THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, Vol. II, CHAPTER XXVI, SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time by W. W. H. Davis, A.M., 1905 edition. Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Donna Bluemink. dbluemink@cox.net USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. _____________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER XXVI, 1905 Edition Only SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. Scant data. -First school teacher. -Friends' interest in education. -The meeting and the school. -Penn favored free schools. -Thomas Watson's Indian school. -Higher education. -School at Newtown. -Durham furnace school. -German schools. -Moravian influence. -Quakertown school. -Lurgan and its scholars. -Yearly Meeting's interest. -Libraries and Academies. -Duncan MacGregor's school. -Log College. -Hartsville a school centre. -Early Middletown school. -Charles Fortman's music. -Fractur and stove plates as educators. -Public school system. -Wolf and Stevens. -First county superintendent. -County Institutes. -Their progress and usefulness. -Local Institutes. -School statistics. -Colleges in original Bucks. -Their history. -Lafayette. -Lehigh University and Muhlenberg. -Students, et al. from this county. In attempting to write a chapter on "School and Education," in Bucks county, the author fully realizes the difficulties that lay in his path. For the first century after its settlement, the information is not very reliable, and scant at that. There was no pretense of any system of education, and the few records on the subject were seldom preserved. Doubtless the Dutch, Swedes and Finns, who preceded the English and were the first settlers on the Delaware, had schools of some sort wherein their children were taught the meager book learning the time and condition demanded. It is estimated there were about 3,000 of these pioneers on the river when Penn arrived, though few in Bucks county. Some had been here a number of years and a few had taken up land. Interest in education was manifested on the Delaware as early as 1659, if not before, for, in that year children were sent to a Latin school in New York. There is but a single mention made of teaching on the Delaware prior to 1682. This was in Bensalem, 1679, when Duncan Williamson made a bargain with Edmund Draufton, probably a school master, to teach his children to read the Bible. The sum agreed upon was 200 guilders, the time one year. When the contract was completed Williamson refusing to pay, Draufton brought suit and recovered and doubtless got his money. While the Friends were the real pioneers in education in Bucks county, in later years their efforts were seconded by other denominations. In 1693, eleven years after Penn founded his colony, the Assembly made the teaching of every child to read and write an imperative duty. This speaks volumes for the early Friends, when we know the Puritans had been a quarter of a century in Massachusetts before taking such action. Here the erection of the school house followed closely on the building of the meeting house, the children of Friends, and frequently of the whole neighborhood, receiving the rudiments of an English education at the expense of the meeting. They were sometimes aided by voluntary contributions. The same may be said of the Welsh Baptist, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, Low Dutch Reformed and at a later day, the German Reformed and Lutherans. The church and the school were side by side in a common cause. A recognition of the necessity of non-sectarian schools at that early day, was remarkable and a number were established, the expense being borne pro rata by the contributors, evidence the early settlers of Bucks county were imbued with a liberal spirit. William Penn favored free schools from the first settlement of the Province. Burlington Island in the Delaware was thought, at first, to belong to the Western shore, but, when the error was discovered and it was confirmed by the Provincial Assembly, to Burl ington on the east shore, the condition was added that the proceeds arising from its sale should be applied to the maintenance of a free school for the education of the youth of Burlington. It would be interesting to note the improvement in the first generation of school houses on the west banks of the Delaware, and the advance in education, for no doubt they were considerable, but we are without knowledge. A few years after the new century opened and subsequent to 1704, Thomas Watson, Buckingham, who took a lively interest in the welfare of the Indians, opened a school for them. Wrightstown meeting built a school house as early as 1725, possibly earlier, by subscription, and it was standing in 1815. On completion of Falls new meeting house, 1733, the old building was fitted up for a school house and a dwelling built for the schoolmaster in 1758. By the will of Joseph Kirkbride, Jr., 1736, his son Joseph was instructed "to put £100 at interest toward raising a fund toward a free school, at or near Falls meeting house." The first school house in Upper Makefield, so far as known, was a rude log cabin on the "Windy Bush" farm, 1730, and William Atkinson was the teacher. The schools were changed for the better at the close of the first quarter of the 18th century. About this time, or possibly before, for the date is uncertain, the Friends of Middletown established what has the reputation of being the best school in the county at the time. In 1734 the teacher was Thomas Atherton. The first step toward higher education was taken when the Rev. William Tennent opened the celebrated Log College, in Warminster township. It is thought he first commenced the school in his own dwelling, his primary object being the education of his four sons. There is some uncertainty as to the exact date of the college opening but it was 1730-35, and was the parent at the later period of two other classical schools that will be mentioned later in the same section of the county, whose influence, with that of the Log College, has not been entirely obliterated. Everything considered, the Log College was the most remarkable seat of learning on the continent in its period. Its usefulness is best told in the lives of its pupils. Fourteen became ministers of the gospel, exercising an astonishing influence on that crude period. Among them were Samuel Blair, known in church history as the "incomparable Blair," Charles Beatty, William Robinson, Samuel Finley, John Roan, Daniel Lawrence, James McCrea, John Rowland, William Dean and Daniel Alexander, a splendid galaxy to come from one little log school house in the woods. Tradition tells us one of the earliest schools at Newtown was on the "common" at the beginning of the 18th century. Andrew McMinn, teacher there for 40 years, was as early as 1772 and still there in 1808. He was a character. He was called "Andy," sat in a large arm chair when ruling his domain, wore a three-cornered broad brim, and loved whiskey and tobacco. Richard Gibbs was a teacher in Bensalem, 1746, and 1754. Adam Harker, Middletown, left £75 to establish a free school in Wrightstown, and £40 for the same purpose in Buckingham. There is supposed to have been a school house at Oak Grove, Lower Makefield, 150 years ago; and as Thomas Yardley left a lot for a school at his death, 1756, where the present one stands, it was probably the lot mentioned. Thomas Langley was a teacher in Upper Makefield, 1756; a son of Nathan Walton, Falls, 1759, and the Friends of Plumstead one in charge of the meeting, 1752. This is a brief view of the schools in Lower and Middle Bucks down to about 1750, and we regret it is not more exact. As the upper end of the county was settled later, the Germans were behind the English-speaking settlers in education. There were many cultivated men among them, however, and when they got to work made progress. The first school on the Upper Delaware was at Durham furnace, opened shortly after the 1727 furnace was built. It was classical and mathematical, and kept up until 1800. The first teacher was William Satterthwaite, (1) one of Pennsylvania's early poets, who taught there 1740-45, at a fixed salary, a nd occasionally until 1760, and was followed by John Ross, Thomas McKeen, and others, who became prominent. Richard H. Homer taught there, 1746. This school was taken down, 1800, and two new ones erected in its stead, one near the furnace, the others at Laubach's. Rufe school house, on the Easton road, midway between Durham and Stony Point, was built, 1802. As Durham was settled by English-speaking people there were but few if any Germans there so early. This school was established by the furnace company. (1) By reference to the chapter on "The Poets and Poetry of Bucks County, additional information will be found of Satterthwaite. In 1746 the members of Trinity congregation, Springfield, Lutheran and Reformed, worshiped in a building used as a school house, but the time of its erection, or opening of the school, is not known. As the township was settled in 1735, the house was probably built soon after. The Reformed denomination had a log school house on Tohickon creek in 1743. The vicinity was settled in 1738-40, and in this school house the Tohickon church organization was completed. The school house stood on the Rockhill side of the creek. The Lutherans, who joined with the Reformed in worshiping in Tohickon church, had a school there in 1754, a few hundred yards south of the crossing of the old Bethlehem road. When the Mennonites replaced their log church, built 1746, by a stone one, in 1766, the old building was given up for a school house. Doubtless the previous school house was as old as the meeting house. Richland township raised a school fund for the education of poor children of any denomination in 1762; and in 1775, a German school was established in Nockamixon under the auspices of the Reformed church, with Henry Neimyer for teacher. All the early German churches had schools at their side. Thomas Wright taught school at Dyerstown, 1763, two miles above Doylestown, but we do not know when he left. His son became a merchant at Wilkesbarre, and Asher Miner, who founded the Bucks County "Intelligencer," 1804, married his daughter. The Moravians were an important factor in early education in Upper Bucks. In 1742-46, six hundred of this denomination settled on the Lehigh, and many of them being educated men and women they had much to do in molding the early settlers and their children, of other denominations. In May, 1747, a school was opened for boys on the south bank of the Lehigh in the "Berenger" house