History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 106

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050

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The association at present consists of H. C. King, President and Performer on B Flat Cornet Solo; Eugene Spencer, Leader ; Lyman Spencer, Treasurer and Alto; J. H. Parnell, Secretary and Tenor ; George Hutchins and A. Grindell, First and Second Alto ; B. C. East- man, Clarionet ; A. Martin, Trombone; William Topps, B Flat Cornet ; Elmer Thomas, Bass ; James Hammond and James Washburn, Drums.

The society meets twice each week, and estimates the value of their property at $525.

EDUCATIONAL.

The reader is already familiar with the opposition manifested by the Indians to the occupa- tion of the lead mines by the whites. This opposition first evidenced itself as early as 1822, when the hostilities of the savages prevented operations in that region. Then came the Winne- bago war, followed by the Black Hawk war, in which the red man was practically annihilated, and peace, with its blessings, first began to be a source of profit and enjoyment.

In the meantime, prominent villages were located and built up near valuable openings in the mines, and a number of the most useful citizens had arrived with the miners, all of whom employed their best efforts to the establishment of that system of education which has since so successfully obtained. Among these were Gov. Dodge, who urged the adoption of a public school system ; Hon. John H. Rountree, who aided materially in opening the first schools in the south- western portion of the State, including Platteville Academy, now a State Normal School ; Gen. Charles Bracken, who first introduced a bill in the Territorial Legislature to create a common school fund; and Col. Daniel M. Parkinson, who was Chairman of the Assembly committee which made the earliest inquiries into the expediency of establishing common schools in the State.

In Mineral Point, in July, 1830, was built the first schoolhouse in the lead district. It was constructed of logs, and, when not occupied by the school, furnished accommodations for a Justice's Court and church.

The second school in the Mineral District was built in June, 1834, on the east side of Sec- tion 16, now a part of the city of Platteville. It was built by subscription, through the efforts of Maj. Rountree and others. It was of hewn logs, one story high, 18x20 feet in dimensions, and presided over by Samuel Huntington, a pioneer teacher, who drifted into the country from no one knows where, and disappeared no one knows how. Here came the children of pioneer families for miles around, including those of the Rountree, Reily, Snowden, Waller, Vineyard, Holman and Chalders families, about twenty-five all told, and here the preceptor divided his time between the cause of education and search for mineral. He was about forty years of age, eccen- tric, exacting, but not severe, and though he taught about two years, at $3 per capita per

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

quarter, the parents of those in attendance were accustomed to argue themselves into the con- clusion that his efforts would have proved more satisfactory had he paid more attention to in- struction, and less to the discovery of "rich leads." The school was discontinued at this point upon his departure, and resumed in a house to the rear of the present Deffenbacher lot, north of Mineral street, where Dr. A. T. Locey gathered about forty pupils, who were taught in the main by his sister, Miss Locey. In May, 1837, Hanmer Robbins opened a school in a log house south of the present Congregational Church site. His pupils embraced among others, H. S. and Ellen Rountree, Miss Locey, two daughters of Thomas Render, a son and daughter of Richard Waller, and Henry Snowden, the children of James Durley, the children of James Vineyard, and others, about sixty all told. The branches taught were the ordinary elementary studies. The same was paid for at the rate of $4.50 for a term of sixteen weeks, and success attended his efforts. He remained here, and in the Methodist Church, until the spring of 1839.

In February of that year, Maj. Rountree, who was a member of the Territorial Council, introduced a bill providing for the incorporation of the " Platteville Academy." The bill was passed, and A. M. Dixon came hither from Bond County, Ill., to take charge. Some say the institution was opened in the basement of the Methodist Church, under the care of Mr. Dixon, where it remained until its removal to the building erected for academic purposes, in 1841, in the northern part of the city. Others insist that he began teaching in his private residence, still standing at the corner of Main and Court streets, when he was assisted by his wife, which was attended by the children of Henry Snowden, Maj. Rountree, J. R. and W. B. Vine- yard, N. H. Virgin, J. B. McCord, Robert Dixon, a sister of Samuel Moore, and others. At all events, the academy was established in the basement of the Methodist Church until the lim- ited quarters there necessitated its removal. In about 1841, John Myers, assisted by a man named Byerly and others, prepared the frame for the new academy building, and during that year completed the structure. It was 40x60, two stories high, containing two school apart- ments, and was presided over by Prof. Carrier, when it was completed and furnished. School was taught there until about 1853, when the stone edifice was finished and occupied.

