K < < < 2; ^o.. fe 1849 - 1,988 704 175.810 *3, 100 .115.22 .1!6.92 37,425 39, 763 2,359 .59 1850 - 3,160 1,223 173,246 3. 350 17.14 8.97 87,018 66, 581 3, 558 .75 1851 - 2.300 1,509 228,506 3, 600 17.15 8.35 96, 636 78, 001 2,950 .72 1852 - 2,400 1,730 261,986 3,900 15.83 8. 69 105, 123 88, 593 t3, 500 .74 1853 - 2, 500 2,212 289, :M6 4,200 18.17 9.94 113,788 95, 293 :t4. 250 .72 1854 - 2, tiOO 2.389 347, 542 4, 500 18.75 11.00 163, 486 108, 651 5,000 .73 1855 - 2, 944 2, 515 542, 662 4,800 23.10 12.08 216,543 122,452 10, 185 .71 1856 - 3,243 2, 688 687.050 5,100 25.38 13.80 238, 624 131.592 4.623 .66 1857 - 3, 562 2,945 953, 055 5. 400 24.60 15.10 300,410 1.53.613 je.oco .66 1858 - 3,807 3.482 1,127,191 5,700 27.02 14.92 372,196 167,110 7, .584 .68 1859 - 3,990 3,700 1.185,192 6, 000 22.93 14.29 5:^6, 861 177,871 7, 772 .65 1860 - 4,331 4,045 1,314,386 6,:iOO 24.20 15. 3C 681,118 194,357 6, 473 .69 IStil - 4,558 4,211 1,302,732 6, 600 23. 01 14.62 632,209 194, 264 6,451 .67 1S62 - 4,571 3, 909 1, 2.5.5, 85-J 7,069 25.82 15.82 658, 02:i 191.376 5.119 .64 litis - 4, 702 4,168 1,326,753 7,403 27.11 16.81 655,412 215. 16fl 10, 640 .70 1864 - 4, 930 4, 186 1,487,495 7, .579 32.3!i 19. 4S 745,790 211,119 12,063 .66 1865 - 4,578 4,338 1,4.5.5,322 7,582 36.45 22.24 ()i>u, t72 <23,067 7,986 .68 1866 4,620 4, 45ti 1,763,917 7.879 38.63 24.05 64(j, 894 234, 265 9,760 .69 1867 - 4, 612 4.565 2, 140, 358 8,3.57 40.76 26.34 '124- 689 239,915 18, 403 .70 1868 - 4,728 4,646 2, 573. 394 8,566 42. 97 27.18 1,023 053 249, 007 14, 67i' .78 186) - 4,735 4,742 2.973,492 8, 795 43.63 28.. 34 1,143,986 264,03.^ 15,389 .74 187 J - 4,802 4. 965 3, 295. 268 9,304 tll.77 t27.40 1,:}02,365 267,891 9,618 .70 1871 - 5,031 4,933 3,441.120 9.168 41.40 27.62 1.293,01(< 17«2,695 366,014 17,367 .69 187Z - 5, 103 4,979 3,611,607 9,267 43.33 27.04 370, 292 18,020 .69 18,-3 - 5,205 4, 957 3,99.5,4:2 8,900 43.38 27.52 1,417,395 383,477 9. .581 .68 le74 - 5, 2.50 5,113 3,713,875 9,332 47.44 32.13 1,302,694 278,768 10,873 .66 1875 - 5,489 5,260 4,266,775 9,451 43. 50 27.13 1,350,784 279, 854 10,733 .64 Yearly Wages iji the Cities for Six Years. Year. Female Teachers. 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 ?370 367 376 377 371 394 * The number of teachers employed is estimated for the first 13 years. tThe average wages of teachers in the independent cities are not included after the year 1869. J t Estimated. EDUCATION IN" WISCONSIN". 65 GKADED SCHOOLS. In 1875, there were 394 graded schools in the state. The number with two departments was 184, and the number with three or more was 210. Some of the inde- pendent districts have as many as five departments. These schools are situated in all our cities and larger villages, and even in many of the smaller villages. The state has given special and earnest attention to the formation of these schools, and its success in estab- lishing and developing them has been marked and praiseworthy. In an early period in our territorial history, two kinds of efforts were introduced to furnish the advantages which our present graded schools supply. These were the select schools, held by liberally educated teachers in the localities having the highest population; and the establishment of public schools, usually with two departments and connected with a rude system of classifying the pupils. Silas Chapman, who was for several years an active member of the board of normal regents, conducted the Milwaukee High School in 1842. He was preceded in this school by two other competent instructors. The pupils admitted had passed through the studies which are now taught in the primar}' depart- ments of our city schools. Rev. M. P. Kinney opened a select school in Kenosha in 1840, and continued it two years. He had charge of a smilar school in White- water in 1844. In these the higher branches were taught. Prof. J. W. Sterling, of the State University, started a select school, in connection with Mr. E. Enos, at Waukesha, in 1847, for the benefit of the advanced scholars of the place. At Geneva a school was con- Q6 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ducted in 1848, with an imperfect grading of the pupils into two departments. In 1850, Edward Salomon, ex- governor, taught a public school for six mouths, with some advanced classes, at Manitowoc. The state is largely indel)ted to Hon. J. G. McMynn for the first organization of its present graded schools, and for the vigorous impulse which has raised them into such prominence. The first effort to open a school of this kind was made by him in 181:9, at Kenosha. After teaching a select school during the winter of that year, he took the charge of the public school in June following, in the north ward of that city. Prof. Z. C. Graves, who had performed efficient labor in the first teachers' institutes held in Ohio, taught the public school in the south ward. Both had no experience in grading schools, and could get access to but little infor- mation on the subject. Col. McMynn says: "Neither Prof. Graves nor myself had ever visitM a graded school, but we succeeded, after making some mistakes, in dis- covering a plan which others had known long before, and which now generally prevails.'" These schools be- came in many respects the model after which many of the other schools in the state were formed. Col. McMynn writes: "I think that at the time, there were no other graded schools in the state. In 1851, I began to hear of schools similar to those at Kenosha being established in different parts of the state. In 1852, I visited Fond du Lac, and found a school there in charge of Walter Van Ness, which was well conducted, and tolerably well graded. J. J. Enos was then teaching in Madison, and ■was calling the attention of the people of that city to the importance of better school accommodations. The EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN". 67 schools of Racine were not graded nntil 1854." Those of the last city were placed under the management of Col. McM^-nn at the time of their formation, and he re- mained in charge of them for seven years. Here his eminent fitness for this work was fully exhibited. He placed these schools at the very head of all the graded schools in the northwest; and he instructed a number of the first principals of similar schools elsewhere in the plans and methods which he employed. It would be pleasant to trace the history of other efforts to organize graded schools in other localities, and the valuable work which very many efficient teachers have performed in them. The costly buildings used by these schools, the wages paid the principals and the other teachers, the culture in these teachers demanded, the thorough discipline imparted to the pupils who pursue the full courses of study, and the large number in attendance upon these schools, all show their worth, and the esteem in which they are justly held. The need of introducing, into a larger number of them, the preparatory studies in the classical education is now recognized by many teachers in the state. In 1872, a law was enacted which provides that all graduates of any graded school in the state, who shall have passed an examination at such graded school, satisfactory to the faculty of the university, shall be admitted to the sul)freshman class and the college classes of the university, and shall be entitled to free tuition. A number have availed themselves of this privilege. In the necrology of the principals of our graded schools, three of them are worthy of special mention. 68 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Walter Van Ness died in 1857, at Fond du Lac. He was one of the earliest teachers in the graded schools, and the first secretarj^ of the State Teachers' Associa- tion. He was highly respected bj^ his associate educa- tors in the state. J. K. Purdy, after laboring nearly fifteen years in the schools of Fort Atkinson, and rais- ing them to an excellent standing, departed in the midst of his work in 1873. At the time of his death he was the president of the State Teachers' Association. Arthur Everett, of the Oshkosh High School, an accomplished scholar, a successful teacher, and honored in the com- munity where he resided, died in 1874. Resolutions of respect for these men have been adopted by the teachers of the state. EDUCATION" IN WISCONSIN. 69 CHAPTER IV. THE STATE INSTITUTIONS OF EDUCATION. Two kinds of these institutions — literary and charit- able — have been under the management of the state. To the former belong the state university and the four state normal schools ; and to the latter, the Institute for the Blind, the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, the Industrial School for Boy, sand the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. I. THE SOURCES OF THEIR SUPPORT. Both the general government and the state have fur- nished the means for founding and supporting these public institutions. The sales of land donated by con- gress have supplied the funds which have been used largely in the erection of the buildings, and in the endowment of the state university and the normal schools. In 1838, the United States granted to Wisconsin seventy-two sections of land; and in 1854, another seventy-two sections, for the support of a university and " for no other use or purpose whatsoever." Both these grants were located in the state, and amounted to 92,160 acres. From the sale of these lands, the state has realized, as net proceeds, $307,595.32; of this sum, $209,255.89 constitute the present productive fund of the university — $104,339.43 having been withdrawn in 70 . HISTORICAL SKETCH OP 1862 to pay for the buildings which had been pre- viously erected. By an act of congress in 1862, the state received 210,000 acres of land for the endowment of an agricultural college, Avhich was connected in 1866 with the university. This grant has yielded to the state the sum of 1231,633.00, called the agricultural collage fund. Thus, on the 30th of September, 1875, the state university had received §539,228,32, through the munificence of the general government. At the same time, 4,407 acres of the university lands, and 52,403 acres of the agricultural college lands remained unsold. The three grants of congress should have supplied this institution with a much larger fund; but the state, by its mismanagement in the custody and sale of these lands, has occasioned a great loss and impairment of the fund. Efforts at restitution have been made. The state passed a law in 1867, appropriating annually, for ten years, $7,303.76, to the income of the university; and this sum was equal to the interest on the moneys taken from the productive fund in 1862, to meet the debts for the erection of the buildings. As a compen- sation in part for its neglect in the disposition of the university lands, the state voted in 1872 another an- nual appropriation of $10,000 to the university income. Previously, in 1870, it had given $50,000 to provide the building for the female college. In 1875, it appropri- ated $80,000 to furnish a hall for scientific purposes, and transferred to the university the property of the Soldiers' Ophans' Home, which has since been sold for $18,000. So the state has paid $105,751.84 toward the annual income of the university, and contributed for EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN", 71 all purposes, ^235,769.81. On the 6tli of March, 1876, an act was passed to repeal the laws for the annual appropriations, and substituting in their place a pro- vision for a yearly tax of one-tenth of a mill on each dollar of the assessed valuation of the taxable property. This tax will furnish, at least, ^40,000 a year to the income of the university, and '' it shall be deemed," the act states, "" a full compensation for all deficiencies in said income arising from the disposition of the lands donated to the state by congress in trust for the benefit of said income.'" In addition to these donations from the state, Dane county issued bonds, in 1866, to the amount of $40,000, for purchasing lands lying con- tiguous to the university grounds for an experimental farm, and for the erection of suitable buildings thereon, to be used by the agricultural college. In 1875, there had been paid $21,000 on these bonds, and the funds had been employed for the purposes designated. The constitution of the state provides that a portion of the income of tbe school fund shall be applied for the support of normal schools. Nothing was done under this provision until 1857, when