just below the New Street bridge. It was occupied as a girls' school, in 1749, and continued to December, 1753. A boarding school for girls was opened at Bethlehem the same year and continued until 1815; and the Nazareth boarding school for boys was opened, 1752. The cultivation of music was an early feature of Moravian social life, and instrumental music of their religious worship as early as 1745. The first organ was set up at Bethlehem, 1751, and probably the first in the county. At the first harvest, gathered on the Lehigh, the reapers marched to their work accompanied by the clergy and a band of music. By 1746 the Moravians had established fifteen schools among the Scotch-Irish and German settlers, in which their children were taught gratis. It must be borne in mind, that at this time the Lehigh country, and beyond, were part of Bucks county, and belonged to Penn's colony. As Quakertown and vicinity were settled by Friends in the early part of the century, they were not behind their co-religionists of lower Bucks in the cause of education. Shortly after they were allowed a monthly meeting, 1742, a school of high grade was opened in the meeting house and continued many years. It became so popular with Germans they sent their children from Northampton and Berks counties. When it was closed we are not informed. Upper Makefield had a school of higher grade nearly a century and a half ago, called "Lurgan," after James Logan's birthplace, Ireland. The first house was erected about 1755 and several distinguished men were educated in it, including Judge John Ross, of the State Supreme court, Oliver H. Smith, senator in Congress from Indiana, whither he emigrated, Dr. Moses Smith, a distinguished physician, Philadelphia, and Joseph Fell, one of the most prominent educators of the county. The school was kept up until after the common school system was established. It is related of Senator Smith, that one day while a group of senators was chatting, the question of the colleges they graduated at came up. One answered Harvard, another Yale, etc., and when Smith's turn came he quietly responded "Lurgan," an institution they had never heard of. Whether he enlightened them we do not know. Among the teachers there was one Norton, son of a Richard Norton, an early settler; another named Houghton, who came from New Jersey, married here and then returned. Timothy Eastburn's wife was a great-granddaughter. We do no injustice to other religious denominations in saying the Friends were leading factors in education to the close of the 18th century. Much of this work was done through their meetings. From 1746 the Yearly meetings expressed great interest in the improvement of schools, and made recommendations as to the character and permanency of teachers. In 1778, a committee of Friends recommended the Yearly Meeting to collect a fund "for the establishment and support of schools," and that a lot of ground be provided within the bounds of the meeting. The early school houses under whatever influence built, were dark, uncomfortable affairs, teacher generally incompetent and pay small. After the close of the Revolution, and before the new Federal government had given stability to society and prosperity to business, there was an educational awakening. In 1790 Wrightstown meeting appointed a committee to carry into effect the recommendation of the Yearly meeting on the subject. In the two following decades the cause of education was stimulated by the gift of lots and the erection of school houses in several parts of the county. In H. M. Jenkins' "Historical Collections of Gwynedd," mention is made of Joshua Woolston's boarding school at Fallsington, Falls township, supposed to have been established about the close of the 18th century, but we could get nothing more definite on the subject. In this period two Academies were built, one at Newtown, 1798, the other at Doylestown, 1804, both the work of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and several libraries established. The pioneer library was that at Newtown, 1760, followed by others at Buckingham and Quakertown, 1795, Falls, 1802, and Attleborough, now Langhorne, 1803. (2) The Academies did much for the cause of education, and several hundred, perhaps thousands, attended these popular schools. At the beginning of the century there were at least six schools, mostly elementary, and supported by private contributions within the bounds of Neshaminy church, Warwick. In 1800 there was a similar school at Deep Run, Bedminster, kept for several years in a house belonging to the Presbyterian church. A school was kept in Nockamixon from 1787 to 1797 by Henry Thumpare, and by John Breamer, 1797 to 1803, when a new stone school house was erected, and the first English school in the township was kept in it by George Hand. In the early part of the last century, probably 1812-15, Duncan MacGregor opened a classical school at Bridge Point on the Easton road, a mile below Doylestown. He had charge of languages and other higher studies, while his two daughters instructed in the ordinary branches. To this school some of the leading families of the neighborhood sent their sons. The late Judge Henry Chapman was a pupil. (2) The first country library established in Pennsylvania, 1755, was at the "Crooked Billet," now Hatboro, Montgomery county, then Philadelphia. The leaders in this work were Joseph Hart and Daniel Longstreth, both of Warminster, within a mile and a half of the "Billet." That place was then a centre for the surrounding country and the library was almost a Bucks county affair. It is still in existence and prosperous. The establishment of the "Log College," Warminster township, by William Tennent, 1735, gave an impetus to higher education in Bucks county that can hardly be appreciated at the present day. This famous school made that location an educational centre and maintained it for over a century. It was the parent of the classical and mathematical school taught for many years in what was known as "Hart's school house," two miles east of the "Log College," on the road from Johnsville to the Bristol road. Just when the first school house was built is unknown, but it was old enough, 1756, to be replaced with a new one. At that time James Sterling taught Latin, Greek and English there. This was followed by a classical and mathematical school in the little stone school house at the Southampton Baptist church, a mile distant on the Middle road, 1740-50, and probably before. Isaac Eaton, a distinguished Baptist minister, and Jesse Moore, brother of Dr. Moore, and subsequently a tutor at the University of Pennsylvania, were teachers here; and among the pupils, were the Rev. Oliver Hart, pastor, for 30 years, of the First Baptist church, Charleston, South Carolina, and Joseph Gales, one of the proprietors and publishers of the National "Intelligencer," Washington, D. C. We have no doubt the Log College was also the parent of the Southampton Classical school, and the teachers probably studied under Tennent. Buckingham township was fortunate in the quality of her early schools. In 1755, Adam Harker left £40 toward maintaining a free school in the care of the Monthly meeting; in 1772, Israel Pemberton gave a lot for a school at Bushington; (3) in 1789 Thomas Smith gave a lot on the Street road whereon the "Red School House" was built, but subsequently turned into a dwelling; and "Tyro Hall," built about 1790, became, in its day, noted among local schools. Of the pupils who attended here were Judge Edward M. Paxson and D. Newlin Fell of the State Supreme Court, and others distinguished in public life. The "Hughesian Free School" was founded on a bequest of $20,000 worth of real and personal property, by Amos Austin Hughes, at his death, 1811, and a charter obtained and building erected. The school was maintained to within recent years, when the income of the fund and school building were turned over to the public school of the township. Martha Hampton and Hannah Lloyd opened a boarding school for girls, 1830, at Greenville, and present Holicong, and kept it many years. When the Buckingham and Solebury Friends separated, 1808, their joint school fund was divided, Solebury getting $4,500. To what educational uses it was put we are not informed. (3) This Indenture witnesseth that Israel Pemberton of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, for and in consideration of the great importance of schools being set up and maintained in convenient and suitable places for the education and improvement of children and youth in useful learning, and as contribution or donation towards encouraging and promoting so laudable a purpose, hath seen fit to grant and confirm unto Thomas Watson and James Flack, both of Buckingham township, Bucks county and their heirs, certain tract of land in Buckingham aforesaid, on the west side of York Road, * * * for the use of inhabitants of the neighborhood and thereaway, and such and so many of them as shall contribute to the erecting a school house and setting up and supporting a school house thereon. In case of death or removal of said Thomas Watson and James Flack and their heirs, to such person, or persons successively, as the contributors to said school shall see fit to nominate to succeed them in that trust. To be held by the said Thomas Watson and James Flack and their heirs and such successors in fee for the purpose above mentioned forever. Dated June 4, 1772. Within the past 75 years, Hartsville in Warwick and Warminster townships, was the centre of a group of private schools where the languages and higher mathematics were taught, and whose founding was undoubtedly inspired by the tradition and memory of the "Log College." These embraced the schools of the Revs. Robert B. Belville, Samuel Long, James P. Wilson, Rev. Jacob Bellville, Mahlon and Charles Long, and a classical school in Darrah's wood. The oldest school house of all was a small stone in the grave yard of Neshaminy church, torn down half a century ago. They educated many men who made their mark in life. These schools have gone into history and none are left to take their place. They could all be seen from the top of Carr's hill, as one looked down into the valley of Neshaminy. In 1833-34, an effort was made to establish a college on the Delaware below Bristol, but it proved a failure. (4) The only higher grade of school in Middletown in the last century was opened at Attleborough, 1834, chartered, 1835, and while in operation, almost 40 years, bore the names of "Bellevue Institute," "Minerva Seminary," and "Attleborough Academy." Among the pupils who attended