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Early Schools in Camden - The Public-School System - The New Era - Progress since 1879 - Newton Debating Society - The Worthington Library - Private Schools - West Jersey Orphanage.
EARLY SCHOOLS IN CAMDEN. - It is impossible to give an accurate history of the earliest schools in Camden. The plan for the original town of Camden provided a site for a school-house, which was built during the period of the Revolutionary War. Some of the churches in early days supported schools, and the Friends at all times, and even to-day, have supported excellently-managed schools in connection with their Meetings.
The old Camden Academy was the most prominent educational institution in the city for half a century. The building was erected in 1803, and stood on the site of the Genge school building at the corner of Sixth and Market Streets. The land upon which it was situated was given by George Genge. The schools in it were conducted by a number of teachers with varied success, frequent changes being made. Edward Bullock taught in this building for a time.
In 1835 John M. Souler took the upper room of the academy and taught all the English branches, at $2.50 per quarter.
The Hatch School-house was one of the early educational institutions of Camden. It was situated near what is now the corner or Seventh and Pearl Streets, a short distance from the Diamond Cottage, and was the place where many of the youths of Camden and vicinity, half a century or more ago, obtained the rudiments of an education. The school-house was within a dense grove, through which were paths leading to it. Among the prominent teachers of this school was Edward Butcher, who became postmaster of Camden in 1838. Benjamin F. Davis was another of the teachers at this school.
In 1821 Jacob L. Rowan taught a school at the southeast corner of Third and Market Streets. Benjamin Ferris opened a singing-school in the "Town house," December 11, 1835. Oliver Cox, a graduate of Cambridge University, England, in March, 1836, opened the Camden Classical School, designed to fit young men for college. The same year and month Sarah and Hannah Eastlack opened a seminary for girls, on Cooper Street, opposite the residence of Richard M. Cooper.
Ira Bisbee, in 1835, advertised that he would open an English school, for both sexes, in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and announced that those who wished "to attend to the science of Grammar could be taught in the evening - not parrotorically, but by Brown’s American System - according to the constructive genius of our language." Isaiah Toy, Edward D. Roe and John K. Cowperthwait announced that they, as a committee, had visited Mr. Bisbee’s school and were highly pleased.
At the general town-meeting, held March 10, 1835, the subject of the public schools was discussed, and a committee to consider the matter was appointed, -John K. Cowperthwait, Richard Fetters, J.L. Reese, Isaiah Toy, Rev. S. Starr, Rev. William Granville, Rev. T.C. Teasdale, Benjamin Allen, Charles Kaighn, William Ridgeway and J.W. Cooper.
In 1835 Rev. T.C. Teasdale opened a French and English Boarding and Day-School, of which Demorris was teacher of French and "Musick."
Isaiah Joy in 1837 advertised for a teacher to conduct a primary school in the "basement of the Methodist Church."
Rev. M. Shepherd conducted a Female Academy in 1835, his daughter assisting him as a teacher.
The Seminary of St. Paul’s Church was conducted by Miss Mary M. Archer in 1837.
In 1837 P.M. Cowen was principal of the "Writing, Mercantile and Mathematical School" in the Camden Academy. The same year Oliver Cox became principal of a school in the "basement of the Methodist Church."
"A Select Classical and English Boarding-School" was started by W.S. Barton, September 19, 1838. In May, 1838, Camden was divided into two school districts.
A school-house and house of worship was dedicated in Fettersville in May, 1840. Miss Turner had a school "near the Market" in 1842. Mr. Hough had a classical and mathematical school, which was afterwards conducted by Rev. F. Knighton in 1845.
In 1852 F.H. Rothpletz was principal of the Camden Academy; Miss Henrietta Rothpletz was assistant.
The Young Ladies’ Institute, with H.T. Timsdale as principal, was opened in 1852.
The Camden "High School for Boys" was opened by J.D. Higgins in 1854.
The "Camden Grove School," taught by Rev. Knighton, was taken by Rev. Northrop in 1854.
Lafayette and Talleyrand Grover, the former of whom became Governor of Oregon, and later United States Senator from the same State, taught a select school in Camden for a number of years.
At the request of State Superintendent Apgar, in 1879, Henry L. Bonsall, who for several years served as city superintendent of schools, prepared an historical sketch of the rise and progress of the public school system of Camden. Having very kindly allowed the use of it, the information embodied in the following pages, containing the history of the public schools to 1879, was mostly compiled from his work:
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. - The first recorded evidence of intention to better this condition of things occurs in the minute of a meeting of the "School Trustees of the Township of Camden," at the house of Dr. Isaac S. Mulford, April 6, 1843, when Richard Fetters was appointed chairman and treasurer, and B.A. Hammell secretary. J.C. De La Cour and the secretary were appointed to provide books for the officers, and "Jesse Smith was employed to assess the number of children that may be eligible to the schools." The schools were ordered to be opened about the 11th of May, the yearly salary of the male teacher not to exceed six hundred dollars, and of the female, four hundred dollars. Cobb’s school-books were adopted. Messrs. De La Cour and Rhees were appointed to procure one hundred and seventy-four large and seventy-four small slates. Mr. Miller was chosen teacher, and Messrs. Cole, Cowperthwait and Rhees directed to inquire into character and qualifications.
