394 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO
CHAPTER IV.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. *
The first authentic information of any attempt to establish a school in the village of Youngstown dates as far back as between the years 1802 and 1805, by which latter date the first schoolhouse was erected. It was a log building, one story high, with but one room, and stood upon the Public square, about where the soldiers' monument now stands. The first teacher whose name has been remembered is Perlee Brush. Whether he was the first teacher is not positively
* For the history of the public schools of Youngstown the editor of this volume has made free and almost verbatim use of the chapter devoted to this place in the Centennial History of the Public Schools in Ohio. Although there are defects and errors in that compilation we have no warrantable guide for making corrections. The names of a few teachers have been added, but What follows is substantially copied fromthat volume.
known, but he was in charge of the school as early as 1806. This date is fixed by an account with Robert Montgomery, who resided just east of the village, by whom he was charged with (Octobe1 6, 1806) cloth for a coat, and corduroy for a pair of pantaloons, with trimmings, amounting to $11.72 ; and on the 17th of the same month with two skeins of thread, four cents; and again on the 9th, six yards of linen (probably for two shirts), leather, for shoes, and four skeins of thread, $3.66. This probably constituted his outfit for teaching during the winte1 of 1806-7, and was also advance pay ; for on September 12, 1807, nearly one year afterwards, ins account amounted to $18, and he is then credited with " schooling, $18."
Other entries in the books indicate that this credit of $18.00 was made up of the school bills of the furnace hands of Mr. Montgomery, which he had assumed. It is impossible to tell what proportion this $18.00 was of the whole amount paid to Mr. Brush as a salary, for there is no record. By the same books it is shown that laboring men received about $ 10.00 or $11.00 a month, and clerks about $13.00 "and found."
There were from twenty to thirty scholars in attendance during the summer months, and about forty during the winter months. The usual charge for tuition was, for ordinary instruction—reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic $1.50, and for the higher branches of grammar and geography, $2.00 per quarter. For a long time these six branches were the only studies pursued in the school, no mention being' made of others until the year 1838.
Mr. Brush continued teaching in the neighborhood of the village of Youngstown for a number of years, and many persons now living remember him. He was familiarly known as "Old Perlee ;" not because of his advanced age, but on account of old acquaintanceship.
Perlee Brush was followed by James Noyes, " a tail, slim man from Connecticut." Of his personal history there is no record. In speaking of the condition of the school in 1811, the date of his coming to Youngstown, the late Dr. Manning said:
There was a log school-house on the Diamond. There was another building used as a school-house near the residence of Isaac Powers, one that served both as a church and school-house at Comersburg, and another near Parkhurst mills. The qualifications for a school teacher in those days
PICTURE OF JOHN BROWNLEE
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 395
were few and moderate. If a man could read tolerably well, was a good writer, and could cypher as far as the rule of three, knew how to use the birch scientifically, and had firmness enough to exercise this skill, he would pass muster.
In 1818 Jabez P,. Manning occupied the school-house on the Public square, and the following copy of the contract made between him and the subscribers will be of interest, as tending to show in what manner educational facilities were secured and offered at that early date:
This article, between the undersigned subscribers of the one part, and Jabez P. Manning of the other, witnesseth : That said Manning doth, on his part, engage to teach a school at the school-house near the center of Youngstown, for the term of one quarter, wherein he engages to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, and English grammar; and furthermore, that the school shall be opened at 9 o'clock A. M. of each day, and closed at 4 P. sr of each day of the week (Saturday and Sunday excepted), and on Saturday to be opened at 9 and close at 12 o'clock A. M. And we, the subscribers on our part, individually engage to pay unto the said Manning $1.73 for each and every scholar we subscribe, at the end of the term; and we furthermore engage to furnish, or to bear the necessary expense of furnishing, wood and all other things necessary for the use of the school.
Furthermore, we do engage that unless by the 6th day of April of the present year the number of scholars subscribed amount to thirty-five, that said Manning is in no way obligated by this article.
"Furthermore, we allow the said Manning the privilege of receiving five scholars more than here specified.
J. P. MANNING.
Youngstown, March 31, 1818."
"Subscribers names, and number of scholars : George Tod, 3 ; John E. Woodbridge, 4 ; Homer Hine, 2 ; Henry Wick, 2; Philip Stambaugh, 1 1/2 ; Samuel Vaill, 2 ; Robert Kyle, 2; George Hardman, 1; James Davidson, 2; Polly Chapman, 1; Jerry Tibbitts, 3 1/2; John F. Townsend, 2; Henry Manning, 1; William Bell, 1; Jonathan Smith, r; Moses Crawford, 1; William Cleland, 1 1/2; Margaret Murdock, 1; William Potter, 2; William Rayen, 1 1/2; William Morris, I; Noah Chamberlain, 1; Richard Young, 34; James Duncan, 1; Mrs. McCullough, 1/2; Byram Baldwin 1/2. Total 40 1/2."
