EDUCATION: 1877 Common School Report, Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/ _______________________________________________ COMMON SCHOOLS OF PENNSYLVANIA REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1877 Harrisburg: Lane S. Hart, State Printer, 1878 CUMBERLAND COUNTY - D. E. Kast. 210 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, Cumberland county was organized in 1750, including all of the State west of the Susquehanna, except what is now embraced in York and Adams counties, and was the sixth county in the State. About this time, the population of what was known as North valley, embraced within the present limits of Cumberland and Franklin counties, was about three thousand, residing mainly within the limits of Cumberland, as may be seen by the taxes paid in 1749, which were as follows: East Pennsboro, £23 16s 6d; West Pennsboro, £28 8s 9d; Hopewell, £43 3s 9d, and Antrim, £21 18s 8d. East and West Pennsboro extended as far west as Newville, Hopewell, to the present Franklin county line, and Antrim embraced what lay west of that. From the known character of these early settlers, there remains no doubt that schools were established in all the settlements, although I have not been able to discover any records of the same. The almost uniform practice of opening a school in the vicinity of the church, as soon as erected, or, in the absence of the church, in the vicinity of the usual place of assembling for religious services, is conclusive evidence that schools were established shortly after the first settlements were made within the limits of the county. It is to be regretted that an effort to collect the educational statistics of the several counties of the State was not made as early as the adoption of the free school law, or at least a quarter of a century ago. Then much information respecting the earlier schools, no longer attainable, might have been collected. A few scattered facts, respecting schools here and there, are about all the reliable data that can now be collected. Most of the houses of these earlier times were built by the joint voluntary efforts of the citizens, some contributing material, some labor, and some money. The schools were supported by subscription, each patron paying for each pupil sent a fixed amount per quarter, or per month. Many of the earlier teachers possessed very limited qualifications. When it is remembered that any one desiring to teach could open a school, and, if popular with the people, might secure a good patronage, this does not excite surprise. In respect to morals, many were not above reproach. The devotees of intemperance were not unfrequently found among the knights of the birch. That was antecedent to the times of Gough and Murphy, and to take a "wee drop" too much was not viewed in the same light then as now. In Hampden township, half a mile north of Shiremanstown, stands a school-house built in 1797, which is still occupied for school purposes. Its history is as follows: A German Reformed congregation, organized in the eastern portion of the county, shortly before this, agreed to build a house for school purposes, and in which to hold their religious meetings until a Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 211 church should be built. John Schopp, having built a new dwelling-house, had the old one for sale, and this it was designed to buy for the purpose above stated. This school-house, which was built of logs, contained originally, two apartments, one occupying from one fourth to one third of the building, being designed for the teacher's residence. Its dimensions are as follows: Length, thirty-feet six inches; width, twenty-eight feet nine inches; and height of story, ten feet six inches. The constant travel to which eighty years' use subjected the floor, has necessitated several renewals of the same, and the roof, after nobly resisting the action of the elements for nearly three quarters of a century, yielded to the pressure, and was replaced by a new one. The benches, too, of the olden time, have been replaced by others of more modern construction. With its weatherboarded exterior, portico in front, and plastered walls and ceiling, it would not be judged to be an octogenarian. Dickinson College, located at Carlisle, was chartered in 1783, being the twelfth college chartered within the United States, and the second in Pennsylvania. Sanderson's Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, says that Doctor Benjamin Rush "was a principal agent in founding Dickinson College at Carlisle, and was chiefly instrumental in bringing from Scotland Doctor Nisbet, who for several years presided over that institution." The first, or "old college" building, stood on the south side of Liberty alley. The first edifice on the present grounds was erected in 1802, but burned down in 1803, and re-built in 1804, and is now known as West College, to distinguish it from East College, built in 1836-37, and from South College, reconstructed the following year. Reverend Charles Nisbet, D.D., was its first president, which position he held until his death, in 1804. From 1804 to 1809, Reverend Robert Davidson, D.D., a member of the faculty, was president pro tem., when he resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Jeremiah Atwater, D.D. In 1815, he resigned, and Reverend John McKnight, D.D., served as president for one year. Afterwards the operations of the college suspended till 1821, when Reverend John M. Mason, D.D., was chosen president. Resigning in 1824, he was succeeded by Reverend William Neill, D.D., who resigned