C'ville Female Seminary

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 26 July 1855 p 2

Mr. Editor: The Anniversary Exercises of this Institution were brought to a close last week. Not a visitor present could have been disappointed. Teachers and Scholars had evidently done their duty. The thorough review taken of the past year’s labors – the confidence manifested by the teachers and the promptness and self-reliance of the pupils throughout the entire examinations proved a great deal to the understanding of those who observe closely.

We had not the pleasure of being in attendance during all the exercises, but judging from what we did see and hear, we most heartily congratulate all parties concerned. Time and space will not permit us to notice all that was transacted and if we enumerate only a few instance and refere only to a few particular performances, we hope no one of the young ladies will take umbrage at our remarks and accuse us with making invidious comparisons. We wish we had heard all and had space to comment upon all for we feel pretty well assured there was not a single performance unworthy of commendation.

We can dispatch the examination summarily – they were all good. We noticed particularly an advance class in Algebra, which acquitted itself with a very high degree of credit. They dealth with formulas, and therorems and roots, as though they understood original principles. The satisfaction which the possession of such valuable knowledge bestows, is their best reward and readers anything that we can add useless and unavailing.

We heard only a portion of the essays and therefore will not be able to comment upon all.

Miss Julia Willson’s strictures upon “Isms” was racy and sarcastic. Every organization of the modern Levites receiving their due proportion. “Sam,” though generally thought to be a very popular gentleman, certainly has one fair enermy at least, who will never receive him into her parlor with any very gracious attentionis of flattering compliments. “A Young Lady’s Education,” by Miss Ketchum possessed a good deal of wit, we have to say of her, that with care and ambition she will soon rank high as a young writer. “A Chapter from my Life,” by Miss Mills of Marietta, was a very beautiful production. It was written in a melancholy style, though not of a morbid or censurable nature. Elegant simplicity was its chief characteristic. We hav been told the story is a true one in the history of the writer and it speaks well of her. May the holy recollections which she has of her departed mother, entwine themselves still more closely about her heart and there continue to group and blossom, a beautiful evergreen of undying devotion. “The Use of Temptations,” by Miss Sarah Mills of Crawfordsville was a fine essay. The thought was sparkling and the style easy and graceful. It was a good theme well treated and elicited as it deserved, general admiration. Miss Martha Binford’s ideas of “Indiana Women 40 years ago and now,” pleased us very much. It was a right lusty slap in the face of Old Fogyism, a real energetic little sortie against that remnant of tow-linen and linsey-woolsey sort of folks, who have come down to us from the last generation, jaundiced and dyspeptic with sour notions of Young America, and clamorous of the superiority of the distaff and hand cards over the more scientific and less slavish systems of modern manufacturing. Miss Martha agrees with those distempered old fault-finders, that we don’t live quite as long as they did perhaps in point of more calendar years but owing to our mammoth combination of Railroads and Telegraphs, our School and Colleges, we cram more in one year than they used to in seven. We were delighted with Miss M.D. Naylor’s translation of “Gallileo’s Dream” from the German of Engel. It is a beautiful story and it was very correctly and elegantly rendered. This translation had a great many features worthy of praise. Its correctness however and the closeness with which the translation adhered to the text is the most that can be said of it, as it is the highest compliment that can be bestowed upon any translation. We would like to review it more critically but our space will not permit.

The Musical Dept was also well represented. We might mention a good many of the performances and would do so if we knew the names of the younjg ladies. Miss Barbee’s execution of that most scientific of all musical productions, The Carnival of Venice, was highly satisfactory. We were pleased to notice that there was so much modesty of manner where there was so much merit… Every young lady ought to write that in her album “The bird that soars with highest wing, builds on the ground her lowly nest, And she that doth most sweetly sing, sings in the shade when all things rest, thus in the Lark and Nightingale we see, What honor hath humility,” for it is a lesson in nature, simple and beautiful but which alas hundreds upon hundres never learn.

The Commentment Exercises of the School took place on Tuesday morning. The first essay on the Waters of America by Miss Susan Jennison was not only well wroght in point of style but also instructive. Her familiarity with Lakes and Rivers reminded us somewhat of Audibon’s Ornithology for as the latter’s aviary seemed to be his Academy and his temple, so one would have thought Miss Jennison had lived and studied in a canoe all her days. As she has now launched her barque upon the great sea of life, it certainly cannot be amiss in us to wish for her a calm and steady sail and a final safe mooring in that great harbor which lies along that other shore, whence none ever return.