This probably was the first regular and complete organization of a school in the village. In 1819 Fanny Roth, or Ross, was a teacher, either in Youngstown, or just south of the village. ,There were no regularly defined districts in those days, but the teachers occupied positions in various localities, and were supported by a general subscription. Consequently it is difficult to positively locate the fields of labor of the various persons whose names have been remembered, but they all filled places comprised within the expression, "the village of Youngstown and vicinity." In 1820 Miss Phebe Wick taught the school on the Public square. Miss Mary Case (Mrs. Benjamin Stevens) also taught in Youngstown about this date.
At this time money was an exceedingly scarce commodity, every species of exchange of value being done by trading. Nearly all the corn and rye were reduced to whiskey,-and periodically teams would haul it to Pittsburg or the lake shore, and the money received at these two points for the whiskey was all that came into the village. There is an entry in an ancient ledger charging Miss Phebe Wick, in July, 1820, with three bushels of wheat ; in September with one hundred pounds of flour, which amounted to $2.43. Then in October of the same year she is credited with " School bill, $3.34." This was the proportion to be contributed towards the general tuition fund by the party with whom she was dealing. Thus she still had a credit of ninety-one cents, which was discharged, not by paying her that much money, but by giving her an order upon Thomas Kirkpatrick another merchant of that day.
About 1822-23 we find it possible lo obtain a little more definite general information with regard to the character of the schools. As a general rule there were three months of winter term—December, January, and February—and the summer terms continued well into July, or at least until harvest was close at hand, Quite frequently married people, who were older by many years than the teacher, received instruction during the winter months. The salaries paid were, for male teachers, from ten to twelve dollars a month, and for females from four to five dollars a month, with their hoarding provided by the residents or "boarding 'round," as it was called. The hours were from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, with a short recess at noon for lunch.
There was a full session every day, excepting Saturdays, when the hours lasted till 12 o'clock only, the afternoon session being omitted.
In addition to the regular subscription agreed upon by the residents to be paid, each one was obliged to contribute a certain proportion of wood, the aggregate of which would supply the school during the winter. This was hauled to the school-house in sled lengths, twelve feet long, and the boys were required to cut up, each noon or on Saturdays, sufficient to last during the next day. The duty of kindling the fires devolved
396 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
upon the boys, and it was, frequently the cause of sour looks and bitter thoughts.
About this time exhibitions by the scholars were inaugurated, and on no other occasions was any attempt made to leave the rudimental path of instruction. At these exhibitions, however, some efforts were made towards declamation, 'generally in the way of dialogues, no pupil having sufficient self-reliance, apparently, to depend entirely upon himself.
The books most used in pursuing the studies were Dillworth's Spelling Book, and Webster's American Spelling Book, which were c0nsidered the standard. The New Testament was extensively used as a reading• book. The English Reader, American Preceptor, and Columbian orator also 0ccupied places among the acknowledged text books of the schools. For writing copies, the teacher furnished small slips written by himself. Quill pens were used, and in the place of ink a decoction of soft maple bark, copperas and vinegar filled the pots. Pike's & Walker's Arithmetic is the most ancient known in this section, but its popularity was of short duration on account of its abstruseness, and it was quickly followed by Daboll's Arithmetic and the Western Calculator, but both were also "too hard," as the scholars said, and were displaced by Adam's Arithmetic, which made a great stride toward simplifying the study. The latter named of the different classes of books were probably used for a number of years after this date, but how long can not be stated with any degree of certainty.
The furniture of the school-house of these times consisted of a smooth, hewn log, with four pins driven in for legs, upon which the children sat while studying, with no support for their backs, except when allowed to place the bench against the wall, and no desk but their knees for their books. The conveniences for writing consisted of a board placed slanting against the wall, before which was a bench made as before described, with very long legs, upon which the scholars were perched, and so sat in a line, high up in the air around the building, facing the wall and with their feet dangling.
THE ACADEMY.
