Click here to go
to the Segmented Book version of this
book. For more details about the Whole
Book and Segmented Book versions of this book, see the Background and Editorial Notes
(Click here for Background and
Editorial Notes)
teachers who felt that the
real object of education
is to give children
resources that will endure
as long as life endures.
Page 1
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Howard
Blattler |
Lorena
Miller |
Marie
Brague |
Ivin
Miracle |
Josie
Burkhalter |
Lulu
Miracle |
Alvie
Burns |
Roy
Miracle |
A.
A. Byers |
Mildred
Miracle |
Harold
Christman |
Eula
McGary |
Helma
Christman |
Mildred
McHugh |
Harold
Cline |
Helen
McMahon |
Kathryn
Cline |
Joe
Newman |
Gladys
Cox |
Agnes
Norris |
Woodrow
Crum |
Mary
Norris |
Wilda
DeWitt |
Ethel
Pfalzgraf |
Annie
Laurie Drum |
Laura
Pfalzgraf |
Glenn
Dye (deceased) |
Glenn
Piatt |
Helen
Dye |
Vera
Polen |
Wilbert
Franks |
Henry
Prichard |
Florence
Grimes |
Elaine
Rea |
Marie
Grimes |
Delphene
Reef |
Vernon
Hamilton |
Ray
Ring |
Elsa
Harper |
Hazel
Rohr |
Eleanor
Haudenschield |
Victor
Salisbury |
Graydon
Haudenschield |
Marie
Schumacher |
Lilliam
Hawkins |
I.
F. Shafer |
Clyde
Hawkins (deceased) |
Virginia
Stahl |
Freda
Hayes |
Zelma
Steed |
Anna
Heckler |
Harry
Straight |
Bernice
Hendershot |
I.
M. Straight |
Irene
Hendershot |
Goldia
Straight |
Ella
Herriman |
Elizabeth
Thomas |
David
Highman |
Esther Thompson |
Jay
Highman |
Harold
Thompson |
Flora
Hagan |
Marie
Thompson |
Sylvia
Jackson |
Lucille
Traylor |
Laura
Jolliffe |
Bessie
Tubaugh |
Harold
Kinney |
Blanche
Tubaugh |
Viola
Kinney |
Esther
Tubaugh |
Edith
Kirkman |
Harry
Ullman |
Nedra
LaCroix |
Edna
Ullman |
Lester
Lehman |
Lena
Walter |
Marie
Lehman |
Warren
Winland |
Susie
Mallett |
Gladys
Winland |
Nettle
Martin |
Harriett Zesiger |
Other retirees (not members)
who have requested that their name be listed in our booklet are:
Amelia
Eddy |
Mary
(Luedy) Jackson |
Mildred
Frieden |
Arthur
Willison |
Elsie Hanna |
Dorothy
Willison |
Page 2
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OFFICERS OF MONROE COUNTY
CHAPTER
Harry Straight, President; Glen Piatt, Vice
President; Marie Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer; I. M. Straight, Legislation;
Annie Laurie Drum, Membership; Henry Prichard, Program; Vernon Hamilton,
Housing; Mary Norris, Community Affairs; Roy Miracle, Protective Services;
Virginia Stahl, Education; Lester Lehman, Bicentennial; Harold Thompson, Past
President.
The above officers, under
the chairmanship of Lester Lehman, are responsible for this booklet -
"History of Monroe County One Room Schools." However, this booklet
has been a project of the entire membership of this association. We want to
sincerely thank anyone who has contributed material or information for the
book.
As President of the Monroe
County Retired Teachers Association (1975-76) I want to thank all the officers
and members for the excellent cooperation, fellowship, suggestions and
encouragement that they have given to me for the past two years. It has been an
enjoyable experience for me.
HARRY STRAIGHT
President
Page 3
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
By Lester Lehman
"No longer sits the schoolhouse by the
road", even the blackberry vines that crept nearer and nearer the subject
of the poet's childhood memories no longer mark the spot where the rural school
once stood. The memory of these buildings which once dotted our countryside,
becomes increasingly dim with each passing generation.
Many of our retired teachers recall these vividly
for it was very likely they once attended one of these as a student and in the
case of many, a great portion of their teaching career was spent within the
walls of one or more of these structures.
With the success of the American Revolution
Americans embarked upon a new experiment in government: a government of; by,
and for the people. This would require a literate voting population and as early as 1785 when the Northwest Land Ordinance was passed provisions
were made to provide means of education for those who would become residents of
this great mass of land known as the Northwest Territory. For these rural
people the one room school was the answer. Modern educators are too often
prone to amplify their shortcomings and pass over
their merits too lightly, yet the desired position that our nation holds among
the peoples of the world is ample evidence schools taught well. It was from
these simple institutions that Lincoln's call for volunteers who were to march
to Gettysburg and Appomattox was filled. In the half century that followed it
was these schools
that supplied the men and women who would dam our
rivers, build our railroads, write our books, and transform this sprawling
rural countryside into the greatest industrial nation the world has ever seen.
In 1917 when the Kaiser's war machine seemed to
spell the very annihilation of Europe these institutions supplied "the
American doughboy" who was determined to do his bit to "make the
world safe for democracy." Again in 1941 when the security of all peace
loving people was again in jeopardy, young men and women largely educated in
these simple buildings
were to be found in every corner of the world
determined that the freedoms we hold so dear should become the inherent right
of all.
Today the rural school is no more. Much as the flint
lock rifle, the spinning wheel or the covered wagon, it has served its purpose
and has given way to a more advanced and complicated system which is with us
today. Only occasionally is one found and then likely used as a storehouse or
perhaps gathering dust in a museum, or existing in the memory of an older
generation of a way of life now past and gone. It is for this reason that this
listing of rural and village schools which once existed in our county has been
undertaken.
Their position began to deteriorate with the advent of the improved
road and the internal combustion engine in areas where road building was more
simple and less costly than in Monroe County erosion took place much earlier.
The decade between 1925 and 1935 marked the closing of most of the rural
schools in this county beginning first along our best highways. With the
construction of Route 7 schools along and adjacent to it were consolidated,
with the same pattern following the building of Routes 8, 78, 556 and 536. Only
the more remote remained open and these only until some form of improved road
made consolidation possible. In Switzer Township the school once known as Mount
Vernon remains being used as a polling place and meeting hall for the township
trustees. The Switzer School in the same township had been used as a storage
place for township machinery until this spring when it was torn down and
replaced with a larger building. In Salem Township the Valley School had long
been used as a church building. It remains but is no longer in use and its days
are numbered, and so throughout
the county here and there one may be found.
The rural school has played a conspicuous part in
the history of our county, our state, and our nation. We retired teachers were
a part of that history. It was here that we taught. It was here that we made
our contribution to another generation ot God's people. We are grateful for the
opportunity we have had, and are proud of the boys and girls we have taught. It
is our hope that the heritage we received has been transmitted to our
successors a bit richer.
Much effort has gone into the perfecting of this
list and to those who have been responsible we give our sincere thanks. Our
sources of information have been confined to the memory of those who once knew
of the locations of these buildings and the information coming to us from
Caldwell's Atlas of Monroe County. No doubt our list is incomplete. If anyone
reading this has knowledge of any school not appearing on this list we would be
glad to have the information to add at a later date.
Page 4
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ADAMS TOWNSHIP
MELLOTT
RIDGE -
This school building still stands and is used as a meeting house by a small
congregation of the Church of Christ. At least two buildings stood on this site
which is about 2 miles from
Cameron on County Road 231. The school was closed in 1937 and the pupils
attended Cameron School. The last teacher there was Clarence Gates. Others
were: John Pfalzgraf, Marjorie Bierie Webb, and Paul Turner.
WEEKLY - This school was abandoned
about 1883 and 1884. It was located on Township Road 168 in Section 25. The
land on which it once stood is now owned by George Visnic. This school was
replaced by Center School. A small cemetery still marks the spot where this
building once stood.
CENTER - This building was located in section 32 on
Township Road 152 near the junction of Township Roads 152 and 167. Teachers
known to have taught there were: Jacob Pfalzgraf, Samuel Pfalzgraf, John
Pfalzgraf, Fred Pfalzgraf, T. T. Gillispie, Guy McKelvey, and Vernon Sumption.
DEMOCRACY - Democracy School stood at the junction of County
Road 30 and Township Road 454 about one mile south of Altitude or about 6 miles
west of Cameron and about 6 miles east of Woodsfield. The ground on which it
once stood is presently owned by Dorothy Walton. It closed about 1927 and was
the first attempt at consolidation in Adams Township and probably one of the
first in Monroe County. James McCaslin was hired to transport the pupils to
Fairfax. Teachers known to have taught there were: Guy McKelvey, Daisy Keevert
Ward, and the Kiedash Sisters.
FAIRFAX - This building was located on what is now State
Route 78 in section 29 on soil now owned by Stanley Ault. The building was
moved and fashioned into a dwelling now owned by Bob Ollom. This was one of
three school buildings that stood in the immediate vicinity. This building
ceased to operate as a school about 1932-33. Teachers known to have taught
there were: Jacob. Samuel, John, Fred Pfalzgraf.
MINOR - On County Road 29 about 3 miles west of Cameron.
The ground on which it once stood is presently owned by the S. E. Pfalzgraf
heirs. This was on Sunfish Creek and closed about 1880.
BRACEY - This building stood at what was once known as Bracey's Mills which was near the junction of Piney Creek and Sunfish
Creek. The school seems to have gone out of existence with the mill. This is
believed to be about 1880.
DEWEY - This one room school was located on State Route
26 on the farm presently owned by James Lindamood. At least three different
buildings were built on this location which is approximately nine miles north
of Woodsfield or three miles south of Ozark. It closed about 1935 or 36. It was
said to generally have been taught by a member of the Gallagher Family.
CAMERON - The village of Cameron can boast of at least four
school buildings since it was first laid out by James Atkinson in the year of
1837. The first being a log structure located near the old pioneer cemetery on
land donated by Mr. Stephen Atkinson. This was a one room log structure and was
replaced by a two room building on ground donated by George Suppes at the
damsite' on Sunfish Creek near Suppes Mills almost directly east of the
Pfalzgraf Store and post office. The village at this time was known as
Jamestown having received its name by James Atkinson who first laid out the
town. This building is still in existence having been converted into a home and
is now occupied by Howard Hickman. In 1887 a new two room brick building was
built on the site of the present building. Between 1924 and 1932 this building
was also used as a high school. In 1939 the rooms were divided and became a
four room building. Teachers of the high
school who are known to have taught there were:
Cephus Stevens, Forrest Gutherie and Parcel Mallett. Some of the grade teachers
who have taught there were: Pearl Treiber Kimpel, Clara McCoy, Margaret Wallace
Hartline, Florence Hickman, Helen Pfalzgraf, Elaine Rea, Raymond Straight, David
Highman, Brady Hines, Ethel Staib Pfalzgraf. Mrs. Ivan Miracle. Charles Ward,
and Herman Bough.
In addition, Albert Ward, conducted two special
classes there for a long period of time, possibly as much as twenty years. One
class was in Spencerian writing and the other in pedagogy. This class was
primarily directed at preparing teachers for the Boxwell examination, which if
passed successfully would qualify them for certification as teachers. This
venture had the blessing of the school examiners of the county and represents
one of the earliest attempts at teacher training in Monroe County and possibly
in the state as well.
Written by Lester Lehman
Page 5
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
BENTON
TOWNSHIP
Early History Prior to 1900
In 1813 the first school was
taught by Henry Bower in a small log cabin in section 20. Another school was
taught in 1815 in a log cabin on the land owned by Isaac M. Cline. The teacher
was Wm. Knight. This location was along Muskingum Creek which was later known
as Jericho Community.
Benton Township it bound on the west by Washington
Township, on the north by Perry Township, on the east by Jackson and on the
south by Washington County. Before 1900 there were six schools in Benton
Township which were as follows: Pine Ridge No. 1; Trail Run No. 2, this was
changed to No. 4 in 1817; Oak Grove No. 3; Brownsville Exempted Village No. 4
and
in 1920 changed to No. 6; Pine Knob No. 5 later becoming No. 2; Jericho No. 6
later to become No. 5. Trail Run first known as No. 2 and later to become No. 4
was located in Section 2 along the Trail Run Stream on Route 800 south
of Antioch. In 1908 the ground was sold from Joseph Hanna Hill to Chris Busche.
In 1914 the school building was moved across the road on the Thomas Carson lot.
In 1929 the school was discontinued and the building torn down in 1930 and sold
to Everett Dimit. The following
teachers taught at Trail Run:
1901 - 02
O. A. Bonar
1902 - 03
Jacob C. Woods (6 mo. $180.)
1903 - 05
J. L Meeker (6 mo.)
1905 - 06
Louis Schweickhardt
1906 - 08
C. E. Havener ($40.00)
1908 - 09
C. E. Havener
1909 - 10 J W. Lallathin -- Lallathin Resigned
1910 - 11 J. E. Fankhaurer
1911 - 12 S. E. Cline (8 mo.)
1912 - 13 Chalmer D. Brown
1914 - 16 Minnie Hubacher
1916 - 17 Edith Stewart
1917 - 18 Perlie Briggs
1918 - 19 Mollie Ridgewav
1919 - 20
Lucy Lentz
1920 - 21 Glen Miller
1921 - 22 RachelWilliamson (1 mo.) - Glen Dye
1922 -
23 William Rosenlieb
1923 - 24
A. V. Newhouse
1924 - 26 Inez Lash
1926 - 28 Glen Dye
1928 - 29 Arthur Lash
1919 - School Discontinued
Pine Ridge No. 1 was located in Section 12 approximately 1 miles from Route 800 between Trail Run and
Brownsville. Around 1900 the land was owned by Henry Busche now owned by
Charles Taylor. In 1935 this school was discontinued and the building was moved
to Brownsville to make a two room building there. The following teachers taught
at
Pine Ridge:
1901 - 02 C. E. Hurd
1902 - 03 Evart Pool
($30. per mo.)
1903 - 04 Evart Poole
1904 - 05 Sam Weddle & Charles Eisenbarth
1905 - 06 H. A. Claugus (8 mo.)
1906 - 07 H. A. Claugus
1907 - 08 C. E. Havener
1908 - 09 E. P. Lovett ($40. per mo.)
1909 - 10 Florence Folqer
1910 - 11 Lou Bottenfield
1911 - 12 Lou Bottenfleld (Resigned) Cora Henthorne
1912 - 13 J. H. Hickenbotham
1913 - 14 Eska Eikelberry
1914 - 15
Pearl Henthorne
1915 - 16
Ida Stine
1916 - 18
Rachel Williamson
1918 - 19
Lizette Amos
1919 - 20 Rachel Williamson
1920 - 21 Laura Busche
1921 - 22 W. E. Rosenleib
1922 - 23 Zelda Black
1923 - 24 Helen Cain
1924 - 25 Arthur Lash
1925 - 26 Lois Dye
1926 - 28
Albert Stacy
1928 - 31
Delbert Hensel
1931 - 33 Kermit Cline
1933 - 35 Helen McHuoh
School Was Now Discontinued.
Page 6
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OAK GROVE SCHOOL
This school was better known as "Mudsock"
and was located on John Allen farm now owned by the U. S. government. In 1923 this school was discontinued and in
1926 the building was moved to Brownsville to be used for grades 18 while high
school was held in the Brownsville building. Teachers were as follows:
1900 - 01
C. Bolen $25. per mo.
1903 - 02
Lione Muff man ($30 per mo. 4 mo.)
1902 - 03
G. W. Stewart
1903 - 05
Henry Claugus
1905 - 07
Charles Henderson
1907 - 08
Cleo Gregg
1908 - 10
S. E. Cline
1910 - 13
Edith Stewart
1913 - 14
Minnie Hubacher
1914 - 15
Ida Stine
1915 - 16
Beulah Lowman
1916 - 19
Marie Petty
1919 - 20
Anna Harrington
1920 - 21
Emma Miller
1921 - 22
Edith Ring. (School Closed)
PINE KNOB
Pine Knob No. 5 and later No. 2 was located on the Benjamin
Dye Farm. later owned by his grandson Glen Dye who sold it to Frank Ball. the present owner. This schoolhouse was built in 1902. The contract for the
stone work was given to Sol Cline for $44.50 and building the house to George
Buegel for $569.00. This location is on Dye Ridge in section 36 on a hill above
Muskingum Creek. Frank Ball is erecting
a unique "Dome House" on the format Pine Knob Sthool site. The following teachers taught at Pine Knob:
1901 - 02
James Crawford
1902 - 03
Ella McCaslin (4 mo., $120.00)
1903
Summer (2 mo.)
1903 - 04
Samuel Waddle (4 mo.)
1904 Summer (2 mo.) Samuel Weddle
1904 - 05 Ella McCaslin (8 mo., $300.00)
1905 - 07 Gilbert Pool
1907 - 08 Samuel Waddle
1908 - 09 Everett Ring ($40. per mo.)
1909 - 11 Everett Ring
1911 - 13 David Hill
1913 - 14 Alvie Eisenbarth
1914 - 16 Jennie Cline
1916 - 18 Vera Taylor
1918 - 19
B. F. Dye (Glen's father)
1919 - 20 Samuel Weddle
1920 - 21 Glen Dye ($75.80 per mo.)
1921 - 22 Orlando Moore
1922 - 23 Glen Dye
1923 - 26 Zelda Black ($100. per mo.)
1926 - 27 Lois Dye
1927 - 28 Gladys Scales
1928 - 29 Zelda Black
1929 - 32 Glen Dye
1932 - 33 Helen McHugh
1933 - 36 Kermit Cline
1936 - 40 Ray Ring
1940 - 41 Franklin Dye
In 1941 the school was discontinued and the pupils
were transported to Brownsville School.