On the 26th of April, 1843, It was ordered that a colored school be opened under the same regulations as the white school, and George Shreeve was appointed its teacher at a salary of seventeen dollars per month. On May 8th rooms in the academy were fitted up, and in it the first public school in Camden was inaugurated. This school continued with varying success. In 1845, the trustees met at the Niagara Fire Company’s engine-house, with Dr. Isaac S. Mulford as president, Philander C. Brinck secretary, and J.C. De La Cour treasurer.
The trustees then went to work in earnest, and this is the point the progress of the schools properly dates from. The members of the Board of Education then were Franklin Ferguson, Joseph C. De La Cour, Samuel H. Morton, Philander C. Brinck, Jesse Smith, Joseph Taylor, David Brown, Isaac S. Mulford, and Thomas Chapman. David Brown reported the census of children of school age in Camden to be nine hundred and seventy-four white and fifty-nine colored. An examination of teachers was ordered to be held on the 14th of the ensuing month, the President of the board to conduct the same, when Messrs. English, Plotts and Hall and Miss Thomas were passed as candidates. Following this report came a resolution of the board, which reads strangely in the light of this generation: "Resolved, That the circumstance of Mr. English being a foreigner, we will decline examining his papers or credentials," the president alone dissenting, when Mr. English, who passed first, was ignored, and Conly Plotts was elected principal of the first grammar school, at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars a year, Miss Thomas being chosen for the primary school. This action concerning Mr. English was taken when party spirit ran fiercely, about a year after the Philadelphia riots of 1844.
A school was now opened at Kaighns Point, and a tax of one dollar and a quarter levied on the North Camden grammar scholars, and seventy-five rents for the North and the South Primary Schools. The tax was to be paid in advance when the permits were given out, and as but seventy permits were reported issued for she entire jurisdiction, it shows that the tax did not work satisfactorily, not one-tenth of the eligibles attending the schools. As it kept children out who would otherwise have been in, after a few years’ imposition, it was abandoned. In 1847 the colored school designed for South Camden had not yet been established, "owing to the difficulty of procuring a room at a moderate rent." Sarah Kaighn devised a lot for school purposes. In response to repeated petitions for the school, Ishmael Lack was appointed to take charge of and secure pupils at the rate of the aforesaid sum of seventy-five cents per capita, but one year thereafter the school was discontinued, owing to the lack of funds, though shortly after this the treasurer’s annual report showed three hundred and seventy-eight dollars received from the State and five hundred and fifty-four dollars from the county, which report, in the invariable phrase of Ebenezer Nicholls, secretary, was "excepted," his successor, F. Fleisner, crediting James Elwell for "cole." In 1850 the schools of North Camden were opened and Pardon Davis was elected the male and Harriet L. Hauptman the female teacher. The propriety and necessity of the City Council paying to the board the amount of money due for school purposes was argued before that body by the committee, Isaac Porter, Thomss W. Mulford and Matthew Miller, Jr., who also proposed a two mill tax for the same purpose.
In 1851 the board opened a school for female pupils at Washington Hall, South Camden, and one for male pupils at Kaighns Point. H.W. Chadwick, M.E. Thomas, Pardon Davis, Elizabeth Brown, A. Rudderow, H.L. Hauptman, Harriet N. King and E.A. Evans went the eight teachers then employed in the city.
The second census was taken in June, 1852, when there were in the North Ward, between the ages of five and eighteen years, 656 pupils: Middle Ward, 890; South Ward, 1262, and this increase, from about 1000 to nearly 3000, necessitated the discontinuance of the renting of rooms, whereupon a committee was appointed to wait on the City Council and ascertain whether that body would borrow money for the purpose of building school-houses. The committee also reported that a building capable of accommodating six hundred pupils, including all necessary heating and ventilating apparatus, could be had for from six to seven thousand dollars; the size of such building would be about forty-five feet front by seventy-five feet deep, sad two stories high. The committee further suggested that application be made to the Council for such loan, and in case of refusal, that the board apply to the Legislature for power to borrow. Isaac W. Mickle thereupon moved that the Legislature be notified of the intention of the board to draft a bill modifying the school system of the city, which was the first intimation of a declaration of independence on the part of the board. Notice was then given of two acts: one to incorporate the Board of Education of the City of Camden, and the other to enable the City Council to borrow eight thousand dollars for the erection of the new school-house in the South Ward, a contract for which had already been entered into by Mr. Shroff; which acts were subsequently granted, and the board became an independent body, from which time the progress of education kept pace with the increase of population. The "Kaighn School," covered by the contract of Mr. Shroff was the first building erected by the board, the land for which was donated by the Kaighn family - giving rise to the reflection that while the Friends, or "people called Quakers" prefer to educate their own children rather than avail themselves of public tuition, they have nevertheless been liberal and zealous in promoting the cause of public education, and their names live in the Kaighn School, the Cooper School and the Mulford School.
THE NEW ERA. - The first meeting of "The Board of Education of the City of Camden" was held April 3, 1854. Messrs. Drury, of the former, and De La Cour, of the newly-organized board, were enrolled, and Mr. Drury became principal of Cooper Hill School. A census of the children for that year showed in the North Ward 816 pupils; Middle Ward, 1193; South Ward, 1559, - total, 3668. The Kaighn School was finished and opened with eight teachers, the only one of whom remaining is the estimable and efficient principal of Mulford Grammar and Kaighn Primary, Harriet N. King. The Kaighn School building cost eight thousand six hundred and eighty-eight dollars. The contractor was Mr. Shroff.
