FIRST SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY --- EARLY SCHOOLHOUSES --- OLD-FASHIONED SPELLING SCHOOLS --- FIRST SCHOOLS IN TOWNS OF BUENA VISTA, ORION, RICHWOOD, ROCKBRIDGE --- FIRST SCHOOL IN VILLAGE OF RICHLAND CENTER --- RECOLLECTIONS OF JUDGE JAMES H. MINER --- OBSERVATION OF "COLUMBUS DAY" --- FIRST SCHOOLS IN TOWNS OF EAGLE, WILLOW, MARSHALL, FOREST, SYLVAN, BLOOM, HENRIETTA, ITHACA, AKAN, WESTFORD, DAYTON --- PRESENT STATUS OF SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY.

    The first school taught in the county was opened in 1847, in a room of Peter Kinder’s house, in the town of Richwood, and from that small beginning has grown and ramified the present full tree of education.

    The first schoolhouses were built of course in most instances of logs, and considering the abundance of timber, they could well have been constructed much larger and more commodious. A description of one of them would doubtless answer for all. The desks were placed around the wall, and the seats were mostly made of basswood logs, split into halves. Upon these rude and uncomfortable seats, pupils of all ages and conditions were compelled to sit the six hours of the school day. These pioneer schoolhouses were in strange contrast with the light, airy and commodious school buildings in every district in the county today; and yet it is a fact that as much solid work was done by the pupils in those early school buildings as in the more elegant ones of the present. Wood was furnished by the patrons in proportion to the number of chi1dren sent. Often, it was drawn to the schoolhouse by the parents, in the log, and cut up by the pupils. Most of the pupils found their way through the woods to the schoolhouse, roads being comparatively unknown. Along these trails they went to school, and at night to spelling-schools, lighting their way, in the night time, with torches made from the bark of hickory trees.

    The old fashioned spelling-school is seldom now heard of, but it is doubtful if any modern entertainment can equal it in interest or in lasting benefit to the participants. The younger people would go miles to attend one of these events. It was district against district, and it was wonderful how each would back their champions. The method was different at times in spelling down. Sometimes they would stand up and spell around, and the last one up was the winner. Another method, and by some thought to be a more thorough test, was to stand up two and two, and the one who was able to spell the whole crowd down in that way would carry off the championship. Those friendly mental contests were often very exciting and continued until late into the night. Webster's Elementary spelling book was used in some sections, but it finally gave way to McGuffey’s. That the pupils in our common schools then were much better spellers than now is beyond all question.

    There was a general uniformity of school books throughout the county, McGuffey’s readers, the old edition, being introduced into the schools at an early period. In some localities other books may have been used as readers, the New Testament probably being among them. No uniformity in regard to arithmetics was practiced until the adoption of Ray’s series, and these were in quite general use for years. His "Third Part" or "Practical," was the standard for many years, and there are many who think it has never been excelled for the purpose for which it was designed. No particular system of penmanship was taught, the styles being as various and ever-changing as were the teachers.

    The first school in the town of Buena Vista was taught by Mrs. Emily Matteson, wife of Delos Matteson, in the summer of 1850. The school was kept at the residence of Mr. Matteson. The first school house in the town was a log building erected on the northeast quarter of section 32, in 1849. Margaret Ingram was the first teacher there. A school house was erected in the village of Richland City in 1853. The same year an academy was established at that place, Professor Silsby being the proprietor of the enterprise. The people assisted materially in the erection of a substantial building and were to receive their recompense in tuition. This school was in operation for about four years. The building was afterward moved to Spring Green, where it was used for school purposes. The first schoo1 in the village of Lone Rock was taught by Ellen M. Wesley, in the upper part of a building erected by Dr. J. N. Cassell, for a drug store. The school began in the fall of 1856 and continued for five months. Miss Wesley afterward became the wife of J. W. Fuller of Lone Rock. The first schoolhouse in the village was erected in 1857, it being a frame structure. In 1864 a much larger building was put up at a cost of about $2,500, two stories high and thirty-four by fifty-two feet in size, but on April 1, 1865, when the house was about completed, it was struck by lightning and entirely consumed by fire. In the spring of 1866 another building somewhat larger than the one burned, was ready for occupancy. The school was graded in 1866, when the new building was first occupied, and in 1875, in accordance with the law then recently passed for the establishment of schools of a higher grade, a high school was established.