The second school-house within the limits of the village of Youngstown was a two-story frame structure of considerable pretensions, built in 1823 by Ammi R. Bissell, and paid for by sub scription, There is no record of its cost when completed. It was located just off the south western side of the Public square, upon the ground now occupied by what is known as " Diamond block." It was used for a school-house until the introduction of 'the union school system, when it was sold for a Disciple church, and used as a house of worship until 1873, when it was again sold, and is now doing service as a saloon and grocery on East Federal street, at the corner of Basin street. This concludes the first twenty-five years of the history of Youngstown, and finds the village proper in possession of two school houses, in which regular summer and winter sessions were held, and the matter of the proper tuition of youth was receiving the attention which it deserved. It is not known who filled the position of teacher from 1820 to 1827, but it is very probable that Miss Phebe Wick and Jabez P. Manning were the principal incumbents.
There were no persons particularly charged with the care and management of the schools up to this time, but some such arrangement as that exhibited by the agreement, before recited, between Mr. Manning and the residents, was entered into, and then the teachers attended to the carrying out of the contract. At the beginning of the second quarter of the century, a desire for a more elaborate education began to manifest itself, which received great encouragement from the division of the township into school districts, which took place on the 22d of May, 1826.
This step served to invest the matter with a new degree of importance and dignity, and the teacher was thereafter looked upon, not as an employe, purely, of his patrons, but m0re as the ruler of a little empire, whose boundaries consisted of his district lines. The site of the present city was within the boundaries of the First or Center district. The old log school-house on the Public square seems to have been abandoned about the year 1826, and shortly afterwards another building was erected on the northern side of East Federal street, somewhere in the neigh borhood of the present location of Himrod furnaces.
In 1827 John Moore began the erection of a a building on what is now the corner of Wood and Champion, for a Presbyterian church, but when
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 397
he had finished the first story a dissension arose among the members of . the congregation that was to occupy it, and the result was an abandonment of the work. This building was purchased by Dr. Manning, by whom it was inclosed and afterwards used as a private school.
In 1827 a Mr. Robinson taught in the building on the southwest side of the public square, and which was honored by the dignified name of academy. He was a good tutor, conscientious and honest in all his actions. While teaching he was also drilling and educating himself for a Methodist minister, and it was his practice to spend much of his leisure time in strolling through the woods soliloquizing. He was a constant visitor to the grove which stood where now the secti0n of the city known as Smoky hollow is situate, where he would preach to the trees as auditors, making all the appropriate expressions of countenance and gesture.
Mr. Robinson was followed by Mr. Black, who in turn gave place in the year 1829 to Hiram. B. Floyd. He continued to hold the position until 1833. His companions were Jane Taylor in 1835, and Loraine Marvin and her sister, who taught during 1832 and 1833. From 1834 to 1836 the place of teacher at the academy was filled by a Mr. Stafford, and about the latter date Mr. Metcalf comes into notice. These two gentlemen probably filled the chair until 1838, when Mr. Parret was employed. The names 0f those who had charge of the lower school seem to have passed out of memory, though it may be that the two last named teachers were in charge of the two schools at the same time. The mention of Mr. Parret brings out pleasant reminiscences. By all he was acknowledged to be as good a teacher as was ever in the district, and the advances in the courses of study made during his tenure of service were exceedingly commendable. He was the first who taught the higher branches of study, having introduced those of Latin and algebra. This was a great step, for at that time those who desired an education other than a mere rudimental one, were compelled to go to Burton, Geauga county; Hudson, Summit county, or Western Reserve seminary, and the village of Youngstown frequently contributed students to all those institutions. Mr. Parret was a man whose influence was felt outside of his particular district.
An atmosphere of genuine scholarship seemed to emanate from the field of his labors, the power f which was manifested in the accomplishments of the students who passed under his care. Teachers in surrounding districts recognized in him a model of their profession, and even those who had never met him could discern in his labors the evidence of true merit.
By the year 1840 the number of scholars had become so great that it was found the accommodations already provided were not sufi cient. A subscription list was immediately starts d, and in a short time sufficient was raised to erect another building. The site chosen was at the southeast corner of Front and Phelps streets, v here now the fine brick building of the •Union schools stands„ and here was built the third schoolhouse of the village then standing--the fourth erected. It was quite a good-sized, commodious structure, built after the plans of those days, as much as the facilities of the times wouId admut, and was used for a church quite frequently. There were two rooms in this building, one on the south side of the hall, which ran completely through the center of the house. From 1840 to 1845 we were confronted by a blank in the list of teachers, with regard to any certainty as to the dates or length of their administration, but during that time the names of James Thorn, who taught the East Federal street school, Hiram A. Hall, and George Seaton, of the Front-street school appear. Of this latter gentleman it may be said, that he was noted for his genial disposition and strong voice. He was preparing himself for the bar. Mr. Hall was one of the first board of examiners of the county, with John .M. Edwards and Reuben McMillan, who were appointed by Judge Newton, of Canfield. In 1845 Mr. Gillespie, Miss Betsey Kirk, and Miss Susan Standish taught. In 1846 Mr. Yates became a tutor. In 1847 we find the name of E. B. Starkweather and Miss Louisa Phillips. In 1848 Miss Thompson was a teacher.