At this period the board passed a resolution directing principals to refrain from the use of the rod as a means of correction, and if used at all, that it be after school hours. Near the close of the year Messrs. Ott, Trimble and Nicholls were appointed to consider the best arrangement for erecting a eehool in the North Ward, from which, in due time, came the George Genge School. Clayton Truax, treasurer, in his published statement, on February 11th, credited himself with $16,142, as against $12,337 expended, and a balance of $3804, certified to by Joseph Trimble, Lewis Seal and Sylvester Burdsall. Twenty-two years after (1876) the receipts were $152,626, and the expenditures $120,485, twelve new school-houses having been erected in that time. In this year James M. Cassady commenced an active career in the interests of public education. His first missionary labor was the finally successful attempt to convert the City Council into a disposition to hand over to the board the amount of two thousand four hundred and eighty-one dollars, which was adjusted by Benjamin Browning, Samuel Lytle and William Sharpe, on the part of the Council, and Messrs. Cassady, Dorman & Nicholls, representing the board.
In 1858 Mr. De La Cour was elected president, S. Burdsall secretary, and Clayton Truax, treasurer. Mr. Dorman reported the census of school children to be 4005, - North Ward, 1098; Middle Ward, 1325; South Ward, 1591. Kaighn School building was the only one owned by the board. At the November meeting Charles Cox was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Sartori, in Berkley Street School; and it is a noteworthy fact that many of the early principals afterwards occupied the foremost social and political positions in the city.
In 1859 Mr. Cassady was elected secretary of the board, the old officers, with this exception, being re-elected. The number of school children had increased to four thousand three hundred and seventy-four. Messrs. Dorman, Cassady and Sides, as a committee on qualifications, reported that "very little can be accomplished without a proper organization and classification of the schools, and believing that much improvement can be made by a reorganization of the schools of the Middle Ward, asked for authority for that purpose." The same committee subsequently reported Grammar, Secondary and Primary Departments as indispensable, the whole to be under the direct supervision of the male principal. A system of examinations and promotions was also devised, and the first attempt at a more complete and systematic arrangement inaugurated. At the end of the vacation Datus Drury resigned. David W. Bartine was appointed to the North Ward Grammar School; Charles A. Singer, Middle Ward Grammar School; Kate L. Rudderow, principal of Berkley Street Secondary; and Anna M. Stack, Paper-Mill School. in April, 1860, a committee was authorized to procure a room for a Primary School at Coopers Point, rent not to exceed six dollars per month, and teacher, two hundred and fifty dollars per annum; the number of scholars in room being limited to sixty-four. The subject of corporal punishment evidently bothered the board as much as it did the teachers, a number of resolutions and suggestions being tabled by the adoption of a motion of Mr. Morris, "that it is inexpedient to enact any farther laws on the subject," which conclusion, however, was only a temporary palliative to the opposition, which lasted as long as the barbarous practice endured.
On motion of Thomas McKeen, Richard Fetters addressed the board, in 1861, on the propriety of selling Sixth and Plum lot and building at Fifth and Plum. This is the last minute found relating to Richard Fetters, who, next to Dr. Mulford and the members of the first board, was the oldest friend of popular education.
Dr. Ridge, in the spirit of inquiry, improvement and innovation which characterized his efforts in the cause of education, succeeded, in 1862, in having the pantographic plan of teaching introduced into some of the city schools. It appears from the records of 1863 that the election for officers of the board was not contested with the same degree of interest which has marked subsequent elections. Dr. Ridge and Dr. Birdsell having been nominated for president, on motion of Dr. Ridge, Dr. Birdsell was elected by acclamation, Mr. Cassady continuing as secretary, and Mr. Sides succeeding Thomas A. Wilson as treasurer. James M. Scovel seems to have exercised a potent influence in changing the location of the Genge School, then in course of construction, to the centre of the lot at Sixth, Market and Arch. Severns & Ward were the contractors for this second building, which, in its day, was considered a model school structure, as was the Kaighn School, which, at the suggestion of Dr. Middleton, the oldest school in the city, became one of the best-lighted and most thoroughly ventilated of the modernized buildings. The number of school children had increased to 4773, - North Ward, 1318; Middle Ward, 1545; South Ward, 1910, - South Ward then, as since, having been more mindful of the divine injunction.
William Fewsmith entered the board at this period, and ever after, until his resignation, took an active and intelligent part in its deliberations.
Afterward, in assuming and discharging the duties of the first superintendency of the same, he methodized and systematized the working of the daily growing to be more complicated machinery, until the present admirable system was more nearly perfected.