    The first school in district No.1, town of Orion, was taught by Mrs. David Mayfield, at her house, in 1851. Mrs. Alanson Hurd taught the next term of school, and in 1853 a log house was erected on section 10. This schoolhouse was in use for several years, and was then replaced by a neat frame building. A schoolhouse in district No.4 was erected on section 8 in 1858, David Wacker being one of the first teachers in the building. The first school in district No. 5 was taught in 1858 by Simon S. Blake, in a frame building erected during the same year on the eastern part of section 19. During the war the organization of the district was abandoned and the territory was attached to other districts. In 1865 the district was re-organized and a hewn-log schoolhouse was erected, in which Sarah Gaston was the first teacher. In the winter of 1881-2 a new building was erected in which Ju1ia Thompson taught the first school. The first school in district No.7 was taught by Lucita Law during the war. The district had purchased a building that had been erected for school purposes on section 34, but there were then but few settlers in the neighborhood, and they could not support a school, so the building was sold to district No. 7 to raise money to pay the teacher. The building was moved to the southwest quarter of section 32, where it was used for school purposes until 1880, when a neat frame building was erected a quarter of a mile east of the old site. Ada Bobb was the first teacher in the new house. The first school in the village of Orion was taught by Mary Melanthon (afterward Mrs. Joseph Elliott) in a log building erected for that purpose. The second school was taught by Levi Houts in the same building.

    The first school in the town of Richwood was taught at the house of Peter Kinder in 1847-8, it being a subscription school, and William Durren was the teacher. The first public school in the town was taught during the same season in a log schoolhouse located on the northeast comer of section 35, Elizabeth Conner being the teacher. At an early day a man named Hunter taught a subscription school on Sand Prairie, and by 1857 Richwood had four schools. The first school at Port Andrews was kept by Thomas Andrews, and the first schoolhouse there was erected in 1854. The first school in the village of Excelsior was taught by Elder Harvey in the winter of 1867-8, in C. C. Whitcomb's hall, William Durren being the teacher. The following summer the first schoolhouse in the village was erected, and Annie Fay was the first teacher in the house. In 1880 the people of Excelsior, needing more school room, erected a two-story schoolhouse at a cost of over $1,000, and employed two teachers, the principal being Professor Keys.

    As early as 1853 a school district was organized in the western part of the town of Rockbridge, and a school was taught by Jane Haseltine in a house that was built by Zenas Satterlee, on the southwest quarter of section 20. Two or three years later, a schoolhouse was built on the northeast quarter of section 29, and in that house John Lewis was the first teacher. There seemed to be considerable dissension among the citizens of that district, and in a short time the school building was burned. Another was soon erected, but it was not allowed to stand and soon afterward also went up in smoke. The territory included in the district was then attached to other districts. In No. 1 the first school was taught by Adelia Haseltine and Persis Haseltine, in a slab shanty on the village plat, in 1853. This was a subscription school, and the only pupils in the district were the children of Orin and Alden Haseltine and Jacob Holloway. The teachers took turns, keeping the school one week each at a time. School was taught in private houses until 1856, when a frame house was built, in which Sarah J. Smith was the first teacher. During the winter of 1856-7 the first schoolhouse was built in district No. 3. It was located on the southwest part of the northwest quarter of section 27, and Gaylord Freeman was the first teacher. The district continued to use this building until 1872, when a frame house was erected on the old site, in which Jemima McNamar was the first teacher. In district No. 4 there was a log schoolhouse built in 1858, located on the northeast quarter of section 17, and that winter the first school was taught by William H. Lawrence. The building was in use until 1883, when a neat frame house was erected near the old site, in which John D. Fogo first taught a term of school. In district No. 5 the first school was taught by Phebe Skinner in 1857, in a log house belonging to Peter Waggoner. It was located on the northeast quarter of section 32, and two terms were taught in the building. In 1858 a log schoolhouse was built on the northwest portion of the northwest quarter of section 32, and it was in use until 1882, when a frame house was built on the southwest part of the northwest quarter of the same section. Mary Kennedy was the first teacher there. In district No. 7 the first school was taught by Wilson Satterlee, in a house belonging to Elihu Pease, in the town of Henrietta. This was in 1857, and about 1859 a commodious building was erected on the northwest quarter of section 5, on the town line, but in the town of Rockbridge. In that house Joel Judkins was the first teacher. In district No. 9 the first school was taught in a log house belonging to Bronson Greaves, in the northeast corner of section 22. This was in the winter of 1859-60, and the teacher was Lucy Smith, who afterward became the wife of James Snow. In 1860 a log house was built on the same quarter, and within its walls Amy McMurty first kept school. In 1881 a large frame house was built on the old site, in which Abbie Joslyn was the first teacher. In district No. 10 the first school was taught by. Lucy Snow, in a log house belonging to J. S. Scott, located on the northeast quarter of section 2, in 1866. That same fall a schoolhouse was built on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 2, Lucy Snow, being the first teacher in the house. In district No. 11 the first school was taught in a log house belonging to Nathan Schoonover, in the winter of 1868-9, by Jemima McNamar. In the fall of 1869 a log schoolhouse was built on the northeast quarter of section 34, in which Florence Washburn taught the first school, and in 1883, a frame house was erected on the northeast quarter of the same section, at a cost of $460.