Page 7
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
JERICHO SCHOOL
The Jericho School build in 1900 is located in Section 26 close
to the Muskingum Creek. In 1900 it was on the H. A. Williamson farm, later the
ground was owned by Andrew Cline and presently by Ellis Rine. The Jericho is
the only one room school still standing in Benton Township. It can be seen from
Route 12, the Brownsville Graysville Road. The following teachers taught there:
1901 - 03 A. W. Kellar
1903 - 04 I. Thornberrv
1904 - 05 George Smith
1905 - 08 Clyde Steele
1908 - 09 Issac Dye
1909 - 10 Ina W. Cline (mother of Mrs. Glen Dye)
1910 - 11 Everett Cline
1911 - 12 Everett Ring
1912 - 13
Vivian Reed
1918 - 19
Rachel Wiiliamson
1919 - 21
Orlando Moore
1921 - 22 Zelda Black
1922 - 23 Orlando Moore
1923 - 24 Violet Scarborough
1924 - 26 Glen Dye
1926 - 27 Gladys Bell West
1927 - 28 Zelda Black
1928 - 30 Kermit Cline
1930 - 32 Helen McHugh
1932 - 36 Roy Ring
1936 - 39 Kermit Cline
1939
School
Closed and Pupils Transported To Brownsville.
BROWNSVILLE SCHOOL
The Brownsville School was classified as an
Exempted Village School No. 4 from 1900 -1920. In August of 1920 the
Brownsville Exempted Village School Board combined with the Benton Township
School Board as Brownsville School No. 6. A new schoolhouse was built in 1912
to replace the old house destroyed by a cyclone. The new building was a one
story
26 x 30 foot structure. The contract to build was
given to I. O. Swallow for $650.00 and an additional $200.00 for the annexed
townhouse. It was voted that labor was not to exceed $2.00 per day for tearing
down the old building. When the school was closed in 1964, the building was
sold to Glen Dye who later sold it to Eugene Winland. He made the building into
a garage. In 1959 the Benton Township School District became a part of the
River Local District. In 1964 the Brownsville and Antioch Schools were
consolidated to form the New Midway School on Route 800 south of Antioch.
The following were Brownsville teachers:
1901 - 02
Miranda Wilson (6 mo., $180.)
1902
Miranda Wilson (2 mo. summer, $22.50 per mo.)
1902 - 04
Miranda Wilson (6 mo., $30. per mo.)
1904 - 09
Miranda Wilson (8 mo. $40.00 per mo.)
1909 - 11
E. P. Lovett ($30. per mo.)
1911 - 12
Daisy Hupp
1912 - 13
E. P. Lovett
1913 - 20
Miranda Wilson (1915 $45. per mo., 1917 $50., 1920 $60.)
1920 - 21
Rachel Williamson 1$75.80 per mo.)
1921 - 22
Emma Miller 1$76.80 per mo.)
1922 - 26
Miranda Wilson (~96. per mo.)
1926 - 27
Harry Murphy
1927 - 28
Arthur Lash
1928 - 29
Glen Dye
1929 - 31
Herman Each
1931 - 32
Ray Ring
1932 - 35
Glen Dye
1935 - 39
Glen Dye, Gr. 5-6-7-8 -- Helen McHugh Gr. 1-2-34.
1939 - 40
Glen Dye 7 & 8; Kermit Cline 4-5-6; Helen McHugh 1-2-3.
1940 - 44
Glen Dye 7 & 8; Ray Ring 4-5-6; Helen McHugh 1-2-3.
1944 - 48
Glen Dye 5-6-7-8; Helen McHugh 1-2-3-4.
1948 - 51
Mary Pryer 5-6-7-8; Helen Dye 1-2-3-4.
1951 - 64
Glen Dye 5-6-7-8; Helen Dye 1-2-3-4.
1964
Brownsville consolidated with Antioch at Midway.
1926 - 29 A two year high school at Brownsville with
Inez Lash as teacher.
Page 8
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
After Brownsville School became a part of River
Local School District special music teachers came to the school for the first
time in Benton Township. Connie Graham was the vocal teacher and Van Morris the
instrumental. Morris soon had each student in grades 5. 6. 7 & 8 playing in
the cadet band (19). Glen Dye provided instruments for those students unable to
buy their own. There was never an inside bathroom in any Benton Township School
nor any school lunches ever served.
Glen Dye taught 44 years in Benton Township. Helen (McHugh) Dye taught
34 years and 29 of these were consecutive in Brownsville. Miranda Wilson taught
18 years in Brownsville; Kermit Cline 10 years in Benton Township and Ray Ring
14 years in Benton Township.
1901 W. C.
Pool $30. plus $3.00 per trip
1901 - 02 J. A. Hendershot $15.
1902 - 12
I. O. Swallow $20
1912 - 14
J. I. Travis
1914 - 15 A.E. Hall
1915 - 18 I. 0. Swallow
1918 - 28 F. L. Buegel (1926 $125 per year)
1928 - 30 Waiter Cline
1930 - 32 J. F. McHugh
1932 - 38 F. L. Buegel (12 mo. $85)
1938 - 40 J. F. McHugh
1940 - 47
F. L. Buegel (deceased)
1947 - 48
Wm. Buegel ( Son of F. L. deceased)
1948 - 57
Earl Ring
1957 - 59
Harold Hensel until consolidated with River Local District.
Special
recognition was given to the following:
Earl Ring 9 years of service
I. O.
Swallow 13 years of service
F. L. Buegel 23 years of service
TOWNSHIP CLERKS OF BENTON
TWP SCHOOL BOARD
1901 - David McCaslin |
James Ridgeway (Pres.) |
James Ridgeway 3 |
Walt Ring |
George Stacy 5 |
Wm. Dimit |
Issac Eikelberry 6 (Pres.) |
1920
- 21 J.
F. McHugh |
1901
- 02
Henry Busche 1 |
Wm. Langsdorf |
Henry Waiter 2 |
James Ridgway. (Pres.) |
James Ridgeway 3 |
Walt Ring |
George Stacy 5 |
Wm. Dimit |
Issac Eikelberry (Pres.) |
1922
- 23
James Ridgway (Pres.) |
1903
- 04
Henry Busche 1 (Pres.) |
James McHugh |
Henry Waiters 2 |
Walt Ring |
James Ridgeway 3 |
George Travis |
Joshua Dye 5 |
Joe Buegel |
Jasper Eikelberry 6 |
1924
- 25
James McHugh (Pres.) |
1905
- 1916
Wm. Langsdorf |
Wm. Busche. (V. Pres. ) |
Henry Deist J.F.Lori 1909 |
Geo. Travis |
James Ridgeway 3 (Pres.) |
Walt Ring |
Wm. Ridgeway 1914 -1915 |
J. A. Buegel |
George Stacy 5 (Pres.) |
1926
- 27
James McHugh, Pres. |
Marsahll Cline 6 |
Joe Buegel |
1916
- 17 Wm.
Langsdorf 1 (Pres.) |
James Ridgway |
J. I. Moore 2 |
Wm. Busche |
James Ridgway 3 (Pres.) |
Forrest Dye (Resigned) |
Walt Ring (Pres.) |
Walt Ring (Replacement) |
George Stacy 5 |
1928
- 29 Joe
Buegel (Pres.) |
F. L. Buegel |
James Ridgway |
Marshall Cline 6 |
James McHugh (Pres. 29) |
1918
- 19 Wm.
Langsdorf |
Walt Ring |
D. W. Petty |
Wm. Dimit |
[Transcriber s note: It is not clear what the numbers mean following the name. They have been included here since they appear in the printed book.]
Page 9
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Cont d from page 9)
1930
- 31 Wm.
Dimit (Pres.) |
1940
- 41 A. E.
Hall (Pres.) |
James Ridgeway |
Jay Vanwy |
Roy Travis, (V. Prer) |
W. G. Hill |
Wm. Busche |
Wm. Dimit |
James McHugh, (Clerk) |
James Ridgway (Dec. Feb. 41) |
1932
- 33
James Ridgway, (Pres.) |
Clarence Schwaben |
Roy Travb (V.P.) |
1942
- 43 John
W. Buegel (Pres.) |
Wm. Busche |
Ernest Ring (V.P.) |
John Stacy |
W. G. Hill |
Frank Ring |
Jay Vanwy |
1934
- 37 A.
E. Hall (Pres.) |
Harry Cline |
John Stacy |
1944
- 45 John
W. Buegel (Pres.) |
Denver Rosanleib (Resigned) |
Emest Ring (V.P.) |
Frank Ring |
Wm. Schmidt |
Earl Ring |
Carl Schmidt |
Wm. Dimit (V.P.) |
Roy Travis |
F. L. Buegel |
1946
- 47 Wm.
Schmidt (Pres.) |
1938
- 39
Austin Hall (Pres.) |
Carl Schmidt (V.P.) |
Earl Ring (V. P. ) |
Denver Rosenleib |
Wm. Dimit |
Ernest Ring |
James Ridgway |
Roy Travis (Resigned) |
John Stacy |
Harold Hensel (Replacement) |
|
1948
- 49
Denver Rosenlieb (Pres.) |
|
Carl Schmidt (V.P.) |
|
Emest Ring |
|
Harold Hensel |
|
Raymond Busche |
Recognition for terms of
Board Members were:
George
Stacy |
15
years |
James
McHugh |
12
years |
Marshall
Cline |
13
years |
Wm.
Langsdorf |
17
years |
Walt
Ring |
13
years |
Wm.
Dimit |
16
years |
James Ridgway |
35
years |
Written by Helena McHugh Dye
BETHEL TOWNSHIP ONE-ROOM SCHOOLS
Bethel
Hall |
Clift |
Little
Injun |
Lebanon |
Smithberger
No. I |
Sycamore
Valley |
Unger |
Whitten |
Bethel
High School at Marr. |
Thanks to Bernice Hendershot for calling in these schools
Page 10
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
CENTER TOWNSHIP
AGIN - Agin School was located on Griffith Ridge 1.5
miles east of the junction of State Routes 800 and 255. The school was so named
because the donors of the land were two members of the Agin family. The present
owner of the land on which it was located is L. V. Bays. The school was closed
in 1930 and the last teacher was J. E. Jeffers.
BERTRAM - Bertram School was located .6 mile east of the
junction of Maple Avenue and Fairground Road. The road on which it was located
is know known as Gun Club Road. No one seems to remember the date of its
closing but the year 1920 is very close. The last teacher was Chester Lang and
reliable sources say that in its last year of operation it had one pupil whose
name was Olive Marple. The present owners of the school site are Darrol and
Hattie Byers.
DENT - Dent or Dent Ridge as it was commonly called was
named for the Dent family who were among the earliest settlers of this portion
of the township. It was located .7
mile east of the junction of State Route 800 and County Road 67 on County Road
67. Among its outstanding pupils was Dean Jeffers who is presently General
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Insurance Organization. He
was a pupil here for a part of his elementary career as his father, J. E.
Jeffers, was a teacher here at intervals over a period of several years. The
school ceased operation in 1939 the last teacher was Janet Smith Boyer. The
present owner of the schoolhouse site is Tony Urbanek Sr.
EDDY - Eddy School was located approximately one fourth
mile north of the Eddy Bridge crossing on Sunfish Creek on County Road 27 known
as the Moore Ridge Road. The closing date was either 1925 or 1926 and reliable
sources say that the last teacher was Oliver Dougherty. The land where the
school house stood is now owned by David Belt, Trustee. The Belt family lived in the valley here
only a few hundred feet south of the school. Members of this family became
prominent in the legal profession mainly in the Belmont County area. The name
of Clifford Belt a former pupil of this school is very well remembered.
HALFWAY - Halfway School was located halfway between Woodsfield
and Lewisville which is undoubtedly the reason for its name. That location is
approximately 4 miles west of Woodsfield on State Route 78 on the left side of
the highway as you are driving west. The last year of operation was 1929 and
the last teacher was Edith Foehrenbach Zerger.
The land on which the schoolhouse stood is now owned by Bernice Diehl
Franklin.
HOPE RIDGE - Hope Ridge School, which is now used as a garage
by its owner, Willard Freitag, stands on the right side of State Route 800 at a
point approximately two miles north of Woodsfield. It ceased operations in 1929
and the last teacher was Nellie Turner Jones. Among its many pupils is found
the name of Clem Freitag, athlete and football standout at Washington and
Jefferson College. He was awarded football letters there in 1906, 1907, 1908,
and 1909.
KERR - Kerr School stood at a location .4 mile west of
Woodsfield Corporation and a few hundred feet east of that spot on the right
side of State Route 78 as you are headed west. Its last year of operation was
1928 and its last teacher was G. I. Umpleby. After its close a new four room
school was erected between it and the highway. This four room building was
eventually closed and its pupils transported to Woodsfield Elementary. The
present owner and occupant of the four room building is the Masonic Lodge of
Woodsfield.
JACKSON
RIDGE -
Jackson Ridge School stood at the junction of State Route 800 and County Road
40 at a distance of three miles south of Woodsfield. It was the last of the
fifteen one room schools to close its doors and reliable sources give the date
as 1947. The last teacher was H. F. Burkhart. His son, George,
who is now the Prosecuting Attorney of
Monroe County was a pupil here for a part of his elementary career. The exact location of the building is now crossed by State Route 800. The remaining portion of the schoolhouse lot is now owned by Neil Hamilton.
JOHNSTON - The location of Johnston School is a little
difficult to describe. At a point one and one half miles south of Miltonsburg
on County Road 100 stood the residence of Sebastian Burkhart. No road went from
here to the schoolhouse. A path was mostly used and if you were compelled to
drive to it, you would drive across the fields of Otto Kaiser who is the
present owner of the land on which the schoolhouse stood. The school was closed
in the spring of 1938 and the last teacher was
Vernon Hamilton.
MOOSE
RIDGE -
Moose Ridge School stood at a point opposite the first Moose Ridge Cemetery one
and one fourth mile southwest of Woodsfield at the junction of Moose Ridge Road
and Willison Run Road. Moose Ridge Road is known as County Road 45. The school
was closed in 1929 and the last teacher was Kathryn Keyser Cline. The land on
which the schoolhouse stood is presently owned by Lucille Mahoney Hunnell.
Page 11
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MT. CARRICK - Mt. Carrick School stood at a point approximately
2.5 miles east of Woodsfield on State Route 78 and up a lane a few hundred feet
north of this point. This would place the location almost directly across the
highway from the former Mt. Carrick church house now occupied by the Center
Township Grange. The school closed in 1929 and Joseph Paulus was the last
teacher. The land on which the schoolhouse stood is now owned by the Neuhart Baptist
Church.
NEUHART - Neuhart School was located one mile south of the
junction of State Route 78 east and County Road 41 commonly known as Sugartree
Road. The exact location was on a plot of ground adjacent to the Neuhart
Baptist Church cemetery on its southern border. The school was permanently
closed in 1938 and the last teacher was B. R. Scarborough. This plot today is
used as a parking lot and owned by the Neuhart Baptist Church.
MULBERRY
KNOB -
Mulberry Knob School was located on the right side of County Road 40 on
Plainview Road at a distance of two miles from the junction of State Route 800
and County Road 40 headed south. The school was closed in 1939 and the last
teacher was Vernon Hamilton. The land on which the schoolhouse stood is presently
owned by Dale Eddy.
NORRIS - Norris School stood on the left side of State
Route 800 as you are headed south one mile south of the Woodsfield Corporation.
The school closed in 1929 and its last teacher was Harriet Claugus Zesiger. The
building
was
later converted into a dwelling an an office for a service station.. This
station is owned and operated by Tony Urbanek Sr.
STANDING STONE - Standing Stone School was located
southwest of the junction of State Route 26 North and County Road 39 known as
the Sunfish Creek Road. By following the 0. R. and W. Railroad right of way
west of the junction for approximately one thousand feet and then moving to
your left for a distance of a little less than one hundred yards to the valley
floor, you have the approximate location. I was unable to find anyone who knows
why this name originated but it doubtless had something to do with the rocky
terrain that surrounds the location on all sides. The school was closed in 1932
and the last teacher was Joseph Paulus. A great majority of the teachers who
taught here walked down the railroad tracks from the direction of Woodsfield
and passed through the tunnel, the only tunnel along the entire railroad route
from Woodsfield to Bellaire. The land on which the schoolhouse stood is now
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Davis.
IN RETROSPECT
I have a granddaughter who will, in a few months,
enter the teaching profession. In closing a recent thesis she wrote this
paragraph:
I hope to teach in my home county just as Grandpa
did. Even with the modern teaching devices many teachers today don't stay with
the schools as long as he did. Forty years -- that will be a hard record to
beat.
In the back of their minds the teachers of one room
rural schools of the 30's and 40's knew that consolidation of school districts
was rapidly approaching and the one room schools would permanently close and a
new era in education would begin.
Teachers believed that now the pupils would have
opportunities for learning that never existed before. They would now receive
more individual attention, class periods would be much longer and their
teachers would be better trained to give them attention and guidance. So many changes have occurred since the
beginning of consolidation and no doubt there will be many more in the future.
Seven years I attended the one room school out on
Dent Ridge. It was a well constructed building of strong native timbers and
located in pleasant surroundings. As I studied here I would try to picture how
school was conducted here during Civil War days when Grandmother Hamilton was a
pupil in a log cabin school situated across the road and not over 500 feet from
the one room frame building. I had four teachers here namely: John H.
Hickinbotham, J. E. Jeffers, G. D. Griffith and Golda Mowder Roth. Only Mrs.
