1879 History of Des Moines County
Transcribed by
Lou Bickford &
Janet Brandt 		SCHOOLS.
The educational interests of Burlington date back to 1834, and have for their founder William R. Ross. In the fall of 1833, Dr. Ross erected a small cabin, southwest of the present public square, and dedicated the building to the uses of preaching and day school. However, no school was taught therein until the following spring. During the winter of 1833--34, a man named Phillips lived in the cabin, with his family. When spring came, a school was opened by Zadoc C. Inghram, who taught during the summer. Subsequently, Mrs. Shelton and Mrs. Mayfield were employed as teachers. During the succeeding years, until the erection of Old Zion Church, the schools were "kept" in various places, and taught by various persons. There was no record preserved, so far as we are able to discover. The schools were primitive, in keeping with the settlement of the place. In 1839, Old Zion was in a condition to permit of the opening of school there. Rev. E. M. Scott, the tallest man in the neighborhood, lived in the basement of the church, and kept the youngsters in wholesome subjection by means of liberal doses of of spelling-books and rod. Subsequently, Scott removed to Arkansas and began the practice of law. On one occasion his long legs served him well, in fording the river, and after that he hung out the following sign:
"E. M. Scott, attorney at law,
The man that waded the Arkansaw."
After Scott left, a man named Townsend took up the birch.
   As the town increased in size, schools multiplied in numbers, but no organized system was adopted until January, 1847. At that time, the first Inspectors were appointed. The gentlemen who composed the Board were Hon. Charles Mason, Hon. J. W. Grimes and George Partridge. The Board was a township institution. Mr. Grimes was elected Inspector April, 1847, and again in April, 1848. The original Board divided the city into six districts. Small schools were maintained in most of those districts during 1847--48.
   The impossibility of making a proper classification of scholars and of raising the schools to the highest excellence, under the system of small districts, and other reasons, suggested the expediency of consolidating the districts into one. This was done by the School Fund Commissioner, William Walker, March 19, 1849. The first meeting under the new plan was held March 29, 1849, in the Congregational Church. James Clarke was chosen President; L. D. Stockton, Secretary; John Johnson, Treasurer, and James W. Grimes, Chairman of the Committee to inquire about the number of schools needed. A meeting was held May 7, at which a tax of one-third of one per cent on all city property was authorized, for the purchase of schoolhouse sites.
   May 11, 1849, the city was divided into four districts, and Samuel M. Clendenin was appointed Principal of District No. 4. May 24, of the same year, O. L. Palmer took charge of No. 3, Abraham Darling of Division No. 2 and Mrs. Burge of District No. 1. July 4, Mrs. Burge was succeeded as Principal by Dan S. Moore.
   In 1850, Burlington claimed a population of 4,500.
   The Hawk-Eye was always found advocating measures for the advancement of the moral and intellectual tone of Burlington. Mr. Edwards was acquainted with the school system of Boston, and aimed to build up a similar plan here. April 5, 1850, an editorial appeared, from which we quote:
   "We regard it as vastly important that in laying the foundation of a system of common schools for our city, we should begin upon the most approved principles. * * * There is now due this district, we believe, about $1,500. * * * This will enable the district to hire two principal teachers at a salary of $300 per annum, and five assistants at $160 each. This is better wages than our teachers now get. With the children properly classified, seven teachers can better instruct them than seventeen can under the system which now prevails among us."
   In May, 1850, the Directors were authorized to, and did, levy one-third of one per cent tax on all property in the city for school purposes. The district was divided, at that time, into four divisions, as heretofore stated.
   September 23, 1850, the Directors of the Burlington School District contracted for the erection of a schoolhouse on lots 729 and 730, southeast corner of High and Fifth streets. The plans were by Mr. Stareker, a resident architect, and the contract was let to Myers & Kelber. The capacity was 39x63 feet, two stories high, four rooms, accommodating nearly three hundred pupils. The cost was $4,150. This was the first building erected for school purposes exclusively in Burlington, and called North Hill Schoolhouse. Prior to 1851, the schools were of excellent character, both the public and private institutions being well sustained, and conducted by persons of merit and scholarly attainment; but the places of holding them were as diversified as the number of scholars would permit of.
