Pg 475

         Tipton’s first school was taught in an old log house, built by Wm. M. Knott for Henry S. Chase in the Winter of 1841-42, on the lot now owned by Robert Collar. Thomas Gracey, from Philadelphia, was the first teacher.

         To this school Solomon Knott, C. M. Jennings, Davidson Lee and J. K. Snyder each sent two children. Some of these children still live in Cedar County, and are all trustworthy and highly respected citizens of the communities in which they reside.

         In 1843-44, a frame school house was built, and did service in that capacity until 1853, when part of it was incorporated with the house now occupied by Robert Collar. During this year, a brick school house was erected on a lot just south of Monument Square, John Godden doing the brick work. In 1856, this house was enlarged by building an “L” on the west end somewhat larger than the old building. In 1866, a small brick building was erected in the north part of the town, for the accommodation of the younger children in that part of the town.

         In the Spring of 1866, a proposition to build a new Public School building was submitted to a vote of the people, and was defeated.

         The school is admirably graded and in excellent order, so far as system is concerned, for accomplishing its work. The course of study extends through eleven years, each pupil being required to complete all the studies of his grade before being promoted to the next. By the efforts of teachers and pupils, a small library of useful books has been obtained for the use of the school.

         The officers of the Public Schools are as follows:

         Board of Directors.—H. C. Carr, Chas. Hammond, Arvin Bagley, B. J. Rodgers, William Lee, Wm. Dean.

         Officers of the Board—H. C. Carr, President; S. Y. Yates, Secretary; Chas. Hammond, Treasurer.

         Committees.—On Finance, Chas. Hammond, B. J. Rodgers, Wm. Dean; on Repairs, Arvin Bagley, Chas. Hammond; on Text Books, B. J. Rodgers, Wm. Lee, Arvin Bagley; Purchasing Agent, Wm. Dean.

         Teachers for 1878-79.—O. C. Scott, Superintendent; Mrs. M. H. Kilbourne, High School; vacant, Grammar Department; Mrs. A. N. Filson, Intermediate Department; Miss Susie Phelps, Secondary Department; Miss A. C. Latham, Second Primary Department; vacant, First Primary Department.

         At the time of the erection of the present school house, it was regarded as one of the finest public school buildings in the State, and during the past twenty-five years it has served the people admirably, but it is now becoming old, and must soon be replaced by a new and larger building.

         Among the Principals who have successfully conducted these schools were Washington Lewis, William M. Wilcox, now of the Manchester Public Schools, and A. C. Ross, now Principal of the Osage, Iowa, Schools.