Section 18, Lafayette twp., Village of Milton

Eventually the villages of Village Creek, Milton & Howard Center were combined and collectively known as Village Creek

Milton Graded School - 1872
T.F. Healey, county superintendent of schools

Under the charge of Mr. J.H. Carroll. The systematic order, neatness and accuracy observable in this gentleman's department shared the well trained and painstaking teacher that he is, and the people of Milton are fortunate in obtaining his services.

Number of scholars on roll, 42; present 27. Miss Mary A Quinn is the ranking scholar in this room and answered correctly nearly every question asked by the Superintendent.

Mr. Carroll is ably seconded by Miss Mary A. Valentine, an energetic and hard working young lady, whose little scholars added up long columns of addition on the blackboard with the most amazing rapidity, and that too by simply naming the sum of every two or three figures instead of the slower method so generally used. Miss V is deserving of much credit will make a No.1 teacher in due time. Number on roll 50; present 39. Master Walter Carroll, a bright little fellow of nine years, seemed to be the star of this room.

Superintendent's Note: Although I sent word orally and published in the Lansing papers that I would visit the school at this time specified, yet not a single citizen of Milton came to the school on that occasion, and I desire to say to the parents of Milton that they missed a rare treat in not being present and hearing with what accuracy, readiness and cheerfulness their children answered my questions.

~Source: The Mirror and Chronicle, Thursday, March 14, 1872, Lansing , Iowa, Page 3

Note: The Milton school was also mentioned in the superintendent's notes (same paper & date) when he visited the District 3 school in Layfayette twp.: "...feature of the school is the exercises morning and afternoon open with singing, which lountted to state was the case in the Upper Department of the Milton school."