   The school census of September, 1850 (the first taken after the establishment of the schools in this city), showed the following population between the ages of five and twenty-one years:
Division No. 1 .................................................................................................................... 238
Division No. 2 .................................................................................................................... 473
Division No. 3 .................................................................................................................... 192
Division No. 4 .................................................................................................................... 112
Total ................................................................................................................................. 1,015
   During that first year, the school in Division 1 was taught by Mrs. Burge and daughter, who resigned on account of ill health, and were succeeded by D. S. Moore and Miss Eliza A. Clark. No. 2 was taught by Abram Darlington and Mrs. Mary A. Wiggins. No. 3 by O. L. Palmer and Miss Ellen Griffey. No. 4 by S. M. Clendenin and Mrs. Prince, who died shortly after taking the place.
   The attendance was, in No. 1, 130; No. 2, 183; No. 3, 140; No. 4, 109; total, 562. Teachers' salaries were fixed at $25 per month for male and $8 for female teachers. The total expenses for teachers was $372.66, leaving $27.54 cash on hand. There was a class in algebra, and one in natural philosophy. The common English branches were taught.
   The finances of the Board were not satisfactory. The tax levied amounted to about $2,500; but of that sum only $500 had been paid in by January 1, 1850. No-steps had been taken to secure sites for buildings.
   In May, 1851, the Board was re-elected, with J. W. Grimes as President. It was voted at that meeting to raise $4,000 to complete the first schoolhouse and to aid in the construction of one of the southern portion of the city.
   In 1852, the Board consisted of William Salter, President; O. H. Schenck, Treasurer; George Snyder, Secretary. January 2, 1852, a contract was made with Myers & Kelber for the erection of South Hill Schoolhouse, at a cost of $4,550. On the first Monday in April, 1852, C. B. Darwin was appointed Principal of North Hill School, at a salary of $40 per month, and teachers were employed at various salaries. In September, 1852, the services of a Principal were dispensed with, and J. W. Sennet was employed to take charge of the larger boys, at $30 per month, and four lady teachers were secured.
   In 1853, under an act of the Legislature to extend the powers of school districts, six Directors were chosen, to wit: W. B. Chamberlain, George Snyder, to serve one year; J. A. Funk, J. F. Tallant, to serve two years, and Lyman Cook, J. Newton Evans, to serve three years. L. D. Stockton and Oliver Cock were appointed to succeed Messrs. Funk and Snyder, resigned. W. B. Chamberlain was elected President; J. F. Tallant, Treasurer; L. D. Stockton, Secretary.
   In 1854, Messrs. Chamberlain and Stockton were re-elected, the former as Chairman. Mr. Tallent acted as Treasurer, Oliver Cock as Secretary.
   In 1855, William Salter was elect President, the other officers retaining their places.
   The number of teachers employed had stood each year as follows: 1849, 9; 1852, 14; 1853, 16; 1854, 9.
   A local writer, in 1855, said of the buildings: "They are eligibly situated, and are the admiration of every traveler and the honest pride of every citizen of Burlington." The Board ordered trees planted about the buildings.
   In 1855, there were 1,465 children of school age in the city, and there were but two buildings capable of holding 600 pupils. The condition of the schools was not very encouraging.
   Up to 1858, the sexes were taught separately, and there was no attempt made to grade the schools. May 3, 1858, the Board decided "that the boys and girls shall occupy the same rooms and recite together," and that it had "become imperative on the Board to at once grade the pupils." This was accordingly done by the Principals, assisted by Rev. F. R. Haff, one of the School Examiners, and Rev. William Salter, of the Board of Education. Thus it may properly be said that the public schools of Burlington date only from May, 1858.