in 1829. His successor was Reverend Samuel B. Howe, D.D., who resigned the position in 1832, when the college again suspended operations. In 1833, the college, which had been under the Presbyterian church, was transferred to the control of the Methodist Episcopal church, by the resignation, from time to time, of the old trustees, and the election of others. The first president under the transfer, was Reverend John P. Durbin, D.D., who filled the position until 1845, when, resigning, he was succeeded by Reverend Robert Emory. He died in 1848, and was succeeded by Reverend Jesse T. Peck, D.D. On his resignation, in 1852, Reverend 212 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, Charles Collins, D.D., was chosen to fill his place. Resigning the office in 1860, Reverend H. M. Johnson, D.D., became his successor. In 1868, he died, and Reverend R. L. Dashiell succeeded him. He was the first graduate of the institution that attained to its presidency. At this time all the members of the faculty were alumni of the institution. His successor, Reverend J. A. McCauley, D.D. an alumnus of the college, is still at the head of the institution. The permanent endowment funds of the college, amount to over $200,000. According to the report of the State Superintendent for 1837, the college had received from the State a lot of ground and $52,000. Its libraries contain over twenty-seven thousand volumes, among which are many rare and valuable books. As early as 1781, mention is made in the records of Carlisle Presbytery, of select or classical schools in Chambersburg and Carlisle. Under date of April, 1781, it is said, that "John Montgomery, Robert Miller, Samuel Postlethwaite, Doctor Samuel McCaskey, William Blair, and others, who have oversight of a grammar school in this place (Carlisle,) desire a conference with Presbytery on the subject of the school. They represent their desire, that Presbytery would appoint a committee of their number from time to time, to examine the same, at least twice a year; they further represent, that it is their desire to enlarge the plan thereof; and apply for a legal charter for it as an academy under proper regulations, and they desire leave to mention some member of Presbytery to be appointed, together with others, as trustees of said academy." The committee asked was appointed to visit the school three times a year, and presbytery passed a resolution commending the acts of those who had the oversight of the school. Presbytery met at Havover [sic] in 1872, and appointed a committee to examine the grammar school at Carlisle, and in April, 1784, at East Canogocheig, (now Gettysburg,) and again appointed a committee for same purpose. In April, 1786, Presbytery appointed a committee to examine the Latin school at Hagerstown, another to examine a grammar school at Chambersburg, and Messrs. Cooper, Craighead, and Waugh, to examine a grammar school at Shippensburg. A classical school was in operation in Carlisle, prior to the revolutionary war. The date of its organization, I have been unable to learn. In 1776 it was broken up in consequence of the war, a number of the students, and the principal, I believe, having enlisted in the patriot army. At this time it was in charge of Reverend McKinley. Of its students, were Doctor George Stevenson, father to the present Doctor T. C. Stevenson, of Carlisle, and John Armstrong, afterwards General Armstrong, who served throughout the war. In 1800 he was chosen United States Senator from New York, whither he had removed, and in 1804, was sent as minister to France, at the same time acting as minister to Spain. At the commencement of the war of 1812, he received a brigadier general's commission, and the following year he became Madison's war minister. Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 213 The Mary Institute, located in Carlisle, was founded in 1860, under the auspices of the Episcopal church. It was devoted to the education of young ladies, and was chartered by the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1865. It was in charge of Reverend Francis J. Clerc until the fall of 1866, who was succeeded by Reverend William C. Leverett. His successor was Mrs. Mary W. Dunbar, under whose charge the institute remained, until it was closed, several years ago. Henry Duffield organized "Carlisle Institute," a classical school, in 1831. The classical department was in charge of John A. Inglis, a graduate of Dickinson college, now judge of a court in Baltimore. Data from which to determine the period of its existence are wanting. Several years prior to 1853, Mr. F. M. L. Gillelen opened a select school in Mechanicsburg. The enterprise proved successful, and having been purchased by Reverend Joseph S. Loose, A. M., was removed, in 1853, to a building erected for that purpose, since which time it has been known as "Cumberland Valley Institute." Mr. Loose remained at the head of the institution until succeeded by Mr. I. D. Rupp, in 1857. In 1858, Messrs. Lippincot, Mullin, and Reese took charge of it, conducting the school until 1860, when it was purchased by its present proprietor, Reverend O. Ege, and it has since been conducted by him and his son, Mr. A. Ege, A. M. In 1856, Mr. Solomon P. Gorgas founded Irving Female College, situated in what was then known as Irvington, lying east of Mechanicsburg, and now embraced within its limits. It was fully incorporated by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in 1857, and empowered to confer degrees. From its organization it was presided over by Reverend A. G. Marlatt up to the time of