this many-named school was the late Samuel J. Randall, speaker of the United States of Representatives. (4) A brief history of Bristol College will be found in Chapter IX. During this period, while the Germans did not keep pace with the English-speaking townships, their progress was considerable. In 1805, Colonel Piper and others built a school house on the Easton road, near Pipersville, taken down only a few years ago. In 1814 Charles Fortman, graduate of a German University, taught a piano class at Nicholas Buck's, Nockamixon, probably the first in the county. He taught music in three languages, his instruction books being manuscript written by himself. The early Germans were pioneers in musical culture. They added a new study to the curriculum of country school education by the reproduction of the Medieval art of illuminative writing called "Fractur." It was generally in black, but frequently in colors, and exhibits no mean appreciation of art. It was practiced in our German schools (5) as recent as 1854, about the time English schools were opened. Next in order comes decorative Durham stove plates, of various designs and patterns, such as "Adam and Eve," "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife," and the "Dance of Death." One of these stove plates bears the date, 1741. The Fractur was part of German art education of the period, and must be set down to their credit. Some think decorative stove plates were German design, and doubtless, German text, taught and practiced in English schools 65 years ago, was the offspring of Fractur, the remains of this branch of decorative school of art. The country day school handed down from colonial days was primitive, but the pupils made improvement under their simple system. Some of our readers received part, if not all, their scholastic learning within their walls, and in them some laid the foundation for future greatness. The teacher was called "master" and such he was, in fact, and the discipline severe. The pupils were never known to be "spoiled" by "sparing the rod," the pay was ridiculously small, three cents a day per scholar, and the author taught one summer in his native village for this magnificent salary. Not infrequently the children had to walk one and a half or two miles to school in the heat of summer, and through the snow and mud of winter. If the range of studies was not broad, the few branches were well taught. The average scholar was well grounded in arithmetic, and more attention was paid to penmanship than at the present day. I speak of 65 years ago, when the road side country school was at its best. German text, and other illuminative writing, was much in vogue. As a penman, William Maddock was not excelled. He began teaching late in the 20's at the "eight-square" on the Montgomery county line a mile and a half from Davisville, and subsequently at "Hart's" school house, Warminster. Penmanship was his specialty, and in this he was an artist. (6) Since then the improved methods in teaching have been tremendous, so great, in fact, we fear parents do not realize the present advantages their children enjoy. (5) In the Bucks County Historical Society is a collection of the Fractur Art, some of the specimens being really beautiful. Birds are reproduced almost life-like, including the conventional pelican. (6) This school was a noted one in its day, and largely attended from Warminster and Southampton. When established we do not know, and the first teacher we know of, having wielded the ferrule there, was Giles McDowell, probably preceding William Maddock, who left 1833. The school house was torn down many years ago. It stood on the Montgomery side of the road dividing the counties, a mile and a half from Hatboro. The author was a pupil here, and by Master Maddock was drilled in the rudiments of mathematics and taught penmanship, including German text, and has a lively recollection of the hobgoblin stories told by the elder boys to frighten the youngsters. The old way of educating children at country schools in Pennsylvania, had about worn itself out by the early 30's, and the question of adopting a public school system, similar to that in some other states, was agitated. It met with opposition, but a bill was finally passed in 1834, to take effect from its passage. (7) In this county it was not well received and all the townships had not accepted it until 1861, Springfield being the last. The new system needed a head but did not get one until 1854, twenty years after the act was passed, when the office of "County Superintendent" was created. The first incumbent in Bucks county was Joseph Fell, (8) Buckingham, elected the first Monday of May the same year the bill became a law. He was well equipped for the place in scholarship, tact, skill, experience as a teacher, in temperament and knowledge of human nature. He went to work immediately. In his first report to the State Superintendent, made that fall, he said: "The great difficulty that presents itself to mar the progress of our common schools, and prevent them being the focus of light and life, to the cause of education, is the dearth of qualified instructors to take charge of them. Without some institution of a Normal character, much time must elapse before the standard of instruction in the common schools will be sufficiently high to meet the wants of an intelligent and progressive community." In his last report at the close of his term, Mr. Fell, with three years experience at his back, commended the "lively spirit among the teachers" and their increased ability "to discharge their responsibilities aright." New school houses had taken the place of old ones, and prejudices against the introduction of modern school books was yielding. During his administration Mr. Fell won the respect of directors, parents and pupils. (7) Its two great friends were George Wolf, then Governor, and Thaddeus Stevens, member of the General Assembly. (8) Joseph Fell, the son of David Fell, was born at Lurgen, Upper Makefield township, Bucks county, 4, 12, 1804, and died in Buckingham, 3, 11, 1887. He was widely known and highly respected; was one of the oldest teachers in the county, and long engaged in this honorable calling. He was elected to the Legislature, 1837, serving one term; an active anti-slavery man, and a "station agent" on the "Underground Railroad." He occupied the last years of his life in intellectual pursuits. (See illustration of Joseph Fell.) William H. Johnson, also of Buckingham, who succeeded Mr. Fell, May, 1857, in his first report calls attention to the "incompetency of teachers, the necessity of erecting new school houses, and the inadequacy of apparatus;" nevertheless there was a general improvement. He was followed by Simeon S. Overholt, Bedminster, 1860, who was twice re-elected, but resigned, 1869. The first "County Institute," authorized by Act of Assembly, was held during his last term. This new feature in education has grown wonderfully in late years, and becomes the most interesting, if not the most useful factor of the common school system, mingling the social life of the county with the educational. In 1889 a "School Directors Association" was organized, holding two meetings a year in Doylestown, one in May, the other on the Thursday of the week of the County Institute. This Assembly has adopted some necessary legislation to advance the welfare of the schools. On the retirement of Mr. Overholt, William P. Sharkey was appointed by the State Superintendent to fill the unexpired term. He failed of an election the following May, being defeated by Stephen T. Kirk, Doylestown, who resigned at the end of a year. Kirk's successor was Hugh B. Eastburn, Solebury, appointed June 9, 1870. During his incumbency, until July, 1876, the common school system was greatly improved, the County Institute was reorganized and Local Institutes established, which have become a useful feature. Mr. Eastburn's administration was a successful one and the schools felt the benefit of his methods. In 1876, Mr. Eastburn with the assistance of the patrons, teachers and pupils, prepared a common school exhibit for the Centennial exhibition, which received the award of one of the two gold medals awarded to counties in Pennsylvania. Since his incumbency the common schools of Bucks county have had but four superintendents to watch over and direct their usefulness into new channels, W. W. Woodruff, who served eleven years, 1876-1887, a valuable officer, and William H. Slotter, who was first elected, 1887, succeeding himself, 1890-93-96-99, and A. S. Martin, elected in 1902, for eight years principal of Doylestown high school. The instruction in our common schools has been so expanded and improved as to have become an important factor in the cause of higher education. The introduction of the Normal school, a part of the common school system, has increased its efficiency at the expense of private boarding schools and academies, now almost unknown. This followed as a matter of course, for individual enterprise, even in education, cannot successfully compete with the State. New features are engrafted on the school system from time to time. Many of the districts print a "Catalogue of their Schools," containing the course of study, rule, names of directors, teachers and alumni. Sellersville schools issued such publication in 1879. In 1883, the County Institute recommended a course of study in the graded schools beginning with the primary and ending with the grammar grade. The curriculum of the schools is extended and improved year by year, and the scholars enjoy increased facilities of acquiring an education. The earliest statistics we have seen begin with 1854, and from that time down, they appear to be complete. To make them more intelligible to the reader, we have divided the time into periods of ten years ending with 1897: Table of School Statistics No. of No. of Salary Salary Attendance Cost Year Schools Teachers Males Females 1854 .. 213 241 $21.57 $17.82 12,983 $36,198 1864 .. 256 235 27.42 22.99 16,394 47,924 1874 .. 270 387[sic] 41.14 37.81 14,845 80,355 1884 .. 292 300 41.85 35.70 14,001 84.911 1894 .. 320 237[sic] 47.29 40.31 13,329 114,574 1897 .. 