Early Schools in Pike County, Ohio

Early Schools in Pike County updated 23 Feb. 2012

Beech Flats School on the hill
Beech Flat School on a hill

Jim Henry collection

Beech Flats School view
Another view of Beech Flat School

Jim Henry collection

Mapelwood School
Maplewood School

Sargents Ohio School class
Sargents, Ohio School class

Bethel School & store
Bethel School and store

from Jim Henry collection

Turkey Run School

Vanmeter School
Children on the Vanmeter farm in the early 1800's went to school in the tiny white farm building next to the stone farm house. photo by Marcus Orr

Leona Nelson and her class at Nipgen on a post card dated Oct 1911

Gordon School Stockdale

Elm Grove Students at Serpant Mound Park 1928
Elm Grove Students at Serpent Mound Park in 1928
picture from George Williams via Jim Henry collection

Old Record
Tells How the Boys and Girls Behaved in School

Comments By The Teacher

Jotted Down Years Ago Make Interesting Reading Now

A Historical Find At Piketon

Time worn and discolored but in a fair state of preservation a register of the Piketon public schools for the year 1850 was discovered when the old farm house on the Piketon fair grounds was moved last week.

J. W. Longbon and J. J. Green were the teachers in the school, which consisted of but two depart-ments at that time and the register was for the term commencing October 9, 1850 and continuing four months.

Over sixty pupils were enrolled, many only taking the three R’s. The record was complete and in addition to having the number of days present, days absent, times tardy, etc as is given in the modern register, a notation of the pupil’s disposition was made following his name.

A News representative had an opportunity Sunday of looking over the old book, in which were en-rolled the names of several who have obtained state and national prominence.

William D. Jones, at one time editor of the Waverly Watchman headed the list of enrollments. He was described as "a studious boy who learned fast." Linda L. Ware, who later became his wife was "a very good girl" according to the register.

Charles W. Jones, better known as "Weck" was "noisy but learns" and "mischievous" was used to describe Mary Ragan, who in after years became Mrs. John A. Jones and who still lives on the cor-ner of Third and Lock streets, this city.

Earl A. Cranston, who is now a Methodist Episcopal Bishop, with a boy who learns well."

It was noted that Henry Brown, the prominent Seal Township farmer was "the best boy in school" and his deceased brother Ex-Postmaster Samuel Brown, of Piketon was described as "tolerable."

Samuel Reed, president of the First National Bank of Portsmouth evidently outgrew his earlier reputation as he was entered upon the register as "spoiled boy, bad and idle." His brother Joseph G. Reed, prominent Portsmouth business man was "very Studious, but noisy."

Elizabeth J. Caudy was "good," Isaac Austill was "good" while one pupil who is now dead was described as "dull and very lazy." Another was entered as "dull, slow and very idle" while others who have probably long since passed to the Great Beyond were variously described as "stupid," "bad boy," "lazy" "good," "had no book" and "stubborn."

The book was found by Edward N. Dieterich, a young man who for the past two years has been connected with the Piketon public schools and he turned it over to the city Board of Education who will preserve the souvenir of old times

August 8, 1907 News Watchman

Druggist C.C. Daily of Piketon who was at one time superintendent of the schools was the owner of the farm house was resided three years ago and he believes the book must have been among his possession.

August 15, 1907 The Waverly News

Morgantown School

Red Bridge School near Pee Pee cree

Meadow Run School ca 1912(left to right Clare, Kathryn & Donna Glenn)
Meadow Run School ca 1912
left to right Clare, Kathryn and Donna Glenn

Jasper School First Grade class taken 16 October 1923.

The teacher is Mrs. Nora Vulgamore, affectingly called "Miss Dimp" throughout her long career of teaching at Jasper. Students left to right are: Scott Bay, Sarah Slagle, Frances Cutler, Janet Brown, Ercil Baker, and Floyd Newton.

see also Old Waverly Schools see also Jackson Twp. Schools pg. 6

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Or mail to Waverly City Guide, 455 Hay Hollow Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601