    In the summer of 1853 the first school in the village of Richland Center was taught in the court house building by Sylvia Haseltine. The first gentleman to teach in the village was James H. Miner, who officiates as the editor of this volume, and the following from his pen is a comprehensive history of school maters in those days:

    "It is with pleasure that I comply with the request to, write the early history of the public schools of Richland Center.

    "The first school in the township of Richland, about two miles south of Richland Center, was opened in the spring of 1852 and Miss Margaret Gillam of Platteville, now Mrs. Colonel Joslin of Richland Center, was the teacher.

    "The first school at the county seat was opened in the summer of 1853 and taught by Miss Sylvia Haseltine for one term during the summer. In 1854, Miss Harriet Thompson (Mrs. Phelps Manley, now deceased) was engaged to teach the school but only taught a part of the term which was completed by Miss Calista Haseltine. Sarah Thomas taught the term in the summer of 1855.

    "At the annual school meeting held in September, 1855, a deep interest was taken in establishing a school. The voters were nearly all present. The school district owned no property whatever. No site for a schoolhouse had been chosen.

    "Daniel Badger Priest, a young lawyer recently from Monroe, Green County, was elected clerk of the school district and strongly urged voting a tax to be levied for school purposes. Mr. Priest was strongly supported by Israel Janney, Caleb Waggoner, George James, L. D. Gage and others including myself. The contest for and against voting the tax was a lively one. Considerable feeling was exhibited and many bitter thrusts were given at several meetings in voting the tax and locating the schoolhouse site. Finally the site selected was upon lots seven and eight, in block forty-five, being on the east and south line of the block east of the White schoolhouse. The school district purchased the site of Robert Carpenter. There was a story and one-half frame dwelling, partly built, sixteen by twenty-four feet, twelve feet posts. (The dwelling is now and has been for many years occupied by Mrs. Marie Lawrence.) The school district enclosed the building with ordinary siding and finished shingling the roof, laid floors of inch basswood, constructed rude seats and writing desks and placed in the center of the room a large, square heating-stove. The walls of the building were pine or basswood siding, no casing inside or out, no building paper, lath nor plaster.

    "On the first Monday in December, the subscriber, of Potosi, Grant county, opened a school with fifty pupils in attendance, with their books brought with them from Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. To have required the purchase of books would have been out of the question; it would have deprived more than half of the pupils of the benefits of the school for the winter.

    "The inhabitants were in a wilderness and had determined on providing a school for their children. The zeal put forth for the school was a heroic one and worthy of the true American. The pupils greatly appreciated ‘going to school,’ notwithstanding the deep snow and terribly cold winter.

    "I call to mind an incident which will show the bent of the pupils in their sports. During the winter of 1856-7, known to be the most severe since the first settlement of the county in 1844, being the second winter of my teaching, on returning from dinner to the schoolhouse on a clear day, when there were two feet of snow and an average temperature of twenty degrees below zero, I noticed a bevy of girls standing in and about the schoolroom door, all paying attention to a small boy without hat or coat. In an instant he darted down the snow path for several rods, turned and retraced his steps the girls greeting him with cheers and clapping of hands, and passed in, placing his bare feet under the stove with a smile on his face and tears streaming down his cheeks. This boy was Charlie Thompson, about seven years old, son of Johnson Thompson. The girls had induced Charlie to see how far he could run out in the snow and back in his bare feet without freezing them.

    "On opening school at the beginning of the cold winter of 1855, the conditions were very unfavorable. The room sixteen by twenty-four feet, eight feet high, was enclosed by siding only, and heated by a large box stove placed in the center of the room, the wood furnished for fuel and all consumed in three weeks. The school district was without money or credit with which to purchase wood. It seemed as though the school must take a vacation until tax paying time, unless some individual provided fuel. Fortunately a pole-fence had been built around the schoolhouse. The teacher aided by some of the larger boys cut the poles into firewood and provided fuel for three weeks until the district furnished wood with the tax money collected. The winter was a cold one though not extremely so. The room was most uncomfortable during the coldest days.