his death, in 1865. Reverend T. P. Ege then became president of the college, which position he still fills. The graduates number one hundred and forty-one. The literary societies are the "Ivy Leaf" and the "Olive Branch." Hopewell Academy, so named from the township in which it was located, was situated a short distance south of Newburg. The date of its establishment is not positively known, but it was about the fall of 1810. The building used was a plain log structure, situated on the farm occupied by the principal, and supplied with furniture of the most primitive character. Mr. John Cooper, the founder of this academy, was its only teacher. He filled this position until about the year 1832, when failing health compelled him to relinquish it, and the school was closed. The school was designed to be a classical school, and giving instruction in the languages formed the main employment of the principal. Many who afterwards became distinguished in the learned professions, were pupils of Hopewell, prominent among whom stands Alfred Nevin, D.D., LL. D., senior editor of the Presbyterian Journal, of Philadelphia. Shippensburg Academy, located in Shippensburg, was opened for the admission of pupils, October 6, 1861, by Mr. D. A. L. Laverty, who was 214 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, principal during first year. Next year, Mr. Laverty associated with himself, Mr. D. A. Stroh. Reverend Wells, of New Jersey, acted as principal next year, and was succeeded by Mr. D. N. Thrush. Reverend James Calder, now at the head of Pennsylvania Agricultural College, followed, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert L. Sibbett, last principal of the school. The Sunnyside Female Seminary, was opened in the borough of Newburg, in the fall of 1858, under the management of a board of trustees, with Mrs. Caroline Williams, a lady of fine accomplishments and full of energy as principal. Shortly after its organization it was chartered by the Legislature, and subsequently it issued diplomas to its graduates. It was in existence eight or ten years. White Hall Academy, situated in East Pennsboro township, was organized, May 4, 1851. Mr. D. Denlinger was principal and proprietor, and the institution remained under his management until November, 1867, having, in 1866, been converted into a Soldiers' Orphan School. In November, 1867, Messrs. F. S. Dunn and J. A. Moore purchased the establishment, and the school remained under Captain Moore, as principal, until March, 1875, when Messrs. John Dunn and Amos Smith became the proprietors. Until March, 1877, Mr. Dunn remained at the head of the school as principal, when it again passed to the charge of Captain Moore. This has been one of the most successfully managed of these State schools, both as respects the care of the children and their education. In the fall 1848, a select school was opened in Kingston. The first principal, Mr. A. W. Lilly, and also his successor, Mr. J. H. Cupp, was a graduate of Pennsylvania College. Among those who were pupils in this school, was A. L. Snowdon, now better known as Colonel Snowdon, Philadelphia's postmaster. The history of this school covers a period of from two to three years, when it ceased to exist. In 1835, a Mr. Casey opened a classical school in Newville, which continued in operation for a number of years. Nine years later, Mr. R. French organized a classical school, which he maintained for two years, when, dying, he was succeeded by Mr. Kilborn. Three years later, Mr. W. R. Linn took charge of the institution, from which time it was known as Big Spring Academy. In 1852, Mr. Linn associated with him Reverend Robert McCachran. It remained under their joint charge until it closed, some years later. Academies were established in different parts of the county in the past, which accomplished their mission in periods of time, ranging from three years upward, of which I have been unable, by diligent inquiry, to elicit the history, hence they are not noted. The earliest action of which I have knowledge, looking to the establishment of a normal school in the county, is to be found in an act of Legislature, passed April 1, 1850, authorizing the board of school directors of Carlisle to establish a normal school, and is as follows: "And said board also have power to establish a normal school, of a superior Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 215 grade, in said district: Provided, No additional expense is thereby incurred over and above the necessary schools for said borough, and to admit scholars in said normal school, from any part of the county, or elsewhere, on such terms and on such plans as said board may direct; and the board of directors in any other school district, in said county, may, if they think proper, make an agreement with the directors in Carlisle, to contribute to the support of the same, according to the number of scholars they may send to said normal school." Carlisle school board issued a call to the other districts, asking each to send one delegate to convention, May 7, 1850, to mature a plan for said school. The call stated that the school should open May 15, continue in session three months, and be supported by tuition fees, which were put at eight dollars per scholar. The attendance at said convention was not sufficient to warrant opening the school, and nothing more was done looking to its establishment. April 16, 1850, a county convention was called, of which Judge Watts was chairman. Resolutions, as follows, were passed: Approving the suggestion of State Superintendent to appoint county