Public and Parochial Schools--Growth and Present Efficiency--Early Educators--Results Accomplished.
[p. 181] There is no one thing which so reflects the character of a community, the progressive tendency and the ambitions of its citizens, as the efficiency of the school system. Men who are willing to assume the burdens of increased taxation, in order that their children be given greater educational advantages than they themselves had been favored with, are a most desirable type, and where such a condition is met with, the community is always found to be in an advanced state of progress, socially, morally and in the realms of business. The pioneers of the territory now embraced within Lawrence County, in the early days, recognized it as a duty to educate the children, and saw to the establishment of schools of the rude type, characteristic of that period. From that day to this, the schools here have been maintained at a high standard, and have been unexcelled by those of any other county in the state. The first school was opened in New Castle about the year of 1804, in a log building, about 18x18 feet in dimensions, standing above what is now North Street, at a little distance west of the spring at the foot of Shaw's Hill. It was heated by means of an old-fashioned fireplace, which was supplied with "back-logs" and "fore- stick" by the large boys who attended the school. In the winter time, when it was necessary to keep the door shut, the room must have been anything but comfortable and inviting. It was rather dimly lighted, owing to the fact that the windows, instead of being made of glass, were of greased paper, through which but few rays of sunshine could struggle. The long benches on which the pupils sat while conning their lessons were made by splitting small logs in two, and then taking the halves, smoothing the flat side of each of them with an axe, and attaching legs to the round side. The first schoolmaster in the little town was Robert Dickey, and other of the early instructors were, successively: John Dickey, Richard Shearer Joseph Thornton, Alexander Duncan, Miss Sarah DeWolf (the first lady teacher in the city), and Matthew Calvin.
In 1851 the Union schoolhouse, which is now in service as the Martin Gantz school, and is in very good condition, was erected at a cost of $7,000. If the same structure was built, the cost would be at least ten times as much, if erected under the existing conditions. The architect was J. U. Borr, who made the plans and superintended the construction, for $50. The builders were Richard Craven and Samuel T. Sippy. The directors at that time were William Watson, James W. Johnston, Alexander L. Crawford, William Book, J. N. Euwer and Jacob S. Quest.
In 1854 the office of county superintendent of schools was created by act of legislature, and Thomas Berry was elected first superintendent of schools in Lawrence County. In his report, dated November [p. 182] 18, 1855, occurs a paragraph with regard to the New Castle schools, which we quote:
"New Castle. This district has one school divided into seven grades, taught five months; 485 scholars; average attendance, 404. Two male and seven female teachers. Average salary of males, $57 per month; females, $21.42. Cost of teaching each pupil per month, 55½ cents. The school and school buildings are in excellent condition. All the branaches of a thorough English education are taught and taught right. It is probable that no public school in the State west of Pittsburg affords equal facilities for receiving a good education. A regular course in this school would be a good preparation for entering college, or after having graduated at college, a course of instruction here in orthography, reading, geography and English grammar might not be amiss, especially for such as wish to become teachers of common schools. Although the taxes are higher in this than in any other district in the county, the people do not complain. They seem to be aware that good schools, instead of impoverishing a district, greatly increase its prosperity, wealth and happiness."
New Castle takes pride in her public schools; the most advanced methods are employed in teaching, and, while schoolroom results are intangible, they have been most satisfactory. Fourteen buildings, all large and convenient and nearly all magnificent modern structures, are so scattered about the city as to place all parts of the various districts within easy reach of a school. The cost of the various buildings follows: Highland Avenue, $45,000; Lincoln and Garfield, $40,000; Thaddeus Stevens, $40,000; Terrace Avenue, $40,848; West New Castle $38,000; High School, $30,000; High School Annex, $16,621; Lawrence, $25,566; Mahoning, $18,000; Central, $20,000; Oak Street, $31,249; Croton, $24,944, and Martin Gantz, $28,000. The total amounts Io $398,228. Ten of the buildings have been erected since 1880, and all the newer buildings are of pressed brick and stone, and are provided with modern heating and ventilating apparatus. The sanitation could not easily be improved. The Board of School Controllers consists of the following well known citizens, from the wards designated: First Ward, Archie Gordon and W. J. Chain; Second Ward, G. G. Stitzinger and R. C. G. White; Third Ward, A. E. Kerr and Charles G. Martin; Fourth Ward, W. G. Carlon and T. W. Johns; Fifth Ward, Thomas Edwards and Thomas Sadler; Sixth Ward, George W. Heckart and C. N. Lockhart, and Seventh Ward, S. A. Barnes and R. W. Hamilton. The officers of the board are: G. G. Stitzinger, president; W. J. Chain, secretary; Charles C. Duff, treasurer, and Miss Helen L. Moseley, librarian and clerk. Mr. T. A. Kimes has been superintendent of New Castle schools since 1905. The following interesting facts concerning the schools of the city for the year 1907-08 are here given: Total number of pupils, 5,323; total number of teachers, 154; length of term, nine months; school levy, eight mills; total amount of taxes levied, $141,608.16; state appropriations for June, 1908, $21,503.74; total expenditures, $206,396.67.