    "A rule was adopted relative to going to the fire. In conducting a ‘model school,’ order must be observed. As it was out of the question to keep the pupils warm in all parts of the room, it was necessary for them to go near the stove, which was the ground for the rule that a platoon of the pupils, six to eight, should advance noiselessly (of course) to the stove, four on the left and four on the right with books in hand and at a given signal by the sergeant of the squad, seats were to be resumed and another group of eight patient sufferers would fall into line to be warmed. Under such conditions little incidents would arise showing the comical side of the situation, I will relate one. Matt Neff, roguishly inclined, had been standing by the stove longer than one of the other boys thought he had a right to, and wanting to, take Matt’s place, called out, ‘Teacher! teacher! Matt Neff has been standing by the stove half an hour and he ought to take his seat and let me go to the stove and get warm.’ Matt answered before ‘teacher’ had time to say a word. (Matt had a decided nasal twang which rendered his answer more droll.) ‘The fact of getting warm by this stove is like roasting a turkey before a fireplace strung up by a string, turning it ‘round and ‘round. When I get warm on one side, I get cold on the other, and have to stay here al1 the time to keep warm on both sides.’

    "The winter passed on, the school closed, and all were pleased, patrons and parents, notwithstanding the inconveniences endured during the term.

    "Sometime in the month of June, 1856 or 1857, Mrs. Lucy Stone Blackwell of national celebrity as a woman suffragist, in passing from Madison to Sparta, remained in Richland Center over Sunday, and in the afternoon gave a free lecture on her favorite theme in the schoolhouse. This was the first public lecture given in the village by a person of national reputation.

    "No school building in Richland Center has been more greatly appreciated by the people, old and young, than the one used in the winter of 1856 and 1857. It was that building or none. The thought of no school during the long winter was more chilling than the cold quarters provided. In the fall of 1857, the schoolhouse was lathed and plastered and made quite comfortable during the long severe winter known to the oldest inhabitants.

    "In the spring of 1856, a bell was purchased by contributions at the price of $12 and hung upon the building used as a schoolhouse; on completion of the white schoolhouse it was hung in the belfry where it has been rung every school day from that time to this.

    "Mr. Amos Nudd from Massachusetts took up his residence in the city and taught a private school during the winter of 1856-7 which was a great relief to the overcrowded public school.

    "The school board purchased of William J. Bowen, lots six and seven, in block forty-six, for $190 for a schoolhouse site, on which the old white schoolhouse now stands.

    "To show the stringent financial condition of the early time, I will state that at the time of the annual school meeting in 1858, $2000 was voted to be raised in building a schoolhouse. Many of the taxpayers were unable to pay the tax in money. Some could do carpenter work, a large number could furnish material, lumber of all sorts, shingles and lath. Arrangements were made by the school board to accept labor and material from all resident taxpayers of the school district to be applied in payment of their school-tax at a price to be determined by the committee appointed for that purpose. As I now call to mind, the siding used was purchased at $7 per thousand feet. This arrangement proved to be a great relief to many of the resident taxpayers.

    The seeds of the public school system of this town were sown by the few citizens at the annual schoolmeeting held in September, 1853. Daniel Badger Priest struck the keynote of success in saying, ‘Vote for the highest tax recommended to be raised by the school district board.’ That keynote has been observed in our town for the past fifty years. Not one dollar has ever been given or donated to the school district, or schoolhouse site donated. Every dollar has been raised by taxes upon the property, except the aid from the state. The school has raised by taxes for educational purposes within the past three years, $13,195 per year and now has about $50,000 in real and personal property.

    "Upon the breaking out of the Civil War of 1861, ten of the pupils of the school of 1855-6, William I. Waggoner, Norman L. James, James H. Waggoner, David G. James, Edward Downs, Matthew Neff, Albert Brewer, James Kinney, William B. James, and Edwin Waggoner, enlisted in the military service of the United States and proved themselves to be patriotic and efficient soldiers. Edward Downs and Matthew Neff, died in the service, sacrificed their lives for their country. Eight of the ten after rendering brave and valiant service, were honorably discharged and returned to their respective homes, and were cheerfully welcomed by the people as heroes of war.

    "Charlie Thompson, who also attended the school during the term, served in the regular army five years, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term.

    "In writing a sketch of the public school history of nearly fifty years ago, covering six years, I may be incorrect in some of my statements. It has been a long period, -- half a hundred years,--and it is difficult to recall to memory, without error, all the facts which really did take place. I have written the history as I now call to mind.

    "We live in an age of light and knowledge, and possess the gifts of all the centuries; and it is a duty this generation owes to itself and to its posterity that it should write the history of the American people today, in order that the wisdom of today may prove to be a rich inheritance to the generations of the years to come.

    Most sincerely yours,

    James H. Miner."

