SECTION IV.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
submitted by Linda Stoddard, February 1, 2011, pages 155-183

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The earliest type of school is described by those who were members of groups where the need was felt, where the facilities were limited, but where a way was found to provide for the need. While they are much alike in the beginning, each has its independent history, in many ways suggestive of the character of those who were concerned in its establishment. The custom of previous experiences comes out in these first forms and the improvements in accommodations does not necessarily show an improvement in spirit above that of the early settler. A keen admiration must stir the present generation when it reflects on the experiences, trials and courage of the beginners in school affairs.

The name school is given to many things, but there is only one pioneer school, only one that can stir the imagination to a point that makes it wish for the real preservation of a type school. In these pages some of the old kind are described and incidents related which bring the past into view preparatory to connecting it with the present, that there may seem to be no gap in the history of the educational forces in this county. It has taken a long time, much patience, many experiments, many failures, and more successes to produce the present condition.

Let us trace the matter from the beginning, let us put in order the events of interest so far as they may be profitable: "The school house was built of logs with a fire place in one end of it which constituted our heating plant. The seats were long benches running the entire length of the room, with a wide plank next the wall, which served as a desk and when we used all the agility we possessed in changing our positions so that we could face either way—the desk or the center of the room, as our fancies might dictate. There was, of course, a total lack of school apparatus with the exception of a board some two feet wide by four feet long and which by courtesy was called a blackboard, although the paint was soon dimmed by time and use.

Notwithstanding these primitive surroundings we were fortunate in having teachers who somehow inspired us and who required us to learn our lessons. At that time there were no examinations for teachers and the school directors were permitted to employ whomsoever they pleased. Whether those of our district were more competent to decide who were fitted to give instruction than those in other sections of the country I do not know, but I think the work compared quite favorably with the work done in a majority of the rural districts of today.

Our main battles were with the three R's, and I am fully persuaded that we were able to read as intelligently, to write as legibly, and to spell better than the average high school graduate of today, while our arithmetics were things to be studied, not guessed at, things to be digested, not picked at. Grammar, composition and literature were not deemed essential and were utterly neglected." The writer of the above goes on to say that "in the second year a new schoolhouse was erected which we thought quite elegant, but which would hardly answer even in the backwoods at this time in our history. For several years there was but one school house in the township and pupils came three or four (and occasionally more) miles to reach the school. With the passage of the law requiring examinations of teachers and giving a general supervision of the work the condition of the schools improved. The Tipton Union School (see elsewhere) was an important factor in preparing teachers for their work in these early days and as other graded schools came into existence the teaching improved greatly. 111 

Probably the first school in the county was in Rochester Township at the home of Col. Henry Hardman and it is described by a family relation: "The same room which was fitted for preaching services ('37 or '38) was later used for school purposes, a petition was circulated, a teacher secured, Moses B. Church, who was the first clerk of the Commissioners, and the first school consisted of twenty pupils. The number increased so rapidly that a school building was deemed necessary. The first school house was erected by the people of this same neighborhood about one-half mile northwest of the Hardman residence. It was named 'Hebron.' This building stood for a number of years. Now a modern building stands to mark the spot where the first one stood in those pioneer days. A little later a building for school purposes was erected in the village of Rochester." 112 

The first school in Iowa Township is said to have been established in 1845 and is known as Pedee. It was located one-half mile north and one-half mile east of its present site; the school house was on the east side of Pedee creek on the northeast corner of the farm now owned by Mr. Mixell. 113  The earliest school in Farmington Township is known now as "Burr Oak." It is located in the southwestern part. The first building was about twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions, built of rough boards. John Quincy Tufts, a farmer residing in the neighborhood, was the first teacher. The second school in the township was established at Durant.

The district was organized in the depot on the evening of June 30, 1856. In '57 a tax of one and a half mills was voted to build a school house. During the winter of '57 school was taught in a room in the hotel by Lafayette Parker at three dollars per month tuition. (No free schools then in Iowa.—Ed.) Jan. 11, '58, it was voted to erect a building not to exceed $800 in cost. Cook and Sargent gave the fractional block north of the west public square, and a building twenty-six by thirty feet was erected in the spring of '58. In 1869 a new building was erected at a cost of 3,500 dollars. This is described as of two stories, thirtysix by sixty feet, with library, recitation rooms and large hall above. Durant became an independent district in 1857. It was then known as the graded school in two departments, primary and grammar. A third building was erected in 1904 at a cost of 15,000 dollars. It has four rooms, a recitation room and a library. It has four departments now instead of two and has added a high school, employing an additional teacher during the winter months. The new school laws of 1856 were adopted by this independent district in 1857. The first trustees were Lewis Knowles, E. B. Bills and John S. Whittlesey. 114  About 1854 the first schools were established in Springdale Township. The first one mentioned was located in the extreme corner of the township on the farm now known as the Henry Negus property. The building was intended for a dwelling, but since no house for school purposes was in existence this was used temporarily. Deborah Harrison was the teacher. About this time Highland school was erected. Ellen Williamson was the first teacher here. A year or two later the Friends conceived the idea of erecting a building for a select school, which was done, and it was located about three-fourths of a mile northeast of Springdale. Joel Bean was one of the first instructors. The land near the school building was laid out in lots and sold. For a time it seemed as if a village might grow up here. However the property was sold in '56 and a gravel building was constructed about half a mile west, near the cemetery. This was also conducted by the Friends. About the time the first, a brick building, was erected, a school house was built on what is now the Arthur Milnes place, one-half mile west of Springdale. This was a district school.

About 1860 a school was formed at Centerdale. At the same time a private school was conducted by Joel Bean and wife on the Elwood Tatum farm east of West Branch. But these schools did not completely satisfy the needs of the time as felt by these people. What they wanted was a school for the higher branches where their children could pursue those subjects without going so far from home to complete their education.

When the present school of Springdale was completed in 1867 and tried, it seemed to satisfy the need and the Friends schools were discontinued. Among the later schools Peat Vale is one, the building having been erected in 1873. School began there that fall with an enrollment of twenty-one. 115 

Lawrie Tatum has written so fully of the Springdale school that his article is quoted largely below.

The original settlers of Springdale neighborhood were principally Friends, the first of whom located there in 1844. In a few years a church organization was effected, and some years later district schools were organized. A school of higher grade was demanded and in about 1860 Friends erected a brick school house in which school was commenced in 1861. It was controlled by Friends, but open also for non-members.

