Jennie Wright Era (1881)

Transition and Early Institutional Development of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf

Early Development of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf

The period of Jennie Wright’s leadership represents a critical transitional phase in the early history of the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf. Following the departure of founding superintendent Rev. Thomas Berry in 1881, Wright assumed responsibility for maintaining the operation and instructional continuity of the young institution during a time of uncertainty.

Although her tenure as superintendent was brief, several important institutional developments occurred during this period that contributed to the long-term establishment of deaf education in the Dakota Territory.

Background

Jennie Wright had previously taught at the Nebraska School for the Deaf in Omaha, where she gained valuable experience in deaf education and learned sign language. In 1879 she relocated to Sioux Falls and became actively involved in efforts to establish a school for deaf children in the Dakota Territory. When the school officially opened in November 1880, she was appointed as its first teacher.

Instruction during the school’s earliest months was conducted in temporary quarters, including the Thomas Lodging House in Sioux Falls. Enrollment remained limited at first but gradually increased as awareness of the new educational opportunity spread throughout the region.

Personal Financial Sacrifice and Volunteer Support

During the initial period of operation, neither Rev. Berry nor Jennie Wright received a salary for their work. The continued existence of the school depended heavily upon volunteer efforts, local assistance, and personal financial contributions.

Wright is known to have contributed approximately $500 of her own funds to support advertising and other operational expenses during the school’s first year. These sacrifices were essential in sustaining the institution until formal territorial appropriations could be secured in 1881.

Territorial Appropriation and Community Support

A significant milestone occurred in 1881 when the Dakota Territorial Legislature appropriated $2,000 to assist in the development of a permanent school facility. Citizens of Sioux Falls further demonstrated their support by contributing an additional $1,000 and donating approximately ten acres of land for the school grounds.

This combined territorial and community support reflected growing recognition of the importance of providing organized educational services for deaf children within the developing territory.

Construction of the First Wooden School Building

During the summer of 1881, construction began on a simple two-story wooden frame building on the donated site. Measuring approximately 36 by 40 feet, with an additional 16 by 24-foot wing, the structure provided classroom space, living accommodations, and basic institutional facilities capable of serving about twenty-five students.

The completion of this building marked a major transition in the school’s history, moving it from temporary frontier accommodations to a more permanent and structured educational environment.

Click image to view the historical feature page about the first permanent wooden school building (1881)

Continued Enrollment and Educational Work

By the beginning of the school’s second year, enrollment had increased modestly, with students arriving from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Instruction became more regularized, and Wright continued to perform both teaching and administrative duties, helping to organize daily routines and educational practices in the absence of a fully developed institutional framework.

Leadership Transition

Following Rev. Thomas Berry’s return east in 1881, Wright assumed leadership responsibilities as superintendent and teacher. Her service in this capacity was brief. She resigned her position in October 1881 upon her marriage to Daniel F. Mingus.

Leadership of the school then passed to Professor James Simpson, who was married to Wright’s sister, Anna Laura Wright Simpson. This familial connection helped provide continuity during an important stage in the institution’s early development and contributed to the stabilization of the school following the departure of its founder.

** Why Did Jennie Wright Resign After Marriage? ** During the late nineteenth century, it was common practice for women to resign from teaching positions upon marriage. Many educational institutions and communities expected married women to devote their time to domestic responsibilities rather than professional employment. Wright's resignation in 1881, therefore, reflected prevailing social customs of the period rather than a lack of commitment to the school.

Later Life

After leaving the school, Wright continued to reside in Sioux Falls for several years before relocating to San Diego, California. There she became involved in the furniture trade. She died in San Diego in 1926.

Despite the brief nature of her administrative tenure, Wright’s efforts during the institution’s earliest period were instrumental in ensuring its survival.

References:

The Transcendent Territory, page 1-5. View

James Still's research files.

Debra Bilbrey's research files.

Scott Miller's research files.

Wikipedia.

Find A Grave.