    An interesting event in the history of the schools of Richland Center was the observance of "Columbus Day," on October 21, 1892, in response to the proclamation of President Harrison. The high-school building was decorated in an artistic manner, the stars and stripes being given the place of honor, and portraits of Columbus were gracefully draped with Spanish flags. An excellent program was rendered in honor of the day, in the forenoon, on the high school campus. In the afternoon a line of march was formed at the schoolhouse, with the pupils of the various departments of the schools in their order, the Grand Army post, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and citizens in line. The procession moved to the court house, where seats had been erected to accommodate the people, and the afternoon program was carried out, including an oration by Prof. David Kinley. The success of the celebration was due in a large measure to the efforts of Prof. Theodore Haney, who, was at that time principal of the Richland Center schools, and who, as an educator and an earnest school worker, has had no superiors.

    The first schoolhouse in district No. 1, town of Eagle, was erected in 1856. It was built of hewn, logs and located on section 10. The first schoo1 was taught by Newton Wells, the term commencing January 1, 1857. About 1868 the schoolhouse was burned and a temporary building was erected on the northeast quarter of section 9, which was used until 1876. At that time a neat frame building was erected at a cost of $450, and Mary Hamilton was the first teacher in the new building. The first schoolhouse in district No. 2 was erected in 1857--a frame building on the northwest quarter of section 32, Harriet Hunger being the first teacher. In 1870 the building was sold, and during the same year a new schoolhouse was erected on the southwest quarter of section 29, the site having been donated to the district by George Kite for a term of ninety-nine years. The first schoolhouse in the "Eagle’s Corners’ District" was a log one located on section 28, erected in 1858, and Frances Prevett was the first teacher. The schoolhouse was afterwards moved to Eagle Corners and was in use until 1868, when a frame building was erected in which Alexander Breneman was the first to teach. The first schoolhouse in district No. 4 was erected on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 6, in 1858, Francis Gault being the first teacher. The old schoolhouse was used until 1882, when a new one was completed, and Katie Dorgan was the first teacher in that building. The first school in district No.5 was taught by L. M. Thorpe in a log building, erected by the neighborhood for the purpose, on section 23. The building was in use until the late sixties, when a new school building was erected on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 24. Mary Edwards was the first teacher in the new building. The first schoolhouse in district No. 6 was erected on the southeast quarter of section 11, in 1857. Frances Prevett, who became Mrs. James Sharp, was the first teacher in the building. A neat frame building was erected in 1880, located on the southwest quarter of section 12, and Martha Potts was the first to teach therein. The first schoolhouse in district No.8 was erected in 1856 or 1857 on the northwest quarter of section 35, and John Hendricks was one of the first teachers in that house. The building was afterward removed to Rodolf’s mill, where it was used until 1880 and then was destroyed by fire, and a new house was erected near the old site. Miss I. Rhodes was the first teacher in the new building. The first school in district No.9 was taught by Wilson Crandall in the winter of 1861-2 in a vacant log house located on section 21. In 1862 a schoolhouse was erected on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 21. It was erected of basswood logs, and it was from this fact that the locality took the name "Basswood." Enos Cornwall was the first teacher. A new school building was erected in 1867, and Alexander Breneman taught the first school within its walls.

    The citizens of tee town of Willow have not been unmindful of the educational wants of the children within her borders, and have provided from time to time, necessary facilities for imparting instruction, and giving all an opportunity to receive a fair education. As early as 1857, a school was taught in a log house located on the southeast quarter of section 9, owned by D. O. Chandler, Annie Fellows, being the first teacher. A number of terms were taught in this building. In 1866 a log schoolhouse was built, and Margaret Larey was the first teacher therein. The same year a school was commenced in what is called district No. 7, and was taught by Jemima Hoke in a log building belonging to John Hoke, located on the southeast quarter of section 34. The same year a school building was erected, and painted a bright red after the custom of those days. It was located on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 34, and Annie Fellows was the first teacher in the building. The building was afterward sold and used for a wagon shop in Ithaca. In 1872 a new house was built, located on the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 34, and Clara Campbell taught the first school therein. Before these schools were organized, Mrs. A. Hitchcock taught in what is known as district No.1. This was in 1855, and the house was located on block 4, of the village plat of Loyd. The same year a frame building was erected on block 3, and in this house Charlotte Smith was the first teacher. In 1876 a new house was built on block 10, in which Mary Cass taught the first Schoo1. In 1855, in what is called district No. 2, a school was taught by Harriet Smiley in a log shanty owned by E. L. D. Moody, located on the southeast quarter of section 2. The year following, the first schoolhouse was built in that district and Velisa Godfrey was the first teacher within its walls. She had previously commenced a term in Mr. Moody’s barn, but completed it in the school building. In 1882 a more commodious house was erected and furnished at a cost of $600, and Margaret A. Anderson was the first teacher in that building. The first school taught in what is called district No. 5 was by Emily Grover in 1859, during which year the house was built, located on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 23. This building was burned in 1867, and a new house was erected on the old site. In the latter building Edward Long was the first teacher. District No. 6 was organized in 1859 and a school building erected the same year, located on the northwest quarter of section 31, and Mary Worth was the first teacher. In 1880 the district sold the house to Valentine Stoddard, and built a new house on the southwest quarter of section 30, where John Stevenson was the first teacher. In 1858 a school building was erected in district No. 10, on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 7. It was constructed of logs, and Cordelia Wood was one of the first teachers. Afterward another log house was built on the southeast quarter of section 6, in which Jemima McNamar was the first teacher. In 1879 that house was burned and two terms of schoo1 were taught in David Wildermuth’s hop-house. In 1880 a neat frame house was built on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 8, in which Lillie Wood was the first teacher.