More than 100 schoolhouses have been erected in Lawrence County during the past thirty years. The State Legislature, by act of 1895, made it possible for any district that established a high school to receive an appropriation from the state according to the grade of school established. Schools of the first grade, having a four-year course, would receive $800; of the second grade, having a three-year course, $600, and of the third grade, having a two-year course, $400. In 1907 the act was so changed that the appropriations be distributed on the following basis: one-third on course of study, one-third on number of teachers employed, and one-third on number of pupils enrolled in the school. Since the act of 1895, the high schools have been established in five townships, with the following grades: First grade, North Beaver Township; second grade, Hickory, Scott and Slippery Rock Townsips, and third grade, Pulaski Township. Ellwood City has a first grade high school, and C. W. Cubbison is superintendent of the borough schools. New Wilmington and the boroughs of Enon Valley have establish second grade high schools.
Following are the names of the county superintendents since the establishment that office, together with the duration their service: Thomas Berry, 1854-1860; [p. 183] Stephen Morrison, 1860-1866; George W. McCracken, 1866-1869; W. N. Aiken, 1869-1878; D. F. Balph, 1878-1884; J. R. Sherrard, 1884-1890; J. M. Watson, 1890-1896; Thomas M. Stewart, 1896-1902; R. G. Allen, 1902-1907; W. Lee Gilmore was appointed June 1, 1907, and was elected for three years, his term beginning June 1, 1908.
The following extract from the report of County Superintendent W. Lee Gilmore for the year 1907-1908, which will be published in the 1908 report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of Pennsylvania will be of interest: "I believe the year just closed has been one of success and profit to the schools. The interest manifested by patrons, directors and teachers has been of the nature which shows perfect harmony existing among all educational workers. The recent minimum salary law, which increases the pay of the teachers, has had a tendency to bring older and better teachers back into the service. I believe the teaching force in Lawrence County shows a decided improvement this year over what it has previously been. The faithfulness to duty and desire for improvement are pleasing indications of advancement.
"During the past year there were in the county eighty-three teachers holding provisional certificates, sixty-eight holding professional certificates, eighteen holding permanent certificates, twenty-six normal graduates, forty-five having no previous experience, and sixty-five who had taught five or more years. There are 195 teachers in the county presiding over school rooms.
"The fifty-fifth annual teachers' institute was held in the First Baptist Church, New Castle, Pa., October 7-11, 1907. Of a total of 348 teachers in the city and county, 344 were enrolled at the institute.
"The township high schools showed marked improvement during the past year, the results being highly commended, and reflecting much credit upon those who had their management in charge."
The following statistics exhibit in brief form the present status of the schools in the different townships and boroughs:
BIG BEAVER—Number of schools, 8; number of teachers, 8; average number of months taught, 7; number of pupils, 324; number of mills on the dollar levied, 3¾; amount levied for school purposes, $2,113.68; amount received from state appropriation, $1,247.94; amount paid teachers, $2,561; for school supplies and text books, $171.35; total expenditures, $3,411.59; estimated value of school property, $7,000.
LITTLE BEAVER—Number of schools, 6; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 6; number of pupils, 121; number of mills on the dollar levied, 4; amount levied for school purposes, $1,585.75; amount received from state appropriation, $621.02; amount paid teachers, $1,885; for school supplies and text books, $261.03; total expenditures, $3,302.24; estimated value of school property, $6,000.
NORTH BEAVER—Number of schools, 16; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 17; number of pupils, 373; number of mills on the dollar levied, 3½; amount levied for school purposes, $4,996.13; amount received from state appropriation, $2,432-16; amount paid teachers, $5,910; for school supplies and text books, $377.34; total expenditures, $7,902.57; estimated value of school property, $15,000.