338 348 50.00 40.64 13,959 122,963 [NOTE: The figures above are as shown on the chart. The narrative below states that the number of teachers in 1874, 387, should be 337 and and again in 1894, 337, vice the 237 shown.] These figures show some interesting facts relating to our public schools. The time covers 43 years. The first decade '54 to '64 the schools increased 43 in number, teachers 44, attendance, 3,411, and cost of instruction $11,726. In 1864 the public schools had more pupils than ever before or since. Why was this? From '64 to '74 the schools increased 14, teachers 52, the attendance fell off 1,549, while the cost of instruction increased $32,431. In these 20 years the salary of male teachers was increased $19.57 and females $19.97. In 1884 we find an increase of 22 in the number of schools over '74, a decrease in teachers of 37, and the attendance had fallen off 844. From 1884 to 1894 there was an increase of 28 in the schools, 37 teachers, a decrease of 672 in attendance and an increase of $29,663 in cost. In the three years '94 to '97 the schools increased 18, teachers 11, attendance 630, and cost of instruction $8,389, an increase since '83 of $38,052. In the meantime the salary of male teachers had risen to $50.00 a month and female $40.64. The strangest thing these figures exhibit, is the steady decline in school attendance in the 30 years from 1864 to 1894, but revived 630 by 1897, leaving the attendance 2,431 less than in 1864. In all these years the population of the county had steadily increased. This needs some explanation to be satisfactory. A brief history of the rise and growth of the County Institute, one of the most helpful features of our educational system, will not be out of place in this connection. There were no institutes for the instruction of teachers prior to the County Superintendency. The preliminary meeting prior to the first County Institute was held at Doylestown the last of March, 1855. This was a one-day affair, and addressed by Thomas H. Burrows, at one time State Superintendent, and Rev. Silas M. Andrews. It was followed in June by a two-day meeting, the instructors being Professor Sanders, Dr. Hoagland, conductor of Institutes, New Jersey, and Professor Stoddard, from abroad, and James Anderson, one of the most experienced teachers of the county. George Lear, Esq., delivered the closing address. This meeting was held in the court house, and an interesting feature was an exhibit of maps and drawings of various kinds, the work of pupils, the larger part from the Bristol Borough school. The third Institute and the first that deserves the name of "County Institute," as we understand such meetings now, was held at Doylestown, September 22, 1855, lasting a week. Joseph Fell was county superintendent; it was largely attended and the people of the borough entertained the female teachers free of cost. The instructors present, and taking part, were Professors Sanders, Stoddard, Grimshaw, Perkins and Needham, and instruction was given in reading, arithmetic, political and physical geography, comparative anatomy, grammar, penmanship, physiology, school government, school apparatus and furniture and school architecture. These exercises were interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, and addresses by Judge Henry Chapman, a constant attendant, George Lear, Esq., and Rev. Silas M. Andrews. In his annual report for the year ending June, 1856, Superintendent Fell, in speaking of the Institute, said: "It sent its invigorating influence into half the schools of Bucks county." The annual meeting of the Bucks County Educational Society was held at Newtown in the summer of 1856. Township Institutes were organized the first year of Mr. Fell's superintendency, but Buckingham is the only one mentioned in his report for 1855. During the school year, ending June, 1857, township institutes were held in Bristol, Buckingham, Falls, Hilltown, New Britain, Warrington and Richland. The County Institute of 1857, one of the most encouraging educational movements in the county, was conducted by home effort wholly, the instructors from abroad failing to appear. This summer, township Institutes were organized in Southampton and Plumstead, and one held in Richlandtown for the northwestern townships. During the school year, ending June, 1859, three Institutes were held at Applebachville, September; Annual County Institute and Educational Society, Newtown; and at Quakertown in March, each being well attended. In the summer, 1858, the increased number of district Institutes gave new life to the public schools, and awakened new emulation among teachers. Two county Institutes were held the fall of 1859 at Riegelsville and Newtown, both being well attended, and there was an increase of District Institutes, 1859-1860, Springfield being one of the most active. Four general Institutes were held in the school year 1860-61, at Newtown, Doylestown, Quakertown and Springtown, with an attendance of 294 teachers, and three in 1861-62 at Erwinna, Quakertown and Newtown. There was probably no County Institute held in 1863 and 1865 as there is no official mention of them. In 1864 a successful one of four days was held at Doylestown, and the same year all but Newtown township and borough, Southampton, Warminster and Warwick held district Institutes. In 1868, the County Institute at Doylestown, in session five days, was the largest and most successful yet held. The teachers with few exceptions, were present and the corps of instructors was never excelled, if equaled, in ability. Professor Mark Bailey from Yale, instructor in elocution, was the delight of the Institute. He was present several years, and when he ceased coming, a charm was gone. In 1872 the local Institutes were continued a week, each at Sellersville, Yardley and Northampton. As evidence of the fidelity of the teachers in their attendance at County Institutes, it may be mentioned that only four were absent in 1887. Prior to 1888 the large attendance at the local Institute and the interest manifested gave proof they had become an indispensable feature of public school work. During this period a new feature came to the front, teachers' organizations, and in 1889 thirteen of them held monthly meetings. The membership was restricted to teachers, and the knowledge acquired from these meetings rendered them more efficient. The social feature of all these organizations of teachers had a beneficial effect on their school work besides being an important factor in self-culture. The county Institute, 1888, was interesting and promising of good results. But one teacher was absent and that from sickness. The Institute was divided into two sections, teachers of graded, and teachers of ungraded schools, holding separate sessions in the mornings two days in the week, but uniting in the afternoons for general work of the Institute. This period was marked by meetings of school directors and teachers, and subsequently one day of the County Institute was given by the directors to a "Directors' Convention," devoted to the interest of the schools generally. These are continued as a fixed feature of Institute week. In 1891 the county was divided into 21 local Institute districts, and Institutes organized in nearly all of them, with monthly or semi-monthly meetings. Local teachers' associations are excellent factors in enabling directors and citizens to meet teachers and exchange views. In the school year 1895-96 a series of six "Parents' meetings" were held at Yardley and Doylestown townships under direction of the teachers and directors of the respective districts. These various educational aids, including the "Reading Circle," assisted very materially in making the public schools of Bucks county what we find them at the close of the century. For many years "Brock's Orchestra" has furnished the instrumental music for the County Institute, during the evening exercises, by no means the least attractive part of the program. It is an amateur organization of Doylestown devoted to music as a pastime, and the director and members are entitled to and have received great praise. Within the original boundary of Bucks, but now in the adjoining counties of Northampton and Lehigh, are three colleges, whose history is closely enough allied with the parent county to claim a place in this chapter. These institutions are Lafayette College, Easton, Lehigh University, South Bethlehem, and Muhlenberg College, Allentown, grouped in a radius of eight miles. In treating them, we purpose to give a brief sketch of their organization and general history with a roll of the students and others from Bucks county who have had any connection with them. LAFAYETTE COLLEGE The first step in founding Lafayette College, the elder of the group, was taken the evening of December 27, 1824, at a meeting held in White's tavern, Easton, on the northeast corner of the public square. Jacob Weygandt was the secretary, but we do not know the name of the chairman. A charter was obtained in 1826, and the first meeting held under it May 15th, when an organization was effected and James M. Porter chosen president of the board of trustees. In the near future the Rev. George Junkin, D. D., was elected the first president of the college, and upon him devolved the work of building up the institution. The college began its educational work on the south bank of the Lehigh, May 9, 1832, but a suitable site was afterward selected on the present campus on the north side overlooking Easton; ground was broken June, 1833, and the erection of the first permanent building begun. (9) (9) The Rev. Robert Cunningham, Scotland, was an early professor at Lafayette. He came to Easton, 1835, and opened the first Normal school in Pennsylvania; was subsequently appointed professor of the ancient languages; but returned home in a few years and established what is the largest boys' Preparatory Institution in the Kingdom, near Edinburgh. In 1899, the Rev. John George Cunningham, D. D., son of Rev. Robert Cunningham, was invited to this county to assist Mr. Moody at the Mission conference at Northfield, and, before his return to Great Britain, visited Lafayette and addressed the undergraduates. The occasion was an interesting one and recalled some pleasant memories. Years of struggle followed, but courage and persistent work with the help of warm friends triumphed over all obstacles and the institution was placed on solid foundation. During its struggles the college had no warmer friend than James Madison Porter. In 1850 Lafayette was taken under the care of the Presbyterian Synod of Pennsylvania, and the Pardee (10) School of Science added, 1866, two steps that contributed to its strength and usefulness. The building and grounds are valued at $650,000, apparatus and libraries $50,000, and within the campus, are 28 buildings, 13 of them being dwellings for professors. Since the doors of Lafayette were first opened for the reception of students, down to July 1, 1898, 4,279 have been enrolled, of whom 1,715 have been graduated. The present attendance is 325, instructed