Two hindrances to the school were soon encountered. While it was a benefit to those who attended, it was an injury to No. 6 district in Iowa Township and No. 1 district in Springdale Township, in reducing the size of those schools by withdrawing from them the more advanced and energetic students. It was also a heavy expense on the patrons to financially sustain the school in addition to the legal tax for the support of the district schools. To obviate the injurious effect on the two district schools and to have a school of as high a grade and more general in its character, it was decided by the Friends and the two districts for the Friends' school to be discontinued, and combine the small district No. 6 in Iowa Township with Springdale district No. 1 and enlarge the boundaries to about three miles square, including territory in Springdale, Iowa, and Gower Townships, and organize "an Independent School District" and have a school of high grade.

The records of the district state, "At a meeting of legal voters of the proposed Independent District of Springdale, held 10th month, 10th, 1866, nineteen votes were polled for the organization of said district and three against it." In a matter of so much importance it is reasonable to suppose that every voter would wish to cast a ballot on that occasion. If that was the fact, and there were but twenty-two voters in the district, it certainly showed a great deal of energy for so few to shoulder so important an enterprise.

The Independent District of Springdale was organized Oct. 19, 1866, by electing the following named officers: President, Dr. H. C. Gill; Vice President, Elwood Macy; Secretary, Emma Rood; Treasurer, Peter Thomas; Directors, Elisha Negus for three years, John F. Carson for two years, Townsend Thomas for one year. In December, 1866, a lot was purchased, containing three and a half acres, for four hundred and twenty-five dollars, upon which to build the house, which was 46x48 feet, two stories high, with two school rooms on each floor. The partition between the rooms on the second floor was made to be raised so as to throw the two rooms together when necessary. The house also contained ample halls and cloak rooms.

D. B. Morrison, who lived in the district, was employed to build the house, which cost $8,054.09, including stoves, double desks and well. The following spring shade and ornamental trees were planted on the lot by voluntary help.

The writer was elected president of the board at the second election and reelected for several years. The school board took the position that the course of study should be such as to qualify a student to enter the freshman class in the University or any of the colleges of the state. As no catalogues have been found for the first eleven years, and to be positive that the memory of the writer is correct, the oldest inhabitants have been appealed to in order to ascertain what they recollected of the high standard of the school in the early days.

Cyrus Lindley, the first principal, who taught the winter term of 1867-8, writes from Whittier, Cal.: "Yes, it was the intention to prepare pupils for the freshman year." Hon. Elwood Macy writes: "If my memory serves me right, when Cyrus Lindley was principal, an effort was made to prepare a course of study, the completion of which would admit a student into the University or any of the colleges of the state." So high were the literary aspirations of some of the pupils that the elective branches of German and Greek were taught. Several studied German. Wm. Worrell writes that Kinsey Wilson and he studied Greek under E. U. Cook. Other elective branches were geology, logic, political economy and book-keeping.

Elwood Tatum went through the course except botany and, wishing to enter the State University in 1870, took a catalogue to the president, who looked over the course and told him if he had gone through it he could enter the freshman class, which he did without examination, and made up the botany. After attending the University a term he went to Penn college, from which he was graduated. His entering the University as he did conclusively shows that the course of study was up to the point that the directors intended to have it, i. e., to prepare the students to enter the freshman year of the colleges of Iowa. He was probably the first student admitted into the freshman year of the University without an examination on the merits of going through the course of study of any public school in the state of Iowa. The school that prepared him was Springdale Seminary.

During the time that H. H. Hiatt was principal, which was from 1875 to 1878, the school board wrote to the president of the University, and to the presidents of Penn, Cornell and Iowa colleges, to procure their assistance in preparing the course of study for Springdale Seminary, so that a student completing its course could enter the freshman class without examination, with the intention of discontinuing the teaching of some of the sciences which were unnecessary for entering college, and add some if thought best. The assistance asked for was kindly rendered and there were dropped out of the course trigonometry, English literature, surveying, moral philosophy and evidence of Christianity. There were added Roman history, civil government, school government and descriptive astronomy. Previous to the change it is stated in the catalogue: "Care has been taken to arrange a course of study that will meet the wants of those who wish to prepare for college, and also those who do not desire more than an academical course." Changes have since been made to meet the requirements of the time in which we are living. For some years there has been an English course of study as well as a Latin course of study. The former is designed to prepare students for general business and teaching public schools.

Hon. Elwood Macy, of Mt. Vernon, who for many years was an officer of Springdale Seminary, writes that in 1878, while he was a member of the legislature from this county: "I was told by President Schaeffer (then acting president of the State University) that the Springdale school was the first to prepare its course so that its graduates would be admitted into the State University without examination and there was only one other school outside the colleges in the state that their graduates would be so treated."

In building the State of Iowa, it seems that the small unincorporated village of Springdale, with the farming district of near three miles square, had the first public school in the state that prepared its students for entering college. At that time there were cities in the state whose children of school age (5 to 21 years) numbered some thousands, while the Independent School District of Springdale had about one hundred and twenty. At this writing the school is unique in being the only district school in Iowa, outside of a town or city corporation, that qualifies its students for entering college.

To pay for the school house funds were borrowed at ten per cent interest. A classical scholar was employed as principal, to whom a good salary was paid. Three other teachers were also employed. To meet the expenses there was a school house tax levied of ten mills on the dollar; for teachers' fund five mills, and a small contingent fund. These aggregated a much heavier tax for school purposes than the citizens had been accustomed to paying. Several who were living on the border of the district petitioned to be set off to other districts where the school houses were nearer. Under such circumstances it requires much patriotism to wish to help financially to build up and sustain the important enterprise of a superior school. The petitions were not granted.

At various times since then there have been petitions to be set off to other districts. At one time several united in such a petition, and, as it was not granted, the petitioning parties appealed to the County Superintendent of Schools, and from him to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, before whom the case was fully presented by both parties and he rendered a decision in favor of the district, which is final.

In 1891 a hot air furnace was put in the building which has given good satisfaction in warming the rooms and in economy of fuel. In 1893 the double desks were removed from the school and they were seated with single ones. The principals (except one who was employed for a short time to fill a vacancy) and nearly all the subordinate teachers have been professing christians.

Forty-four per cent of the graduates have attended college or the State University. W1n. B. Worrall was the first graduate in 1876. He has since been employed by the C. R. I. & P. R. R. Co. as civil engineer in surveying and constructing new railroad lines through northern Kansas and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) into Texas. All of the school instruction in surveying he received in Springdale Seminary.

Students attend from other districts and sometimes from other counties. This school year, 1896-7, there are thirty scholars who reside outside the district, many of whom ride to the village and put their teams in stables during the day. Whole number of students who have attended school during the year, 158; number in the graduating class, 14.

