5 and 20 enumerated were in 1865, 586; in 1871, 1,046; in 1873, 1,216; in 1875, 1,423; in 1877, 1,668; in 1879, 1,830.

Graduates from the high school are entitled to enter the State University without examination, and in several instances the thoroughness of the preparation for that institution of such graduates has been attested by members of the University faculty. The main efforts, however, of the School Board and of the superintendent have been directed to the grammar and primary departments, and those in charge believe that in harmonious action, thoroughness of instruction and results to the pupils, the schools of this district have no superior.

The district record which was kept before 1854, is not in possession of the present Board of Trustees and is accounted lost. The records show that since 1854 the persons who have been members of the board for the greatest number of years are: Warren N. Buck, 21 years; Benj. Porter, 17 years, and Eugene Pringle, 13 years. The members of the present board are as follows: Hon. Eugene Pringle, Moderator, term expires September, 1881; Daniel Doig, term expires September, 1881; Charles Pierce, Assessor, term expires September, 1882; Dr. Wm. H. Palmer, Director, term expires September, 1883; Joseph Smith, term expires September, 1883; S. J. Wirtz (elected to fill vacancy), terin expires September, 1881.

Politics have been generally little regarded in the composition of the board. Unintentionally, each of the three parties, Republican, Democrat and Greenback, has an equal representation on the board the present year (1881). Most of the persons employed as principal or superintendent before 1867 remained but a single year or less in charge of the schools, and none were more that once reemployed. Since that time J. S. Lane has been employed three successive years, B. R. Gass, eight successive years, and John B. Glasgow, the present superintendent, has been in charge of the schools since September, 1878. The school course is divided into three departments, viz.: Primary, grammar and high school, with four grades in each department, each grade requiring one year's work of 40 weeks. Considerable might be said of methods of work, system of grading, courses of study, etc., etc., but it is thought best only to give those facts which will be of permanent value, even at the sacrifice of many things that would be interesting yet common to all well-graded schools.

The grounds at the main building are 16 rods square and surrounded by streets. On the original survey this block was not numbered, but marked "Seminary Square." Without other title than this designation the first building of the district was erected upon it. Afterward the owner of the lands platted sought to obtain in the court a vacation of this and other parts of the plat, but was so resolutely opposed by the representation of the district, that he was glad to compromise by giving an unquestionable title to this square on their relinquishing other opposition. These grounds are well shaded, convenient and accessible. The grounds at the

Ganson street house consist of one acre of land, and the sites at each of the other buildings are eight rods square. At several of these there have been delays in setting trees on account of the imperfect grading.

The rapid increase of population has occasioned little practical difficulty except that of increasing school accommodations, and that has been met by promptly building new houses. The very diverse interests and occupations of the inhabitants have prevented their united action with reference to all except school matters. As to these, it may be said that the uniform cheerfulness with which appropriations recommended by the board have been voted, and the absence of friction with which the work of educating the youth of the district has progressed, indicate a great and common interest in this direction; and that there is not on the score of creed, race, or nationality, any considerable grounds for fear that the undoubted tendency of our public schools is to develop in the rising generation, that type of character which distinguishes our American civilization.

war.

Jackson Business College. This institution was organized in 1870 by the present proprietor, G. M. Devlin. Since its organization it has been well patronized, and now holds a position with the first of that class of educational institutions. At least one half of the students are from out of the city and many have entered from other States. G. M. Devlin, the principal, was a student of the old gentleman, P. R. Spencer, the author of the Spencerian system of penmanship, and has been teaching since the close of the The branches taught are bookkeeping, penmanship, commercial law, arithmetic, banking, commission, forwarding and business correspondence. The business course is taught on the actual business practice plan, in connection with other schools of the association of which it is a member. Prof. Devlin is the author of the tex-tbook used in the college in teaching bookkeeping. The College Journal, 5,000 circulation, is published by the college quarterly, for the purpose of advertising the school. In 1875, by invitation from Prof. Devlin, the Common Council of the city of Jackson, appointed a committee to examine and report upon the course, facilities, method of instruction, etc. The committee, af ter completing the examination, introduced and recommended the passage, by the council, of the following resolutions, which were adopted:

WHEREAS, Believing it to be the duty of the Common Council of the city of Jackson to recognize and encourage all efforts and enterprises properly instituted for the promotion of the interests of commerce and trade; and

WHEREAS, In this community, so essentially commercial, an institution devoted to the impartation of a thorough knowledge of the various branches of a mercantile education, is calculated to directly improve and elevate the character of our business operations; therefore,

Resolved, That the Common Council of the city of Jackson recognize in the business college of this city an institution of the character indicated and eminently worthy of confidence; that we believe its wide reputation for thoroughness of instruction in every department of mercantile science to have been justly earned, and we view with approbation the practical benefits which have resulted from its establishment.

1

Resolved, That we recognize in the principal of said institution, G. M. Devlin, the highest qualifications of a useful and successful teacher, and well fitted to conduct with advantage such an institution, and cordially recommend the Jackson Business College to the patronage of the public as an institution of superior merit.

The school has been patronized and is recommended by many of the leading citizens.

Many applications have been had for bookkeepers and clerks. The attendance has been, during the winter, never less than 50, and often 100. Letters are often received from old graduates expressing their thanks for attention and favors received while a student at the school.

JACKSON HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS

was organized on March 7, 1877, the object and aim being to further medical and surgical science in Jackson and contiguous counties. The names of the thirteen charter members are as follows:

J. B. Tuttle, M. D., L. C. Reynolds, M. D., Wm. J. Calvert, M. D., S. P. Town, M. D., J. E. Smith, M. D., W. A. Gibson, M. D., Phil. Porter, M. D., J. R. Jewett, M. D., of Jackson city. J. F. Brown, M. D., Leslie.

L. M. Jones, M. D., O. Q. Jones, M. D., Brooklyn.

N. J. Du Puy, M. D., Parma.

L. T. Van Horn, M. D., Homer.

The first officers were: J. B. Tuttle, M. D., President; L. C. Reynolds, M. D., First Vice-President; L. M. Jones, M. D., Second Vice-President; Phil. Porter, M. D., Secretary and Treasurer. Censors-W. A. Gibson, Wm. J. Calvert, N. J. Du Puy, J. R. Jewett and L. T. Van Horn.

The officers for 1881 are: Wm. J. Calvert, President; L. T. Van Horn, First Vice-President; N. J. Du Puy, Second VicePresident; W. A. Gibson, Secretary and Treasurer. The meetings of the society are held quarterly, on the third Tuesday of January, April, July and October of each year. The society has thus far been a flattering success, and is a source of mutual improvement and profit to its members.

The Jackson Club of Microscopy was organized July 16, 1880. The object of the club as set forth in its articles of association is "mutual aid in the study of microscopy." The meetings of the club are held on Thursday evening of each week. It numbers 21 active members. The officers are: Dr. J. T. Main, President; Wm. Humphry, Vice-President; C. H. Bennett, Secretary; Dr. N. H. Williams, Treasurer.

Musical conventions were held successively in the years 1856, '57 and '58, by Profs. Foote and Pease which resulted in the organization of a musical society with Mr. W. Lewis, Director, and Prof. Carl B. Scheffler, Pianist. This was one of the most notable of the numerous societies of this city, being composed of a number of singers of more than ordinary abilities.

In 1860 Mr. R. Bullock, widely known throughout the State in connection with musical matters, began a course of instruction to singing classes, and for a number of years continued doing excellent work.

In 1864 and '65 conventions were held by Messrs. Suffern and Taylor. In 1866 a six weeks' convention was held by Prof. B. F. Baher, and the next year he conducted a four weeks' convention, which closed with a public performance of the Oratorio of the Creation.

Meanwhile Mr. E. Cooley was bringing his influence and ample means to aid in creating a general interest in music, and Jackson is largely indebted to him for his efforts in behalf of Church music. Through his exertions music as an educational element was introduced into the public schools in 1869, by Prof. Herrick. In 1870 the work was carried on by Prof. John Troutman, who continued its management until 1875. The following year he was succeeded by Prof. McChesney, who officiated until 1880.