CHEWTON (Independent)—Number of schools, 3; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 3; number of pupils, 159; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $1,033.76; amount received from state appropriation, $619.22; amount paid teachers, $1,010; for school supplies and text books, $172.02; total expenditures, $1,498.12; estimated value of school property, $3,000.
ELLWOOD CITY BOROUGH—Number of schools, 2; average number of months taught, 9; number of teachers, 16; number [p. 184] of pupils, 590; number of mills on the dollar levied, 9½; amount levied for school purposes, $18,173.32; amount received from state appropriation, $2,151.70; amount paid teachers, $10,302.06; for school supplies and text books, $982.17; total expenditures, $18,806.05; estimated value of school property, $70,000.
ENON VALLEY BOROUGH—Number of schools, 3; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 3; number of pupils, 90; number of mills on the dollar levied, 9; amount levied for school purposes, $1,209.83; amount received from state appropriation, $382.10; amount paid teachers, $1,220; for school supplies and text books, $72.07; total expenditures, $1,693.19; estimated value of school property, $3,000.
HAZEL DELL—Number of schools, 5; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 5; number of pupils, 210; number of mills on the dollar levied, 8; amount levied for school purposes, $1,317.45; amount received from state appropriation, $671.78; amount paid teachers, $1,565; for school supplies and text books, $275.27; total expenditures, $2,915.39; estimated value of school property, $4,500.
HiCKORY—Number of schools, 7; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 7; number of pupils, 169; number of mills on the dollar levied, 2½; amount levied for school purposes, $1,765.97; amount received from state appropriation, $1,074.90; amount paid teachers, $2,448; for school supplies and text books, $153.75; total expenditures, $3,452.23; estimated value of school property, $6,000.
MAHONING—Number of schools, 14; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 14; number of pupils, 445; number of mills on the dollar levied, 3½; amount levied for school purposes, $4,312.27; amount received from state appropriation, $2,049.80; amount paid teachers, $4,520; for school supplies and text books, $301.77; total expenditures, $6,657.91; estimated value of school property, $14,000.
NESHANNOCK—Number of schools, 7; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 7; number of pupils, 338; number of mills on the dollar levied, 3; amount levied for school purposes, $1,814.21; amount received from state appropriation, $995.82; amount paid teachers, $2,310; for school supplies and text books, $482.94; total expenditures, $4,078.61; estimated value of school property, $7,000.
NEW WILMINGTON—Number of schools, 4; average number of months taught, 8; number of teachers, 5; number of pupils, 161; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $1,783.66; amount received from state appropriation, $6,250.20; amount paid teachers, $1,970.16; for school supplies and text books, $252.16; total expenditures, $2,757.58; estimated value of school property, $5,000.
PLAIN GROVE—Number of schools, 7; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 7; number of pupils, 156; number of mills on the dollar levied, 5; amount levied for school purposes, $1,723.47; amount received from state appropriation, $708.74; amount paid teachers, $2,310; for school supplies and text books, $179.47; total expenditures, $3,008.59; estimated value of school property, $7,000.
PERRY—Number of schools, 5; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 5; number of pupils, 128 number of mills on the dollar levied, 5; amount levied for school purposes, $1,145.09; aiuount received from state appropriation, $647.14; amount paid teachers, $1,364.50; for school supplies and text books, $64.44; total expenditures, $2,139.28; estimated value of school property, $3,750.
PULASKI—Number of schools, 12; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 12; number of pupils, 261, number of mills on the dollar levied, 3; amount levied for school purposes, $2,863.06; amount received from state appro- priation, $1,794.30; amount paid teachers, $4,182; for school supplies and text books, $285.04; total expenditures, $5,319.13; estimated value of school property, $12,000. [p. 185]
SCOTT—Number of schools, 8; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 8; number of pupils, 145; number of mills on the dollar levied, 4½; amount levied for school purposes, $1,952.17; amount received from state appropriation, $1,154.98; amount paid teachers, $2,572; for school supplies and text books, $224.19; total expenditures, $3,407.94; estimated value of school property, $6,500.
SHENANGO-Number of schools, 17; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 17; number of pupils, 395; number of mills on the dollar levied, 7; amount levied for school purposes, $5,112.63; amount received from state appropriation, $1,939.16; amount paid teachers, $5,624; for school supplies and text books. $299.27; total expenditures, $8,315.81; esti- mated value of school property, $20,000.
SLIPPERY ROCK—Number of schools, 11; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 11; number of pupils, 310; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $3,975.82; amount received from state appropriation, $1,590.54; amount paid teachers, $3,453; for school supplies and text books, $418.92; total expenditures, $7,398.55; estimated value of school property, $15,700.