twenty-five per cent, of the proceeds of the swamp and overflowed lands was set apart by law to aid normal institutes and academies. In 1865, the legislature directed that the swamp lands and the swamp land fund shall be divided into two equal parts — one to be used for drainage purposes, and the other to constitute a normal school fund. The value of the lands and productive items allotted to the latter was estimated to be $1,128,246. The amount belonging to this fund, and productive at the time, w^as $594,581.87. In 1875, this fund had reached $976,364.34, 72 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF and 612,774 acres of the land were still unsold. The four places in which the normal schools are located have contributed quite large amounts of money to this fund for the purchase of the sites, and toward the erec- tion of the buildings. Platteville gave the grounds and buildings of the Plattville academy, and $6,500 in cash; Whitewater, ten acres of land and $25,000 in cash; Oshkosh, a site and $30,000 in cash; and Kiver Falls, a site and $25,000 in cash. The charitable institutions have been founded and maintained solely by appropriations from the state treasury". The following sums had been paid in 1875 for the several schools ; the Institute for the Blind, $546,097.91; the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, $576,121.83; the Industrial School, $171,01^0.00; and the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, $312,010.91. A summary of these statements shows that the state university and normal schools have received aid from the United States, in the donation of lands, to the amount of $1,515,592.66; and from the state, including bonds of Dane county and the cash donations of the four localities to normal schools, to the amount of $362,- 269.81. The appropriations of the state to the charit- able schools, at the close of last year, were in all, $1,935,553.68. The grand total aid for these public institutions of education is, $3,813,396.18. II. THE STATE UNIVERSITY. Gov. Dodge recommended to the first territorial legis- lature, in 1836, that congress be requested to grant aid to establish an institution for the education of the state, and to be governed by the legislature. This was EDUCATIO>q- IN WISCONSIN". 73 the first official action looking toward the foundation of the State University. The same legislature passed an act to locate the university at Belmont, the place where it was then holding its session. Other charters Avere granted by the territory for the incorporation of this institution in other localities. An act of the legisla- ture was approved January 19, 1838, establishing " at or near Madison, the seat of government, a university for the purpose of educating youth, the name whereof shall be, ' The University of the Territory of Wisconsin.' " The delegate in congress was directed to ask that body to appropriate $20,000 for the erection of the buildings of the university, and two townships of vacant land for its endowment. Congress made, in the same year, ap- propriations of lands, as has already been* shown; and tliis grant was afterwards confirmed to the state for the university. The territorial legislature accepted the appropriation, and provided for the selection of a por- tion of the lands. The last act of incorporation ap- pointed a board of visitors, who had the control of the university; but they accomplished nothing, although they remained legally in office until the state was or- ganized, in 1818. The constitution of the state declares that provision shall be made by law for the establishment of a state university; and that the proceeds of all lands granted by congress to the state shall remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which shall be appropriated to its sup- port. The state legislature, at its first session, passed an act, approved July 26, 1818, establishing the univer- sity at Madison, defining its government and its various departments, and authorizing the regents to purchase a 6 74 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP suitable site for the buildings, and to proceed to the erection of the same after having obtained from the legislature the approval of the plans. The act of 1838 was repealed. The regents were soon after appointed, and their first annual report was presented to the legis- lature January 30, 1849. They had selected a site, sub- ject to the approval of the state, organized a prepara- tory department, and elected a chancellor. The univer- sity was thus opened, with John H. Lathrop, from the university of Missouri, as its first chancellor ; and with John W. Sterling, as the principal of the preparatory department. The latter received twenty young men as students, February 5, 1849, and heard their recitations in a lower room of the high school building of Madison. Chancellor Lathrop was not formally inaugurated until January 16, 1850. A number of the prominent citizens of the state have acted on the board of university regents. The superin- tendent of public instruction has, by virtue of his office, always been a member. Govs. Harvey, Lewis, and Salomon, and Maj. Gen. Hamilton, have been presi- dents of the board. Hon. Geo. H. Paul is now serving as that officer. The first university building, the north dormitory, was completed, and occupied in 1851. It is one hundred and ten feet in length, forty feet in width, and four stories in height. The south dormitory, of the same size, was erected in 1854. The central edifice, known as the University Hall, was finished in 1859. The Ladies' Hall Avas completed in 1872 ; and the Science Hall is in process of erection, and will be occupied, it is expected, this coming fall. EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 75 All the buildings are located on the university grounds. The first college classes were formed September IT, 1851. Prof. 0. M. Conover had already begun his work as tutor, and was subsequently engaged as a professor for six years. Two gentlemen were, in 1851, the first graduates. The administration of Chancellor Lathrop continued until 1858. The other professors employed under him were, S. Pearl Lathrop, who died in 1851; Daniel Reed and Ezra S. Carr, who continued their ser- vices until 1868 ; .John P. Fuchs and Auguste Kurstei- iier, who were present one or two years. By 1858, only fourteen gentlemen had graduated, all of whom had received from the university the degree of Master of Arts. The attendance of the students had ranged, per terra, from forty-four to one hundred and ten ; and of these, the collegiates numbered from six to fifty-nine, and the preparatories from fifteen to fift3'-four. Stu- dents from fourteen to thirty-nine in number, are clas- sified as pursuing select studies. An attempt was made at reorganization in 1858, and the departments of instruction were enlarged. James D. Butler, Jo.^eph C. Pickard, Thomas D. Coryell, and David H. Tullis were added to the faculty. Henry Bar- nard, of Hartford, Conn., was chosen second chancellor, and entered upon his office, July 27, 1859 ; and resigned in consequence of ill-health, January 17, 1861. He gave but little attention to the instruction of the classes, but directed his efforts toward the general man- agement of the university, and as the agent of the nor- mal regents in conducting teachers' institutes. The impetus and direction which he imparted to the educa- 76 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF tional interests of the state were very manifest ; and they have since redounded to the welfare of the univer- sity and of the public schools. A complete reconstruction of the institution took place in 1866. During the five years previous the uni- versity had no chancellor. Prof. Sterling, as the dean of the faculty, or the vice chancellor, performed the du- ties of the office. In fact, the care and administration Were very largely committed to him all the time after the resignation of Chancellor Lathrop, in 1858, until a president was secured in 1867. The labors of this faith- ful and accomplished professor — the first teacher in the iiniversity, and still in active service — have always been duly appreciated by the other members oi the faculty, and by the students. In this " interregnum," a normal department was added under the charge of Prof. Chas. H. Allen, and ladies were admitted to its classes. The income from the fund had steadily decreased; and, when the university began the work of reconstruction in the fall of 1866, there were only $5,616.10 on hand to meet the expenses of the ensuing year. The number of stu- dents had largely increased under Prof. Sterling's man- agement. The highest attendance in any single year was three hundred and sixty-one. The collegiates re- mained nearly the same, but the preparatories and the unclassified had more than doul:)led. The chief occasion for the radical change was the organization of the Agricultural College in connection with the university. The magnificent grant of land by congress, for this college, was bestowed by the legisla- ture, April 12, 1866, upon the institution. In the midst of a sharp competition, this measure was effected EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 77 largely through the efforts of Dr. J. W. Hoyt, the sec- retary of the State Agricultural Society. A new act of incorporation was passed, and a new board of regents were appointed. There were created the College of Arts, the College of Letters, and such professional and other colleges as may be added from time to time. The instruction was to be opened alike to male and female students. As soon as the income would permit, the ad- mission and tuition should be free to all residents in the state. The government of the several colleges was en- trusted to their several faculties. Prof. Sterling was the only member of the old faculty who was retained. P. A. Chadbourne, of Williams Col- lege, Massachusetts, was chosen president of the insti- tution, in 1867; and he prosecuted, with remarkable zeal and ability, the work of a thorough reorganization. A new faculty was selected, new courses of study were in- troduced, and the normal department was converted into a female college. In the College of Arts, the de- partment of agriculture was organized, in 1868, with Prof. W. W. Daniells at the head. Previously, a farm of nearly one hundred and ninety-five acres, west of the old university premises, had been bought for the use of this department. Under Col. W. R. Pease was formed the department of engineering and military tactics. This is now under the instruction of Col. W. J. L. Nicodemus. A special course in mining and metallurgy was placed in the charge of Prof. Roland Irving. In the department of general sciences, Prof. John E. Da- vies was appointed to the chair of natural history and chemistry. In the College of Letters, the department of the ancient classics was established, and that of the <» HISTORICAL SKETCH OF modern classics v/as afterwards added. A sub-fresliman course in the classics was appointed for the preparatory students. The following professors were selected for these departments: Wm. F. Allen, Rev. T. N. Haskel, J. B. Parkinson, Dr. S. H. Carpenter, and John B. Feu- liug. Subsequently, Alexander Kerr and R. B. Ander- son were added. A College of Law was created, and a faculty chosen, with J. H. Carpenter as the dean, and the judges of the supreme court as members. The charge of the lady students was committed to Miss Elizabeth Earle, the preceptress. This position is now filled by Mrs. D. E. Carson. President Chadbourne, enfeebled in health, resigned at the end of three years' work. All^ the interests of the university had been very greatly improved under his administration. Enthusiasm, thoroughness in the class room, and confidence in the success of the univer- sity were established. His plans have, in the main, been followed in the subsequent management of the in- stitution. Large additions of students were made to all the departments — the highest attendance in any one year being four hundred and ninety-one. The presidency was not occupied until 1871; and then Rev. John H. Twombly was elected to the position, and remained in it until 1871. The year of vacancy was filled by Prof. Sterling, the vice president. The female college was abolished in 1873, and the lady students were then admitted to all the departments on equality "with the gentlemen. The institution steadily advanced in prosperity, as the different departments began to de- velop