Copywright USGenNet Inc., 2004, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER 9 By James L. Noblitt EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTY - THE EARLY SCHOOLS OF PAOLI AND TOWNSHIP - CHARACTER OF THE EARLY HOUSES - OLD METHODS OF INSTRUCTION AND CORRECTION - NAMES OF SCHOLARS AND PATRONS - THE TEACHERS - THE SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOLS - THE FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT FUNDS - THE COUNTY SEMINARY - HIGH SCHOOLS - THE SOUTHERN INDIANA NORMAL SCHOOL - EDUCATION IN EACH TOWNSHIP TRACED - THE ORLEANS ACADEMY - THE TEACHERS’ INSTITUTES - A GENERAL VIEW OF THE SCHOOLS The first school established in Paoli Township was in a small round log-house, situated upon the land of David Thompson’s heirs, in Section 16, Town 1 north, Range 1 east, one mile west of Chambersburg. The first teacher was an old gentleman named Tomlinson. He could teach reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. Among the patrons were the Chamberses and Lindleys. This was probably the first school ever taught in Orange County. There is now no person living who attended this school. Mr. Tomlinson remained here but a short tine, and was succeeded by Thornton Brady. Nathan Farlow is the only person now living (1884) who attended Mr. Brady’s school. The next teacher was Duncan Darrock, succeeded by Thomas Newlin. William G. Chambers attended during Mr. Newlin’s term. John Murray taught about one mile south of this in 1823. These schools were superseded by the establishing of a school at Lick Creek, in 1824, at the site of the present school building. This was the first district school established in the county under the Congressional Township System. It was supported in parts by rents of school land. John Murray taught here in the fall of 1824. Thomas Newlin was teacher about 1828-29. He gave his pupils a treat of cakes and pies at Christmas time. It was served at his residence, a half mile from the schoolhouse. The house was a log building 18 x 24 feet. It was replaced by a frame house in 1822. Among the patrons were the Chamberses, Lindleys, Thompsons, Lynches and Gillums. William C. Gillum attended during 1829. Shadrack B. A. Carter and Jonathan Prosser were early teachers in this neighborhood. The studies embraced reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic and grammar. Several years after this Morris Pritchard introduced the first geography. Later than this Levi Woody taught here a number of years. He was a good teacher. Under his management the school was well supported, and became one of the best in the county under the district system. All the common school branches, including algebra and philosophy were taught. The patrons at this time were the Lindleys, Chamberses, Towels, Dixons, Clouds, McVeys, Thompsons and Coxes. Miss Asenath Cox, who became a very excellent teacher, was a pupil of this school. In the meanwhile other schools had been established in this and adjoining neighborhoods. In 1816 the citizens built a small log house near Thomas Atkinson’s place, three miles south of Paoli, and employed a Mr. McIntire to teach. Shadrack Ditts taught here about 1820. The patrons of this school were the Atkinsons, Stouts, Farlows, Grimeses, Mormans, Boltons, Lambdins and Throops. Sophia Throop, then a young girl, walked three miles morning and evening to attend the school. Miss Throop afterward became the first lady teacher in the county. The studies in this school embraced reading, writing, spelling and primary arithmetic. In 1816 Evan Jones taught a school in a house which had been used as a dwelling, about one mile south of Paoli. The next year the citizens of this neighborhood built a schoolhouse on land of Nathan Farlow, west of Beechgrove Church. Roderick McLuskey, an Irishman, was the flrst teacher. He was succeeded by Thornton Brady in 1818. Mr. Brady was a good man and was much beloved by his pupils. The patrons of this school were the Farlows, Truebloods, Wolfingtons, Pinnicks, Williamses, Weeks, Boyds, Hills, Lindleys, Dishons, Dixons and Hollowells. Mary Hollowell, who was said to be the first female child born within the present limits of Orange County, was a pupil of this school. Miss Hollowell afterward became Mrs. Joseph Clendenin. About the year 1820 Maj. Doak opened a school in a small house near the sink of Stampers Creek. Among his patrons were the Lewises, Johnsons, Sniders and Mahans. He was followed by Richard Mills near the present site of Rifetown in 1821, and he by John Murray, at same place, in 1822. In 1825 the citizens built a log house, 18x18 feet, on the land of Cyrus Quackenbush. It was furnished with split sapling seats and one glass window, a log being taken out on the other side to admit light. Henry M. Canaday was the first teacher. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. This was the first silent school taught in the county. Mr. Canaday remained here three years and was succeeded by Samuel Dalton. Samuel Hudelson studied grammar at this school. The patrons were the Hudelsons, Elrods, Lindleys and others. During the summer of 1839 Sophia Throop taught in this district. The house was situated on Owen Lindley’s place. Lindleys and Wellses were among her patrons. In 1841 William Hudleson and John Hollowell, District Trustees, built a log schoolhouse two miles northwest of Paoli. Judge John Baker, now of Vincennes, Ind., built the chimney for this house. Theodore Stackhouse taught here in 1843. The studies embraced all the common school branches; wages of teacher, per month, term of three months, $18, public money. Remainder paid by rate bills. Patrons were Hudlesons, Hollowells, Ellises, Braxtans, and Milligans. Mr. William Hudelson served as District Trustee here for more than fifteen years, for which service he never charged or received any pay. Schoolhouses being inconvenient in some neighborhoods, churches were used for schoolhouses. Alexander Morris taught at Newberry in 1831. Julia Talbert taught in the old ]og church at Stampers Creek in 1841. Sophia Throop also taught one school here. In 1832 Sarah Chambers taught a school where Chambersburg has since been located. She received $1.50 per pupil for a term of three months. Among her patrons were the Cateses, Chamberses and Robinses. Under the congressional township system, Paoli Township had the county seminary and five district schoolhouses in which to educate her 800 children. At the August election in 1848 her people refused to exchange these for a free school system. The vote was as follows: For free schools, forty-five votes; against free schools, 339 votes. The same question being again submitted in 1843, there were 116 votes in the affirmative and 238 in the negative. In 1850, and again in 1851, the question was voted upon. At this last election there were 133 votes in the affirmative, and 201 in the negative, but free schools came to Orange County without an affirmative vote of her people, by the passage of the school law of 1852. The first Trustees in this township were Henry M. Hobbs, William Rhodes and Levi Woody. They were elected April, 1853, and on the 30th day of May submitted the proposition to vote a tax for building schoolhouses by taxation to a vote of the people. This proposition was defeated by a majority of 106 votes. The Trustees estimated the cost of schoolhouses required to furnish educational privileges to the children of the township at $5,000. But as the money could not be raised without an affirmative vote of the people, the result of the late election was accepted as a final blow at the public schools of the township. The Board of Trustees now declined to purchase the county seminary building, which was sold in August of that year, pleading want of funds and the unwillingness of the people to be taxed for schoolhouse purposes. But happily the Legislature of 1855 furnished a remedy for this state of affairs by giving the Board of Trustees the power to levy without the vote of the people. The Board now proceeded to divide the township into ten districts. The first levy was made in 1856, being 25 cents on each $100 worth of property, and 50 cents on each poll. Four of the district houses were adopted and six new houses built, one each year. The county seminary was afterward purchased and used as a public school building by the township. The first free schools were in the winter of 1855-56. Paoli Township has now thirteen school districts. The buildings are substantial frame houses, being well finished and furnished with improved furniture and school apparatus. Schools are sustained from five and a half to six months each year, at a cost of about $3,000 per annum for tuition expenses. PAOLI TOWN SCHOOLS The first school in the town of Paoli was taught about the year 1817, by James Stores. The house was built for a dwelling, and was fitted up for school in true primitive style. Mr. Stores taught but one term, and and was succeeded by Joseph Athon. Not much concerning these schools has been learned. The Braxtans, Lindleys and Campbells were here and probably attended, but of those who were pupils then all are gone to that land over and beyond "the river." About 1829 Benoni Jackson opened a select school in his dwelling-house in the east part of town. This school was continued several years. Mr. Jackson was a good teacher, and was liberally patronized by the people of the town. The Braxtans, McVeys, Campbells, Merrits and Hoggatts were among his patrons. About the year 1832 Mrs. A. M. Collins taught a school in a frame house east of the southeast corner of the public square. The Braxtans, Wellses and Merrits were pupils. Robert Higgins, of Orangeville, attended this school. Later than this, Col. John Murray taught in the Hoggatt property in the east part of town. He was succeeded by James Brooks, and he by Bartlet Coffin. The patrons of this school were the McVeys, Towels, Browns, Hoggatts, Braxtans and Hazlewoods. B. R. Harrison taught here in 1844 and 1843. About the years 1841 and 1842, Col. Murray taught in the White property in the west part of town. At Christmas time he gave his pupils a "treat" of cider and apples. Dr. Green Hazlewood, of Chambersburg, attended the school. The school history of the town of Paoli is nearly all included in the history of the seminary. THE COUNTY SEMINARY The idea of a county seminary originated with the Constitution of 1816, which provided that all fines assessed for any breach of the penal laws, and all money paid as an equivalent by persons exempt from military duty, except in time of war, should be applied to the support of county seminaries in the counties wherein they were assessed. This money was held in trust by a Seminary Trustee, appointed at first by the Governor of the State, and afterward by the Boards of County Commissioners, and later elected by the people at a general election. Thomas Coffin, John Pinnick and Thomas Chapman, in the order named, served as Trustees of Seminary Fund in Orange County. The following act incorporated the seminary. AN ACT INCORPORATING A SEMINARY IN THE COUNTY OF GIBSON AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, APPROVED JANUARY 21, 1826. SECTION 8. The County seminary for the County of Orange is hereby established at the town of Paoli, the seat of justice of said county, and it is hereby made the duty of the President and Associate Judges of the Circuit Court of said county at the first term of said court, after the passage of this act, to appoint five good and lawful freeholders, residents of said county, as Trustees of said seminary, whose duty it shall be to take an oath or affirmation that they will well and truly discharge the duties assigned them as aforesaid for the term of one year from and after their appointment, and until their successors are appointed and qualified in the manner prescribed in the foregoing provisions of this act; and the Trustees of the Orange County Seminary Fund is hereby required to pay over all moneys that are or may come into his hands for the use of said seminary to the Trustees of said seminary, or their order, when called on for that purpose; the Judges and Trustees of said county shall be governed in all other respects by the provisions of the foregoing sections of this act, except that nothing in this act contained shall be so construed as to abolish the office of Seminary Trustee in the said county of Orange. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The Trustees appointed under this act, were Lewis Byrum, John Scantlin, John G. Clendenin, Andrew Wilson and Joseph Potts. This Board, after being organized as required by law, proceeded to procure a site for the proposed building. Lot No. 50 was purchased from William Hendricks for $40; a part of Lot No. 57, from Orange County, for $24, and a part of Lot No. 51 from William Spooner donated for the encouragement of education. The seminary building was erected during the summer of 1827. Henderson and Holt were the contractors who built it. We have not been able to learn the contract price or cost of the building, nor have we been able to obtain the date when the first school was opened here, but it was probably late in 1827, or early in 1828. THE SEMINARY TEACHERS Joseph Athon, who had previously been teaching in town, was the first teacher in the seminary. He taught but a short time and was succeeded by David Adams, who taught here during 1828-29. The patrons at this time were the Braxtans, Campbells, Scantlins, Clendenins, Doughertys, Lindleys and Spooners. Birney taught about 1830. He was succeeded by a man named Sisson. About this time Henry M. Kennedy taught for short time. T. B. Kinder had charge of the school during 1833. He was a fine teacher of penmanship. Samuel T. Lindley was a pupil this year. Rev. William Martin taught a term in the seminary about this time. Mr. Martin was a good man and well-beloved by all who knew him, but he evidently did not understand all the ways of thoughtless boys, as he could not succeed in maintaining discipline in school. During his term Thomas. N. Braxtan and John G. Clendenin, Jr., having committed some offense in school, in order to evade punishment jumped out of the window and ran away to the top of the hill north of town; here they climbed a beech tree and rested in fancied security. But Mr. Martin was not to be outdone this time. He followed them and having brought them down, proceeded to administer a whipping there, lest his anger might cool while returning to the schoolhouse. That tree is still standing, and Mr. Braxtan declares that he would not have it destroyed for $500. During the summer of 1835, a feeling was worked up favorable to increasing the efficiency of the County Seminary. A. J. Simpson, Thomas Coffin, Hiram Braxtan and David Adams, having been appointed Seminary Trustees, resolved to raise the standard of the institution to that of other seminaries in the State. They accordingly gave notice that "a teacher who can come well recommended as to moral character, and who is well qualified to teach the Greek and Latin languages, together with Mathematics and English language," would be employed to take charge of County Seminary. As a result of this notice, Mr. James A. Watson, a learned and scholarly man, was employed. He opened school the second Monday in October, 1835. Mr. Watson was a good teacher and conducted the school in a very satisfactory manner. He remained here until about 1838, and was then succeeded by Samuel Newel. The latter was also a successful teacher. At the close of his school the pupils produced the play of "William Tell and the Tyrant Gesler." Thomas Coffin as Tell shot the apple off of John G. Clendenin’s head, who personated Albert. T. N. Braxtan played the part of a soldier. About this time Mrs. L. Green had charge of the female department of County Seminary, and later Mrs. Meur taught the same department. Lawyer Thixton became principal teacher of the seminary about 1839, and James Brooks assistant. Thomas Hunt attended one term this year. About this time Mr. Keller was Principal of the seminary. The Legislative mind was never very clear as to the proper manner of electing Seminary Trustees. First they were appointed by the Judges or the Circuit Court; next elected by the people, and afteward appointed by the Board of Commissioners; and in 1841 changed back to an election by the people. Andrew Wilson, John Hollowell, Josiah Hazlewood, Henry R. Williamson and Thomas Nichols were elected Seminary Trustees under this act. They employed Rev. Ennis, a learned man and a good teacher, to take charge of the County Seminary. He remained here for two years. His work was well received, being highly complimented in the county papers. About this time Col. John Murray taught one term in the seminary. He taught a loud school, and lost some patronage by so doing. During 1843 and 1846 Marshal D. Maxwell had charge of the school. He was assisted by his sister. They were good teachers. During 1847 and 1848 Rev. Thomas J. Thornton was Principal of the County Seminary. He was assisted by Mrs. Lord. The Braxtans, Simpsons, Clendennins, Throops, Coffinses, Hauns, Bakers, Craigs, Hazlewoods, Johnsons, Polsons, Merits and Collinses were among the pupils. Charles McCann was teacher during 1849. He was succeeded by Sidney J. Mayhew. He took charge of the school in 1850, and remained three years. Mrs. S. J. Mayhew had charge of female department during the same time. They were successful teachers. They closed their work here in February, 1853. Very strict discipline was maintained at this time, as the following incident will show. Isaac Craig took a large apple to school to eat during school hours. As soon as the school work began, he commenced upon the apple, but had made very little progress when he was discovered by the teacher, who politely requested him to stand in front of the school and finish the apple. That apple was eaten without any remarks, but the tears which flowed from Craig’s eyes showed very clearly that he did not enjoy the eating. One more session during the spring of 1853, taught by Mr. O’Brien, and the Orange County Seminary, after a life of a little more than a quarter of a century passed out of existence, being sold in August of that year, as required by act of the Legislature, approved June 12, 1852. And here let it be remarked, that the Orange County Seminary was in its day a grand institution. Under the management of James A. Watson, Rev. Ennis, Marshal D. Maxwell, Rev. Thomas J. Thornton, Sidney J. Mayhew and others, it reached a high standard of excellence, and was justly the pride of the people of the town and county. It numbered among its pupils many boys and girls who are still living, useful and honored members of society, who, when they read these pages, will drop a sincere tear of regret to the memory of those of their schoolmates who have passed away. SALE OF THE SEMINARY At the sale of the Seminary above narrated, it was purchased by John C. Albert, who after an ownership of three days transferred it to David Porter. July 19, 1856, A. M. Black, administrator of Porter’s estate, transferred it to Paoli Township to be used as a public school building. During this period it had been let to parties who taught private school in it. Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Woodford taught here during 1854-55. In May 1855, there was a call, through the county papers, for a female High School at Paoli. This was started in October 1855, with J. D. P. Hungate as teacher. A fourteen weeks’ session was taught. The terms of tuition were first grade $3, second grade $4, and third grade $5, with 20 cents additional in each grade for fuel. L. Norris taught a twelve weeks’ session here during the spring of 1856. The patrons of these schools were the Braxtans, Simpsons, Hazlewoods, Lindleys, Whites, Throops, Merits, Alberts, Dayhuffs and others. The people of Paoli did not have a separate vote upon the question of free schools, but the vote being taken in connection with Paoli Township, the result of that election very nearly expresses the opinion of the people of the town. The first free schools were opened in September, 1856, in the seminary building. Henry P. Jones and Martha M. Gilbert were the first teachers. Length of session. sixty days. R. S. Thurman teacher during l857-58. Judge Francis Wilson, of Bedford, taught here during 1860-61. He was succeeded by J. L. Williams in 1863. In summer of 1865 the citizens of Paoli organized and appointed Samuel T. Lindley, L. B. Cogswell and James H. Sherrod, Trustees, who in connection with the Township Trustees, organized the Paoli High School with Professor N. B. Bowles as Principal. He was assisted by his wife. They were professional teachers. The school was a success from the beginning, both in regard to attendance and thoroughness of the work done. The enthusiasm among the young people of the town and surrounding country was unbounded. The examination at the close of the second term was pronounced a great success by all who were present. Prof. Bowles remained here for two years, during which time many young men and women were prepared to enter the field as teachers in the common schools. These, taking up the work in the country districts, the result was a forward movement all along the line in the schools of Orange County. Asenath Cox, J. S. Wilson, Simeon Green and J. P. Throop also taught public school in the seminary building. In the spring of 1872 the building was sold by the Township and Town Trustees to A. J. Simpson, since which time it has not been used as a school building. It is now owned by W. F. Osborne and occupied as a family residence. To the passer-by it presents no appearance of the ancient schoolhouse, but rather strikes him as being a very neat and substantial brick residence. The public schools were now united with the Normal School. SOUTHERN INDIANA NORMAL SCHOOL The normal school building was erected in 1871, costing $22,000. It is one of the finest school buildings in southern Indiana, and is justly the pride of the people of the town and county. It is a neat brick 90x70 feet, two and a half stories (besides basement), and has in addition to the chapel, office and labratory, six large recitatation rooms, well lighted and furnished. The following is taken, with some alterations, from the annual circular of Prof. W. P. Pinkham, 1876: The normal school is organized upon the plan of a graded school, consisting of Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High School Departments. The High School Department is the Normal School proper. The lower departments are intended not only for the instruction of the children who attend them, but as model schools for the instruction and training of the senior classes in the teacher’s course. The leading object of the normal school, and one which chiefly distinguishes it from other institutions, is the training of teachers for their work. Teaching is here taught as a science and an art. The science of the human mind, a just appreciation of which is essential to the highest success in teaching, is here presented and investigated. That its truths may be reduced to practice, teachers are afterward exercised in the preparation of lesson sketches, and the conducting of object lessons; in objective methods of teaching the different branches of study; in adapting lessons and instructions to the age and development of the pupils; in organizing and disciplining the class and the school. Besides the training of teachers, it is a cherished object of the officers of the normal school to place within the reach of the young people of southern Indiana an opportunity for acquiring a higher education. The following notes were taken from the