The Genge School building being finished, the divisions of the Berkley Street School were removed to it that building vacated and the schools consolidated, while an examination was ordered for teachers to take charge of the new divisions. The teachers selected were E.A. Singer, principal; assistants, Sidney L. Anderson, Sallie G. Rudderow, C. Callett, Ellie E. Fenton and Jennie James. In the Girls’ Department: Sallie Walker, principal; Kate L. Rudderow, Louisa Ash, Sallie T. Brown, Edith Heany and Rachel Brevoort. A Teachers’ Association was in operation at this period, which developed into a Teachers’ institute. A general increase in the inadequate salaries of teachers was made at this time. In 1866 the organization was effected by the choice of Thomas G. Rowand, M.D., as president, and the continuance of the other officers, changes in these positions being rarely made. Night-schools were first established in December of this year; yet, although all the appliances needed were furnished, they seem to have been but indifferently successful. Edwin A. Stevens, of Hoboken, N.J., having donated the lot on which the new Middle Ward School was built in 1867, it was therefore called the "Stevens School." The donation of this lot was the last official act of Mr. Stevens prior to his departure for Europe, from which he never returned. William B. Mulford was the contractor for the erection of this elegant school building, with fifteen divisions, affording rooms for the General Book Depository, the meeting-room of the board and the sessions of the Normal Class.
On the completion of the Stevens School, in 1868, the Plum and Elm Street rooms were vacated, the scholars transferred, and W.L. Sayre was appointed principal of the boys’ department, and Hope Anthony of the girls’ department of the new school; C. Henry Kain taking the principalship of the North Ward Boys’, and Kate L. Rudderow of the Girls’ School; while N.J Morrison and Miss E.J. Peddie were respectively appointed to the South Ward School. The South Ward Colored School was placed in charge of D.G. Harris, and in 1869 an additional colored school was established at Third Street and Mount Vernon.
April, 1870, Dr. J.M. Ridge was elected president, and Dr. Alexander Mecray superintendent, the other officers being re-elected.
The census of school children was reported by Thomas McDowell to be five thousand two hundred and ninety-one, and to provide for the pressure, a house on Cooper Street and a portion of the Baptist Church, Fourth and Mount Vernon, were rented for primary purposes. The salaries of the three male principals were fixed at fifteen hundred dollars, and of the three female principals at seven hundred and fifty dollars each.
The State Teachers’ Association meeting in Camden in 1871, Mayor Charles Cox, Rudolphus Bingham and Henry B. Wilson were appointed to welcome the educators of the State.
A revision of the Camden City Charter at this time annexed the suburbs of Newton township, dividing the city into eight wards and giving two members to the board from each ward.
The propriety of teaching the elements of music became so apparent in 1872 that Mr. England, from the Special Committee on Music, reported in favor of the employment of E.F. Batchelor and the use of pantographic charts in the exemplification of the Wilhelm Hulda System, which continued three years. In the fall of the year C. Henry Kain succeeded Mr. Sayre as principal of Stevens School; William H. Samuel was assigned to Genge School, Horatio Draper to Liberty and Geoffrey Buckwalter to Central Avenue, the newer teachers then, as since, taking the lower schools and making their way up to the higher grade schools as vacancies occurred.
The school-house for colored children on Mount Vernon Street was finished, and the Third and Mount Vernon school abandoned. William H.F. Armstead was appointed principal, and Henry Boyer placed in charge of the Ferry Road Colored School - these two schools providing ample accommodation for all the colored children in the city.
The Cooper School was built by the board in 1874, with Samuel Monroe as contractor, at a cost of thirty thousand nine hundred and seventy-three dollars. It is pronounced one of the finest school buildings in the State, and was dedicated in the presence of the State and county superintendents and other dignitaries, Walt Whitman reading the dedication poem, and addresses being delivered by the State, county and city superintendents, President Rittenhouse, Principal Samuels, J.M. Cassady and Controller Milligan, of Philadelphia. The following is Walt Whitman’s poem:
"AN OLD MAN’S THOUGHTS OF SCHOOL.
An old man’s though of school:
An old man, gathering youthful memories and blooms, that youth itself cannot.
Now only do I know you!
O fair anroral skies! O morning dew upon thr grass!
And these I see- these sparkling eyes,
These stores of mystic meaning- these young lives,
Building, equipping, like a fleet of ships- immortal ships!
Soon to sail out over the measureless seas,
On the Soul’s voyage.
Only a lot of boys and girls?
Only the tiresome spelling, ciphering classes?
Only a Public School?
Ah more- infinitely more;
(As George Fox rais’d his warning cry, ‘Is it this pile of brick and mortar-
these dead floors, windows, rails- you call the church?
Why this is not the church at all- the Church is living, ever living Souls.)
And you America,
Cast you the real reckoning for your present?
The lights and shadows of your future- good or evil?
To girlhood, boyhood look- the Teacher and the School."
April, 1874, the new board organized with David Rittenhouse, president; J.L. De La Cour, treasurer; William C. Figner, secretary; H.L. Bonsall, superintendent. This opened another new era in the operations of the board in the regulation of the educational system; the old law, empowering the members of the board to furnish supplies, etc., having been repealed, and all personal monetary interests being removed from its membership.
The number of teachers was seventy-four; the number of scholars three thousand eight hundred and nineteen. The school census reported over eight thousand children of school age, showing that about one-half the school population was then engaged in work or pursuits disqualifying them from public tuition, except as they are further provided for by a dozen excellent parochial and private schools. Evidence of the thoroughness of the instruction in the schools is furnished in an examination report of this period, in which it is shown that nearly all the candidates for teachers certificates were pupils of the grammar schools, and while the requirements for qualification were in no sense lowered, more than twenty of those pupils in the first division passed creditably.
