Jefferson County Online The Fairfield Weekly Ledger

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Fairfield Weekly Ledger
Jefferson County, Iowa
Transcribed by:  Joey Stark

Note:  Typographical errors (followed by [sic]) and spelling variations in names in this document are intentional and reflect the actual newspaper articles.   Transcriber’s notes are occasionally included and are indicated with [Ed. note:….].  Surnames shown here are in UPPER CASE for easy location; not rendered as such in the newspapers.

November 26, 1868
 

Marriages

--November 19, 1868, by Archer GREEN, J. P., Mr. John TEETER and Miss Mary H. VANCE, all of this county.

---November 3, 1868, by Archer GREEN, J. P., Mr. Olof PETERSON and Miss Christena ANDERSON, all of this county.

---October 10, 1868, by W. C. TEMPLETON, J. P., Mr. Albert G. DODDS and Miss Kate R. JOHNSON.

---November 21, 1868, by his Honor, Thos. MORGAN, County Judge, Mr. Osian NELSON and Miss Anna M. ERICKSON.

---November 18, 1868, by his Honor, Thomas MORGAN, County Judge, Mr. Henry K. MOORE and Miss Ellen M. CLEMONS.

---October 18, 1868, by Rev. H. OLSON, Mr. Swan BURK and Miss Mary A. ALMGREN.

---October 11, 1868, by Rev. H. OLSON, Mr. Gustaf JOHNSON and Miss Anna S. HULT.

---October 31, 1868, by Rev. H. OLSON, Mr. Peter M. ANDERSON and Miss Eva C. ALSON.

A Visit to the Public School.---

On entering the beautiful and commodious brick building known as the Fairfield Union School House, we immediately directed out steps to the room of the first assistant, Miss PATTEN.  Here we met the Principal, Mr. DAVIS, who greeted us so cordially that if we had ever entertained an impression that teachers were indifferent in regard to visitors, that doubt would have been chased like morning mist before the rising sun;  for there was the sunshine of pleasure in his smile, and the thrill of sincere joy in the hearty grip of his hand.  A short but pleasant interview was enjoyed with his respecting the general interests of the school.  The hour having arrived for calling the school to study and recitation, Mr. D. was not slow in exhibiting two prominent traits of his character, viz: politeness to visitors and promptness to duty, and excusing himself was suddenly away to find his pleasure in the routine of his arduous labor, and we saw him no more during the afternoon, except an occasional glimpse as he passed from room to room, giving the necessary attention to the different departments.  We are deeply impressed that he feels what is truthfully said of a faithful ministry, to be eminently and appropriately applicable to himself as a teacher:

  “It is not a cause of small import
  The teacher’s care demands,
  But what might fill an angel’s heart,
  And filled a Saviour’s hands.”

The impress of his skill is not made upon wood or marble, or such things as yield and crumble at the corroding touch of the tooth of time, but his it is to give cast to the imperishable intellect and mould the immortal mind.

Dismissing the above interesting subject we pass to a brief notice of the First Assistant, Miss PATTEN, whom as to form, feature and manner we may call emphatically personable.   Her room is a model of cleanliness, and could not well be otherwise, for Miss P. is an adept with broom as well as books, and was just demonstrating her skill in its use when we entered the room, though man as we are, it was difficult for us to see anything work sweeping at, save two or three little lumps of coal which she seemed to be noiselessly directing towards the door.  The Misses (almost young ladies) were sitting in groups about the room, some knitting, some crocheting --- all pleasantly talking in a quiet, dignified manner.  The boys (pretty near young men) were also sitting or standing in social groups, conversing with an air of intelligent and dignified pleasantness.  A slight tap of the bell and all proceed at once in a most quiet and respectful manner to their respective places and studies.  A moment, and all seem so absorbed in study that had we not seen them a few moments previous, we should have supposed that many minutes had been spent in coming to such uniform and close application to lessons.  The first exercise to which the students were called was spelling, the words being announced by the teacher and written on the slate by the pupils.  Readiness in writing and uniform correctness in spelling characterized this class.  Being fully satisfied from what we had seen that Miss P. was proving herself eminently worthy of the responsible position to which she has been chosen, we took our leave of that room to visit the

 Second Assistant --- Miss RAMSAY.

