Il. Il. Smith succeeded Professor Mallon, and continued in charge of the school to the close of the second session. The third annual ses- sion opened on the 26th of September, 1881, with J. Baldwin as principal. The school has generally prospered, and is in the high- est sense a State school for edneating teach- ers. The school is greatly indebted for its establishment and success to the liberality of the trustees of the Peabody education fund. The general agents, Dr. B. Sears and Dr. J. L. M. Curry, have done everything possible to foster and build mp a normal school worthy of the great State of Texas.
Colored females .: . 73,342
188
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
The school is strictly professional, and its aim is to qualify teachers in the best possible manner for the work of the school-room.
FIRST DECADE.
Enrolled. Graduated
.
1879-'80
110
. . .
37
1850-'81
114
...
55
1881-'82
165
...
73
1852-83
190
...
77
1853-84
200
...
101
1834 -'85.
206
...
118
1585-'86
215
...
13%
1856-'87
212
...
136
1887-'88
284
...
147
1888-'89
267
. ..
168
1890-'91
320
...
78
No effort has been made to secure largo numbers, but rather the best material for making efficient teachers. None are admitted under seventeen years of age, or who do not possess a good knowledge of the common branches. All students sign a pledge to teach in the public schools of the State.
The standard for admission has been stendily raised as the educational agencies of the State have become more efficient. The mim is to make this strictly a professional school for preparing trained teachers for the public schools of Tosas. Academic instruc- tion is given ouly so far as they find it abso- Intely necessary; and this necessity, we are pleased to say, steadily diminishes from year to year, as the public schools, high schools and colleges of the State become more thor- ongh in their instruction.
With the session beginning September 17, 1889, the school entered upon its second dee- ade, with an enrollment of over 300 sint- dents. The school having ontgrown its ae- commodations, the twenty-first legislature,
with wise liborality, appropriated $10,000 to erect an additional building. The new build- ing has been erected and is now occupied. It is a model school building, with all the mod- ern appliances, and Inruishos ample accom- modations for 500 students.
This institution is under control of the State Board of Education, composed of the Governor, Comptroller of Public Accounts and Secretary of State, who will appoint a local board for its immediato supervision.
Value of buildings and grounds. . . $105,000 Value of library and apparatus ... 15,000
Total $120,000
Total appropriations for support from organization to date ..... . .$236,000 Donations from Peabody fund .... 50,000
PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL SOHOOL.
This institution is located six miles east of Ilempstead, in Waller county. It is a branch of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, and under the government of the Board of Directors of that school. Orig- inally it was designed for an industrial school, but the lack of education among the colored people of the State, and the pressing need of trained teachers for the colored schools, led to a change of objects, and it was therefore converted into a normal school for training colored teachers. The constant and steadily increasing patronage it has since received is the best evidence of the wisdom of the change-the session of 1888-'89 having the largest attendance and being the most pros- perous in the history of the institution. Since its establishment 757 teachers have received more or less professional training. and a large number of them are occupying influential and profitable positions in the
184
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
public free schools of the State. The teach- ers are all colored people, who have thus far governed the school with credit to them selves and the entire satisfaction of the Board of Directors. The institution is supported by direct appropriations from the general rev. enues of the State, and one State student from each senatorial district and fifteen from the State at large are admitted and taught free of charge. A limited number of pay students are admitted, and receive books and tuition free. Pay students are charged $10 per month for board. All students are re- required to pay a matriculation fee of $5, and a fee of $2 for medical attention.
The regular course of study covers a period of three years, and leads to a diploma which, in addition to evidencing the holder's literary attainments, has the value of a teach- er's certificate of the first grade. Certificates of competency are issued to such students as do satisfactory work in the middle classes, entitling them to the compensation of see- ond grade teachers in the public schools.
The continned growth of this school, and demand of the colored people of the State for opportunity to secure agricultural and mechanical education, induced the twentieth legislature to make an appropriation of 810,- 000 to enable the Board of Directors to in- angurate the industrial features of the school. Accommodations have recontly been pro- vided for thirty-eight students to receive instruction in carpentry under a practical teacher. Theoretical and practical agrienl- ture form an important branch of study, and the farm and garden worked by the students in this department contribute largely to the needs of the mess hall. A sewing-room, provided with the latest improved sewing machines and other equipments, has been placed in charge of a competent instructress
in the art of cutting, sewing and fitting, and such of the young ladies as desire a practical knowledge of this art have an opportunity to acquire it during their course of study.
The institution is open to both sexes.
Applicants must be sixteen years old and residents of the State, and are required to sign a pledge to teach as many sessions in the free schools as they may attend the Nor- mal School.
State students must snstain a satisfactory examination in arithmetic as far as decimal fractions, orthography, English grammar, En. glish composition and history of the United States.
Students furnish their own bedding, except mattresses and pillows.
Value of buildings and grounds. . . $100,000 Value of library and apparatus . ... 7,000
AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS.
This institution owes its foundation and endowment to the act of the United States Congress, approved July 2, 1862, amended July 23, 1865, and to a joint resolution of the legislature of Texas, approved . November 1, 1866, and an act of the same body ap- proved April 17, 1871. Under these acts and the special laws of the legislature grow- ing out of them, the first board of directors met at Austin, July 16, 1875, and proceeded to organize the college. Finally the consti- tution of 1876, article VII, provided that the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, established by the act of the legisla- ture passed April 17, 1871, located in the county of Brazos, is " hereby made and con- stituted a branch of the University of Texas, for the instruction in agriculture, the me- chanic arts, and the natural sciences con. nected therewith."
135
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
The college was formally opened for the reception of students October 4, 1876.
The constitution of Texas provides that taxes may be raised for the maintenance and support of the college.
The college is situated at College Station, in the county of Brazos, five miles south of Bryan and ninety-five miles northwest of llouston. The llouston & Texas Central railroad runs through the grounds, daily trains stopping at the station about 800 yards from the main building.
The government of the college is vested in a board of directors, consisting of five mem- bers, appointed by the governor of the State. They are " selected from different sections of the State, and hold office for six years, or dur- ing good behavior, and until their successors are qualified."
In November, 1866, the legislature for- mally necepted from Congress the gift of 180,- 000 acres of public land for the endowment of an agricultural and mechanical college. This laud was sold for $174,000, which som was invested in 7 per cent. State bonds. As under the act of congress neither principal nor interest of this money could be used for other purposes than the payment of officers' salaries, at the time of the opening of the college there was an addition to the fund, from neeumulated interest, of $35,000. This was invested in 6 percent. bonds of the State, thus furnishing an annual income of $14,280.
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