SOUTH NEW CASTLE BOROUGH—Number of schools 3; average number of months taught, 8; number of teachers, 3; number of pupils, 150; number of mills on the dollar levied, 24; amount levied for school purposes, $1,698.96; amount received from state appropriation, $539.88; amount paid teachers, $1,307.50; for school purposes and text books, $109.46; total expenditures, $2,364.79; estimated value of school property, $9,000.
TAYLOR—Number of schools, 3; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 3; number of pupils, 113; number of mills on the dollar levied, 8; amount levied for school purposes, $3,585.06; amount received from state appropriation, $575.08; amount paid teachers, $1,076; for school supplies and text books, $208.15; total expenditures, $11,197.39; estimated value of school property, $18,000.
UNION—Number of schools, 9; average number of months taught, 8; number of teachers, 9; number of pupils, 261; number of mills on the dollar levied, 3½; amount levied for school purposes, $2,417.88; amount received from state appropriation, $1,530.60; amount paid teachers, $3,540; for school supplies and text books, $502.46; total expenditures, $4,894.03; estimated value of school property, $20,000.
VOLANT—Number of schools, 1 ; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 1; number of pupils, 44; number of mills on the dollar levied, 5½; amount levied for school purposes, $300.51; amount received from state appropriation, $164.92; amount paid teachers, $360; for school supplies and text books, $51; total expenditures, $486.64; school property rented.
WAMPUM—Number of schools, 4; average number of months taught, 8; number of teachers, 4; number of pupils, 176; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $1,614.95; amount received from state appropriation, $654.10; amount paid teachers, $1,788; for school supplies and text books, $165.63; total expenditures, $2,421.30; estimated value of school property, $4,000.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP—Number of schools, 5; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 5; number of pupils, 102; number of mills on the dollar levied, 4½; amount levied for school purposes, $1,482.24; amount received from state appropriation, $540.30; amount paid teachers, $1,520; for school supplies and text books, $134.82; total expenditures, $2,067.59; estimated value of school property, $5,000.
WAYNE—Number of schools, 9; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 9; number of pupils, 276; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $2,720.95; amount received from state appropriation, $1,307.76; amount paid teachers, $2,750; [p. 186] for school supplies and text books, $457.15; total expenditures, $3,825.31; estimated value of school property, $10,000.
WILMINGTON—Number of schools, 7; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 7; number of pupils, 179; number of mills on the dollar levied, 2¾; amount levied for school purposes, $1,664.12; amount received from state appropriation, $920.84; amount paid teachers, $2,240; for school supplies and text books, $143; total expenditures, $3,187.44; estimated value of school property, $10,500.
WURTEMBURG (Independent)—Number of schools, 2; average number of months taught, 7; number of teachers, 2; number of pupils, 94; number of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount levied for school purposes, $517.47; amount received from state appropriation, $328.40; amount paid teachers, $650; for school supplies and text books, $8; total expenditures, $828.57; estimated school property, $1,600.
Probably no better parochial schools, in point of thoroughness of instruction and efficiency in training, can be found in the State, than those of New Castle. The first Catholic school in Lawrence County was opened in a frame church in West New Castle by Rev. Father Hays in 1871. In 1872, the school was removed to the old Cunningham Block, near the Diamond, and in 1875 an elegant three-story brick school was built at a cost of $8,000. It is tasteful in design, thoroughly furnished and equipped, and compares favorably with the other schools of the city. The attendance in the new building was at first about 200 children, taught by the Sisters of St. Mary, and now the capacity of the building is taxed, the enrollment being 440. The cost of instructing these children is about $4,000 a year, this sum being raised by triennial collections taken in the church. In 1879, Rev. Father Gallagher was appointed pastor and became director of the school. Rev. Father F. F. O'Shea looks after the welfare of the institution at the present time. In addition to the usual common school branches, the following subjects are taught: Bookkeeping, algebra, telegraphy, typewriting, shorthand, Latin, and vocal and instrumental music. The girls are also taught fine needle work. The German language is employed largely in the school work, but English is by no means neglected.
St. Joseph's Parochial School, which is under the care of Rev. Father F. J. Eger, was opened in March, 1889, in the lecture hall of the church, with an attendance of more than fifty children, under the management of Miss M. V. Kankowsky; she taught with success, though the school was growing rapidly, until Father Eger divided the school into two rooms, in January, 1890, and placed them in charge of the Sisters of the Divine Providence. After the beginning of the institution, school was held in Fleckenstein's Hall until the new church building was completed; the rooms now occupied in the building are large and comfortable, and there is an attendance of about 130 children.