their work. In a single year five hundred and seventeen students were admitted into the classes; EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 79 and, ill the four years, one hundred and fifty-two grad- uated. The present incumbent, John Bascom, of Williams College, was elected January 21, 1874, and he began his labors at the opening of the following spring term. He has shown such comprehensive views and such vigorous control of the university that its further substantial growth and usefulness are assured. Last year the in- structional force consisted of twenty-seven professors and teachers, and four hundred and eleven students were enrolled, three-fifths of whom were members of the regular college classes. III. NOKMAL SCHOOLS. The state, in forming the public school system, con- templated the establishment of normal schools. The legislature in organizing the university, in 1848, re- quired it to provide a department of the theory and practice of elementary instruction. Accordingly, the regents of the universit}^ ordered, in the following year, the creation of a normal professorship, and free normal instruction to all suitable candidates. Nothing, how- ever, was accomplished, for some years, under this pro- vision. The operations of the public schools soon deepened the conviction that the state must, at the ear- liest day practicable, furnish the means for training thoroughly its teachers. The first reports of the state superintendents, the resolutions adopted at the early local and state associations of teachers, and occasional articles in the newspapers urged the organization of normal schools. The academies, the preparatory classes in the colleges, and a few high schools endeavored to 80 HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF meet, in part, the imperative demand for more intelli- gent and skillful teachers. The prominent educational men began an earnest effort to secure distinctively nor- mal instruction nnder the control of the state. In 1855, the State University appropriated $500 to the support of the department for qualifying teachers, and elected Prof Daniel Read as their instructor. Eighteen young men attended the lectures presented by him on the principles and methods of teaching. Another class of fifty-nine students was formed, in 1860, for a single term, under this department. But, in 1863, the work was committed to the care of Prof Chas. H. Allen, who had served for several years as the agent of the normal school regents; and it immediately assumed a new form, and prospered under his vigorous management. He re- signed at the end of two .years, and was succeeded by Prof J. C. Pickard, who was also an efficient instructor. This department was closed in 1868. During its con- tinuance, twenty-five students — all ladies — had grad- uated. The next movement in establishing normal instruc- tion, was the act of the legislature, in 1857, in creating the normal school income from one-fourth of the swamp land fund. This was an event of vast importance to the school interests of the state. The inception of the idea and the honor of securing its adoption by the legis- lature, belong quite largely to Prof A. C. Spicer, a for- mer principal of Milton College. This act directed that the income of this fund should be distributed among the academies and colleges which maintained normal classes, and in proportion to the number of students therein who passed a successful examination conducted EDUCATION IN" WISCONSIN. 81 by an agent of the normal school board. Shortly after, the high schools were added to the list. The measure was in force eight years, and limited aid was granted each year to several institutions. But in 1865, this law was repealed, and the income from one-half of the proceeds of the swamp lands was devoted to maintaining separate normal schools under the direction of the board of normal regents. A portion of this income, as already stated, was diverted until 1870, toward the support of the common schools. In 1866, the board of regents was incorporated by the legislature ; and it began at once to secure the estab- lishment of normal schools in different parts of the state. Propositions were received that year from vari- ous places, asking for the location of the schools. Platteville was designated as a site for one of the schools, and WhiteAvater for another. In the former place, the school was opened October 9, 1866, and Prof. Chas. H. Allen assumed the charge, which he held over four years. He was succeeded by Prof. E. A. Charlton, the present incumbent, from Lockport, N. Y. The Whitewater school began operations April 21, 1868, under the presidency of Prof Oliver Arey, who was formerly connected with the normal schools at Albany and Brockport, N. Y. By a similar method, the board have located and opened two other schools. That at Oshkosh was dedicated September 19, 1871 ; and Prof. Geo. S. Albee, formerly principal of the public schools of Racine, was placed at the head. The River Falls school, with Prof W. D. Parker as its principal, com- menced work September 2, 1875. Prof Parker was the former principal of the public schools of Janesville. 82 HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF All these institutions have grown into great favor in the state. They are supplied with competent faculties, and are fully attended each year by students. The buildings are large, commodious, and substantial. Tui- tion is free to all normal pupils. Six representatives from each assembly district in the state can be sent to these schools. An elementary course of study for two 3'ears, and an advanced course for four years are pur- sued in each school. Already some of the graduates in the more advanced course are occupying responsible positions in our best graded schools, and in the normal schools themselves. From the beginning, the operations of the normal school board have given great satisfaction to the state. Their deliberations have been uniformly harmonious and painstaking, and their actions have been judicious and vigorous. The income of the great fund in their hands has been managed with the strictest economj'; and the best possible results from the use of this income have been secured. A careful and constant supervision, is exercised overall the schools through the officers of the board, and through appropriate committees. Only three presidents have served in the board : the first, Rev. M, P. Kinney, of Racine, a part of the year 1857, when the board was first created ; the second, Hon. C. C. Sholes, of Kenosha, from the following year until 1867, when he died ; and the third, Hon. Wm. Starr, of Ripon, who succeeded Mr. Sholes. Hon. Hanmer Rob- bins, of Platteville, and Hon. Wm. E. Smith, of Milwau- kee, were active regents, and a portion of the time vice presidents of the board, from 1858 until 1872 for the for- mer, and from 1858 until 1876 for the latter. Lucius Fair- EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 83 child, when he was governor of the state, participated with a most livel}' interest in the transactions of the board. The accompanyiug table shows the current expenses, the attendance of the pupils in each department, and the graduates in the fuller course of study, the whole number of students at the end of each academic j'ear, a,Ad the annual cost per student, in the schools at Platteville, Whitewater, and Oshkosh, since their open- ing. No statistics of the River Falls school are pre- sented, as it has not yet completed its first year. PLATTEVILLE NORMAL SCHOOL. Year Current Expenses. ermedi- t e and cadeir.ic tudents. Normal Stu- dents. Graduates o . c -2 ^ a; o rt >.5 Sec a =''^^ Male. Female Male. Fern. -=-/2 l-H ^ >^ a 1807 $8,53f. 98 70 41 38 61 210 $40 60 lh(i8 10,048 07 116 64 64 79 316 31 10 1809 14,5:W 01 49 165 69 81 6 i> 364 39 93 isru 11.3H2 ;w 63 162 77 107 10 5 391 29 14 IbTl 14,295 9B 55 163 81 92 4 8 391 36 56 187^ 12, 116 43 61 145 82 116 5 3 404 29 93 1873 14,982 19 65 161 90 92 15 11 408 36 72 1874 19,(348 61 79 193 83 112 4 6 467 43 05 1875 30,504 52 42 353 104 109 3 G 460 44 57 Total $126,049 16 .... 1 47 41 WHITEWATER NORMAL SCHOOL. Normal Stu- Graduates o . |s Year Current Expenses. :§! i^ii dents. ^ g "Stc g.^ Male. Female Male. Fem. J=-J2 1868 $6,654 97 32 70 20 28 150 $44 36 1869 16,834 27 47 143 95 362 46 23 1870 12,077 69 42 131 70 118 5 1 3H1 .33 46 1871 11,941 39 36 68 80 110 2 8 394 40 61 1872 13,571 66 45 107 76 145 1 5 362 37 49 1873 16,.W8 22 38 53 120 166 6 8 3(J7 45 06 1874 16,035 80 46 51 88 146 5 10 356 47 72 1875 16, 157 81 51 84 80 134 1 6 341 47 3:i Total $109,811 81 20 38 84 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF OSHKOSH NORMAL SCHOOL. Teak Current Expenses. 1=' S03 Intermedi- ate and Academic Students. Normal Stu- dents. Graduates . Male. Female Male. Fem. 1873 1873 1874 1875 $15,795 06 17,363 13 17,782 40 21,2il6 95 62 56 71 57 79 157 178 158 71 91 102 119 102 170 Kitj 170 "3 '5 314 4(i3 527 ,'i04 $50 03 37 93 33 72 42 25 Total $72,237 54 3 5 IV. CHARITABLE SCHOOLS. The action of the state in caring for its unfortunate and criminal clas.ses has been ample and praiseworthy. Our purpose leads us, as already announced, to consider only the provisions which have been made for the youth of these tAvo classes, by the establishment of charitable and correctional schools. Besides furnishing the means for the education of the blind, the deaf and dumb, the vicious boys, and the soldiers' orphans, the state has not altogether forgotten the needs of the feeble minded. The attention of the legislature has been called, at sev- eral sessions, to the duty of providing an institution for this last class; but the expenditures of the state in enlarg- ing its prison, and in eKecting a second hospital for the insane, have thus far prevented any distinctive work from being done in this direction. An industrial school for girls is also demanded. A private one has been opened for the city of Milwaukee, through the exertions of Mrs. W. P. Lynde, a member of the State Board of Charities. EDUCATION IS" WISCONSIN". 85 1. Institute for' the Blind* This institution is located at Janesville, and was tlie first establislied by the state for the benefit of the un- fortunate. A school for the blind had been opened in the latter part of the year 1849, by the citizens of that place and vicinity. Its operations were brought to the notice of the legislature, and it was adopted by the state in an act which was approved, Februar}' 9, 1850, and which provided for its entire support from the public treasury. The charge of it is now committed to five trus- tees, appointed by the governor. They serve without any compensation for three years, and employ a superintend- ent, teachers, and other persons necessary for the man- agement of the school. The object of the institution is declared by law to be " to qualif}^ as far as may be, ' the blind,' for the enjoy- ment of the blessings of a free government, obtaining the means of subsistence, and the discharge of those duties, social, and political, devolving upon American citizens." The design of the school is, therefore, to edu- cate those blind persons in the state, who are of suitable age and capacity to receive instruction. Pupils are re- ceived who are between the ages of eight and twent}'- one years. They reside in the building provided for them, and are supported and taught free of charge. Twice in its history the experiment has been tried of requiring the payment of tuition, or the presentation of oflicial certificates of inability to pay. The result in each case was so disastrous to the usefulness of the in- * In preparing the history of the charitable iustitiitions, use has been made of sketches of them In the recent editions of the Legislative Manual for Wisconsin. 