After the legislature abolished the preparatory department in the University, the attention of the authorities was turned towards affiliation with schools prepared to give proper fitting to enter the University. A list of schools was prepared after examining the course of study, and in the catalogue of 1880 announcement was made of the schools from which students would be received without examination. Springdale Seminary and Tipton High School were the Cedar County schools on this list. 116 

At a reunion of the teachers and students of this school the historical article above was read and an address given by Prof. Jesse Macy of Iowa College, Grinnell. Prof. Macy taught in this place in 1869 and since then has become known not only in our country but in England as well through his study of English constitutional history and published work on that subject. He is a personal friend of Ambassador Bryce.

Here on September 28, 1901, more than five hundred, old and young, gathered, enjoying the review of the past and the good things of the present when the noon hour arrived. Great numbers of those who had been students here returned to honor the occasion and it is not possible to include in a brief summary all the events of that day.

When the recent new building in West Branch was dedicated the exercises were more than local, giving a general review of the educational history. Some extracts here seem suitable: "J. C. Crew, president of the board, presented the building to the people of the district and Dr. L. J. Leech responded on behalf of the people. C. H. Wickersham gave the history of the school from the first in 1853 from the one district school to the present time. The first was built by subscription. As it was almost wholly paid for by the society of Friends, it was used also as a meeting house until they built the first church building in 1856. Mary Mills was the first teacher. In 1867 a two-story building was erected where, as mentioned before in this chapter, Joel and Hannah Bean taught. This was on the site of the present building. In 1870 the old house was moved to the north of the new one and Mary Townsend taught here.

In 1877 the little old school house was moved away and a two-story wing was erected. At this time a carefully graded school system was adopted, a library was added and provision made for a laboratory. Additions were made to the library by several means—students and patrons working together. In November, 1892, this building was destroyed by fire through some defect in the heating system, but good fortune favored the district, as it occurred just before the morning opening. A temporary building was immediately put up and within two weeks work was continued.

In 1893 a six-room building was erected with modern equipment and a different heating system. A new library was begun and had more than six hundred volumes. Valuable physical apparatus was supplied. Then came a bolt of lightning and the second fire laid waste the work of years. But the good red blood of the pioneer parents still courses in the veins of the children, and the present building was put up on the hill overlooking the town, and is a credit to those who managed the expenditure of twenty thousand dollars. The building was dedicated to the cause of education in the name and memory of the pioneers who stinted themselves and gave of their limited means that their children might have the privilege of a liberal education.

This thought is added by the writer of the history for the dedication: "It is not enough for man to have a splendid physique. This is not the real man. His heart must be right and his thoughts must be clean. Then he will not shame his fine figure nor the God who made him. This splendid building is not enough. It must be filled with pupils who are in earnest and with teachers able to show them the way." 117 

In the winter of '58-9 V. R. Cornwall taught in the Fowler building in Downey. In 1860 it was held in the Crozier house. The first school building was erected in 1863 and in March, 1863, a tax of five mills was levied for a building fund. In 1871 the house was rebuilt at a cost of ten thousand dollars. At that time there were thirty-five pupils. At present a new building of four rooms is occupied with an enrollment of sixty. The Friends boarding school is located southeast of West Branch. It was formerly known as Scattergood Seminary. It was established in 1890 and has an enrollment of thirty or more at this time. About 1845 J. H. and Robert Gower, for whom Gower Township was named, hired a Mr. Lambert to teach in a log cabin on the west side of the river on the Kester place. School was continued there every winter until the house was built on the Gunsolus place. This was before Gower Township was formed. 118 

The first school in Cass Township was organized about 1842 near a place called at that time Dutchtown, not far from the present town of Buchanan. There was no district meeting, as one would expect now, but a gathering of the neighbors to build a log house with an extra large fire place in one end, a row of small window panes on two sides and other furnishings described in the beginning of this chapter. George Smith, a graduate of some eastern college, was the first teacher. He was a very competent man. Gower's sons (see elsewhere) were taking work of college grade under him. He was a strict man, as all the early teachers were, for they had pupils, often, who were men of twenty-one or older. This did not prevent him from administering the lash when considered necessary. On arrival in the morning a bright fire was found burning in the big fire place, the master was setting copies for us made from scriptural verses or maxims; or he might be making pens from goose quills, as was the custom then, the present steel pen of such great variety not being in use. The old quill produced some beautiful penmen, as the old county records can testify.

The teacher was paid two dollars a term for each pupil and he "boarded round." On such visits the best was always brought out by each family. The length of his stay was in proportion to the number of pupils in the family.

Mr. Smith taught several years in this county and then was elected county judge. 119  During his period of teaching and long afterward the books used were the elementary speller, McGuffey's readers, Smith and Mitchell's geography, and Kirkham's grammar. Every Friday afternoon a spelling match was held and pieces spoken. As a social diversion spelling schools were held several times during the winter with other schools, parents and friends often joining in these contests which, while friendly, often aroused the liveliest enthusiasm.

It was quite customary for geography to be taught in rhyme and song, teachers sometimes going about the country doing this as a specialty. 120  The first school building in Center Township was of logs and located about one mile west of Tipton on what is known as the Lunschen farm in 1839. 121  The first teacher here, George Smith, had a large school and was paid thirty dollars per month, very high wages for that time. Mr. Montgomery Fraseur went to Chicago for the stoves, buying two, one for the school and one for their home. This first teacher met death by accident in later years. There was a log house before '53 on the farm now owned by Ray Ochiltree. In that year the Rock Creek house was built and was known as a plank house. Number thirteen was built in 1854. In 1857 the people were entertained at number thirteen with an exhibition given by teachers of two schools. John Reeder and James McCauley. 122 

The Tipton public schools were organized in 1856, but the first schools here began in the winter of '41-‘42, Thomas Gracey, from Philadelphia, being the first teacher. According to historical record there were eight pupils in this first school and their descendants now reside in Tipton. The old log house first used, located where the National bank now stands, was replaced by a frame one in '43-‘44, and this was used until 1853, when part of it became a private dwelling. During this year the brick house standing south of the monument square was built, the brick work under the direction of John Godden, who lived in Tipton for many years. In 1856 this house was enlarged by the adding of an "L" on the west, somewhat larger than the old original. This old building now is in a state of decay. It is occupied by transient families and is fast going to ruins. Once the members of the "Old Union School" proposed to preserve it, but the chance of preservation is long since passed. The old bell that called the industrious ones of that period now stands on the rostrum of the present high school building, where it has had an honorable place since 1903. In the spring of 1866 a small brick building was erected in the north part of town for the accommodation of the younger children. This stood where the parsonage of the Reformed Church now stands, and the brick which composed it are in the foundation of the parsonage.