St. Vitus Parochial School, of St. Vitus' Roman Catholic Church, was started by Rev. Nichola DeMita, the pastor who now has charge of it. It is conducted at the present in the basement of the church, by the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Rome, Italy. About 260 pupils cover the work of the primary and grammar grades, and both English and Italian languages are used in the school work. There are four instructors in the school.
St. Mary's Polish Parochial School was started in September, 1905, by Rev. John Andrzejewski, in what was the old parsonage. A lay teacher is in charge and there is an attendance of about sixty pupils. The school is located on the corner of Oakland and Maple streets.
Foundation--Presidents--Faculty--Relation to Lawrence County.
Westminster College came into existence [p. 189] in 1852. To the Rev. George C. Vincent, D.D., then a pastor in Mercer, and in charge of an academy there, the credit of projecting it is given; the equal honor may be given to Rev. D. H. A. McLean, D.D., then a pastor in Greenville, and also in charge of a local academy, and to William H. Dickey, Esq., an Elder in Greenville congregation, on whom rested the burden of securing funds for the new enterprise. The project was brought before the Associate Presbytery of Shenango at its meeting in New Wilmington early in the year 1852, and approved. When a charter was secured April 27, 1852, it provided for a Board of Trustees composed of twelve persons, to be chosen by the Associate Presbyteries of Ohio and Shenango, six by each Presbytery. In 1859 the Board was enlarged, and the appointment of its twenty-four members was committed to the First Synod of the West of the United Presbyterian Church, which came into existence the previous year. In 1872 the Synod of Pittsburgh became associated with the First Synod of the West in the oversight of the College, it being arranged that twelve members of the Board should be appointed by each synod. Within recent years the Alumni have been given representation in the Board by eight members additional, and the Board itself has been given power to add eight more, making now a total membership of forty in the Board of Control.
The location of the college was competed for by several towns and villages, Mercer, Greenville, New Bedford, New Wilmington and others. The prompt action of A. P. Moore, Esq., in offering $1,500 and five acres of ground as a site for the college, won the victory for New Wilmington. Although the effort has several times been made to change the location of the college, it has always settled back on the old foundations, and may be regarded as firmly and finally established where it first started on its useful career.
Within the last two years the plant has been enlarged by the purchase of 200 acres of land, thus affording room for expansion, as the needs and resources of the college may warrant. A trolley line will ere long connect the college community with New Castle, the county seat, and each will gain much from the other by means of the better facilities for travel thus afforded. Beautiful for situation, central to the vast and growing population that stretches between Virginia and the Lakes, separated from the bustle of commercial and industrial life, within easy reach of the world without, and with the physical basis for unbounded growth, the location is an ideal one for a seat of learning.
The first building, comleted in 1856, was burned to the ground on February 3, 1861. A new one was built and occupied in the fall of 1862. This, the present Administration Building, having been changed somewhat in 1884, and completely renewed within and enlarged by an important addition in 1907, is now admirably adapted for college work.
"The Hillside," a dormitory for girls, is situated south of the village, and has a fine view of the valley below and the hills in the distance. It was first occupied in January, 1885, and in 1907 was added to on all sides, transformed and adorned, so that it is now one of the most attractive and commodious homes for young women to be found in any college community.
The Mary Thompson Science Hall was built in 1894 and the W. A. Clark Chemical Laboratory in 1896. The former was erected by Prof. S. R. Thompson and his wife in memory of a beloved daughter, and the latter was secured through the generosity of General Clark. The scientific equipment of the college is adequate to all the demands of a modern institution.
In 1908 "The College of Music" came into special prominence in the erection of a new building, containing thirty-six rooms for concert, studio and practice purposes. [p. 190] The building is unexcelled in arrangement and conveniences. The equipment of this department is always maintained at the highest point of efficiency, nothing but high grade instruments being used, and these always having the merit of newness.
Three other buildings of the college plant are worthy of notice. The Home of the President, originally occupied by A. P. Moore, Esq., the first benefactor of the college, is a spacious building fitted with all modern improvements and admirably adapted as a social center of college life. Two cottages, adjacent to the Hillside Dormitory, are adapted to rooming purposes for young women who in all other respects share the dormitory life. The programme of progress embraces the erection of new college buildings upon the hill, and the laying out of the grounds for college settlement in accordance with the elaborate plans prepared by Olmsted Brothers, Brookline, Mass., thus permitting the present plant to meet the needs of an enlarging Preparatory School with commercial and agricultural features. The growing interest in New Wilmington as a center for summer conferences also demands the erection of a commodious auditorium.