The basement of the Methodist Church continued to furnish room for educational purposes after the removal of the academy, the Rev. Mr. Nolon and possibly some other educators officiat- ing as Principals for some years. In 1845, when it was decided to erect the brick Methodist Church on the site of the present edifice of that denomination, Maj. Rountree made some changes in the interior arrangements which permitted its utilization for school purposes, and and Prof. Carrier was placed at the head. In 1845-46 Miss Annette L. Godell taught in the basement of the church, and a Mr. Burk, who subsequently went to California, occupied the au- ditorium in a similar capacity. In 1846, the brick schoolhouse still standing on Pine street was built, and is recurred to as the first building erected in this section of the county as a common school. The same year, it is thought, the north brick school was built and similarly appropri- ated; and these were the only edifices for the purposes indicated which had been erected up to the date of the admission of Wisconsin as a State.

With the adoption of the constitution the several counties in the State, as is well known, were divided into school districts and provision made for their support. Up to this time the cause of education was committed to the care of private corporations and individuals. No one was obliged to countenance schools nor contribute to their support and but for the presence of an enlightened public sentiment in that behalf this civilizing influence would not have accom- plished the results cited. For in addition to the efforts made by Maj. Rountree and others, children's education in place of being neglected was provided for. Instead of allowing them to run wild in the sunshine, they were gathered into impromptu kindergartens and taught the pri- mary principles by Mrs. H. A. Nixon, Miss Julia Bevans and others. The admission of the State added an impetus to material interests and gave birth to measures for advancing the State, educating the youth and developing sources of information and wealth which have obtained so satisfactorily since. Prominent among these was the increased provision made for and the in-

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

creased interest manifested in the education of the youth of both sexes. The academy became an object of special and specific interest, and its curriculum was sought to be availed of by stu- dents from nearly every point to which it was accessible, while the common schools in the pres- ent city designated severally as districts number four and five, were crowded for room.

Mr. Magoon had in the meantime succeeded Prof. Carrier as Principal of the academy, and the latter had in turn yielded place to J. L. Pickard. Under the administration of that gentleman, the need of additional room became so pressing that the academy directory decided upon the building of the stone premises now in part occupied by the Normal School. Land was procured, contracts made, and other arrangements completed early in 1852, and on the 5th of July of that year the corner-stone of the edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies. Maj. J. H. Rountree presided and had charge of the arrangements, the address being deliv- ered by W. R. Biddlecome. The box inclosed in the stone contained a copy of the charter and subscription book, names of the Trustees and building committee, a history of the academy, a copy of the Independent American, and a map of Wisconsin. Work on the building was pros- ecuted with vigor, and its completion for occupation reached early during the following year. For nearly fifteen years this building was occupied as the Platteville Academy, and under the administrations of J. L. Pickard, A. K. Johnson and George M. Guernsey, became the Alma Mater of an alumni both numerous, progressive and of extended reputatation. In 1866, it was transferred to the State for normal school purposes, and has since been and will doubtless continue to remain in that capacity for decades to come.

The city, as above stated, was divided into two districts when the constitution was adopted, which lasted until about 1857, when the same were consolidated. In the spring of the latter year it was decided to erect another schoolhouse, and a discussion occurred between the citizens of North and South Platteville regarding its location. The committee after almost endless examination, inquiry and debate, decided to purchase a lot of Maj. Rountree, at the east end of Main street, and contracted for the building of what has since been known as the " stone schoolhouse." The foundations were laid the same year, and the walls run up, but it remained unoccupied until 1860, when only the first stories were rendered inhabitable.

