Stearns County, Minnesota - Chapter 46, 1915 (part 1 of 3)

Chapter 46

Father Cornelius and His Work - Early School Buildings - Early School Supervision - County Supervision^ - Present Conditions - History of the Districts by Townships - Conclusion - By County Superintendent William A. Boerger.

About a Roman Catholic priest, a zealous, devoted and self-sacrificing man, centers the history of the Stearns county schools. In the days when the city of St. Cloud was but a pitiful little string of shanties and equally unpretentious places of business, anchored against a high bank overlooking the Mississippi river; when the pioneers crossed rutty and unpaved roads on slabs laid at intervals in the mud, and all the rest of Stearns county was an uninhabited wilderness, the settlers found in their midst - for he was among the first to come - a young priest, the Reverend Father Cornelius Wittmann, O.S.B. He had come to minister to the wants of a number of Catholics who hailed from various eastern states, and had scattered widely over the territory newly ceded to the Government by the Indians. It is needless to say that his hands were of the proverbial fullness !

However despite his large missionary field and innumerable duties, this zealous young man, observing the utter absence of institutions of learning, added' to his already long list of strenuous labors the hard task of teaching school. It was in the dwelling of Joseph Edelbrock, who, with the openhanded generosity of pioneers, cheerfully donated the use of one of the rooms, that Father Cornelius, in the early fall of 1856, taught the first school within the present boundaries of Stearns county. It was thus a free school in the fullest sense of the word, for no tuition was asked, and the teacher received no pay!

The Edelbrock home occupied the southwest corner at the intersection of St. Germain Street and Fifth Avenue in the city of St. Cloud. The building was later bought by John Rengel and moved to his farm a short distance west of the city, where it is still used as a dwelling. This room Mr. Edelbrock's house also served the young priest as a chapel, and it was here that he offered the sacrifice of the Mass, following the divine services with the work of a teacher. His pupils were Mary Edelbrock, Anton Edelbrock (later Abbot Alexius, O.S.B.) , Barney Edelbrock, Joseph Edelbrock, Henry Rosenberger, Elizabeth Rosenberger, Mary Brown, Thompson Brown, Joseph Reichert and Louis Emmel.

Father Cornelius, most lovable of men, is yet among the living (A. D. 1915), passing the remainder of his days in St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, in this county, where every attention that loving hands can administer, is bestowed upon the kind-hearted old man, who, despite the trying affliction of

And to the memory of this pioneer teacher of Stearns County, this history of its schools, since grown to proud dimensions, is respectfully dedicated by the author.

The example set by Father Cornelius proved so worthy of emulation that, only a short time after, a school house was built in Lower Town and named the Everett School in honor of Edward Everett of Massachusetts, who rendered substantial aid. The first teacher was Amelia Talcott, who later became Mrs. T. C. Alden, whose tuition charge was $1.50 per month to each pupil. Mrs.. Alden, the first lady teacher of Stearns county, has likewise lived to see the field of her early educational labor bear rich fruit. At the time of this writing she is still a resident of the city of St. Cloud, loved and honored by a large circle of friends.

The first public school was opened in the Everett building on Monday, December 20, 1858, with M. P. Noel as teacher and an enrollment of thirty-three pupils. Mr. Noel taught school for a number of years, and later confined himself exclusively to surveying and engineering. He is also living at this date, though he has retired from his former occupations. Organization of Districts. The school taught by Mr. Noel was located in what had been designated District Number 3 in the township of St. Cloud. Other districts, as its number would indicate, had been set aside previous to this one, but this district was the first to provide a school - a comparatively easy matter, since the Everett building afforded a suitable place.

The first district established was District Number 1 in the township of St. Cloud, which, in all probability, was called into being by the County Commissioners in 1855, for, on January 10, 1856, the board ordered "That the school fund - be paid according to the requirements of the statute"; and on July 7 of the same year an order was made placing the tax rate for Stearns county at one percent, one-fourth

The area of this somewhat supposititious district (for there is no record of its organization, though it is several times mentioned in the proceedings) comprised approximately what is at present the Third and Fourth wards of the City of St. Cloud and Sections 15 and 22 of St Cloud township. The boundaries were several times changed, so that, in an item published in the St. Cloud Democrat ten years later, the shape of it was said to resemble "the hind leg of a horse, several times broken and poorly set!"