In 1850 there appeared in the village a young man by the name of William Travis, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and graduate of Washington college. He organized and conducted for one year the New Lisbon union schools, and to him more than to any one else is the city indebted for the adoption of the system of scho0ls provided for by a practical Legislature. Im-
398 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
mediately upon his arrival he set himself to work to accomplish the adoption of the new system, which promised to be and did prove far superior to the manner in which the schools of the city were then being conducted. He was peculiarly fitted for the task undertaken, by reason of the experience had at New Lisbon, and yet it required the exercise of a vast amount of argurment to gain the ear of those who were the most influential citizens of the place. The schools at this time were governed by trustees who were able to perform all the functions of the office with little expense, and the youth appeared to the casual observer to be receiving as good an education as could be expected from public education. But this man had seen the improvements the schools were capable of, and the advantages of the changes authorized by the act of 1849.
Possessed of a soul filled with a desire for the advancement of the means of mental culture, he thought not of the obstacles besetting the way, but began boldly the work. At first he sought out singly and alone the several members of the educational interests, and individually laid before them the beauties of the new system. At first they were inflexible, but after a time would listen with some degree of attention, and finally Mr. Travis succeeded, with his clear and convincing arguments, in persuading that the matter was worthy of consideration. In furtherance of the efforts of those in favor of the new system, for Mr. Travis had at last made some converts, John Hutchins, Esq., of Warren, was invited to deliver an address, the result of which may be inferred from the notice of it contained in the issue of the Ohio Republican of March 21, 1850:
A very interesting lecture on the subject of the advantages of the Union school system was delivered before the library association, on March 20th, by John Hutchins, Esq., of Warren. Subsequently the question was discussed by the Literary society, at which time preliminary steps were taken to test the public voice on the subject, according to the statute.
The work now went on bravely, and each day witnessed the conviction of some of the opponents that the new was an improvement over the old system. There were those, however, chronic grumblers, who saw in it nothing but an increased rate of taxation, and the requirement of them to support schools for other people's children. But very soon among its most earnest advocates could be counted men who were looked upon as of sound judgment and discreet foresight. Their very presence in the ranks had its beneficial influence, and many of those who had hitherto been outspoken in their opposition, merely held their peace and allowed the movement to gather strength without remonstrance. Some, however, were inexorable, and did all in their power to hinder the efforts of their opponents.
At last sufficiently large had grown the number relied upon as friends to warrant the promulgators in. calling a meeting of the electors to vote upon the adoption of the statute. Notices were written and posted, specifying the 12th day of April, 1851, as thè time, and the literary rooms as the place for holding such meeting. The weekly pape1 having espoused the cause, and the plans of the leaders having proved so successful, nearly all opposition was smothered out by the time of the election, and the advocates being so confident of success, and the opponents so certain of defeat, there was a very light vote polled—eighty in all; seventy-five for, and five against the adoption of the law.
In the issue of the Ohio Republican of the 18 th of April, 1851, appears the following notice, which is the first documentary evidence of the existence within the districts named of the union schools, and declares upon its face the prompt manner in which. the business of organization was being conducted:
PUBLIC NOTICE.
WHEREAS, The qualified electors of School Districts No. 1, No. 8, and No. 9, of Youngstown, did assemble on Saturday, April 12, 1851, at Literary Society hall, and then, by their votes, did adopt the law for the better regulation of public schools in cities, towns, etc., of the State, passed February 21, 1849;
THEREFORE, The qualified electors of the aforesaid district are notified to meet at the Literary Society hall in Youngstown on Monday, the 8th day of April, 1851, at To o'clock, A. M. , for the purpose of electing six directors of the public schools of said district, two of whom shall serve for one year, two for two years, and two for three years, the time that each shall serve to be designated on the ballots.
JOHN R. HOLCOMB, Chairman
W. H. FITCH, Clerk
Youngstown, April 12, 1851.
In accordance with this notice the qualified electors met, and the choice of the board of directors clearly evidenced the sincerity with which the matter was considered, and showed a just appreciation of the important work to be done in the premises, for we find it composed of the following named gentlemen: Henry Manning, Dr.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 399
T. Garlick, William J. Edwards, Wilson S. Thorn, Jesse Baldwin, and A. D. Jacobs. They might well be called the representative men of Youngstown, and into no more competent authority could have been intrusted the work of organizing the union schools of the district. On the 5th of May the board of directors elect were qualified, as appears by the following copy of the certificate, which occupies the first page of the record book:
THE STATE OF OHIO,
MAHONING COUNTY. SS.