The result of this decision of the committee was to again divide the city into two districts, and inspire the erection of a second schoolhouse of brick, on Rountree, near the corner of Rebecca street. Both were completed and furnished in 1863, at a total cost of $12,000, and have since furnished the necessary accommodations for the education of Platteville youth.

The stone schoolhouse contains five departments-two primary, two intermediate, and high, requiring the services of five teachers, enjoying an average daily attendance of three hundred pupils, and requiring an annual outlay of $2,600.

The brick or North District Schoolhouse has four departments, furnishing employment to four teachers, by whom an average daily attendance of two hundred and twenty-five pupils is taught, at an annual cost of $2.000.

The schools are under the supervision of a County Superintendent and School Board, consisting of one Director, Treasurer and Clerk for each district. The terms are co-incident with those of the Normal School, and examinations for promotion are held at the close of each. The officers of the North District School are William Meyer, Director; H. C. Sanford, Treas- urer, and J. H. Holcomb, Clerk. Of the South District, L. N. Washburn, Director ; William Grindell, Treasurer, and B. F. Wyne, Clerk.

It may be of interest to the reader to add that the old frame academy building subse- quently became a Presbyterian Church, in which the Rev. Mr. Bradford expounded the doctrine for some time; the old South Brick Schoolhouse still stands, adjoining the residence of Alex- ander Butler, southwest of the Masonic Hall, and the old North Brick Schoolhouse, corner of Lewis and Third streets, was, until his death, the homestead of the late E. Vanderbie.

The Methodist Church and schoolhouse still survives the rush of worlds also, on the very spot of its origin, to the rear of the brick block on Main street, in part occupied by Sanford & Chase.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

The Normal School .- The Normal School system first came to Wisconsin during its Ter- ritorial existence from the East, and found expression in the Constitutional Convention of 1846. The subject was, however, but superficially referred to, and not until two years later did the idea crystallize into shape. In the constitution of that year, an article was incorporated pro- vided for the creation of "a separate fund called the school-fund, the interest of which, and all other revenues derived from the school lands " to be applied " to the support and maintenance of common schools in each school district, and the purchase of suitable libraries and apparatus therefor." The residue to be appropriated to the support and maintenance of academies and Normal schools, with suitable libraries, apparatus, etc. In January, 1849, the Regents of the State University established a Normal department, but the ordinance providing therefor re- mained inoperative, owing to a lack of funds. Various efforts were made during succeeding years by those friendly to the cause of education to adopt means by which Normal schools might become established, without results. In 1857, the Hon. J. Allen Barber introduced a bill into the Senate to " create and establish a literature fund from the proceeds of the sale of swamp lands." At the same session, a bill was introduced into the House by the Hon. L. J. Evans " to establish a Normal School and Teachers' Institute." Both bills were referred to a special committee which reported a substitute providing " That the income of 25 per cent of the pro- ceeds arising from the sale of swamp and overflowed lands should be appropriated to Normal Institutes and Academies under the supervision and direction of a Board of Regents of Normal Schools appointed in pursuance of a provision of that act." The act passed and became a law, from whence sprang the present Normal school system in Wisconsin. In 1865, the Legislature adopted an act providing a much more liberal endowment for Normal instruction and devoting it distinctively to the establishment and support of Normal schools. The swamp lands and swamp land funds were divided into equal parts, one of which constituted the Normal School Fund. Upon the passage of the act, proposals were invited for extending aid in the establish- ment of these schools, and different localities began at once to press their claims. In July of the year in which this act was passed, the trustees of the academy of Platteville convened and decided to offer the academy building grounds to the State for Normal school purposes for a consideration of $25,000, the State to assume an indebtedness of $4,000 which was due from the corporation. On the 19th of August following, a meeting of the citizens of Platteville was held for the purpose of examining into the merits of the undertaking, and ascertaining what induce- ments could be offered the Regency to establish the school in this city. The subject was thoroughly discussed by those in attendance, but no conclusion reached prior to adjournment. On the 26th of the same month, another meeting was held at which N. H. Virgin presided, and the Board of Trustees of the Academy was authorized to offer the academy property for Normal school purposes at a fixed price, the citizens of Platteville assuming all liabilities, except the amount due the State, and three days later, a resolution was adopted providing for the levy of a tax to liquidate the liabilities proposed to be assessed. In September of the same year, the Board of Normal Regents met at Madison and appointed a committee consisting of C. C. Sholes, J. G. McMynn and W. E. Smith to visit and examine the various sites proffered for the venture, and at this point those interested were obliged to contain themselves in patience until a report could be submitted.