    The first school in the town of Marshall was taught in 1855 in a small log building erected for the purpose by the people in the neighborhood, by Susan Wanlass, who afterward became the wife of John Blair. It stood on land owned by Joseph Benton, on the southwest quarter of section 14. The building was put up at a "bee," the floor was made of puncheon, the roof of bark, and the building had no door. Only one term was taught in that building, and 1857 a house was erected of hewn logs on the northwest quarter of section 13, in which Mary Marshall taught the first school. That building was used until 1868, when a frame house was erected on the Southwest quarter of section 13. J. H. Ewing taught the first school in the new building. The first schoolhouse in district No. 2 was erected in 1856 on section 4. The building was also put up by a "neighborhood bee," and the roof was covered with "shakes." William McMillan was the first teacher. The house was moved to the northeast quarter of section 9, where it was in use until 1883, when a neat frame building was erected on the southeast quarter of section 4. Robert R. Benton taught the first school in that building. The first school in district No. 3 was taught by John B. Covil in 1866, in a small building erected for the purpose. The building was a primitive affaire, posts being driven into the ground with plank nailed to them, and the roof was covered with plank. But one term of school was taught in that building, and the second term in the district was taught by G. W. Putnam in his log house. In 1867 a substantial hewn-log building was erected on the southeast quarter of section 6, in which G. W. Putnam was the first teacher. The first school in district No. 4 was held in the pioneer log cabin of William Saltsman, on the southwest quarter of section 19, the teacher being Benjamin Doudna. This was the winter of 1860-1, and during the following year a schoolhouse was erected on the southeast quarter of section 19, in which Elam Bailey taught the first term of school. The first schoolhouse in district No. 8 was erected in 1857, on section 27, Amanda Creed being the first teacher. The building was in use until 1866, when a new schoolhouse was erected on the southwest quarter of the same section. Cordelia Daggett being the first teacher in the new building. The first schoolhouse in district No. 9 was erected 1857. It was a hewn-log building, located on the southwest quarter of section 29, and Martha J. Clark was the first teacher. The building was used until 1866, when a frame house was erected on the northwest quarter of section 32, in which Mary Ward taught the first term of school.

    The first school in the town of Forest was taught in 1855 at the residence of Cyrus D. Turner by Helen Jackson, and the first schoolhouse in the town was erected at the village of Viola in 1856.

    The first schoolhouse in the town of Sylvan was erected on section 18 in 1855, and the first school was taught during the same year by Olive Mathews.

    The first school in the town of Bloom was taught at the dwelling house of Isaac Pizer, in 1855, by William Barrett, and another term was taught the same year in Rev. Crandall’s house, by Lucinda Rollins.

    The first school in the village of Spring Valley was taught by David Barrett in the winter of 1857-8, and the first school on the site of the village of West Lima was taught in 1857. Daniel Gray and John Getty were early teachers there. In 1882 a new schoolhouse was erected in the latter village, at the cost of $1,850, and Frank Fowler taught the first school there in.