circular of Prof. E. P. Smith, 1884: "The school was organized on its present basis in the fall of 1873, by Prof. W. P. Pinkham, who served as Principal during the next six years, resigning in the spring of 1879 to accept the chair of mathematics in Earlham College. Under Prof. Pinkham's management the school grew rapidly into public favor, and enjoyed a very liberal patronage from the entire southern part of the State. During the academic year, in 1879-80, the school maintained its high reputation for thoroughness under its Principal, Miss Asenath Cox, since deceased, who resigned at the end of the school year to resume a position in the Glendale Female College, at Glendale, Ohio, with which institution she has formerly been connected as a leading teacher. Miss Cox was succeeded by Prof. E. F. Sutherland, whose energy and professional ability did much to enhance the prosperity of the school. Prof. Sutherland served as Principal nearly three years, resigning in the early part of 1883 to engage in business. During the next academic year the school was in charge of Prof. W. T. Gooden, a thorough scholar and a faithful teacher, whose work in the class-room has had a lasting influence upon the institution. Prof. Gooden resigned last March to engage in journalism, and was succeeded by the present incumbent, Prof. E. B. Smith. Since the school was organized in 1873, some thirty students have graduated from its various courses of study." SCHOOLS OF NORTHEAST TOWNSHIP The first school of which we have any account in this township was taught by Thomas Vandeveer, in the fall of 1817. It was situated upon the land of Perry Johnson, on Lost River. The house was a small, round log building, which had been constructed for a dwelling. The studies pursued were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. The patrons were the Reeds, McKinneys, Osborns and Glovers. Jonah Morgan became teacher in this neighborhood about the year 1822. Mr. Morgan's school was situated on the river near the east line of the township. The house was a small, round log-cabin, puncheon floor, and paper for window lights. In 1825 David Warford opened a school south of the above, on Orleans and Livonia road. The house had been used as a dwelling. Course of study same as above. The Glovers, Maxwells, Cases, McKinneys and Reeds attended this school. All of the above were subscription schools, the teachers receiving about $2 per pupil for a term of three months. The district school on Max Lewis’ farm, near Island Church, was established about 1830. The house was a hewed-log building, 18x24 feet; had plank floor and glass windows. Henry Hammersly taught here in 1832. He was succeeded by Richard Mills, and he by John Murray. The Bridgewaters, Boons, Haynes, McLains and Lewises were among the patrons. The district schoolhouse on the Claysville road, near the east line of the township, was built in 1834. This was a hewed-log building, fitted up as required by the school law of 1824. The first teacher was Daniel Watkins; he was a good teacher. He remained here until about 1843, teaching a three months’ session each year. The course of study in this school embraced all the common school branches. McKinneys, Standifords, Cases, Hayses and Glovers were among the patrons. John B. Glover, afterward State Treasurer of Indiana, and now United States Consul at Havre, France, was a pupil of this district. The district schoolhouse in the southeast part of the township was known as the "White Schoolhouse." John Murray taught several terms here about 1846-47. He was succeeded by Jesse Hungate, now of Salem, John W. Gillum and Daniel Robbins in the order named. The patrons of this school were the Altons, Halls, Knoxes, Browns, Vancleaves, Modlins, Vickreys, Potters, Lindleys, Sallees, Walkers and Hamptons. The people of this district were very much attached to their school, and refused to allow the schoolhouse to be sold at the introduction of the free- school system in 1853. A district school had also been established near the town of Lancaster. David Finley taught here in 1845. The enumeration now showed about 400 children in Northeast Township. The four districts above enumerated were all the schools provided for these children under the Congressional Township system. At the August election, 1848, Northeast Township, with less than 200 voters, polled more votes for the free-school law than any other township in the county, there being forty-nine votes in the affirmative and 131 in the negative. At each succeeding election there was a gain in the affirmative vote. In 1851 there were sixty-nine votes for free-school and seventy-seven votes against them. The first Trustees under the free- school system were John W. Gillum, William Hays and Lewis Fordyce. They were elected in April, 1853, and in May, of same year, they submitted the proposition to build schoolhouses by taxation to a vote of the people. This proposition was defeated by a majority of thirty-nine votes. The Board now determined to build the schoolhouses by private subscription. They accordingly laid off six districts and ordered the houses to be of hewed logs 20x30 feet, five windows and two doors in each. Leonard Hardman, John W. Gillum, William Hays and Lewis Fordyce were appointed a Committee to solict subscriptions. As nothing was realized from this, the building of schoolhouses had to be postponed until legislative aid could be obtained. That body, having so amended the school law of 1852 as to allow the money to be levied for schoolhouse purposes without an affirmative vote of the people, the Board of Trustees, in April, 1856, levied 25 cents on each $100 worth of property and 50 cents on each poll for building schoolhouses. In June of this year the Board contracted with James Crocket to build six frame houses, 18x24 feet. for $2,000. The first free schools were taught in the winter of 1857-58. These houses having been found to be too small to accommodate all the children of the township, the building of larger and better houses was determined upon. John W. Ellis was elected Trustee in April. 1878. During his administration of four years, six large and substantial frame houses were erected and furnished with improved furniture and school aparatus, so that now the educational facilities of Northeast Township are second to none in the county. Schools are sustained for about five months each year, at a cost of about $1,100 per annum. SCHOOLS OF ORLEANS TOWNSHIP The first school in this township of which we have any account, was at the Henry Shirley farm in the southwest part of township, about the year 1822. The house was a small round-log building. The windows were made by cutting out a log and stretching greased paper across the opening thus made. The Hudelsons, Elrods, Hendersons, Kenleys and Busicks were among the patrons. The first teacher was William Dougherty. He was very exact in teaching his pupils good manners. He was succeeded, as a teacher, by David Hudelson in 1823. A district school having been established at this place, John McGonahay became teacher in 1834. He was succeeded by Thomas Dias. In this school John Hudelson and William McKnabb had some trouble, which they wished to settle by a fight, and accordingly proceeded to make that kind of settlement at a time when all should have been quiet and orderly study in the school room. Samuel Hudelson and Theodore Stackhouse were also teachers in this district. Grammar, arithmetic and geography had been introduced into the course of study. A district school was established on the land now owned by George Wolf, in southeast part of township, about 1831. This was known as the Maxwell House. A Dr. Tucker was the first teacher. The patrons of this school were the Webbs, Frosts, Scotts, Busicks, Cools, Bakers, Pickens, Speers, Chishams, Maxwells, Stines, Wares and Trues. The wages of the teacher was $15 per month. Van R. Noblitt taught here in 1837. John W. Frost in 1845. A term of three months; wages, $10 per month. Aaron Speer was teacher here in 1849. About the year 1834 Shadrach B. A. Carter opened a school at his farm south of the town of Orleans. The house, a small frame, stood near the family residence. He taught here for several years. Among his patrons were the Langfords, Brookses, Webbs and Steerses. John H. Steers, the oldest native inhabitant of Orleans, was a pupil of this school. A cave which opened at the south part of the large pond just south of the house, was used by the boys as a play-ground. Under the Congressional township system, Orleans Township including the town, had but four district schoolhouses, in which to educate her 600 children. But notwithstanding her poor accommodations, her people refused to exchange for a free school system. At the August election, 1848, there were cast for free schools 33 votes, and against free schools 242 votes. The same question being submitted the next year, there were 87 votes in the affirmative and 208 votes in the negative. By the year 1851 the friends of free schools had increased their number to 105, while the opposition were reduced to 119 votes, many persons remaining neutral. Thomas Elrod, Bury Sears and Washington Hardman were the first Trustees under the free school law of 1852. They were elected April, 1853. I have not been able to find any record of their official acts, but Mr. Abner Freeman recollects that during the summer of 1853, they submitted the proportion to raise a fund for building schoolhouses. by taxation, to a vote of the township, and that the proposition carried after a spirited contest. The records in the County Treasurer’s office show that the levy was placed upon the tax duplicate of 1854, and that the sum of $1,368.48 was realized from it. The Board now sold the old district houses, and built six new houses, four in the country and two in the town. They were small frame buildings 18x24 feet. The first free schools were in the winter of 1855-56. W. T. Spicely and John H. Lindsey were among the first teachers. W. W. Chisham was elected Trustee in 1856, and served continuously for eight years. During his administration two new districts were organized. He was succeeded by Thomas Elrod, under whose administration the building of larger and better houses was commenced. Orleans township has now eight school districts. The houses are substantial frame buildings, well fitted and furnished with improved furniture and modern school apparatus. Schools are sustained from five to five and a half months each year, at a cost of about $1,600 per annum. ORLEANS TOWN SCHOOLS In the fall of 1823, the people of the town of Orleans resolved to establish a school. They accordingly fitted up a small house which stood near where Walker’s store now stands. Here the schools of the town had their humble beginning, with John McClane as the first teacher. The patrons were the Webbs, Lewises, Searses and Brookses. There is probably no person now living who attended this school. Mr. McClane was succeeded as a teacher by Jonathan Prosser, who opened a school on the Conder property, about the year 1826. Patrons same as above. John H. Steers was also a pupil of this school. Mr. Prosser was an extra good teacher of penmanship. Samuel Webb who was probably the best penman ever in Orange County, received his instruction in this school. Samuel Steel succeeded to the management of the school in 1830. He taught but one term. In 1831 the citizens, under the leadership of Joseph Crawford and John Sears, built a schoolhouse on the public square, where the school building now stands. This was the first school building in the town of Orleans. It was a hewed log structure twenty feet square. Had glass windows and "split poles" for seats. The first teacher was George May. He had charge of the schools for two years. A Mr. White of Crawfordsville, Ind., Isom Procter, John Johnson and a Mr. Reeding were