education in Alabama may be mentioned Bishop Robert Paine, of LaGrange College; Mrs. Stafford and her scholarly husband, who made the Alabama Female Institute, of Tuskaloosa, a real seminary of learning; Colonel James T. Murfee, for many years the able president of Howard College; Dr. John Massey, who, after spending a few years of his young manhood in preparing students for college, became the president of Alabama Conference Female College at Tuskegee; and Dr. Thomas J. Dill, who, after years of work in private and public schools, filled with much success the chair of Latin and Greek in Howard College. SUMMARY In the early times there were in Alabama a number of private schools. A system of public schools organized in Mobile produced such good results that by an act of the legislature in 1854 the system was extended throughout the State. To meet the demand for better teachers, normal schools have been established. In each congressional district there is an agricultural school. The work of the public schools is supplemented by excellent courses of study at the Polytechnic Institute, the University, the Girls' Industrial School, and at the denominational schools. QUESTIONS 1. In what ways was interest in schools shown by early settlers? 2. Name some of the first private schools that were established. 3. Give an account of the beginning of the public school system. 4. What caused the establishment of normal schools, and where are they located? 5. How many agricultural schools are there, and what work are they doing? 6. Describe the improvement in the public school system. 7. Sketch the history of the Polytechnic Institute; the Medical College; the University. 8. Name some of the principal denominational schools. 9. Give a sketch of Dr. Tutwiler; of Miss Julia Tutwiler. 10. Name other distinguished teachers that have assisted the cause of education in Alabama, PROFESSOR SETH SMITH MELLEN 1. Influence of Great Teachers.-In all ages great teachers have been very influential in moulding national character. Socrates taught Plato, Plato taught Aristotle, Aristotle taught Alexander, and Alexander conquered the world. This country has been peculiarly blessed by having the learned scholars of the older States to educate its boys and girls. These in turn have passed into *The author gives this chapter as a typical illustration and description of the old private academies, as well as a tribute to the memory of a distinguished teacher. newer sections, where they have implanted lessons of truth and morality, and guided the youth to knowledge and success. 1821 2. Early Life.-Professor Seth Smith Mellen was Feb. 7, born in Pelham, Massachusetts, and was graduated from Williams College in 1843 during the presidency of Dr. Mark Hopkins. He was deeply impressed by the sentiments and spirit of that remarkable educator. Leaving the home of his birth, he began teaching in Georgia. He afterward removed to Pierce's Springs in Mississippi, where he taught for many years, and won a reputation as a scholar, a Christian gentleman, and a successful instructor and guide of youth. 3. Pierce's Springs School.-His Pierce's Springs School was established on the English boardingplan. The boys were taken into his home, and formed a part of his family. They gathered about him after the lessons and sports of the day to share in social conversation, to receive his advice and blessings at evening prayers, and to devote at least two hours to the preparation of the lessons for the next day. Pupils committed to his care had the advantage of the boundless woods for hunting, the clear streams for swimming and fishing, the quietude of country for study, native fruits of woods and orchards, plenty of wholesome food, pure drinking water, a scholarly teacher, and his devoted Christian wife. All of these things contributed to "the harmonious development of the body, soul, and brain" of his pupils. The boys loved him, and when they returned 1869 to their homes after a session in the school, their homefolks and friends could understand that a great master had been forming their habits and training their minds. 4. Removal to Mount Sterling.-During the summer season of 1869, Professor Mellen arranged to open the fall session of his school in Mount Sterling, a village in Choctaw county, Alabama. Mount Sterling had been noted for its excellent schools. Professor George F. Mellen, Dr. John Massey, Miss O. C. DuBose, and other prominent teachers had given it reputation as a center of learning. It was not so quiet then as now, but it was far from the madding noise of large cities. The people in it were intelligent and most of them were prosperous. The pretty homes, the good society, the active churches, the wide-awake merchants, the business enterprise, and the thriving farms surrounding it invited schools. The coming of Professor Mellen, with his interesting family, into the Alabama village was attended with more than courteous welcome. Many of his former pupils were there, and they greeted him with affection akin to that with which children greet a father. The public joined in their joyous gladness. Congratulations poured from near and far upon fortunate Mount Sterling. The school opened in September. It filled rapidly. Both boys and girls were admitted. They came from Mobile, from Choctaw, Sumter, Marengo, Washington, and Clarke counties, from Mississippi and Arkansas. Life and laughter, study and fun, such as come only in school days, were there in abundance.. 5. Respect and Admiration of His Pupils.-Professor Mellen had long experience in leading the young into culture and learning. He commanded their unbounded respect, while his agreeable manner and delightful conversation won their confidence. He possessed fine common sense to balance his learning, a manly way of acting that infused its charm into others, and a confidence in boys that cultivated their highest self-respect. They strove to be what they supposed he thought them. They played pranks that often gave him annoyance and pain, but he never failed to pass over the unpleasant places with dignity and firmness, and at the same time he left the impression that he believed in the better nature of boys. This made him dear to them. It falls but seldom to the lot of a teacher to be so admired and loved by his pupils. 6. Success as Business Man and Teacher.-In private business Dr. Mellen was successful. He loved the company of his friends and often had them to enjoy with him and his family the comforts and luxuries of his home. He gave liberally for charity. His interest in politics and the country's welfare was in sympathy with that of his neighbors, and he enjoyed their full respect and cordial esteem. As an educator he must be considered with masters whose great services in teaching have helped to encourage young men to act nobly and live for good to the world. His pupils have striven to acquire knowledge and to rise to high positions. Among |