   March 8, 1853, J. H. Smith was engaged as Superintendent of North Hill School. June 15, 1853, Alexander McIlhenny was appointed Principal of South Hill School. November 1, 1854, the schools are opened with R. J. Graff, Principal of North Hill and A. Henry, Principal of South Hill School. In 1855, on account of the small amount of money in the Teachers' Fund, it was ordered by the School Board not to hold school that winter. September 10, 1856, R. J. Graff and Mr. Lemon were elected Principals, and the schools re-opened. February 5, 1857, J. F. Tallant and George Temple were appointed a committee to negotiate for ground on which to erect a new school house. September 21, 1857, R. J. Graff was re-elected Principal of North Hill School and E. L. Jagger assumed the same office at South Hill School. April 26, 1858, R. J. Graff resigned his position and was succeeded by Mrs. Clara Miller. August 30, 1858, J. E. Dow became Principal of North Hill School, and T. B. Gray Principal of South Hill School. At this time, also, the Board of Education ordered a school to be opened in Dutchtown, to be known as Dutchtown School, with C. P. De Haas for its Principal. Principals elected August 19, 1859, by the School Board were: For North Hill School, J. E. Dow; for South Hill School, T. B. Gray; for Dutchtown School, C. P. De Haas. December 8, 1859, T. B. Gray was dismissed by the Board and succeeded by R. J. Graff. At the election of Principals July 16, 1860, J. E. Dow was chosen for North Hill, R. J. Graff for South Hill, and Miss Susan Colter for Dutchtown School. The election of July 29, 1861, made no change, except in the case of Miss Susan Colter, who was succeeded by C. P. De Haas. August 4, 1862, the same Principals were re-elected. April 29, 1863, Lots 10, 11 and 12, in Block 960, were purchased by the School Board for $300, and May 13, 1863, a contract was entered into with Richard Howard for the erection of a school-building for the sum of $1,900, to be known as South Boundary Schoolhouse. July 3, 1863, the School Board elected as Principals for North Hill, J. Thorp; South Hill, J. E. Dow; Dutchtown, C. P. DeHaas, and South Boundary School, Mrs. L. A. Littlefield. January 29, 1864, J. Thorp resigned his position as Principal of North Hill School, and was succeeded by Mr. Dunn. June 15, 1864, the School Board rented Cumberland Presbyterian Church for the establishment of a high school, and, on June 22, of the same year they purchased ground of Rand & Sherfey for the erection of the present Dutchtown Schoolhouse. July 20, 1864, J. E. Dow was elected City Superintendent of the Schools and Principal of the high school, at a salary of $900 per annum. July 27, 1864, the following Principals were elected: J. H. Sanborn, North Hill; O. C. Shelton, South Hill; Milton Campbell, South Boundary, and C. P. De Haas, Dutchtown School.
   The course of study in the high school is four years; each year is divided into three terms, and the annual catalogue gives a complete list of the various branches taught in regular term rotation.
   August 12, 1864, an addition to Dutchtown Schoolhouse was contracted for with Narn & Gillis. In 1864, the schools were graded into eight grades. October 11, 1864, J. K. McCullough was elected Principal of South Hill School; C. P. DeHaas was transferred to North Hill, and Miss Jennie Chapman elected Principal of Dutchtown School. March 11, 1865, Miss Sophronia Taylor was elected to teach the colored school meanwhile established. March 16, 1865, Thomas Trulock was elected Principal of South Hill School. August 30, 1865, the Principal of the high school was made General Superintendent of the schools. A half-mill tax was levied, and May 13, 1872, a contract was awarded to Housewsorth & Hayden to build the high school at the corner of Valley and Boundary streets. The ground and superstructure finished, at a cost of $29,000, the building remained in that condition until it was completed January 1, 1873, at a total cost of $43,000.
   The records of the schools running from 1865 to 1872 have been destroyed, therefore we cannot undertake to furnish the names of the principals during that interval, but will supply the years of the erection of new school-buildings and of the enlarging of those already constructed. The South Boundary Schoolhouse was doubled in size in 1866. In the summer of 1866, Dutchtown Schoolhouse, now called Germania, was built at a cost of $4,129.
   In the summer of 1870, West Madison Schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $5,319. West Hill Schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1867, at a cost of $3,469. North Oak Schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1868, at a cost of $6,285.