also teachers of this school. Thomas Dias was teacher here about 1835 or 1836. In order to get even with the boys who "turned him out" for a Christmas trick, he had bogus writs issued for them, but the joke turned upon the Constable, who served the writs in good faith, thinking they were genuine. The course of study in these schools embraced reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic; occasionally a teacher was secured who could teach grammar. The patrons were the Searses, Crawfords, Williamsons, Cooks, Webbs, Kimblys. Moyers, Freemans, Merricks, Worrellis and Brookses. That all earthly things must perish was clearly illustrated here. After a time some persons concluded that they were tired of seeing the old schoolhouse with its homely walls and coarse furniture, so they went quietly and tore it down while those who would have hindered slept. Some persons were very indignant at this, but nothing came of it, as there was an abundance of time for their anger to cool before they discovered who did the mischief. Another school was that of A. F. Allen, who was for many years a well-known and honored citizen of Orleans and Orange County. His school was opened in 1839 and continued for two years. This school was noted for the thoroughness of the instruction and practical business like manner in which it was conducted. Among the patrons we notice the names Sears, Webb, Moyer and Steers. Gen. W. T. Spicely was a pupil of this school, and owed much of his success in after life, to the thoroughness of the instruction received here. The citizens of Orleans did not have a separate vote upon the subject of free schools, but their vote being taken in connection with Orleans Township that result very nearly shows the sentiment in regard to free schools in the town. Orleans not being an incorporated town, came under the control of the Township Trustees at the passage of the school law of 1852. The Board of Township Trustees established three public schools in the town, building two small frame houses and using the old Methodist Church for a schoolhouse. These houses were afterwards replaced by three larger and more substantial frame buildings. The first free schools were opened in the fall of 1855. Length of session sixty days. Isaac Albertson, William Jones and John White, were the first teachers. THE ORLEANS ACADEMY The above-named school was established in 1866. The building was erected by a joint stock company, at a cost of $8,000. It was the purpose of the company to establish an independent academy entirely disconnected with the public schools. Prof. John M. Bloss, afterward Superintendent of Public Instruction of Indiana, was the first and only Principal of the academy as an independent institution. The opening of the Orleans Academy was a progressive step in the schools of Orange County. A very considerable part of the patronage at first came from the ex-soldiers; young men whose education had been entirely neglected by the requirements and services of war, and who came earnestly desiring to make up for lost opportunities; added to these was a class of young men and women who were preparing for the position of teachers in tbe common schools. The work of this institution was comprehensive and thorough. It furnished to the public schools of Orange County a class of teachers whose work and worth will long be remembered by the friends of education. By a union with the public schools of the town in 1870, the academy was practically superseded by the Orleans Graded School, with Prof. Bloss as Superintendent, and John J. Lingle, assistant, the High School and Grammar Department being taught at the academy, and the lower grades at the different public school buildings. This arrangement continued until 1872, when the Town School Board purchased the academy building of the stockholders, since which time the town schools have been taught at that building. The educational advantages afforded by the town of Orleans are good, the public schools being kept open from seven to nine months each year. The high school is well equipped and doing good work. Thirteen ladies and eight gentlemen have graduated from this department. SCHOOLS OF ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP The first school within the present limits of this township was established at the Shirley place in 1816. The house was a small log cabin. The furniture consisted of split sapling seats. The first teacher was a man named Fordyce. The branches of study pursued were reading, writing and spelling, also primary arithmetic. The Shirleys, Daltons and Halberts were among the patrons of this school. In 1826 a school was established in the northeast part of the township, on land of Noah Burton. Samuel Dalton, a crippled man, and a noted pioneer teacher, commenced his career at this place in 1826. He was succeeded by Jonah B. Wood in 1828. The house, which had been built for a dwelling, was a small round log-cabin, fireplace extended across one entire end of the building. Studies same as above. About the year 1831 a school was established at Bethel Church with a man named Gardener as teacher. He was succeeded by Thomas Alison, he by a man named Wormsley, and he by P. C. Huddrell, and he by Samuel Dalton in 1841, the last having an average attendance of sixty pupils. The teachers of this school were very much disposed to whip their pupils. Huddrell whipped all who could not repeat the "hart" lesson on Monday morning. Sometimes the larger boys would rebel and have the whippings discontinued for a few days. The Mathers boys attended this school. A district school had now been established at the Jacob Shirley place, south of Orangeville. The house was of hewed logs, 18x20 feet; had glass windows; had been built by citizens of the district. Van Rensselaer Noblitt taught here about 1834-35. These were subscription schools, $1.50 per pupil for term of three months. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. Among the patrons of this school, I see the names of Shirley, Dalton, Halbert, Toliver and others. Theodore Stackhouse, for many years School Examiner of Orange County, and now one of the oldest and best known teachers of the county, taught his first school here in 1844; term of three months; wages, $11 per month. Under the Congressional Township system, Orangeville had but two district schoolhouses, and 275 children to educate. School No. 2 was at Joel Riggs' place. Van R. Noblitt taught here in 1842. He received pay in corn. which he shipped to New Orleans, and sold at 29 cents per bushel. James M. Baker taught here in 1844. The patrons of this school were the Mathers, Bakers and Riggses. Orangeville not having been organized as a township until March, 1850, her people did not have a separate vote on free schools until August of that year, when twenty-five votes were cast for free schools and ninety-five against them. The same question being again submitted in 1851, forty-five votes were cast in the affirmative, and seventy-four in the negative. But coming events cast their shadows before only to follow closely themselves. Free schools came soon after the school law of 1852. The first Trustees were Alfred Bruner, John A. Ritter and Robert Higgins. They were elected the first Monday in April, 1853, and on the seventeenth day of August submitted the proposition to raise money to build schoolhouses by taxation to a vote of the people. This proposition was defeated by a majority of four votes. Not discouraged at this want of support, the Board of Trustees resolved not to pause in the good work, but to go on and establish schools in their township. They therefore advanced the money and built a schoolhouse during the fall of 1834. This was the first public school building in the township. It was situated on the road between Wesley Chapel and Orangeville. It has been replaced by the Wesley Chapel Schoolhouse. The first free schools were in 1855-56. The Legislature of 1853 having given the Board of Trustees power to levy and collect taxes for building schoolhouses without a vote of the people, a fund was now raised and five new school houses were built. Two more have since been added to the number. Orangeville Township has now seven public schools. The houses are substantial frame buildings, well finished and furnished, except in the matter of seats for pupils, the old box desks being still in use, but these will probably be removed at an early day and improved furniture supplied. Schools are sustained in this township from four to five months each year at a cost of about $1,100 per annum. SCHOOLS OF NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP The schools of Northwest Township had their humble beginning in the fall of 1823, when John Chaney opened a school in the north part of the township. The house stood on the land now owned by John McPheters. It was a round log cabin 16x16 feet, dirt floor, one end built in the shape of a fence corner for a fire-place. This was a subscription school, the subscribers agreeing to pay three "bits" per pupil for a term of three months. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and primary arithmetic. The patrons of the school were the Kirks, Williamses, Chaneys, Talberts. Davises and Bruners. Alfred Bruner attended his first school here. The first school record of Northwest Township bears date of April 23. 1846, being an order in favor of John T. Wallace, teacher of District No. 5, for all the school funds of said district. This is accompanied by his receipt for $9.65 for services as teacher. In 1848 the citizens of this district resolved to build a schoolhouse by voluntary labor of the inhabitants, or a tax of 25 cents per day on those who chose not to work. Not getting the house built, they afterward resolved to use the church for a schoolhouse, purchase a stove with the school funds, and support a school by subscription. This arrangement was carried out, and Celia S. Kirk became the teacher about 1850. She received $30 for a term of three months. James Pinnick was teacher here in 1851. The teachers of this district were required to procure a certificate of qualification in reading, writing and spelling. The Kirks, Collinses and Pinnicks were among the patrons of these schools. There were 290 school children in the township at this time. Under the Congressional township system Northwest had five district schoolhouses in which to educate these children, each district receiving about $15 per annum of public money for school purposes. This seemed to be all that could reasonally be desired, as the result of the vote on free schools at August election, 1848, showed. For free schools, five votes. Against free schools, 124 votes. The same question was again submitted in 1849, when the friends of school law polled thirty-eight votes, and the opponents 104 votes. In 1851 the opposition could poll but fifty votes against thirty-three for the law, a great many persons assuming a neutral position. The first Trustees elected under the school law of 1852 were Richard Miller, James Faucett and Thomas Bedster. They were elected in April, 1853. and on the 10th day of April, 1854, they submitted the proposition to vote a tax for building schoolhouses to a vote of the people. This was defeated by a majority of fifteen votes. Nothing more was done in the way of building until 1856, when the change in the law enabled the Board of Trustees to levy and collect a schoolhouse tax without a vote of the people. A levy of 25 cents on the $100 of property, and 50 cents on the poll was now made. Schoolhouse No. 1 was put under contract in July, of this year. It cost $175.75. Six new houses were now built. They were substantial frame buildings, and are the same that are now in use. Meanwhile the first public school had been taught during the winter of 1855-56, the old district houses being used until the new ones were completed. Northwest Township has now seven schoolhouses. They are well supplied with improved furniture and school apparatus. Schools are sustained from four and a half to five months each year, at a cost of about $1,200 per annum. SCHOOLS OF FRENCH LICK TOWNSHIP The first school in this township of which I have any account was established on Sulphur Creek in the year 1820. Samuel Cobb was the first teacher. He was succeeded by Jordan Giles, and he by John Harvey. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. The patrons were the Charleses, Pinnicks, Gileses, Collinses and Hazlewoods. In 1821 Jonathan Mullen taught a school on land of Green Ray. in a house which had been a dwelling. Rev. James P. Campbell was a pupil of this school. In 1823 Michael Miller opened a school in a small log- house upon the Faucett land. This house was furnished with poplar poles for seats. placed upon legs so high that the feet of the smaller children did not reach within six inches of the floor. A hooked stick hung beside the door, to be removed when a pupil went out of the house and placed back in position when he returned, in order to avoid having more than one out at a time. Mr. Miller was succeeded as a teacher by Benjamin Boils, who was afterward sentenced to the State prison for life for the crime of murder. Samuel Dalton taught here about 1828. The course of study in these schools embraced reading, writing. spelling and arithmetic. The patrons were the Campbells, Millers. Doughertys and Wilsons. Nelson W. Nunley taught in this neighborhood about 1826. He was considered an extra good teacher, being able to teach grammar and geography. In 1834 Col. John Pinnick and Samuel Wolfington employed an old sailor named Acley to teach their children. The school was established in a dwelling house near French Lick Springs. The pupils of this school spent a large part of their time in roasting potatoes. The district school at Azor Charles' farm was established in 1836. Jacob Dishon was the first teacher; he was succeeded by Daniel Smith, and he by John Mellon. The Charleses, Smiths and Pinnicks were among the patrons of this school. A district school having been established on the land of Nathan Lambdin, near Prospect, Henry Johnson became the teacher about 1843. The Lambdins and Pinnicks attended this school. The same year Wilton Smith taught the district school near Buncomb Ridge. Old French Lick church house was used for a schoolhouse for ten years, having been built. about 1840. Jacob Dishon, Daniel Smith and David Porter, afterward County Treasurer, were teachers here. The patrons were the Pinnicks, Gileses, Robbinses and Winingers. William Furguson, the last teacher, made quite a disturbance by attempting to teach a silent school. The people could not understand how children taught in a silent school would ever be able to transact any business in this noisy world. The district schoolhouse on Collins' land near line of Paoli Township, built about 1831, is still standing. It is a hewed log-house, 18x24 feet. stone chimney and was furnished with the regulation "split sapling" seats. Samuel Dalton taught several terms here. He was succeeded by Michael Dougherty, J. W. Kidwell, Mr. Rickmire, John Newlin and Hiram Trueblood in the order named. Nancy Lindley also taught a summer term here about 1840. All the common school branches including algebra and natural philosophy were taught here. Among the patrons were the Truebboods, Lindleys, Springers and Osborns. This school was well sustained, and in point of efficiency, became second to none in the country. Under the Congressional Township system, French Lick had but five district schoolhouses, and 463 school children to educate. But these accomodations seemed amply sufficient to furnish an education to the children of the township, if we may judge from the returns of the August election, 1848. At that election there were cast for free schools, 9 votes. Against free schools, 187 votes. In 1849 there were 34 votes in the affimative and 178 in the negative. In 1850, 16 in the affirmative and 171 in the negative. In 1851, 23 votes in the affimative and 139 in the negative. But notwithstanding this opposition, free schools have grown and flourished in French Lick Township. The first Trustees were John Dishon, Thomas Nichols and John Tillery. They were elected in 1853. The old records of this township having been destroyed in the burning of Trustee Gilleatt's house, in January, 1884, I rely upon the recollections of the older inhabitants. The proposition to vote a tax for building schoolhouses having been defeated, the Trustees were not discouraged, but immediately put under contract the building of eight log schoolhouses. There being no money in the treasury, these houses were enclosed and roofs put on them this year, the contractors agreeing to wait for their money until it could be levied and collected by taxation. These houses were finished and fitted up for school after the Legislature had provided means for levying a school house tax without an affirmative vote of the people. The first free school was taught during the winter of 1855 - 56. These log schoolhouses have all disappeared, being replaced by good substantial frame buildings. Four new districts have been added to the number. French Lick Township has now twelve schoolhouses, all well furnished with improved school furniture and apparatus. Schools are sustained about five months in the year at a cost of about $2,250 per annum for tuition expenses. SCHOOLS OF JACKSON TOWNSHIP The first school of which I have any account in this township was established about the year 1821, in a log cabin about one-half mile west of the town of Newton Stewart. A man named Constable was the first teacher. The next school of which I have been able to obtain any information was situated in the north part of the township, near the Killum’s farm. Miss Sophia Throop taught here in 1827. The Killums were among her patrons. This was probably the first school taught by a lady in Orange County. Miss Throop taught here for two terms of three months each. The first term she made $7.50 above her board bill. The second her pay amounted to something more than this. Then to Miss Throop belongs not only the honor of being the first lady teacher in the county, but also of having done good and efficient work in the school-room for less pay than was ever received by any other teacher of the county. Patrick Dougherty was a pioneer teacher of this township, but I have not been able to locate schools taught by him. About the year 1832, Thomas Treadway taught a term of school in a church house, situated in the northwest part of the township on Section 30, Township 1 north, Range 2 west. A schoolhouse having been erected here, Samuel Mills became the teacher about 1835. He was succeeded by Reuben Cox in 1836, and he by William Pinnick in 1838. These were all subscription schools. Wages of teachers about $1.50 per pupil for term of three months. A district school was established here about 1841, and John Ditts employed to teach. He taught reading, writing, spelling and primary arithmetic. He was succeeded by Benjamin Newlin in 1847. The Cases, Coxes and Collinses were among the patrons of this school. About 1837 Rev. John Walls taught a term of school near the William Marlett farm, in Section 2, Township 1 south, Range 2 west. The house was a log-cabin which had been erected for a dwelling. The Palmers and McDonalds were among the patrons. Thomas Hunt, of Paoli, also attended this school. The first school record of Jackson Township bears date of July 26. 1837, being the proceedings of a public meeting to elect a Township Clerk and Treasurer. Samuel Parks was elected Clerk and John C. Walls, Treasurer. This is followed by a map of township - showing boundaries of the five school districts. At a public meeting of the citizens of District No. 1. held at the house of Ptolemy Bledsoe, August 12, 1837, it was resolved that this district would support a three months’ school each year, and to adopt the dwelling house of Lewis A. Bledsoe as a schoolhouse. Jonathan Palmer, a noted pioneer teacher, opened school here September 25, 1837. He received $45 for a term of three months. Money was paid in advance of the opening of schools. This was the first district schooJ organized in the township. Mr. Palmer gave very good satisfaction as a teacher and was re-employed for the next term upon the same conditions as before. There were about fifty pupils belonging to this school. The Bledsoes, Parks, Walls and Palmers were among the patrons. District No. 3 was organized January, 1839. At a meeting of the voters of this district it was resolved to build a hewed log schoolhouse, 20 feet square, finished "with one nine-light window, one long window, stick and clay chimney, plank floor, nailed down, board roof, held on by weight poles," to be ready for school by June 30, 1839. This house was to be situated in the north part of Section 26 south of Patoka Creek. The location was afterward changed to near the campground, upon condition that Isaac Eastridge would furnish "boards to cover it," and William Stewart furnish plank for the floor, and do all the hauling of building material. James Eastridge was the first teacher here. The school opened August 2, 1842. There were about seventy children enumerated in the district. The Eastridges, Gilliatts, Stewarts and Wallses were among the patrons. The wages of Mr. Eastridge were $36.50 for a term of three months, to be paid as follows: "$25 in State script, $2 in Illinois money and $9.50 in currency." About 1850, the people of this district decided to change the location of their schoolhouse to the north part of Section 24, Township 1 south, Range 2 west, being one mile north of Patoka Creek. A public meeting resolved to build a log schoolhouse here, 16x20 feet, and to expend the sum of $8.50 for building purposes. Lewis Walls taught here in the fall of 1850. Term of three months. Wages $10 per month. Under the Congressional township system, Jackson Township had six district schools and 280 children of school age. At the August election, 1848, her people unanimously resolved not to exchange these schools for a free-school system of which they knew nothing, except that it was to be supported in part by taxation. At that election there were cast against free schools 108 votes. This question was submitted again in 1849, also in 1850 and 1851, but at no time were the friends of the system able to poll more than a half dozen votes. But free schools came to Jackson as to the other townships of the county. The first Trustees were Christopher Cox, Henry Banks and Lewis A. Bledsoe. They divided the township into six districts, and built log schoolhouses and paid for them with the school funds. The first free schools were in the winter of 1856-57. Schoolhouse No. 1, in this township, was the last log schoolhouse used in the county, a school having been taught here during the winter of 1878-79. Jackson Township has now ten school districts. The houses are substantial frame buildings, well finished and furnished with school apparatus, and about half supplied with improved furniture and the remainder will soon be supplied. Schools are sustained from four to five months each year, at a cost of about $1,500 per annum. SCHOOLS OF GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP This township not having been settled so early, schools were not organized here until a later date than in the other townships of the county. I have not been able to locate the first school within this township. Among the earliest was the one organized in the old log church at Providence. Amos Critchfield was the first teacher here. He taught a six months’ session in 1830. The patrons of this school were the Stones. McCanns, Bennetts. Pitmans, Kendalls, Agans, Newkirks and