UNION
COUNTY SCHOOLS
AND
PROFESSOR CLARENCE W. OSBORNE.
At the age of eighteen years Clarence W. Osborne
entered Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, and took two years of
the course. He then spent the succeeding two years as a student in the
National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, meantime operating his
mother's farm. He graduated at the commercial course, but would have
had to continue his studies for at least another term of eleven weeks
in order to complete the classical course, and a ripening harvest
demanded his attention on the farm. Subsequently he began teaching, and
after four years' service in the district schools was for one year
principal of the West College Corner school. He was then elected county
superintendent of the public schools of Union county, in 1881, and has
been re-elected at every election since, and has held the office
continuously for more than eighteen years. No other county
superintendent in this state has served for so long a time. He has
attended as a member thirty-six County Superintendents' State
Associations and eighteen State Teachers' Associations. He has
conducted nineteen county institutes and all have, by general consent,
been conceded to be of the highest character. He has held two hundred
and eighteen teachers' examinations, and attended about one hundred and
fifteen township and corporation commencements. Since coming into
office Mr. Osborne matriculated in the National University, at
Chicago, and fulfilled its conditions by correspondence, receiving
in due succession the degrees of A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. He has
made a model official, and, keenly alive to the educational interests
of the county, has been instrumental in advancing the cause of
public education along all lines. He is the soul of geniality and is
greatly esteemed by the teachers, pupils and the general public,
and is one of the most practical, efficient and best known
educators in this part of the state. Within his term of office the
County Superintendents' State Association has honored him with the
secretaryship and the presidency of the association and with positions
on several important committees. The Professor is a member and has
passed all the chairs of Tallawanda Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of
College Sorner. The following statistics relative to the educational
situation in Union county were supplied by Professor Osborne: Teachers
employed, sixty; enumeration, one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-six; enrollment, one thousand four hundred and nine; average
attendance, one thousand and sixty-three; average length of term in
days, one hundred and sixty; membership of Young People's Reading
Circle, one thousand one hundred and forty-seven; membership of
Teachers' Reading Circle, sixty; average wages per day, two dollars and
thirty-seven cents. Every township of the county now gives from two to
four years of high-school advantages to the pupils, but where more than
two years are given it is done by the township trustee paying the per
capita expense or the tuition at the College Corner or Liberty high
school. In 1897-8 five hundred and ninety-eight Young People's Reading
Circle diplomas were given, showing that that number of pupils had
completed the four-years course of reading. As county manager of the
State Reading Circles, Professor Osborne has been very energetic
and skillful.
It should be stated that the county exhibit of
school work took an award at the World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago and received the proper medal-, and the county superintendent
and two township principals (J.F. Hermeir, of Harrison township, and E.
P. Wilson, principal of the West College Corner school and also
township principal of Union township) received diplomas of honorable
mention, authorized by congress for those who rendered valuable
assistance on exhibits which secured awards. In 1898-9 twenty-four out
of the sixty teachers of the county had received normal training,
nine had college or university training, and of the remainder all had
high school training. During Professor Osborne's incumbency as
superintendent there have been twenty-two modern school buildings
erected in the county, nineteen of them constructed of brick, in
addition to the splendid high-school edifice at College Corner, and
with but few exceptions all of the school-houses of the county are
commodious and of modern style of architecture. The progress thus
outlined reflects great credit upon the efficient township and
corporation trustees who have had the school buildings in charge.The
present county board of education of Union county is composed of the
following named gentlemen: C. W. Osborne, county superintendent and
president of the board; J. K. Husted, of Harmony township, secretary;
J. C. Showalter, of Brownsville township; S. H. Bellinger, Center
township; T. J. Bennett, Harrison township; W. C. Booth, Liberty
township; W. F. Shanklin, Union township; W. A. Fosdick, president of
the Liberty school board; and J. A. Newton, president of the West
College Corner school board. The present school board of the Liberty
school has as its members W. A. Fosdick, C. E. Hughes and Dr. M. H.
Leech. This school has been under the superintendence of Professor J.
W. Short, A. M., during the entire period of Professor Osborne's
administration as county superintendent. One year has been added to the
high-school course, and the school has been "commissioned " by the
state board of education, and its graduates have a legal right to enter
the freshman year of any of the state's higher institutions of learning
without examination. A commercial course has also been
established, and the trustees regard this as one of the best
things which have been done for the school. This course is in charge of
P. B. Nye, principal of the high school, who is a graduate of the
Pennsylvania State Normal School at Millersville, and is a man of fine
natural ability and great popularity. The school, building is. an
elegant brick structure and the school revenues are ample. As the
little city of Liberty has always been thoroughly alive to her
educational interests, tfee school was in excellent condition when
Professor Short took charge, and, backed by an intelligent
and enterprising school board, and assisted by a most earnest and
efficient corps of teachers, he has kept it fully abreast of the most
rapid educational progress of the state. He has placed it entirely in
line with the state course of study for town and city schools. He holds
regular teachers' meetings and meetings at which the Teachers' Reading
Circle work is thoroughly and ably discussed. He has also been
enthusiastic in promoting the work of the Young People's Reading
Circle, and the gain to his pupils by reading these excellent books has
been very great. The school has a valuable library, nearly all of which
has been procured during his administration, and it is extensively used
with results that are invaluable. The graduates of this school have for
many years formed a considerable element of the teaching force of the
county, and have proven the value and efficiency of their training.