Roth is living today but I realize that each of these teachers in some way have
left their imprint on my life.
When my teaching career started, I spent the first
twelve years in several one room rural schools. I cannot say that
Page 12
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I was a successful teacher. I do know that the great
majority of my former pupils still regard me at a dear friend and possibly only
time will tell if I really did anything to enrich their lives and to assist
them in preparing for their future.
During these twelve years a few events occurred that
I consider high points in my career. I was privileged to teach three years in
my home school. Two years I spent teaching in a school in Lee Township. My
mother had attended this school as a girl and her mother before her had been a
pupil there. Many times I rang the Haldiman bell which is now on exhibit in the
Monroe County Museum. One year I spent at Standing Stone where each day saw the
O.R. and W. Railroad as it wound down its operations and in a matter of months
would cease operations forever.
During my forty years in the schoolroom as a teacher
I came to know and respect a great number of good teachers. I have
a warm spot of affection in my
heart for the ones who taught in the one room rural schools. They are truly
grass roots people. They understand the problems of people especially those who
live in rural areas. They labored under many adverse conditions.
They received little financial benefits. Many of them taught during the years
of the Great Depression. Through their
teaching the great majority of their pupils learned resourcefulness,
independence and the value of integrity.
When and if awards for distinguished service are
made in the future, I trust the citizens of our county will respectfully honor
those who spent so many years as teachers of the one room schools. I know of no group of individuals who have
rightfully earned such an award and who would take greater pride in its
attainment.
Vernon S. Hamilton
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF
THE WOODSFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
By Dr. J. J. Sulsbarger 1916
The history and development of the Woodsfield
Schools divides itself naturally into two periods, the line of demarcation
being the closing of the Old Monroe Academy in 1860, which was situated on the
present school site, and which well serves as the closing of the first period.
In consideration of the first period it will be
necessary for us to go back to the early pioneer days of Woodsfield, which is
before the time and memory of the oldest citizens now living.
In searching the record, at the Recorder's office we
found that in the original plot of the Village of Woodsfield (as recorded in
Belmont County in 1812) that Lot No. 104 was set aside for school purposes.
As there is more or less uncertainty as to the date
of the founding of Woodsfield, I will quote from the old Hand Atlas: "in
the year 1814, Archibald Woods, then a large land owner, brought out from
Wheeling a keg of French brandy and invited the men and boys, within a radius
of five miles to a general frolic, the purpose of which was to clean out Main
Street. This was done and the first trees felled."
The pioneer school of Woodsfield was held in the
first Court House, which was a log building and stood on the east side of
Public Square. It was also used at a place for religious services by all of the
denominations as well as public meetings of all kinds.
Very little information of records can be had
regarding the early history, especially of the schools. The only source of
information that I could find was in the minds and recollections of our older
citizens which source will not always be available.
The first building known to have been used for
school purposes was the old Billy Schively property, the present location of
Chas. Joost'r home and Meat Market.
A number of our oldest citizens attended a
select school taught by a Mrs. McManus in the East room of the Mrs. Mullican
property just across the street from the first location.
The first real school building was a little log
house located on the Mary Smith lot, diagonally oppotite the Jail. Mr. R. W.
Pope started to school in thir building. It was taught by a widow by the name
of Mrs. Miller. Mr. Pope's parents paid his tuition to have him taught the
letters that term. To know your letters
in those days was considered a long step towards
one's education. The rising generation do not fully appreciate the
advantages they now have in brick and frame school houses and with well trained
teachers, over their fathers and grandfathers who had to travel through sleet
and snow to receive the first rudiments of an education. If they advanced as
far as the "3 R's - reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic"
they considered themselves good scholars. If they could go through the single
Rule of Three (3) they were indeed finished scholars and qualified to fill any
official position.
What a
change a few fleeting years have brought about, when compared with the present High School Curriculum for course of study.
Page 13
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
We go next to the brick
school building on lot No. 104 which was set aside for school purposes
as previously referred to - this building was located on the rear of the Dan
Akers, (now Forrest Hall) lot, on the alley just back of the Asher Okey home on
South Main Street.
History refers to this school house as built in the
year 1831 and first taught by Robert E. Naylor followed by Edward Salisbury and
Prof. Billy Brooks. Mr. Ezra Craig s memory seems clear as to the latter. R. W.
Pope, John and Philip Schumacher, Mr. Craig, D. O. Jones and others attended here
About this time the School Board decided on the plan
of consolidating the various select and public schools into one building. They
purchased the present school grounds, but a new board was elected and they
decided to sell this and purchase a lot on South Main Street now
occupied by Mrs. M. J. Devore, where they proceeded to build the "New
School House" as it was proudly referred to, about 1852-3. It was a frame
building and contained four class rooms.
The teachers in the new building were: Prof. Wheeler and wife and a Mrs.
Flanagan, also, Prof. Manning and others later.
We are now first introduced to that unique and
original character, Prof. "Johnnie" Moore of whom, no doubt
some of my older readers have some recollection. He was a Scotchman, tall in
stature, and light complected [sic]. He was "strict and used the gad very
freely. This is attested to by several of our older citizens still living. Just
the name of Johnnie Moore to these ex-pupils seems to recall to their recollections
some exciting and sensational school days. They will all remind you of the habit
that he and the teachers had in those times of throwing useless playthings in
the stove, and how the boys got a half day's vacation when Rans Conner's loaded
pistol was thrown in -- it took one half day to fix the old stove and clean up
the soot. (So they say). Mr. P. Schumacher says he sat in a seat with Mr. Pope
but didn t see him from one recess to the next because he had but two eyes and
didn't dare use them for anything else than to watch "Johnnie" with
one and his book with the other. A mode of punishment much used by Prof. Moore
was to make the boys stand on a chalk box on one foot, of course, sometimes
holding a dictionary in one hand. My father, (L. Sulsberger) who went to school
three months out of a year, as was the custom of the time, often refers to the
above incidents. He also used a vise
concern on the nose, the silly "fools cap", palms extended to be
struck with rod, etc.
On Nov. 17, 1862, the present location was
repurchased from James Mitchell at a cost of $1,000. The grounds were larger
than the present bounds, and 3/4 acres was occupied by the old Monroe Academy
(or Seminary) previously mentioned,
This building served the quiet little town of 800 Inhabitants for a number of
years, schooling the majority of our elderly citizens.
Just a brief description of the Monroe Academy which
had much to do with school life in
Woodsfield will not be out of place here. It had a wide reputation and
was attended by many from our border
counties. The historical Atlas of our
county contains the following: "The efficiency of our schools and school
system under the beneficent laws of our state is dependent upon the
qualification and character of the Board of Examiners. The first was Franklin Gale a graduate of
Amhurst College who came to this county in 1833. The people of Woodsfield
finding him to be thoroughly efficient induced him to remain. In 1833-40 he
taught a select school, was a member of the Board of Examiners and became
identified with the educational interests of the county.
Under his auspices the old Academy was built, of
lNhich Prof. A. Ross and Prof. G. P. Mason had charge and who
afterwards were chosen Professors of Bethany College on its reorganization.
Howe's History of Ohio in which 1 expected to find much interesting information contained this brief reference: "The Monroe Academy was built in 1846. Judge John Waterman Okey at one time Chief Justice of State, says the only institution of learning he attended was the Old Monroe Academy. This gives us some idea of the thoroughness of the work done. This building was equipped with planks for desks and split-bottom chairs. The bell was mounted on a high derrick which stood close enough to the building that the Professor in charge needed only raise the window to ring the bell."
We were unable to learn why this institution was not
continued here that today we might not have a college here instead at Bethany,
W.Va. It must have been a case of lost
opportunity. Had it received the proper
encouragement no doubt our fondest dreams would have been fulfilled.
With the passing if the Academy we begin the second
period of development, which seems less eventful but shows progress steadily
advancing attendance, size, cost of buildings, equipment, etc. This progress was brought about through a
long line of prominent and influential educators in their time. Do doubt some of you owe a lasting debt of
gratitude for what you are or may yet become to those noble men.
While there is a wide difference in opinion as to
what constitutes an education, we have long ago agreed that it must be moral,
practical as well as theoretical, and follow along the line aptly expressed as
the three H s which means a proper development of the head, heart and hand.
Following is a list (more or less complete) of the
instructors: Prof. Johnnie Moore, (Wm. Cook says The reason he had so much
influence with the Board of Education was because he could quote a little
Latin, drink a little liquor, was handy about the Court House affairs, and kept
good government .) He was followed by
Eli Smith and a Prof. Rev. Groves, 1873-74, S. G. Cosgrove; '74-'76, Prof.
Lopez; '76-'77, W.P. Cope; '79-'80-'82, Watson; '82-'83, Jas. A. Watson;
'83-'86, Prof. Clark; '86-'87, H. Morrow; '90-'01, Prof. Beck; '01-'02, W. R.
Bayes; '04-'05, Prof. Cy. Locher; '05-'08, Prof. C. McVey; '08-'09. Prof.
Harlan Scarborough; '09-'12; Bert Highlands;'l2-'14. G. W. Brown; '14-'15, A.
T. Stanforth. The present incumbent is R. C. Maston - 1915 to mid year 1917.
Page 14
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There being no data regarding this period, we must resort to hearsay and observation.
We know that the Academy was pulled down and a new
two story, six roomed brick, built just back of it. That this then modern and
up-to-date structure served to house the schools until 1896. Then the present
three story, nine room, with basement and auditorium, brick edifice was erected
at a cost of $20,000 and nine years ago the annex at a cost of over $12.000
with the future beckoning us to continue the good work.
Built annex 1906-1907.
The history of education in Ohio reveals a constant
anxiety on the part of her citizens to make liberal provision for its schools,
to discover the best method of conducting it, to encourage the most thorough
training of her teachers, to place before her youth the highest ideals and to
fit them for the various duties of mature life. Thus, her citizenship and
patriotism have upheld Article III, of the Ordinance of 1787 which provided
that "religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government
and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever
be encouraged."
Statistics reveal that in 1880 Woodsfield public
school property was valued at $12,000.00, number of teachers employed: Primary
5, High school 1. Average wage per month $25.00 in grades, high school $700.
Total number of pupils enrolled 220.
Since the year 1880 there has been a decided development as will be seen
upon comparison with the school record of 1916;
valuation $40,000.00, to which may be added another
like sum upon completion of the new high school plant. A monthly payroll of
about $1,000.00, number of teachers employed 16, average wage grades $45.00,
high school $82.66, total number pupils enrolled 570; grades 444, high 126. The
tuition received from attendance of grade and high school pupils from other
districts amounts to about $1000.00. This comparison although favorable as it
is, brings us face to face with the rapidly advancing standards of our
educational system, which calls for a continuous "awakening" to the
necessity and opportunity which it affords.
The voters of Woodsfield
Village School District fully expressed the warm appreciation
for education held by our community when on the 24th day of April, 1915, at a
special election 352 voted "yes" to 84 "no" for the
erection of a new high school building to cost $50.000.00. This building to be
fire-proof in compliance with Ohio State Building Code,
to be centrally located and contain a large
auditorium and gymnasium in compliance with wish of the majority of our
citizens, to be an up to date plant, complete in Itself, and large enough for
future demands, which requires one room for Domestic Science, one for Manual Training,
a Chemical Laboratory, etc., for the present. The heating and ventilating
system
is of the latest advanced type. The completion of
this beautiful building will add much to the physical appearance of Woodsfield
and serve as a constant inspiration for the youth of the entire community
educationally.
Henceforth, with the
appropriation, of sufficient funds, 'Good Schools" will have been
accomplished if the slogan "Good Roads and Good Schools" is really
the crying need for the "future of Woodsfield." Fine school buildings
augment the value of every realty investment in a community and should appeal
to the civic pride of every progressive citizen.
We reckon the capacity and
efficiency of a mechanical industry by its finished product. Can we not in
summing up consider the graduates of an institution of learning as its finished
product? The first class to graduate was in 1879. they were: Eloise (Williams)
McCann. Eila May (Morris) Miller and Otto P. Cassil. Since that time the grand
total of 233 (including the class of 1916), have graduated from the Woodsfield
Public Schools - indeed a fine product.
Think a
moment on the influence for good that radiates from the lives of this host of
efficient young men and women, in their widely scattered homes through almost
every state in the union.
The present 1916 teaching staff of the Woodsfield
Public School is as follows:
H.
C. Maston |
E.
F. Yoho |
Miss
Elva A. Lyon |
Roy
M. Pugh |
Miss
Josephine Giffen |
C.
L. Henderson |
Forrest
Moberly |
Miss
Ida Hall |
Miss
Esther Doherty |
Miss
Iva Hines |
Miss
Besse Archer |
Miss
Lucy Goddard |
Miss
Ella Griffith |
Miss
Cora Lulu Armstrong |
Mrs.
Belle Jennings |
Miss
Dee Beard |
Miss
Elva A. Lyon |
Miss
Josephine Giffen |
E.
F. Yoho |
Page 15
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The lot mentioned (104) has the same number today
(Feb. 1976) and the house is occupied by Mr. and Mrs.Charles Harper.
Charles
Joost Meat Market is the building now used by Don Evans, Optometrist at 112
East Court Street.
Franklin Gale was in charge of the Monroe Academy
which was located on North Paul Street. Woodsfield, the site of the present
(1976) Elementary School built in 1953. One wonders if Woodsfield residents
would have been interested they might have had Bethany College here.
The next school after the one on 104 is still here
at 224 South Main Street. One can see that there were four rooms, two up and
two down. Later, when no longer used for a school additions were added in the
back and for years was a one family residence. Today there are three apartments
and the building doesn't show its age.
In 1896 a three story red brick building was erected
on North Paul Street. For years the uppermost floor was used for a high school.
In 1915 the citizens voted to build the present (1976) high school. Additions
have been added, an auditorium and a gymnasium.
HIGH SCHOOL DEDICATION.
The dedicatory exercises of the new high school building will begin at one o'clock sharp Thursday, July 26, 1917.
In these days of intense military preparation when
the very air seems to be charged with patriotism, and every individual is
anxious to show his loyalty, the various committees concerned with the
dedication feel constrained to ask the citizens of Woodsfield to make an effort
to outdo all previous efforts in decorating.
Every business house and every residence should be
decorated as never before, because never before have we had as many reasons for
so doing. We are in the midst of a great war to uphold Americans ideals and we
are dedicating a new building to an institution which will build these ideals
higher.
Hang out your flags and bunting.
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
RESULT
OF TEACHERS' EXAMINATION JUNE 29,1917
One year high school: Byron Lemley. Donald Egger.
Three year elementary: Urban
Mallett, R. R. Thomas
Renewal Normal Credits:
Ethel Crawford, Freda Yanit
Renewal two year elementary:
Forrest Mobberly, C. O. Mowder, Belle Jennings, Rachel Williamson, Henry
Kasserman, H. E. Kurtzman
Renewal three year
elementary: P. C. Willison, Ethel McKelvey, Anna Fisher, F. S. Hogue
Renewal three year high
school: Helena Schwall, Nova Smith, F. R. Nelson
Original one year
elementary: Josephine Henderlong, Freda Mobberly, Emma Luedy, Ida Kupfer,
Carrie Cox, Harold Conner, L. H. Conner, F. B. Mobberly, J. F. Shaffer, W. F.
McConnell, Brada Hines, Guy McKelvey, Lindsay Pryor, L. F. Reischman, Opal
Givens, Amy Clegg, Minnie Gertler, Opal Baker, Ina Perkins, Lulu Reed, Mary
Haren.
Thanks
to Mrs. Fred Williams for the material pertaining to the schools of Woodsfield.
Page 16
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COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
Methodist Episcopal Church
Friday Evening, May 26, 1916
March .................................. .....
Meister's Orchestra of Wheeling
Invocation .....................................
Rev. V. E. Willings
Music .................................. .....
Orchestra
The Message to Garcia .................. Ella
Jackson
The
Power of Music ..................... Gertrude horner
Music .................................. .....
Orchestra
The lncessant Strife ....................... Estelle
Lapp
Interestand Perseverence ............... Harold
Atkinson
Music ..................................... ..
Orchestra
Class Address ............................... Supt.
J. V. McMillan, Marietta, Ohio
Music...................................... ...
Orchestra
Class Song ................................... Senior Class
Presentation of Diplomas ............... Dr. J. J.
Sulsberger, President - Board of Education
Music ................................. ...
Orchestra
Benediction ................................... Rev. E. Seybold
Page 17
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FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP'S EARLY SCHOOLS
Written By Mr. and Mrs. Roy
Miracle
Many changes have come in our schools since those
early days. However, we must pay
tribute to those one-room schools, their teachers and boards of education who
served their day and time well. Although lacking the training and me many
advantages of our schools today, the fundamentals of education and basic values
of life cannot be measured.
Franklin Township had seven one-room schools and one-four-room
building in Stafford. This building housed both grades and high school. The
grades were divided into two rooms with four grades in each.
The one-room buildings were as follows:
DAVIS RIDGE:
Located about four miles
southeast of Stafford near the Bethel Township line on County Road 73. The
building, now removed, stood on the west ride of the road. This was also a
community center with a general store in operation for many years. Davis Ridge
still has a rich history in the memory of many people. The school was closed in
the early forties. The last teacher was Hilton Coss.
Some of the teachers who
taught in this school were:
Forrest
Mobberly |
Ray
Coss |
Ivan
Umplebe |
Miles
Winland |
Pearly
Willison |
Dick
Mallett |
Leonard
Mobberly |
Clifford
Mobberly |
Wilbert
Franks |
Madge
Ullman |
George
Mallett |
Hilton Coss |
Written by Mr. and Mrs. Roy
Miracle
HANSON:
Located on Hanson Ridge Road
about three miles northeast of Stafford. or you can turn south from State Route
145 at Baker & Sons Implement Co. and follow to the Hanson farm. It was
from this family that the school got its name. The school was closed in 1937
and pupils moved to Stafford. The last teacher was Wiley Thompson.
