Extracts from Squire Thon's Diary
Excerpts from "Extracts Squire Thon's Diary" (reprinted and indexed by Gary T. Hawbaker, 1993). The following extracts pertaining to Wickershams around the Lancaster County area:
pg. 72-"September 4, 1862:Weather cool and pleasant.I went in company with Mr. George Hornberger and W.S. Binkley to attend the closing affair at the Model School, in Millersville, and as the accomplishment thereof may be very interesting to the young folks, I made the following record in my diary, viz: The assemblage for the occasion was very large.Miss Corinne WICKERSHAM, eldest daughter of Prof. Wickersham, and an amiable young lady, 12 years old, with pleasing features, commenced the literary exercises with an essay, 'Work not for self.'The delivery thereof was in a remarkably clear and distinct voice in the best style of elocution.All the other afternoon exercises were throughout gratifying to the large audience and creditable to the respective tutors..."
pg. 124- "August 20, 1876:Clear and pleasant.I went to Jacob M. Frantz's residence at Wabank.Here I met with James P. WICKERSHAM, State Superintendent of Public Schools.I spent the afternoon very agreeably in his company.At my request he related to me the eventful facts of his past life, which are very remarkable, and as the details thereof may be a good example for imitation to young folks, I made a note in my diary, to wit:
Mr. WICKERSHAM was born in Newton township, Chester county, Pa., March 5, 1825.His ancestors were Friends, and came with William Penn from England to this country in 1682.He received a good academical education.He obtained the degree of A. M., from Washington College, and that of LL. D., from Lafayette College.In his sixteenth year he was engaged as a teacher in a public school.In 1845 he took charge of the Marietta Academy, and continued as its Principal until 1854, when he was elected Superintendent of Lancaster County.In 1855 he opened a Normal Institution in Millersville, Pa., which consequently under his management, became the first Normal School.Resigning the Principalship of this school in 1866, he was then appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction.The service in this position he has continued till the present time, a period of more than 10 years, and if death does not interfere with his hopes, he may live to complete his present term, which would amount to 14 years.His appointments have been without opposition, and the Senate has unanimously confirmed them.Mr. WICKERSHAM is also the author of valuable literary works, on the proper methods of teaching, which gave eminent literary judges a strong inducement to translate them into several foreign languages.In the year 1863, through his emphatic speeches, sufficient to arouse the patriotic sentiments of his students and others to give assistance to restore peace, union and happiness to our beloved country, he succeeded in raising a regiment of soldiers, which he honorably commanded while in the service, and his voluntary efforts in the good cause will be recorded in the annals, and his name will be found among our great men."
Heather Hugenot