86 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF stitution, that the original policy Avas speedily resumed. The funds for the support of the school were derived, the first year, from a tax of one-fifteenth of a mill on each dollar of taxable property; but it has since been supported by annual appropriations. The institution was first opened for the reception of pupils on the 7th of October, 1850. It occupied a rented building until June 1, 18.52, when it was removed into an edifice erected for its use at a cost of about $3,000. The lot of ten acres had been donated by the owners, and now forms a part of the grounds belonging to the school. This new edifice was so arranged as to admit of becoming the wing of a larger one, which was commenced in 185^1:, and fully completed in 1859. In 186i-65, a brick building was provided for a shop and for other purposes — a small wooden one having previ- ously been used several years for a shop. The founda- tion of the wing already built proved to be defective, and in 1867, that portion of the building had to be re- moved. The next year, work was begun on an extension which should replace the demolished portion, and afford room for the growth of the school. This was completed in 1870, and the value of the buildings, grounds, and personal property belonging to the institution was esti- mated to be $182,000. On the 13th of April, 1874, the building was destroyed by fire; and at the ensuing ses- sion of the legislature, an appropriation of '$56,000 was made for the erection of a new edifice on the old site, but on a somewhat different plan. The school was not allowed to close on account of the fire. The board of trustees procured suitable accommodations for the pupils in the city of Janesville, where the work of the school EDUCATION IN" WISCONSIN". 87 was carried on until January 1, 1876, when the new building was ready for occupancy. Another misfortune awaited the institution in the loss of its superintendent, Prof. Thomas H. Little, who died after a brief but painful illness, February 4, 1875, He had received injuries in the burning of the main building, and suffered subsequently fn)m anxiety and labor in his oversight of the pupils under the disadvant- ages of their temporary home. He was a man of rare abilities for the position which he filled over thirteen years. Under him the school attained a high standing, through his labors the State Board of Charities was cre- ated, and he was favorably known abroad for his enlight- ened vie^vs and his distinguished success in his work. He was succeeded by his wife, Mrs. Sarah F. C. Little, the first instance in this country of the appointment of a woman to the he.nd of such an institution. Six other gentlemen had preceded Prof. Little as superintendent; and only one. Prof. W. H. Churchman, an accomplished officer, remained longer than two years. The president of the board of trustees, A. A. Jackson^ Esq., of Janesville, has occupied the position four years. He was preceded by R. B. Treat, M. D., now of Chicago. J. B. Whiting, M. D., is the secretary; and J. B. Doe, Esq., the treasurer of the board. These officers have contributed largely to the prosperity of the institu- tion. The school has three departments of instruction: one embraces the subjects usually taught in our common schools; another furnishes training in vocal, instru- mental, and theoretical music; and the third teaches the girls sewing, knitting, and various kinds of fancy work, 88 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF and the boys broom-making, and the seating of cane- bottom chairs. Table sliowing for each year the amount appropriated^ the attend~ ance of pupils, and the cost 2)er pupil for support, i}i the Institute for the Blind: Year. Current Buildings, Total. Num- ber of Yearly cost per Expenses. etc. Pupils. Pupil. 1850 - - $1, 3()S 62 $l,3()a 62 8 $171 08 1851 - - 2,000 00 "".^3,"(i6(J'6o 5. 000 00 9 222 23 1852 - - 2. 000 00 2, 500 00 4.. 500 00 9 222 23 1853 - - 2,500 00 2, .500 00 13 192 31 1854 - - 3,500 00 "'"i2!(W)"6o 15, 50O 00 16 218 75 1855 - - 4,000 00 5,000 00 9.0(10 00 14 285 71 1858 - - 5, 000 00 10, OIK) 00 1.5,000 00 19 26;3 15 1857 - - 7,000 00 15,000 00 22,000 00 30 350 00 1858 - - 5 000 (X) 7, 530 79 12, .530 79 25 200 00 1859 - - 0,000 OJ 0..575 00 1.5, .575 00 32 281 25 18()0 - - 9, (,'00.00 3, 70O 00 12,70.) 00 36 250 00 18(;i - - 0,0)0 00 1,0 JO 00 10. 000 00 43 211 90 18fi-2 - - 8,800 00 8.810 00 52 169 23 18ti3 - - 12,000 0,t ""2. TOO "66 14,0(10 00 54 222 23 18ti4 - - 15,000 00 5, 0(;o 00 20, 00,) 00 59 254 34 18t)5 - - 19„500 0) t;,5oo 00 2(),0()0 00 58 336 30 18!iB - - 10, (X),) (K) 1(),(^0() 00 54 296 39 181)7 - - Iti.tHK) 00 '" i,'666'66 17.00:1 00 .54 296 29 1868 - - 18.000 00 60, 000 CO 78. 01 HI 00 60 ■?M 00 1 Still - - 18,000 00 .500 00 18.. 500 00 69 260 87 1870 - - 18,(100 GO 29. 800 00 47.800 00 64 381 25 1871 - - 18, 300 00 7,073 .50 35,. 573 .50 68 269 11 1872 - - 21,0.10 00 1, 400 00 22,400 00 76 263 16 1873 - - 20, ,500 00 2.50 00 20. 7.50 00 77 3156 18 1874 - - 10,000 00 3, 800 00 22, 800 00 75 253 34 1875 - - 18.000 00 65.000 00 83,000 00 82 319,41 Total $297,468 63 $248,62!) 29 $546, 097 91 1 .... 2. Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. The first mover in the interests of deaf-mute instruc- tion in the state was Mr. Ebenezer Cheesboro, a resident of Walworth county, whose deaf and dumb daughter had been educated at the New York Institution. The citizens of Delavan, in that county, became interested in the establishment of a similar institution. in this state. A private school for deaf-mutes was opened near the vil- EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 89 lage, and subsequently in it; and by an act of the legis- lature, April 19, 1852, it was incorporated as a state insti- tution, and fully organized in June following. The site is a very eligible one, and has been made beautiful by the tasteful arrangement of the grounds, and the careful training of foliage. The land first occupied was donated by Mr. F. K. Phoenix, a member of the first board of trustees. The original boundaries have been enlarged, so that the grounds of the institution now embrace nearly thirty-three acres. One of the wings of the build- ing was first erected, and the central portion and an- other wing were subsequently added. The whole edifice, constructed of brick, presents an attractive appearance, and furnishes excellent accommodations for the inmates. The institute is under the charge of five trustees, appoint- ed by the governor, each for the term of three years. The officers of the board are Rev. A. L. Chapin, president; Hon. Joseph Hamilton, secretary; and Hon. John E. Thomas, treasurer. The principal is Prof. W. H. De Motte, who was immediately preceded b}' Prof. Geo. L. Weed. Five others had held the same position, and among them was Prof. J. S. Ofiicer, who died February 3, 1865, after a service of eight years in the institution, honored and beloved in his labors. No pupils are received under ten years of age, while twelve years is regarded as the proper age for their ad- mission. The regular course of instruction occupies five years, and is divided into seven grades. The children of the state are not charged for board and tuition; but their friends are expected to provide clothing and pay incidental expenses. A class in articulation was formed last year. Two trades are taught, cabinet-making and 7 90 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF shoemaking. The shop for [the former was opened in March, 1860, the latter subsequently; and they both have become self-supporting. Table slioicingfor each year the amount appropriated, the attend- ance of pupils, and the cost per pupil for supjtort, in the Lisiitute for the Deaf and Dumb: Year. Cun-eut Expenses. Buildings. Total. Num- her of Pupils. Yearly Cost per Pupil. 3853 - - 185:i - - 1854 - - .$.500 00 4,000 00 7, 500 00 7, 060 00 7,000 00 i2,oa) 00 9, 000 00 15,100 00 13. .550 CO 14,000 00 12, 20 J 00 13,2.50 00 1.5, .5.50 00 19,000 00 27,684 4S 27,000 00 27, 000 00 30, OOJ 00 30,000 00 38,364 00 37,94!) 00 28, 500 00 35, 000 CO 31,500 00 *3.C00 00 5,u00 CO .f 3, .500 Oil 9,(00 00 7, .500 00 7, .500 00 7,300 0:) 34,. 500 CXt 15,500 00 19,61)0 00 29,450 00 14,060 00 12, 2 1) 00 13.2.50 IK) 15,. 5.5 J 00 41,0tKl (0 41,. 585 Ki 35, 000 01) 27,600 00 33,000 00 34,176 (K) 3H,3t;4 10 37,949 CO 28.500 00 35,0110 00 36.000 00 8 16 31. 34 49 56 52 79 87 8() 83 89 80 91 104 las 95 112 144 149 104 176 176 180 ?62 50 250 OO 241 93 1855 - - 1856 - - 18.57 - - 18.58 - - 1859 - - 1860 - - 1861 - - 500 00 300 00 22, .500 CO 6,5(X) 00 4, 500 ( 15, 900 00 205 88 142 86 214 28 173 08 189 87 155 75 162 79 1862 - - 146 98 1863 - - 1864 - - 147 74 194 37 1865 - - 1866 - - 1867 - - 1868 - - 22,030 OJ 13,901 35 8, 0^0 00 20S 78 266 25 250 00 284 21 1869 - - 1870 - - 1871 - - 1872 - - 3,000 00 4, 176 00 267 85 208 40 284 29 231 34 1873 - - 161 93 1874 - - 1875 - - ] Total - i,',566"66"' 198 86 191 67 $-165,647 48 $110, 777 35 $.576,424 83 3. IndusiriaJ ScliooJ for Boys. This institution is situated about three-fourths of a mile west of the railway depot, in the village of Wau- kesha. The buildings are located on the southern bank of Fox river, and are arranged into a main central edifice and six family houses, all three stories high. They are built of stone with slate roofs, and are in- tended to be substantial 1}^ fire proof. In addition to EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 91 these buildings there are two stone shops, barns, and sheds. A farm of two hundred and thirty-three acres belongs to the institution, and the most of it is under good cultivation. An act of the legislature Avas approved,' March 7, 1857, providing for the establishment of the institution, then known as the House of Refuge. The name was subse- quently changed to State Reform School, and still later, to Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys, its present title. The first building was formally opened for the reception of delinquent boys, July 25, 1860, and Moses Barret was appointed superintendent. At that time, a few countries in Europe, and some of the New England states and New York had organized similar institutions. Our House of Refuge was at first a juvenile prison Avith its cells and grates. It was formed on the congregate plan with its crowd of boys in a single company. The law enacts that it '' shall be the place of confinement and instruction of all male children between the ages of ten and sixteen years who shall be legally committed by any competent court as vagrants, or on conviction of any criminal offense, or for incorrigible or vicious conduct." The present superintendent. Rev. A. D. Hendrickson, was elected in 1865. Under his administration, the school has been remarkably successful. In the winter succeeding his election, the main building with nearly all its contents was consumed by fire. The small build- ings left standing have been moved and remodeled; and ten additional edifices for different purposes have since been erected. The farm has been quadrupled in size, and stocked with cattle, hogs, and other animals. The yj^ HISTORICAL SKETCH OF gl'oiinds on whicli the buildings are situated liave been laid out into drives and shaded walks, and ornamented \vith hedges, shrubs, and trees. The school has been converted into a home with its social relations, and its family circle. It is a miniature colony with its houses and workshops, its farms and gardens, its schools and libraries, and its social and religious facilities. In the sixteen years of its history, 1,184 children have been under its instruction; and of this number about one- fourth were, last year, still members of the institution. A 'large per centage of those who have been discharged iare now quiet, industrious, and respected citizens. Of the board of managers, Hon. Andrew E. Elmore has been a member from the beginning, and has aided very materially in the management and growth of the school. Edward O'Neill is president, and Hon. Chas. R. Gibbs secretary. The income of the institution is drawn from the products of its workshops and farm, from annual appropriations by the state, and from charges against counties for maintaining a certain class of inmates. The second is the chief source. The instruction in the school proper is given in six depart- ments, and is confined principally to the common Eng- lish branches. Some of the boys learn farm work and gardening, and others such trades as shoe-making, tail- oring, broom-making, and mason work. EDUCATION IN" WISCONSIlSr. 93 Table showing for each year the amount appropriated, the numher of inmates, and the cost 2yer inmate for srqyport in the Indus- trial School for Boys : Year. Current Expensoe. Buildings, etc. Total. Whole No. of Inmat'.x Yearly Cost per Inmate. 1860 - - .1!4,953 81 .f4,953 81 39 .1!12;' 02 130 65 1861 - - 5,879 17 *1. 143 63 7.051 79 58 1863 - - 5,861 31 509 63 6.370 84 80 90 ir 1863 - - 6,916 33 347 75 7,363 97 98 83 33 1864 - - 13,456 53 3, 500 00 15.9.i6 63 1.55 85 10 1865 - - 19, 756 47 747 91 20,. '504 38 245 116 21 1866 - - 24,036 14 29,804 76 53.830 90 209 1.50 60 1867 - - 24, 347 56 13.3.55 35 37,603 91 217 149 68 1868 - - 36.741 83 11. 