Some of the teachers who
taught in this school were:
Charles
Tople |
Opal
Givens |
Glenn
Givens |
Olive
Gray |
Brooklin
Haught |
Edmond
Miracle |
Coy
Miracle |
Roy
Miracle |
Florence
Booth |
Frank
Stallings |
Lulu
Fowler |
Wiley
Thompson |
Dick
Mallett |
|
KNOB (KNOB COLLEGE):
Located three miles north of
Stafford on County Road about mile off State Road 145 going toward
Summerfield, commonly known as Bean Ridge. The building, now removed, stood on
a knell east of the road. The land is now owned by James Robinson. The school
was closed in 1929. The last teacher was Mrs. Freda Reed.
Some of the teachers who taught
in this school were:
B.
F. Bowen |
Oliver
Cavenaugh |
Forrest Pepper |
Ivan
Love |
Earl
Denbow |
George
Thompson |
Nora
Ogg |
Urban
Mallett |
Ray
Curtis |
Dick
Mallett |
Margaret
Miracle |
Freda Reed |
MUSH
RUN:
Located about two miles from Stafford (East). Leave
Hartshorn Ridge Road No. 12 and follow Mush Run Road No. 228 about
mile. The building, now removed, stood on the east bank of the road. The school
was closed in 1929.
The last teacher was Dorothy Miracle.
Ross
Okey |
Ray
Coss |
George
Thompson |
Charles
Yonley |
Viola
Kinney |
Leonard
Mobberly |
Clifford
Mobberly |
Roy
Miracle |
Alma
Hines |
Dorothy Miracle |
Page 18
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SWAZEY - 1898 to 1934 - District No. 3:
Located about six miles
north of Stafford on Swazey Road. Turn north off state Route 145 at Sandbar
Bridge, follow Swazey Road to an abandoned church and cemetery. The building,
now removed, was located just back of the church. This was a community center
in those early days. The thriving Gibson Store was on the wagon road from
points south to the O. R. & W. Railway Station in Ethel. The school was
closed in 1934. Mrs. Madge Ullman was
the last teacher.
Some of the teachers who
taught in this school were:
C.
S. McVey |
Iva
Robinson |
J.
B. Wilson |
R.
S. Gibson |
Henry
Hines |
Frank
Hagerman |
James
H. Hamilton |
George
VanFossen |
Harry
Dotson |
Ned
Okey |
Harrison
Dotson |
Lenora
099 |
Brady
Hines |
Erma
Feiock |
Oliver
Cavanaugh |
Delbert
Jackson |
Urban
Mallett |
Madaiene
Each |
Esther
Miracle |
Madge
Ullman |
THORNTON:
Located two miles northwest
of Stafford on Township Road 1038. Going from Stafford one mile turn left on
Township Road 660 and then right on 1038 and follow valley to foot of hill. The
building still standing, is now used as a barn by the land owner Oscar Wells.
The name originated from a family by the name of Thornton. The school closed in
1929. The last teacher was Mrs. Mildred (Mallett) Young.
Some teachers who taught in
this school were:
George
VanFossen |
George
Thompson |
Charles
Forshey |
Urban
Mallett |
Miles
Winland |
Ira
Miracle |
Hugh
Mallett |
Margaret
Miracle |
Ellis Miracle |
Mildred (Mallett) Young |
WELLS:
Location: Going south from
Stafford on Township Road No. 289 two miles, then turn right on County Road 78
(Creighton Ridge Road) going past Harold McConnells and Heber Hines. The
building, now removed, was located on the north side of the road on the corner
of the Hines farm. The name originated from a family by the name of Wells. The land was purchased in 1903 by Wesley
McConnell and now owned by his grandson, Robert Hines. The school was closed in
1937. The last teacher was Freda Reed.
Some of the teachers who
taught in this school were:
Frank
Bowen |
Miles
Winland |
Charles
Yonley |
Clyde
Hawkins |
Leonard
Mobberly |
Clifford
Mobberly |
Madge
Ullman |
Freda Heed |
Page 19
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
GREEN TOWNSHIP
School statistics for the year ending August 31,
1881, are as follows: Total school monies received within the year $2,846.18.
Amount paid the teachers $1,703.04.
Paid for fuel, etc. $224.26. Balance on hand Sept. 1, 1881 $918.88. Number of schools, 8. Value of school property $2,500.00. Number
of teachers necessary 8. Average wages of teacher per month, gentlemen $28.00;
ladies $20.00. Number of pupils enrolled 385.
The above was taken from Caldwell's Atlas of Monroe
County Ohio. The number of pupils attending the grade school at the close of
the 1974-75 school year at Laings School was 63.
The information found on the following pages
pertaining to the schools of Green Township was gathered by Mr. and Mrs.
Raymond Pfalzgraf both being former teachers in Monroe County. You will notice
that they were able
to obtain a picture of each of these schools taken
sometime during their existence which is most unusual but assists us in getting
a better picture of school days as they were.
Written by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond
LAINGS
--- At Laings just off State Route 255
This wooden building served from the early 1920's until 1936 when it was destroyed by fire, then a new brick building was erected. Both these buildings housed the grade room and the Green Rural High School until the high school closed in 1957. However, it had been made into a two room grade school before 1957. A three room grade school was in operation
for one year followed by the four room grade school.
By 1964, the remodeled and with a new addition added, the four room grade
school went into operation as it is today. In 1975 it had a total of 63 pupils.
Some of the teachers who
taught in the Laings one room grade school were:
Frank
Hurd |
Clara
Shaw Keevert |
Josie
Stewart Burkhalter |
Goldia
Roth |
Elsie
McKelvey Thornberry |
Harry
Straight |
Roy
Hickman |
Clarence
Bryant |
Harold
Thompson |
Sadie
Hurd Dick |
John
McCaslin |
Bertha Goddard Patton |
Guy McKelvey |
|
PATTON - 4.6 mile, south of Laings on State Route
255
There were at least three Patton schoolhouses. The first was located a little farther south
than the present one. Little is known of the second one. In 1941 the Patton Sunday School bought the
building from the Green Township Board of Education. It continued to function
as a Sunday School until 1950 when it closed for lack of attendance. Three
trustees, Homer Rufener, Otto Refener, and Fred Hinderlong (now deceased) have
charge of the building. The public school closed in 1950.
Some of the teachers who
taught there are:
Jimmy
Goddard |
Jake
Wood |
Charlie
Straight |
Golda
Reef Bowen |
Edith
Jeffers Griffith |
Velma
Henning Rufener |
Josephine
Hinderlong Fox |
Fred
L. Griffon |
John
Anshutz |
Russel
Tubaugh |
Charlie
Eisenbarth |
Ira
Stine |
John
McCaslin |
T.
T. Gillispie |
Kermit
Rundestatler |
George
Williams |
Frank
Hurd |
Kathryn
Marsh Poulton |
Azel
Norris (last teacher) |
|
Page 20
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FOX
SCHOOL - stood 6.7 miles southeast of Laings on State Route 536
This school was probably built in the 1880's. It
housed the Fox Sunday School for years. The public school closed in the mid
1940s. Tip Yost bought the school house including the bell. The land went back
to the Fred Straub farm.
Some of the teachers who taught at Fox School were:
George
Reef |
Ellen
Roth Jones |
Ida
Kufler |
Velma
Reef Hartley |
John
McCaslin |
Velma
Henning Rufener |
Clarence
Reef |
John
Anshutz |
Adolph
Schneider |
Gene
Imhoff |
Roy
Clegg |
Mary
Norris |
Thomas
Simmons |
William
Brown |
Maria
Thompron |
George Williams |
Laura
Pfalzgraf (last teacher) |
Ellen
Roth Jones |
LEHIGH - was probably built before 1880.
It closed in the 1930's.
Homer Winkler bought the school house and made a home of it. The land went back
to the James Fankhauser Farm.
Some of the teachers who
taught there are:
Gene
Imhoff |
Elsia
McKelvey Thornberry |
Clarenca
Bryant |
Mary
Norris |
Edith
Jeffers Griffith |
Dsnie
Lapp Workman |
Ada
Gillespie McCoy |
Susan
Bruen |
T.
T. Gillespie |
John
McCarlin |
Nina
Clegg Hart |
Elmer
Hurd |
Homer
Drum |
Harry Straight |
Vernon
Drum |
|
BENWOOD SCHOOL - was located 2.8 miles south of Laings on State Route 255.
The Benwood school was probably built before 1880.
It closed in the 1950's. The schoolhouse was sold to Raymond Alleman who sold
it to a Mr. Truax and he built a home of it.
The land went back to the James Holtsclaw farm.
Some of the teachers who taught at Benwood School
are:
Bertha
Hurd Wilson |
Blanche
Tubaugh |
Estalla
Tubaugh Boston |
Mary
Norris |
Amalia
Eddy |
Bill
Brown |
Harry
Straight |
Laura
Stauffer Pfalzgraf |
C.
W. Norris |
Charler
Eisenbarth |
Russel
Eddy |
Oscar
Workman |
Owen
Hurd Sr. |
Lawerence
Barackman |
Frank
Bachman |
John
McCarlin |
Clyde
Watson |
Tom
Simmons |
Harold
Thompson |
|
Page 21
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LAUREL RUN SCHOOL - stood 2.6 miles northwest of
Laings on Cranesnest Road.
The first Laurel Run
schoolhouse was hauled away by oxen to the Alexander Farm and was remodeled
into a home in which the Edward Starr family lived. The above school was built
in me 1880's. Sunday School and Summer School was held there in the 1880's and
1890 s. Carl Henthorn bought the building probably in the 1930's and used it
for repairing other buildings. The land went back to the Edward Starr farm.
Some of the teachers who
taught there were:
Golda
Reef Bowen |
Harold
Thompson |
Harry
Straight |
Frank
Hurd |
Okay
Roth |
Clara
Shaw Keevert |
Margaret
Simmons |
Fern
Cehrs |
Amy
Clegg |
Elmer
Hurd |
George
McCurdy |
Mary
Norris |
Jacob
Clegg |
Ralph
Eddy |
Racey
Carpenter |
Bertha
Hurd Wilson |
Page 22
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
BURNT SCHOOL
The above picture was taken
the last year of operation which was in 1957. It stood four miles east of Laings
on County Road 4. The two preceding schoolhouses were named Pleasant View and
both burned. The above school building was built in the 1890's by a Mr. Hall.
This building was then named the Burnt School. It was closed in 1957. Bob
Minder bought the building in the late 50's. The land went back to the John
Pfalzgraf farm.
Some of the teachers who
taught at Burnt were:
Ethel
McKelvey Parker |
Vada
Pfalzgraf Hunnel |
Emma
Hugi |
W.
H. Oden |
Brady
Hines |
Bessie
Tubaugh |
Mary
Norris |
Bill
Brown |
Frank
Simmons |
Ted
Hanna |
Laura
Stauffer Pfalzgraf (15 years) |
John
McCaslin |
Roy
Clegg |
John
Anshutz |
George
Williams |
Racey
Carpenter |
T.
T. Gillespie |
Harold
Thompson |
Preston
Gillespie |
Nelson
Gallagher |
Robert
Clegg |
Charles
Hickman |
Gene
Imhoff |
|
LAUREL GROVE or OTTS - stood 4.1 miles west of
Laings on County Road 104.
Laurel Grove or Otts school
closed in 1942. Homer Workman bought it in 1944 and made a home of it. The land
went back to the Chester Craig farm.
Some of the teachers who
taught at Laurel Grove or Otts were:
Albert
Paulus |
John
Jeffers |
Mary Norris |
C.
W. Norris (Summer school) |
Martha
McCurdy Norris (Summer School) |
Roy
Hickman |
Russel
Tubaugh |
Laura
Stauffer Pfalzgraf |
Harold
Thompson |
Margaret
Simmons Roth |
Dean
Jeffers |
Clark
Workman |
Lorena
Holtsclaw Miller |
Charlie
Eisenbarth |
Page 23
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LAINGS 1893
The Board of Education of
this township met Saturday and elected the following teachers for the coming
winter: Patton School, Charles Straight; Benwood, Jacob Wood; Otts,
J. G. Devaul; New Castle, Owen Hurd; Fox, Eugene Imhoff; Round
Bottom, John Anshutz; Lehigh, Jacob Clegg; Laurel Run, J. E.
Hurd. The board agreed to pay each
district $200 with the exception of Round Bottom which was given $210.
Annie Laurie Drum
LAINGS
SCHOOL - LATE 1920 s
Page 24
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
For the information pertaining to the Jackson Township Schools I am indebted to Mr. G. H. Kreig who was once a teacher in this township. With the exception of one of the schools which was Millers Run, all were closed in the same year which was 1930. Millers Run had closed several years earlier but Mr. Kreig was not sure of the time but he was of the opinion that it was in the late teens or early twenties.
High
Knob -
stood on Kreig Ridge Road about two miles east of Brownsville on land that is
now owned by Albert Kreig.
Frobish - on what is commonly known
as the Joe Frobish Road. It stood near the old Methodist Church which is now in
a state of disrepair, however, an old cemetery near the church will indicate
and assist in locating the site of this building. Wanda Byers is now the owner
of the land.
Mt.
Zion - On
Route 800 was about two miles west of Route 7 on land originally owned by Kines
Tuel. The land has since been subdivided into small building tracts and it is
difficult to tell precisely where the building was originally located.
Gravel
Hill -
Stood on land adjoining the Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Fly, Ohio.
James Run School - stood a short half mile
from Route 7 now on the Gale Bradfield farm, when build the land was secured
from Jacob Bradfield. Mr. G. H. Kreig to whom I am indebted for this
information was the last teacher there in 1930.
Millers Run School - closed early possibly about 1920. It stood
about a half mile northwest of State Route 7 on Millers Run.
Witten -- on Route 7 about two miles north of Fly stood
very near where Wittens Chapel now stands. The land was secured from the Joe
Witten farm and thus came to be known as the Witten School.
Mt. Etna or Aetna - stood at the head of
Dogskin Run probably on what is now the Esmyer Farm about one half mile
northeast of Locust Grove Church.
Calido Ridge - This school was formed by combining the Narrows
Run and Barker School. It stood about four miles west of the Ohio River on land
now a part of the Joe Myers Farm.
LEE TOWNSHIP
Written by Lester C. Lehman
Theiss - was located about
one-eighth mile from the crossroads on County Road 10. In Caldwell's Atlas this
is shown as No. 10.
Riggenbach - was located on what is
now State Route 255 just beyond the Johnny Riggenbach Farm.
Ridgeville - was about 6 miles from
Sardis on County Road 10 near the Carl E. Grossenbacher Farm. The home of
Russel Ruble now stands where the school was located.
Lower
Narrows Run
- This school was located on Narrows Run only about one half mile from Route 7.
Upper
Narrows Run
- was located about 3 miles from Route 7 near the present Narrows Run Bridge.
Black - Caldwell's Atlas shows a
school that once existed on lands near the G. Burnham and the John Easley
Farms. The only information available on this school is that it was named
Black.
Salem School - This school was located in Ohio Township near the
Lutheran Church. This church is still standing. The Leudy Farms are near this
location.
Written by Lester C. Lehman
Page 25
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SCHOOLS OF YESTERYEAR IN MALAGA TOWNSHIP
The first schood in Malaga Township was taught in
1818 by David G. Craig, on the farm of David Mann, on or
about the line between David and Peter Mann; number
of scholars, 22.
A school house was built in the early days on the
farm of Philip Lawrence, near the village of Jerusalem. In later years, this
farm became the site of the annual Belmont-Monroe County Reunion. Little it
known of there two schools.
The school statistics of Malaga Township for the
year ending August 31, 1881, are as follows:
Total
amount of school money received within the year |
$4,990.36 |
Amount
paid teachers
|
$2,547.67 |
Amount
paid for sites and buildings |
$1,179.13 |
Amount
for fuel, etc.
|
$289.14 |
Balance
on hand September 1, 1881 |
$974.42 |
Number
of Subdistricts |
9 |
Number
of School Houses |
9 |
Value
of School Property |
$9,500.00 |
Number
of teachers necessary |
11 |
Average
wages of teachers per month
Ladies |
$32.00 |
Average
wages of teachers per month
Gentlemen |
$34.00 |
Number
of pupils enrolled |
441 |
MALAGA
SCHOOL
The Malaga School was located in the Village of Malaga
on State Route No. 145. The two-room
building was erected in the Eighteen Eighties. One room was used for the
Primary Grades and the other for grades five, six, seven and eight.
In 1940 the enrollment dropped and it was made into
a one-room school until it was closed in the spring of 1952. The pupils now
attend the Beallsville Elementary and High School.
The building has been remodeled and made into a
dwelling. It is now owned by Mrs. Ethel Stephen.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Robert
Byers |
Dorothy
Pannell |
Paulina
Baker Harper |
Ruby
Chrirtman Mann |
John
Harper |
Icel
Hannahs Tuttle |
Mabel
Harper |
Jacob
Guiler |
Charlas
Sumption |
Velma
Sumption |
Maud
McMullen |
Edna
Calvert |
Hilda
Strauch |
Lula Reed Hayes |
The
last teacher was Dorothy Pennell.
JERUSALEM SCHOOL
The Jerusalem School was located in the Village of Jerusalem on what is known as Moore Ridge County Road No. 27.