   June 17, 1872, Mr. Lytle was elected Principal of North Hill; Mr. Fairbrother, of South Hill; Mr. Hummel, of South Boundary; Charles A. Lisle, West Hill; W. C. Jones, Germania; William D. Inghram, North Oak; L. Steece, West Madison. Mrs. Courtright took charge of the colored school, and W. M. Bryant was unanimously elected City Superintendent. In July, 1872, George A. Miller became Principal of North Hill School, and Robert Saunderson was elected City Superintendent. Mr. Fairbrother resigned his office and A. E. Millspaugh was elected to fill the vacancy at South Hill. June 12, 1873, W. M. Bryant was unanimously elected Superintendent, and June 25, 1873, Robert Saunderson became Principal of the high school; L. Steece, North Hill; George I. Gordon, South Hill; M. W. Hummel, South Boundary; George A. Miller, West Madison; Charles A. Lisle, West Hill; J. W. C. Jones, Germania; William D. Inghram, North Oak. August 29, 1873, W. M. Bryant resigned and Robert Saunderson succeeded him as City Superintendent. G. I. Gordon was transferred to the high school, and Charles Morrey took the South Hill School. In December, 1873, a night school was established in the high school building. May 9, 1874, a contract was awarded to Archibold & Bennett to build additions to North Oak and South Hill Schoolhouses. June 17, 1874, Robert Saunderson was re-elected, by acclamation, City Superintendent. July 8, 1874, Principals elected were, for the high school, Charles A. Lisle; North Hill, L. Steece; South Hill, W. M. Forbes; South Boundary, William Hummel; West Madison, George A. Miller; West Hill, E. E. Fitch; Germania, R. S. Davis; North Oak, William D. Inghram; Central Primary, Mrs. Dunham. In May, 1875, Hibernia School-building was erected by J. A. Johnson, and West Hill School built by William Kostner. The election June 19, 1875, made only this change--Miss M. Gray, at the Central Primary; S. O. Thomas, at West Hill; Miss S. Johnson, at Hibernia School. September 4, 1875, W. F. Embish was elected Principal of Hibernia School. May 29, 1876, an addition to West Madison Schoolhouse was contracted for with William Kostner. The election June 26, 1876, retained Robert Saunderson as Superintendent, and the only name changed in the Principals was in the case of South Hill, where W. E. Sampson was installed. No change was made in Superintendent or Principals in 1877, except at West Avenue, where Miss C. Reed was elected. The election of May 5, 1878, made no change in either Superintendent or Principals. In the spring of 1878, West Avenue School property was purchased.
   We quote the following statement by the Board of Education:
   "The development of the school interests has been very marked, especially during the last few years. The number of buildings has increased from four to nine since 1867, while all the old buildings have been remodeled and their seating capacity largely increased, some of them being doubled in size. There are now nine large buildings, including the high school, which has been pronounced by competent judges, one of the best adapted buildings to this class of schools in the West. The school system embraces a course of eleven years in a like number of grades, four of which are in the high school, the remaining seven grades being found in each of the district schools.
   "All the modern methods and appliances are in daily use by the teachers, and with gratifying results. The majority of the teachers, particularly the primary grades, are graduates of the high school and training department. They are thus thoroughly qualified by past experience and education, to enter into the spirit of their work, comprehend its details, and secure satisfactory results in their respective schoolrooms.
   "The high school is the cap-sheaf of the system. It brings an academic course within the reach of every boy and girl in Burlington. The development of this school in efficiency and attendance, and in everything that goes to make a first-class high school, is not a little remarkable. It has over 11 per cent in attendance of all the pupils in the public schools; and it is believed that there are not half a dozen pupils from this city attending schools or academies of a like grade abroad.
   "The medal and diploma which were awarded the Board of Education of Burlington, by the Centennial Commission, for an exhibit of fifty-six volumes of pupils' work at Philadelphia in 1876, are gratifying evidence of the excellence of our schools, and are prized as such by our citizens, teachers and school officers.
   "Another important statement to be made in this connection is, that the schools of Burlington cost less for tuition, than the average for the country schools of the State, and less than any county in the State, except six of the more sparsely settled counties, where six months' schooling was the maximum, while we have ten months. This statement is made upon the basis of the State Superintendent's report for 1876. There is no school debt, and consequently no interest on bonds to be paid. The people of Burlington have built their schoolhouses with cash, and now they are able to boast of efficient schools with less taxation, than that of any other city of the same size in the Northwest.
   The present Board of Education is composed of William Wolverton, President; William McD. Houseworth, Vice President; Charles Mason, Treasurer; H. A. Kelley, Secretary; C. B. Parsons, Theodore Guelich, H. Bailey and J. S. Schramm, Directors.
   The independent school district of Sunny Side was organized in 1863. The present schoolhouse was built in 1870. The records of this district were burned. R. L. Alspaugh is the Principal of this school which has an average attendance of sixty-five scholars.

THE UNIVERSITY.