Personally appeared before me, a Master Commissioner in Chancery, Henry Manning, Theodatus Garlick, William J. Edwards, Wilson S. Thorn, Jesse Baldwin, and A. D. Jacobs, school directors elect of the borough of Youngstown, and solemnly swore to discharge faithfully, according to the best of their skill and ability, the duties of their said office.
E. S. HUBBARD,
Master Commissioner in Chancery.
May 4, A. D., 1851.
Upon the opposite page, in the handwriting of the secretary, Mr. William J. Edwards, appears the entry of the first regular meeting of the board, as follows:
At a meeting held by the directors-elect, elected under the act of Assembly of February 21, 1849, for the borough of Youngstown and the territory attached thereto, for school purposes, on the evening of the 3d of May, 1851, Dr. H. Manning was elecued president of the board of education, William J. Edwards secretary, and Wilson S. Thorn treasurer of said board. Homer Hine was appointed school examiner for one year. R. J. Powers was appointed school examiner for two years and R. W. Taylor for three years. It was ordered by the board that the treasurer give bond and security for the faithful discharge of his duties to the amount of $2,000.
Adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 10th day of May, at o’clock P. Mr
Attest : WILLIAM J. EDWARDS
Secretary.
And so the first board of education in the then borough of Youngstown was established. Of its officers nothing more need be said at this time than that they were the "right men in the right place." There is no record of the place where this first meeting was held, but it is very probable that the office of Dr. Garlick was used for the purpose, as many of the meetings immediately following are recorded to have been held in that place. It was in the building now occupied by Mrs. Jennie Wick, on the north side of Federal street, just west of the Diamond.
At the next regular meeting, held on June 7th, "itl was voted that the auditor of Mahoning county be directed to make out a tax on the property of the district of three mills on the dollar for school purposes in said district." This was the first step in active operations taken by the board.
The next matter to he considered was the procuring of proper and efficient teachers, and an able superintendent. The board after due deliberation unanimously chose Samuel F. Cooper. Mrs. M. J. Cooper, wife of the super ntendent, was elected to the position of assistant reacher in the high school. Rev. W. S. Gray was appointed to the secondary department. Positions in the primary department were given to Miss Alice Kirk, Miss Upson, Miss Eliza Powers, and Miss Huldah Holcomb.
The salaries paid to the several teachers were as follows: Superintendent, $500 per year; principal in the grammar school, $300 per year; assistant in high school, $160 per year; primary teachers, $140 per year.
The board did not take exclusive and organized control of the schools until the fall session, which began on Monday, the 15th day of September, 1851. There were three school-houses, the Academy, East Federal-street, and the Middle or Front-street. The furniture had been badly worn, and it was found necessary to obtain a new supply. John Lougbridge furnishes one hundred and sixty-five chairs at twenty cents each, and T. G. Phillips furnished fifty desks at twenty-five cents each. The revenue of the schools was derived from the Western Reserve fund, show and other funds, tuition, State Common school fund, and the levy authorized to be made by the board. The schools were divided into four classes—high school, grammar, secondary, and primary. There was taught in the high school geometry, algebra, chemistry, botany, physiology, arithmetic, geography, English grammar, reading, and history. In the grammar school, reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, with grammar commenced; in secondary, a lower grade of reading, spelling, writing, and elementary arithmetic, and in the primary the A, B, C, and first reading lessons. For a number of years the grammar and high schools were united, that is, the high school branches were taught in the grammar school to those who dersired. Such being few in number this could very readily be done without in the least interfering with the duties of the grammar school.
400 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
The first term of the school the whole number of scholars was 386, 190 males and 196 females, with an average number 257, 118 males and 139 females. The average daily attendance at the several schools was as follows: High, 21 males and 25 females; grammar, 20 males and 25 females; secondary, 0 males and 23 females ; primary, 57 males and 66 females. The first annual report of the superintendent showed an enrollment of 4o8, 190 males and 218 females. As soon as the system was fully and completely organized and in operation, much of the animosity which had been manifest during its establishment entirely disappeared ; in fact, in many instances, gave place to a feeling of encouragement for that which was so obviously superior to the "old style," as the supplanted manner of conducting the schools began to be called. A helping hand was extended by some from whom it was hardly to be expected, so that the board felt they were securing the support of nearly the entire population, which had a tendency to cause extra exertions to secure in practical results a vindication of what they had claimed for the project.
The growth of this system has been very marked, and at the same time substantial and permanent.