by a faculty of 28 professors. Lafayette College, being within a few miles of the line of Bucks, our county has sent a number of her sons thither to enjoy its educational facilities, and all who have left its hall have done credit to their alma mater. The figures show our county has furnished the college with 10 trustees, one member of the faculty and 89 alumni, of whom 40 were regular graduates, the remainder made up of students who did not graduate, and a few recorded as "honorary graduates," having received honorary degrees, about 100 in all. Here follow the names and brief sketches of all who have been connected with Lafayette as trustees, professors or students (11) from Bucks county, down to about the close of the last century. (10) Pardee Hall, one of the handsomest buildings belonging to Lafayette College, has been twice destroyed by fire, in 1879, by accident, and 1898 by the torch of an incendiary, George Herbert Stephens, a professor in the institution, for the purpose of revenge against President Warfield. He was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for nine years. The hall was rebuilt, and dedicated in June, 1899. (11) We are indebted to the courtesy of Professor Seldon J. Coffin for the sketches and other data of Lafayette. TRUSTEES Silas M. Andrews, D. D., Presbyterian minister, born North Carolina, March 11, 1805; pastor at Doylestown, Pennsylvania, from his ordination, November 16, 1831, to his death March 7, 1881. James Kennedy, associate judge, born Tinicum, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1787; trustee, 1854-65; member of Assembly, 1819-23; member Constitutional Convention, 1838, died at Bath, Pennsylvania, about 1882. James Hall Mason Knox, D. D. LL. D., born New York city; graduated Columbia College, 1841; pastor at Bristol, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, 1873-84; president Lafayette, 1883-90; lives at Baltimore, Maryland. James W. Long, merchant, Easton, Pa.; born Durham, graduated, 1839; member of Assembly, 1847-49; president of Easton bank from 1898. Morgan Long, born Durham, October 27, 1775; merchant miller, and Associate Judge; charter trustee of College from 1826 until death, March 21, 1843. John NcNair, D. D., Presbyterian minister; born Newtown, Pa., May 28, 1806; pastor at Lancaster; graduated, Jefferson College; died January 27, 1867. Robert Decha Morris, D. D., Presbyterian minister; born Washington, Kentucky, August 22, 1814; graduated Augusta College, 1834; pastor at Newtown, Pa., 1838-56; died November 3, 1882. Harold Pierce, Insurance, Pittsburgh; born Bristol, Pa., September 28, 1856; graduated at University of Pa., 1876; manufacturer at Bristol, Pa., since 1886. Edward John Fox, Treasurer of College, 1858-1862; born Doylestown, Pa., September 15, 1824; graduated Princeton; lawyer, admitted to bar September 16, 1845; died 1889. PROFESSOR. Edward Hart, B. S. Ph. D., born Doylestown, November 18, 1854; assistant in chemistry, 1874-75; adjunct professor, chemistry, 1881-82; William Adamson professor of analytical chemistry, 1882 to present time; fellow of Johns Hopkins, 1876; member of American Institute of Mining Engineers; editor Journal Analytical Chemistry. GRADUATES. John James Carrell, A. M., class 1836; Presbyterian minister; born Tinicum, March 20, 1812; founder of Franklin Literary Society; Princeton Theological Seminary, 1836-38; ordained November 19, 1839; pastor, Oxford and Harmony, New Jersey, 1839-48; Riegelsville, 1848-53; Groveland, New Jersey, 1854-62; chaplain 9th N. J. Regiment, Civil War, 1862-63; died Easton, June 21, 1877. Mahlon Yardley, A. M., class 1843; lawyer; born Yardleyville, Pa., February 24, 1824; admitted Easton bar, 1845; settled at Doylestown; member state senate, 1858-61; Lieut. 104th Pa. Regiment, 1861-62; Provost Marshal, U. S. 1863-64; collector of U. S. Revenue, 5th Pa. District, 1869-73; died Doylestown, June 23, 1873. Benjamin F. Fackenthall, class 1843; lawyer; born Durham, November 1825; valedictorian; admitted to bar, Northampton, November 2, 1846, died Easton, January 12, 1892. James Wilson Carrell, A. M., class 1845, Presbyterian minister, born Bucks county, 1819; Latin Salutatory, graduated Princeton Theological Seminary, 1848; pastor Rosemont, N. J., 1848, ordained Freeport, Illinois, 1850; and died there, 1855. Henry Egedius Spayd, A. M., class 1848; Presbyterian minister; born Philadelphia, March 23, 1825; graduated Princeton Theological Seminary; ordained July 29, 1853; pastor Solebury church, 1853-67; Strasburg 1867-70; Harmony, N. J., 1870-86, near Wilkesbarre, 1886 to present time. Abraham Carpenter Smith, A. M., M. D., class 1850; born Greenwich township, New Jersey, December 11, 1828; graduated in M. P. University, 1850; practiced Riegelsville and Mauch Chunk, 1850-70; bank teller, Bloomsburg, 1878-88; Judge Court of Appeals and Errors, N. J., 1889 to death, March 23, 1898. John Latta DuBois, A. M., class 1852, lawyer, born Doylestown, April 16, 1832; admitted to bar, 1856; elder Presbyterian church; died in 1904. William Patterson Andrews, A. M., class of 1853; born Doylestown, May 6, 1834; admitted to bar 1860; served in Durell's battery, 1861-64; clerk in Treasury department; died Washington, D. C., April 12, 1885. James Rich Greir, A. M., class 1857; lawyer, Philadelphia; born Plumstead township, Bucks county; taught school; admitted to bar, Doylestown, 1862. Robert M. Mann, class 1862; born Doylestown, September 12, 1842; private 128th Pa. Infantry; died October 23, 1862, from wound received, Antietam. Robert Jamison, A. M. C. E., class 1863; born Hartsville, January 18, 1841; private 129th Pa. Infantry; died Norristown, September 27, 1883. Alfred Swartzlander Godshalk, A. M., class 1865; born Doylestown, December 18, 1842; corporal 38th and 5th Pa. Militia, 1862-63; merchant miller since 1865; school director, 1878. Adolph F. Beckdolt, Ph. D., class 1866; teacher Carversville and Andalusia; author Natural Science in Public Schools; Professor English Literature, State University, Seattle, Washington. Samuel Worman Knipe, class 1867, Presbyterian minister; born Bucks county, Pa., April 9, 1840; graduated Weston Theological Seminary, 1870; pastor Delaware Water Gap, 1870-83, and since 1883 Oceanic, New Jersey. Ezra Shive Heany, A. M., class 1867; Presbyterian minister; born Riegelsville, June 23, 1839; corporal 135th Pa. Infantry; graduated Weston Theological Seminary, 1870; pastor Mt. Pisgah, 1871-72; Centre School 1872-78; Strasburg, 1878; Backertown since 1890. Abraham Worman Long, class 1871; Presbyterian minister; born Tinicum township, September 27, 1846; graduated Princeton Theological Seminary, 1876; taught six years, Jersey Shore, Pa.; pastor Lower Merion, 1877-86, and Flourtown since 1886. Henry Scarborough Carey, class 1875; teacher; born Buckingham, December 3, 1849; Junior Mathematical prize and honorary mention in Astronomy; taught; clerk U. S. Treasury, 1885-88; lives at Doylestown, Bucks County. Albert Harrison Hogeland, C. E., class 1877; born Southampton, June 10, 1858; honorary mention in Astronomy and honorary scientific oration; assistant engineer Great Northern Railway, St. Paul, Minnesota. Abraham Hogeland, C. E., class 1877; born Southampton, honorary mention in Astronomy; farmer, Lewistown, Montana. Horace D. Sassaman, A. M., class 1878, Presbyterian minister, born Kintnersville, June 15, 1854; Douglas prize, 1875-76-77; graduated Union Theological Seminary, 1881; ordained November 24, 1882; pastor Alexandria church, Mr. Pleasant, New Jersey, 1882-98. Jacob Edgar Belville, A. M., M. D., class 1879; born Hartsville, December 19, 1858; Douglas prize, 1876-77; graduated Jefferson Medical College, 1882; Boston Medical Department, 1883; Wheeling, West Virginia. Charles Bustein Stover, A. M., class 1881; Presbyterian minister; born Riegelsville, July 14, 1861; Junior Oratorical first prize; Union Theological Seminary 1881-1884; University Berlin 1884-85; City Mission Work, "Neighborhood Guild." Edward Newton Vansant, class 1857, lawyer; born Yardleyville, August 15, 1834; honorary Oration; died Philadelphia, October 17, 1863. Henry Howard Pounds, A. M., class '83; born Fredericktown, Ohio, December 3, 1857; Coleman prize for excellence in Bible study; Junior oratorical prize; taught, Bristol, 1883-85, Missouri, 1886, Prof. Mathematics, W. Ky. College 1886-'89, principal Riegelsville Academy since 1889. Jordan C. Trauger, A. M., class '87, Lutheran minister; born Pt. Pleasant, January 29, 1863; Junior orator, class president; student theology, Gettysburg, 1887-'90; preached at Sumter, S. C.; in charge Lutheran mission, Philadelphia. Edward Monroe Fly, M. D., class '88, born Easton, October 12, '66; taught at Groton college, S. D., 1888-'89; Bishop college, Texas, 1889-'90; practicing medicine at Plumstead since 1892. Samuel Horace Myers, class '88, lawyer; born Pipersville, May 9, '64; General scientific course; in practice, Philadelphia. Alexander H. Jordon, class '90; born Riegelsville, July 13, '68; entered Sophomore class; editor and proprietor Bucks County Republican, Doylestown. Charles George Ellis, class '90, Presbyterian minister, born, Newtown, September 23, '65; classical; McCormick Theological Seminary; pastor L. I., N. Y. Isaiah Gayman, class '90, born Doylestown, February 18, '65; Latin-Scientific; won the '83 "New Shakespeare" and "Early English Text Society" prizes; Valedictory; Prof. State Normal school, Mansfield, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Daniel Hulshizer Martin, class '91, Presbyterian minister, born Doylestown, February 2, '64; first Junior oratorical prize; graduated Princeton Theological Seminary, '94, pastor Wissahickon. John Burroughs, class '92, Presbyterian minister; born, Upper Makefield, November 6, '66; Classical; graduate Princeton Theological Seminary, '95; pastor Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. Wm. Godshalk Funk, class '92, Presbyterian minister; born Chalfont, September 20, '65; classical; class president, pastor, Old Forge, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania. John Edgar Fretz, M. D., class '93; born Doylestown, November 29, '73; in practice, Easton, Pennsylvania. Ira S. Myers, class '98; born Pipersville, August 3, '76; general scientific; lawyer; Philadelphia. NON-GRADUATES Benjamin Carrell, A. M., class 36; Presbyterian minister; born Pt. Pleasant, 1809; graduated Union college '36; Princeton Theological Seminary '39; pastor in Pa. and Lambertville, N. J., April 26, '81. Andrew W. Long, class '37; sec'y. trustee. J. M. Forseman, class '37; born Durham; supposed to have been a printer. Ingham Coryell, class '37; merchant