The Jerusalem School has been in three different
buildings. The first building was located where Richard Fluharty now lives. The
second building was situated where the present building now stands.
The second building was a two-story structure and
was used until about 1920. It was then removed and the present three-room
building was erected.
There was a two-year
High School at Jerusalem until about 1925; it was then made a three year High
School and operated until about 1929 when it closed and the pupils were
transported to Beallsville High School.
The two-teacher Elementary School closed in the
spring of 1958 end the pupils now attend the Beallsville Elementary and High
School.
Page 26
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The
building and land are now owned by the Village of Jerusalem. The building is
used as a Town Hall and Community Center.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Charles
Sumption |
Josie
Burkhalter |
Rosalie
Baker |
Ewart
Pugh |
Raymond
Straight |
Vernon
Sumption |
Hazel
Cronin |
Audrey
Hagan |
Sylvia
Craft |
Isacar
Warfield |
Fay
Rowlay Lashlay |
T.
B. Strickling |
Hilda
Strauch |
Mabel
Rowley Boner |
Mabel
Harper |
Lulu
Keller |
Kay
Harper Latta |
Earl
Gibson |
Audrey
Gray |
Emma
Tipton Varichlow |
The
last teachers ware Audrey Hagan and T. B. Strickling.
MILTONSBURG
SCHOOL
The Miltonsburg School was located in the Village of
Miltonsburg on what is known as the Campfire Road. This is the road that leads
to the boat landing at Monroe Lake.
The two-room building was erected in the Eighteen
Nineties. One room was used for the Primary Grades and the other for grades,
five, six, seven and eight.
From 1921 until 1929 the grades were put in one room
and the other room was used for a three-year High School. After the High School was closed there were
two rooms for the grade pupils again until 1942, when the enrollment decreased
and it was made into a one-room school. The school was closed in the Spring of
1957. The pupils now attend the Woodsfield Elementary and High School.
The building, still standing,, is owned by Mrs. Lou
Stillion. It is used for storage.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Thomas
Latta |
Mabel
Harper |
Edward Holland |
Guy
Brown |
Kathryn
Riemenschneider |
Arthur
Willison |
Laura
Riesbeck |
Hal
Tanner |
Paul
Wiley |
Ophelia
Mason |
Leo
Reischman |
EdgarShrave |
Harlan
Fogle |
Amos
Copeland |
Bethel
Scarborough |
Mack
Dougherty |
Germaine
Haren |
Kathryn
Horton |
Laura
Stauffer Pfalzgraf |
Marie
Mathess Straight |
Violet
Scarborough |
Helma
Christman |
Eleanor
Stephen Christman |
Dorothy
Pennell |
Herman
Rubel |
Agnes
Block Norris |
John
Harper |
Harold
P. Christman |
The
last teacher was Helma Stephen Christman.
GRIZZLE
RIDGE SCHOOL
The Grizzle Ridge School was located about one mile
south of State Route 145 on Grizzle Ridge, Malaga Township Road No. 78.
The school was closed about 1928 and the pupils now
attend the Beallsville Elementary and High School.
The building is still standing and is owned by Dean
Jones. It is used as a storage building for hay and grain.
Page 27
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Some of the teachers known to have taught at this
school were:
John
Harper |
Inza
(Riemenschneider) Stephen |
Harry
Bolon |
Dorothy
Pennell |
The
last teacher was Dorothy Pennell.
CAMPFIRE
SCHOOL
The Campfire School was located on what is known as
the Campfire Road. Township No. 100l about two miles southeast of the village
of Miltonsburg.
The school was closed in 1930 and the pupils now
attend the Woodsfield Elementary and High School.
The building was removed and made into a dwelling in
Somerton, Ohio, which is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Stephen. The land
where the building was located is owned by the State of Ohio Division of Wild
Life. The land is now covered by the water of Monroe Lake.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Friend
Tuttle |
Bernice
Riemenschneider |
Herbert
Landefeld |
Elizabeth
Moore Thomas |
Mary Haren |
Lorena Burkhart Mayberry |
The last teacher was Elizabeth Moore Thomas.
MATCHETT
SCHOOL
The Matchett School was located on Matchett Hill
about three and one half miles West of the Village of Malaga on Harper Ridge,
County Road No. 39.
The school was closed in the spring of 1944 and the
pupils now attend the Beallsville Elementary and High School.
The building was removed by Okey Ruble and was used
to build a two-car garage. The land is now part of the W. O. Landefeld farm.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Adam
Hannahs |
Forrest
Carpenter |
Harvey
Carpenter |
Lela
Mahoney |
T.
B. Strickling |
G.
I. Umpleby |
Mel
Morris |
Herbert
Landefeld |
Ben
Christman |
Forrest
Guthrie |
Paul
Christman |
Frank
Wehr |
Helma
Christman |
John Harper |
Arch
Graham |
|
The
last teacher was Mel Morris.
MONROEFIELD
SCHOOL
The Monroefield School was located in the Village of
Monroefield, which is on County Road No. 53. This road is also known as the
Skin Creek Road.
The school was closed in the spring of 1954 and the
pupils now attend the Lewisville Elementary and Skyvue High School.
The building has been removed and made into a
chicken house in Woodsfield. The school ground, which was part of
the Alonzo Carpenter farm, is now owned by Edward
Uppole.
Irvin Howiler, who is
eighty-two years old and lives at Malaga, taught school here when he was
eighteen; that was sixty-four years ago.
Page 28
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Some teachers known to have
taught at this school were:
Irvin
Howiler |
Eunice
Hannahs Christman |
Kermit
Runstalder |
Oliver
Dougherty |
Mary
Haren |
Nire
Stephens |
Lilly
Brubach Calvert |
Philip
Christman |
Ed
Holland |
Oneda
Stallings Starr |
Ruby
Christman Mann |
Gertrude
Schwall |
Harold
P. Christman |
Clyde
Twinem |
The
last teacher was Philip Christman.
CLAUS
SCHOOL
The Claus School was located about one-half mile off
County Road No. 53 on Township Road No. 17. This road is known as the Christman
Ridge Road.
The school got its name from the name of the farmer
on whose farm the school was located.
The school was closed in the late Eighteen Hundreds.
The school district was divided and two new districts created:
Fox Hollow and Monroefield.
The school ground which was part of the Fred Claus farm is owned now by Gilbert
Claus.
One teacher who taught at
this school war L. E. Matz who later became a very successful and outstanding
attorney in Woodsfield.
BROWN
SCHOOL
The Brown School was located about four miles South
of State Route No. 145 on Grizzle Ridge Malaga Township Road No. 78.
The school was closed in 1936 and the pupils now
attend the Beallsville Elementary and High School. The building, now standing
still, is owned by Leland Beardmore. It is used as a storage for hay.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Elizabeth
Moore Thomas |
Mel
Morris |
Faye
Rowley Lashley |
James
Moore |
Harold
P. Christman |
Waiter
Moors |
The last teacher was Mel Morris. The last day of
school was usually celebrated with a Community Basket Dinner.
FOX
HOLLOW SCHOOL
The Fox Hollow School was located on County Road No
2, at the junction of County Road No. 69, about four and one-half miles West of
Miltonrburg. This road b known as the Miltonsburg-Calais Road.
The school was closed in the spring of 1938. The
pupils now attend Lewisville Elementary and Skyvue High School.
The building was moved by Barbara Rubel and made
into a dwelling in New Concord, Ohio. She still owns the land,
which
at one time, was part of the Nicolas Riemenschneider Farm.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Adam
Hannahs |
Lorena
Burkhart Mayberry |
Harvey
Carpenter |
Florence
Christman Neuhart |
Mary
Burris Latta |
Thomas
McMullen |
W.
A. Stephen |
Sylvester
Starr |
Herbert
Landefeld |
Oneda
Stallings Starr |
Nire
Stephen |
Benjamin
H. Christman |
Fay
Rowley |
Harold
P. Christman |
Brady
Hines |
William McMahon |
The last teacher was Harold P. Christman.
Written By Harold and Helms
Christman
Page 29
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
OHIO TOWNSHIP
GLENWOOD - On County Road 26 stood
once at the foot of Hugi Hill. This is about 3 miles from Ohio Route 7 and the
land is now owned by the North American Coal Company.
BUCKHILL - was located about 3 miles north of Hannibal, Ohio
on what was once known as Buckhill Bottom. The original site was very close to
what is now the entrance to the Conalco Plant. The Conalco Company now owns the
land.
DUFFY - was a two-room school and as the name suggests it
was located in Duffy, Ohio and is one of the few buildings yet standing. It too
has been converted to other use and is now the Church of God. Mr. Sam Leudy and
Mrs. Burns were the last teachers there and had taught there several years
before its closing.
FOX - Of this school little information is available
other than it was located almost directly across the road from the entrance to
the Roger Tenley Farm and that it was once nicknamed "Pinkeye."
ZION - was one of the earliest schools in Ohio Township.
It was a two room building and has long since been torn down. It was located on
Route 536 at the point where the Mule Ridge Road intersects.
MORTON - on State Route 255 about 6 miles west of Sardis.
The location is still called Morton. It was located very close to Morton Church
and cemetery both of which are very near the spot where this building stood.
NO. 9 OR BLACK - stood on a spot on Boston Hill Road where
Isaly Hill Road and Boston Hill intersect. Eddy Nething now owns the land and
his dwelling house stands very close to the location of this once familiar
landmark.
MOUNT
UNION -
also known as No. 3 stood on Long Ridge Road at the spot where Short Ridge Road
intersects. The land is now owned by Jacob Fraley.
MT. VERNON - The park, the cemetery, and the church still
remain to indicate the setting of this one room school. It stood very close to
the driveway and the land is probably a part of the park. John and Willis
Gehrig own the surrounding area from which the land to locate the school,
church, and cemetery originally came.
HANNIBAL - was originally built as a four room brick
building and was one of the oldest buildings in the township at the time it was
razed which was about 10 years ago, intended at the time of construction to be
used only as a grade school. However,
two additional rooms were added later and the building was used both as a high
school and a grade school. A one room wooden structure was also added later
which was used for storage and home economics classes. This land was obtained
from one of the original settlers of Hannibal; the Bares and it has recently
been discovered that when this land
was no longer to be used it was to revert to the
original owners. We are told that the courts are now trying to discover who
these are and the land will then revert to them. The lot is on the corner where
536 turns to the hill. Mr. A. A. Byers was the last principal, there.
Written by Lester G. Lehman
Page 30
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PERRY TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Nine elementary school
houses, or districts were located in Perry Township. They were designated by
name and by district number. Five male citizens were elected as board members
for the township and one director was elected or appointed for each district.
The board members had the same duties as those of today, while the director had
the right to select the teacher. The director was-abolished after the County
Superintendent was employed.
The schools in Perry
Township were viz.: Antioch, Davidson, Greenbrier, Harmony, Lyman,
Mechanicsburg, Pumpkin Ridge, Rice (later - Plainview). and Wildcat.
Since the writer received
all his elementary education in the Lyman School, an attempt will be made to
deal particularly with that school. Much of what might be said of it could also
be said of most of the other schools. Like the proverbial flapper's dress, it
is hoped this article will be short enough to be interesting, yet long enough
to cover some areas of interest.
The Lyman School was located
about five miles east of Antioch. Ohio, on County Road No. 9, near the West
Union Church House. The building was constructed by Benjamin K. Starkey for the
sum of $100. Two small auxiliary buildings and a coal house were erected near
the school building. The two small white structures were located, one on the
port side and the other on the starboard side and at the rear of the main
facility. The one on the port side was recognized as "His'm" and the
other, as "Her'n". Each had only one door with no "fire escape"
provisions, neither did they have windows. By today's standards, they would not
meet the Ohio Safety Requirements. Some of these small buildings in other areas
were decorated with a star or half-moon design which was sawed through the
gable end of these structures.
These served a three-fold purpose: (a) they were
decorative, (b) they let in light, (c) they were used for ventilation. The third building was the coal house which
was used to store fuel for the cold weather.
The size of the school
building was probably 24' x 36'. According to the building code, the height of
ceiling was equal to one-half the width of the building. In the center of the
room was a No. 1 Burnside stove. Two rows of
double seats, with an ink well in the middle of the
desk, were arranged on each side of the room. One set of maps with window blind
rollers was hung above the blackboard. The only mobile equipment were the
teacher's desk and chair, an unabridged dictionary, globe, a granite water pail
and a dipper which we all used when thirsty. Many times during very hot weather
two boys would get permission to bring a pail of fresh water from a
neighborhood well. The teacher would then permit the boys to water the flock.
One boy carried the pail while the other boy, using the dipper, passed it to
each of the pupils.
At one time, it was said,
that there were 63 pupils enrolled in Lyman School. They ranged from age six to
twenty-one. Many of the early teachers went directly from the elementary school
to teach school in another district. They were required to pass a teacher's
examination in Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, History, Orthography,
Penmanship, Spelling, and Reading.
The pupils were graded as
primary, intermediate, and advanced. While James M. Cox was Governor of Ohio,
the system of education was drastically changed. A County Superintendent was
appointed for each county. Assistants were also used in some counties. J. V.
Nelson, as the writer recalls, was the first Monroe County Superintendent. Ed.
C. Feiock and Worth Goddard were the assistants. It was at this time that all
pupils were graded from grade one
through grade eight. When Mr. Goddard visited
our school the first time, he was asked by Mr. Eisenbarth, the teacher, to
place us in our correct grades. The writer was placed in the eighth grade.
The "school"
itself, was graded sometime around 1910 or 1911. In order for a school to meet
the second grade requirement, it must have a drinking fountain, a globe, and
about twenty-five dollars worth of books; to meet a first grade requirement,
about fifty dollars for books, a metal jacket around the stove, and a Babcock
milk-tester was required. Our school met all of these requirements and
therefore became a first-grade school. In order to raise the necessary amount
of funds, pie socials, box socials, and cake walks were held. Occasionally,
plays or other types of entertainment were sponsored by the school.
No school books, paper,
pencils, pens, ink, or other supplies were paid for by the board of education.
However, the board did supply chalk, fire shovels, water pails, etc. The first
blackboard erasers were made from rectangular pad cut from the top of felt
boots.
The three R's - readin',
ritin', and rithmetic - were considered the most important part of the
elementary curriculum. McGuffey's readers from one to six were the standard
text books in reading until year about 1912 when the
Aldine
Reader System was introduced into our school system. Milne's Arithmetic,
Rigdon's and Harvey' Grammars, Overton's Physiology, Montgomery's American
History, Irish's Orthography, McGuffey's Spellers were in common usage.
Geography and Penmanship were also taught. For the
more advanced students Royer's Mental Arithmetic and Ray's Arithmetic and
Algebra were used.
Page 31
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Slater were in common use to solve the problem, in
arithmetic. A single slate could be purchased at any store for ten cents or the
price of a dozen egg,. A slate pencil cost two for a cent. New slate pencil was
about four inches long. Since these
pencils were very fragile, the upper half was wrapped with barber pole color,
thin paper to prevent them from
breaking. One did not really need two pencils since a new pencil rarely
survived one day's use. It was usually
dropped on the floor and when it was retrieved. there were three or four pieces
- all usable. When a slate pencil was less than an inch long, it was usually
tossed into the coal bucket which also served as a waste paper basket. It
should be stated here that when a slate was covered with figures or writing,
they were removed by spitting on the slate and wiping it with the heal of the
hand. If a figure was wrong, it could be removed by rubbing it with a
forefinger. The girls, who were a little more particular than we
were, kept a damp cloth in the desk with which to clean the slates. One might add, that the cloth, after a few
days, developed a bad case of halitoris.
The only school buildings
now standing are Mechanicsburg. located at Aitch, Ohio (Mechanicsburg. OH.) and
Harmony at Dog Skin Run.
LYMAN
TEACHERS -
As nearly as can be ascertained, the following list
of teachers are listed in chronological order:
C.
E. Straight 1900-1901 |
Robert
Crawford |
Bert
Schoonover |
Russell
D. Tubaugh |
Spencer
H. Wayne 1906 |
Bessie
Tubaugh |
Ollie
Forrest 1907 |
Dairy
Huffman |
Homer
L.Wright 1908 |
Marie
McCaslin |
Charles
Saffle 1908-1909 |
John
Mayfield |
Owen
Hurd 1909 |
Harold
Turner |
Chas.
A. Eisenbarth |
Azel
Norris |
Harold
Baker |
Amos Copeland |
The
following information was furnished by Mrs. Hugh Herndon. It was taken from a
school, souvenir given to the pupils by the teacher, Mr. Charles Saffle, at the
close of the school session 1908-1909.