The present course of study, which differs but little from that recommended by the Northern Ohio Teachers' association, may be regarded rather as an imperceptible growth than as a creation. There have been many important changes in the methods of teaching. In the early history of the system the scholars were promoted on account of standing manifested by annual examinations; later by the average of term examinations; now by the average of monthly examinations and regular standing in classes. This last method ha; been found highly satisfactory, giving to the worthy an opportunity of securing to themselves higher positions in study whenever they are fitted therefor.
Vast improvements have been made in school accommodations, buildings, furniture, apparatus, etc. The houses now in use are all of the most approved modern arrangement, and have ample space about them to serve as a play-ground, and secure a free passage of air. Particular mention should be made of the very excellent plan of the large and beautiful buildings on Front and Cov ington streets. Both of these are models of neatness, convenience, beauty, and utility, and it is doubtful if there exists in- the State a public school structure which exceeds the Front street one in these particulars. The city owes a debt of gratitude to the board, consisting of Messrs. Paul Wick, A. B. Cornell, Edward Bell, W. W. McKeown, A. J. Packard, and Dr. Bruchner, under whose administration these two were projected and completed. The furniture is all of the latest and most approved pattern, and the buildings are all well supplied.
In 1877 a substantial four-room building was erected on Oak street, to take the place of an old two-story frame. The same year a fine and convenient brick building of eight rooms was erected on the west side, to take the place of the two-room frame, which was at that time the oldest in the city. In 188i two large rooms were added to the Covington-street building. and two to the south side building. A two- room structure was built on the west side and occupied in January, 1882. Six more rooms will be added during the present year.
Although the real estate under the control of the board is valued at $150,000, accommodations for the rapidly increasing number of pupils is inadequate. The enrollment is increasing at the rate of twenty per cent. per annum. When the present superintendent took charge of the schools there were five teachers employed; there are at present fifty, besides those giving instruction in private and parochial schools, the whole number being about sixty-five. These figures will give some idea of the organizing work Professor McMillan has been gradually accomplishing.
SCHOOL LIBRARY.
The school library was commenced during the administration of the first commissioner, Hon. H. H. Barney, under the provisions of the law relating thereto. Additions were made to it from time to time till the repeal of the law. Within the last six years funds have been raised by entertainments given by the schools, and there are now in the library a little more than two thousand volumes of interesting and instructive books. The library is now well patronized by both pupils and citizens. It is under the charge of a librarian.
PICTURE OP FREEMAN O. ARMS
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 401
RAYEN SCHOOL.
In 1854 Judge William Rayen, an old and highly respected citizen of this city, died leaving a large estate disposed of by will. One of the items set apart a residuary fund, the principal of which was vested in trustees, who were authorized to expend the interest in establishing a school, to be known as the "Rayon school." Legislation was received, and through the influence of Hon. R. W. Tayler, one of the board, an act of incorporation was passed in 1856. In accordance therewith five trustees are appointed, one each year, to serve five years. This appointment is made by the judge of the court of common pleas. As a matter of interest, it may be stated that three of the original five still hold office, and the only change in the board, since .he beginning of the school, was caused by the resignation of R. W. Taylor, and the appointment of Robert McCurdy in his stead. The building was completed in 1866, and acting under the direction of the hoard of education and the Rayen school board, Mr. Reuben McMillan proceeded to employ teachers and organize the school for high school work, it having been deemed the best for the interest of all concerned that the Rayen school should be the high school for the city and township.
Professor E. S. Gregory, who was selected as principal, came to the school with thirteen years experience at the Western Reserve college, as professor of Latin, and principal of the preparatory department, and with an enviable reputation as an instructor and manager of youth. It is no exaggeration to say that he has more than sustained his reputation, and met the expectations of the friends of the school. Finding here a field more congenial to his tastes, and having an enthusiastic love for natural science, he has imparted that love to his pupils, and through them to the community in which he has labored. In 1879 M. S. Campbell was called to the principalship, He has fully sustained the reputation brought with him from Portsmouth, as a ripe scholar, accomplished teacher, and a Christain gentleman. Under his administration the school has been thoroughly efficient. Miss Florence Rayen has been a teacher in the school for thirteen years, and won an enviable reputation. The success of the school is in part due to her. The other two assistants are Mary D. Campbell, and E. D. Kimball, the latter a graduate of Dartmouth, the former an experienced teacher. The present board of the Rayen school consists of A. B. Cornell, Robert McCurdy, John Stambaugh, Cecil D. Wine, and H. 0. Bonnell. The building was in 1881 completely remodeled at an expense of $0,000, and is now one of the most convenient and comfortable high school buildings in the State.