For many weeks occupied by this committee in an inspection of the advantages and induce- ments offered by rival municipalities for the location of the school, Plattevillians were fed on hope and faith, a rather unsatisfactory diet ; but all that was reserved to their disposal. Finally, on the 29th of November, the committee reached this city, and met the citizens on the evening of that day in the hall of the academy. The Hon. Hanmer Robbins was chairman of the meet- ing, and the subject which had convened the assemblage was exhaustively debated by those in attendance. Nothing was decided upon, however. Through that year, and the opening month of 1866, there was little to encourage, less to enthuse the hopes of those who had by patient watch and constant effort endeavored to secure the assignment of the business in hand to Platte- ville. On the 23d of February, 1866, a meeting was held in Platteville, at which G. K. Shaw

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

presided, and it was resolved to petition the Legislature to pass an act directing the Town Clerk to insert on the town tax roll a sum sufficient to meet the outstanding obligations of the academy and leave a surplus of $5,000 to be appropriated by the Board of Regents of the Normal School for building purposes. Five days later, the board voted to locate the schools at Platteville and Whitewater. On the 2d of May following, the transfer of titles to sites, etc., were completed, and the building committee was instructed to proceed with building the necessary improvements.

According to announcement, the school opened on Tuesday, October 9, 1866, the exercises being attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen of Platteville and the surrounding country, old students of the academy and others. The ceremonies were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mather, after which Prof. C. H. Allen was then introduced, and made a few earnest remarks on the responsibility he had assumed as Principal, and his hopes for the success of his labors. Hon. J. L. Pickard followed in an address full of feeling, and abounding in practical observations. At the conclusion of his remarks, occurred a most pleasing and gratify- ing episode. A covered stand was brought forward, and Mr. W. E. Carter, addressing Hon. Hanmer Robbins, presented him with an elegant set of silver service, consisting of a coffee urn, castor and cake basket, as a slight testimonial of the appreciation of citizens for his services in procuring the location of the Normal School at Platteville.

The recipient returned thanks in an appropriate speech, in which he complimented the people of Platteville upon their labors in the same behalf, without which he could have accom- plished nothing.

After the singing of the doxology by the Glee Club, and benediction by the Rev. Mr. Pond, the meeting was adjourned until evening, when the exercises concluded with a re-union supper.

The regular course was commenced on the following day, under the administration of Prof. Charles H. Allen as Principal, assisted by Jacob Wernli, George M. Guernsey, Professor of Mathematics ; Fanny S. Joslyn, Instructor in History, Geography and Physiology ; Esther M. Sprague, Principal of the Model Department, with Henry Triganowan, Janitor.

During this term, 60 pupils were enrolled in the Normal Department ; 14, in the Prepara- tory Class, and 38 in the Model School; and, during the year first following, there were in at- tendance, for some part of the year, 219 students, exclusive of the Model School.

