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THE ONE ROOM SCHOOLS OF MONROE COUNTY, OHIO 1808 - 1957

 

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.

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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

 

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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)

 

 

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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 routh 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

 

 

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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

 

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