178 03 37,919 86 227 163 or 18b9 - - 34, 983 34 4,. 50 7 87 39,490 31 233 140 35 1870 - - 33, 103 M 13,449 12 4.5, .5,52 16 293 1. 3 41 1871 - - 33,3fr.7 95 3,439 59 35,817 54 2.-8 125 05 1873 - - 36,538 70 12,809 59 49,348 29 .347 1-.8 66 1873 - - 41, 4 r3 46 27, OOJ 00 68.472 46 363 145 01 1874 - - 43,453 02 5,640 05 49,099 07 403 148 oa 1875 - - 45, 156 70 14,000 00 59, 156 70 413 150 02 Total - $386,933 15 .1141,438 27 $528,361 42 4. Soldiers' Orphans' Home. At the close of the civil war, our state was the first in the Uniou to acknowledge her obligations to provide for the support and education of the orphan children of her soldiers who had died in the service. In the fall of 1865, Mrs. C. A. P. Harvey, the widow of Gov. Harvey, Hon. B. F. Hoi)kins, and other patriotic citizens in the state, raised by subscription $12,834.69 for the purpose of opening a Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Madison. The nse of the building, known as "Harvey Hospital," was donated by the national government. This was thor- oughly refitted and furnished, and thus converted into a home for the eighty-four orphans who were first ad- mitted, Januar}' 1, 1866. The property was purchased by the state for $10,000, and the home became a state 94 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF institution, March 31, 1866, Mrs. Harvey was made the superintendent, and remained in the position until May 1, 1867. This office has since been filled by Mr. F. B. Brewer, Rev. I. N. Cundall, Mr. W. P. Towers, and Prof. R. W, Burton. The management of the institu- tion has been under a board of trustees appointed by the governor. Gen. James Bintliff has been the presi- dent of the board for several years. During the year 1868, a substantial stone school building was erected on the premises of the home at a cost of $12,000. The number of inmates in the'institution having been quite largely reduced, the legislature, in 1874, directed that homes in private families should be obtained for the children over fourteen years of age; and that contracts should be made with parents or guardians to support those under that age until they were fourteen years old. A suitable allowance was made these parents or guard- ians, on the condition that the children under their care should attend school at least four months in each year. This act virtually closed the institution that year. For the nine years in which the school was in opera- tion, six hundred and eighty-three orphans were admit- ted, and $333,900 were appropriated to it by the state. These orphans were not only maintained, but educated and brought up to habits of industry. After 1870, a few of the pupils were supported each year at the nor- mal schools of the state. The home was established on the idea that the inmates, when fifteen years of age, would not need its protection; and, with this condition, the institution has served its purpose, and left a worthy monument of the tender regard of the state for the children of its fallen heroes. EDUCATIOX m WISCONSIN. 95 In 1871, the home received '123,000, as its share of the bequest of Horatio Ward, deceased, an eminent Ameri- can banker in London, England, who donated nearly ^100,000 to all the institutions of the kind in this country. An arrangement has been effected in this state, in accordance with the wish of the testator, to divide this bequest among those who have been inmates of the institution as they become of age — boys at twenty-one years, and girls at eighteen. In closing up the affairs of the home, the work had to be extended into 1875, and an appropriation was made to meet the current expenses of that year. Table showing for each pear the amount ajypropriatedy the num- ber of inmates, and the cost per inmate for support, in the Sol- diers' Orphans' Home : Year. Current Expenses. Buildings, etc. No. of Total. In- mates. Yearly Cost per Inmate. 1866 - 1867 1868 - 1869 1870 - 1871 1872 - - 1873 - - 1874 - 1875 - - ?25.000 40. UOO 40.000 45, 000 40, 200 41,400 31,40) 21,200 17,200 8,900 .f 10, 000 8,500 '2,"666 $35,000 40, 000 52, Olio 53,500 40, 200 41,400 31,400 23, 200 17, 20 J 8,900 298 275 315 279 331 310 271 243 159 35 $83 89 145 45 126 98 161 87 121 45 132 55 115 86 87 24 108 11 254 28 Total - $310,:i00 $32,500 $342,800 ©6 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHAPTER V. PRIVATE AND DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. I. UliTINCGRPORATED PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Many of the earliest public schools of the rural dis- tricts and the hest high schools of the cities originated in private efforts for the instruction of the children and youth. Some of the first select schools have been devel- oped into our best academies and colleges. If the work of education receives any proper attention in the new settle- ments of our country, it must usually commence in this manner. The effort has to lie local and independent. At the time when the school sj^stem under the state government was organized, a large number of unincor- porated private schools were in operation. During our territorial history, the most thoroughly competent teachers were employed in them. It was natural that schools of this character should be continued for a season even in some of the older set- tled places, after the present school system was estab- lished. To such an extent were they retained that superintendent Ladd complained, in one of his reports, of their deleterious influence upon the public schools. Quite large numbers of them have been maintained each year since the formation of the state. The attendance of pupils upon them has been annually reported to be from four thousand to eighteen thousand. A greater EDUCATION" IN WISCONSIN". 97 number than these, it is known, have been taught in them. Some of the religious denominations of the state sustain, in connection with a portion of their churches, schools with primary, intermediate, and grammar de- partments. This is particularly the case in our larger cities, and in some sections inhabited by our citizens of foreign birth. In these schools special religious instruc- tion is usually given. Some select schools for more advanced pupils are still kept in the cities and larger villages, on the idea that more careful instruction is im- parted, and a higher moral tone maintained in them than in the public high schools. A few kindergarten have been opened, the past two j^ears, principally in Milwau- kee. In the past sixteen years, other private schools, under the name of business and commercial colleges, have been sustained. At present there are at least eleven of them at work, most of which are unincorpo- rated. The principal ones are in Milwaukee, Madi- son, Janesville, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Green Ba}^, and La Crosse. Some of them sustain such relations to each other that the same scholarship can be used in them all. They are generally attended by one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and seventy-five students per year. The oldest and most prominent teacher in any of these schools is Prof Robert C. Spencer, of Mil- waukee. The Business College at Madison Avas under the successful management of Prof B. M. Worthing- ton for several years. The annual cost of tuition for each student in these institutions ranges from $40 to -fSO. 98 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF II. INCORPORATED ACADEMIES. A large number of academies have been chartered by the legishiture, but not all of them were ever organized, and only a fevy^ of them are now in operation. The ex- cellent graded schools, the preparatory departments of our colleges, and the normal schools, having performed the work which belongs to these institutions, have made the demand for them less than in some other states. Of the about thirty academies incorporated by the territory, only six were surviving when the state was organized, and only two, Platteville Academy and Milton Academy, are still in existence, though not in their original form. In 1837, Beloit Seminar}' was incorporated, but the school was not established until the fall of 1843. It closed its work, under Prof. S. T. Merrill, at the end of seven years, and its male department was merged into the Beloit College. Southport Acaderaj', at Kenosha, was chartered in 1839, and was taught, the first two years, by Rev. M. P. Kinney. He was succeeded by Gov. L. P. Harvey, who continued in charge until 1844, when the school was suspended. Platteville Academy . was first incorporated in 1839, but was not opened un- til 1844. It vacated its charter upon becoming a state normal school in 1866. Of its teachers. Prof. J. L. Pick- ard and Prof. Geo. M. Guernsey served the longest as principals, the former thirteen years and the latter seven. Prairieville Academy, at Waukesha, was chartered in 1841, but closed its operations after a brief experience. Select schools and a college having been opened in the place, the academy was no longer needed. Silas Chap- man was its principal teacher. Milton Academy began EDUCATIOISr IN" WISCONSIN". 99 as a select school with academic facilities in 1844; re- ceived its first charter from the territory in. 1848, and was converted into a college in 1867. The main teach- ers in charge under its academic career Avere Rev, S. S. Bicknell, Rev. A. W. Coon, Prof. A. C. Spicer, and Rev. W. C. Whitford. Janesville Academy was established under its charter in 1845, and its first principal was Rev. T. J. Ruger, the rector of the Episcopal Church of the place. He taught about a year^ and was succeeded by Levi Alden, who resigned in 1847. The charge of the academy then passed into the hands of Prof. A. B. Miller. It was, after a brief history, transformed into a high school, and connected with the graded school system of the place. Acts of incorporation have been granted by the state to a very large number of academic institutions. Among those which have been suspended, or do not maintain regular sessions, are Beloit Female Seminary, Allen's Grove Academy, Evansville Seminary, Janes- ville Wesleyan Seminary, Milton Institute, Baraboo Collegiate Institute, Brunson Institute, Lancaster In- stitute, Oconomowoc Seminary, Waterloo Academy, Marshall Academy, Waukesha Seminary, Kilbourn In- stitute, Appleton Collegiate Institute, River Falls Insti- tute, and Wesleyan Seminary at Eau Claire. Three kinds of woi-k have been performed in these institutions: preparing common school teachers, 3"0ung people for the business pursuits, and students for the college classes. The following academies receive students two or three terms in the year: Milwaukee Academy, German and English Academy of Milwaukee, St. Mary's Institute at Milwaukee, Kemper Hall at Kenosha, St. Catharine's 100 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Academy at Racine, Rochester Seminary, Lake Geneva Seminary, Big Foot Academy, Sharon Academy, Jef- ferson Liberal Institute, Albion Academy, Patch Grove Academy, Fox Lake Seminary, Wayland Institute at Beaver Dam, Elroy Seminary, Benton Female Academy, Saint Clara Academy at Sinsinawa Mound. Most of these receive both sexes, and a few, either boys or girls only. They are sustained almost entirely by their tui- tion fees; and are, on the main, giving instruction in the common English branches to a majority of their students. Some of the instructors in them have been among our most earnest and useful educators. These institutions have been organized mainly by the religious denominations, and supported by their patronage. In the department of secondary instruction, they are per- forming an indispensable service to the state, and are supplying the educational needs of the young people principally from the rural districts. The attention of the state has been directed, the past six years, by discussions in the legislature, reports of educational officers, and resolutions adopted in teach- ers' associations, to the great and increasing need of more academies, and more complete academic instruc- tion. The proposition to found county academies under the control and support of the state, has received a favorable consideration from several quarters. To fur- nish the academies already in existence with any aid, beyond the normal school income which was granted to a portion of them for seven years, has never met with an affirmative response. The provision in the constitu- tion against supplying religious seminaries with money from the state treasury, and the growing tendencies of EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 101 society on this subject, make it certain that these acade- mies, as well as the colleges under the control of the religious bodies, will not for a long time, if ever, receive any pecuniary help from the state. The high schools under the state system Avill apparently continue to ab- sorb the academies; and more of the secondary instruc- tion, and a better quality of it will be furnished by them. III. DENOMINATIONAL COLLEGES. Some of the institutions which have been chartered with collegiate privileges either have never organized classes in the full college courses of study, or they have abandoned these courses, and are now performing purely academic work. Carroll College was established by the Presbyterians, at Waukesha, in 1846. Prof. J. W. Sterling taught the first class that year. Under its President, Rev. John A. Savage, the institution reached its highest position as a college. For several years it has, under its present principal, W. L.