Mr. Kain, who afterwards became a member of the board, resigned in September, 1874, to take the Northwest Grammar School, Philadelphia; Mr. Buckwalter was transferred to Stevens School, thence to Cooper, exchanging places with Mr. Samuel; and Philip Cressman appointed to Central Avenue, Mr. Fry going to the Liberty School. The Legislature, in 1875, gave authority to the board to borrow fifty thousand dollars; three brown stone two-story school-houses were built in the lower section of the city, - in the Eighth Ward the John W. Mickle School, and in the Fifth the Isaac W. Mulford School and the Richard Fetters School, each named after worthy citizens of Camden who years ago took an active interest in the educational welfare of the city. These buildings were erected by the contractor, M.E. Harden, a former member of the board, and are a credit to the foresight and intelligence of John H. Dialogue, who was instrumental in their construction. One of the acquisitions to the board for a single term, at this period, was William Curtiss, from the First Ward.
The Centennial year energized educators, as it did everybody and everything else. The State superintendent having notified the schools that an educational exhibit would be expected from New Jersey, Camden contributed her quota to an aggregate officially pronounced in most respects equal, and in several particulars superior, to the exhibits of other States and countries. James M. Cassady was the Centennial president, and J.L. De La Cour, son of the first treasurer, succeeded to the treasury so long guarded by the father. In 1877, B. Frank Sutton became president, William T. Bailey treasurer, Charles W. Knight remaining secretary, having succeeded William C. Figner. The Stevens Primary School, built during the Centennial year, is an admirable structure. The old Kaighn School-house, under the supervision of Messrs. Dialogue, Davis, Pierce, Middleton and Perkins, was remodeled in 1876 and made a most desirable school building, the work being done by E. Allen Ward.
After several unsuccessful attempts to set up the new adjunct to the system, the Normal Class was finally established this year through the agency of Messrs. Middleton, Cassady and Pierce, committee on teachers - Philip Cressman being appointed principal, and Charles K. Middleton filling the vacancy in the Mickle School occasioned by the transfer. The Normal Class was originally designed as a preparatory school for teachers, to supplement the policy of the board in selecting candidates from its own schools. In June, 1878, its first class was graduated. For some time previous to this period the school census had increased to more than ten thousand, and the matter of providing accommodations excited attention, being principally urged by Messrs. Currie and Middleton, of the First District, and lots for a new school-house were secured. Temporary accommodation was afforded through rented rooms and the adoption, of a half-day session.
At the expiration of the school year of 1878, William H. Samuel, following the example of Messrs. Bartine, Boyer, Sayre, Kain, Singer and other efficient Camden principals, resigned the principalship of the Stevens School to take a school in the Thirty-first Section, Philadelphia, when George E. Fry was promoted to the Stevens School and E.F. Way was appointed to the Liberty School. At the next meeting of the board the first formal visit of Philadelphia school officials took place, when addresses of mutual congratulation were delivered.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SINCE 1879. - For the history of the public schools of Camden since 1879, acknowledgments are due Geo. E. Fry, the efficient principal of the Second School District of Camden.
The important items of interest relating to the schools for the year 1879 are as follows: Officers of the school board elected - B. Frank Sutton, president; Charles W. Knight, secretary; William T. Bailey, treasurer; Henry L. Bonsall, superintendent. Drawing and theory of teaching were added to the branches required for teachers’ examinations. Westlake’s Spellers, Steel’s Physics and Kellogg’s Language Lesson Books were adopted for use in the schools. The teachers’ committee was composed of Dr. M.F. Middleton, James M. Cassady, J.C. De La Cour and D.B. Litzenberg. The tax rate for school purposes was four and one-half mills. The crowded primary schools were given two classes of pupils, each class attending school one-half of the day; July 7th, the contract for constructing the Northeast School building corner of Seventh and Vine Streets, was awarded to Joseph Butcher for eleven thousand three hundred and forty-eight dollars; the building committee were Charles F. Curry, Joseph B. Fox, John H. Dialogue and Davis B. Litzenberg; school population in September was eleven thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight; Buckwalter’s Spellers were adopted for use in the schools.
In January, 1880, the Northeast School building, at Seventh and Vine Streets, was finished and accepted by the board, and in February, Miss Mary Burrough was appointed principal. In March the board passed a resolution granting third-class certificates to all teachers who held fourth class certificates, and had taught five years.
In April Mr. B.F. Sutton retired from the presidency of the board, which was then reorganized by the election of Charles F. Curry to that office, and the choice of Charles W. Knight and W.F. Bailey, respectively, as secretary and treasurer. H.L. Bonsall was elected city superintendent. In July a contract was let to Wm. T. Mead for building an addition of four rooms to the Liberty School building, at Spruce and Eighth Streets, making it a twelve-room building. The amount of contract was five thousand seven hundred dollars.
In 1881 the first incident worthy of note was the appointment of Messrs. Sutton, Davis, Cassady, Fox and Middleton, of the board, as a committee to wait on the Legislature in the interest of the public schools of the city. On April 4th there was a spirited contest between Messrs. Sutton and Curry for the presidency, and the former was elected upon the forty-seventh ballot. The former secretary and treasurer were re-elected. In December the first action was taken toward the introduction of sewing in the schools.
