Welton Township Schools 

Josephine Owens McDivett

From Judianne: The woman in this picture is my grandma, Josephine Owens, when she was a teacher in a one room school - somewhere in Clinton Co. prior to 1922. She married Ray McDevitt in Sep 1922.

I found the following picture at the Clinton County Historical Society and thought there might be a connection.

Mary McDevitt ca 1890

The caption reads WELTON..Old District #1, Teacher: Mary McDevitt at the doorway in a light dress, 1890s.

There is a short history written by Helen Reilly Watter. She taught from 1905-1915. She taught at Welton #4, Section 1. That school was converted into a home and is now occupied. She also taught at Welton #1, Section 4. That school later burned down accidentally after it was closed.

There was a box social held in February 1905 to raise funds to purchase a desk and chair. There was an article in the Clinton Advertiser, regarding the box social.

The salaries at that time were about $45 per month, or $54 if you had a First Grade County Certificate.

Welton High School Graduates: 1932

Source: Clinton Herald, Saturday, May 14, 1932

Class Motto: "Honor lies at Labor's Gate"
Class Flower: White Rose

  • Granger Barker (Secretary-Treasurer)
  • Ralph Christiansen
  • Ella Cooper
  • Paul O'Brien (President)
  • Albert Ohlierich (Vice President)
  • Melva Ohlerich
  • Geraldine Reynolds