The following sketch of the University is furnished by Mr. G. J. Johnson, now Missionary Secretary of the American Baptist Publication Society at Philadelphia, and is pronounced by him to be correct. The sketch has already appeared in print, but is presented as a satisfactory record, and is here preserved in full:

   "This institution had its origin in an educational convention, called by a committee of the Iowa Baptist State Convention, and held at Iowa City, then capital of the State of Iowa, April 13 and 14, 1852. Propositions bidding for the location were presented and considered at that meeting from fourteen different points of the State, but, after much discussion and many ballotings, the preference was finally given to Burlington, and then the location unanimously made there. Articles of Incorporation, under the name of Burlington University, were next adopted by the Convention, the object of which was declared to be the establishing and conducting of an institution of advanced learning in Burlington, Iowa, that should offer equal advantages to all pupils, irrespective of sex or condition, and should consist of such departments--academic, collegiate, theological and others, as the Board of Trustees might from time to time see fit to organize and be able to sustain. A Board of Trustees to represent the corporation, consisting of twenty-four members, was also elected.
   "Two days after the adjournment of the convention at Iowa City, a first meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in Burlington, at which the incorporation was perfected by the necessary legal steps. Officers thereof were elected, and work in earnest was commenced. First, a proposition previously made by the city of Burlington and other parties who held a reversionary interest, to convey certain lands formerly occupied as a grave-yard, and which were desired as a site and campus, and to remove incumbrances therefrom, and to give sole and perpetual possession--all in consideration of the establishment of the institution and the conveying to the city of another parcel of ground in another location, was accepted. Additional lands adjoining were also purchased, making the entire grounds of the college, as now, about five acres. Next, committees were appointed to raise funds and to superintend the erection of a building, and also to secure teachers, and, at the earliest date practicable, to open the school.
   "On the 4th of July, 1853, the corner-stone of the present main building was laid, with appropriate public ceremonies, and July 4, 1854, the completion of the building was celebrated with similar public demonstration. A preparatory school was also opened in the basements of the Baptist and Congregational Churches of this city, while the work upon the building was yet in progress, January 4, 1854, Rev. G. W. Gunnison, A. M., being Principal and Professor, and Mrs. M. A. P. Darwin, Preceptress. Mr. Gunnison, though an excellent scholar and teacher, yet did not remain long in charge of the school. Mrs. Darwin, also an accomplished teacher, soon afterward resigned. Passing over several names which, following Mr. Gunnison, were for brief periods successively in charge of the institution, in 1857, Rev. L. B. Allen, D. D., became the presiding officer, and for several years did worthy service. As associate with Dr. Allen, and soon after him, Rev. J. T. Robert, LL. D., who, to all the scholarly attainments added the highest social qualities, was also secured to the school as a Professor and Instructor. Associated with these gentlemen teachers were also in turn and in the order named, the following ladies, in charge of the female department, each an accomplished and efficient preceptress: Miss Anna Chamberlain, Miss Cornelia Skinner, Mrs. Sophia Bishop, Miss Josephine A. Cutter and Miss Emma Brown.
   "During the years these teachers were in service, the school attained to a high degree of prosperity, the number of pupils increased, and the standard of scholarship was elevated. During these years also, various improvements were made upon the building, and important additions in the appointments of the institution. New rooms were constructed in the main edifice, and a smaller building was erected upon the premises for purposes of dwelling and boarding. A library of 1,500 volumes was also purchased, to which over 500 volumes have been subsequently added. Apparatus was also secured for philosophical, chemical and astronomical purposes, which is still unsurpassed in this vicinity; and a museum embracing several hundred curiosities and collections in natural history.
   "In the spring of 1857, a second large edifice, intended more especially for the ladies' department, was commenced, and July 4 the corner-stone was laid. A subscription of over $10,000 was secured for this enterprise, but, ere the foundation and basement-walls were completed, a financial revulsion swept over the country, which compelled the summary surrender of the work, destroyed the larger part of the subscription on which the work had depended, and threatened for awhile the breaking up of the institution itself. A few years after came the war of the rebellion, with its gloom and paralysis, during which the teachers who had so long and well served the school, most of them, went to other and stronger institutions, or into other relations in life, and numbers of the young men of the school entered into the service of their country. Thus for awhile little progress was made.
   "But toward the closing of the war and after, came again brighter prospects; money was once more plentiful and hopes were high. Efforts were then put forth to relieve the institution of the heavy indebtedness incurred by the reverses of 1857, and otherwise, and a happy success was the result. And not only were all debts soon paid, but the buildings and various property also repaired and importance improvements made, and then by the liberality of one generous friend, $5,000 to aid in the future support of the institution were paid into the treasury. It had been hoped that a large sum conditionally promised to the school by Dr. Richard F. Barrett, one of the Board of Trustees from the beginning, and an earnest friend and liberal supporter of the institution while he lived, would now be added to its funds, but after several years of litigation, it was decided that only $2,000 and the interest thereon should be derived from that source.