superintendents. Provision should be made for the instruction of teachers. Their remuneration should be so increased as to make the employment desirable to those properly qualified. A plan for a normal school was submitted. It comprehended a model school. The next movement in this enterprise originated with the teachers' institute, held at Newville, December 23, 1856, by the passage of the following resolution: Resolved, That a committee of one director from each township be appointed, to take into consideration the establishment of a normal school in Cumberland county. This committee met in "Education Hall," Carlisle, January 13, 1857, eighteen districts being represented, decided to open a normal school, and determined its location at Newville, in consideration of the proposition by the citizens to furnish the buildings necessary to accommodate the school, together with recitation-rooms and rooms for the model schools, all properly furnished for successfully carrying on the enterprise, free of cost to the school. This was done at a cost of about eight hundred dollars. The school opened for a three months' term, April 8, 1857, with the following faculty: Daniel Shelly, principal; W. R. Linn, S. B. Heiges, and D. E. Kast, instructors. The model schools, with George Swartz, principal, and J. H. Hostetter and Miss Mary Shelly, instructors. In the normal, there were ninety-one students, twelve of whom were from adjoining counties. In the model schools, which comprised a primary, intermediate, and high school, there were one hundred and forty pupils from the town and vicinity. Within a week after the organization of the school, 216 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, nearly five hundred dollars' worth of apparatus, for the use of the school, had been purchased by voluntary contributions of citizens throughout the county. The second session, held in 1858, was continued five months. During the remaining two sessions, held in 1859 and 1860, George Swartz was principal, and the school was open three months each session. In 1865, the first attempt in the county was made towards securing the location of the State Normal School of the seventh district. A meeting of school directors of Cumberland county, held in Newville, November 2, 1865, during the sessions of the institute, instructed the county superintendent, Mr. George Swartz, to issue a circular addressed to the various school boards in the counties composing this district. Said circular proposed that each board of directors appoint "several influential citizens of their districts, interested in the success and prosperity of the common school system, to hold a meeting in their own borough or township, for the purpose of discussing the measure, and especially of appointing three delegates to attend a county convention, to be held at ----, (the county seat,) on Friday, December 29, 1865. >From these county conventions, one delegate for every twenty-five schools in the county shall be appointed to attend a district convention, to be held in Chambersburg, on Wednesday, January 10, 1866, at which convention, it is proposed to receive the reports of sub-committees in the various townships and boroughs relative to the amount of stock subscribed towards the establishment of such normal school in the district, and also to take such measures to locate and erect suitable buildings as may insure the speedy and complete success of this great enterprise." These circulars were sent in bulk by Mr. Swartz to the superintendents of the other counties composing the seventh district, for distribution in their several counties. In the convention of December 29, fourteen districts were represented, and nine delegates were appointed to attend the convention in Chambersburg. Said convention was organized by appointing Honorable C. R. Coburn, State Superintendent, chairman. The roll of counties being called, it was found that only Franklin and Cumberland were represented, the former by nine and the latter by eight delegates. The following resolution was passed: Resolved, That proposals for erecting normal school buildings in the seventh district, be forwarded to, and opened by, the Superintendent of Common Schools of Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, the 5th day of June, 1866, from the several parts of the district, and that party pledging themselves, bona fide, to the largest amount of money, shall be entitled to the school, provided they come within the provisions of the law. At this meeting, $21,000 were pledged to secure the location of the school at Newville, and, but for the state of feeling throughout the county, consequent on the election for county superintendent in May following, the normal school for the seventh district, would, in all probability, have Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 217 been located at Newville, instead of where it now stands, at Shippensburg. The initiatory steps to locating the school at Shippensburg were taken early in the spring of 1870. A public meeting was called: Honorable J. P. Wickersham was invited to address it on the subject of establishing the normal school at Shippensburg. Subsequent meetings were held, and application was made to the court for a charter, which was granted in April, 1870. In the meantime, subscriptions amounting to about $24,000 had been obtained. The first election for trustees was held the first Monday in May, 1870. At a stockholders' meeting held subsequently, the capital stock was increased to $100,000, under the charter. The work of excavation for the foundations was