History of Springfield, Illinois, its attractions as a home and advantages for business, manufacturing, etc. Pub. under the auspices of the Springfield board of trade, by J. C. Power.

56 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, AND
year the office of City Superintendent of cipals of schools and the average attendSchools was created, and G. M. Cutcheon ance at each:
appointed to that position. At a meet- High School.-Prof. E. P. Frost,
ing of the School Board, held December Principal. Three assistants. Average
21, 1858, it was determined to establish number of pupils attending, 180.
a school for colored children. A build- First Ward —J. O. Sampson, Princiing on North Fifth street was procured, pal. Six assistants. Average number of
and Mr. Thomas York took charge of pupils, 380.
the school. Its session began January Second Ward-A. J. Smith, Principal.
10, and embraced 13 pupils. Ten assistants. Average number of
The School Board, in full session, on pupils, 602.
the 27th of July 1857, established the Third Ward-C. F. Wilcutt, PrinciCity High School. Beaumont Parks, pal. Seven assistants. Average number
Esq., was appointed Principal; the school of pupils 480.
was organized and held in a small build- Fourth Ward-James A. Mitchell.
ing. In 1858 it was transposed to the Principal. Ten assistants. Average
Fourth Ward school house. number of pupils, 620.
The present Colored School-Miss M. F. Jones,
High School Principal. One assistant. Number of
building was pupils, 110.
The School Board is as follows: Hon.
comme n c e d
and comple- A. L. Knapp, President, Dr. John L.
Million, John O. Rames, Hon. Win. E.
ted in the I
te d i n t h e Shutt, Charles A. Helmle, Charles Ridg1865,m co of]t aley, Dr. T. W. Dresser, Rev. J. K. McLean
at a and Dr. B. M. Griffith.
to the city of
The City Superintendent is J. C. Benta65,000. It nett, Esq., a gentleman of rare attaincertainly one ments, a most successful teacher, and an
The High School Bailding. of the finest energetic business man. In his hands
and most substantial buildings of the are the interests of the city schools well
kind in the State, and is indeed an orna- placed. His administration will redound
ment to our city. to his honor, and the profit of the cause
The city now contains one magnificent of education in our city. The teachers
High School building, four good ward of the city schools are well worthy the
school houses, and a flourishing school positions assigned them and the trust
for colored children, which numbers bestowed. They will compare with any
about 110 pupils. The High School is teachers in any city east or west. Under
one of the best institutions of learning in these auspices who can doubt the prosthe State. Its course of study is thorough perity and influence of our school sysand complete, comprising all the higher tem, who can question its great and valbranches taught in any-public school. It uiable workings? No one can, but must
is in the hands of competent instructors, reach the conclusion that our public
and its influence is decidedly beneficial. schools are the brightest jewels in the
Below will be found the names of Prin- crown of Springfield's glory.