Of the present buildings one was built in 1879, and the high school building in 1895. The history of this school in its beginning is the history of one man, C. C. Nestlerode, who organized the Union School in 1856. It was made conspicuous in many ways and became a center of influence for this part of the state. The free school idea was still unripe and the contest for a law in this state to secure support for schools by public taxation had to be fought out. This vicinity engaged in this controversy and some stirring events occurred here. During this discussion Mr. Nestlerode was instrumental in forming a new law in connection with members of the assembly from this county, and after the constitution of 1857 was adopted by this state matters became permanently settled.

The law of 1858 made provision for support as mentioned, but an anti free school party sought to destroy the effect of the law by injunction. Mr. Nestlerode resigned to await the effect of the suit and a new election of officials. He was recalled and began his plans for a model school. This had many features that were far ahead of the times and, as mentioned elsewhere, the school became a training ground for teachers of other schools. In December, 1856, the first teachers' institute was held in this county under the direction of Mr. Nestlerode. It is said about thirty teachers responded, and mostly young men, which number was increased to forty-five during the week as a result of the success of the enterprise. Dr. Joshua Maynard, president of the board then, was a leading factor in encouraging such gatherings.

At the close of the winter term, 1857, teachers from all parts of the county, students at select schools and Mount Vernon Seminary made application for admission to the Union School. Teachers' institutes were held annually, alternating between Tipton and Springdale. The school of '59 enrolled about 278 pupils, with five teachers. 123  Another puts it in this way: "I think I do not err when I say that the Tipton schools and the Springdale schools stood at the very head of the schools in the county at that time. 124  In 1859 the state teachers' association met in Washington, Iowa. Mr. Nestlerode was made chairman of the Executive Committee and as such edited and published, with the assistance of his teachers, the Iowa Instructor, a bound volume of which is found in the public library. The following account is found there. 125 

Extracts from the minutes of the Iowa State Teachers' association, session of 1860. From the "Iowa Instructor" published by the executive committee and edited by C. C. Nestlerode, chairman.

The meeting at Tipton in August, 1860, was decided upon at the meeting in Washington in 1859. There were eighty-six members present at the meeting in 1859 and 217 in 1860. No programmes were distributed broadcast then, but the little journal published the order of exercises in the August number and the proceedings are found in the September number.

The meeting was called to order in the M. E. church (long ago out of existence) by President D. F. Wells of Iowa City, at 7:30 p. m., Tuesday, Aug. 28, and on motion the constitution was read. The chair appointed C. C. Nestlerode, E. D. Hawes and M. Ingalls to wait on the audience and obtain the names of those who wished to become members of the association. Then follows a list of names that were added to the constitution.

The chairman of the executive committee reported the order of exercises, which was adopted.

On Wednesday morning Rev. M. R. Cross on behalf of the citizens of Tipton welcomed the association. The president returned thanks for the association. Dr. Maynard moved that a committee consisting of one member from each county be appointed to name persons for permanent officers for the following year. M. Ingalls read a report on "Prizes in Schools." C. C. Nestlerode read a report from railway superintendents that the usual reduction of half fare by public conveyances was refused to persons attending this association by all companies except the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska railroad and the stage companies. The report was tabled. (The road mentioned is the C. & N. W.)

On motion T. H. Benton, Jr., A. S. Kissell, M. Ingalls, J. K. Sweeney and J. Enos were appointed to take into consideration the subject of appointing a state agent to lecture and hold institutes in the various counties of the state.

The report of the committee on nominations shows that twelve counties were represented at this meeting. Miss Humphrey read an essay entitled "How Shall We Teach." L. F. Smith of Keokuk made a verbal report on "English Grammar." Mrs. M. A. McGonegal read a report on the "Range of Studies Demanded by Our Public School System." Dr. Reynolds made a report on "The History of Education" and "Educational Textbooks." C. E. Hovey of Normal, Ill., addressed the meeting on "How Can Teachers Acquire and Maintain Respectability as Citizens?" Prof. F. Humphrey offered the following:
       Resolved, That a normal school ought to be established in each state.
The resolution was discussed with much interest and, by vote, was made a special order for the next morning at 9 o'clock. G. B. Dennison of Muscatine was appointed to transcribe the proceedings of all previous meetings of the association in a book provided for that purpose, and for such service the committee determines the compensation.

The chairman of the committee on state agency made a report, which was discussed and adopted. It read as follows:
       The committee beg leave to report in favor of such an office provided it can be done without involving the association in any additional expense.
On motion of Rev. M. K. Cross, a report on "Music" was read by the Rev. Mr. Jones of Columbus City. Lizzie S. Gregg read an essay on "The Elegance of Diction." J. L. Enos then spoke on "The Power of the Teacher and How to Use It." Hon. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., delivered an address on "The Qualifications of the Teacher." The question of a school journal produced a minority report. Members were allowed one speech of ten minutes.

Hon. Jas. Harlan addressed the convention on Thursday evening, and a vote of thanks was tendered the senator for his able address. On the same evening after music Miss M. A. Washburne read a poem on "Common Schools" by request of the association.

On Friday, C. C. Nestlerode made the following report:
       Your committee appointed at Dubuque in 1857, to memorialize the legislature to establish a reform school for juvenile offenders ask permission to report again. We have memorialized, petitioned and urged both the board of education and the legislature at each of their meetings since appointment, for the consideration of the object designed, but have been unable to accomplish anything for the juvenile offenders of the state. The committee believes that the association should continue its efforts until a reform school is established and in successful operation.

The association passed the following resolution:
       Resolved, That we learn with pleasure that our old and experienced colaborer in the educational cause, Dr. Reynolds of Iowa City, is about to commence an educational tour through the state. He designs lecturing particularly on the science of geography, political, physical and mathematical, and is well furnished with all the necessary apparatus to illustrate the truth on this subject. It was further resolved that the doctor was able to do that kind of work to the satisfaction of all concerned.

The chair appointed a committee to wait on the audience and secure names of all who wished the bound volume of the Iowa Educator.

There is an exhaustive resolution condemning the action of the board of education in its action in regard to the county superintendent not being required to visit the schools of his county twice during each year, and it concludes with the determination that the salary of the county superintendent ought to be a fixed sum.