Grimeses. The succeeding teachers were a Mr. McCrae, McCelvey and Charles Sands, in the order named. Margaret Murray taught here in the summer of 1851. At this school James Pruett, a small boy, was killed by the falling of a pile of lumber which was being delivered here for the building of the frame church house. About 1838 William Key taught in a small log schoolhouse near the Apple Church house. He could teach reading, writing, spelling and primary numbers. The Apples, Easters and Hunts were pupils. Thomas Hunt taught here in 1841. Wages, $2 per pupil, per term of three months. Thomas S. Lambdin was a pioneer teacher of this township. He taught an early school in a round-log-house which had been used for a dwelling. It was situated in the north part of the township on Section 28, Township 1 north. Range 1 west. This was a "loud" school, as were most early schools. It is said that there was a boy in this school who so disliked going over the lessons that he would not do so at all, but repeated the word "heptorpy" from morning till noon and from noon till night in order to make the teacher believe he was studying the lesson. The district school at Hobson’s place was established about 1840. The house was a hewed-log building, had glass windows and seats without backs. Wilford Ditts was the first teacher. He was succeeded by Thomas Hunt in 1842. The course of study embraced all the common school branches. The patrons were the Apples, Williards, Gilliatts, McDonalds, Teafords, Hobsons, Easters. Gobles, Aliens and Tarrs. The school here was well sustained, and was long considered one of the best district schools in this part of the county. The district school at Lomax’s place east of Unionville, was established about 1840. John Stout, William Stout and John F. Murphy were teachers in this school. In 1847, the house being "out of repair," a district meeting resolved to levy two days’ labor upon each citizen in order to repair the house. Those who did not wish to work, could be exempt by paying 50 cents in money. The wages of the teacher were $1.50 per pupil for a term of three months. The patrons were required to furnish one-half cord of wood or pay 40 cents per pupil in addition to the above. A district meeting decided that non-residents should not have the right to attend this school. The Gobles, McCabes, Lomaxes, Hills, Davises, Hammonds, McBrides, Marletts and Morrises were patrons of this school. Other district schools were established previous to the adoption of the Constitution of 1851, when this township had six district schools and 420 school children. These schools were giving very good satisfaction to the voters of Greenfield, as proven by the result of the August election in 1848, when her people unanimously voted not to exchange for a free school system, casting 108 votes in the negative. The same question was submitted again in 1849, also in 1850 and 1851; at this last election there were six votes in the affirmative to 111 in the negative. But free schools came without an invitation. The first Trustees under the free school system were John D. Hammond, John Apple and Abner W. Allen. They were elected April, 1853, and in June of that year they submitted the proposition to build a schoolhouse by taxation to a vote of the people. This proposition was unanimously defeated, there being sixty-nine votes against it, and none for it. The Board, however, proceeded to lay off the township into six districts. The district houses were sold for about $45. Six log schoolhouses were now built at a cost of $45 each, and paid for from proceeds of levy of April, 1856. These houses were hewed logs, and had plank floors and glass windows. The first free schools were in the winter of 1855-56. Greenfield Township has now ten school districts. The houses are very fair frame school buildings, well furnished with school apparatus and fitted for schools, except in the matter of seats for pupils, the old box-seats being still in use. Schools are sustained from four and a half to five months each year, at a cost of about $1,600 per annum. SCHOOLS OF SOUTHEAST TOWNSHIP The first school established in this township was situated upon the land now owned by John Agan, one mile east of Valeene. The house was a small, round log cabin. It was built for a schoolhouse by John Hollowell, Robert Breeze and David Brown. I have not been able to learn the date of the opening of the school, nor the name of the first teacher. The second teacher was named Cantrell, and he was succeeded by John Harned about the year 1817. The studies pursued were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. The Hollowells, Breezes, Browns and Cantrells attended this school. About the year 1815 a log-cabin schoolhouse was built near John H. Buchanan’s farm in the southwest corner of the township. This house had fence corner fire- place, puncheon floor and open windows. The first teacher was named Willis. He remained here several years and was succeeded by Thomas Harned about the year 1818. Reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic were taught here. The Harneds, Reels, Baileys, Stones and Tarrs attended. During 1824-25, Alexander Morris taught three terms of school in a house situated on the land of James N. Murphy, Section 11, Town 1 south, Range 1 east. Harrison White is the only person now (1881) living who attended this school. The Hollowells were patrons of this school. Some years after this, John Holaday taught a term of school in a small log house west of Rock Spring Church. Sophia Throop taught bere during the summer of 1881. The Harneds and Hollowells were among her patrons. About 1830, Henry Crittenden opened a school in a log-cabin situated on the Thomas Ferguson land, west of Valeene. He taught reading, writing and spelling. Among his patrons were Hunts, Furgusons, Selfs and Summers. In the winter of 1835-36, John Bobbitt taught a school in a dwelling house on the Veach land, near "Hog defeat" Creek. Studies same as above. The Veachs, Cooks, Bobbits and Hunts attended. Thomas Hunt, of Paoli, was a pupil of this school. In 1838 a district school was established in the southeast part of the township on the George Vance land. The house was a hewed-log structure, and was built by a tax of $1 each upon the citizens of the district. This fund, amounting to $50, was voted upon themselves at a district meeting. It was expended by Henry Crittenden, District Treasurer. Enoch Weathers served as District Treasurer here for many years. John Bobbitt was the first teacher in this school. Spelling was the chief recreation pursued here. Night spellings were held often. The patrons were the Strouds, Taylors, Crittendens, Weathers, Keys, Sanderses, Vances, and others whose names I do not have. Nehemiah Tower taught a silent school here, in 1847, the first silent school in the district. Mr Tower was regarded as a very excellent teacher, being able to teach all the common school branches. The first school record of Southeast Township is dated November 4, 1841, being an enumeration of the school children showing the number to be 321. The next is the report of Joel C. Dilliard, as teacher of District No. 3. Length of term, 65 days Wages of teacher, $55. Average attendance, 28. The schoolhouse in which Mr. Dilliard taught was in the south part of the township, east of Harned’s Chapel. This school was taught during the fall of 1841. The patrons were the McDonalds, Harneds, Lambdins, Piersons, Wellmans, Falkners and McMahans. Mr. Dilliard taught all the common school branches. The old log-church house south of Valeene was used as a schoolhouse for several years. Col. John Line taught here in 1839. The Hazlewoods, Hollowells, Crittendens, Childers, Harneds and Purkhisers attended school here. Gilbert Jenkins was teacher here about 1848. It is said that he whipped a young man named Roach before allowing him to take a seat, on the first day he attended the school. About 1841 a small frame schoolhouse was built near Rock Spring Church. Thomas Furguson taught here in 1842. He was succeeded by Charles Sands in 1843, and he by Daniel Dwyer in 1844. The wages of the teacher were $50 for a term of three months. The patrons of this school were the Stalcups, Childers. Harneds, Puttes, Hollowells and Moons. About the same time the district school was established at the Furguson place west of Valeene. Thomas Hunt commenced teaching here in 1843. He remained about eight years, teaching a three months’ session each year, wages $40 per term. The Furgusons, Tarrs, Veaches, Glenns, Sanders, Cooks, Starrets, Cartwrights, Maxedons and Selfs attended this school. As many as sixty pupils were enrolled during a session. All the common school branches were taught. Silas Stout taught at the district school in the northwest part of the township in 1838, followed by Hiram Atkinson in 1842. The above were good schools. All the common school branches were taught. The Stouts, Atkiusons, Andrews and Newlins were pupils of this school. Under the Congressional township system, Southeast Township had six district schoolhouses, which her people thought amply sufficient to furnish an education to the (1100 children of the township, as the result of the August election, 1848, would seem to indicate. At that election, there were cast for free schools eight votes. Against free schools, 204 votes. This question was submitted again in 1849, also in 1850 and 1851. At this last election the friends of the schools were able to poll thirty-five votes while the opposition was reduced to 152 votes. Samuel Stalcup and Thomas Harned voted for free schools at every election. The first Trustees were James Childers, James McDonald and William Noblitt. They were elected in April, 1853, and in June of that year they submitted the proposition to vote a tax for building schoolhouse to a vote of the people. This proposition was defeated by an overwhelming majority. The Board of Trustees now laid off the township into eleven districts, and requested the people to build houses by private subscription, or labor of the citizens. Three districts responded to the request and built log schoolhouses. The remaining districts not proceeding to prepare houses, the Board of Trustees built them, using the school fund for that purpose. In the three districts where the citizens had built the houses, free schools were taught in the winter of 1854-55: in the remaining districts not until the winter of 1855-56. Southeast Township has now twelve school districts. The houses are substantial frame buildings well furnished with school apparatus, and about half supplied with improved furniture. Schools are sustained from four to five mouths in each year, at a cost of about $2,000 per annum. SCHOOLS OF STAMPERS CREEK TOWNSHIP I have not been able to learn the precise date at which the good people of this township determined to establish a school, but certain it is that about 1814 George Vandeveer, a crippled man, came with his family from Kentucky and made settlement near the head of Patoka Creek, where he soon afterward opened a school. The house was a small, round log structure, dirt floor, without windows, door or shutter, and was situated upon the land now owned by Mrs. Nancy Lynch. Here he taught one session during the summer, and then in order to have better accommodations he removed his school to a dwelling-house of a Mr. Pierce near the head of Patoka Creek. Here he remained teaching a three months’ session each year until about 1829. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and primary numbers. The patrons of these schools were the Vandeveers, Danners, Holadays, Bosleys, Pierces and Shores. Mr. Vaudeveer was succeeded as a teacher by Abram Pierson, who in the fall of 1831 opened a school near where Danner’s Chapel now stands. He taught for three months. The average attend ance was about fifteen pupils; wages, $1.50 per pupil. An old gentlemen named Fielding taught a school in a dwelling-house upon the land of Mason Burgess in 1818. The Burgesses and Mahans were patrons of this school. Mr. Edward Cornwell, present County Recorder, recollects attending school at the Mahan District about the year 1821. Jeremiah Mozier was the teacher. The house was a small round-log cabin, situated on the land of Cyrus Finley, near where the schoolhouse now stands. It was built and furnished with split saplings for seats by the citizens of the neighborhood. The patrons of this school were the Cornwells, Burgesses. Mahans and Doaks. The branches of study were reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. The pupils in arithmetic very frequently retired to the grove in order to avoid noise while pursuing their studies. Mr. Mozier was succeeded as a teacher in 1822 by Alexander Wallace, who taught here for several terms. He was a very excellent teacher of penmanship. John Murray taught one school here in 1824. The people south of the above district being without school privileges, Mr. Richard Hall, Asa Burtt and several others resolved to build a schoolhouse and established a school with Mr. Burtt as teacher. The house was built on the land of Mr. Burtt, but he dying before the school was opened, Michael Dougherty was employed to teach. He taught here during 1828 and 1829. The same years John Clements taught at the Copeland farm. The Congressional Township system now coming into operation. The above schools were discontinued, giving way to the district schools, which were now being established. The territory now comprising Stampers Creek Township was made up of a part of four different Congressional townships, each one independent of the others in school matters. The portion situated in Town 1 north, of Range 1 east, seemed to enjoy the best school privileges, on account of the school land of that township having been sold earlier and for a better price than any other school land in the county. The first district schoolhouse was built on the land of Richard Hall, in 1829. This was a hewed-log-house, constructed by the citizens of the district, fitted and furnished as required by the acts of the Legislature of 1824. The patrons of this school were: the Halls, Grigsbys, Beasons, Burtts, Burgesses, Chambers, Dilliards and others. The first teacher was Jacob 0’Feather. The branches of study same as in the more early schools. N. W. T. Goodwell succeeded to the management of this school in 1831. He remained for two years. His was the first silent school in this neighborhood. Wages of teacher $35 for term of three months. The Danner Schoolhouse, south of this, was built in 1832. Alexander Ralston was the first teacher. He was succeeded by William Johnson, the services of the latter being much in demand on account of superior scholarship, being able to teach geography and grammar, and to take his pupils through arithmetic. The patrons of this school were: the Danners, Vandeveers, Hollowells and Noblitts. Prof. Johnson, of Marengo, was a pupil of this school. Colored children attended this school upon the same terms as whites. In 1841 Richard D. Walters, who had been educated at the Washington County Seminary, under the instruction of the famous John I. Morrison, opened an independent seminary of learning in the Hall district. The school was a success. Joel C. Dilliard and Julia Talbert prepared themselves to enter the field as teachers at this school. The next year Mr. Dilliard taught a nine months’ school at Millersburg, in this township. This was a subscription school. The patrons were: the Dilliards, Duncans, McCoys, Wolfs and Cornwells. Under the Congressional township system there were six schools in this township, and strange to say they were in so great esteem that the people refused to exchange them for a free school system, as the vote at the August election in 1848 abundantly proves. At that election, there were cast for free schools, three votes; against free schools, 151 votes. The question was again submitted in 1849, also in 1850 and 1851, but with no better results, the friends of the law not being able to poll more than a half dozen votes at any election. But free schools came with the adoption of the school law of 1852. The first Trustees were Joel Vandeveer, Fleming Duncan and Edward Cornwell. They were elected in April, 1853, and at once entered upon the duties of their position. They found the old district schoolhouses in very bad repair and therefore resolved to build new houses, but before anything could be done in the matter money must be voted for building purposes by the people of the township. An election was ordered for August 1, 1853, and after a very exciting canvas, the proposition to levy a tax of 45 cents on the hundred dollars’ worth of property was carried by a majority of six votes. Five of the old houses were now sold for $38.10. One house was adopted as a township house. Five new houses were built. They were frame, 20x24 feet, four twelve-light windows, plank desks and seats for pupils. Blackboards and a map of the State of Indiana were also furnished. The first free schools were in the winter of 1855-56. Henry H. Poison, I. K. Martin and R. C. Wells were among the first teachers. By the year 1869 the schoolhouses having been found to be too small, the building of larger houses was commenced, one being built each year until the entire number was replaced. The houses are frame, 24x36 feet, well finished and furnished with improved furniture, maps, globes, charts. etc. The schools are sustained for about five months in each year at a cost of about $1,200 per annum. GENERAL VIEW OF THE SCHOOLS By the term "pioneer schools," I mean those early schools which were established and supported without any aid from the public funds. These schools were generally loud schools. By this is meant that the pupils were not required to prepare their lesson quietly, but that each pupil had the privilege of repeating his lesson in whatever tone of voice best suited him; indeed, in some cases it seemed that a premium was set upon noise, and that he who could make the most noise did the best. The studies pursued in these schools were usually reading, writing and spelling, and sometimes arithmetic. The recitations in these subjects were heard by the teacher, taking one pupil at a time and hearing him read or spell as best he could in the noise and confusion. The text books were usually Webster’s Speller and the Testament. Writing was practiced in a bold round hand, from copies set by the teacher with a goose quill pen. Arithmetic was taught from the " cyphering book of the master." When a pupil failed to solve the problem given him, he carried it to the teacher, who looked over it until he found an incorrect figure; this he marked and returned the slate to the waiting pupil without explanation or comment. There was one rule in these schools which survived for many years, and rendered futile all attempts at classification. It was that he who was first at school in the morning should recite first during the entire day. The day’s session was usually from sun-up until sundown. There was no regular time for opening school in the morning. When a pupil arrived at the schoolhouse he was required to take his seat and commence upon his lesson. There were no recesses in those days or time for relaxation, except at the noon "playtime," which was usually spent by the teacher in making or mending goose-quill pens. Now, is it really to be wondered at if the weary pedagogue did sometimes fall asleep amid his labors, or the thoughtless urchin beguile the weary hours by repeating the word "horse grammar ?" The Congressional township system originated with the act of Congress to enable the people of Indiana Territory to form a State government, approved April 19, 1816. This act provided that Section 16 in every township should be granted to the inhabitants for the use of schools. Nine of these school sections are situated within the boundaries of Orange County. Soon after the admission of Indiana as a State the Legislature provided for the appointment of Superintendent of school lands in each township. These officers had power to lease said lands for a term of years, the rents to be applied to the support of schools. The first law under which schools could be established in Indiana, appears in the Revised Statutes of 1824, under the title of an "Act to incorporate congressional townships, and providing for public schools therein." The law authorized the inhabitants of each congressional township to elect three School Trustees, who were to have control of the school lands and schools generally, with power to divide their townships into districts and appoint Sub-Trustees for the same. These Trustees also examined teachers in regard to their ability to teach reading, writing and arithmetic. Schoolhouses were to be erected by the labor of all able bodied male persons of the age of twenty-one years or more. residing in the district: those who failed to work to pay 37 1/2 cents for each day so failing. These houses were to be eight feet between floors, and at least one foot from the surface of the ground to the first floor, and finished in a manner calculated to render comfortable the teachers and pupils. Township 1 north, of Range 1 east, was the first to organize under the act. As stated elsewhere, the first district school established was at Lick Creek, three miles east of Paoli. The inhabitants of this township were also the first to ask that their school land be sold. The sale was at public auction on the 25th day of September, 1829, by William Lindley, School Commissioner. Samuel Chambers was auctioneer. The land was sold in eighty acre lots and brought an average of $4.37 per acre, the highest price paid being $7.32 per acre and the lowest $2 per acre. This was the highest price realized for any school lands in Orange County, the greater amount being sold for $1.25 per acre. The organization and establishing of schools proceeded very slowly under this system, some townships not being organized until about 1840. The crowning defect of the whole system was that no schools could be organized until the inhabitants declared by vote that they wished their township organized and schools established. This, with the want of funds, made it impossible to establish anything like a school system in Orange County. By the year 1850 there were forty-nine district schoo]s in the county. receiving an average of about $16 per annum of public money for the support of schools. There were now about 4,500 children of school age in the county. Schools were taught for about three months in the year. Teachers received from $10 to $12 per month. The deficiency of public money was made up by rate bills levied upon pupils. The methods of instruction were very nearly the same as in the more early schools. In some localities silent schools and better methods of instruction had been introduced. The want of text-books rendered it impossible to classify pupils. Geography and grammar had been introduced. Pike’s Arithmetic and Murray’s Grammar were standard textbooks. Meanwhile the friends of popular education were working with all their power to establish schools and build up a sentiment favorable to education in the county. During the winter of 1835 the citizens of Paoli organized a "Moot Legislature." Mr. James A. Watson, Principal of the County Seminary, and Chairman of the Committee on Education in that body, presented a report upon the necessity of completing our system of education which deserves more than passing notice. He insisted that the Legislature could no longer plead the infancy of our State; that a public school system would increase the wealth of the State by encouraging immigration; that it was an imperative duty to comply with the demands of the