Although this district was very probably established as early as 1855, it nowhere appears that public school was ever taught within its bounds. It is likely that its creation was either a matter of precaution or else of speculation. It seems, in fact, to have been the prevailing custom to refrain from perfecting the organization of new districts by the election of officers and the building of school houses. For instance, the proceedings of the County Commissioners show that in 1859 twenty districts were established, making the total then existing about thirty or thirty-two. Yet the record of organization shows that in 1860 only ten schools, in as many districts, were in operation. These were the school at St. Cloud; the one on the St. Cloud-St. Joseph road near the Sauk river bridge; the Clearwater school; the Perry school in the Township of Brockway; the school in the village of St. Joseph; the one at Richmond; the Paynesville school; the Fair Haven school, and the schools in the present districts Numbers 28 and 29 in the township of Maine Prairie.

"Ordered that we organize District Number Two, to be bounded as follows, towit: Commencing at the mouth of Sauk river; thence running west or nearly west, to include the residence of Nathan Lamb; thence in a southerly direction to the residence of John Sniderjohn; thence easterly to the Mississippi river to the point between the claims of Kellion and Bond."

There are also many strong indications that in the early days the school taxes were a most uncertain asset. Sometimes these tithes were paid, more frequently not, for none were much concerned if they became delinquent. Money was a rare commodity in those days, and the officer whose duty it was to collect the taxes by making the rounds among the settlers frequently came before the county board with a bill for his services which considerably exceeded the amount of actual cash collected. And there is a lingering suspicion that, even when paid, the various funds were not invariably turned into their proper channels, for the records of the county commissioners of those days repeatedly show orders to the effect that "The county treasurer do not pay out any moneys belonging to the school fund unless authorized by the board."

This seemingly careless attitude toward the schools was not such in fact, and must not be misconstrued by us of a later day, who are conscious of a state-wide educational activity, an ever-increasing school fund already well within the millions, and the existence of public schools within convenient access of every child in the county. Sixty years ago there was no ample state fund available at a low rate of interest, and no private individuals who were willing to advance the funds for an undertaking which might or might not prove a safe investment. It stands very much to the credit of the early settlers, therefore, that among the first things they did was to petition the board of commissioners to give legal status to certain districts, though the erection of school buildings would lie for many months in the future. Then, too, the interest in public schools had not yet attained the present general

On the same day on which District Number 2 was established (Jan. 5, 1857) another embracing nine sections in the northwest corner of the township of St. Cloud came into being. It was designated District Number 4, though rather singularly District Number 3 was not established until over a year later (February 24, 1858). The brick school house near the Sauk river bridge about three miles west of St. Cloud, with its tributary area of a little over seven sections, is the remainder of this organization. The people of Clearwater were next to petition the board of commissioners for a school district, and on September 24, 1857, their petition was granted, twenty-four sections being embraced.

Meanwhile the rich lands of the Sauk river valley had attracted settlers, who had pushed farther and farther up the stream, locating in the vicinity of the present villages of Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond. Those who came were no unmarried adventurers, but men with families who had come to stay. The larger percentage were of the good, old German stock, who had attended excellent schools in the Fatherland, and who in consequence desired the same advantages for their children. On February 14, 1858, fourteen sections in the southern and eastern part of the township of St. Joseph were set apart as a common school district. One year later it was enlarged, so as to embrace, with the original area, a total of sixty-four sections, no doubt the largest district ever established in Steams county. It embraced the south half of the township of St. Joseph, three-fourths of the township of Rockville, twelve sections in the township of Wakefield, and seven in the townships of Collegeville and Farming. In shape it resembled a huge "L" and embraced the greater part of nine of our present districts. District Number 10, about half way between St. Cloud and Rockville (the Hengel school) is the remnant of this organization.

At the same meeting of the county board, Districts Number 1 and 2 of the township of Brockway were established, the former embracing the southeast ten sections of the township, and the latter comprising the entire township of Le Sauk, which was then a part of Brockway. The pioneers of Maine Prairie, who had settled about the beautiful Pearl lake, petitioned for a school district one month later (February 8, 1859) and the organization which resulted embraced fourteen sections south and west of this sheet of water. Fair Haven District Number 1, with fifteen sections, was established at the same meeting of the board, while an undefined district at Cold Spring, whose boundaries must have conflicted with those of two others already established to the east and west, came into being on March 14, being followed by another district centering about Richmond two weeks later. This last embraced thirty-one sections. On the same day another district was set aside in the northwestern part of the township of St. Augusta (then called Berlin), the school being located at what later became known as Luxemburg (or St. Wendel) about nine miles southwest of St. Cloud.

