Symmes - Lucinda Sophia - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Picture of her was unveiled at the Lincoln School last year. Leading citizens of Hammond were present to express their appreciation of her long service to the youth of the city. Prominent in the throng were many men and women who had been her pupils in school years before. Miss Symmes was born at Crawfordsville, Ind 66 years ago last April 24. Her first experience as a teacher was in the rural schools of Crawford County Kansas where she spent two years. She next served six years in the elementary schools for Pittsburgh, Kansas. She came to Hammond in 1893 and held the position of principal of Lincoln School until her retirement two years ago. Although educational work required the major portion of her time she helped organize the Humane Society of Hammond and served as its president from the first until her death. She took an active interest in this work and was particularly aggressive when cases of abuse of animals, especially horses were brought to her attention. It was largely through her efforts that the old cast iron watering troughs and drinking fountains were place in several parts of the city. Quick in making decisions and plain spoken when expressing herself, she often aroused resentment in persons not acquainted with her manners but this view changed as they came to know her better. This is probably best illustrated by the loyalty of the boys of the school to their principal.  There she was a pioneer in organizing club activities. Sometimes her new ideas met with opposition from the parents but Miss Symmes had a way of finally winning them to her side. Surviving are: a brother, Samuel Symmes of Crawfordsville and four nephews, Frank Symmes of Indianapolis who is associated with Senator Arthur Robinson in the law firm of Robinson & Symmes; Clyde and William Symmes of Crawfordsville and Marion Symmes of LaGrange.  The body will lie in state at the Emmerling Chapel until 11 o'clock Saturday morning when it will be removed to the First Presbyterian Church. There it will lie in state until 1 o'clock when the funeral will be held.  Rev. JC Parrett will officiate. The body will be taken to Crawfordsville where services will also be held at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home of the brother, Samuel. A number of Hammond friends, including former school associates will attend the Crawfordsville service also.