On motion Senator Harlan was elected an honorary member. The committee on resolutions reported before adjournment on Friday and their report includes the following: That this annual reunion has afforded us much gratification and benefit; that the unity of feeling and harmony of action that have marked the proceedings of the association on this occasion will be cherished among our most pleasant recollections; that the thanks of the association are due the executive committee for the able and tasteful manner in which they have conducted the "Iowa Instructor;" that our grateful acknowledgments be tendered to the citizens of Tipton for their generous hospitality in providing for the entertainment of this association, and to Mr. Elliott for his efforts to secure for us pleasant homes during our stay.

The railway company is thanked for courtesies which are taken as unmistakable evidence of the interest in education in which we are all laboring; thanks are tendered to C. D. Curtis for free return tickets by hack line to the railway stations (some miles distant) ; thanks are due to Miss Maynard for the use of her melodeon.

At this meeting one was present from Polk county and three from Pottawattamie including T. H. Benton, Jr. E. D. Hawes was the member from Polk county. Cedar county furnished 123 and C. C. Nestlerode was the leading spirit of the association. The meeting closed with the "Doxology." 126 

The following is taken from an address of Mr. Nestlerode:
        "Had I time I would hold up in review the history of the old Union School which began on Dec. 1, 1856, and closed March 28, 1862. I would gladly narrate its triumphs and its defeats, its struggle with the school-killers and its final triumph over all opposition. * * * It will be remembered by some here present (June, 1887) that the Tipton Union School was the first regularly graded one west of the Mississippi river. That at the time of its founding there was no free school law in Iowa and no law for graded schools, and consequently such a law was an absolute necessity. I commenced at once to write a law for that purpose and my nights during December, 1856, were occupied in that work. I owe it to the revered memory of Dr. Maynard, to Rev. M. K. Cross, and to the graded schools of Iowa to state that Dr. Maynard and Mr. Cross were my counselors while performing that sacred duty. S. S. Daniels was a member of the board that invited me to come to Tipton and at the session of 1856 of our state assembly was sergeant-at-arms of the senate. J. W. Cattell was a member of the Senate from Cedar County and Ed Wright was our member of the House. I sent the act I had prepared to Mr. Daniels and he lost no time in placing it in the hands of Messrs. Cattell and Wright and in less than ten days it had passed both houses and became a law.
        We lost no time at Tipton in taking the necessary steps for its adoption, which we succeeded in doing in 1857. During the fall of 1857 the people of Iowa adopted a new constitution and, unfortunately for the Union School, on the adoption all school laws in Iowa became null and void. Our school was in session in all its departments and orders were to continue until the close of the year, and we did, notwithstanding many of our people refused to pay their school tax. In May, 1858, a meeting was called in opposition and the school voted down. * * * Some months later by almost unanimous vote the board was instructed to reopen the Union School and to employ me to take charge of the same. * * * From 1857 to 1861 the collection of the school tax was being contested in the state of Iowa through the courts. Most of these years school orders went begging and often would neither command money, buy clothes or pay board. * * * Judge Tuthill tendered his services to the school board and prosecuted the school-tax collection to a successful issue."

The teachers of the Union School presented the judge with a silver cup in token of their appreciation.

Since 1856 twenty-two men have been in charge of the public schools of Tipton with an average service of about two and one-fourth years. The longest period is seven years. The first graduate was sent out in 1875 and since then classes have gone forth at regular periods from the high school. It is a fully accredited school. In 1907 the fiftieth anniversary of the graded schools was remembered and the minutes of that meeting are included in a bound volume found in the public library which is made up of addresses and reports from members of this school fifty years before. Many names are recorded there of men who became leaders in their day and whose sons and daughters now hold places of prominence.

More than thirty surviving members of the old Union School assembled at the last reunion. They are scattered over the entire country, letters being read from many who could not be present. Of the teachers then only one remains in Tipton, Mr. J. W. Reeder. He remembers his early experiences well and is a strong friend of education, supporting with his presence all that has to do with the keeping alive the former struggles for the free schools.

Mrs. S. W. Rathbun, wife of Capt. Rathbun, of Marion, formerly of this county, was a primary teacher in the old school south of the library and writes entertainingly, always, when questioned on this subject. Mrs. Fred Hecht, of Clarence, recalls the visit of John Brown to the room when she was a pupil and describes his appearance at that time. The reunion of these former pupils and teachers are certainly unusual and probably no county in Iowa can duplicate the history of this county in its educational history—noting especially the schools of Springdale and Tipton in their efforts to keep their first days before the present generation.

An item of concern to the educational interests of long ago was the apparent rivalry among the new high schools, or graded schools, as they first grew into prominence.

The Mt. Vernon News of Nov. 15, 1860, uttered the following sentiment:
       "The meannesses shown up by our correspondent 'Sigma' are of a piece with a petty, narrow exclusiveness—unjust partiality—which has for some time marked the policy of Mr. Nestlerode and the Tipton high school. (High school! Pshaw!) An instance which occurred a year or two since is in point. A young man from this place applied for that same 'High School,' and would have received it but for an old public functionary there, who had two objections to him—one that he was not from Oberlin and the other that he was from Mount Vernon.
        We wonder if they expect to make anything by such nice discriminations! Let the 'long run' show."
        Witness the answer in part: "We are sorry that Cornell College is so jealous of and so much affected by our Union School as to call for such an expose of the feeling in that vicinity. That we have a little the best public school in the state is true, but we had no idea that it had come into competition with a college of the known standing of Cornell. We are not aware that any of the citizens even asked any aid of Mount Vernon or tried to get any of its students to enter our 'High School.'" 128 

This apparent rivalry was not ended here but this is sufficient to illustrate the times educationally.

The transfer of furniture and equipment from the old building south of the library to the grammar building or west building as commonly known on the present grounds "happened in the winter of 1880. This building was finished by the contractor, a Mr. Schnell of Rock Island, at this time and the move was made somewhat of a celebration. Pupils were assembled at the old building and the members of the first Union School invited to join them in the march. At ten o'clock in the forenoon on Monday, Feb. 23, 1880, the procession moved with board of education at the head and pupils following in order of rank. Many of the old school were present. The entire forenoon was spent in social matters and inspection of the new building, considered then of very excellent proportions.

Immediately the question arose of the disposition of the old building and many suggestions of use were made. Some said a canning factory, a chair factory, anything to make use of the building so that it would not be idle. Once it was proposed to preserve it untouched as a relic of what was. None of these things happened—only the old bell through the watchfulness of the former pupils and teachers, among them the prime movers being John W. Reeder and Hubert Hammond, was saved and occupies a post of honor.