In 1882 - March- Mr. J.B. Fox was elected president, and the former secretary and treasurer of the board were re-elected. In June of this year the total number of children of school age was reported as twelve thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight. On August 21st, Wm. H.F. Armstead, principal of the Mt. Vernon Colored School, resigned his position and was succeeded by Wm. F. Powell.
In March, 1883, the board organized with Davis B. Litzenberg, president; Charles B. Capewell, secretary; and Wm. Calhoun, treasurer. Martin V. Bergen was elected city superintendent and T.J. Middleton, solicitor. The teachers’ committee having for years past felt the importance of giving the principals a better opportunity for superintending the various departments in their district, often discussed the matter, but came to no definite conclusion until the meeting in April, when a member of the committee presented a resolution making the male principals of the grammar schools district principals and appointing an "anxiliary" in each district to assist the district principal. The resolution received favorable comment from other prominent members of the teachers’ committee, and was adopted by the board without a dissenting voice, and the plan having now been in successful operation over three years, has proved to be one of the best moves made by the board to improve the system of instruction in our public schools. Martin V. Bergen, city superintendent, in his report in May, as a summary of the reports from the district principals -viz.: Geoffrey Buckwalter, First District; Geo. E. Fry, Second District; Horatio Draper, Third District; Edwin F. Way, Fourth District; Chas. K. Middleton, Fifth District; and Wm. F. Powell, Sixth District, - reported enrolled six thousand and forty scholars, with an average attendance of three thousand nine hundred and ninety. Mr. Bergen, in his report, urged the board to make some provision whereby the colored teachers could receive instruction and receive the same advantages as white teachers. Mr. Bergen also expressed his satisfaction with the good condition of the schools and the efficiency of the teachers. The following were the first auxiliaries appointed under the new system: First District, Clara Shivers; Second District, Laura B. Munyan; Third District, Rosa Flanegin; Fourth District, May L. Shivers; Fifth District, Belle E. Forbes; Sixth District, Bella Douglass. During the summer vacation Miss Helen Smith, a faithful and devoted teacher, died after a very brief illness.
In January, 1884, the superintendent reported the total enrollment, as furnished him by the district principals, six thousand six hundred and forty-seven and average attendance of five thousand and twenty-six.
In January, 1884, there were enrolled in the evening schools for colored applicants one hundred and thirty-five scholars, with an average attendance of eighty-two.
At this meeting the John W. Mickle and Mount Vernon Schools were raised to the grade of grammar schools. At the meeting in October, 1884, the advisory committee of the First District reported on the necessity of making provision for more school accommodation in that district, owing to the overcrowded condition of the schools. It was ordered that the members of the First District, as a committee, investigate the matter of securing a suitable site for a school building north of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad and so ascertain the probable cost of a new building. A great change was also made in the text-books this year. The total enrollment, as reported by City Superintendent Martin V. Bergen, was seven thousand two hundred and eighty. A scholars’ library was started in the Second District with forty-five volumes, and through the efforts of teachers and pupils it has been increased to ninety-eight volumes. In November, 1884, a night-school of five divisions for boys was opened in E.A. Stevens School, under the principalship of George E. Fry; also in the Kaighn School; one of two divisions for girls, under the principalship of Miss Anna Farrell and supervised by District Principal H. Draper.
March 16, 1885, the new board organized with Maurice A. Rogers, president; Charles B. Capewell, secretary; William Calhoun, treasurer; Harry L. Bonsall, superintendent; and Timothy J. Middleton, solicitor.
A careful and thorough revision of the limitations of studies was effected during the summer by city superintendent and district principals, and adopted by the board. A more thorough course of instruction was thus provided and the education of the children made more practical.
The entire number of children of school age, an reported by the census-takers June, 1885, was 14,973. The total appropriation for school purposes for the school year beginning April, 1884, was ninety-seven thousand four hundred dollars, and for the year beginning April, 1885, it was one hundred and seven thousand two hundred dollars, which latter sum included ten thousand dollars to be used in the building of the school-house at Broadway and Clinton Streets. During the summer of 1885 the Cooper School building was so badly damaged by the cyclone that it cost two thousand four hundred and seventy-seven dollars to put it in proper repair.
Night-schools were opened by the board in the winter of 1885-86 for three months, in First, Second, Third and Sixth Districts, and placed in charge of the respective district principals. The attendance throughout the term was good and great interest was manifested.
The new board for 1886-87 organized March 15, 1886, with James R. Carson, president; W.H. Snyder, secretary; W.A. Calhoun, treasurer; Martin V. Bergen, city superintendent; and J. Eugene Troth, solicitor. The new school-house Broadway and Clinton Streets is being built by John C. Rogers, for twenty-five thousand nine hundred dollars. The building will be sixty by ninety feet, and contain twelve school-rooms, and on the third floor a board-room and two committee rooms.
June 8, 1886, City Superintendent Bergen reported having visited all the schools and found them in a good condition. The reports from district principals showed a total enrollment of 6498 pupils, with an average attendance of 4561.
On September 6, 1886, the board re-graded the teachers’ salaries.
Through the efforts of the district principals, aided by their assistants and the female principals and the support of the Board of Education, the old plan of holding quarterly and semi-annual examinations of pupils for promotion has given place to the superior and more acceptable plan of monthly examinations, stimulating the pupils to exertion and diligence throughout every part of the term.