^Rankin, limited its instruction to the academic studies. The Sinsinavva Mound College, a Catholic institution, was founded by Father Mazzuchelli in 1818. After a successful career of fifteen years, it was closed; and the property came into the possession of the Saint Clara Academy, whicli was established in its buildings in 1867. St. John's College, at Prairie du Chien, originated from an effort of the place, in 1866, to secure the first state normal school. It was for about two years under the charge of Prof. J. T. Lovevvell. It afterwards passed into the hands of the Catholics; and it has confined its attention almost entirely to academic work. Milwaukee Female 102 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF College, an unsectarian school, and Wisconsin Female College at Fox Lake, under the management of the Con- gregationalists, have given only secondary instruction, but of an advanced grade. The latter has been changed into a seminary for both boys and girls. Wa3dand University, at Beaver Dam, established l)y the Baptists in 1854, has, within the past two years, been rechart- ered as an institute with merely academic facilities. Eight of these denominational institutions conduct students through the full college studies, though they give instruction in the academic pi-eparatory courses. Beloit College was organized, in 1817, by the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In the following year, Rev. Joseph Emerson and Rev. J. J. Bushnell were appointed professors; and in 1819, Rev. A. L. Chapin was elected president, which office he has since held. The estimated value of the lands and buildings belonging to the col- lege, is $78,400; and the funds and endowments amount to $121,281.06. The whole attendance of different stu- dents in the college classes from the beginning, has been five hundred and fifty-four, of whom two hundred and sixteen have graduated at the institution. Galesville University was opened under the charge of Rev. Sani- muel Fallows, in 1859, and is connected with the Meth- odist denomination. Rev. H. Gilliland has been its president for several years. The value of its lands, buildings, and endowments^ is estimated to be $30,000. In 1873, it had graduated eighteen students — ten males and eight females. Lawrence University, of Appleton, is also a Methodist institution. It was started under a liberal donation from Hon. Amos A. Lawrence, of Boston, EDUCATION IN" WISCONSIN". 103 Mass. It was incorporated as an institute in 1847, and three years after as a college. The first principal was Rev. W. H. Sampson. The presidents have been Rev. Edward Cooke, Russell Z. Mason, and Rev. Geo. M. Steele. The property and funds are valued at 1157,500. Its graduates number one hundred and seventy-three — one hundred and fourteen males and fifty-nine females. Milton College is under the patronage of the Seventh- Day Baptists. The academy, founded in 1844, was converted, under the administration of Rev. W. C. Whitford, its president, into a college in 1867. The re- port of its financial condition shows that the value of the lands, buildings, and endowment notes is $46,125. It has graduated in its academic courses in all ninety- three students, and in its college courses twentj'-nine. Northwestern University, a Lutheran College, at Water- town, was established in 1865, and has Rev. A. F. Ernst for its president. The value of its property and funds is reported to be 155,000. Pio Nono College, at St. Francis station, south of Milwaukee, was organized, in 1871, as a Catholic institution. There are connected with it a seminary for the training of teachers, and a theological department which was created in 1856. The grounds and buildings of the college are worth $50,000; and its president from the opening has been Rev. J, Salzmann. The Racine college is considered to be a re- sult of the formation of the Nashotah House, an Episco- pal Theological Seminary, located in 1842, at the Nashotah Mission, near Summit. The college was founded at Racine in 1852. The presidents have been Rev. Roswell Park and Rev. James De Koven; and the whole number of students amounts to about fourteen 104 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF hundred, of whom one hundred and twenty-two have graduated. The college owns in property and endow- ment about $180,000. Ripon college began its work, in 1853, under the title of Brockway College, and has al- ways been supported by the Congregational churches. It assumed its present name in 1861, shortly after Rev. W, E. Merriman, the present head of the institution, was called to that position. The affairs of the college were in an unsettled state until its reorganization in 1863, Since that time sixty-eight students have graduated in the college courses. The estimated value of the proper- ty and funds is |121,410. EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN. 105 CHAPTER VI. MISCELLANEOUS. I. teachers' institutes. Public meetings for the discussion of educational topics were held in a number of places under the terri- torial government; and it is quite possible that some of these resembled an institute for the instruction of the public school teachers. More attention was then paid to this Avork in the southwestern portion of the state than elsewhere, and meetings of this kind were called at Hazel Green and Platteville. During the first ten years under the state organiza- tion, the labor performed in the teachers' institutes was desultory. It was given principally by the state super- intendents, in connection with the meetings of town and county associations of teachers. These meetings ■continued usually from two to six days; though a few are reported as lasting two weeks. The latter partook of the nature of long-termed institutes, in which regu- lar instruction was furnished in the branches of study taught in the district schools. Superintendent Ladd reports these as being held in 1852, and attended in some instances by eighty teachers. Generally these gatherings were for the purpose of enabling the teachers to compare with each other their views and methods of work, and to learn more definitely, by the means of lectures and discussions, what were the educational pro- gress and needs of the state. In 1859, was inaugurated the efficient system of 8 106 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF holding institutes, Avhich has been in operation to the present time. It grew out of the normal school Avork which the state had then organized in the academies, high schools, and colleges. By an act of the legislature the normal school board was authorized to employ an agent or agents who should, in addition to exercising supervisory control over the normal work of these insti- tutions, conduct teachers' institutes and give normal instruction to them. Tliey should do this in coopera- tion Avith the state superintendent. A sum sufhcient to defra}' the expenses of the agency Avas annually appro- priated out of the normal school fund. Dr. Henry Barnard was engaged as the general agent. He secured the services of Chas. H. Allen and others as assistants, and began the Avork Avith great vigor and enthusiasm. Some of the institutes held the first ^-ear enrolled as many as tAvo hundred and seventy-five, members. A number of the most earnest teachers in the state con- tributed in various Avays to the success of these insti- tutes. The hiAv Avhich provided for county superin- tendents in 1861, required each one to organize and conduct at least one institute each year. Subsequently, Col. J. G. McMynn, Rev. J. B. Pradt, and Prof J. C. Pickard, served as agents of the normal regents. In 1867, a laAv Avas passed stating more definitely the duties of the regents in holding institutes. They Avere empoAvered to spend annually five thousand dollars to meet the expenses of the Avork; and the district boards of the common schools Avere authorized to alloAv the teachers employed by them to attend these institutes Avithout losing any time in their schools. In 1871, provisions Avere made for conducting normal institutes in such counties as receiA^e the least direct benefit from EDUCATIOX IN WISCONSIN. 107 the normal schools, and they should be held at least four consecutive weeks, and a brief course of stud.y should be pursued in them. A sum not exceeding!: two thousand dollars per annum was appropriated from the state treasury to carry out these provisions. The least time ill which one of these institutes must l)e held has been changed the present year to two weeks. The normal regents have eflPected an arrangement by which one of the professors in each normal school acts, a portion of the year, as a conductor of institutes. Robert Graham, of the Oshkosh School, has been holding institutes under the board most of the time for eight years. Duncan McGregor, of the Platteville School, All^ert Salisbury, of the Whitewater School, and Jesse B. Thayer, of the River Falls School, have been engaged for shorter periods. Last summer and fall, they, in connection Avith a few other conductors, held six normal institutes and thirty-four others, the latter of which varied in length from one to three weeks. In some years, over sixty short-termed and long-termed institutes have been annually conducted. II. STATE teachers' ASSOCIATION. This association has been organized nearly twenty- three years, and has exerted a strong influence for the cause of popular education in the state. The most active and intelligent teachers have been its permanent supporters, and the localities in which it has held its meetings have given it a cordial welcome. It has led to the formation of many local associations of teachers, which have assisted in awakening a deeper interest on the subjects of education. Many attendants upon its annual meetings have returned to their quiet work with 108 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF quickened zeal and broader views of their special callino^. The measures adopted by the state, in the past twenty- years for the improvement of the educational system, have first been brought forward and pressed upon the attention of the people by the state association. Since 1868, an executive session of the members of* the association has generally been held at Madison in the holidays of each year. It has furnished an occasion for a more careful and thorough discussion of topics which were interesting educational workers at the time of each meeting. A convention of the county superin- tendents has usually been called, since 1862, in connec- tion with either the annual or the executive sessions of this body. .SxATisTiOt^ of the Annual Sessions of the State Teachers' As- Kociation. Date of Opening the Where Held. President. Secretary. §2 !h Session. t5a 1853 July 12 Madison - - J. 0. McMynn - - Walter Van Ness - 8 18M Aug. 9 Madison - - J. G. McMynn - - Walter Van Ness - 7 1855 Aug. 15 Kacine - - J. G. McMynn - - I). Y. Kilgorc - - 150 1851. Aug. 2J Bcloit - - - J.L. Pickard - - U. Y. Kilgore - - 175 1857 Aug. 13 Waukesha - A. C. Spicer - - A. A. Grimth - - 200 1858 Aug. 3 Portage City 0. M. (Jonoyer- - J. W. Strong - - 2.50 185(1 July 26 Madison - - A. Pickett - - - J. W. Strong - - 3.50 1860 Aug. 1 Mihyaukee - J. B. Pradt - - - J. H. Magotflu - - 180 18fil July 30 Fond du Lac A. J. Craig - - - S. H. Peabody - - 400 ISii-Z July 29 Janesville - Jonathan Ford T. J. Conatty - - 350 1863 July 28 Kenosha - - S. H. Peabody - - S. T. Lockwood - 1864 Noy. 15 Milton - - C. H. Allen - - - A. J. Cheney - - '"125 I860 Aug. ! Whitewater W. C. VVhitford - J. K Purdy - - - 275 1836 .July 25 Ripon- - - S. D. Gaylord - - J. U. Terry - - - 183 1867 Jul'y 23 La Crosse - 0. M. Baker - - W. U. Parker - - 325 18ri8 July 21 Milwaukee - 0. R. Smith - - - C. W. Cutler - - 60O 1869 July 6 Oshkosh- - Alexander Kerr - S. H. Carpenter - 2.50 1870 July 12 Wntertovyn - W. D. Parker - - W. A. De LaMatyr .500 1871 July 11 Madison - - Robert Graham - A. Earthman - - 248 187:e July 9 Madison - - Samuel Shaw - - A. Earthman - - 215 1873 July 8 Sparta - - D. McGregor* - - M. T. Park- - - 225 1874 July 15 Madison - - B. M. Reynolds - Jas. M. Rait - - 1875 July x8 Eau Claire - J. tj,. Emery - - A. J. llutton - - "iss * J. K. Purdy was elected President at the previous session, but died dur- ing tlie year. Prof. McGregor occupied the position as the first Vice-President. EDUCATION IN -WISCONSIN. 