Whom we found giving close attention to the exercises in writing, in which all of her scholars were busily engaged.  The universal silence and close attention gave unmistakable evidence of thorough discipline.  A few moments and the exercises in writing are closed, and a class of eleven were called to an exercise in reading.  Miss R. gives very special attention to correctness in pronunciation, punctuation and inflection, and to impressing her pupils with the meaning and spirit of what is read.  Her room is neat, her scholars characterized by ready obedience to her lessons.  She has the confidence of the school, and possesses the many qualities so necessary for the true teacher.  She is medium in size, of graceful appearance, and rather retiring in her measures.  We take our leave of her to visit the

 Third Assistant --- Miss ROWLAND,

So well known to all by the more familiar appellation of Kate.  Her we found just concluding the recitations of a large class in geography.  The readiness and accuracy of the answers given on the part of all in the class showed how intent they were on being reported perfect--- a thing highly prized by the scholars universally.  A class of fifteen were called to exercise in reading and spelling.--- Correctness in spelling and the accuracy with which each one related in their own words substantially the subject of the lesson, showed what care is taken to have the scholars bestow proper thought on what they read.--- As recess was drawing near Miss R. had her scholars exercise in singing.  The song of “Robin” was charmingly performed, the boys whistling some parts of it.  Then came the still more pleasing song of “Whippoowill,” [sic] which beat the bird itself, when at pensive hour of evening twi-light is heard the shrill rattle of its monotonous lay, which, though monotonous, is ever new and attractive.  Recess came, and with it came a general rush of girls and boys to have a word with Miss ROWLAND, as everyone respectfully called her.  The manner of their approach showed with what confidence each expected that every reasonable wish had only to be expressed to be complied with.  Among those who came near enough to whisper a wish in the teacher’s ear was a youth of color --- ”Shades of Africa.”  Yet Kate did not seem to ”scare” or call for a “father to protect her,” but with perfect composure heard his plea and bade him go in peace to enjoy “equal rights” with his fellow students.---  Then Billey’s countenance plainly showed that he could appreciate a kindness with an intelligence and gratitude somewhat resembling that of human creatures of a lighter complexion.  We also saw a girl in this room whose complexion we took to be that of a “chino,” standing in the midst of a group of girls of as fair complexion as the city affords.  She mingled freely but modestly in he [sic] conversation and pleasantry of the company.  Billy applied himself to study as if conscious that he was preparing for the intelligent exercise of the “right of suffrage.”  During recess a short interview with Miss R. gave us a high appreciation of her as a friend and teacher.  Intelligent of quick and generous impulses, kind and genial in temperament, ever anxious to please in all that is reasonable, she is the “right teacher in the right room.”  Assuring you that Kate will succeed, and that we shall not ignore those of the teachers whom time and space prevent us from mentioning how, we remain,           Yours truly.
          Next Week.

Real Estate Transfers --- The following deeds to lands and town lots in Jefferson county, have been placed on record at the Recorder’s office for the two weeks ending November 23, 1868:

A. G. ANDERSON from John SAGE and wife, 118 acres in Lockridge t’p.---  Deed dated November 3, 1868.  1,500 00
Edward BYERS from Reuben HARRIS and wife, 94 acres in Wapello and Jefferson counties.  Deed dated Oct. 19, 1868.  1,410 00
Clark CHIDESTER from Richard GAINES and wife, 160 acres in Blackhawk township.  Deed dated November 13, 1868.  1,760 00
Joseph HOOK from M. S. SOUTHARD and wife, 40 acres in Penn township.--- Deed dated Sept. 7, 1868.  700 00
Joseph HOOK from Franklin BAKER and wife, 40 acres in Walnut township.  Deed dated Nov. 10, 1868.  500 00
Jonathan VULGAMOT from William VULGAMOT and wife, 80 acres in Blackhawk township.  Deed dated Nov. 14, 1868.  387 50
William VULGAMOT from Jonathan VULGAMOT and wife, 80 acres in Blackhawk township.  Deed dated Nov. 14, 1868.  387 50
P. E. BLACK from L. H. BROWN and wife, 90 acres in Blackhawk township.  Deed dated November 13, 1868.  3,000 00
Henry HUFFMAN from A. C. FRY and wife, 20 acres in Liberty t’p.  Deed dated January 23, 1868.  150 00
Alex. LYNCH from Louis ANDERSON and wife, 5 acres in Fairfield township.  Deed dated November 14, 1868.  70 00
Robert B. McCLAIN from Jacob COLLINS and wife, 120 acres in Locust Grove t’p.  Deed dated Movember [sic] 17, 1868.  8,600 00
Joseph BLAKELY from Peter KLOPFENSTEIN and wife, 50 acres in Cedar township.  Deed dated Nov. 19 1868.  600 00
Edward DAVIS from George WESTON and wife, 15 acres in Penn township.  Deed dated November 3, 1868.  150 00
Charles DAVID from Daniel MENDENHALL and wife, undivided one half of the South one-third of lot 3, block 12, old plat of Fairfield.  Deed dated November 12, 1868.  1,777 00
Margaret EAGAN from Sarah GRISHAM and husband, East half of lots 3 and 4, block 17, H. W. & Co.’s addition to Fairfield.  Deed dated October 14, 1868.  120 00