Acel
Kinney |
Hazel
Wohnhas |
Alonzo
Fox |
Harold
Hayes |
Bert
Pittman |
Herman
Wright |
Bertha
Hartshorn |
John
Wright |
Benjamin
Fox |
Lillian
Schar |
Charles
Kinney |
Laura
Marty |
Charlar
Eikleberry |
LeRoy
Schar |
Celona
Hayes |
Martha
Fox |
Irma
Wohnhas |
May
Pittman |
Arthur
Pittman |
Otto
Howell |
Berl
Beckett |
Ralph
Fox |
Bertha
Schar |
Thurman
Fox |
Bert
Eikleberry |
Rosa
Stine |
Charles
Schar |
William
Eikleberry |
Clement
Stine |
Godfrey
Marty |
Cecil
Kinney |
Harry
Schar |
Catharine
Wohnhas |
Hattie
Fox |
Emma
Wohnhas |
Ida
Schar |
Everett
Eikleberry |
Jocelyn
Straight |
Earl
Stine |
Louise
Wohnhas |
Emil
Hartthorn |
Lorena
Beckett |
Elsie
Kinney |
Mary
Fox |
Ernest Marty |
Myrtle Eikleberry |
Eugene Wohnhas |
Olive Fox |
Erwrin Straight |
Ruble Fox |
Ella Marty |
Ross Kinney |
Frank Wohnhas |
Thelma Hartshorn |
George Stine |
Walter Marty |
Glenn Wohnhas |
Wilbert Fox |
Written by I. M. Straight
Page 32
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Board members:
G. B. Cox, President |
J. Lentz, Clerk |
R. M. Cline |
S. P. Eddy |
J. F. Haythorn |
C. W. Lude |
PLAINVIEW CENTENNIAL
Written by F. S. Hogue
In passing, I wish to note only one vivid
recollection of Mr. West. He recalls as of yesterday when Thomas Hall stopped
at their cabin one bitterly cold night. He had secured a furlough to visit his
sick daughter. She was buried before he reached home. Mr. Hall gave young
Oliver the striped candy (a rarity in those days) which he had brought for his
sick daughter. Mr. Hall returned to the
war and was never heard from by anyone here again. He was reported missing
after a battle. It was rumored that he
had been seen in Andersonville prison shortly before the close of the war but
this was never
verified. The Mr. Hall
mentioned here was the grandfather of Edgar Hall of Woodsfield, and an uncle of
McClellan Cox. This incident brings
close home to us the sentiment which inspired the erection of the tomb for the
Unknown Soldier.
Three
church buildings have been built in this community. The United Brethren on what
is now the Charles Yerian farm. It was later used by the Church of Christ
people. Some of the original building, which was constructed of round logs may
still be seen. The Baptists had a log building where Roger Briggs now lives. A
sadly neglected graveyard, mute
evidence
of man's forgetfulness, is all that now remains. The present Church of Christ
building was erected in 1901. It has been lately renovated and is being used
for services by a large congregation. A noteworthy fact brought out in the
service of the Lord's Day was that no time in the history of this congregation
has any means of financing ever been used except the contribution of the
morning Lord's Day service. From the dedication of the building in 1901 until
the death of Dias Givens in 1934, this congregation was under the eldership of
Oliver West, John Thomas, and Dias Givens. Dias
for
a time was a teacher in the public schools but was more widely known as a
singing teacher. Throughout most of his life he had charge of the Church
singing and also the music for the various community affairs. The community
suffered a severe loss by his passing. His influence will endure no one knows
how long.
The first Plainview school was erected about the year of 1840, about a
150 yards east of the present church building.
It was constructed of round logs, heated by an open fireplace, the fuel
for which was secured by the teacher and larger boys from the nearby woods. The
seats were logs split in halves into which wooden pegs were driven. The writing
materials consisted of goose quill pens and homemade ink. A few specimens of
the penmanship of that time will be on display as will also an original
teacher's certificate and covenant (?) granted to Thomas West, the last teacher
in this building in the year 1849. The winter term lasted three months from
December to March first. Teacher, were paid about sixteen dollars per month,
partly in currency but mostly in some product from the home or the field. Mr.
West will display parts of an original account book kept by his father by which
such payments were made. Teachers also frequently received a part of their
salary by boarding among the patrons.
The curriculum of the school was confined almost entirely to the three
R's, although some of the more advanced teachers taught Orthography, Geography,
Algebra, and English.
Page 33
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mr. West will display a remarkable example of letter writing by the hand
of Alexander Campbell to Thomas " * was built about a hundred feet west
of the building now in use. Thomas West became the first teacher and continued to serve as such for a
period of seven years. In 1893 the building was removed, the material being
used for the Edington house. The present building was erected the same year. The
enrollment in the school reached its highest peak about 1898 while Archie
Griffith was the teacher, with 75 attending that year. The lowest enrollment in
its history was eighteen
in the year 1909. There are thirty-one enrolled at
present.
While a few of the former
students of Plainview may be regarded as outstanding successes in business or
the professions, we are prouder of the great number of just plain, wholesome,
everyday citizens who have attended our school. One thing which the writer
regards with pride is that so far as he can learn, no former pupil of Plainview
has ever been convicted of a major crime.
Following is a list of
teachers, submitted by Grandpa and Grandma West, in which they have attempted
to name the teachers in order of service since 1849: Thomas West, Mr. Adams,
Mr. Smith, Lucy Reed, Rebecca Bailey, Susan Waiters, Patrick Dougherty, Enoch
Martin, Chris Truex, (the brother of Aunt Lib), Alanson Martin, (father of
Charles), Ursula Mason, George Bothwell,
Matthew Dougherty, Amanda Smith, Nan Reed, Sally Sinclair, Margaret West
(sister of Oliver), Solomon Barnard, Elizabeth Jane Truex, (aunt of Mrs.
Givens). Martha Hawkins, (sister of Everett), John Hamilton, William Smith,
Amos Gronin, T. T. Hobbs, John Hickenbotham, (brother of William), Ellsworth
Hawkins, Cora Molden, (sister of Mrs. Oliver West, she began teaching at the
age of fifteen), Ervine Crum. Allie Lowe. (sister of Dr. Lowe), Robert
Crawford, Wm. Foraker. (son of George). Archie Griffith. Luther Cline. Dr.
Devaul, Wes Pryer. Mettie Bothwell.
Hazel Cronin, Geo. W. Baker (father of Harold).
W.V.A. Polen (father of Glen), George M. Baker, U. G. Stewart, Caroline
Edington, (now Mrs. Gilbert Harmon), Charles
Havener, Albert Cox, Carrie Cox, Freda West, Estella Dornbusch, Mina Ricer,
Geraldine Kindall, Everett Cline and Forrest Hogue. The last named teacher is
now serving his 18th year as teacher in our school.
I cannot close this brief
account of our people without mentioning an unusual discovery of a few weeks
ago. Grandpa West and his grandson Charles were digging the post holes near the
school house. In the bottom of one of the holes they observed an object that
looked strangely out of place. Upon securing the same they found it to be what
we believe is a Spanish coin. The date is 1781. Inscribed thereon are the words
"Hispanio and Carolus III. Now you tell one.
We hope that you, our
neighbors of Plainview, may derive some of the pleasure from reading this
account that we have felt in compiling the same. If our county papers will
kindly publish it, put it away in your strong box, and some of your
grandchildren may sometime spend a few leisure moments in contemplation of just
who were the members of the Centennial Committee.
Oliver
West |
John
Kindall |
Lenore Foraker |
Allie
West |
Forrest
Hogue |
*
The article from which the above was copied was obliterated at this point.
(This article appeared in THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY,
Thursday, November 20, 1937).
Submitted by Gladys Cox
Page 34
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SALEM TOWNSHIP
WALTON
SCHOOL -
was erected about 2 miles north of Clarington along State Route 7. The ground
is now owned by the North American Coal Company. This was the first school to
be consolidated with the Clarington Village School in Salem Township. The small
cemetery which was located near the school has also been removed.
VALLEY
- is one of
the few one room country schools yet standing on its original foundation. It is
located about 2 miles south of Clarington along State Route 7 at the mouth of
Opossum Creek. This building was purchased by the Methodists of the community
and used as a church until recently when the coal company purchased most of the
land in the community and the residents moved away.
LIBERTY - stood on the banks of Sunfish Creek about midway
between Clarington and Cameron on the Arnold Stauffer farm. Rutter Cemetery is
close by. This school closed with the building of Route 78 and the students
were taken to Clarington. The farm is now owned by Mrs. Mildred Stauffer who
was elementary supervisor in this county for several years.
CAIN - was located where county Roads C64 and C64A
converge on land now owned by Joe Circosta. Classes were discontinued there about 1933 and the building sold to Joe Bauer of Powhatan who
converted it into a dwelling and still stands at Powhatan.
DAISY - was the last school of
its type built in Salem Township. It was erected 1888 by Fred Dietrich with
Ernest Case being the first teacher. The last teacher there was H. E. Kurtzman
in 1933. Take Township Road 187 about one half mile up Negro Run to locate the
site where the last to be built and among the last to go once stood. The
location is now a part of the farm owned by the late James Ravencratt.
HINTON - was located on what is now C26 and 1
miles from Oak Store on what we commonly refer to as Beautiful Ridge. Mr. and Mrs. Huskey are now the owners of
the original site.
KLEBE - Today we take the pupil to the school. Our
forefathers had another solution "take the school to the pupil". It
first stood on the John Kreiger farm and after a few years was moved about 1
miles farther west on a part of th Christ Klebe Farm. Roy Kimpel who was later
to become the principal of Clarington High School and eventually became
associated with the Warren Sanitary Dairy of Warren. Ohio was the last teacher
there. 1920 is believed to be the date of closing. The spot can be reached by
taking C39. Pete Kimberly now owns the land.
CASE - The Don Miracle home now
occupies the spot on which this school once stood. It is about IX mile, from
Clarington on Route 556. J. Mack Gamble taught the last term of school there in
1933.
SYKES - Sykes School was located on Sykes Ridge Road, now
C4 on the Lew Sykes Farm. This was the first school building along this ridge
road and stood about 3 miles from Clarington. The Sykes Cemetery which is still
there was adjoining. Dorothy Ischy is
now the owner of the land on which it once stood.
BONAR - This was the second school on the ridge as you
came from Clarington about 4 miles from Clarington. This building was
sold in 1938 and the late Dr. C. A. Smith used the materials for building a
tool shed which still stands in the village of Clarington. C4 passes the site
where it once stood and Glen Feisley now owns the land.
OK
or OAK -
Apparently this school was referred to by both terms. It too was on C4 and
about 6 miles from Clarington. This was the third school on this ridge as you
traveled from Clarington toward Woodsfield. Oak Store which is nearby will mark
the spot where this building stood.
According to the information given in Hardesty Atlas
the first school in Monroe County was taught by Mitchel Atkinson about 2 miles
north of Clarington. This would be near the spot where the Walton School once
stood on land now owned by the North American Coal Co. This was in the year of 1804-5, however, no school was built at that time, the school apparently
was held in a privately owned building.
The first school to be built was on the Cochran Farm
near the mouth of Negro Run on land now owned by Harry Miller. This apparently
was built about 1810 or 1811.
Written by Lester C. Lehman
Page 35
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FROM
THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1894
The board of education of Seneca Township has hired
the following teachers for the summer term, wages $22.50 per month: Markle, Maggie
L. Carpenter; Clegg, Mary L. Burris; Howilar, Mary H. Poulton; Day, Frank
Hagerman; Haga, James V. Johnson; Vernon, Mary E. Baker. For the winter term:
Markie H. Dearth, seven months at $35; Howilar, L. M. H. Carpenter; seven
months at $40; Day, T. L. Twinen, five months at $35; Haga, S. O. Hannahs,
seven montbs at $34.
SCHOOLS OF YESTERYEAR IN SENECA TOWNSHIP
The first school taught was on the land of Daniel
McVicker, now in Noble County. The first teacher was Mitchel Atkinson and the
second was Michael Danford. The building was like most other primitive school
houses, with the exception that it had five corners. The first school house in
the Township, as now organized, was near where Calais now stands. The first
teacher was Mitchell Atkinson and the second was Barnabus Crosbay.
The school statistics of Seneca Township for the
year ending August 31, 1881 are as follows:
Total
amount of school money received within the year |
$3269.02 |
Amount
paid teachers
|
$1672.67 |
Amount
for fuel, etc.
|
$
130.83 |
Balance
on hand September 1, 1881 |
$1465.62 |
Number
of Subdistricts |
6 |
Number
of School Houses |
6 |
Value
of School Property |
$3,000.00 |
Number
of teachers necessary |
6 |
Average
wages of teachers per month
Ladies |
$36.00 |
Number
of pupils enrolled |
293 |
HOWILER SCHOOL:
The Howilar School was
located on State Road No. 379, about two and one-half miles northeast of the
Village of Calais.
After the school was closed
in the Spring of 1932, the pupils from this district attended the Calais
Elementary and High Schod. In 1962, the Calais School was closed and the pupils
now attend the Summerfield Elementary and Shanandoah High School.
The land, and the building
that was made into a dwelling, are now owned by Lints Stephen.
Some teachers known to have
taught at this school were:
Harvey
Carpenter |
Ward
Bishop |
Thomas
McMullen |
Roby
Guiler |
L.
O. Carpenter |
Hazel
Stephen Christman |
Mary
Poulton |
Thomas
Latta |
Brady
Cunningham |
Mary
Burris Latta |
Clarence
Betts |
|
The
last teacher was Clarence Betts.
Written by Mr. and Mrs. Harold P. Christman
CLEGG SCHOOL:
The Clegg School was located on Township Road No. 15
about three miles southeast of the Village of Calais.
There have been two schools; the first was built at
the junction of Township Roads No. 15 and 17. This school was closed in the
late Eighteen Hundreds and a new one was erected about one-half mile farther
south on Township Road No. 15, on the John and Eva Christman farm.
There was a feud between John Christman and George
Pfalzgraf, who were brothers-in-law, as to where the new
Page 36
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
school
would be built. Mr. Pfalzgraf wanted the school built farther south near
the junction of Township Road No. 15; and County Road No. 53. Mr. Christman
wanted it built about half way between Township Road No. 17 and County Road No.
53. Mr. Christman won the feud and the school was erected at this site.
The school building burned in 1933 and the pupils
then attended the Calais Elementary and High School. In 1962 the Calais school closed and the pupils now attend the Summerfield Elementary and
Shenandoah High School. The land is now owned by Linsly Criswell.
Some teachers that are known to have taught at this
school were:
Harvey
Carpenter |
Guy
Brown |
Grace
Barnhouse |
Barbara
Ruble |
Sylvester
Starr |
Clarence
Wickham |
Joseph
Wehr |
Adam
Hannahs |
Patience
Carpenter Hannahs |
W.
A. Stephen |
Icel
Hannah Tuttle |
Clarence
Betts |
Eleanor
Stephen Christman |
Jim Johnston |
Lorena Burkhart Mayberry |
|
The
last teacher was Clarence Betts.
VERNON SCHOOL:
The Vernon School was located on State Route No. 379
at the junction of Township Road No. 23, about one and one-half miles southeast
of the Village of Calais. The school was named for the farmer on whose farm it
was located.
The school was closed in the Spring of 1934 and the
pupils then attended the Calais Elementary and High School. In 1962 the Calais
School closed and the pupils now attend the Summerfield Elementary and
Shenandoah High School.
The building was removed by Charles Starr and made
into a barn which later was destroyed by a tornado. The land is now owned by
Earl Carpenter.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Samuel
Hannahs |
Helma
Stephen Christman |
Brady
Cunningham |
Harvey
Carpenter |
Stella Brownfield Mitchel |
Mervin Smucker |
Mr. Smucker was the son of
J. M. Smucker, the founder of the J. M. Smucker Company of Orrville, Ohio. The last teacher was Helma Stephen
Christman.
MARKLE SCHOOL:
The Markle School was located about two miles
Northeast of Herlan Inn at the junction of Township Roads No. 55 and No. 60.
Herlan Inn is located on State Route No. 78 about seven miles west of the
Village of Lewisville.
Most of the people In this district were of the
Catholic Faith. In about 1915 they opened a Parochial School at Burkhart and
the pupils attended that
school. The enrollment at the Markle School dropped so low that it was
closed. The students now attend the Lewisville
Elementary and Skyvue High School.
The building was moved to
the Calais Cemetery for a shelter by the Seneca Township Trustees. The land is now owned by Joseph Burkhart.
Some teachers known to have
taught at the school were:
Dell
Jackson |
Patience
Carpenter Hannahs |
DAY SCHOOL:
The Day School was located on Bracken Ridge County
Road No. 79, about nine miles West of the Village of Lewisville.
The school was named for the farmer on whose farm it
was located. This school was closed in about 1920, because the enrollment had
dropped so low. The pupils were then transported to the Danford School until it
was closed. Some of the pupils from this district now attend the Summerfield
Elementary and Shenandoah High School. The other pupils attend the Lewisville
Elementary and Skyvue High School.
The building was purchased by Ruthford Day and made
into a garage which later burned down. The land is now owned by Bert Day.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Dell
Jackson |
Mary
Miller |
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HAGA SCHOOL:
The Haga School was located about one and one-half
miles North of State Route No. 78 on Township Road No. 636.
The school was closed in the Spring of 1925. The
pupils now attend the Lewisville Elementary and Skyvue High School.
The building was removed by Ben Rubel and made into
a dwelling. It is now used as a barn. The land is owned by Urban Heft.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Dell
Jackson |
Icel
Hannahs Tuttle |
Harmon
Scott |
Samuel
Hannahs |
Austin
Stevens |
Joseph
Stevens |
Mamie Hayes Brill |
Rufus Hannahs |
The last teacher was Harmon Scott.
DANFORD SCHOOL:
The Danford School was located about one mile west
of Herland Inn, off State Route No. 78, on what is now the Urban Heft farm.
Because of low enrollment, the school was closed in
the Spring of 1934. Some of the pupils attend the Summerfield Elementary and
Shenandoah High School while others attend Lewisville Elementary and Skyvue
High School.
The building was removed by Forrest Hogue.
The following teachers are known to have taught at
this school:
Dell
Jackson |
Roby
Guiler |
Arthur
Kuhn |
Guy
Brown |
Pearl
Rode |
Herman
Rubel |
Clara Alien Snyder |
Clarence Betts |
The last teacher was Clarence Betts.
CALAIS SCHOOL:
The Calais School was located in the Village of
Calais on State Route No. 379. There have been three different buildings. The
first one stood at the intersection of the road below the present brick
building and State Route No. 379. The
second one was located across the road from the present brick building.
