The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1878-03-27

house. The Gernan language was
almost exclusively taught in the ear
iy schools, though Shultz taught both
English and German. The common
school system was not accepted until
1861, and then only through the most
persistent efforts OF such meu as Jos.
eph Lehman and Peter Berkey.
There were four school-houses 10 the
district at that time, while nov there
are ten. Some of these, however,
are very small and poorly furnished.
bat, as the school directors are aetiye
men, and have already built several
new houses, we believe that further
improvements viii be made. A
school was taught by Henry Zufall,
in private house near Wellersburg.
in 1895
The 6rst seboOI-hOuse erected in
Southampton township was located
about one hundred rods south Of
Wellersburg. in 1902. This was a
small log cabin, and John Knox Nc
Gee taught an English school ia it in
1903. German schools were taught
at different times and places by
Peter Wilhelm aud Jacob Retiring;
but education made very little pro
gress before the introduction of the
common school system, which was in
1885 Since then, however, the pro-
gress of the schools has been some
what accelerated. Two new school
houses have been erected, and the
directors are making an effort to
raise the status Of the schools
Wellersburg was incorporated in
1851, and contains graded school
which is 10 pretty good condition
The northern part Of Southampton,
was erected into a new township in
1905, and named Allegheny A
school was taught at Shaifer's church
by Mr. AppIeman, in 1910 A num-
ber of the early schools were taught
in private houses, bat education re-
eeived very little attention prior to
the adoption of the common school
system, which was in 1885 since
that time the number of schools has
increased from three TO nine, but sew
eral of these are very unsatisfactory,
and will require the careful attention
of the school officers.
New Baltimore was incorporated
in 1873. The first school in this
village was organized in the Ca.hO-
lie church in 1880. A school-housc
was built in 1868, and S. NJ. Topper
taught the first school in this build
ing. The school board is composed
of persevering men, ana il is hoped
that they will soon succeed in raising
the standard of their schools.
In 1872, the southern part Of
Southampton was formed into a new
township, and named Greenvillc.
The first school in this district was
taught by Peter Engle, at the old
Greenyille church in 1910 The
common schools were accepted 10
1885, at which time Hiram Findley,
Esq, and Peter Engle were members
of the school board, and deserve
great credit for the efforts they made
in behalf Of the schools. Solomon
Engle has oflieieted as secretary Of
the board for twenty years, and the
schools are now in pretty good con
dition. The northern part Of South
ampton was erected into a new town
ship in 1852, and named North
amptOn.
A German school was taught by
Charles Peterson, in private house
owned by Philip Poorbaugh, in 1896.
Mr.. Poorbaugh employed the teach
er for the benefit of his own family,
but other families pstronized the
school The first school-house in
this district was built on the farm
now owned by Val. Bradigum, aud
a German school was taught in it in
1916. The common school system
was adopted in 1885, aRd since that
time the schools have gradually in
creased in efficiency. There are sill
several inferior sehool-buildings, how
ever; but as the school board erected
very fine house last year, we NAV
reasonably expect that still further
improvements will soon be made.
A new township was formed in
1854. and named Larimer. The first
school in this district was taught at
the White Oak church, in 1924. by
Daniel DeHaven, who was tAe pas
tor of the congregation at that place.
The first sehool-house was erected on
the farm now owned by Jonas Bit
ner. The common school system
was accepted In 1885, at which time
there were but two schools in the dis
trict. At present there are four good
schools, and 1t is but just to say that
the members Of the school board are
zealously devoted to the cause of ed
ucation
In early times, debating societies
afforded primary training for such or
ators as Jeremiah 5. Black, William
Ii. Koontz, William j. Bser, and A.
j. Colborn. These societies have
long since disappeared, and literary
societies, which have been establish
ed in almost every district in the
county, have taken their place, aud
have peen prolific Of marked eduea-
tional results.
The first teachers institute was
held in 1855. The sessions of this
institute have since been under the
control of the superintendents, who
have made them potent means Of
improving our teachers.
In conclusion, we deem it just TO
say that, Notwithstanding the fact
that diligent efforts have been made
to procure the facts in the foregoing
sketch, yet, in some minor particulars,
we have not secured as definite ia.
formation as desired, but submit the
fruits of honest labor to the candor Of
the public.
Aneedefe of Lincoln.