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Prof.
William W. Cottingham. No one can be more deserving of
representation in a volume of a biographical nature than those who
are devoting their attention to the guiding of the young and the
cultivation of their minds and morals. The pleasure ordinarily
experienced under such circumstances is in this instance enhanced
by the fact that Professor Cottingham is one of the oldest and
most successful educators in Pennsylvania. Throughout the entire
extent of the United States there are very few who have had charge
of the schools of one city for so long a period as has he, and his
connection with the schools of Easton has been both long and
honorable. During the years that have passed since first he came
to this city, he has witnessed wonderful improvements in its
commercial, architectural and civic affairs, but in no line has
greater progress been made than in that of education, and the high
rank gained by the schools of Easton among others of the state is
due principally to his intelligent and untiring efforts in their
behalf.
At the time
of the arrival of Professor Cottingham in Easton in 1853, no
public money had been expended for school buildings, but since
then there has been erected, on an average, one every four years.
The first of these was built in 1854, upon Seventh Street; then
another was erected on Second Street, and a third on Seventh
Street. The latter was in 1892 vacated and sold. Afterward were
erected the Taylor, Lafayette, Centennial, Franklin, Monroe and
Cottingham. In 1893 the high school building was erected. These
structures are complete in their appointments, and furnished in a
manner conducive to the comfort of the children and the
convenience of the teacher.
Born in the
city where he now resides, the natal day of our subject was
December 6, 1824. The family is of English origin, and has for
several generations been represented in Maryland, where our
subject's father, Robert, and grandfather, John, were born. The
former came to Easton in early manhood, settling here about 1820,
and opening a dry-goods store on Northampton Street. Later he
removed his establishment to Third Street, where he continued in
business until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sophia
white, was born in Easton, being the daughter of William White,
who came from New Jersey to Easton in an early day, and conducted
the Easton Hotel, located on the public square. Great-grandfather
White was of English birth, but emigrated in early life to
America.
The
parental family consisted of nine children, seven of whom are
living. William W., who is the next to the eldest of the family,
was reared in Easton, and received good educational advantages,
attending Lafayette College, from which he was graduated in 1848
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The degree of Master of Arts
was also conferred upon him. He spent one year in Lafayette
College as tutor, after which he entered Princeton College,
spending two years in that institution. After a short time in the
Haddonfield (N.J.) Academy, he returned to Lafayette College,
where he spent one term. In 1853 he was chosen Superintendent of
the schools of Easton, which position he has held continuously to
the present time.
Upon
accepting his present position, Professor Cottingham knew nothing
of the school, but he soon found that it needed entire
re-organization. He began the work, gradually introducing new
improvements and promoting the grade of scholarship until the work
was upon a substantial basis. Under his thorough and capable
supervision, the sixty-three teachers discharge the work of the
sixty different departments with skill, tact and success. Some
time ago he secured four scholarships in Lafayette College, and
each year one of these is given to the boy who wins the highest
scholarship in the high school course. The matter is in charge of
the Board of Education, and in this way many youths have been
enabled to prosecute their studies at the higher institution of
learning.
The high
school course is in many respects an ideal one. It includes
thorough instruction in higher mathematics, English and classics,
together with a business course, and a course preparatory to
college. Musical instruction is given in all the schools, and
books and other necessary material are furnished the pupils
without cost to them. The library, secured through the efforts of
Professor Cottingham from the original corporation, is admirably
adapted to the needs of girls and boys. In addition to his other
duties, he was also Secretary of the School Board for twenty
years.
The
marriage of Professor Cottingham occurred in 1855, and united him
with Miss Louisa C., daughter of John Abel, formerly in the
confectionary business in Easton. Since his death the business has
been continued by his wife. Four children comprise the family of
Professor and Mrs. Cottingham, namely: Mrs. Laura S. Morrison, of
Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Annie W. Talmage, of St. Louis; Mrs. Jennie
B. Vories, of Memphis, Tenn.; and W. W. Cottingham, Jr. of
Memphis, Tenn. The children are graduates of the high school, and
are well educated and cultured, fitted to adorn the highest
station in life.
Socially
Professor Cottingham is a Mason, and for twenty-seven years has
been Secretary of Dallas Lodge No. 396; he also belongs to Royal
Arch Chapter No. 172, Hugh DePayen's Commandery No. 19, K. T., and
affiliates with the Order of American Mechanics. In religious
belief he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the First Church of
Easton. In the various local and state teachers' conventions he
has been an important factor, serving as President of the sate
convention held in Harrisburg, and in many other ways promoting
the success of the work in which he is so deeply interested.
Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Page 694.v |