The school opened with about forty scholars, and graduated its first class in 1868. Since that time, under the wise management of the public schools of the city, the number of pupils has been doubled. A chemical laboratory, fitted with all the requirements for chemical analysis, is open to the students. A fine binocular compound microscope, with powers from twenty to three thousand diameters, is used to illustrate natural history. Three fine spectroscopes afford ample means for teaching the art cf modern spectrum analysis.
The buildings and grounds are valued at $90,000. The apparatus is valued at $25,000.
The courses of study are as follows : First year —mathematics, algebra, elementary or higher language, Latin lessons, Latin grammar, Latin reader, natural science, zoology, English history, compositions and declamations ; second year— mathematics, geometry, language, Latin grammar, Caesar, Virgil, Latin composition, natural science, natural philosophy, physical geography, compositions and declamations ; third year— mathematics, trigonometry, mensuration, language (French and German), natural science, chemistry, botany, astronomy, elements in geology, rhetoric, with essays and declamations. In chemistry, qualitative and quantitative analysis is taught to those who desire to make chemistry a special study.
Students are also allowed to take a course of study designed to be preparatory to a college course. Previous to the organization of the Rayen high school, all the higher branches were taught. No pupils were prepared for college in classes, but by special instruction quite a number were fitted for the freshman class. Before the Rayen school was established, in 1866, the superintendent was principal of the high school, but a small portion of his time being devoted to supervision. As the attendance increased and the establishment of addi-
402 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
atonal schools became necessary, it was found that a more thorough supervision was desirable, and indeed necessary in order to secure the efficient management of the schools.
The first superintendent was employed in 1851, immediately upon the 0rganization of the schools, and the office has never been abolished. The terms of the several incumbents were.: as follows: Samuel F. Cooper, 1851 to 1853; Reuben McMillan, 1853 to 1855; Ephraim Miller, 1855 to 1856; Charles H. Lathrop, 1856 to 1857; A. B. Cornell, 1857 to 1859: Dwight Hubbard, 1859 to 1860; Hiram A. Hall, 1860 to 1861; Reuben McMillan, 1861 to 1867; P. T. Caldwell, 1867 to 1872; Reuben McMillan, 1872.
The time devoted to supervision alone was very little at first, not over an hour a day, but as the number of schools increased, and the attendance became larger, more time was given, until at last the superintendent became what his title implied.
By order Of the board of education a night school was organized in connection with the winter term of 1873, and continued through that and the next winter. It was patronized by boys necessarily kept at labor during the daytime. Nearly 0ne hundred were in attendance under the instruction of five teachers. The next winter (1875) so many being thrown out of work by reason of the suspension of operations by a number of the manufactories of the city, it was decided to establish an ungraded school in place of the night school. It was well patronized, and produced good results.
It has been thirty one years since the union school system was adopted in Youngstown, and there has been almost perfect harmony in all departments of government during all that time. The board has been for the most part composed of men of business habits and positive character—the only kind of men to be safely trusted.
Particular mention should be made of Dr. Henry Manning, the first president of the board, and Dr. C. C. Cook. Both of these gentlemen were indefatigable in their efforts, and those who followed them in office can and do testify to the efficiency of their labors. The position of superintendent has been filled by competent men, and with but very few exceptions perfect satisfaction in the discharge of duties has been given. Particular notice was directed to the exalted grade acquired by the schools in the matter of morality during the superintendency of A. B. Cornell, and the firm foundation then laid has had built upon it, by his successors in office, a noble edifice. So marked is the excellency of our schools in this respect that there is a perceptible impression made upon the minds of an observer. That the labors of Mr. P. T. Caldwell, who superintended nearly five years from 1867, were appreciated may be inferred from the testimony of his successor and the following resolutions, passed by the board of education on accepting his resignation March it, 1872:
Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of P. T. Caldwell, Esq., superintendent of the schools, the board desire to express their appreciation of Mr. Caldwell's able and efficient services in the difficult and responsible position which he has held; to testify to the faithful and careful discharge of his duties, and to return their sincere thanks for his successful and honorable work in the interest of the public school system of this city.
Resolved, That we part with Mr. Caldwell with sincere regret, as his satisfactory conduct of the schools has contributed largely to their increase and efficiency.