   "The institution has, as is always necessary to the very existence of an institution of learning, been surrounded by a few specially earnest and faithful friends. In the earlier years, Mr. Wm. B. Ewing was Chairman of the Executive Committee, and while his strength allowed him, was ready and efficient in all work for the cause. In these years also, when large demands were made by way of time and service, and many perplexities, too, were connected with the office, T. W. Newman, Esq., performed efficiently the duties of Treasurer. Mr. Newman is now the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Rev. G. J. Johnson has, from the beginning, been the Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Clerk of the Executive Committee, and in all ways of looking after its general and particular interests, served the enterprise. Later in the day, but with equal heart and efficiency, came also into the committee Mr. H. H. Hawley, and yet a little later Mr. Erastus Chamberlain, present worthy Treasurer of the institution. Nor should the names of Hon. J. M. Beck, the present President of the corporation, and Hon. A. C. Dodge, the Vice President, be omitted in the list of those who have done, and are still disposed to do, the enterprise their best possible service."
   The present condition of the University is gratifying to the friends of education, but there is much which might be done to extend its usefulness. Liberality toward such institutions is repaid a thousand-fold by the improvement wrought in the growing minds of the young, who must soon take the places left vacant by the dropping-away of former leaders. The buildings are finely located, and from them an extended view of the city and surrounding country is afforded.
   The present Trustees and Faculty are here given: Trustees?Hon. J. M. Beck, President; Hon, A. C. Dodge, Vice President; Hon. T. W. Newman, Secretary; F. T. Parsons, Esq., Treasurer. Faculty?L. E. Wortman, A. B., Principal and Professor of Latin, Greek, etc.; Miss C. DeW. Hague, Preceptress and Teacher of Mathematics, English Language and Literature, etc.; Mrs. Marie Sprenger, Teacher of Modern Languages; Louis Richard, Professor of Instrumental Music; Mrs. L. W. Williams, Teacher of Music.
   The college edifice is of brick, three stories high and beautifully situated in an ample campus. Including endowments, this property is worth in the vicinity of $85,000. A commodious building was erected last year, which contains refectory and janitor's rooms, principal's apartments, etc. The erection of this building has made boarding accommodations for fifty pupils. Good board is furnished at the low rate of from $2.00 to $2.25 per week. Tuition is furnished at low rates, no extra charge being made for the languages. A high grade of work is being done, the thoroughness and efficiency of which is steadily bringing the school up in the estimation of its patrons and the public generally. Although this school bears the modest name of College Institute, it is working with the hope and prospect of being able, at no distant date, to do the work of a college, and of assuming its chartered name. The citizens of Burlington and vicinity ought to take hold of this Institute, with its ample grounds, with its present endowment and enviable reputation, and make it a first-class college. At least, more attention should be given to this institute of learning and put it still farther up in the grade of educational prominence in our State. It only wants the combined efforts of some of our public spirited men, and the donations of the liberal citizens of this part of Iowa, to cause it to climb the ladder of promotion, until it reaches that creditable eminence in Burlington, of being a college of high capacity and rank.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Allen's Burlington Business College was organized by Bryant & Stratton, in 1865. The full business course includes bookkeeping, commercial arithmetic, commercial law and political economy, business correspondence, penmanship and a course in the practical department. The College is now conducted by Mr. W. P. Allen and is open to both sexes.
The German-American School was organized in February, 1866, and run quite successfully for ten years, after which was discontinued. Miss Wree now keeps a private school in the room formerly occupied by the above-named institution.
   There are several private schools maintained, independent of church organizations or the public system. The "Conservatory of Music" is well patronized, and is a credit to the city.

EARLY EDUCATIONAL ENACTMENTS.
   As interesting reminders of the first steps toward the development of educational interests in Burlington and Des Moines County, we condense from the old session laws the following bills:
   The Philandrian College, in the town of Denmark, was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, approved January 19, 1838, and the following Trustees were appointed: Rev. Jeremiah Porter, Samuel Barrett, James P. Stewart, Robert A. Leeper, Timothy Fox, Lewis Epps and H. M. Dison.