    The first school in district No. 3, town of Henrietta, was taught in 1854 in a log house on section 34, by Eliza A. Garfield, who afterward became the wife of Demas Wherry. The next school was taught by Daniel Garfield in a house belonging to Thomas Gillham, on section 27. In 1858 a frame schoolhouse was erected on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 35, in which Eliza Garfield was the first teacher, she finished a term there which had been commenced in a private home. The first schoolhouse in district No. 4 was erected of logs, in 1857, on the northeast corner of section 22, Caroline Kinney, who became the wife of O. S. Welton, being the first teacher in the house. In 1875 a frame building was erected near the center of section 15, in which Thomas Conway taught the first term of school. The first schoolhouse in district No. 5 was erected in 1856 on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 7, the neighbors turning out and making a "building bee" of the affair. They drew the logs, split puncheons for the floor and covered the building with shakes. Ann Andrews was the first teacher in the house. In 1865 a frame house was erected on the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 7, in which Emma Eastland taught the first school. School district No. 6 was organized in 1855, and the first schoolhouse was erected in the fall of 1856. It was a log building with a dirt and stick chimney on the outside, and a fireplace within. Marian Kinney, who became the wife of H. T. Hamilton, was the first teacher, holding a term in the spring of 1856. The old schoolhouse was in use until 1861, when a frame building was erected on section 20, Mattie Akan teaching the first and George Holsey the second term therein. A new school building was erected in the district in 1884. The first school in the Woodstock district was taught by Demas Wherry, in 1855, in a small log house which had been erected for the purpose. The first school within the present village of Woodstock was taught by Julia Satterlee.

    The first school in the town of Ithaca was taught in an old hotel building, known as "The Ark," in 1851, by Susan McCaw. The first schoolhouse in the town was built the same year in the present village of Sextonville, the rafters and studding being made of hewn tamarack poles. Margaret Ingram taught the first school therein. The first school in district No. 2 was taught in a log house, owned by William Harris, on the northwest quarter of section 1 in the summer of 1855, the teacher being Mary Dyke. During the summer a substantial frame house was erected on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 2, and Isaac Peckham was the first teacher in that building. In 1859 the district was divided and a log schoolhouse was built on the southeast quarter of section 26, in which Jane Giles first wielded the ferule. Two or three years later the schoolhouse was removed to the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 36, where it remained several years and was then removed to the northwest quarter of the same section. It was in use there two years, when the territory was again attached to district No. 2. The first schoolhouse in district No. 4 was erected in 1852 on the northeast quarter of section 30, Cordelia A. Bush being the first teacher. There were eight pupils in the district at the time. The old schoolhouse remained in use until the early sixties, when a larger one was erected on the old site. In 1859 a portion of the district was set off and a term of school was taught in Joshua Crapser’s granary on section 28, Belle Britton being the first teacher. During the same year a schoolhouse was erected on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 28, Sarah Telfair being the first teacher therein. This district was known as No. 11, and its organization continued in existence until 1875, when the territory was attached to other districts and district No. 11 was abolished. The first schoolhouse in district No. 6 was erected in 1856. Dr. Sippy and Abel Reagles gave the lumber and all of the neighbors turned out and put up the building on the southeast quarter of section 4. Charlotte Smith and Rebecca McCloud, the latter of whom became the wife of Valentine Stoddard, were the first teachers. The old house was in use but a short time when it was replaced by a larger and more expensive building, Edward Long being the first teacher in the latter. In joint district No. 5 the first schoolhouse was erected in 1860, being located on the east half of the southwest quarter to section 6, and Mrs. Helen Smith was the first teacher. The building was later removed to the east half of the northwest quarter of section 7. The first school in district No. 7 was taught in Amasa Grover’s granary by Sarah Etta Perrin in 1855, there being less than a dozen pupils in attendance. The following spring the district erected a frame house on the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 17, and Miss Perrin also taught the first school there. The building was used for school purposes until 1877, when a new house was erected, and Della Walton was the first teacher therein. The first schoolhouse in district No. 10 was a log one erected in 1861 on section 14, Milton Derrickson being the first teacher. The house was used until 1869. The first schoolhouse in district No. 12 was built in 1860. It was of logs, and located on the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 2, Oliva Hays being the first teacher. The house which was first erected was used for school purposes until 1880, when a neat frame building was put up near the old site, and Libbie Ward was the first teacher in the new house. The schoolhouse at Sextonville was in use until 1860, when a two story building was erected, the citizens having resolved to have a high school, and the services of Prof. Henry W. Glasier, then teaching in Richland Center, were secured. In the fall of 1860 the first high school in the county was taught at Sextonville, and under the management of Prof. Glasier it was a decided success, becoming established upon a firm footing.