The Philharmonic Society was organized in 1871, with Mrs. E. A. Cole as Pianist, and Prof. Troutman, Director.

In 1874 the Franz Schubert Quintet Club was organized by the following persons: A. O. Ravenaugh, 1st violin; F. Yerrich, 2d violin; A. Č. Swezey, viola; F. Clark, cello; C. B. Scheffler, piano. This club was enlarged and reorganized in 1876, under the name of the Franz Schubert Club and Choral Society. Its first officers were F. Clark, President; H. D. Donmall, Vice-President; Mr. Dorrance, Secretary; Miss J. Bacon, Treasurer; Mrs. E. A. Cole, Pianist; C. B. Scheffler, Conductor. The first concert was given April 21, 1876, at the First Baptist church. In 1880 the Choral Society re-organized under the name of the Amphion. Society, with Prof. McChesney, Director; Mr. Donmall, President. It is in good condition at present, and doing good work under the management of Mr. Verne Peare, President.

The Franz Schubert Club is strong and well organized. Mr. G. Mosher has been its efficient president for three years. C. B. Scheffler and Mrs. North-Cole continued to act as conductor and pianist. The club membership is 35, mostly ladies. This organization has done much for the cause of music in Jackson. certs are well attended, and it is steadily gaining a reputation beyond the city.

Its con

The Orchestral Union is an organization of younger musicians, "girls and boys," some of them very excellent performers. It is managed and conducted by Prof. Mills.

The Seven Octave Club was instituted for the improvement of piano-playing, and consists of eight members. The piano recitals of this society are among the finest entertainments given in this city.

The Brass Band is under the direction of Prof. Louis Boos, who is an excellent musician, and who has won a deserved reputation as a skilled artist upon the cornet.

The principal music teachers are Mrs. North Cole, Mrs. Charles Ford, Messrs. Scheffler and Swezey, piano; Profs. Hanna and Mills, violin; Prof. Boos, band instruments.

The first religious meeting in Jackson was held in June, 1830, at the house of J. W. Bennett. Mr. Roberts, of Sandstone, opened the meeting with prayer, and a sermon was read. The question of future services was discussed and Mr. Roberts volunteered to continue coming from Sandstone to open the meetings, there being no praying-man in Jackson. It was not long, however, before Capt. John Durand arrived, and took Mr. Robert's place.

The first sermon was preached in Jackson by a Baptist clergyman, who came here on some business errand, on the evening of Jan. 26, 1831. Rev. E. H. Pilcher, a Methodist clergyman of the Ann Arbor circuit, established the first regular preaching service, having preached himself on the evening of Jan. 27, 1831, a week-day evening. The Rev. Henry Colclazer followed two weeks later, and these clergymen came regularly once a fortnight thereafter, until in September, 1831, the circuit was so arranged as to afford Jackson, preaching on the Sabbath.

The Rev. John D. Pearce, a Presbyterian clergyman from Marshall, preached here occasionally in 1832. A Bible class formed in that year was taught by Mr. Joseph Smith, and maintained with interest for some months but discontinued at length on account of prevailing sickness in the settlement.

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

(Sketched by Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D.)

This Church was originally organized as a Presbyterian Church, with 13 members, on the 9th of June, 1837, by the Rev. Marcus Harrison. Mr. Harrison came to Jackson county from the State of New York in 1835, and resided for a time upon a farm in the town of Springport. Early in 1837, he removed to the village of Jackson, having purchased a farm, lying upon "Moody Hill," upon which he lived in a log house not far from the corner of Lansing avenue and North street. He afterward built and occupied the house next below the residence of Gov. Blair, upon Lansing avenue. He was a man of great energy, a fearless, forcible and eloquent preacher, but possessed of a dominant will, which easily brought him into controversies.

The Presbyterian Church worshiped in a small wooden building, known as the "Session House." This building still stands upon its original site, being the first house upon the east side of Jackson street, south of the First Baptist church. It was then quite upon. the southern edge of the young village. Across the street where the Unitarian church now stands, was a pond, fringed with willows.