commenced in August, 1870, and in the spring following, the foundation walls were completed, and the building was put under contract at $74,000. The corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies, May 31, 1871. The cost of the building, including steam-heating, gas and gas-works, grounds, etc., was about $125,000, and of the furnishing, including school furniture etc., about $25,000. The school was accepted by the properly constituted authorities, February .., 1813, thus becoming the State Normal School of the seventh district. Its first session opened April 15, 1873, under the principalship of George P. Beard, A.M. He remained at the head of the institution until July, 1875, when resigning, he was succeeded by Reverend I. N. Hays, who at present fills that position. The school has enjoyed a liberal patronage. Four classes, numbering respectively, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-seven, ----, have graduated from it. For some years prior to the passage of the school law of 1834, generally known as the "common school law," the subject of free schools was considerably agitated. Meetings were held in different parts of the county, the subject was discussed, and petitions to the Legislature asking the passage of a law establishing a system of free schools, were circulated for signatures. Fourth of July celebrations, mechanics' meetings, and public assemblages generally, incorporated educational resolutions and toasts in their proceedings. At a Democratic-Republican celebration in Carlisle, July 4, 1829, the following was one of the toasts: Education - "A main pillar in supporting the Republic - may it always meet the protecting hand of government." At the mechanics' celebration, same day, a volunteer toast by General Keller, one of the vice presidents, was given, as follows: Education - "While the minds of the rising generation are cultivated and enriched by the lights of literature and science, this Republic has nothing to fear from the enemies of our free and liberal institutions." In response to a call issued through the papers, a meeting of the citizens of the county was held at the court-house, December 30, 1830. General Robert McCoy was called to the chair, and Elisha White to the secretary-ship. The object of the meeting, as stated by James Hamilton, was "to 218 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, consider of a more efficient plan for the establishment of public schools, and the general diffusion of education in the Commonwealth." This meeting adjourned to meet January 11, 1831, at which time attendance was large, and, as will be seen by the following resolutions selected from those adopted, was fully prepared for the adoption of the system established a few years later. Resolved, That this meeting consider it expedient and desirable that a well digested system of free schools, on the plan so successful in the Northern States, should be established in this Commonwealth, and supported at the expense of the State. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, any system of primary instruction which does not provide for the education of every child capable of learning, without distinction, and whose parents may approve of its attendance on the same, is altogether defective, and unworthy the enlightened age in which we live. A committee of two, in each borough and township, was appointed to obtain signatures to a petition to the Legislature, asking the passage of a free school law. As early as 1830, an infant school had been established in Carlisle. I have not been able to learn what patronage it received, or with what degree of success in training those committed to their care, the efforts of its projectors were rewarded. From remarks by a correspondent of the Carlisle Herald, under date of January 30, 1831, I infer that the school was in the nature of the Kindergarten schools, so popular in many of our cities at the present, and that the infants in attendance were taught free of expense to their parents. A volunteer toast given at a Democratic-Republican celebration, July 4, 1830, refers to the school as follows: "May the zeal and piety which have been manifested by the benevolent ladies of our borough, for the establishment of an infant school, be amply rewarded by an increase of public patronage. The adoption of the free school law, approved April 1, 1834, opened a new era in the history of education in the county. This law had the cordial support of both our members of the Legislature, Messrs. Michael Cocklin and Samuel McKeehan, and, as indicated by the action of the citizens, was generally approved by them. The absence of records on many points that would greatly add to the interest of this sketch, and the defective condition of most of those existing, make it exceedingly difficult to arrive at the facts. An editorial in the American Volunteer, of April 17, 1834, says: Today we give one of the most important acts of the Legislature, that relative to a general system of education. If it be properly acted upon, and we hope it will, it will have a tendency to strengthen our bond of union, and perpetuate our liberties. As respects the subjects of a monarchy, it matters little whether they are acquainted with the principles of govern- Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 219 ment or not - but the citizens of a Republic, without information, are subject to be made slaves by the crafty and intriguing politicians. Let it never be forgotten, then, that 'Intelligence is the life of Liberty,' and ought, by every means, be cherished." It would seem, from