and manufacturer; born New Hope, Pa., April 5, 1821; Custom house officer, California; quartermaster, U. S. V. Civil War 1861-'65; died Flemington, N. J., July 8, 1884. Sylvester N. Rich, A. M., class '38; lawyer; born Doylestown; district attorney, Montgomery county '59; in practice, Philadelphia; A. M. Lafayette 1866. Irwin L. Kennedy, M. D., in college 1838-39; born about '21; Bucks county; died Easton, July 6, 1852. William S. Long, class '39; farmer and businessman; born Durham (son of Judge Long); in college 1835-38; Elder Presbyterian church; died Durham, February 6, 1885. J. Wilson Corwell, A. M.; hotel keeper; born Point Pleasant, 1817; collector Internal Revenue; died Mount Clare, Montgomery county, Pa., June 26, 1878. William S. Young, class '40; merchant and manufacturer; born Quakertown, April 15, 1820; publisher of newspaper, Allentown, 1845-'53; Elder Presbyterian church and superintendent of Sunday School; died December 11, 1889. Jacob Kiel, class 1842. Joseph A. VanHorne, class '42; farmer; born Yardleyville, 1820; county treasurer, Bucks county; died November 15, 1893. George H. Beaumont, M. D., class '42; born Solebury township, 1819; graduated medical department Pennsylvania University; practiced Philadelphia; and died March 14, 1870. John A. Beaumont, class '42; farmer; born Solebury township and died there. William M. Beaumont, class '42; lawyer, admitted to bar, August 16, '42, and died early. Gabriel Van Sant, class '43; merchant; born Yardleyville, died 1848. James Smith Wilson, class '45; born Bucks county; at college Sophomore year; died in Bucks county. William T. W. Chapman, class '47; dentist; born at Andalusia; followed his profession in Philadelphia; don't know what became of him. Martin Lowrie Hofford, A. M., D. D., class '49; Presbyterian minister; born Doylestown, January 27, 1825, graduated College New Jersey, 1849; Princeton Theological Seminary; ordained '55; Highland University, Kansas, '84; died Trenton, N. J., January 9, 1888. Simpson T. Vansant, class '50; lawyer; born Yardleyville; admitted to Philadelphia bar; practiced to 1861. George William Wagner, class '51; painter from Riegelsville; born Easton, January 14, '37; served in Civil War, 47th Pa.; lives in Delaware. James D. Bennett, class '53; born Tinicum; secretary iron furnace, Hellertown, where he died March, 1870. Thomas R. S. Hunsicker, A. M., D. D., Reformed Mennonite and Presbyterian minister; born Collegeville, Montgomery county, March 27, '32; organized Excelsior Normal Institute, Corwinville, 1859; taught at college 1859-'62 and 1887-'93; preached at college and vicinity 1867-'84; pastor Presbyterian church, Junction, N. J., 1884-'87; D. D. Ursinus College, '83; resides at Carversville, Bucks county. Robert P. Andrews, A. B., class '63, metallurgist; born Doylestown August 10, 1842; in college three years; private 128th Pa.; honorary A. B., 1867; entered United States mint December, 1863, and still in that employ. John Adams Fell, M. S., class '75, Physician; born Buckingham, 1850; graduate medical department Pennsylvania University; in practice at Doylestown. John Charles Stuckert, A. M., class '75, lawyer; born Warrington, June 23, 1852; college two years; admitted Bucks County Bar February, 1876. Herbert McIntosh, class '75, lawyer; born Doylestown January 20, 1857; special course in languages, September, 1874, to February, 1875; taught; graduate Brown University, Rhode Island, '82; taught science and Latin, Worcester, Mass., February 24, 1888. In 1891 candidate for Lieutenant-Governor Massachusetts. Oliver Hoffman Melchor, class '76, Lutheran minister, Springtown, Pa.; born Bucks county December 23, 1848; in college freshman and sophomore, and one term junior; Douglass prizes, 1873 and 1874; graduated Gettysburg 1876, and Theological Seminary, 1879. William Henry Wright, class '75, merchant; born Bristol, December 16, 1854; in college 1871-72; was with Pennsylvania railroad; now with John Wanamaker. William Fackenthall, class '79, lawyer; born Durham, September 12, 1857; admitted to Northampton County Bar. Howard Fackenthall, M. D., class '75, physician; born Durham, January 3, 1854; in college sophomore year; graduate medical department Pennsylvania University, 1876; in practice at Easton. Henry Mathew DuBois, class '75, lawyer; born Doylestown, July 15, 1852; in college three years; admitted Bucks County Bar August 7, 1876. Benjamin Franklin Fackenthall, Jr., A. M., class '78; born Doylestown, June 2, 1854; special course chemistry, 1873-75; president Thomas Iron Co. Harris Addis Smith, class '78, born Richboro, October 22, 1854; commercial course, 1874-76; bank teller, Newtown. Charles H. Heist, class '83; hotelkeeper; born Doylestown; general scientific course; freshman two terms. Lee Smith Clymer, class '85; chemist; born Temple, Berks county, April 2, 1863; general scientific and special student three years; author "Method for Determination of Phosphorus in Iron by Citric Acid Process;" superintendent Pequest Iron Works, Oxford, New Jersey. Now at Riegelsville. James Steward Grim, class '99; born Revere, October 21, 1873; in college; will take orders; German Reformed minister. William Edward Geil, class '90; born New Britain, October 1, 1865; general scientific special; post-graduate in history; prominent as an evangelist. Samuel Wilbur Steckel, class '93; born Durham, July 16, 1866; classical course; studied theology; lives at Riegelsville. Wilson Selner, Lutheran minister; born Stony Point, September 12, 1848; student theology Gettysburg, and lately preaching at New Bethlehem, Clarion county. James S. Young, class '41, merchant and bank cashier, Philadelphia; born Quakertown; A. M., 1865; died February 7, 1892. Horatio M. Slack, lawyer; born Bucks county; died Chicago, 1885. Harry W. Scott, lawyer, born Newtown, March 8, 1846; admitted Easton Bar April 29, 1868; president judge Northampton county court. Ralph J. Fretz, class '91; born Doylestown, February 25, 1879; died at college. Charles Kline Fever, class 1901; born Pleasant University, August 24, 1881; residence Riegelsville; in Chicago. Charles Thompson Long, class 1900; born Breadyville, October 12, 1877; civil engineering course. HONORARY GRADUATES Robert Patterson DuBois; born Doylestown, August 19, 1805; graduated Pennsylvania University, 1824; pastor new London, Chester county, from 1836 to death, February 21, 1883; D. D., 1860; son Frank L. DuBois; graduated Lafayette, M. D.; medical inspector United States Navy. Henry W. Hough; born Warrington township; principal Doylestown Seminary; pension bureau, Washington, D. C.; deceased. Lemuel H. Parsons, A. M.; teacher Newtown Academy, 1833-30; honorary degree, 1841; deceased. Henry Rowan Wilson, D. D., Presbyterian minister Neshaminy; born Gettysburg, Pa., August 7, 1780; professor Dickinson College; honorary degree Doctor of Divinity, Lafayette, 1842. Adam H. Fetterolf, LL. D., principal Andalusia College, 1870-80; honorary A. M., 1866; Ph. [D, assumed] 1879, from Lafayette; president Girard College. Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D., L. L. D., physician Philadelphia; born Morrisville, Pa., July 31, 1809; graduated medical department Pennsylvania University, 1832; superintendent Pennsylvania insane hospital, 1840; honorary LL. D., Lafayette, 1880. James Scott, A. M., Presbyterian minister; born Attleborough, Bucks county, 1852. LEHIGH UNIVERSITY Lehigh University, the second in the group of colleges within the original limits of Bucks county, and the child of Asa Packer, was founded, 1865. It had its inception at an interview between Mr. Packer and Bishop Stevens the fall of 1864, when the former said he was willing to found an institution of learning, and would give $500,000 for the purpose. He asked the Bishop to devise a plan to carry out his views. This resulted in the selection of a board of trustees that met and organized at the Sun Inn, Bethlehem, the 29th of the following July. Bishop Stevens was chosen president, and Rev. E. N. Potter, secretary. The organization was completed November 14, by the election of Prof. Henry Coppee, a graduate of West Point, and had served with distinction in the Mexican War, president of the new university. The institution was incorporated February 9, 1866. Meanwhile Mr. Packer had given 65 acres, overlooking the Lehigh, to which Charles Brodhead added seven acres adjoining, to erect buildings on. The president of the university entered upon his duties April 1, 1866, and the following professors were selected soon after: Rev. Eliphalet Potter, M. A., professor or moral and mental philosophy and christian evidence Charles Mayer Wetherill, Ph. D., M. D., chemistry Edwin Wright Morgan, LL. D., mathematics and mechanics Alfred Marshall, physics and astronomy William Roepper, Esq., mineralogy and geology and curator of the museum George Thomas Graham, A. B., instructor in Latin and Greek. The cornerstone of the main building, Packer Hall, was laid July 1, at a point 360 feet above sea level. The Moravian church having been purchased and fitted up for temporary occupancy, the university was formally opened in it September 1, in the presence of a large audience. The institution began its work with two classes. In the near future Lehigh University was equipped with the necessary scientific and other appliances to guarantee higher education, and additional buildings were erected as required. In 1868 Robert H. Sayre, South Bethlehem, presented the "Sayre observatory" in full working order; Packer Hall was occupied the same year; Saucon Hall was erected, 1874; scholarships came, new departments were added, and the technical and classical courses extended. In 1877 Mr. Packer established a classical professorship, and provided for opening a classical department. President Coppee, retaining the chair of the English language and literature, was succeeded, 1875, by the Rev. John McDowell Leavitt. The same year Mr. Packer presented the university 52 acres additional, making the park 115 acres in all. The next event of interest in Lehigh history was the new library building, erected by Mr. Packer at the cost of $100,000, a memorial to Mrs. Linderman, his deceased daughter. Mr. Packer died, 1891, deeply mourned and regretted, the first affliction that had overtaken the institution since it was founded. He had been a generous friend in life, and did not forget it in death, leaving the university, in his will, a permanent endowment of $1,500,000, and an additional gift of $400,000 to the library fund, making his total benefactions $3,000,000. The trustees honored his memory by setting aside the second Tuesday in October of