The Camden school system is on an excellent basis; the city being divided into six districts, with an average of about thirteen hundred pupils to a district and one grammar school in each, all other buildings feeding the grammar school; consequently, as the population increases and more school-houses are built, the grammar schools must become stronger and better.
The evening schools, a partial failure several years ago, have, during the last few years, through the determined efforts of the district principals, assisted by the janitors and assistants and warmly supported by the board, proved a grand success and have afforded very fine facilities for those who cannot attend day-school.
The steady advancement made in the Camden school system is another strong evidence of the importance of employing, as far as possible, principals and teachers who make teaching a life profession, and therefore throw their energy into the work of doing the best for the education of the children.
Among the oldest educators in point of time are Messrs. Horatio Draper, Geoffrey Buckwalter and George E. Fry among the males; and the Misses Harriet King, Anita Wright, M. Jennie Wood, Sallie T. Brown, Louisa Ash, Jennie James, Sidney L. Anderson, Sallie E. Hall, Mary L. Miskelly, Edith G. Heany, Minnie Titus, Nellie Orcutt, Belle Mayberry, Anna Wood, Mary M. Reeve and Anna Farrell among the ladies.
The full membership of the Board of Education for the year 1886, is as fellows: Stanley Muschamp, James B. Carson, Thomas W. Beattie, Irvine C. Batty, George W. Ealer, Charles S. Ackley, William Ireton, William A. Husted, George G. Bundick, Ellis W. Woolverton, A.S.N. Cowan, James L. Johnson, Edward S. Matlack, Edward A. Martin, William Drake, James Ware, Jr.
THE NEWTON JUVENILE DEBATING SOCIETY was organized January 24, 1807, by a number of young men of Camden and its vicinity, and was quite a flourishing society, particularly notable as showing the tone of popular feeling and taste among the young men of the time. James Cooper was the first president and Joseph Mickle secretary and treasurer. The original members were Isaac Z. Collings, John Hinchman, Samuel Hendry, Mason Ward, Jacob Evaul, George Stokes, Joseph Thackara, John Brown, James Cooper, Joseph Mickle, Samuel Eastlack, Samuel Sloan, Isaac Stokes, Thomas Doughten, Joseph Cooper, Thomas Thackara, David Henry, Jr., John Sloan, Samuel Knight, Samuel Blackwood, Jonathan Knight, Samuel Barton and Isaac Comly.
The object of the society was to discuss questions brought before them, and the president was authorized to issue tickets of admission to the debates to persons not members. The society assembled at Newton Meeting School-house, Sloan’s Schoolhouse and at convenient places in and near the then small village of Camden quite regularly for a little over a year, and the society then passed out of existence. It seems to have been the pioneer of a large number of debating and literary societies, lyceums, etc., of varying degrees of excellence, but all quite ephemeral.
WORTHINGTON LIBRARY COMPANY. - This company was organized as early as February, 1838, and in the winter of 1839-40 instituted a lecture course. Lectures were delivered in the lower room of the Baptist Church. The first in the course was by Dr. Isaac S. Mulford, who was followed by Abraham Browning, Dr. Caldwell, Chauncey Bulkley, William J. Allinson, Samuel R. Gunnimere, James Wilson, Dr. Earle and J.R. Chandler. The course of 1840-41 was delivered by David Paul Brown, Rev. George Chandler, E. Morris, John M. Reed, Chauncey Bulkley, William M. Jeffers, Job R. Tyson, Rev. P.E. Moriarty, J.T.S. Sullivan and Morton McMichael.
The trustees of the company for the year 1840 were E. Cole, R.W. Ogden, Jr., I. Mickle, J.A. Balantine, G. Stevers, Jr., J. Folwell and S.S.E. Cowperthwait. The course of lectures for 1841-42 were delivered by the following gentlemen: Hon. Samuel L. Southard, David Paul Brown, Esq., Philadelphia; Lucius Q. Elmer, Bridgeton; Rev. F.A. Eustis, Philadelphia; J.T.S. Sullivan Esq., Philadelphia; Morton McMichael, Esq., Philadelphia; William B. Kinney, Eq., editor of the Newark Daily Advertiser; Richard P. Thompson, Salem, N.J.; James T. Sherman, Esq., editor of the State Gazette, Trenton; William D. Kelly, Esq., Philadelphia; Stacy D. Potts, Esq., Trenton; Richard W. Howell, Esq., Camden; Henry S. Patterson, M.D., Philadelphia; William N. Jeffers, Esq., Camden; Isaac S. Mulford, M.D., Camden; and L.F. Fisler, M.D., mayor, Camden.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS. - The school, conducted by the sisters, Miss Mary G. and Miss Annie Grey, has firmly established for itself, by over twenty years of success, an excellent reputation as a first-class seminary for young ladles and little girls. Originally occupying the school building connected with the Friends’ Meeting-House, it was later removed to its present location, 709 Market Street, where the conveniences of commodious school and class-room is were added to the advantages resulting from faithful, conscientious teaching.
The course of instruction comprises all the branches of a thorough English education; also French, Latin, German, drawing and music.
The department of music, conducted by Miss Annie Grey, has for years furnished thorough instruction to pupils seeking to perfect themselves in a musical education.