information at hand, that in 1835, after the first experiment in the county under the law, there was a reaction in the sentiment of the people. The State Superintendent, in his report of 1838, says, in 1835, there were five accepting districts, six non-accepting, and seven not reporting, while, in 1834, there were thirteen reported as accepting. This backward step did not, however, long stand to the discredit of the county, for in 1836 the superintendent reports eighteen accepting districts. This was the full number in the county. The whole State appropriation to the county, for the first year, was $1,574 70, of which it appears, from the record, that only $617 47 was paid out by the county treasurer, and of the county appropriation, $1,176 38. Next year the entire State appropriation, $1,574 70, together with the unexpended balance of last year, $957 23, and the sum of $3,150 appropriated by the county, were paid out by the county treasurer. The payment of the entire State appropriation would indicate that all the districts in the county had accepted the law. In the joint convention of November 4, 1834, sixteen districts were represented. In the convention of May, 1836, the last one held before this feature of the law was abolished, there was a full attendance of delegates. It was unanimously resolved that the sum of $10,000 be appropriated by the county in support of the free school system. From this time, our county may be said to have been in full sympathy with the law. It is true there were those who took to themselves consolation in grumbling at the system, just as there are some at the present time who oppose improvement in school affairs; but their hostility served only to stimulate the friends of the system to more earnest effort for its success. The inquiry by the State Superintendent, addressed to the various school boards, as to the character and qualifications of teachers, brought out, among others, the following answers: Good character, well qualified; all competent to discharge their respective duties; some good, others middling; moral men, and qualified to teach farmer's children; some not qualified; character, good; qualifications, ordinary; qualified to teach the branches enumerated; every way qualified. The chief defects in the system are thus pointed out: Want of appropriation from State of surplus revenue; want of a plan by which competent teachers can be obtained; want of inspectors of teachers to relieve directors of that burden; want of compensation to directors. Full of defects, one of which is, that directors have too much power. Ambiguity of the school law; tax, burdensome; want of pay to directors; requiring security of treasurer, etc. A convention of teachers and others, friendly to education, met in the court-house, in Carlisle, December 19, 1835. Doctor Isaac Snowden, was 220 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, elected president. This meeting, after discussing educational questions, and providing for semi-annual meetings, adjourned to meet June 25, 1836, at which time the following questions were to be considered: 1. What is the best mode of securing a competent number of well qualified teachers of common schools to meet the exigencies of the county? 2. The influence of education on the character and stability of civil institutions, and the direction and modification which it gives to political relations. 3. The evils existing in our common schools, and appropriate remedies. 4. The influence of employing visible illustrations in imparting instruction to children. 5. Best modes of governing children, and of exciting their interest in their studies. 6. Importance of a uniformity of text-books, etc. The engrafting upon the school system of the county superintendency being a new departure, met with some opposition in this county; generally, however, the change was well received. The first superintendent was Mr. Daniel Shelly, who filled the position for two terms. Mr. Shelly was very active in the discharge of his duties, and the result was a general awakening in educational matters, and a dropping out of the ranks of many of the less efficient teachers. Mr. D. K. Noel, a leading teacher in the county, was elected in May, 1860, as his successor, but in consequence of ill-health, he resigned at the end of several months, and Mr. Joseph Mifflin was appointed to succeed him. Mr. Mifflin had been a teacher, but for some time prior to his appointment, and subsequent to his superintendency, he followed the business of civil engineering. His term of office expiring, he was succeeded, in 1863, by Mr. George Swartz. Mr. Swartz had, by his own exertion, risen to a position in the front rank of teachers, and his election to the superintendency, was a tribute to a faithful and successful teacher. He performed the duties of the office for six years. The result of the election held in May, 1869, as announced by the chairman of the convention, was, by decision of the State Superintendent on a legal point, set aside, and Mr. W. A. Lindsey, at present a deputy State Superintendent, was appointed to the position. He discharged the duties of the office until 1872, when the writer was elected to the position, and in 1875, reelected. The influence of the county superintendency, soon became apparent in the improved condition of the schools, in the improvement of teachers, and in the cultivation of a better educational sentiment throughout the county. The organization of teachers' institutes, and the establishment of normal schools, if not the result of the superintendency, were certainly