Professor Short is held in high esteem by the Town and City
Superintendents' State Association. He is a most able and faithful
superintendent, and probably no educator of the state has a stronger
hold on the people of his city.
When Superintendent Osborne entered upon his duties
in the position which he yet holds, the township trustees requested him
to take charge of the township institutes. He did so and the townships
were divided into three institute districts. These institutes were
conducted under his personal supervision for ten years, and two lines
of study of especial interest to teachers were pursued each year.
Within this time, on account of educational progress, the demands
on the superintendent's time had greatly increased. The trustees then
kindly took charge of their respective township institutes and placed
them under the personal care of township principals, since which time
they have been conducted in that manner. The progress made in the
schools is somewhat indicated by the fact that there were five pupils
who completed the district-school course and received county diplomas
the year Professor Osborne went into office, and now about fifty pupils
receive such diplomas annually.
Another advance step has been made by the Union
county schools, along musical lines. The state in her last two courses
of study for elementary schools has indicated work in music, although
it is not required by law. Union and Liberty townships introduced
musical instruction into their schools two years ago, and Center and
Harmony townships at the beginning of the school year of 1898-9. The
work was given in charge of township superintendents of music from the
first. In 1897-8 the music superintendents were Mrs. Ida C.
Keffer, for Union township, and Mr. Samuel Farlow, for Liberty
township, and in 1898-9 they were Mrs. Ida C. Keffer, for Union
township, Mrs. India K. Barnard, for Center township, and Samuel
Farlow, for Liberty and Harmony townships. These superintendents have
managed the work with great skill, and it has been both successful and
popular. The following trustees are entitled to the credit of
introducing music into their schools in this efficient way: W. F.
Shanklin, of Union township; W. C. Booth, of Liberty township; S. H.
Ballinger, of Center township; and J. K. Husted, of Harmony township.
Music is taught in the other two townships by the teachers who are able
and willing to handle it without assistance from a specialist, and
considerable good work has thus been done; but superintendents
have not yet been supplied. On the advice of Superintendent Short, the
Liberty school board placed music in charge of a special superintendent
some years since, and the plan was so successful that it has been
continued to the present time. College Corner has not yet introduced
the study of this art under the direction of a special superintendent,
but some good work in this branch is being done by the teachers.
<>The College Corner Union School is not like any other in the
United States. It is inter-state, hence national, and the United States
courts would probably have to be invoked to abolish it. The Indiana
school board at the time of its establishment consisted of Thomas
Pentecost, Dr. W. H. Hawley and James Schultz. The Ohio board had for
its members George Weidmer, S. R. Ramsey and W. L. Pults. This school
was organized under the following authority: Superintendent C. W.
Osborne, of Union county, wrote the state superintendent of Indiana
concerning the organization of a union school between West College
Corner and College Corner, Ohio, and received the following reply:
Indianapolis, Indiana, December 20,1892. Supt. C. W. Osborxe, College
Corner, Ohio:
Dear Mr. Osborne:
Replying to your recent favor, would say that I
presented your case tothe attorney general and he is of the opinion
that the town can make the combination without
any
legislation.
Yours very truly,
Harvey D. Vories, State Superintendent.
An application from the College Corner (Ohio) school board to the
proper Ohio authority, State Commissioner O. T. Carson, brought this
opinion from the attorney general of the state, to whom Mr. Corson
referred the matter:
Hon. O. T. Corson, State Commissioner Common Schools:
My Dear Sir:
You have referred to me the following questions:
College Corner extends from the state line between Ohio and Indiana
about one-half mile east, and West College Corner, Indiana, extends
from said line about one-half mile west, and these two wish to unite
and establish and conduct a union school. Can this be done without
infringing upon the laws of Ohio? If so, what is the
best method of procedure?
I think it can be done. College Corner in Ohio can
be made into a special district governed by three directors. These
three directors can unite with the board of three which control the
school district in College Corner, Indiana, and build the school-house
on the line so that part of the house will be in Ohio and part in
Indiana. The expense of the; joint school can be apportioned
between the two districts on the basis of the school enumeration. Then
each board will not have to pay more than it would if it conducted a
separate school. The teachers can be selected by a majority of each
board of directors. In all matters relating to the schools, the
separate board of directors may act concurrently, but not jointly.
If there are any further details, they can be arranged by consent of
the two boards actingwith the approval of the state commissioner of
this state and the state superintendent of
Indiana.
Very respectfully,
J. K. Richards
The plan of establishing this school on the
authority of the attorney general of each state, in case both of these
officers should agree concerning the enterprise, was originated by
Superintendent Osborne, heartily sanctioned by both school boards, and
unanimously approved when submitted to a meeting of the voters
interested.