Many of the teachers have left behind them tender memories, which will remain in the minds of those who passed under their instruction as long as life lasts. Mrs. Cooper was very superior in many respects, and was one of the most popular and successful, teachers that ever taught in Youngstown. Miss Kirk (now Mrs. General Grierson), Eliza Powers, Miss Jane Rayen, Miss Lizzie Lougbridge, Miss Helen Ruggles, Miss Susan Bingham, and Miss Juliana Thorn, all deserve honorable mention. Miss Thorn taught nearly seventeen consecutive years as a successful primary teacher, and left the school only, when she left the profession. Many of the others are still living among the scenes of their early labors, and hold esteemed places. A large numoer of teachers, since 1864, received their training in our schools, many of the most successful ones passing through all the grades from primary upr and were emphatically home-made teachers.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
The following named gentlemen have been members of the board of education, either by election or appointment to fill a vacancy, in the order named: Dr. Henry Manning, Dr. Theodatus Garlick, William J. Edwards, Wilson S. Thorn, Jesse Baldwin, A. D. Jacobs, Richard S. Garlick', John Van Fleet, R. S. Powers, Dr. C.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 403
C. Cook, S. F. Burnett, Jonathan Warner, Francis E. Hutchins, William G. Moore, Reuben Carroll, Robinson Truesdale, William Jones, Wilson Thorn (second term), John F. Hollingsworth, Philip Jacobs, Paul Wick, William R. Parmelee, A. McKinnie, F. O. Arms, A. B. Cornell, Edwin Bell, W. W. McKeown, A. J. Packard, Dr. W. L. Beuchner, Homer Hamilton, William Dennison, Jacob Stambuagh, T. R. Mc- Ewen, Alexander Adams, W. L. Buechner. The present board consists of J. S. Cunningham, president; Hon. William B. Pollock, Edwin Bell, William Dennison, Henry A. Evans, and David Theobald.
Paul Wick retired in 1879, after nineteen years of consecutive service, the longest period any man has acted on the board, and it may be said, without prejudice to anyone else, no more useful member ever acted.
COMMERCIAL COLLEGES.
The first attempt to establish a commercial college in Youngstown was made in 1872, by Professor Miller. His success was not flattering though sufficient to give encouragement to the enterprise. It changed management several times within a brief period, the successive proprietors being Professors Courtney, Hall, and Beardsley. The latter disposed of his effects in 1880. A second school was opened in 1878, by Professor J. H. Cook, with fifty-eight pupils, which continues in a flouri.shing condition. The average attendance during the past year was eighty-seven. The college is conveniently located on Federal street. Mr. Cook is well supported by a corps of experienced teachers--Mrs. Callis Cook, penmanship; W. C. Sterling, English department and phonography ; B. C. Eddy, telegraphy and type writer. Professor Cook gives instructions in the department of practical bookkeeping.
Besides the public library connected with the public schools, there is the Youngstown reading room, which is an outgrowth of the crusade. A society of about one dozen women was formed in 1876, with a view to founding a reading room and library for the general public. A room on Federal street was fitted up and supplied with papers and magazines of a healthful character. Donations of books have from time to time since been received, which are already forming a library of permanent value.
SUPERINTENDENT M'MILLAN.
Reuben McMillan, superintendent since 1872, was born in Canfield, Ohio, October 7, 1820. His father was a native of Burlington, New Jersey, his mother of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Both were of Scotch-Irish descent. His early education was due to his own determination, having received in the public schools and by private tuition some instruction. He, at the age of thirteen years, commenced to learn the trade of harness making, at which he continued four years, and studied Latin and other branches in the meantime. In the year 1837 he determined to obtain an academical education, and during the following two years taught school to obtain means to support his expenses while at the academy. From 1839 till 1843 he employed his time in a similar manner, and in the latter year obtained a position as assistant in the academy, which position he held till 1845. From this time forward he continued teaching and studying. He never attended college but received from Western Reserve college the degree of master of arts.
Mr. McMillan was elected superintendent of the schools at Hanoverton, Columbiana county, in 1849, and subsequently filled the same position in New Lisbon, where he remained two years, when his health broke down. He then lived on a farm nea1 Canfield till 1853, and during the winter season superintended an academy. From 1853 till 1855 he superintended the Youngstown schools; in 1855 he removed to Salem, where the schools were under his charge till 1861, at which time he returned to Youngstown. Failing health in 1867 compelled him to retire from active labor, though he was that year offered the superintendency of the city schools of Cleveland. After a five years' rest Mr. McMillan was 1ecalled to the superintendency at Youngstown and has since filled the position to the entire satisfaction of officers, subordinate teachers and pupils. He gives the closest attention to the duties of his office. The school library has been built up largely by him, and it has been his special care that no poor child should be without instruction because of inability to purchase school books.
Prof. McMillan has been an elder in the First Presbyterian church for several years and is active in all moral and social movements. In
404 - TRUMBULL AND. MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
1849 he married Miss Susan Campbell, daughter of John Campbell, late of Salem, Ohio.