It is pertinent to note here that, in the early days, the districts were not numbered consecutively over the county, but a series beginning with Number 1 existed in each township. It was not until a considerable number had been established that a law was passed providing for consecutive numbering, by the provisions of which the county auditor was left to use his own judgment in assigning the numbers. The numerical designation of a district, therefore, does not indicate its place in the order of organization. The present District Number 1 (the Schroeder school between St. Joseph and Jacob's Prairie) was not the first organized. District Number 48 (the McGowan school in the township of St. Martin) is seventeen years "younger" than District Number 125 which joins it on the south; and District Number 33 (the Friedrich school, south of Freeport) was not established until three years after District Number 102, the Freeport village school.

In several instances districts, as such, went out of existence, either by annexation, consolidation or by becoming independent organizations, and the vacated numbers were then assigned to new districts, established perhaps years later. For instance, before the Clearwater district became independent it was known as District Number 33. After the change it was no longer known by this number and the designation was applied to the district south of Freeport which was organized June 19, 1877, almost twenty years after the Clearwater district. The independent district at Melrose was formerly known as Number 48, which number at the present writing (and by the same process) applies to the McGowan school in the township of St. Martin, which was established July 13, 1896.

Early School Buildings. The first school houses, like the homes of the settlers, were mostly built of logs. In nearly all cases the interior was unplastered, the wooden floors were not always to be found. Not infrequently the rain and the snow found their way through the defective clapboard roof and the spaces between the logs.

In the way of equipments there was little to boast of. Ordinarily there was an old box stove, and as many long benches, rudely fashioned, as were needed to accommodate the small enrollment of children. The benches were made of rough, unplaned boards or planks, eight or ten feet long. In some of the school houses, as already stated, there were no wooden floors, and in such cases the ends of the desks were secured by posts driven into the ground. By this simpliflcation of the joiner's art rigidity was obtained, but this advantage was more than offset by the highly unsanitary condition which resulted. The benches provided a rude desk top with a receptacle for books underneath, though few volumes ever burdened these gloomy shelves.

The teacher fared but little better. A desk or table of equally humble construction was placed at his disposal, together with a stool or chair that had already outlived its usefulness and much of its original shape in other quarters. There was little material at hand wherewith the teacher might perform the work. Globes, maps, charts and the like were almost unknown, while a few stained planks served as blackboards. Slates and pencils were used in place of tablets and crayon-points, while very few children boasted pen and ink. Books were few in number, and the teacher's program confined itself to read- ing, writing and arithmetic, with an occasional mention of grammar, the great hobby of those versed in the branch at that time being diagramming.

At the present writing only two of the early log school houses remain. One may be seen at St. Augusta where the erstwhile school house, after undergoing a few alterations in the way of doors and windows, has been turned into a barn for the use of the parish priest. The other is being used for similar purposes on the northwest quarter of Section 25 in the township of Brockway, half a mile west of the school house in District Number 4. Another old and abandoned school house, spectral and gloomy, crumbles to ruin in a pasture two and a half miles west of Padua in the township of Raymond. However, this is of a later date, though none remain who remember when the first instruction was given in the little shanty now falling apart.

Early School Supervision. During the first three years, from 1856 to 1859, there was no school supervision of any kind. It seems that anybody willing to undertake the task was employed to teach, no certificate being required. Private or "select" schools were frequently met with, whose teachers were paid either by subscription or by a small tuition, which latter obligation was often discharged in a variety of ways. Many of these teachers were of fine accomplishments, and it stands everlastingly to their credit that by their work they stimulated activity toward the maintenance of common schools. In a number of instances the teachers were men who had taken homesteads in the vicinity, and who embraced the opportunity thus offered to earn a few dollars at a time when dollars were a much needed commodity. At heart these men were farmers, and as soon as a sufficient area had been brought under cultivation they abandoned the school room and worked on their land. Fortunately the requirements were few, else many of the children of that time would have had no instruction whatever.

In perfect accord with the conditions, therefore, supervision of the work done was next to nothing. The statutes then in force provided, in a lax sort of a way, for something like superintendence, but where there is little work to supervise, there is no occasion for the appointment of a supervisor. The first pretense of a move in this direction was made by the county commissioners at a meeting held January 5, 1859, when it was "Ordered that a suitable person shall be appointed by the county board of supervisors in each township, as a superintending school committee." The following were honored with the appointment: A. C. McClure, banker, for the township of St. Cloud; A. H. Staples, farmer, for the township of Maine Prairie; I. P. Peas, farmer, for the township of Verdale (now Paynesville) ; J. P.. Richardson, real estate agent, for the township of Munson.

In such lean regard, however, did Mr. McClure hold his newly-acquired honors that immediately upon learning of his appointment, and while the commissioners were yet in session, he came before the board and very pointedly informed them that he would refuse to serve. After considerable deliberation and discussion on the part of the board - an unsuspecting victim being presumably their object - a choice was made of John A. Miller, of St. Joseph, who, it seems, was at a sufficient distance to prevent his refusal from reaching the board before they had adjourned!