109 III. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION. The first volume of an educational periodical, under the name of the Wisconsin Educational Journal, was published monthly, in 1855, by Hon. James Sutherland, at Janesville. It was edited by Geo. S. Dodge, and at the close of the first year, it was transferred to the State Teachers' Association, and its name was changed to Wisconsin Journal of Education. At that time it be- came the organ of the association, which appointed an editorial committee, and Col. J. G. McMynn was made the resident editor, and remained in that position for nearly two years. He was succeeded by Hon. A. J. Craig, who had the charge for three years. In 1860, Rev. J. B. Pradt was chosen the editor, and continued as such un- til 1865, when the periodical was discontinued. In the following year. Prof. W. H. Peck, of Mineral Point, re- sumed its publication as a private enterprise, which he conducted about two years. In the mean time, an association of teachers in Milwaukee started The School Monthly, with Prof. S. D. Gaylord as the managing editor. It became the organ of the state association, and was published about three years. The original Journal of Education was again issued, in 1870, by the state super- intendent. Rev. Samuel Fallows, and the assistant state superintendent, Rev. J. B. Pradt, who became the editors and proprietors. Hon. Edward Searing, upon becoming state superintendent, succeeded Mr. Fallows as one of the editors and proprietors; and he with Mr. Pradt still continues its publication. In 1856, the Journal became also the organ of the state department of public instruction, by reason of the appropriation which the legislature had granted to fur- 110 HISTORICAL SKETCH. iiisli a copy of it for eacli school district. It was sus- pended in 1865, mainly because this appropriation Avas withdrawn the year previous. By a law of 1871, the clerk of each school district was authorized to subscribe annuall}' for one copy of the Journal, and the subscrip- tion should be paid by the district. Besides the annual reports, it has alwa3's been the principal source of com- munication between the head of the educational system and the teachers and school officers of the state. APPENDIX. HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN. BY PROF. J. D. BUTLER, LL. D. Wisconsin became a state in 1848, and its Historical Society, which was born the next year, has grown with its growth and strengthened with its strength. Yet at the close of five years its library amounted to no more than fifty volumes. Its true birth was in 1854, Avhen it was first subsidized by the state. The first grant was only $500 a year. But legislative liber- ality has annually increased. The local habitation of the society, in 1855, was a room fifteen feet square in the basement of a church. Next year it passed into on apartment 60 by 45 feet, and thence in 1866 into the south wing of the capitol. Its quarters there are three halls sixty feet in length, and so lofty as to be girdled with galleries at mid- height, doubling the shelf room. The shelves in the upper story are eight hundred. Besides, it has two 114 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF towers, each of three stories, wliich are used for cabi- nets, one of maps, and the other of prehistoric antiques. But the caskets are too narrow for the jewels, and the great need now is a separate and fire-proof edifice, where prospective accumulations will find ample room and verge enough. LIBRARY. The library, since 1851, has expanded from 50 books to 33,319 bound volumes in 1876, besides a still larger number of pamphlets. The newspapers amount to 2,167 volumes, sixtj'-tvvo of them dating from the sev- enteenth century. In 1875, the increment was 2,851 volumes — a little over half of them by purchase. The catalogue — three octavos, the third just pub- lished — fills 1,711 pages. The galleries are hung with ninety-nine oil paintings of persons notable in state annals. The prehistoric cabinet includes about ten thousand relics of the stone age, and is said to show moi'e diversi- fied products, both of the palaeolithic and neolithic pe- riods than almost any other. But its chief glory is the handiwork of the Copper era — an era scarcely trace- able in Europe — the largest celts, the most various styles of spear and knife — the most unmistakable spe- cimens of unaUoi/ed copper implements, and those in greater numbers than are known to be extant in all other cabinets whatever. The largest single donation was procured through the writer of this article from the widow of Otto Tank, a Wisconsin pioneer. It amounted to more than 5,000 volumes of books and i)aniphlets, and had formed the THE STATE HISTOEICAL SOCIETY. 115 library of her father, a clergyman at Zeist in Holland. It tills an alcove. The library halls are in the State Capitol, which is so situated as to be the principal thoroughfare of school children and of business men, all business houses facing its park, and sixteen streets converging in it. It is open for consultation six hours daily and six days in the week, as well as evenings when the legislature is in session. PUBLICATIONS. Besides its catalogue, the society has printed seven octavo volumes of collections. Their contents, in addi- tion to its reports and proceedings, are journals of Jesuit missionaries, and of travelers or military officers almost as ancient, — annals of towns and counties as well as of pioneering before towns or counties were known, — pa- pers on Indian legends, v/ars,— migrations,— aboriginal names, personal and geographical, and languages, — an- nual addresses before the society, — articles on educa- tion, boundaries, lead mining, — man-shaped mounds, and other prehistoric antiquities, — rare documents from Canadian and other archives, — biographies of repre- sentative citizens in all walks of life, etc., etc. SOURCES OF SUCCESS. The Historical Society has developed into proportions which render it one of the chief attractions of the capi- tal, and a matter of pride to every citizen of the state. This gratifying progress is chiefly traceable to three sources: First, its Secretary, Lyman C. Draper. Mr. D. may be called the perpetual secretary. His name appears 116 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF signed to every annual report from first to last, now these twenty-two j^ars. He has also been perpetually at work, not only as secretary, but as the factotum of the association. He has raised money for it not only at home, but from the most unlooked for sources abroad. He has found rare and curious documents which rich antiquarians had failed to find, and often procured them for his treasury without money and without price. He is understood to have bequeathed his own collection' which is without an equal in MSS. illustrative of north- western annals, to the society, that having served it through life, he ma}^ continue to serve it after death. One specimen of Mr. Draper's success in raising money is the so called hiitding fund. He first set apart for this end small fees and gifts, saying they should ac- cumulate by interest and begging till it amounted to $10,000. The project was laughed at even by those who pitying!}' gave it some trifle. But when last heard from, that fund amounted to more than 14,000, besides a square mile of land worth perhaps as much inore. The second cause of rapid expansion in the Historical Society has been hgislaflre Jiheralifij. This bounty, beginning twenty-two years ago with a grant of -f 500, has gradually grown ever since. It now amounts to $8,000 a year, besides library rooms, warm- ing, lighting, carpeting, shelving, and especially print- ing and sometimes binding, incidentals which certainly double the efficiency of the society, and perhaps the cost of its support. The tliird influence to which the advancement of the Historical Society is to be ascribed, may be the co- operation of inuUitndinous laborers. The seven vol- THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 117 umes of its collections consist in original articles by more than a hundred writers, each of whom may have contributed what no one else could l)estow. The books and manuscripts in the library have come from a still larger list of donors. A list- — by no means complete— of the persons from whom the prehistoric stone and copper curiosities have been gathered — in- cludes the names of four hundred and forty-six indi- viduals. The bibliothecal treasury is now so large that it grows of itself — attracting to its shelves whatever it needs. And it must more and more. Passing a cairn in the high Alps, I was told by my guide that it had been growing time out of mind, as every wayfarer took pains to add a stone to the pile heaped where a lady had perished in a mountain storm. There Avas snow all around the monument, but I could not pass without throwing on it a snowball. A little further on discov- ering a stone where a torrent had cut through the snow, I returned and added my mite to the mass. In a similar way, — and in a thousand other ways, the historical library must develop — till long before our next Centennial it shall be fitly described in words which no man can mend, as " Made porous to receive And drink the liquid light, firm to retain Her gathered beams, great palace now of light, Whither as to a fountain countless stars, Repairing, in their golden urns, draw light." HISTORICAL SKETCH WISCONSIN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ARTS, AND LETTERS. BY JOHN E. DAVIES, A. M., M. D., Frofessor of Pfii/sics in the I'liirersity of Wisconsin, and General Secre- tary of the Academy. This association, the objects of which may be regarded as ill a certain degree educational, was organized by a convention of scientitic, literary, and other prominent men of the state of Wisconsin, which met for this pur- pose in the State Agricultural Rooms at Madison, on the 16th of February, 1870. The convention was pre- sided over by the Hon. W. P. Lynde, of Milwaukee, and subsequently by Ex-Gov. Nelson Dewey, of Cassville. On motion of Judge J. G. Knapp, of Madison, the following resolution was unanimously adopted b}" the convention : Resohedj That we do organize an association under the ilame of " The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters." 120 HISTOEICA.L SKETCH OF WISCONSIN" The specific objects of the Academy Avere then stated by Dr. J, W. Hoyt, at that time secretary of the State Agricultural Society, and subsequently the first presi- dent of the Academy for six years, to be, among others: 1. Researches and investigations in the various de- partments of the material, metaphysical, ethical, ethno- logical and social sciences, 2. A progressive and thorough scientific survey of the state, with a view to determine its mineral, agricultural and other resources. 3. The advancement of the useful arts, through the applications of science, and the encouragement of ori- ginal invention. 4. The encouragement of the fine arts, by means of honors and prizes awarded to artists for original works of superior merit. 5. The formation of scientific, economical and art museums. 6. The encouragement of philological and historical researches, the collection aiid preservation of historic records, and the formation of a general librar3\ 7. The diffusion of knowledge by the publication of original contributions to science, literature and the arts. To carry out these objects of the organization it was deemed advisable to form separate departments as fol- lows: 1. The department of the social and political sciences, embracing jurisprudence, political economy, education, public health, and social economy generally. 