A Seminary for the instruction of young ladies was opened in Tipton by Grace Episcopal Church in 1873. This was in the house formerly occupied by John Starr and was under the supervision of Rev. and Mrs. Allen, with the assistance of a lady principal and competent instructors in the subjects provided in the curriculum—French, German, Drawing and religious instruction usually found in such private schools. The Post, 129  a paper published in the county seat at that time, rather objected to the coming of any school of the kind into this particular field and rather favored a state institution. Mr. C. L. Longley, then editor of the Advertiser, favored and encouraged all such undertakings.

Miss Scribner became the first principal of this boarding school. She was succeeded in the fall of the same year by Miss Rice. The following advertisement appears for August 13, 1874:

TIPTON SEMINARY
for
YOUNG LADIES
Tipton, Iowa
Miss E. Scribner, Prin.

THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION embraces all the higher branches of
English Education with Latin, French, German, Music, Drawing, Needlework
and other accomplishments.

TERMS:
Tuition in English branches per term.	10.00
Board per week	4.00
Laundress, per week	0.50
Vocal and Instrumental Music, each per term	10.00
Drawing and Painting, per term	10.00
Languages, per term	5.00
Instruction in Wax Flowers	5.00
Use of Piano one hour daily, per term.	2.00
Note.—Bills payable in advance.

The seminary begun as favorably as one could expect came to a sudden termination one dark day when the accomplished principal took a sudden and, to many creditors, mournful departure. A rather ironical writer said that the departure in the early morning was made to go under the guise of a funeral and it was much of a funeral at the time to the ones to whom some four thousand dollars in bills were owing. This was the Miss Scribner of Seminary fame.

After a lapse of some weeks the lady returned and through the financial assistance of Mr. Moses Bunker, she was enabled to arrange the financial matters and continue the instruction but not the financial management, this being under competent direction of a financial agent. In 1850 a select school was conducted by Mrs. Keith, wife of the Congregationalist minister on the corner where the home of S. M. Murray now stands. This was the first select school in Tipton.

Mr. John H. Starr once offered to donate one block for the Presbyterian Seminary proposed to be located here, and also one-fourth of every other block to be disposed of to aid in its erection. There was much objection then to private schools of this kind and while it was considered for some time by the officials of the church no definite action in the matter was taken.

In 1850 there was a log school house in Inland Township near Posten's Grove. A small building seated and furnished as the type mentioned previously, slabs for seats with pegs in the rounded sides and the desk against the wall furnishing an uncomfortable back to the seat when facing inward. It was the only school house at that time in the township and one of the first in the county. In the summer of '54 a frame house was built in district number one. George Willey was the contractor. The father of the writer (H. A. Curtis) helped in the work. At that time the pupils furnished their own seats and desks or tables. I still retain the table my brother and I used. Among the early teachers are mentioned C. A. Pound, Amos Dean, Mrs. Dr. Clark, Charles Baker and S. H. Grant. 130  Bennett has been an independent district since 1891. It has recently voted to build again and will be provided with a modern equipment in 1911, unless objections are sustained. The German Evangelical church maintains a school here established in 1907 enrolling about fifteen. 131 

The first school building in Springfield Township was at Posten's Grove, built of logs of the usual dimensions and equipment. This was in 1848. Wm. Henry from Ohio was the first teacher here. The name "Posten's Grove" comes from the settlers by that name, Jim and Chas. Posten. 132 

In April, 1853, Mr. Jacob Geiger boarded with Mr. Walker and taught school in a log house on Henry Conrad's farm. Before that time, however, James Huff had conducted a school now number one, which was built in 1853. In 1855 a frame building was erected where or near where the Fairview church stands, and was taught by Mr. Geiger. In this house the elections of the township were held up to 1864 inclusive. At Fairview the school house was removed in 1867 to one-half mile southwest and a new one erected now number three. 133  A building was rented in Lowden in 1859 and a school was taught by Miss Huldah Monroe, this being the first school in the village. In 1860 the first building was erected, a one-story frame, near the site of the German Evangelical church. It was afterward enlarged and sold to the church society when a new building of brick was erected in 1874. The frame building was divided and part of it is now used by the parochial school of the Zion Evangelical church. The other portion was sold to Mr. Reid and was finally burned. The present four-room modern building of Lowden was built in 1909. It occupies roomy grounds on an excellent location. 134 

There are two parochial schools in Lowden. The Lutheran established in 1871 having an enrollment at present of about seventy-five, the German Evangelical, 1880, enrolling about forty. 135  "Towhead" school, in what is now Red Oak township, furnished the families residing in Fairfield with their first school privileges. It was located in the neighborhood known as Shiloh, or near where the Presbyterian church now stands. The land is now owned by Wm. Penningrath. The house has long since been torn down and the site is covered by bushes.

About 1857 the half dozen families living in the western part of Fairfield decided to erect a school building. The present site of number four was chosen and the name "Prairie Flower," suggestive of its environment, was applied. It was about a mile and one-half east of the station of Wald. It has since been replaced, as all are finally, and its humble office later was to serve as a granary on the Monahan farm. It is not now a "prairie flower." About the same time the Bunker school was located, but not at that time in this township. Number five, known as "Dublin," also suggestive, came about 1869, and "White Cloud" in 1870. 136  Others followed until the stated number "nine" completed the list. Now some are abandoned and their history is completed.

About 1846 the first school was established in Linn township, located in section fourteen just west of the home of Samuel Rhoads, Jr. It was held in a log dwelling house moved there for the purpose. Pupils came from several miles distant, some boarding in the neighborhood for convenience. The larger boys furnished the wood as needed. Among the early teachers were Thos. Gracey, who taught the first school in Tipton, and Mr. Buchan. Salaries were raised by subscription from patrons and boarding around was the custom. The term was three months during the winter. An amusing incident is related by Hon. Alex. Moffit. At that time the teachers were examined by the board of trustees, who asked some very difficult questions. One teacher after completing the examination requested that he be permitted to ask a few in return, and was politely told that he could—when he became a trustee. In '51 or '52 the school in number three was begun in a dwelling occupied by Mr. Ferguson, his wife being the teacher.

The first building for school only was erected in Linn in 1854 or '55. This was known as the Park school, located on the south part of section two. The site was changed a few years later. Children from Linn Grove attended the first school and the first teacher was probably Miss Annis Armentrout. The salary was ten dollars per month and raised by subscription. Miss Mary Cochran 137  taught in 1858 and was paid fifteen dollars per month. The first building in number one was erected in 1857. This site was changed also. A second house was built here in '82. It burned in '94. In 1849 another log cabin school began in western Linn near the center of section eight on the farm now owned by F. W. Dance. Among the first teachers were Mr. McQueen, Miss Martha McClaskey, Mr. Cotton and Walter Goodhue. The first of these taught but a short time when death called him and on Christmas day, 1855, he was buried. In '56 a frame building took the place of the log one and the usual custom of employing teachers by subscription continued, a very unsatisfactory method as it proved. This frame building was moved where number three, Linn, now stands. The present building was erected in 1880. Among the first teachers in number four was Miss Mary Cochran, who lives near Buchanan.