Constitution in regard to establishing schools; that public justice demanded the education of the masses; that it is not unjust to tax those who have no children for the support of schools. The last proposition was long a bone of contention among our people, but the principle has now became well established. This report was ordered to be printed in the county papers and copies sent to the Committee on Education in both branches of the Indiana Legislature. As to whether this exerted any influence or not cannot now be determined, but certain it is that the legislative mind became at once convinced that there was not sufficient educational advantages in Orange County. They therefore passed an act dividing the county into five seminary districts and providing for the establishing of schools in each district, also appropria. ting all money derived from fines and forfeitures to the support of these schools. This act was vetoed by Gov. Noble on the ground that it was unconstitutional in this, that it diverted the funds derived from fines and forfeitures from the support of county seminaries as required in the Constitution. The Board of County Commissioners now resolved to give some assistance to the schools, and in June, 1836, ordered Alexander Morris, County Treasurer, to pay 5 per cent of the county revenue to the School Commissioner, for the encouragement of education. This was the first money derived from taxation for the support of schools in Orange County. But while this work was going on, the people imbibed the idea that schools could be supported without cost; that the Congress of the United States had or would provide ample means for the education of all the children within her borders, so that when the Legislature of 1847 submitted the question of establishing free schools in the State, it was the "bugbear" of taxation that did the voting, and made such a bad showing for Orange County at the August election in 1848. At this election there were but 152 voters in the county who deposited a ballot in favor of free schools. The school law of 1848, which contained a provision that the several counties of the State should be exempt from its provisions until a majority of the voters gave an assent thereto, was three times rejected in Orange County by the same cry of taxation. But our people were, even then, a progressive people, when they understood the question upon which they were called upon to vote. They regarded the free schools as bringing nothing but burdensome taxes and a band of hungry office holders to feed and fatten at the public crib. But they gave a majority of nearly 400 votes in favor of the Constitution of 1851, which made it possible to have a free school system in Indiana. Under this Constitution, free schools have grown and prospered in Orange County. By the year 1857, they were well under way in all the townships of the county. Uniformity of text-book now enabled the teachers to arrange their pupils into classes. Loud schools and rate bills were beard of no more, and modern methods of instruction were introduced. Blackboards, globes and outline maps were placed in the schoolrooms. The school law of 1865, which provided more money for the support of schools, established the County Teachers’ Institute, and requiring all schools in a township to be taught an equal number of days, gave new life to the schools of Orange County. By a careful system of county examinations, a better class of teachers was provided. Perhaps no agency has done so much to elevate the standard of teaching as the County Institute. The law of 1873, creating the County Superintendency and County Boards of Education, and providing for holding Township Institutes, was also a progressive movement. The Township Institutes were organized in the several townships during the school year of 1873-74. They meet once each month during the session of the public school and have been a useful agency in bringing about uniformity in the schools of the county. GRADING OF THE SCHOOLS At the meeting of the County Board of Education May, 1876, it was resolved to grade the schools of Orange County. An adjourned meeting was accordingly held June 7, and the following course of study adopted for the schools of Orange County: PRIMARY DEPARTMENT First Grade. Reading words at sight - McGuffey’s New Chart. Daily practice, writing script on slates. Reading through First Reader. Spelling words of reading lesson. Writing lessons on slate. Counting and writing numbers to one hundred. Simple lessons in addition and subtraction to tens. Second Grade. Reading through Second Reader. Oral and written spelling - McGuffey’s Speller to sixtieth page. Addition and subtraction continued. Multiplication and division to tens. Counting and writing Roman and Arabic numbers to one thousand. INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT Third Grade. Reading through Third Reader. McGuffey’s Speller to one hundredth page. Writing exercises on paper. Arithmetic - Ray’s Third Book, to compound numbers. Geography - Oral lessons in local geography; map drawing, including, first, the school grounds; second, the section and its divisions; third, the township, civil and congressional; fourth, the county. Fourth Grade. Reading through Fourth Reader. Spelling through McGuffey’s Speller. Writing - Spencerian Copy - book, No. 3, or its equivalent. Arithmetic to decimal fractions. Primary Geography completed. Language lessons to page eighty-one. GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT Fifth Grade. Fifth Reader through and reviewed. Spelling selected words from reader, geography and other sources. Arithmetic completed. Geography (comprehensive) completed. Language lessons completed. Practical Grammar-Harvey. United States History and Physiology. This course of study was revised, and with very few changes re-adopted by the Board of Education October, 1882, and is still in force. By the year 1881, the course of study having been successfully introduced into all the schools of the county, the Board of Education resolved to introduce a graduating system. Accordingly a plan was drawn up under which the County Superintendent examines pupils who have completed the common-school course. Those pupils who can pass the examination required by the Board receive a common-school diploma, signed by the the County Superintendent, Trustee and teacher. Since that time three of these annual examinations have been successfully held and sixty pupils graduated from the public schools of Orange County. In the preceding pages we have endeavored to give a fair and impartial account of the founding and progress of the schools of the several townships of the county. In many cases we have not been able to find school records, and have relied upon the recollections of the older inhabitants. We therefore do not claim perfect accuracy for the work, but submit it to the candid judgment of our readers, asking them to take it for what it is worth, but with the confident assurance, that while there may be errors and omissions which should not have occurred, in the main the work will be found to be correct We close with this sentiment: "The public schools of Indiana - the pride and glory of the State - may our people ever sustain them." The remainder of this chapter was prepared by a member of the historical company. COUNTY TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE The organization of the first Teachers’ Institute or Association, took place at Paoli, Saturday, October 15, 1865, the teachers assembling in the court house. S. T. Lindley was chosen Chairman and W. Lomax appointed Secretary. Prof. N. Boles, Junius Lomax and William S. Shirley were appointed a Committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, which they accordingly did, the following being the preamble: "For the purpose of mutual improvement and the elevation of the teachers’ profession, the undersigned do agree to form an association, to be governed by the following constitution." The constitution provided that the organization should be known as the "Orange County Teachers’ Association," but at the first regular meeting, held for the purposes of drill and discipline, the name was changed to the " Orange County Teachers’ Institute.’’ It was also provided that meetings should be held regularly the last Saturday in each month; that seven members should constitute a quorum; that any teacher in the county, by signing the constitution and paying 25 cents into the treasury, could become a member; and that the exercises should consist in discussions, drills, lectures, the reading of essays, etc. Theodore Stackhouse was elected Permanent President; S. T. Lindley, Vice-President; N. Boles, Secretary; L. B. Cogswell, Treasurer. It was determnined to hold the tirst Teachers’ Institute at Paoli for five days, beginning November 6, 1865. On this occasion the total enrollment was sxty-three, showing the great interest manifested by the teachers of the county in the advancement of their profession. The occasion was important, and justly felt so by the leading citizens of the county seat and elsewhere, who·visited the sessions and took part in the exercises. instrumental music was furnished by Mrs. A. E. Williamson, and devotional exercises by Rev. H. 0. Chapman. Mr. Stackhouse instructed classes in orthography and elocution; Dr. J. C. Stanley, in physiology, penmanship, arithmetic, etc.; Prof. Boles, in geography, history, English grammar, vocal music, etc.; and other teachers gave exhibitions of practical methods in the dissemination of knowledge. The lectures took place in the evenings, and were well attended by town folk. Mr. Stackhouse lectured on "The Schools of Orange County;" Prof. Boles, on the "Means and Ends of Education:" Dr. Stanley, on "Respiration," in its application to the schoolroom; Francis Wilson, Esq., on " The Duties of Parents and Teachers," and Judge Simpson on "Engaging the Attention of Pupils." Great interest was shown by all throughout the entire session, and the teachers parted full of resolution to maintain the organization. The following year another session was held at Paoli, though not with as satisfactory results. A few earnest teachers, at the head of whom was the County Examiner, met and carried into effect quite an interesting program. The session of 1867 was about like that of 1866. The session of 1868 was better. The Legislature had provided for an appropriation of $50 out of the county funds to be used in defraying the expenses of the County Teachers’ Institute, and this amount was realized and used this year for the first time. It was a great help, small as it was, and no doubt has been the cause of the continuance of the Institute with such uniform success until the present. There were sixty-six members enrolled in 1868, and the session lasted four days. Prof. Bloss was Chairman of the session, and W. J. Throop, Secretary. There were daily recitations and drills in all the leading branches of study, a specialty being object lessons and map drawing. Lectures were delivered by Messrs. May, Howard and Robbins. Since then sessions have been held annually with increased interest and success. In 1869 the Teachers’ Convention of Orange, Lawrence and Washington Counties was organized, a full account of which will be found elsewhere in this volume. The following instructors were booked for the Institute August, 1884: Prof. 0. P. Jenkins Science of Teaching, Hygiene, Physiology, Good Behavior, Language, Grammar, Geography, Writing, and Indiana in the War. Prof. E. B. Smith Arithmetic, Dictionary, and United States Constitution. Mrs. Helen E. Smith United States History. Miss Jennie J. Throop Reading and Spelling. Miss Bessie Mavity Music. State Superintendent John W. Holcomb and Barnabas C. Hobbs are expected to lecture sometime during the Institute. Other distinguished gentlemen are invited.