The Commercial Institute at No. 608 Broadway, was established in 1882 by Charles M. Abrahamson. Both males and females are taught in this school. In 1885 there were one hundred and nine students admitted and instructed; the present year, 1886, there are forty-nine in attendance.
A Kindergarten School was kept for some years, at No. 557 Mickle Street, by Miss Ida L. Warner, but, in July, 1886, was removed to Germantown.
Mrs. S.A Wescott was for four years the principal of the Young Ladies’ Seminary at No. 312 Cooper Street, but it has been discontinued since the close of the spring term of the present year, 1886.
The excellent school of the Misses Northrop was opened in 1879, as a Kindergarten School, and in 1885 became a graded school in which six teachers are employed. During the year 1886, a large building was erected on Penn Street, where the school is now conducted.
THE WEST NEW JERSEY ORPHANAGE for colored children is situated on the corner of Sixth and Mechanic Streets. This excellent institution owes its origin largely to the efforts of Mrs. Martha M. Kaighn, Mrs. Mary E.S. Wood and Mrs. Rebecca C.W. Reeve. The object of the Orphanage is to afford a home for destitute colored children of Camden County and neighboring counties, give them the rudiments of an education and train them to habits of industry. At a suitable age they are indentured to respectable families. A charter was procured, February 17, 1874, and the institution organized by the selection of the following board of trustees:
Joseph M. Kaighn, president.
Wm. Bettle.
Edw. Bettle, 1st vice-president.
Geo. K. Johnson, Jr.
Augustus Reeves, 2d vice-pres.
John Cooper.
J.E. Atkinson, recd’g sect’y.
Dr. Isaac B. Mulford, physician.
Wm. A. French, cor. sect’y.
Henry Fredericks.
Howard M. Cooper, solicitor.
John C. Stockham.
Jacob J. Pitman.
Asahel Troth.
Joseph M. Cooper.
Alexander C. Wood.
John Gill, Jr.
Joseph B. Cooper.
Richard H. Reeve.
The members of the original board of managers were, -
Martha M. Kaighn, president.
Mary H. Pitman.
M.P. Bettle, 1st vice-president.
Ellen C. Cooper.
M.S. Bettle, 2d vice-president.
Mary S. Bettle.
Anna Burroughs, treasurer.
Rebecca C.W. Reeve.
Susan S. Atkinson, rec’g sect’y.
Matilda Buckins.
Mary M. Mulford, cor. sect’y.
Mary M. Cooper.
Edith E. James.
Elizabeth T. Gill.
Jane Bettle.
Mary E.S. Wood.
Annie S. Baker.
Sallie K. Johnson.
Elizabeth Cooper.
Mary C. Browning.
Sarah Fredericks.
Sallie C. Kaighn.
Joseph M. Kaighn donated three lots of ground at Oak and Chestnut Streets, in the Seventh Ward of Camden, and three adjoining lots were purchased, the intention being to locate the Orphanage there, but at a subsequent meeting it was decided to purchase of James W. Purnell the two-story brick, built by Joseph Kaighn for a farmhouse at Sixth and Mechanic Streets, with a half-acre of ground. A few necessary repairs and alterations were made, and on January 20, 1876, the Institution was opened, with Mrs. Deborah Richardson as Matron, and on the 29th of that month the first child was admitted. Mrs. Richardson remained in charge but a few months and her place was filled by Mrs. Jane Price as matron, and her daughter, Ida Price, as teacher. The children are taken at any age under twelve years if old enough to walk, but an effort is made to find them homes before they are eleven years of age. Of those who have gone out from the Orphanage very favorable reports have been received. The Orphanage is supported solely by the free-will offerings of benevolent persons. During the year 1886 twenty-four children were cared for in it.
The Board of Trustees for 1886 are, -
H.M. Cooper, president and solicitor.
Dr. Wallace McGeorge.
Dr. G.W. Bailey, first vice-pres.
Joseph B. Cooper.
Daniel Thackara, second vice-pres.
Richard H. Reeve.
Alexander C. Wood, sec. and treas.
John Cooper.
William Bettle.
Augustus Reeve.
George K. Johnson, Jr.
John Gill.
William B. Cooper.
Edward L. Farr.
William J. Evans.
Thomas W. Synnott.
William J. Cooper.
Benjamin C. Reeve.
David E. Cooper.
The board of managers are, -
Mary E.S. Wood, president
Cinnaminson.
Lizzie J. Martindale.
Sallie K. Johnson, first vice-pres.
Hettie G. Evans.
Mary S. Bettle, second vice-pres.
Maria M. Clement.
Rebecca C.W. Reeve, treasurer.
Anne J. Stokes.
Hannah F. Carter, recording sec.
Martha C. Stokes.
Susan S. Wood, corresponding sec.
Elizabeth C. Reeve.
Sophia Presley, M.D., physician.
Hannah H. Stokes.
Anna S. Stark.
Mary E. Eyre.
Mary L. Troth.
Abbie B. Warrington.
Rebecca C. Reeve.
Anna E. Fowler.
Lucy S. Cooper.
Laura W. Scull.
Caroline Bettle.
SOURCE: Page(s) 497-507, History of Camden County, New Jersey, by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. 1886
Published 2010 by the Camden County Genealogy Project