The following letter is from Mrs. Henry Emerick, the oldest living teacher of Linn township: "Your letter was a surprise to me since I had almost forgotten my teaching days. My eyes are dim and hands shaky and I now write with difficulty. My first term of school in your township began in 1862, May 7. I also taught the winter term beginning the next January. My wages in winter were twenty-two dollars, but less in summer. I paid two dollars per week for board. My account was given to the sub-director and he drew the money from the treasurer. At that time the teachers were paid in gold. My winter term at 'Coon Creek' was during the war. Your grandfather (Maj. John Dance) came to our school and drilled some of the larger boys for a company. He also gave testaments to those who had none and we read from them. I think I took my examination from Hon. Wm. Wolf. Our first county superintendent was Dr. Maynard, an old gentleman. Institute was held at the old school house." In 1880 a new building was erected in number four. I. G. Fairbanks was the first teacher. This was burned recently and a new one is nearing completion. 138 

The first school building in Pioneer was in a portion of Pioneer Grove. A man by the name of Madlock was the first teacher. Pupils came from various distances, one who was a pupil stating that she walked three miles. She is still able to tell that this teacher used to lie down on the long benches to rest. The oldest school building remaining in this township, probably about fifty years old, is now called number four. It was built in 1859 by Martin Bucher, and Mary Ellen Hyde was the first teacher. On the site of the Union church in the southwestern part of the township an old frame building once stood. It was used like many others as a church before it was much worn by school children. Some of these old buildings stood in the trackless woods, no roads leading to them—only a path over which they came for long distances filling the little house full in marked contrast to the present numbers who attend the district school.

"In 1861 a dilapidated looking old frame building stood on this spot. The siding and roof were brown with age. It showed hard usage. A window light was gone and a board replaced it. New panels were in the door. No paint disfigured it, nor whitewash marred it. A rail fence right in front, and enclosed in a sixty-acre field with no evidence that it had ever been separated from the general ground of the farm. No tree, shrub or grass to break or relieve the utterly wild surroundings. Such was known as the 'Week's School.' The site was something splendid—just as the prairie broke toward Clear Creek with the landscape undisturbed. The great tornado of 1861139  passed very near to it and two dwelling houses within the radius of a mile were torn in pieces, while the adjacent prairie was strewn with wreckage. Fortunately this notable June 3 came on Sunday or there might have been serious results at the little frame house.

But time passed and decay occurred until the larger boys enjoyed the fun of poking sticks through its walls and roof, leaving them there through more than one term. The taxpayers then, as now, hesitated long before voting a tax to rebuild, or build anew. Mr. Joshua Owens related how in Pennsylvania when he went to school a log on the side of the house had been sawed out and this space covered with greased paper as the only means of admitting the light. He went on to say that the cats would tear through and that the window often needed mending. He thought the old good enough with a little fixing. Old Mr. McAllister, smarting under the usage of the 'Weeks' school house, declared that he would vote money only on one condition—that there be built a dungeon under the new one, and that all unruly boys of the school be thrown into it and fed on bread and water. But the progressives won out (there were progressives in those days) by voting a tax of six hundred dollars for the building of the house known as number two Pioneer. Mr. Guthrie, the builder and architect, thought a tornado could never tear it to pieces, but might roll it over.

"No finer location for such a building can be found in all the land in any of the great states where schools are fostered; no more quiet, squestered spot, surrounded by fine old trees, ample grounds, provided with a well of never-failing water, and in one of the best communities in all our good state."140 

Mechanicsville was formed into an independent district in 1866. Some opposition was aroused and it required a suit at law to determine the conclusion. An account in the history of 1878 reads as follows: "A meeting was called at the Presbyterian church June 9, 1866, to act upon the erection of a district. The vote stood 44 affirmative and 5 negative. Then two of the trustees, T. C. McClelland and Samuel Gilliland, refused to call a meeting of the electors for the election of the officers of the school board, basing their action on the point of illegality of the meeting. In July following a writ of mandamus was issued from the circuit court to compell the call of the meeting. An appeal was taken to the supreme court of the state by the two trustees mentioned and the decision of the lower court was affirmed. Election then followed as required. The first building was of wood. In 1875 the building preceding the present one was erected. This is one more illustration of the trials that made educational progress a matter of court concern, as it was elsewhere in the county. In Mechanicsville there was formerly a small frame building just west of the C. W. Johnson property. The Wm. Rate house was once used for school purposes. The location of the school house has varied, as it must in most places not yet fixed in permanent form. 141 

"The old building of 1875 was declared no longer fit for use in the independent district of Mechanicsville and in 1908 public opinion was ready to approve of a new one. The women improved their opportunity to use the ballot, assuring the necessary two-thirds vote. The structure was occupied in 1909 and furnishes a modern equipment at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. The officials concerned in this are mentioned in a complimentary spirit, and like so many others who give their time and service freely to the public are deserving of great praise for executing the will of the voters in a creditable way in such a short time."

The first school building in Fremont township was erected in 1858 and was located on the east side of section twenty, about the middle of the southeast quarter. It remained there until the independent districts were organized as at present. A typical rude log building furnished as its neighboring ones in adjoining territory, no other equipment beyond the rude seats and shelf against the wall, except the black space, the only painted spot, called the blackboard. 142  Stanwood displaced its old building with a new one in 1902. The first school here was begun in 1869. John B. Ingersoll was the teacher. In 1872 the first building was erected and a second one was built in 1876. It has a parochial school of St. Paul's Lutheran church, which enrolls approximately ten pupils annually. The school was established in 1908 in connection with the church property.

The early school in Dayton township is described in the first part of this chapter by reference to a letter from Mrs. Eunice Frink Cartwright. This was in 1853, among the earliest if not the first in that part of the country. The present building in Clarence was erected in 1858. Changes may have been made, but no new building erected since that date. There is a parochial school here conducted by the Evangelical church, which will be found under church history. It was founded in 1882.

The Centre school was the first one built in Massillon township. No record of the early teachers seems available, but the following is pertinent: F. A. Gates, a graduate of Columbia University, Washington, D. C., 1837, was engaged in teaching in this township, coming here in 1853.