It will be seen from these appointments that each commissioner district, as they then existed, had its own superintendent of schools, an arrangement whereby there could have been most successful supervision, particularly when we bear in mind that at this time only ten schools were in operation. However, administration and supervision were not a part of the educational plan then.

Just what was expected of this "superintending school committee" is diflScult to determine, since the records of the county commissioners are silent, alike as to their duties - and their activity! It is possible that some of them visited schools occasionally or examined candidates for certificates, but there are no indications that, during the first year, any of them were compensated for services rendered.

Additional interest in school affairs became manifest at the May, 1859, meeting of the county commissioners, when a committee on schools from among the mem- bers of the board, was appointed by the chairman. This committee consisted of William Bosworth, John Lear and the Rev. D. Lowry, perhaps the only minister who ever served as a member of the Stearns county board of commissioners. As may be surmised, it was upon motion of the Rev. Mr, Lowry that such a committee was appointed, but in spite of its forceful origin this committee was never heard of more.

School supervision took on a more definite character in 1862 when, in accordance with the statute, regularly paid examiners were appointed in the several commissioner districts. By this time the number of schools in the county had increased to twenty-two, and during the year two additional districts perfected their organization by the election of officers. The duties of these men, as set forth in the law, consisted in examining the candidates for teachers' certificates - the last two Saturdays in April and October being designated for this purpose - and in visiting the schools, the applicants paying for the examination and the county for the visiting.

As to the fees for certificates the statute legalized a charge of fifty cents; however, there is good reason for believing that the charges varied with the moods of the examiners and the means of the applicants. It is stated on good authority that one applicant secured his certificate for half a dozen links of country sausage, a remuneration which, even at the present time, is a most alluring one! Still the vast preference for the good, hard coin is evident in the old law, long since repealed, "Which, though specifying the dates for teachers' examinations, wistfully provided that no candidate should be denied an examination at any other time if he appeared with the required fee!

The requirements for certificates in the early days were that, in addition to evidence of a good moral character, the candidate must show his fitness by passing an examination in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, orthography, geography and history. However, the following Item taken from the St. Cloud Democrat of January 7th, 1864, may serve as an illustration of the rigidity with which the requirements were enforced.

Party, On The Strength Of The

A Model School Examiner! "When the delegation from this place to the Teachers' Institute at Monticello were on the route, they stopped at the house of the school examiner for one of the districts in this county, for one of their number wished to secure a certificate to teach. After seeing the functionary they made application, in a spirit of fun, for certificates for the entire delegation, some half dozen. He proceeded to examine the real applicant, and, taking down a Bible, asked her to read. Complying with the request the young lady read several verses, when the examiner closed the book and said 'that would do.' The others suggested that he had better ask some questions in geography, grammar and arithmetic; but he utterly refused, declaring that 'she knew more than he did,' and proceeded to make out certificates FOR THE ENTIRE PARTY, ON THE STRENGTH OF THE YOUNG LADY'S SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE! This is a fact, though a not verycreditable one. More care should be taken in appointing examiners."

But, notwithstanding this seeming travesty - though it characterizes a general situation - let no one belittle the efforts of the pioneer men and women who devoted their time to the welfare of the schools, however crude and primitive their work may seem at this time. Those were the days of the "Three R's," and if a boy or girl could read and write to a fair degree and solve problems in long division, it was all that was needed; in fact it was all that could be imparted, for the parents needed the help of their children far more than the children needed the education, however sacrilegious such an utterance may sound at the present time. Ground had to be cleared so that crops could be grown, for it has become an unassailable fact that schools can only thrive and endure where industry has established a firm^ foundation. Even at the time of this writing it is still within the memory of men when the finest logs, which in these days of veneer and varnish would bring almost fabulous prices, were rolled together in huge piles and burned so that the country might be the more rapidly developed.

stumps between the axeman in the woods and the polisher in the factory. The hatching of a chick demands the destruction of an egg. And so it was with the schools. What today seems to have been waste and negligence was then the direst necessity. Viewed in this light, what need was there of highly accomplished teachers, or, for that matter, of equally qualified examiners?

The first school examiners, appointed September 16, 1862, were as follows: Joseph Edelbrock, merchant, St. Cloud; Andrew J. Schroeder, farmer, St. Joseph; John Schneider, farmer, Avon; Henry Fietsam, farmer, St. Augusta; Anton Vogt. farmer, Paynesville. Mr. Edelbrock resigned on May 12 of the following year and the vacancy was filled by the appointment of H. Z. Mitchell, merchant, of St. Cloud.