each year as "Founder's Day." President Leavitt resigned April, 1880, and was succeeded by Robert A. Lamberton, Esq., LL. D., many years a trustee. During his term the faculty was enlarged, the number of students increased and the scheme of studies revised. The financial affairs of the university continued to prosper. By the will of Mr. Packer's two sons large sums were bequeathed to it, and gifts bestowed by other generous friends. A gymnasium was erected, 1882-83, at a cost of $40,000; in 1883-84 a large building was erected for the use of chemical, mineralogical and metallurgical laboratories, costing $200,000; and 1885-87 Mrs. Mary Packer Cummings, daughter of the founder, erected and presented to the university the Packer memorial church, in memory of her family, a beautiful Gothic temple built of sandstone. Dr. Lamberton died September 1, 1891, and was succeeded by Dr. Thomas Messinger Drown, LL. D., the fourth president. The library of the university contains 100,000 volumes; a corps of 40 professors and tutors occupy the chairs of the various departments, and 350 students are enrolled in its classes. A high standard of excellence is maintained, and the graduates are filling many posts of honor and usefulness. The following students from Bucks county have been connected with Lehigh University, 29 in all: In 1868, John Jacob Ott, Pleasant Valley John Yardley, Doylestown 1872 Harry T. Solliday, New Hope 1873, Henry Sylvester Jacoby, Springfield, graduated 1877, professor Cornell University A. W. Sterner, Bursonville 1876 Clayton Shimer, Bursonville 1883 Charles Thomas Barnsley, Hartsville 1884 William Bliem Ott, Pleasant Valley 1885 Samuel Erwin Berger, Richland Centre 1887 Leidy Rudy Shellenberger, Benjamin 1888 John Adams Gruver, Springtown Charles Miller Hobbs, Hulmeville Frank Anderson Merrick, New Hope Harvey Frankenfield Nace, Springtown Ramon Eckart Ozias, Quakertown 1889 Warren Fellman Cressman, Sellersville Oswin Weinberger, Shelly 1891 Henry M. S. Cressman, Sellersville George Robert Michener, Doylestown Archibald Morris, Bristol Charles Henry Vansant, Eddington 1892 Howard Franklin Boyer, Springtown George Buckman, Penn Valley 1893 Ira D. Fulmer, Richland Centre 1894 Benjamin Dewitt Riegel, Riegelsville 1895 James Henry Gledhill, Riegelsville 1896 Wallace Edgar Bartholomew, Richlandtown 1897 David Bean Clark, Richlandtown Harvey S. Musselman Steinburg. (12) (12) We were not able to obtain any data of the Bucks county students at Lehigh beyond the name and birthplace as given above, much to our regret. MUHLENBERG The third, and youngest college of the group, is Muhlenberg at Allentown, the county seat of Lehigh. It grew up from the "Allentown Seminary," chartered, 1848, for the education of the youth of both sexes, through the influence of the Rev. Christian Rudolph Kessler, a Reformed minister. He was in charge for 19 years, and during that time 1500 pupils were in attendance. About this period the "Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania," whose 150th anniversary was celebrated, 1898, adopted the new policy of establishing institutions of learning on its own territory east of the Susquehanna. In furtherance of this plan, the property of the Allentown Seminary was purchased, the building enlarged and improved, and the college opened for the reception of pupils, 1867. It was named after the patriot, General Muhlenberg, of the Revolution, and the Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, his great-grandson, was appointed its first president. The college had a modest beginning, but with faith and work at the back of the effort it gradually grew, and, in the 31 years it has been in operation, has earned a highly reputable standing in the collegiate field and turned out many good scholars for church and state. The attendance the first year was 111 in the college department, and 64 in the academic. Since 1867, the year it was opened, 1,800 students have studied in its halls, 436 graduating. The entire attendance since its ancestor, the Allentown Seminary, first saw the light of day, the students of both sexes number between 3,000 and 4,000. The corporation owns a valuable property in the heart of Allentown, a prosperous city of 35,000 inhabitants, and the endowment fund has reached the sum of $154,000, the late Asa Packer making a bequest of $30,000 in his will. The building contains the necessary recitation rooms, laboratories, chemical, physical, etc.; libraries, museums, chapel, living rooms for students, and other customary appliances of a well-equipped institution of learning. The increase in the attendance, in recent years has convinced the trustees that larger and more convenient buildings will be required in the near future. The college has done excellent work in the almost a third of a century it has been in existence. Over 50 per cent of its graduates have entered the gospel ministry, and are to be found engaged in their sacred calling in the far North and distant South, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It has given professors to Cornell, Girard, Bryn Mawr, Thiel College, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and the Chicago Theological Seminary. Many normal and high schools have been supplied with teachers from its alumni, and its graduates are found in the legal and medical professions and the halls of legislation. One of the graduates of Muhlenberg is assistant superintendent of the public schools of Greater New York. Since the parent institution was founded, half a century ago, many pupils from Bucks county have attended its school and the following are known to have studied in its collegiate halls: GRADUATES J. A. Bauman, Ph. D., class '73, Lutheran minister; born South Easton, September 21, 1847; moved to Applebachville, ordained 1876; professor Keystone State Normal, and professor at Muhlenberg since 1885. Henry Treichler Clymer, class '76, Lutheran minister; born Milford township, April 6, 1853; graduated Philadelphia Theological Seminary; ordained, 1879; pastor Frackville, Pennsylvania. Jacob J. G. Dubbs, class '83, Reformed minister; born Trumbauersville, June 21, 1861; graduate Yale divinity school; ordained, 1876,; pastor Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. Howard Himmelwright, class '73, lawyer; born Milford Square, July 12, 1849, manager Wildwood Springs summer resort, Cambria county, Pennsylvania. David R. Horne, class '82, A. M.; born June 28, 1863, Quakertown; Lehigh County Bar, 1885. Martin Luther Horne, class 1883, A. M., lawyer; born Quakertown, July 11, 1860; admitted Lehigh County Bar, 1887; principal high school, South Bethlehem. Elmer Ellsworth Johnson, class '85, A. M., M. D.; born Applebachville, December 4, 1863; graduated Pennsylvania University, 1888; in practice, Pottstown. C. C. Snyder, class '91, A. M. Lutheran minister; born Quakertown, October 23, 1866; Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1893; pastor Centre Square, Pennsylvania. S. A. Ziegenfuss, class '70, D. D. Lutheran minister; born Richland township, December 14, 1844; graduated Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1873; pastor Germantown. Luther D. Lazarus, class '95, A. M., Lutheran minister; born February 11, 1874; Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1898; assistant pastor Trinity church, Reading, Pennsylvania. George F. Erdman, class '98, A. B., born Quakertown. William S. Heist, class '98, A. B., born Quakertown. NON-GRADUATES M. B. Diehl, class '78-79; born Richland township, December 22, 1859; Dickinson College; taught at Pennington (New Jersey) Seminary, Detroit University; confirmed; lived at North Hope, Michigan, 1892. Henry M. Freed, class 1889-'90; born Richlandtown, July 3, 1870; in business with father. E. E. H. Schantz, class '85; born Gerryville, September 16, 1862; graduate Midland College, Kansas, 1892. ACADEMIC STUDENTS W. W. H. Bean; born Nockamixon; classes 1877-78. W. J. Cressman, born Bursonville; classes 1878-79. O. H. Fretz, classes 1878-79, M. D., born April 9, 1858; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1882; Legislature, 1890; member American Academy Political Science; Pennsylvania Forestry Association; State and County Medical Societies; in practice, Richland Centre. George M. Grimm, classes, '80, '81, M. D.; born March 8, 1863, Nockamixon; graduated Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1887; in practice in Nockamixon. Abraham J. Grove, classes '72, '73; born Quakertown. James E. Hixon, classes, '77, '78; born Milford Square. Harvey S. Housekeeper, classes '67, '68; born March 31, 1851, Rockhill township; Lehigh University, class '72, A. B.; first principal South Bethlehem high school; Instructor at Lehigh in Physics and Electricity. Gilbert S. Heller, classes 1878-'79; born Bucksville. W. R. Landis, classes 1877-'79; born at Dublin. James Laubach, classes 1877-'78; born Bursonville. Milton Laubach, classes 1877-'78; born Springtown. Daniel K. Laudenslager, classes 1891-'92; born Quakertown. George M. Lazarus, classes 1889-'91, M. D.; born Quakertown, September 1, 1869; graduated at Hahneman Medical College, 1894, in practice at Flatbush, Long Island. L. D. Knechel, classes 1878-81; born Pleasant Valley. E. H. Hottel, classes 1878-80; born Pleasant Valley. Haney A. Heft, class '82; born Pleasant Valley, June 22, 1862; was in business at Springtown, 1885. O. H. Miller, class 1878-'79; born Steinsburg. Sylvester H. Orr, class '78; born April 16, 1856, Rockhill; justice of the peace, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. George A. Purdy, classes '79-'80; born Nockamixon. Sereno Dewey Rice, classes 1890-'91; born Springfield March 31, 1874. Lewis Sigafoos, classes 1879-'80; born Nockamixon. Haney W. Sterner, classes 1875-'76; Steinsburg. J. A. Strunk, classes 1878-'79; born Quakertown. A. R. Trumbauer, classes 1879-'80; born Pleasant Valley. James A. Wickert, class '68; Reformed minister; born Spinnerstown. Joseph L. Wismer, classes 1877-78; born Bedminster. M. S. Young, classes 1877-'78; born Pleasant Valley. Edward A. Zuck, class '80; born September 9, 1863, Zions Hill; deceased. A. R. Horne, D. D.; Lutheran minister; born Springfield '34; taught; graduated Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, 1858; principal Academic department, Muhlenberg, 1878-83. GRADUATES WITH PASTORAL CHARGE IN BUCKS COUNTY James L. Becker, class '74; Lutheran minister; born Penn township, Berks county, June 1, 1849; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia '77; pastor, Sellersville, 1877-'78; Lansdale since 1888. D. H. Reiter, class 1878; Lutheran minister; born Upper Hanover