The first school building was erected about 1815 and
used until 1880 when a new school was built. This building was used
until 1930 when the present school was built and used until the Calais School
was closed in the Spring of 1962.
The school statistics of the Calais School District
for the year ending August 31, 1881 are as follows:
Total
amount of money received |
$595.84 |
Amount
paid teachers |
$430.00 |
Amount
used for fuel, etc. |
$ 47.00 |
Balance
on hand September 1, 1881 |
$118.84 |
Number
of School houses |
1 |
Number
of rooms |
2 |
Number
of teachers |
2 |
Average
wage of teachers per month
Ladies |
$ 20.00 |
Average
wage of teachers per month
Gentlemen |
$ 40.00 |
Total
amount of money received |
|
Value
of school property |
$800.00 |
Total
number of pupils enrolled |
95 |
A two-year High School
opened at Calais about 1912 and operated until the Fall of 1915 when it closed
for lack of funds and decreased enrollment.
The two-year High School was
opened again in 1922 and remained as a two-year school until 1927 when it was
made a three-year High School.
In 1929 the voters of Seneca
Township passed a bond levy and the present brick building was built in 1930.
In the Fall of 1930, the
Elementary and High School moved into the new building. The High School was
made a four-year school and remained that until the Spring of 1934 when it was
again made a two-year school and remained that until it closed in the Spring of
1952. From 1934 to 1945, the Juniors and Seniors attended the Lewisville High:
then from 1945 to 1952 they attended the Summerfield High School. From 1952 to
1962, all the High School pupils from Calais attended the Summerfield High
School. In the Spring of 1962, the
Elementary School closed and the pupils now attend
the Summerfield Elementary and Shenandoah High
School.
Page 38
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The wooden building, which was closed in 1930. was
removed by John W. Chrirtman and made into a dwelling which is now the home of
Mr. and Mrs. David Hayes. The brick
building is still standing and is owned by Edmund Carpenter.
Some teachers known to have taught at this school
were:
Mitchel
Atkinson |
Harvey
Carpenter |
Barnabus
Crosbay |
Forrest
Carpenter |
Michael
Danford |
Harold
Snyder |
Winjfred
Lewis |
Clara
Allen Snyder |
Samuel
Hannahs |
Cleo
Christman Carpenter |
J.
H. Hamilton |
Eunice
Hannahs Christman |
Mary
Burris Latta |
Friend
Tuttle |
Clesson
Stephen |
Charles
Betts |
Paul
Carpenter |
Roman
Carpenter |
John
Egger |
Melva
Carpenter Pitman |
Herman Roe |
Guy
Carpenter |
Ross
Smith |
Frank
Stallings |
Vernon
Hayward |
Margery
Pennell Sumption |
Ashford Dowden |
Eleanor
Stephen Christman |
Thomas
McMullen |
Harold
P. Christman |
Mona
Hasley |
Elizabeth
Bode |
May
Roe |
Barbara
Ruble |
Austin
Stevens |
Ben
Christman |
Inez Lash |
Leo
Poulton |
Ruth
Miller VanFossen |
Roy
Miracle |
Ruth
Roe |
Lucille
Traylor |
Leslie
O. Carpenter |
Eva
Moffatt |
Clarence
Betts |
Agnes Block Norris |
Herman Ruble |
|
The
last teachers were Elizabeth Bode and Harold P. Christman.
Written by
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Christman
Page 39
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP EARLY
SCHOOLS
Summit
Township was organized and established June 4, 1850. The Public School became the corner stone of each of seven social
communities. The citizens of Summit
Township determined to make available to their children the education their
parents had missed. Thus, it was
fundamental that a school-house should be one of the first public conveniences
in the neighborhood. The principle
prevailed that where a few children could be gathered together, a school was
essential as a medium for providing education opportunities.
Back in 1850,
transportation and communication systems were not yet highly developed, so it
was necessary to establish seven school districts within Summit Township. At a site along the old OR&W Railroad,
where the hills became less protuberant and more rolling, the village of
Lewisville began to grow. In
Lewisville, the first school-house was located at the intersection of old Main
and Back Streets. The building was a
frame structure erected from timbers harvested in the surrounding
community. The roof was slate imported
by railroad. This school-house served
the educational needs of Lewisville until 1911, when a new school-house was
built on the same school property and the old building was torn down. The 1911 structure continues to be
maintained for the cafeteria which serves the children of the present
Lewisville School located adjacent to the site of the original school-house.
Likewise,
the other six school-houses once located in Summit Township were frame
structures with slate roofs. One of
these school-houses was located approximately three and one-half miles north of
Lewisville on the old Miltonsburg Road in the Middle Church Community. This facility was known as the Barnhart
School. Although the building no longer
stands, recently the 4-H Club converted the site into a miniature park.
The Owl
Creek School-house was located about three and one-half miles northeast of
Lewisville on State Route 145. The Star
School-house was located at the top of the Kennedy Hill and two and one-half
miles east of Lewisville off old State Route 78. This site was in the area of the present Lewisville Stave
Mill. The Hamilton School-house was
located on Bracken Ridge Road in the community of the present Bracken Ridge
Methodist Church. There were tow
school-houses located three miles west of Lewisville on State Route 78 at the
site of the present Burkhart Catholic Church.
One of these facilities was a parochial school located adjacent to the
Church building; the other facility, which was known as the Scott School, was
located across the road from the parochial school.
Time and
progress long ago rendered these old school-houses inadequate and
obsolete. None of the original
structures remain standing.
The map on the following page indicates the
locations of the seven original school districts of Summit Township. The locations are the approximate original
school-house sites in relation to present day roads.
Written by Mrs. Vera Polen
Page 40
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Page 41
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HISTORY SUNSBURY TWP. KINDERGARTEN
--Elsa (Crooks) Harper
Perhaps the most exciting and challenging experience
of my thirty-seven year teaching career was helping to organize and plan the
first Kindergarten in the Beallsville School under the supervision of Mr. Henry
Prichard, then Superintendent of Beallsville School.
It was during the summer vacation. I was approached
by Mr. Prichard and asked if I would help formulate, organize and teach a class
of this type at the opening of the next school year. I was thrilled beyond words, and accepted without hesitation.
This was at the time the new town of Wilson came
into being and Mr. Prichard had sensed the need for a program of this sort in
this fast-growing community, which had come as a result of the location of the
new industry along the river.
During the ensuing weeks, I started making plans. I
spent many hours in surrounding libraries, reading every book available related
to this field of education. I also signed up for some correspondence courses to
broaden my knowledge in preparation for the coming year. I had many
consultations with Mr. Prichard where we discussed evolving plans and made
selections of materials.
Finally, in September of the school year of 1957-58
the doors to the first Kindergarten in Beallsville, as well as the first in
Monroe County, were open. I don't know who was more excited on that day - the
children, Mr. Prichard, or I. There
were twenty-one five year olds who were escorted to the doors with their mothers.
Some came tripping gaily in, while the shy ones held on to their mother's hand.
I must admit - I was a very nervous teacher that
morning as I greeted each one with a smile, took a little hand into mine and
led them about the room showing them all the interesting things therein. Their
little faces soon lit up with eagerness and anticipation. Each time a tear
formed in my eye and a lump formed in my throat, for I was so happy.
Since the families in Wilson came from various
sections of the United States, and one little girl had lived in South America,
we had children with various cultural backgrounds, and experiences which made
for varied related classroom experiences.
We would take imaginary trips to some far-away town
where these children had been. Our own community children came from our mining
and agricultural area which was a fascinating world to those from far-away
areas. The little girl from South America stimulated thought and further
discussion within the class.
The "show and tell" time brought us a
world of material from the country all about us. We learned mannerisms,
expressions, and a few Spanish words from our South American country.
The parents of the entire community were without a
doubt the greatest. Our budget for this project was not too great, but what
these wonderful parents contributed in the way of games, dolls, furniture,
dress-ups, etc., made up for everything.
They helped with parties held at holiday time and gave of their time,
also.
So, I must say, this venture proved a genuine
success, and was to me the most rewarding I ever had.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SUNSBURY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS IN MONROE COIINTY, OHIO
Our beloved County was once known as the "dark hills of old Monroe." This is not true today. We like to think of it as a country of a thousand hills and a thousand dales, beautiful beyond words. It was formed from parts of Belmont, Guernsey and Washington Counties on Jan. 29, 1813. It was named for James Monroe who was President of the United States of America from 1817 to 1825.
People from Virginia,
Pennsylvania and Maryland came through an unbroken wilderness to make their
home here. They came to this section because of the cheap virgin soil, rich
hunting grounds, an abundance of timber with which to construct sturdy homes,
and with the strong desire to live under the Northwest Territory Laws.
The Ordinance of 1787
contained these four provisions:
1. Slavery prohibited
2. Schools encouraged
3. Freedom of worship
4. A Bill of Rights granting civil Liberty to the
Citizens
Page 42
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It was no wonder that our Forefathers came here to
make their homes. Most of us are justly proud of our heritage. The County's
first settlement was near the mouth of Sunfish Creek about 1799. Later three
other small settlements were made. The
first was made near the present town of Beallsville in 1812. The first cabin
was built by John Linn and Abner Barrert.
The first child born here was Joshua Barrett, son of Abner and Anna
Barrett.
The first Election was held
on John Linn's farm about one mile west of Beallsville in 1819 or 1820. It was
told that 11 votes were cast at that time.
Sunsbury Township was
organized on June 24, 1819. It contained 28 sections. This land lies on the high ridge dividing
the waters of Captina Creek on the North and those of Sunfish Creek on the
South. The summit of this broad ridge is smooth and comparatively level. The
southern slope is roughened by the tributaries to Sunfish Creek. These small
streams have
made many deep and rocky channels down over the
hillsides.
Remembering to keep this beautiful
setting in mind it's time to turn the attention toward the education of the
children and young people of the long ago and those of the here and now who
call Sunsbury Township their home.
In early times subscription
schools were very common. The parents paid one dollar per scholar for a term of
three months. The teacher boarded with the families for the length of time
warranted by the number of scholars from that particular family.
The story is told that a
teacher had to sign an agreement to treat his pupils at Christmas or New Years
time. If he refused, he was barred from the schoolroom. If he were the first to
arrive they would smoke him out by climbing up on the roof and covering the
chimney. If he still refused they would duck him in the creek. Needless to say
the teacher usually treated and in addition to that he gave the children a half
day holiday in which to play games of their own choosing.
The first school in the
Township was a subscription school with a Mr. Rogers serving as its teacher. It
was about one mile south of Beallsville and boasted an enrollment of eight
scholars. All early schools were small one-room buildings and were for the
instruction of limited grade subjects, only.
The first public school that
was taught in Sunsbury Township was started in 1837. It stood on ground donated
for that purpose by Israel D. Riley. In later years the Dextar schoolhouse was
built on the same site. The first teacher was Samuel Lemley.
By the by more public
schools came into being, namely; Labelle. Trembly. Beallsville. McDougal. Oak
Grove. Ohio Valley. Ozark, Paine and Ringgold. According to Caldwell's
"Atlas of Monroe County" published at Mt. Vernon, Ohio in 1898, all
the schools went by number instead of names. No-l was located on the G. W.
Griffith farm between Jerusalem and Beallsville. No. 2 on the H.R. Watson farm near Ozark. No. 3 at Beallsville
(?). No 4 on the Sarah A. Trembly farm. No. 5 on the Ebenezer Taylor farm. No.
6 on the H. Smith farm. No. 7 on the John Headley farm. No. 8 on the N. A.
Hayward farm. It should be noted that they were all placed within walking
distance of the children's homes for which they served.
Later these numbers gave way
for the definite names by which they were known. A brief history of each will be given here.
Labelle - located close to the present Arley Johnson
home. Rev. Richard Perkins' mother,
Lena Taylor Perkins, went to school there as did her seven brothers. Two of
them became teachers, namely Emmett and Everett Taylor.
Vernon Hayward was once a
teacher there as were Mont Rush, Al and Ferd McDougal.
Dexter - Located at the start of Atkinson Run. Carlos
Mellott and family built a new house on this site and are presently living
there. Some of the teachers were Josie Hayward, Alberta Price, Ray and Mel Morris. Rev. Richard Perkins spent his first grade
year there. Hattie Phillips went to this school also. The building was offered for sale by the Board of Education to
the highest bidder in 1934.
McDougal - Situated near the home of Ferd McDougal. He together
with Arthur Willison, Herman Bach, Melba Carpenter, Isie Riley, Mabel Harper
and Herman Paine served as teachers there, also Vernon and Sarah Jeffers. Herman Paine initiated the first hot lunch
program at McDougal School to be found in Monroe County. This was in
1938. This school was closed in 1945.
Oak
Grove - A
Griffith family lived nearby this school. Located between Ozark and
Beallsville. Quoting from "The
Voice" December 1896 we get some idea of who attended this school.
"Month ending Nov. 7, 1896: pupils enrolled, 21; average daily attendance,
17; pupils absent but one day, 3; visitors, 2; those perfect in attendance:
Sallie Carle, Elta V. Hutchison, Charles Keesor, Roscoe W. Keesor, Merle
Hutchison, Chester H. Gibbons, Vernon Sumption and Walter Carle. Katie Arnold,
teacher. It closed in 1914 with Mrs. Josie Hayward as teacher that year.
Ohio
Valley -
Once located on Brock Ridge on the Charlie Book farm. It was moved from that
place to a site near the Grange Hall on the Russell Carle farm. The building
was too wide to go through the gates so fence, had to be laid down in its path
as it journeyed through the fields to its new home.
Page 43
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Howard Blattler and Alice Milligan were two of the
teachers at this school. Homer and Billy Rucker were students there.
After its closing Russell and Wanda Roberts Weekly
fashioned it into a home for themselves. It still stands at the Junction
of
Route 556 and Clover Ridge.
Ozark - Located on the Forrest
Eberle farm. Earlier it had been known as the Roy Watson place.
At first it was a two-room frame building but became
a one room school in 1934. Many years ago it was the meeting place for the
members of the Ozark Church of Christ.
Some of the teachers were Susie Bruin, Cleo Menkel,
Mel Morris and Clyde Watson.
Paine - Located between Jerusalem and Ozark on the Billy
Paine farm near Adair Station. A new building was erected but it was not used
too many years. Herman and Harold Bach also Clyde Watson were teachers there.
When it closed the pupils
were given a choice of attending either Jerusalem or Beallsville Schools.
C. W. Paine purchased the
schoolhouse in the spring of 1938. E. W. and Henry Christman bought the acre of
ground upon
which it stood.
Trembly - Located on Trembly Ridge west
of Beallsville. C. W. Fraley lived there for many years. Some of the teachers
were Josie Hayward, Susie Bruin, Dale Odin, Ferd McDougal, Herman Bach and
Bessie Rutter.
According to "Backward Glances" of 1922
these pupils were enrolled: Arnold Cross, Ermel Cross, Harlen Mellott,
Frederick and Freda Glatzer, twins, Maggie Smith, Opal, Robert, Etta Mae and
Annie McElroy, Lizzie and Lissie Mobley, twins, Effie Crouse and Nettle Morris:
C. F. McDougal was the teacher.
The school closed in the spring of 1939 due to lack
of State Aid Funds. The building was wrecked and the lumber was
used in the construction of the Vo-Ag building in
Beallsville.
Ringgold - Located on the N.A. Hayward farm on Headley
Ridge. Mrs. Blattler told me that Howard was teaching there when they were
married. She also said they could soon celebrate their Golden Wedding
Anniversary.
Some other teachers were
Ferd McDougal, Harold Turner, Lissie (?) Mobley, Emmett Taylor. Stella Pugh and
Martha Adair.
Closed on Aug. 17, 1934 and
the pupils were transported to Beallsville that autumn. Lumber from the razed
building was used in the construction of the Farm Shop in 1939.
Mrs. Katie Decker attended literary and cake walks at the old Ringgold schoolhouse.
Jerusalem - It should have brief mention here because the
eastern part of the village lies in Sunsbury Township.
The first one room building
was located on the old Jesse Peterman farm; the second was made into a home now
occupied by Richard Fluharty and family; the third was a four room two story
structure; and the fourth was a three room, hall, and laboratory
schoolhouse. It was built in the summer
of 1920. At the present time it serves as a Community and Recreation Center.
At first Jerusalem existed
as a rural school; then as a three teacher grade school; next with two added
years of High School instruction. This was followed by three years of High
School for a few terms. Upon its closing the High School students were
transported to Sunsbury Rural High School.
In 1956 the 7th and 8th
Grades were bussed to Beallsville and in 1958 the Elementary pupils became a
part of the Beallsville Grade School.
Beallsville - At first the buildings were small and for
Elementary children only. Soon after the ending of the Civil War a large
two-story brick building was constructed in the town. It included rooms for
High School instruction and a Charter was granted to them in 1895.
A summer Normal School was
held there for a few terms. Among the would-be teachers attending these
sessions were Margaret Schumacher Riesbeck, Susannah Bruin and James A.Moore.
Sr.
Quoting the Beallsville
School Statistics for the year ending on Aug. 31. 1881 we learn:
Amount
of Money received |
$ 1,420.00 |
Paid
to Primary Teachers |
290.00 |
Paid
to High School Teachers |
450.00 |
Value
of School Property |
2.500.00 |
Number
of Primary Teachers, ladies |
2 |
Number of High School teachers, gentlemen |
1 |
Number
of School Buildings |
1 |
Number
of Rooms |
3 |
Average
wages of lady teachers per month |
19.00 |
Average
wager of gentlemen teachers per month |
56.00 |
Number
of pupils enrolled |
151 |
Page 44
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Over a period of time advancement was made from a
Third to a First Grade High School. In 1935 they applied to the State Board for
permission to operate a Junior High School. It was known as the 6-6 plan.