These men could examine candidates and license them for their respective districts only. If a teacher was employed near Clearwater in the fall and wished to continue in the township of Avon in the spring, or any of the other districts, she was obliged to undergo another examination. However it would appear that the ordeal was not a very trying one. Still, there was one extremely disagreeable feature about the law: the examiner could, on the slightest provocation, call upon the candidate and demand that the latter submit to a re-examination!

By the provisions of the statute these officials were obliged to visit the schools in their respective districts, for which services they received the sum of two dollars per day, provided they made a proper report of school affairs in their realm to the county auditor. During the first year of their incumbency very little visiting was done, since it was not until September 3, 1863, that a bill of four dollars, presented by Mr. Fietsam, was paid. On January 8, 1864, a like amount was paid to Mr. Schroeder.

On September 2, 1863 the following appointments were made by the county commissioners: H. Z. Mitchell, merchant, St. Cloud; Andrew J. Schroeder, farmer, St. Joseph; P. M. Richardson, merchant and postmaster, Richmond; Henry Fietsam, farmer, St. Augusta; Hubert Meyer, farmer, Zion. Mr. Mitchell declined to

The effects of the Civil War and threatening Indian hostilities began to tell at this time, and until 1866 there was but little activity along educational lines beyond what was already in operation. As already stated two districts were organized (i. e., officers were elected) in 1862, and only one in 1863. This last was the present district Number 10 which, as will be remembered, was set aside by the county commissioners in 1858, being the largest district ever established in Stearns county.

On September 7, 1864, the following examiners were appointed: P. C. Ransom, real estate agent, St. Cloud (succeeding Mr. Waite) ; Thomas Schoffen, farmer, St. Joseph; Henry Broker, merchant, Collegeville; Hubert Meyer, farmer, Zion; Henry Fietsam, farmer, St. Augusta.

During the year three new districts were organized, making a total of twenty-eight schools then in operation. In 1864 the school population of Stearns county (L e., children and young people between the ages of five and twenty-one) was 2,045, but, it is needless to say that the actual enrollment fell far short of that number.

On September 2, 1865, the following were appointed to serve as examiners: L. A. Evans, clerk of court, St. Cloud; Thomas Schoffen, farmer, St. .Joseph; Henry Broker, merchant, Collegeville; James Thresher, farmer. Fair Haven; J. J. Gibson, merchant. Cold Spring.

During the year 1865, the darkest in the history of the United States, one lone district was organized. However, immediately upon the close of the Civil War and the subjugation of the Indians, there came a large infiux of settlers, and districts were organized with great rapidity. In 1866 twelve, and in 1867 ten new districts came into being, making a total of fifty-one.

The records do not show how long the last named quintet of examiners held office. Some time after they assumed their duties the legislature made provision for the appointment, by the board of county commissioners, of a county superintendent, and on May 8, 1867, the official duties of the last school examiners then in of- fice - whoever they may have been - terminated with the appointment of the Hon.. Nathan F. Barnes as the first superintendent of schools for Stearns county. The salary was fixed at $400 per annum, which was increased to $600 in June following. The law provided for an appointment each year.

County Superintendent. Nathan F. Barnes, the first superintendent of the Stearns county schools, and at the same time city justice in and for St. Cloud, was born at Portland, Me., on June 26, 1817. After receiving a common school and academic education, in 1834 he was appointed midshipman in the United States navy, serving five years. His first voyage was to the Island of Maderia, after which his vessel cruised along the eastern coast of South America, between the Amazon and La Plata rivers. In all he was in the South Sea exploring expedition, under Commodore Thomas Ap Catesly Jones, for nine months. After his discharge he returned to his native city and in 1840 took up the study of law. He completed the course in 1843, and soon after removed to New Hampshire, where he practiced law for six years. In 1850 Mr. Barnes became mail agent on the Isthmus route from New York to San Francisco, where he continued for six years. The next two years he resided in California, engaged in mining. In 1858 he came to Alexandria, Douglas county, Minnesota, where he was the first settler. He remained there for about seven years, and during the Sioux outbreak he and Andreas Darling were the only persons who remained, the others fleeing for safety to different points. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Barnes removed to St. Cloud, purchased a half interest in the St. Cloud Times and conducted it one year. He was then elected city justice, city clerk, county superintendent of schools, and twice (in 1865 and 1875) a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. It was largely through his efforts that one of the state normal schools was located at St. Cloud. He was a member of the state normal board for several years, being the first resident director at St. Cloud. Mrs. Barnes was Mary P. Sparhawk, to which union seven children were born. Three of their children died within a period of nine days in the month of December, 1853, of diphtheria. Another son died in the Salisbury, N. C, prison during the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes later moved to California where they spent their remaining years. During the years 1867 and 1868, the greater part of which is covered by Mr. Barnes' incumbency, twenty-four school districts were organized. He systematized the work, so far as this was possible, and visited the schools as often as his numerous other duties permitted.