The first president of the college was the Rev. James Patterson, D.D., his term of service being from 1854 to 1866. The second was the Rev. Robert Audley Brown, D.D., who served from 1867 to 1870. The third was the Rev. E. T. Jeffers, D.D., who served from 1872 to 1883. The fourth was the Rev. R. G. Ferguson, D.D., LL.D., who served from 1884 to 1906. The term of the fifth president, the Rev. R. M. Russell, D.D., LL.D., began in June 1906. During the year 1883-84 the Rev. J. K. McClurkin, D.D., then professor of Greek, was acting president.
The faculty has always included in its number able, earnest and scholarly men and women. A few names of those who have passed away will support the above assertion: Prof. W. A. Mehard, D.D.; Prof. J. B. Cummings, Ph.D.; Prof. Andrew M. Black, A.M.; Prof. John Edgar, A.M., D.D.; Prof. S. R. Thompson, Ph.D.; Prof. John Mitchell, A.M.; Prof. Oella J. Patterson, A.M.
At the period now noted the faculty consists of the following professors and instructors:
Robert McWatty Russell, D.D., LL.D., President and Professor of Christian Evidences.
Robert Gracey Ferguson, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature and Ethics.
John James McElree, A.M., Professor of Latin.
Charles Freeman, Ph.D., Dean and Professor of Chemistry.
John Abram Shott, A.M., Professor of Physics and Department Instructor in Psychology and Education.
James Oscar Campbell, A.M., D.D., Professor of History and Political Science.
James McAllister Shaffer, A.M., Professor of Mathematics.
William Templeton Hewetson, A.M., Professor of English.
James Dwerelle Barr, A.M., Professor of Greek.
Anna Heyberger, A.M., Professor of German and French.
William W. Troup, A.M., Associate Professor of Latin and Greek.
Sara A. Pratt, A.B., Dean of Women.
Benjamin William Bridgman, A.M., Associate Professor of Physics and Mathematics.
Owen W. Mills, A. M., Professor of Biology and Geology.
Elizabeth Lawrence Randall, B.O., Professor of Oratory.
Alta Aileen Robinson, A.M., Assistant Professor of English[p. 191]
Berthe Muller, Assistant Professor of French and German.
Mabel McCoy Henderson, A.M., Instructor in English.
Bess Stuart, A.B., Instructor in Greek.
William Wilson Campbell, A.M., Director of Music, Pianoforte and Vocal Culture.
Nona Yantis, B.S., Instructor in Pianoforte and Harmony.
Edward French Hearn, Instructor in Pianoforte.
Mona Downs, Instructor in Vocal Culture and Ensemble.
Lucie M. Manley, Director of Art.
J. H. Veazey, A.M., Registrar and Local Treasurer.
Isabel B. Stuart, President's Secretary and Assistant Registrar.
William Templeton Hewetson, A.M., Librarian.
Mabel McCoy Henderson, A.M., Bess Stuart, A.B., Assistant Librarians.
Westminster has done much for Lawrence County. Its influence has reached to all its parts from which its patrons have come. Many of its graduates, and many more who have taken partial courses, have raised the standard of intelligence and morality in the community in which they reside. It has prepared many for positions of usefulness in education, law and medicine, as well as in the ministry. It has sent W. A. Aiken into the superintendency of public schools, George W. McCracken and others into the editor's chair, R. K. Aiken and others into the district attorney's office, scores into the practice of law. Four judges of the County Court have been graduates of Westminster, the Hon. John McMichael, class of 1857; the Hon. J. Norman Martin class of 1881; the Hon. William D. Wallace, class of 1881, and the Hon. William E. Porter, class of 1889.
Westminster, though under the special care of the United Presbyterian Church, is pre-eminently the college of Lawrence County. Her doors are open to students of all varieties of religious belief, or to those who have none. Her policy is liberal, aiming to furnish education along all lines for professional and practical life, yet striving to have the whole college influence permeated with Christian morality, so that her students may be trained not only for the "making of a living but for the making of a life." The citizens of Lawrence County should make Westminster the object of their hearty beneficence.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
Chapter XI | Table of Contents | Chapter XIII
Explanation/Caution | Lawrence Co. Maps | Lawrence Co. Histories
Updated: 6 Mar 2002