brought about at a much earlier day than would have been done without this agency. Under date of February 24, 1856, ex-Governor Ritner, in Ex. Doc.] CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 221 writing to Honorable Thomas H. Burrowes, says: "The improvement in the teachers during the past year, was quite marked. You may rest assured that common school education is improving in this county. I believe that our schools, so far as my own knowledge extends, are at least fifty per cent. better than they would, or could be, without the superintendency. I do not suppose that you will conclude from what I have said, that the county superintendency has done, or can do, everything to make the schools most efficient. One of the greatest drawbacks, and the one in my opinion most felt, is the almost universal negligence, on the part of school directors, to visit the schools as directed by law." At the call of the county superintendent, "the directors and teachers generally, assembled in Education Hall, Carlisle, on Saturday, the second day of September, 1854, for the purpose of holding a school-teachers' convention for devising more favorable means for the promotion of education generally in the common schools of Cumberland county." Ex-Governor Ritner presided at this meeting, and Mr. Dieffenbach, Deputy Superintendent of Common Schools in Pennsylvania, was in attendance. A committee, appointed to prepare business for the meeting, reported a series of resolutions, the subject matter of which engaged the attention of the assembly during its sessions. Provision was made for the permanent organization of a county institute, and a committee appointed to report constitution, etc., for its government. On the 21st of December, 1854, the "Cumberland County Teachers' Institute" was permanently organized, in the court-house, in Carlisle. Ex-Governor Ritner was called to preside. Ninety-four teachers, out of one hundred and sixty, were present at the opening session. Honorable Thomas H. Burrowes was in attendance during two days, and aided greatly in making the institute a success. Doctor Collins, president of Dickinson College, lectured before the institute. The principal work of the sessions was the discussion of methods of teaching, which was generally participated in by the teachers in attendance. The sentiment that prevailed is evinced in one of the resolutions passed, as follows: That, as teachers and members of this institute, we will cordially cooperate with our superintendent in his laudable efforts to elevate the standard of teaching, and advance general education throughout the county. From that time to the present the institute has met annually, usually about the holidays, alternating generally between Newville, Shippensburg, and Mechanicsburg. The effect of this migratory habit proved very beneficial, affording the citizens of the county generally an opportunity to attend the sessions, which was well improved. For a number of years the members of the institute were entertained, free of cost, by citizens of the place at which it was held. This custom prevailed until the institute determined, by resolution, to honor the practice "in the breach, rather than in the observance." That teachers' institutes have, in a great degree, contributed to the improvement in our schools, I think no one will question. 222 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. [No. 8, Being impressed with the advantages that must inure to the youth of the place, from having access to a well ordered library, and from the habitual participation in exercises of a literary character, a number of citizens of Mechanicsburg, in the fall of 1871, took the steps necessary to organize a library, in connection with a literary organization that had been in existence in their midst for some years. Funds were subscribed, purchases of books made, and a charter applied for, under the name of "The Mechanicsburg Library and Literary Association." A charter was granted by the Legislature, April 4, 1872. Additions to the library, have from time to time, been made, until the number of volumes exceeds fourteen hundred. The following educational publications have appeared in the county, at various times: "I Will Try," monthly, published in Mechanicsburg, by J. H. Hosteter; "School Room Ledger," monthly, published in Carlisle, by F. M. L. Gillelen, and the "Literary Journal," monthly, published at Mount Holly, under the auspices of "The Mount Holly Literary Society." There are many names of which honorable mention might be made in connection with education in the county, but the limit assigned to this sketch, already exceeded, forbids it - several only will be mentioned. Mr. James Hamilton, elected school director in Carlisle, in 1836, remained in the board until his death, several years ago. He took a lively interest in education, and especially in the success of the Carlisle schools. In their organization, grading, etc., he was largely instrumental. Ex-Governor Ritner, on retiring from the office of Governor, took up his residence in Cumberland county. In him, education had one of its warmest friends. Nothing in his administration, afforded him as much gratification, as the part he had in establishing the free school system. He was an ardent friend of education, visited the schools in all parts of the county, and was a regular attendant on the educational meetings held in the county, until failing health rendered this impracticable. In conclusion, I desire to return my thanks to all who, by furnishing information, aided in making this sketch what it is.