The College Corner Union School was organized and
classified in September, 1893, under the town superintendent, Professor
E. P. Wilson; and as the new building on the state line, since
completed, at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, was not ready for use,
the school was conducted in the old Ohio and Indiana school buildings,
the higher grades being sent to the Indiana side and the lower grades
to the Ohio side.
The studies pursued in the first eight years were
those laid down in the Indiana Uniform Course of Stndy. The studies for
the advanced class were as follows: For the regular class. Collar and
Daniel's Beginners' Latin, Wentworth's School Algebra, Guyot's Physical
Geography, and studies in American literature, consisting of reading
some of the best American authors. Those pursuing the teachers' course
were given algebra, physical geography and literature, the same as in
the regular class, and in addition Fisk's Civil
Government. A class in arithmetic was also
sustained.
Despite the unfavorable conditions under which the
school was organized the first year was a successful one and the
school has been increasingly successful to the present time. In the
year 1894-5 the school was conducted in the new building, which
it has since occupied. The enrollment and attendance show that it was a
prosperous year. Another year was added to the course of study and
marked improvement made in the plans of work. Another year was also
added to the teachers' course, which now requires two years for
completion.
A good interest has been shown in the Young People's Reading Circle
work. The books are secured through contributions by the pupils and
teachers, and in nearly all cases the reading has been done by the
pupils themselves, each pupil retaining the book of his own grade for a
limited time: and although the pupils are expected to read the books of
their own grades first they are encouraged to read those of other
grades and other years. In this way many pupils were induced to
read more than one book, some as high as five. It is not
easy to overestimate the value of this work, for if boys and girls
acquire a taste for good reading while young they will derive pleasure
and benefit from it as long as they live.
Teachers are required to meet one day in each month
for mutual improvement, at which meeting they discuss the Indiana
Teachers' Reading Circle work. In addition to special reading, the
teachers do Ohio Teachers' Reading Circle work. Superintendent Wilson
has had a strong and progressive corps of teachers from the
organization of the school.
Graduates of common schools are admitted to the
first year of the high school on presentation of a county diploma.
Those holding certificates from high schools of equal rank with this
are admitted into the year indicated in the certificate on presentation
of said certificate. All others will be required to pass an examination
for classification.
A teachers' course of study was organized with a
view of giving to those who wish to prepare for teaching, and who have
not time to complete the regular high-school course, an opportunity to
do some thorough work in advanced studies and review some of the more
difficult common branches. The work of the teachers' course is of a
substantial character and calculated to be of special value to young
people intending to teach. It will also be of great benefit to those
wishing to review their studies as a preparation for a commercial
course. It has served a good purpose so far, but from the present
rapid advance in the educational standard it is likely that within a
few years the school authorities can carry out their design and place
this course beyond the high-school course, where they think a teachers'
course rightfully belongs, and require the time to be largely devoted
to professional studies and training. It is now in charge of U. G.
Smith, principal of the high school, who has had normal training and is
an able and popular teacher. Most of the pupils who wish to teach have
completed the full high-school course before entering the teachers'
ranks. As the first high-school class advanced from year to year,
proper studies were arranged until they graduated after completing
four years'work, and two classes have graduated since. The course is
fully up to the standard for high schools in Ohio and Indiana.
Superintendent Wilson, who has had university training and holds an
Indiana state professional license, is still in charge, and by untiring
effort and superior ability has gained the confidence and esteem of the
school board and of the entire community.
Location and principals of township high schools:
Brownsville township, Brownsville, C. C. Abernathy, principal;
Center township, Lotus, Edward Gardner, principal; also Goodwin's
Corner, W. J. Williams, principal; Harrison township, Hanna's
Creek, J. F. Hermeier, principal; Liberty Harmony townships
(joint), Dunlapsville, in Liberty
township, Miss Christine Hill, principal; and Union
township, joined with West College Corner and made the high-school
department of the College Corner union school the township high school.
These buildings are all new save the one at Duniapsville, and are
beautiful and commodious structures, well adapted to the use for which
they were intended.
The building at Duniapsville deserves special
mention. Although built many years ago by the authorities of the
Whitewater Academy, its architect planned so far ahead of the times
that it still presents a most modern appearance. It is an elegant
two-story brick of six rooms, also ample halls, and is so located as to
present a delightful view. It has been kept in excellent repair, and is
very attractive. Notwithstanding it has been a good while since this
building was used as an academy, the influence of that excellent
institution, the White Water Academy, is yet alive and active in
this community, and has been, and is still, of great benefit to the
public-school work in this section of the country. The building has
been for some years the property of the township.
The present township principals are: Brownsville
township, C. C. Abernathy; Center township, W. J. Williams; Harrison
township, J. F. Hermier; Harmony township, Miss Alpha Templeton;
Liberty township, Miss Margaret Connell; and Union township, B. F.
Moon. The principals of township high schools and the township
principals are excellent teachers, who command the confidence of
all; and the teachers of the county, as a corps, rank high
.