“Labor,” by Miss Mary Newton, was a real good common sense view of the best subject of the day. We wish her remarks could have sunken into the heart of every youth in the land. The great Webster once made a great speech on that very topic. “It is employment,” said he, “that makes the people happy; employe employment! Is the word.” Miss Newton wrote a good vindication of the best class of mankin, and we are glad that we heard it. “The Gift of Tongues,” by Miss Anna Willson we very much regret we could not hear. It is a broad and fruitful theme and by several of those who did hear it, we have heard it mentioned as one of the very best productions offered. The reading was indistinct for two reasons, partly owing to weakness of voice and in part to a natural timidity. The first defect she could not remedy and the latter is so commendable and so much in her favor that we are disposed to attach no blame to that which is so noble a virtue. “Blessed is he that soweth beside all Waters,” by Miss Caroline Wolfe, was just what the subject indicates. It was the fruit of a noble heart, chastened and regulated by the virtue of the Christian Religion. Long may she live to exemplify what on her graduateion day, she has so beautifully taught and after she has sown beside all waters, and bright fields of golden grain have sprung up beneath her hand may she then be permitted to ramble forever strong the green banks and amidst the cooling shades of those waters in the future Eden, forever beautiful and forever limpid, like the waters of “Siloa’s brook, that flowed fast by the Oracle of God.” The reading of Essays concluded, the Diplomas were presented by Rev. Jas. H. Johnson, the Principal of the Academy with a short address and touching and kind farewell to the class. We were pleased, highly pleased with the whole performance and feel safe in urging all good men to open their hearts and their purses to build up a Temple which promises to accomplish so much for the minds and hearts of those who are hereafter to be numbered among the wives and mothers of that class soon to have the control of the million sof free American people, who are to rise up here to constitute the mightiest and most influential of all political and religious establishments. The school will begin its next session on Thursday 20 Sept when it is earnest hoped there will be alarge increase in the number of scholars. Before we close this letter, at a time when there is so much strife and speculation as to what it takes to constitute Women’s Rights we will offer the following sentiment to the Young Ladies of Crawfordsville Female Seminary. WOMAN – Her throne, in the hearts of the brave and free – moral elevation, her magna charta and the entire world, her dominion…H.

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Source: Indiana Magazine of History vol. 10 p 337

The Crawfordsville Female Academy was incorporated Feb 24, 1840 by Israel T. Canby, John Hawkins, James Thompson, James Hannah, Moses Humphreys, John Beard and Francis H. Fry. It was given the annual powers granted to such corporations, including the right to hold real and personal property. I do not know whether this Academy ever materaialized or not, but I am of the opinion that it did not as there was a Female Seminary at Crawfordsville in 1855 and in all probability it took the place of the Academy. Note: Exact write-up “History of the Academies of Indiana,” by John Hardin Thomas.

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Source: Plymouth Weekly Banner Thursday 22 Dec 1853 p 2

Crawfordsville Female Seminary – We have before us a copy of the Catalogue and Circular of this institution for 1853 and in glancing over the list of scholars who have been in attendance during the past year, we notice them hailing from all directions throughout the State which leads us to the conclusion that the Institution is quite generally patronized. Rev. James H. Johnson, formerly of Madison in this state, is the president and principal teacher, than whom no better or more worthy man is living, according to our humble estimate. We knew him 23 years ago as an able Presbyterian minister – a devoted and pious Christian and a worthy and valuable citizen. We hope the daughter of Indiana may all be so fortunate as to have as good a preceptor, as those have who are under his supervision. This institution has been in successful operation for the last five years and had in attendance during the past year 139 scholars. – kbz

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Source: The Shrevport Louisiana Times Sun 12 March 1876 p 2 – At Rest – Rev. James H. Johnson, senior pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Crawfordsville, Indiana die don the 8^th, aged 76 years. He had been preaching in Indiana over half a century. He had been a Trustee of the Wabash College for 33 years, was principal of the Crawfordsville Female Seminary for a long period and was probably more widely known than any other man in the Presbyterian Church in the West.

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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 16 Feb 1854 p 4 – note: I think this is probably 16 Feb 1853 as ALL the ads are marked April – Oct as being complete in 1853

The fall term will open on the 22nd day of Sept 1853 (sic in Feb 1854 paper – what a hoot) – The trustees and instructors would express their gratitude to the citizens of Crawfordsville for the liberal patronage they have thus far afforded and solicit a like liberality in future. The course of instruction is thorough, and especial attention is paid to the moral and religious as well as intellectual training of the pupils. It is exceedingly desirable that the scholars should be prompt in the attendance at the beginning of the term. Price of Tuition – Preparratory Dept - $3 to $3.50 per term. Academic Dept from $4 to $.00 per term, according to studies pursued. Collegiate Dept $6.

French & German, each $5. Latin $2.00; Lessons Guitar $4.00 Piano-Forte $10.00 Use of Piano Forte $2.00. Trustees: A. Thomson; Dr. DW Layman; SS Thomson; OP Jennison; W. Twining – Trustees Sept 1, 1853.

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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 18 Sept 1856 p 34

Female Seminary – fall session of this institution will commence on Wed the 24th of Sept

Board of Instruction: John M. Butler: Principal and Prof. of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Astronomy.