Upon his resignation he was followed by Henry Krebs, one of the pioneer teachers of Stearns county, who was appointed by the county commissioners on September 4, 1868, at the same salary paid Mr. Barnes. Henry Krebs, who at the time of his appointment taught the school at St. Augusta, was a native of Germany where he had attended the elementary as well as one of the normal schools, from which institution he graduated. He taught school for a time in his native land, and then came to America, arriving in St. Louis, Mo., in the late forties. He was engaged in school work in that city for several years and then went to Iowa where he continued his educational activity. In the early sixties he came to Minnesota, taking charge of the school at St. Augusta. Mrs. Krebs was Mary Vossberg, a sister of Barney Vossberg, for many years auditor of Stearns county. During the incumbency of Mr. Krebs, which extended from September 4, 1868, to April 1, 1872, twentysix districts were organized. At the close of his term he returned to his school at St. Augusta which he continued to teach until he was again elected superintendent in 1884. Mr. Krebs was a conscientious and painstaking man, who visited the schools regularly and aimed at greater efficiency, though lack of trained teachers hampered his activity in many instances. As an instructor and teacher his work was not confined to the school room alone; he was a community force. While at St. Augusta he organized a brass band, a musical organization which attained a high standard of efficiency, and otherwise succeeded in leading the young people, who no longer attended school, into fruitful entertainment. He died in 1909.

man of Paynesville, who held office from April 1st, 1872, to September 6 of the same year, when he was obliged to resign because of ill health. Dr. Tolman, a graduate of Dartmouth College and one of the first settlers of Stearns county, was born in Vermont in 1824. In 1855 he came to Stearns county and located in the township of Brockway, being the first physician in that township. From 1859 to 1865 the family resided at Anoka. In 1861 Dr. Tolman enlisted as surgeon in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and served during the war. He accompanied Sherman in his famous march to the sea. After his return he removed his family to St. Cloud and practiced medicine for three years, after which he conducted a drug store until his death, which occurred on March 21, 1873. At the time of his death Dr. Tolman was resident director of the normal school. He was a member of the state legislature, and for a number of years president of the board of educatioa.

Upon the resignation of Dr. Tolman the county commissioners appointed Bartholomew Pirz, who was then quite prominent in county affairs. Mr. Pirz was born August 24, 1819, in Prussia. He came to the United States in 1854, spending the first winter at Sauk Rapids, Crow Wing and Platte river. In the spring of 1855 he located at Cold Spring, taking a claim in section 29, township of Wakefield, where he lived about two years. He moved to the township of Munson in the fall of 1856, remainng one year, and then removed to Eden Lake. In 1859 he went to the Rocky Mountains, and after three years returned to Munson, where he lived two years, returning to Eden Lake where he located on a farm in sections 5 and 6. During Mr. Pirz's term of office, which extended to September, 1874, thirteen new districts were organized, making a total of 104. Of these, however, only 98 received the state apportionment, which in that year amounted to $3,126.24 for Stearns county, 52 cents being remitted by the state for each child attending the required number of days. Mr. Pirz's salary was placed at $900. Barney Vossberg acted as his deputy for a short time.

school in St. Cloud. Mr. Kaiser's biography appears in another part of this work, so that a repetition here would be superfluous. The choice of the county commissioners proved a happy one, for Mr. Kaiser was known as a man of fine academic attainments and educational ability. He was very diligent in visiting the schools and looking after the wants of the teachers. For the first two terms Mr. Kaiser was appointed by the county commissioners,. In the meantime the legislature enacted a law making the office of county superintendent of schools an elective one, and thereafter, until 1881, Mr. Kaiser was regularly returned to office, the elections being held every year. His salary for the first two years was placed at $1,000, and during the remainder of his term, by the provisions of the statute, he was paid at the rate of ten dollars for each district under his supervision. During the last year of his incumbency the number of districts increased to 114.

The Hon. P. B. Gorman, whose biography will be found in another part of this history, succeeded Mr. Kaiser as superintendent of schools in 1881. The preelection fight was a most bitter one. However, it must be said to the credit of the candidates that the contest gained none of its unsavory qualities from any effort of theirs. It was, rather, a fight for political supremacy, waged by factions far removed from the office of county superintendent of schools. So bitter were the feelings engendered and so stubborn the antagonism that, immediately following Mr. Gorman's election, a bill was introduced in the legislature by a Stearns county representative, providing that the office of superintendent of schools in and for Stearns county be abolished and the work assigned to the judge of probate. Happily this vindictive and utterly senseless measure was defeated, whereby Stearns county retained a most excellent superintendent, for Mr. Gorman was a man of fine executive ability, and looked to the affairs of the office with a firm rigidity quite unattained before. The three years of his incumbency were fruitful ones for the schools, a notable rise of the standard of efficiency among the teachers marking the period.