    The first school in district No. 1, town of Akan, was taught in 1856, by Martha A. Funson, at the residence of Zenas W. Bevier. The first schoolhouse in district No. 2 was erected in 1860 of hewn logs, the first term of school being taught by Charity Williams, on the subscription plan. The first school in district No. 3 was taught by George Watson, in the winter of 1856-7, in a house belonging to William Dobbs. The first schoolhouse in district No. 4 was built in 1859, of logs, and covered with shakes. It was located on the southeast quarter of section 18, and J. J. Brown was the first teacher. The first school in district No. 5 was taught in a house belonging to D. F. Coates, which was located on the southwest quarter of section 22, and Mary Ann Fay and T. J. Ellsworth were among the first teachers in the district. A schoolhouse in district No. 6 was erected in 1861, being constructed of logs and located on the northwest quarter of section 24. Amelia Van Alstine was the first teacher in the house. The first school in district No. 7 was taught by Anna Humbert, in D. D. Evans’ house on section 36. The first school in district No. 8 was taught by Susanna Bolton, in a little log schoolhouse located on the southeast quarter of section 33. The first schoolhouse in district No. 9 was a log one erected on the northeast quarter of section 31, during the early sixties, and Maria Maroney was the first teacher.

    The first schoolhouse in the Woodman district, town of Westford, was commenced in 1857 and completed during the following year, Theresa Carr being the first teacher in the house. The first school in district No. 2 was taught in a log house belonging to John Donahoe, on section 22, in the winter of 1856-7, the teacher being George Flautt. The first school in district No. 8 was taught in Allen Perkins’ log building across the stream north of Cazenovia, by William A. Perkins. In district No. 4 the first school was taught in 1856 by a Mr. Crisp, in a log carpenter shop belonging to N. R. Cline. About 1860 a schoolhouse was erected in district No.5, on the northeast quarter of section 19, and Kate McCarthy was one of the first teachers in the building. The first school in district No. 7 was held in a log house belonging to John Clary, on section 36, in 1865, Katie Krouse being the teacher. In 1864 a schoolhouse was erected on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 7, in which James McVees was the first teacher.

    The first school in Boaz was a subscription school, taught in a building owned by Reason and James T. Barnes. In 1857 a log schoolhouse was erected, in which John Dunstan was the first teacher. The first school at Dayton Corners was taught in 1857 by Eliza Bevier, in a house owned by C. C. Walker.

    Richland county now has in the various districts one hundred and twenty-six school buildings, and the value of the school property in the county aggregates $140,165. One hundred and fifty-nine teachers are employed teaching from twenty-eight to thirty-six week during each year, at salaries ranging from $30 up, per month. The enumeration of children of school age (between four and twenty-one) is 6,732, and the actual enrollment of pupils was 5,670 during the year ending June 30, 1905. The average cost of tuition of the pupils enrolled was $12.24. The county received from the state for the support of education in 1905, $12,548.04; from local taxation. $13,399.57; from taxes levied at district school meetings, $27,566.71; from all other sources, $12,673.43; making the total receipts $66,187.75; to which should be added a balance on hand at the end of the preceding year of $19,567.93; swelling the aggregate funds to $85,755.68.

    In the county there are the high schools of Lone Rock, M. T. Buckley, principal, and school property valued at $12,000, annual expenditures, $3,559.53; Richland Center, Grant E. Pratt, principal, property valued at $46,000, annual expenditures, $17,345.30; Sextonville, Thomas A. Nee, principal, property valued at $4,000, annual expenditures, $2,455.20; Viola, George Sanford, principal, property valued at $6,000, annual expenditures, $5,918.57.

    The gentlemen who have had the honor to fill the position of county superintendent of schools, with the years in which they were elevated to the position are as follows: 1861, J. H. Mathers; 1863, W. C. Wright; 1865, Van S. Bennett; 1867, G. W. Putnam; 1871, William J. Waggoner; 1875, David D. Parsons; 1881, W. Scott Sweet; 1886, A. H. Long; 1888, J. W. Burns; 1890, T. B. Elliot (to fill vacancy); 1890, J. M Ferebee; 1894, J. B. Logue; 1896, George S. Moody; 1898, Robert H. Burns.

    The teachers have a county institute annually, and one additional county meeting.

    An important adjunct to the educational interests of Richland county is the county training school for teachers. The Richland county training school opened Sept. 8, 1902, with C. R. Thomson principal, and Winifred Edsall, Assistant. During the summer of 1903 a third member, Mabel Palmer, was added to the faculty, and she has since had charge of the department of music. In the spring of 1904 action was taken by the training-school board and the city board of education which resulted in the establishment of a model school of four grades in which observation and practice work should be done, rather than in the city grades as heretofore. Martha F. Dockery of Whitewater, was secured to take charge of the new department. At the close of the school year of 1904-05 C. R. Thomson, who had been principal of the school for three years, resigned, and A. A. Thomson, city superintendent of the schools of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, was secured to fill the vacancy. The enrollment during the year 1905-6 was fifty-six, of whom thirty-one were graduated. A gratifying fact in the school’s history has been the success of its graduates in securing many of the best positions in the county.

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