An announcement of the first county superintendent of schools reads as follows:
       "We are happy to announce to the public that our office is removed from the streets to the Tipton Union school house. By the kindness of the board of directors of the district we have been permitted to occupy a vacant room in the school house, where we can be found on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to attend to examinations and other official business. If teachers who have not engaged schools and desire to do so would send us their names and post office address, it would be very easy for sub-directors to employ teachers and for teachers to secure a situation by applying to me.
        J. MCCLUNG, CO. Supt.
       "May 7th, 1860."

This is the first county superintendent's official announcement of his office. 143  The office of county superintendent of schools was created by act of the General Assembly of Iowa in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-eight. By this act it was ordered that such officer should be elected in each county at the general election held on the second day of October, eighteen hundred and fifty-nine. This election resulted in a choice of James McClung as county superintendent of Cedar County for the years 1860 and 1861.

The late Hon. Wm. P. Wolf was the next incumbent and held the office during the years 1862 and 1863. Short sessions of the Teachers' Institutes were held each fall and examinations for certificates were conducted publicly and privately. The supply of teachers was not equal to the demand, owing to the enlistment of many young men into the army during the Civil War. C. A. Pound, who was the principal of the Tipton High School during the years 1864 and 1865 held the office of County Superintendent at the same time. His wife, Mrs. C. A. Pound, conducted examinations at their home when her husband was otherwise employed.

E. C. Rigby was the next superintendent and served during the years 1866 and 1867. E. L. Bassett was elected and held the office during 1868 and 1869, a deputy filling the place.

A. B. Oakley was the next incumbent and served during the years 1870 and 1871.

C. W. Rollins, who was the first superintendent to hold the office more than one term, was elected in the autumn of 1871 and began his work January, 1872. The office records have nothing to show that any official acts were performed, not even an annual report to the State Department, until the year 1873. The salary at this time was $1,000 annually and made it possible to devote all one's time to the work.

Mr. Rollins served four years, from 1872 to 1876, and was followed by Miss E. E. Frink, of Clarence, who served six years. This period may well be termed the reconstruction period of the schools of Cedar County. Many conditions existed that required tact and judgment to change for the betterment of the schools. Not least among these was the sifting of the unqualified from the ranks of teachers. This was done by examinations of all who aspired to teach in the county, regardless of qualifications or credentials. This resulted in raising the standard of qualifications of the teachers and was a revival as well as a "survival of the fittest."

Teachers' conventions were held and well attended; enthusiasm in the work was created not among teachers only but school officers and patrons realized that something was being accomplished. The County Superintendent's time was all devoted to the work and school visitation meant becoming acquainted with the teachers and their ability to instruct and govern, aiding those who needed it by suggestions, and getting and keeping in touch with the patrons and school boards on conditions relative to each school district. Each year marked advancement and the six years administration of Miss Frink will stand as an example of honest, efficient service. This brings us to the close of the year 1881, when Miss Virginia Robbins, a teacher in Tipton, was elected to the office. Normal Institutes were cut down to two weeks' duration during the latter part of the former administration and were held three weeks each year of '81 and '82. Miss Robbins was active and industrious and maintained the established standard during the two years of her incumbency. In the autumn of 1883 Mrs. A. N. Filson of Tipton was elected to this office and twice reelected, making her term six years. She had been a popular and profitable teacher in the schools of this place for eleven years, and it was with regret on the part of patrons, pupils and school board that her position was made vacant.

Teachers' Conventions took on new life, enthusiasm prevailed everywhere. Normal Institutes were well attended and beneficial. The teachers and schools of Cedar County ranked second to none in the State. Through the efforts of the County Superintendent Welch's Classification Register was purchased by the Board of Supervisors for every rural school in the county. The grading and classification of these schools placed the work on a foundation that made it possible for graduates from this course to enter any high school in the county without further examination. This system proved to be a great advantage and is still in use.

School visitation was optional with the County Superintendent at this time, but the benefits derived from such visits were so marked that it was followed as under the former law. Special attention was given to the primary work of the teachers, not only during the Normal Institute but by individual attention to the work done in schools. In 1889 W. L. Etter, a teacher in this county, was chosen for this office. Following fourteen years of work performed by ladies, it is not to his discredit to say it required painstaking labor to meet the demands of the public. This he did and served six years in this capacity. J. W. Marker, principal of the Lowden schools, was next elected to this office and served two terms, from 1896 to 1900, when the late Miss Aurora Goodale was elected and served two terms. During this time a daily register was introduced to be used in connection with the Classification Register. A system of "card reports" of attendance and punctuality was also introduced. This has done a good work in raising the per cent of attendance. Of Miss Goodale's work we would say,— she faithfully and conscientiously performed the duties of this office and without fear or favor worked for the best interests of the schools. Her interest in boys and girls whose advantages and opportunities were limited was a marked characteristic and highly commendable feature of her work.

Her second term expired January, 1904, when the present incumbent, Geo. H. Kellogg, took his place. Among the many new additions to the equipment of the County Superintendent's office introduced by Supt. Kellogg we find a Card Index of the Teachers, School Officers and Eighth Grade Pupils of Rural Schools. A Normal Institute Register has also been used for several years and serves the purpose of recording the names of all who attend the institute, their attendance and other important information. A County School Officers' Association was organized and meets in Tipton annually. At these meetings the question of teachers' salaries and the latest and most approved methods of doing any work required of such officers are discussed and have resulted in raising salaries and enlightening officers as to their duties.

Modern heating and ventilating plants are being introduced and modern and sanitary school buildings are taking the place of worn-out buildings. Mr. Kellogg is distinctly a school man and progressive in his ideas. His third term of office expires with this year and will end a very successful administration. 144 

During Miss E. E. Frink's (Mrs. Cartwright's) term of office the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution requiring an annual report from the county superintendent of schools. Spread upon the records of the Board sessions during the remainder of her term in compliance with this demand are complete and exhaustive reports from that time regarding the school work of the county, the plans for improvement, the institutes held, the associations conducted and the financial condition of the office, a business record of all situations confronting the officer in charge. Court sessions came early in the history of this official, she having to pass upon the location of the site for the new building in Tipton during her administration. 145 

These reports were continued in a masterly way by Mrs. A. N. Filson and these two women have a lasting record upon the official books of the county that indicates the efficiency of management under their terms of office. The latter made a special mention of the teachers in one report of the winter of 1884-5, stating that there were then 45 male and 123 female teachers in the county. The attendance was less than 50 per cent in regularity. At present in this county there are not one-fourth the number of men teaching. 146