In the fall of 1887 Lorenzo J. Rocholl, who was then teaching in the township of Spring Hill, was elected superintendent, and for twelve years this gentleman was at the head of the Stearns county schools. His administration marks an era of great educational activity. The teachers were organized and sectional meetings were held at which matters pertaining to the welfare of the schools were discussed. Fifty-one new districts were organized. It was during Mr. Rocholl's incumbency that the German Catholic Teachers' society flourished and did much to advance the general interest in the schools. Mr. Rocholl was also very active as a member of the legislative committee of the Minnesota Educational association, and it was "with his cooperation that a number of the laws for the betterment of things educational were enacted.

Up to this time the county superintendents prepared their own questions for teachers' examinations, though the state superintendent would send questions occasionally, which, however, were only regarded in the light of a suggestion. All grades of certificates, except professionals, were also issued by the county superintendents until toward the close of Mr. Rocholl's term, when a law was enacted providing that first-grade certificates be issued only by the state superintendent. It was through Mr. Rocholl's efforts that the free text-book system was introduced into Stearns county, and the first state library aid was secured by several districts.

Mr. Rocholl was succeeded in 1899 by Charles M. Weber, for a number of years engaged as a teacher in the township of Brockway and in the vicinity of St. Cloud. Mr. Weber held the office four years, and during his second term a law was passed providing that all grades of certificates, except so-called permits, be issued by the state department of education. J. B. Himsl, the present judge of probate and former county attorney, was Mr. Weber's deputy for a short time.

In the fall of 1902 Paul Ahles was elected superintendent. His biography appears elsewhere in this work, so that only his activity while in the office of county superintendent need be discussed here. Mr.

Ahles took hold of his oflJcial duties with a firm hand, his first efforts being towards raising the standard of efficiency among the teachers then employed in the county. He found that many were teaching on the old permits issued by former superintendents - which were no longer recognized by the state department - and he at once prepared to have all applicants for certificates take the regular state examinations. Mr. Ahles also prevailed upon the districts to equip their schools with heating and ventilating plants, thus meeting the newer requirements for the special state aid, which will be more fully discussed farther along in this chapter. Teachers' and school officers' meetings were held all over the county, which were always largely attended. Examinations for county eighth grade diplomas were held. The first graduates from the eighth grade received their diplomas in June, 1904. They were Susan Auer, Alwina Besemann and Amelia Theisen from Albany; Minnie C. Stephens from Fair Haven; Elma N.Craig from the McCormick Lake School, east of Sauk Centre; Mary Held from Luxemburg, and Anna E. Kraft from the Lyman Prairie school in Raymond township. In 1907 the number of eighth grade graduates was thirty-seven, and thereafter the number increased steadily with each examination. Anton B. Rieland, now cashier of the Richmond State bank, was the first permanent assistant superintendent. He v/as appointed by Mr. Ahles shortly after the latter came into office, and held the position four years. He was succeeded by Charles Schmit, who still holds the position. The introduction of industrial contests was another of Mr. Ahles' achievements, though at the present time the efforts are confined more specifically along one or two lines. Mr. Ahles remained in office eight years, and upon his retirement in 1911 left the schools of Stearns county in a condition quite unequaled before.

Mr. Ahles' retirement from office was voluntary. During the last four years of his incumbency he had applied himself to the study of law, and in February, 1910, was admitted to the bar, whereupon he declined a reelection. Four candidates entered the field, from among whom the writer of these lines was chosen to guide the school affairs of Stearns county. Pro- priety demands that a hand other than his own record his modest achievements, and he therefore relinquishes his pen, for a space, to an old friend who will recount the course of his life. This biography, by Andrew Kessler, principal of the Meire Grove school, here follows:

William Andrew Boerger, the present county superintendent of schools and author of this history, was born November 26, 1875, at Victoria (St. Joseph), a diminutive village near the historic old Fort Recovery, in Mercer county, Ohio. He was the youngest of five children, three brothers and one sister arriving before him. His parents were poor, though they and their children never were in want for the common necessities of life. The home was a large log house, the only one left in the village, and in after years Mr. Boerger often related how, on rainy days and nights, the entire family hurried about, placing pails, pans and tubs to catch the drippings from a faithless and defective roof. The father of the family was a teacher, instructing in a small district school eight miles from home, to which he went early Monday morning and returned late the Friday evening following, making the trips on foot. During his absence the mother and children did the work at home, for their six acres of land made it possible for them to make both ends meet The three older brothers prepared themselves for the teaching profession, which vocation they followed in after life.