township, Montgomery county, December 22, 1853; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, '81; pastor Richlandtown since 1881. Robert B. Lynch, class '85; Lutheran minister; born Pennsbury, Montgomery county, November 28, 1860; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1888; pastor Dublin since 1888. John F. Nicholas, class '86; born Bethlehem township, Northampton county, January 16, 1861; Yale Divinity school '89; Congregational pastor, Blue Rapids, Kansas, and Elizabeth, N, J.; Presbyterian pastor Bethayres. John H. Waidelich, class '86; Lutheran minister; born Steinsville, Lehigh county, March 17, 1860; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia '89; pastor Sellersville since 1889. M. J. Kuehner, class '87; Lutheran minister; born Lehigh county, January 1, 1865; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1891; pastor Jordan, Lehigh county, and Hilltown, Bucks county; lives at Perkasie. C. R. Fetter, class 1888; Lutheran minister; born Telford, Montgomery county, February 22, 1868; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia 1891; pastor Pine Valley, Schuylkill county, and Tohickon, Bucks; lives at Telford. Warren Nickel, class '94; Lutheran minister; born ___; Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, '97; pastor Applebachville since 1897. The summary of attendance at these three colleges, from Bucks county, including the graduates from Muhlenberg who had, or have pastoral charges in the county, shows an aggregate of 181, as taken from the official records. From this we may estimate their influence on our religious, business and social life. In the past decade three new institutions of learning were established in the county, and though differing in curriculum, have the same object in view, the spread of human intelligence, and aim to instruct their pupils how to live useful lives. These are the George School, Newtown township, Convent of St. Elizabeth, Bensalem, and the National Farm School, near Doylestown. The George School is situated half a mile below Newtown, on the south side of the Durham, on a portion of the Worth tract purchased for the purpose. One hundred locations were offered for inspection, but this was selected as the most eligible, because of its beautiful southern exposure, abundant supply of pure water, and fine timber on the premises. The situation is all that could be desired, within 23 miles of Philadelphia, with which there is frequent daily communication by steam and electric cars, and in one of the most delightful sections of Bucks county. The school was founded on a bequest in the will of John M. George of Overbrook, Philadelphia, the last of his family, who died February 11, 1887. He left the bulk of his estate, $600,000, to the "Philadelphia Meeting of Friends," for the purpose of establishing and endowing a boarding school to be located in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Yearly Meeting, in May, 1888, appointed a committee of 68, to "take into consideration the provisions of Mr. George's will," which were accepted and immediate steps taken to carry them out. The choice of a site first claimed the attention of the committee. The school was named after the George family. The erection of the main building, 224x140 feet, was begun in the fall of 1892 and completed the following year. The gymnasium and dormitory were built in 1894, the buildings being designed for a school of 150 pupils by the founder. The dormitory is 43x58. The entire cost of the building, grounds, apparatus, furniture and other equipment for such an institution, was about $300,000. The building are fitted up throughout with all modern appliances. The land was paid for by separate fund, contributed by residents of Newtown and vicinity and interested friends elsewhere. There are also a library and reading room, and suitable accommodations for physical training, required by the course. The school opened November 6, 1893, with George L. Maris, A. M., and a faculty of 10 members, in charge. The institution is of a high school grade, and designed to prepare pupils for college, or fit them for the active duties of life. The curriculum is broad, embracing eight full year courses in English, eight in mathematics, four in Latin, three in German, two in French, three in history, two in manual training, two in biology, two in chemistry, two in physics, and shorter courses in astronomy, psychology and drawing. The productive funds of the school, in addition to the buildings, etc., at present, amount to $500,000, obtained mostly from the bequest of John M. George and accrued interest and about $90,000 left by will of Jacob Fretz, of Lumberville. The interests of the school are represented by a monthly paper, called "George School Ides," appearing about the 15th of each month during the school year in an artistic cover. It principally circulates among the alumni and former students. On the line of the Pennsylvania railroad, Bensalem township, near Cornwells, is located the "Mother Home," of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, for Indians and colored people. The order is known as "St. Elizabeth's Convent and the Holy Providence House;" the Sisterhood was founded under the auspices of Miss Katharine M. Drexel, who took the veil as a nun of the Roman Catholic church under the name of Mother M. Katharine. The organization dates from 1891. The object is to educate the American Indian and colored races, wherever located; training teachers for that purpose and especially for the youth of these races, without distinction of religion, to become self-sustaining men and women; using such methods of instruction in the principles of religion and human knowledge as may be best adapted to the objects in view, to vitis and administer to the sick and poor, and act as guardian to such of their orphans and minor children as may be committed to their care. The building was erected, 1892, of local granite with red tiled roof, designed after the old Spanish mission buildings of California, with the traditional court yards and cloister of the old time conventional buildings. Connected with the convent, is a home for colored children with a capacity for 150 children, called Holy Providence House. The majority of the children are girls, whom the Sisters keep until their 21st year, when efforts are made to secure for them good places of livelihood according to each one's capacity. The boys are transferred at the age of 13 to an industrial or trade school. The curriculum embraces a wide range. The girls receive a good common school education, and are also trained in habits of industry. Some take a course in scientific dressmaking; others are instructed in all the details of fine laundry work in Convent laundry attached to the school, where all kinds of outside work are taken in to enable the girls to become proficient in this industry. The bakery and cooking classes afford practical instruction to an equally large number. The aim is to give the girls a good, solid English education, and a thorough knowledge of all branches of domestic economy. One of the chief difficulties met with, among the negroes and the Indians, is an absence, that is to say, an utter want of appreciation, of good house-keeping. As a consequence, their surroundings lack that air of cheerfulness and order essential to home life and domestic thrift. To counteract this evil, the sisters lay much stress on domestic training. The examinations in these branches, at the end of the school year, are held in equal value with class work, and the results, thus far, have been very gratifying, and the display of the exhibits of the different branches of industrial work, is very interesting. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament have a school for Southern colored girls at Rock Castle, Va., opened in July, 1899, with a capacity for 175 children, and another for the Indians at Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is a boarding school of about 120 children. The Sisters also visit the surrounding Pueblos within a radius of 80 miles. These Indians are noted for their peaceful and docile disposition, as well as for their industrious habits. The third of the group of schools, under consideration, is the National Farm School near Doylestown, the only one of its kind in the United States. Quoting the words of "Young Israel," this institution has for its object, "the training of capable lads, of the Jewish faith, for practical and scientific, agricultural careers, and fitting them for superintendents of agricultural colonies to be organized from among the unemployed, or debilitated poor, of the overcrowded cities." It is national and nonsectarian; school and field work go hand in hand; it is a working school not a high school or collegiate institution in any sense. One of the first lessons taught and never lost sight of is, that "all wealth comes from the earth." Though the school was started less than ten years ago without any endowment, it now represents a value of nearly $60,000, is free from debt, and satisfactorily equipped for its limited number of pupils. The Adjutant General of Pennsylvania recently furnished arms to the school, which enables the Dean to add military drill to the curriculum. The course is designed to teach the sciences that underlie practical agriculture, with sufficient English, mathematics, literature, economics and such other supplementary studies as will make the graduates intelligent and useful farmers. At intervals memorial trees are planted on the premises which, in time, will develop into a shaded grove. The school is situated a mile west of the county seat, on the line of the Philadelphia and Reading railway. Its realty consists of a farm of 130 acres, that belonged to the late Judge Richard Watson, on which have been erected a large main building for school purposes proper, and several others adapted to their special uses. The location is a very eligible one, on an elevation that gives a fine outlook of the southwest taking in a beautiful scope of country. Rabbi Joseph Krauskoph, D. D., president of the board of trustees, was the active factor in founding the school and continues to take the same deep interest in it. The erection of the buildings was begun in 1896 and finished in the early summer of 1897, the dedication exercises being held in June. The occasion brought to the school a large number of persons interested in it, and others, a train of eight cars coming from Philadelphia. Addresses were made by ex-Governor Robert E. Pattison, Judge Harman Yerkes and others, and a lunch followed. END OF CHAPTER XXVI of 1905 Edition.