2. The department of the natural sciences, embracing mathematics, physics, chemistry, natural history and physiology. ACADEMY OF SCIESTCES, ARTS, AND LETTERS. 121 3. The department of the arts, embracing the mechanic arts and the fine arts. 4. The department of letters, embracing language, literature, history. To these were afterwards added: 5. The department of speculative philosophy. 6. The department of the fine arts; the third de- partment being hereafter limited to the mechanic arts and useful inventions. The first meetings of the Academy were held in the rooms of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society; but subsequently the room adjoining that of the secretary of that society was assigned by the governor lor the uses of the Academy of Sciences, and by his order ad- ditional cases were erected there for the accommoda- tion of its museum and library, and a desk was pro- vided for its secretary. Although the attendance at, and apparent increase of interest in the meetings of the Acadeni}', have since very largely increased, the number and intelligence of those who attended its first meetings were such as to indicate that an organization of this character was a recognized need in the state, and would be welcomed with enthusiasm. The following language, used by those who called the convention at which the Academy of Sciences was organized, sufficiently indicated this; "An institution of the kind in question would bring into more intimate relations many men, who, though already more or less engaged in original studies and in- vestigations of various kinds,faccomplish less than they would had they frequent association with each other, a 122 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF WISCONSIN common storehouse into which to bring their material collections, and some proper medium through which to publish the approved results of their scientific la- bors to the world. " It would awaken a scientific spirit in all enquiring^ minds, and thus lead to a more fruitful intellectual ac- tivity among the people at large and to a wider diffusion of useful knowledge. " Through a scientific and economical exploration of the state, to which it would early lead — and which it might with great advantage direct — as well as through the published results of independeut investigations, conducted by its members, it would do much towards bringing the many natural advantages of our state to the notice of foreign populations, and especially to cap- italists, both at home and abroad; thus promoting the more rapid and more economical development of our material resources. " It would result in new and important applications of science to the practical arts, and thus advance the industry of the country. " It would associate artists of every class, establish higher standards for the execution of works of art, and lead to the formation of an art museum. "It would bring together men of letters and promote advancement in every department of language, literature and philosoph.y. " It would also tend to promote the literary and aesthe- tic culture of the people, and by the quickening, invig- orating, and elevating influence it would exert upon all our higher educational institutions, largely contribute to the social progress of the state, and the earlier insure ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ARTS, AND LETTERS. 123 to Wisconsin an advanced position among the most en- lightened conimnnities of the workh " We fnrther believe that the time has now come, when, with proper effort on the part of those who may be reasonably expected to aid in so important an enter- l^rise, the fonndations may be laid for an institution that shall he of great practical utility and a lasting honor to the state/' At the first meeting of the Academy the following gentlemen were elected as its officers for the first three years: President —Dr. J. W. Uoyt, Madison. Vice Presiden's — Dr. P. E. Hoy, Ricine; Rt. Rev. W. E. Abmitagk Milwaukee; Ex-3ov. Nelson Dewey, Cassville; Rev. Dr. A. L. Ciiapin Beloit. General Secretary — Dr. I. A. Lapham, Milwaukee. Treasurer — G^o. P. Delapl.mne, Esq., Midistn. Director of the Museum — William Dudley, Esq., Madison. Librarian —'Aon. J. G. Knapp, Madison. In 1872, the Academy published its first volume of *' Transactions," which contained in the various depart- ments the papers enumerated in the following list: REPORT or TUE PRESIDENT. Embracing — 1. Reasons for the organization of the Academy, with a record of what had previously been done by, and in behalf of, Wisconsin in the Sciences* in the Arts, and in Letters. 2. General Plan of the Academy. 3. What the Academy has done already. papers READ BEFORE THE ACADEMY IN 1870 AND 1872. Department of the Social and Political Sciences. 1. The Relation of Labor and Capital. By A. L. Chapin, D. D., LL.D., President of Beloit College. 2. The German Sunday. By Right Rev. W, E. Armitage, D. D., Protestant Episcopa Bishop of Wisconsin. 124 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF WISCONSIN 3. Social Science and Woman Suft'rage. By Rev. Chiarles Caverno, A. M. 4. The Common Jail System of the Country. By Hon. S. D. Hastings, Sec- retary of the State Board of Charities. Department of the Natural Bcitnces. 5. Deep Water Fauna of Lake Michigan. By P. R. Hoy, M. D. 6. On the Classification of Plants. By I. A. Lapham, LL.D. 7. Insects Injurious to Agriculture — Aphides. By P. R. Hoy, M. D. 8. Conifeni> of the Rocky Mountains and their Adaptation to. the Soil and Climate of Wisconsin. By J. G. Knapp, Esq. {>. Report on the Geology of the Region about DeviFs Lake. By Prof. James H. Eaton, Ph. D. 10. On the Age of the Quartzites, Schists and Conglomerates of Sauk coun- ty. By Prof. Roland Irving, E. M. 11. Suggestions as to a Basis for the Gradation of the Vertebrata. By Prof, T. C. Chamberlin. 13. Ancient Lakes of Wisconsin. By J. G. Knajjp, Esq. 13. On the Mineral Well at Waterloo, Wis. By Rev. A. O. Wright, A. M. 14. On Potentials, and their Application in Physical Science. By Prof. John E. Davies, M. D. Department of the Arts. 15. The Production of Sulphide of Mercury by a New Process, and its Use in Photography. By W. H. Sherman, Esq. Department of Letters. 16. The Rural Population of England as Classified in Domesday Book. By Prof. William F. Allen, A. M. 17. On the Place of the Indian Languages in the Study of Ethnology. By Prof. John B. Feuling, Ph. D. PROCEEDINGS. 1, Proceedings of the Convention called to organize the Academy. 3. First meeting of the Academy, February 16, 1870. 3. First meeting of the General Council. 4. Second meeting of the Academy, July, 1870. 5. Third meeting of the Academy, September, 1870. 6. First annual meeting of the Academy, February, 1871. 7. Fifth .Meeting of the Academy, July, 1871. 8. Sixth meeting of the Academy, September, 1871. 9. Second annual meeting of the Academy, February, 1871. As the annual members of the Academy, besides bear- ing all the expenses incident to their respective inves- tigations and the preparation of their papers, pay also ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ARTS, AND LETTERS. 125 an annual^ as well as an admission fee, into the general fiind of the Academy, to meet necessary current ex- penses, the legislature of Wisconsin Avas petitioned to aid in their work, some of which has probably been of direct utilit}' to the state, by assuming the cost of pub- lishing hiennially such papers as the publishing com- mittee of the Academy should deem worthy of insertion in their volume of '' Transactions." By this generous act of the legislature, Vol. II, for 1873-4, has already been published; and Vol. Ill is now in the hands of the printer. Vol. II contains the following: LISTS OF OrnCERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMY. CHARTER OF THE ACADEMY. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT. Embracing — 1. General condition. 2. Condition and Progress of the several Departments. 3. The Library. 4. The Scientific Miisenm. 5. Reports of the Treasurer. 6. Results of Work done, as shown by the Titles and Papers read before the Academy. TITLES OF PAPERS. Bepartment of Siieculaiive Philosophy. 1. The Metaphysical Basis of Science. By Prof. S. H. Carpenter, LL.D. 2. Vexed Questions in Ethics. By Rev. F. M. Holland, A. M. 3. The Philosophy of Evolution. By Prof. S. H. Carpenter, LL.D. Department of the Social and Political Sciences. 4. Population and Sustenance. By Dr. G. M. Steele, D. D. 5. Records of Marriages. By Rev. F. M. Holland, A. M. 6. Eft'ect of the Duty on Imports on the Value of Gold. By John Y. Smith, Esq. 7. Requisites to a Reform of the Civil Service of the United States. By John W. Hoyt, A. M., M. D. 8. Natural History as a Branch of Elementary Education. By P. R. Hoy, M. D. 126 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF WISCOJSTSIN" I)ei)artment of the Xatural Sciences. 9. On some Points in the Geology of Northern Wisconsin. By Prof. Ro- land Irving, A. M., M. E. 10. Some of the Peculiarities of the Fauna of Racine. By P. R. Hoy, M. D. 11. Relation of the Sandstones, Conglomerates and Limestones of Baraboo Valley to each other and to the Azoic Quartzites. By Prof. James H. Eaton, Ph. D. (Illustrated.) 12. Note on the Absorption of Ar.senic by the Human Liver. By Prof. W. W. Daniells, M. S. 13. Some Evidences bearing upon the Method of the Upheaval of the Qunrt- zites of Sauk and Columbia Counties. By Prof. T. C. Chamberlin, A. M. (Illustrated.) 14. On Fluctuations in I>evel of the Quartzites of Sauk and Columbia coun- ties By Prof. T. C. Chamberlin, A. M. (Illustrated.) 15. On a Hand Specimen showing the exact Junction of the Primordial Sandstones and Huronian Schists. By Prof. Roland Irving, A. M., M. E. 16. On the Occurrence of Gold and Silver in Minute Quantities in Quartz from Clark County. By Prof. Roland Irving, A. M., M. E. DejHirtment of the Arts. 17. Ou the Wisconsin River Improvement. By Prof. W. J. L. N icoderaus, A. M., C. E. 18. On the Strength of Materials as applied to Engineering. By John Nader, Ass't U. S. Engineer. 19. Railway Gauges. By Prof. W. J. L. Nicodemus, A M., C. E. Department of Letters. 20. The Etymology of the word Church. By Prof. John B. Feuling, Ph. D. 21. History of the Science of Hydraulic?. By Prof. W. J. L. Nicodemus A.M., C E. 22. The Naming of America. By Prof. J. D. Butler, LL D. 23. The Rural Classes of England in the 13th Century. By Prof. W. F. Allen, A. M. 21. Ranks and Classes among the Anglo-Saxons. By Prof. W. F. Allen, A.M. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY. SKETCH OF THE MFE AND CHARACTER OF RT. REV. BISHOP W. E. ARMITAGE, Late Vice President for the Department of the Social and Political Sci- ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ARTS, AND LETTERS. 127 The officers of the Academy elected in 1876 were, for President — P. R. IIoj-, M. D., Racine. General Secretary — John E. Davies, A. M., M. D., Madison. Viee-P resident for Department of Speculative Philosophy — '^. II. Car- penter, LL. D., Madison. Vice President for Department of Natural Science — Vrof. T. C. Cham- berlin, Beloit. Vice President for Department of Social and Political Science — Rev Dr. G. M. Steele, Appleton. Vice President for Department of Mechanic Arts — Won. J.I. Case, Racine. Vice President for Bepartmenl of Letter's.- Hay. Dr. A. L. Chapin, Beloit. Vice President for Department of Fine Arts. — Dr. J. W. Iloyt, Madison. Treasurer— G. P. Delaplaine, Esq., Madison. Director of Museum — E. T. Sweet, M S., Sun Prairie. Librarian— C. N. Gregory, A. M., Madison. Most of the papers hitherto published by members of the Academy have been prepared under the stress of other laborious duties, and hence, frequently lack the degree of completeness which their authors desire. It has only been in consequence of their clear perception that, while generally unremunerated and even unrecog- nized, the abstract sciences nevertheless stand first in importance as regards the ultimate welfare of a people, that they have consented at all to endeavor through these papers to inculcate sound principles of political economy, ethics, historical interpretation, and science in general. This they have done, however, in all the de- partments, working solely in the interests of truth, with- out any regard to immediate practical results, or any prospect of pecuniary reward, immediate or remote. In this way, always, will the best results in science be at- tained. 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