Rev. James H. Johnston, Prof. of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy and Ancient Languages. Miss R. Stevens – First Assistant and Principal of the Academic Dept. Miss Catharine A. Twining – Teacher of German. Miss Frances Ford – French, Painting and Drawing. Miss Sue W. Jennison – Music, Vocal and Piano. Miss Lucy Little: Music, Guitar. Terms of Tuition: Preparatory Dept from $3-$4 per term, according to studies pursuted. Collegiate Dept $7. French, German and Drawing, each $5.00. Latin $2.00. Lessons on Piano-Forte $10. Use of Piano $2. Lessons in Painting. $10. No deduction made for absence except when caused by protracted illness. Pupils from abroad can be accommodated with board in the large and commodious Smeinary building, under excellent arrangements for health, comfort and improvement. The charge of boarders, including board, light and fueld and also tuition in any of the three departments in the Seminary is per term $45.00 or $130 per year, one half in advance. For instruction in French, German, Latin and Music there are extra charges at the rates above stated. Mr. O.P. Jennison has taken charge of the boarding house and will use every means in his power to make it a pleasant home for the ladies attending the Seminary. Applications for admission to the Seminary or for any information desired may be made to John M Butler, Rev. Jas. H. Johnston or Ozro P. Jennison.

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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 26 Aug 1858 p 3

Crawfordsville Seminary – fall term of this institution will commence Tuesday Sept 14, 1858 – Miss H. Stevens will still continue her connection with the school as First Assistant, Teacher and Governess of the Female Dept. School for boys under my immediate instruction (so must have combined it at that point) – John M. Butler -- $4.00 to $7.00 per term of 13 weeks in accordance with the branches pursued. Scholars from abroad will find no difficulty obtaining pleasant boarding places on reasonable terms.

Next to it – nice photo of the New Albany Female Seminary – 200 pupils fall season of 5 months opens Monday Sept 6, 1858 – boarding per session of 5 months included rooms, fueld, lights etc $80. Tuition in Pre Dept $12 Collegiate Dept $18. Music on Harp, piano, organ, guitar. drawing, painting, modern languages etc (doesn’t say it cost more) Write CC Hine, New Albany, Ind for catalog

William Twining Wabash Prof of Math from 1843-54 – raised children here – dau Catherine one of the the Female Seminary teachers in C’ville

Married Margaret Eliza Johnson of NY City 6-1-1830 (she died 10-15-1873. He passed away June 5, 1884 in St. Louis area.

Children: Almira Catlin b. Great Falls, NY 7-22-1831 marr 1851 Rev. Charles H. Marshall.

Edward Henry b. Lowell Mass Oct 3, 1833 marr. Harriet Sperry

William Alex 1835-1836

Catharine Ann b. Madison Ind 3-1-1837 marr 1863 Charles D. Moody lawyer in Beardstown Ill. She taught in the Crawfordsville Female Seminary school in the mid 1850s, then went to Cleveland, Ohio where she taught for three years (1856-59) in the Cleveland Ohio Female Seminary. She and Mr. Moody had five children: Harriet; Catharine; Ethelwynne; Constance and Mark

William Johnson b. Madison 8-2-1839. US Military Academy – served throughout Civil War First Lt. He was chief engineer in the battles of Franklin & Nashville. For gallant and meritorious services he received the rank of Major. Considered one of the most accomplished and capable engineer officers in the army. Never married died of pleurisy May 1882 buried with military honors at West Point

Helen Elizabeth b 1841 – resided St. Louis, Mo a beautiful woman with fine music talent.

Charles Osmond b 9-28-1845 probably at Crawfordsville married Anna Campbell.

Mary Evelyn b. 1849 in Crawfordsville resided in St. Louis, Missouri.

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 29 May 1896 p 11

Attica News – We have been handed a copy of the Indiana Record, published in Crawfordsville Saturday morning April 21, 1841. It is headed by the Harrison ticket and has the name of Henry S. Lane for Congress the election to take place Monday May 3rd of that year.

It also contains a lengthy account of the graduating exercises of the Crawfordsville Female Academy of which Rev. Mr. Pratt was the principal. It was on the evening of May 9, 1841 and the exercises were held in the Methodist Church. Among the graduates were: Mary J. Mack; Elizabeth Naylor; Mary Mills; Harriet McClure; Margaret Speed; Mary Maxwell; Martha James; Lucinda Maddox; afterwards Mrs. James McDonald of this city, Mary Ristine, Matilda Maxwell, Almira Chandler, Amanda Coleman, afterwards Mrs. Capt. RB hanna of this city, Joanna Elston, afterwards, Mrs. Senator Lane of Crawfordsville, Silvia Elston, Margaret Maxwell and Rachael Thompson, afterwards Mrs. Isaac Coleman of this city. After speaking of the various decorations a description of the class is given as they marched in arrayed in snowy white dresses and rosy cheeks. After a piece by the band, the principal offered prayer, then came the exercises proper. Each essay was loudly praised and attentively listened to by the audience. The article, in mentioning the names of the class brings to the minds of the older citizens of Crawfordsville and this city of noble women most of whom have passed to their reward. The record is worth preserving and the example of the members worthy of imitation.