This unexpectedly large attendance necessitated the increase of accommodations, and, before the dawn of 1867, a new wing of dimensions sufficiently commodious to supply the existing de- mands was commenced. Its completion, however, was delayed until 1868, when the finishing touches were added, and the whole turned over to the school authorities. The cost of the im- provement was $20,000, and the dedication occurred on the 10th of September, 1868, at which an address was delivered by State Superintendent Craig, followed with speeches by the Hon. J. H. Rountree, the Hon. Hanmer Robbins, the Rev. Messrs. Parmelee and Pond, Mr. J. C. Cover, Prof. Allen, and Gen. Grant. At that time, the buildings consisted of one main stone edifice, three stories high, fronting forty feet to the south, and seventy feet to the north ; west of this was a building, also of stone, two stories high and 40x60, connected with the main build- ing by a stone corridor 32x40, and three stories high. They were of a blue limestone, based well, substantially built, well lighted and ventilated, and thoroughly heated.

The course prescribed by the board is designed to meet the wants of those teachers. who, possessing the necessary scholastic acquirements, yet feel the need of professional training. It consists of a rapid review of the various subjects taught in common schools, with lectures upon the best methods of teaching the same ; upon the organization, classification and government of schools ; and upon the school law. The elementary course is to fit students to become teachers in the common schools of the State, and consists of a thorough drill in the studies pursued, ex- perimental lectures on methods of instruction and practice in the Model School. The advanced course is designed to fit teachers for the higher departments of graded schools in the State.

These ideas were embodied in the course begun at Platteville, and, in June, 1869, that school graduated its first class, the first of a Normal school in Wisconsin, and was composed of Lewis Funk, Melvin Grigsby, Andrew J. Hutton, Richard H. Jones, James Roit, Edward H.

Edward? Creomin son 2)3

PLATTEVILLE.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

Sprague, Ella Marshall and Alvena E. Schroeder. The school remained under the care of Prof. Allen until July, 1870, when he resigned, and Edwin A. Charlton became his successor, and changes were made in the other departments, as also in the courses of study adopted in 1868. This latter was further altered at the annual meeting in July, 1874, when two courses of study were decided upon to be known as the "Elementary Course," requiring two years to complete, and the " Advanced Course," requiring four years to complete.

In 1873, it again became necessary to increase the accommodation facilities, and a two-story stone addition 26x40, occupying the west front of the corridor, was completed and occupied. This improvement was made at a cost of $2,200.

From the inauguration of the system, the character of the common schools has been elevated and improved in every particular, to which the influence of the Normal School may be made to reach. The course of study pursued by Normal pupils makes them acquainted with the subject of school economy, and, to some extent, qualifies them to suggest and make such improvements in school appliances as may increase the possibilities of effective work. In short, the Normal School has become an educational center, from which is disseminated information bearing upon the con- ditions that make a good school possible. In addition to improving the school accommodations, it gives more stability to the profession of teaching, and, in every way, contributes to the means of education available to the student in a degree both gratifying and liberal.

As is known, the Platteville Normal School is accessible to candidates from all parts of the State. Each Assembly District in the State is entitled to eight representatives, and, in case vacancies exist in the representation to which each Assembly District is entitled, such vacancy may be filled by the President and Board of Regents. The candidate is nominated by the County or City Superintendent, must be of sound bodily health and of good moral character, and sustain a satisfactory examination in the branches required by law for a third-grade certificate. These preliminaries being complied with he becomes a student, and, upon the completion of the pre- scribed course, is entitled to a diploma and the privileges of teaching.

The Normal School at Platteville is to-day considered one of the most valuable adjuncts to the science of education to be found in the West. Improvements are constantly projected and completed, and, at the opening of the fall term, a kindergarten will have been provided, for which an addition to the Main street front was finished during the summer, at a cost of $20,000. The corps of teachers embraces among the most accomplished and experienced, the discipline is superior, and all things combine to render it all that is claimed.

Since the organization, 684 ladies and 574 gentlemen have been enrolled in the Normal Department ; 959 ladies and 1,036 gentlemen in the Training Department; and a total of 172 of both sexes have graduated.

Prof. Charlton remained as Principal until 1879, when he was succeeded by D. McGregor, who has since directed its affairs. The school is divided into six departments : Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediate, Grammar, Preparatory and Normal, requiring a regular force of thirteen teachers and an expenditure of about $14,000 for its support.

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 106

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?] Number of Pages: 1050

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050