   An act was approved January 19, 1938, establishing in the town of Burlington an institution of learning, for youth of both sexes, to be called "The Burlington Seminary," with George W. Hight, Jesse P. Webber, Jonathan J. King, William R. Ross, John Parson, Hiram C. Bennett, Jeremiah Lamson, Isaac Leffler and James Dyer as corporators.
   "The Union Seminary of Des Moines County," a school for the youth of both sexes, was established by an act of the Legislature, which was approved January 19, 1838, with a board of incorporators consisting of William Morgan, Stephen Gearheart, Solomon Perkins, Israel Robinson, Henry Walker, John B. Berry and David R. Chance.
   In June, 1838, the "Burlington Academy of Science and Literature" was opened by J. P. Stewart, in the "spacious upper rooms of the building formerly occupied by Mr. C. Neally as a storeroom."
   The same month, Miss L. W. Gay opened a select school for young ladies in Burlington.
   An act was approved by the Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Iowa, on the 23d of January, 1839, for the incorporation of a seminary of learning in science and literature, for youth of both sexes, in the town of Burlington, Des Moines County. Charles Mason, George Temple, William H. Starr, James P. Stewart, George H. Beeler, William B. Remey, James W. Grimes, Jeremiah Lamson, John S. David, Augustus C. Dodge, Ver Planck Van Antwerp, Enos Lowe, James Clark, David Rorer, Gilbert Knapp and S. S. Rawson, and associates and successors were declared a body politic and corporate in law, under the name of "The Burlington Academy."
   "The Union Academy, of Des Moines County," was established in Town 69, Range 3 west, in Des Moines County, on the 23d of January, 1839. William Morgan, Stephen Gearheart, Solomon Perkins, Israel Robinson, Henry Walker, John B. Berry and David R. Chance were the corporators.
   "The Augusta Academy," an institution of learning for both sexes, was established at Augusta, January 23, 1839. The corporators were John Whitaker, Levi Moffitt, William Smith, Berryman G. Wells, Joseph Edwards, George Hepner, Y. L. Hughes, Francis Redding, Joshua Holland, Isaac Basey, Daniel Harty, William Buchanan and John O. Smith.
   The Burlington Mechanics' Institute was incorporated on the 25th of January, 1844. The object of this Institute was to improve its members in literature, the sciences, arts and morals; the establishment of a reading-room, cabinets of geological, mineralogical, botanical and other specimens; the endowment and support of a school for the children of indigent mechanics and others, and to advance the social, intellectual and moral condition of its members generally. The corporators were George Temple, James McKell, Silas A. Hudson, Anthony W. Carpenter, Morgan Evans, John L. Corse and Jacob K. Field.
   "The Jefferson Academy" was established in Yellow Springs Township, February 7, 1844. Its corporators were Frederick Heizer, James Bruce, Levi Anderson, Thomas Blair, A. L. Leonard, Joshua Heizer, James Hukill, John Anderson and P. B. Bell.

PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Burlington Public Library is not a free public library, supported by general taxation, but the property of an incorporated association. The first meeting with a view to the establishment of this institution was held at Union Hall on the 22d day of February, 1868, when it was resolved and encouraged by the offer of $5,000 for the object, by Hon. J. W. Grimes, to organize an association, for the purpose of founding a public library. At an adjourned meeting held on the 7th day of March, 1868, Articles of Incorporation were adopted and the following-named Trustees elected, viz., C. H. Phelps, J. J. Owen, Phillip Harvey, James Putman, William Salter, J. W. White, W. B. Chamberlain, J. S. Schramm and J. C. Peasley. Temporary quarters were secured in Marion Hall, but the active existence of the library dates from September, 1868, when 2,000 volumes, presented by Mr. Grimes, were placed upon the shelves. After several removals, the Association finally, in September , 1876, took possession of its present very accessible and beautiful room in Mr. S. H. Jones' block, corner of Fourth and Jefferson streets. The number of volumes now on the shelves is 6,670, which have cost $9,104.16. The periodicals have cost $682.28. The furniture and fixtures have cost $890. The present officers of the Association are as follows: J. S. Schramm, President; J. C. Peasley, Treasurer; J. B. Fuller, Secretary and Librarian. The original permanent membership was about three hundred. The present Trustees of the Association are: J. S. Schramm, J. C. Peasley, J. B. Fuller, J. G. Foote, L. H. Dalhoff, John Darling, Thomas Hedge, Jr., William Salter and J. W. Blyth.

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