Additions were made to the present building in the
years of 1928, 1956, 1965 and 1967.
Some highlights showing the educational progression
of the Beallsville Schools through the years are -
1. 1935 Board of Ed. applied to State for 9 months
term.
2. 1937 Name changed from Sunsbury Rural to
Beallsville Village Board of Education.
3. 1945-46 Miss Gertrude Watson hired as Hot Lunch
Manager.
4. 1946 - Adams Township hired Everett Henthorn to
transport their children to Beallsville.
5. 1954 Driver Education Training started.
6. 1957 Primary Grades moved from the Old Grade
Building to the High School.
7. 1959 Lane Building sold to Carl Kinzy.
8. Beallsville Board accepted the Washington Local
School from Belmont County Board of Education.
9. 1962 Bookmobile visits from the State Library
Service Center were accepted.
10. 1965 Operation Head Start came into use.
11. 1965 Golf instruction initiated.
12. Grade School Building sold.
13. 1966 Teacher Aides employed.
14. ? Became a member of the North Central
Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.
These innovations came under the guidance of County
Superintendents Ed C. Feioch, John Nelson, E. G. Nelson, J. C. Christy, F. L.
Pollock, Samuel H. Dillon. Dr. Donald Cobb, Delvin Devore. Henry Prichard and
other able men.
Some Principals who gave unstingily of their talents and time were such educators
as Harold Nichols. John Castilow, Henry Prichard, Fred Abel, James Campbell,
Frank Dumas, Edward Shephard, Clarence Massey, William Workman, Ross Pugh, Dr.
Charles Johnson, Myron Harmon. Harry Straight. Timothy Haught and Larry Reich.
Among the students who have gone out from Sunsbury
Township Schools may he found lawyers, doctors, educators, ministers,
missionaries, Congressmen, merchants and many others who have ranked highly in
their chosen professions.
As of today Beallsville serves as the Hub of the
educational wheel which serves a large Switzerland of Ohio School District. It
includes northern Monroe County and several Belmont County Townships. Without
these vital spokes of the wheel - namely the former small rural schools and
Beallsville's own colossal efforts - it would have been very difficult for
Sunsbury Township to have been able to offer the wonderful educational
opportunities of this present day and time.
Sponsored by the Monroe County Retired Teachers
Association in conjunction with the BiCentennial Celebration of 1976.
In compiling the materials for this paper, I am
indebted to Viola (Gertler) Simeral, Josie Hayward, Gertrude Watson, Sarah
Jeffers, Hazel Rucker. Katie Decker, Gladys Fair, Hattie Phillips, Elsa Harper.
Alberta VanDyne. Sarah Gibson. Gladys Smith, Lola Tremblay, County Supt. Delvin
Devore and members of his office staff, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Blattler, Myrta
Baker, Roy Mercer, Richard Perkins, and last, but not least, Mrs. Leonard
Green, who served as typist for me.
Everyone gave their help so willingly, even mentioning others who might
be able to help in research.
I am indeed grateful to each one of you. If I have omitted anyone's name, I am truly
sorry.
Elizabeth (Moore) Thomas
Date -January 14, 1976
Page 45
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SWITZER
TOWNSHIP
Blum
School -
was located on Boltz Ridge now County Road 37 about four
miles from Clarington on ground now owned by Charles Gasser. This school was
closed in 1923 and the building purchased and torn down by Wesley McDougal of
Clarington.
Jenni
School -
was located on Janni Ridge now County Road 81 on ground now owned by Olive
Nippert. This school closed in 1944 and the building purchased by Paul Zink.
The last teacher there was F. D. Mallett.
St. Johns - located on the hill above St. Johns United Church
of Christ was closed in 1951. The last teacher there was F. D Mallett. Carl
Bigler bought the building in 1952 and Jack Hammond now owns the land on which
it once stood. This site can be reached by taking County Road 25.
Mt
Vernon -
still stands. It is now used as a voting place for Switzer Township residents
and a township hall. It was purchased by the township trustees in 1952 for the
rum of $200.00. The Dry Ridge Road intersects with State Route 556 at the point
where this building stands.
Ohio
Valley -
was about five miles from Beallsville on State Route 556 and closed in 1940
with Lucille Gasser being the last teacher there. Russel Weekly bought the
building and converted it into a dwelling. Gary Baumberger now lives in the
house from which was once Ohio Valley School. Delmas
Moore now owns the land on which it stood.
Centenniel - was one of the first to
close with the elimination of the one room schools in Switzer Township. This
was
about 1919. Bert Fraley and Fred Knuchel bought the
building. The land is now owned by Bert Fraley, and can be reached by taking
Township Road 200.
Blair
Run - a few
hundred yards off of State Route 7 about four miles north of Clarington closed
in 1941 with Fred Pfalzgraf being the last teacher there. The
ground is now owned by the State of Ohio.
North
Pole -
stood on Township Road 207 and closed in 1923. The last teacher there was Edna
Helbling. Andy Krock purchased the building in 1937. Paul Lehman now owns the
land on which it once stood.
Zonker - on County Road 64 closed in 1930 with Lucille
Gasser as the last teacher. Julius S. Tauffer now owns the land on which it
stood and Fred Pfalzgraf purchased the building. For many years two building
stood here. One housed the lower grader and one the upper, however, about 1900
or in the early 1900', one building was removed.
Grandview - on Blattler Ridge closed in 1947 with Howard
Blattler being the last teacher there. The building was sold to Sterling Gates
in 1950 and Walter Rine now owns the land. County Road 38 passes the spot on
which it stood. In addition to being used a, a schoolhouse it was also used as a
church with services being held regularly by the Methodist minister from the
Bethel-Zion Circuit conducting the services.
Switzer - on County Road 25 served
as both an elementary and a high school. The ground on which it stood was
purchased from John Kaiser for $5.00 and the building was erected and served as
an elementary school until 1922 with William Miller as the last teacher while
it served in an elementary capacity. In the fall of 1922 it became a 3 year
high school with J. C. Christy as teacher. It ceased operation as a high school
in 1929 with Percell Mallett as the last teacher. The township trustees
purchased the building from the board of education in 1938 for $100.00 and used
it to house road maintenance equipment until the spring of 1975 when the
building was sold to Fred Smith. The new building directly across the road
replaces this garage and storage house. The land on which it stood is still
owned by the township trustees.
Written by Lerter C. Lehman
Page 46
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THE FORMER SCHOOLS OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (MONROE COUNTY)
Before the turn of the
century, Washington Township, Monroe County, was divided into approximately
thirteen districts, each one having a one-room elementary school. The first
were constructed of logs with fireplaces for heating. Later these buildings
were constructed of stone and wood. We still have one stone school house
standing of which we shall speak later on. (Byers).
Most of these buildings were
furnished with "pot bellied'' stoves which used coal for fuel. Each fall
the teacher was furnished with a coal bucket, a broom and a box of chalk.
A teacher was chosen who had
a strong right arm for these schools, because the pupils often ranged from mere
children to adults.
These schools often had an
enrollment of forty and fifty pupils and more. All grades were taught in one
room. Pupils walked to school as busses were unheard of. Of course, no hot
lunches were served and pupils carried lunch pails.
The morning and afternoon
periods were broken by a fifteen minute recess or more in which time, pupils
and teacher played upon the playground together.
While these schools may not
be looked upon by today's standards as excellent, yet they filled the need for
the times, and much excellent education was obtained. Many of our teachers, yet
living attended one of these schools, taught in them and have happy memories of
those days.
Way, Byers and Low Gap Schools -- Of all these buildings,
only a few still stand. Way School near Whitacre's store is in excellent
condition. The only remaining stone school house still standing (there were
two) is Byers on State Route 26 near Graysville, Ohio. The other stone
school house was Low Gap which was torn down. It was located near the
Low Gap church on State Route 26
near Rinard Mills, Ohio. The only other remaining
wooden building other than Way is the Mann located on Greenbrier Road
east of Graysville. The building is in bad need of repair.
Number one, or Merrill's Ridge was located on the ridge
west of Rinard Mills. The first building burned and was replaced by a second
across the road which has since been converted to a dwelling.
The Haney school was originally located at the top of Haney
Hill south of Whitacre's store. A new building approximately one-half mile
south replaced this one. It no longer stands.
The Hubbard school was located between Pleasant Ridge church
and Rias Run.
Beech Grove or Straightfork was located on Straight Fork
Road west of Graysville, Ohio.
Summit Hall was located on the hilltop west of State Route 26
near Rinard Mills.
The Bell School was located on the hilltop east of Knowlton
Covered Bridge off State Route 26.
Oak Dale School was located southeast of Whitacre's store on
a township road. It has since fallen in.
Harmon Ridge was located on Harmon Ridge east of Graysville,
Ohio.
Thompson Ridge was located on Kinney Ridge Road east of
Graysville. The original building stood on the side hill above the Foreaker
farm near Muskingum Creek. Later the building was moved farther west toward
Graysville. This building was demolished and a new one constructed on Kinney
Ridge Road toward Graysville.
Washington Township had two, two-room
structures: Graysville, which has been replaced by Graysville Elementary School
and Rinard Mills, which is now occupied by Rinard Mills church.
Written by: Glenn Piatt and Harold Kinney
Page 47
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WAYNE TOWNSHIP
By D. E. Highman
In the beginning the territory of Wayne Township was
divided into six districts for educational purposes, one school in each
district, one teacher for each school in each district, and the children of
each district were assigned to the school in the district. About the beginning
of the twentieth century (1900 to 1910) eight one room schools were built and a
township board of education was created to govern the schools. This board
consisted of three members and a clerk.
Dougherty
School
The Dougherty School was built on land obtained from
the farm of Edward Dougherty and the name Dougherty School was probably derived
from the many families of the name who lived in the nearby vicinity. It was
located about 350 feet east of Stats Route 26 approximately 6 miles south of
Woodsfield on a lane leading back to the farm of S. W. Steed. Some of the
teachers who taught there were Garfield Dougherty. Oliver Dougherty, Daniel
Wire Dougherty, A. E. Cline, Lawrence Litten, Violet Scarbarough, Jay R.
Highman, D. E. Highman, and Chauncy Umpleby.
No information is available as to what happened to the building.
Willison Run School
The Willison Run School was
located about five miles south of Woodsfield on Township Road 102 Willison Run.
It is about .4 mile northwest of State Route 26. The land on which the
schoolhouse was built was formerly owned by Barney Dougherty or his son Steven
Dougherty. I. F. Shafer is the present owner of the land. When the school
closed in the 1930's the building was bought by Lloyd King and the lumber was
used to build his home on Route 26. Some of the teachers who taught there were:
A. E. Cline, lona McMullen. Louise Martin, Lila Rinard, John Shafer, Paul
Dougherty, Mrs. E. G. Nelson, Lawrence Litten, I. F. Shafer, Marguerite
Suittor, D. E. Highman, and John Paulus. The school closed after the Wayne
Consolidated School was built in the latter part of the 1930's.
Walnut Hill School
The
Walnut Hill School was located about .8 mile from Moose Ridge County Road 45.
The land was formerly owned by John Moose. When the building was no longer used
it was purchased by Whet Shafer who later sold it to Merle Coss. The lumber was used to build the home in
which Mr. Coss now resides on Conner Ridge. Harry Bright owns the land on which
the building once stood. A beautiful large maple tree now stands in a meadow
beside the road where the school house stood. The only teachers I can recall
who taught here were Iona McMullen and Taylor Strickling.
Edwina School
The Edwina School was
located about mile from Richfork Road leading in a northerly direction
from Richfork to Moose Ridge. The old schoolhouse is still standing and was
remodeled into a dwelling and is now occupied. The building is now owned by
Anne Scully. When the building was built the land was owned by Hattie
Dougherty, the wife of Edward Dougherty. Some of the teachers who taught here
were: A. E. Cline, I. F. Shafer; Hendershot. Jay Highman and D. E. Highman.
Morris School
The Morris School was
located about 600 feet from Richfork Co. Road 17 on the Smith Hill which is
Township Road 662 leading up to County Road 77 on Barber Ridge. Nothing remains at the old location except
the casing where the water well stood. The location is almost hidden by trees.
I cannot say what happened to the building. Some of the teachers who taught at
the Morris School were: Lena Kestner, May Nash, Hayden Dillon, Melissa Orange
Smith, Walter DeVoe, I. F. Shafer, and John Paulus. The land on which the
school was built was obtained from El Cronin. Today the land is owned by Nova
Christman. The building was purchased by Barney Bott and used for building
material.
Huffman School
The Huffman School is located
on County Road 17 known as Richfork. This is in the northwest part of the
township. The building is located about 100 feet from County Road 17 on the
right side of the road going west. The building is being used by the farm
owner, Terra Vickers, as a storage place for hay. The land or
farm on which the building was built was formerly owned by Lewis Stowe.
Some of the teachers who taught at Huffman were: Melissa Orange Smith, A. E.
Cline, Ray Coss, and Charlie Smith.
Page 48
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Hartshorn Ridge School
The Hartshorn Ridge School was located about 3 miles
west of State Route 26 on County Road 12 on the left ride of the road going
west. The old building was torn down and used by Clifford Hines to
build a chicken house. The land was formerly owned by John Hartshorn and today
is owned by Eugene Hartshorn. The Hartshorn School was used for several years
as a center for the Hartshorn Garage. Teachers who taught there were: Clifford
Mobberly, G. N. Devore, Jay R. Highman, and D. E. Highman.
Oden Ridge School
The Oden Ridge School was located on County Road 48
approximately 1 miles
west of State Route 26 on Conner Ridge.
It was located on the left ride of the road going
west. The land was formerly owned by G. W. Drake and now by G. N. Devore. When the school was closed due to
consolidation, the building was purchased by John Suittor and was used to build
the home where Arthur Kinney now lives.
MEMORABILIA
Going back to the period
prior to the one I am now writing about - -During the school year 1900-1901 my
wife's aunt, Hazel Kessor, showed my wife and I a souvenir presented to her by
her teacher. N. E. Oden. It contained the names of the school board members and
the names of the scholars of Oden School at that time. I am copying a sample of
this souvenir
so
that you may read it - - -
Some of the teachers of Oden School were: A. E.
Cline, Bethel Scarborough, I. F. Shafer, Jay R. Highman, Lawrence Litten, G. N.
Devore, Violet Scarborough, and D. E. Highman.
Souvenir |
|
Oden
School |
|
School
District No. 3 |
|
|
Wayne
Township |
|
Monroe
County |
|
Ohio |
|
|
1900
1901 |
|
|
|
Presented
by |
|
|
|
N.
E. Oden, teacher |
|
|
School
Board |
|
Joseph
Oden |
|
|
|
|
|
James
Highman |
|
|
|
|
|
James
Lowe |
|
|
Scholars:
Clark
Cronin |
Loney
Highman |
Clifton
Highman |
Otto
Highman |
Oscar
Highman |
Jacob
Highman |
Knox
Highman |
Harry
Highman |
Bethel
Scarborough |
Davy
Williams |
Delbert
Highman |
Sylvester
Highman |
Blaine
Drake |
Billy
Williams |
Hazel
Keeser |
Edna
Highman |
Ivy
Drake |
Mary
Keller |
Stella
Cronin |
Ethel
Keller |
Grace
Drake |
Alta
Highman |
Hazel
Williams |
Catherine
Drake |
Serepta
Williams |
Rush
Williams |
Nora
Williams |
Olive
Williams |
Gussie
Lowe |
Anna
Lowe |
Mary
Highman |
Inez
Highman |
Ida
Lowe |
Hazel
Lowe |
Blanche
Cronin |
Loney
Highman |
Written by D. E. Highman
Page 49
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LEE
TOWNSHIP
Ridgeville
School 1897
Wealth |
The
Eighth Grade Graduate |
I own so much, I'm so very rich, Horizon to horizon is my special niche. I own the glitter of ice, the crunch of snow, Sun-sparked icicles dripping tears below, Morning mist lingering over the hills, Water
laughing merrily in the rills, The sun glinting on a spider condominium, White
clouds, blue skies, bluer delphinium. The distance colorfully purpled and blued, Daffodils and violets evening dewed, Fluttering butterflies and windblown petals, The smell of applebutter in big black kettles, Teasing wind fragrant with spicy treasures, How I enjoy those God-given pleasures! Friendships and family, starlit heavens above, But
the greatest wealth I possess Is
the gift of God's love! |
Dreaming
in the schoolroom I wonder What
unknown fate, dew-pearled Will
carry me into the world My
hopes and dreams unfurled. The windows, protective and restrictive, Seem to mist with memories Of secrets shared, and prophecies, Poignant
pain and ecstasies. Has the discipline of guided learning, Bringing glimmers of life's spring And
hopes for the beckoning future, Shaped me to be subject or king? As
my image appears in the window, I
wonder what I really am. Will
my life just be empty promises, Or can I fulfill my dreams for man? |
by Virginia Stahl |
by Virginia Stahl |
Page 50
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HANSON SCHOOL
Submitted by Dorothy (Miracle) Willison, Teacher
SWAZEY SCHOOL
Submitted by Esther (Miracle) Thompson
KNOB SCHOOL
Submitted by Miss Mary Baker
Page 51
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Page 52
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[Transcriber s Note: The
above crest decorated the back of this book titled: The One Room Schools of
Monroe County 1808 1957 Text
within the book indicates that the occasion for this book prepared by the Retired
Teachers Association was the Bicentennial of the U.S. Declaration of
Independence]
Back Cover
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Click here for Background and Editorial Notes)