When "Willie," as he was familiarly called, was thirteen years old he was permitted to go to the Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, where he intended to learn the art of altar building and sculpture. The Rev. Father Jessing, the rector of the institution, offered to take the boy free of charge, even providing for his clothes. He remained only a few weeks, however, for an immoderate and ungovernable attack of homesickness forced him to relinquish his cherished plans. So intense and acute were his sufferings that, on a Sunday morning in February, while Father Jessing and the entire population of the institution were gathered in church for services, the puny, homesick little lad slipped out, hurried to the dormitory for his valise, and, without knowing what direction to take.

left the building, climbing over a six-foot iron fence in making his exit! The little fellow had never before been in a city and he was utterly bewildered. Somewhere in that sea of houses he had cousins, whose address he knew and which he kept saying over and over to himself as he hurried along, shivering and shaking, for he had no mittens, no overcoat and the weather was bitter cold. Finally when he could endure it no longer he entered a meat market and tremblingly inquired if he might warm himself. Permission was given, but before he left the place he opened his valise and provided his hands with some protection against the cold. And thus it came to pass that, on a cold morning in the winter of 1888, the future superintendent of the Stearns county schools stole shyly up Main street in Columbus, Ohio, with a pair of gray cotton socks on his hands in place of mittens! Making inquiry of a policeman the overjoyed boy learned that he was only a few blocks from the home of his relatives, and that he had but to turn the next corner to come within view of it. The money for the journey home (about eighty miles) was provided by his relatives, Father Jessing was informed of the boy's whereabouts, and the next day "Willie's" mother was surprised beyond words to see her boy trudging up the road, carrying his heavy valise and almost wornout from his sixmile walk - but extremely happy! The following year Mr. Boerger went to live with his oldest brother, John G. Boerger, who was then teaching at East Bristol, Dane county, Wisconsin, where he prepared for college. Thereafter he attended the Catholic Normal School at St. Francis, Wisconsin, preparing for the dual position of teacher and organist. Mr. Boerger taught his first school in Biehle, Perry county, Missouri, a small place about seventy-five miles south of St. Louis and perhaps thirty miles inland from the Mississippi river. His first experiences in his new position were not designed to inspire enthusiasm. Three days after his arrival he contracted malaria, and for four weeks lay suffering among total strangers, several hundred miles from home. The place was extremely lonely and after his recovery he began teaching school, though the work was exceedingly trying because of his ex- hausted condition. On the evening of the first day he walked to the postoffice and found that a letter had arrived during his illness, telling him of the death of his mother which had occurred two weeks before. There was no railroad in Perry county at that time and all the mail had to come via Chester, Illinois, to Perryville (the county seat) and thence to Biehle, which accounted for the delay. Mr. Boerger remained but one year in Biehle. In the fall of 1893 he went to Hoven, Potter county. South Dakota, where he taught three years and where in November, 1895, he married Minnie Schmidt, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers of that region. The year following Mr. and Mrs. Boerger lived at Lewiston, Idaho, where Mr. Boerger taught in the St. Aloysius academy for boys, conducted by the Jesuit Fathers. Returning to Hoven, South Dakota, he remained another year, teaching his former school, and then came to Stearns county, having engaged the school at Jacob's Prairie, near Cold Spring. After two years of successful work the position of principal of St. Mary's school at St. Cloud, which carried with it that of organist at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, becoming vacant, Mr. Boerger applied for it and was elected, holding the position seven years. An incident in connection, showing Mr. Boerger's determination and steadfastness of purpose - which led to his excellent success as superintendent - may here be related. Through a peculiar arrangement of circumstances he arrived in St. Cloud to make personal application at seven o'clock in the evening. It was necessary that he be at Jacob's Prairie the next morning to teach school, but there was no train to Cold Spring that night. However, he was nothing daunted. He met with the committee, was assured of his election and at ten o'clock at night, without having had time to take his evening meal, he started on foot for Jacob's Prairie, walking the fifteen miles during the night on a rough road, and arriving at his home at two o'clock the next morning, tired but successful! During the time of his employment in St. Mary's school in St. Cloud Mr, Boerger was appointed a member of the City Library Board by Mayor J. E. C. Robinson, serving three years. In 1905 he was elected to the city council from the Second Ward for three years, serving the last year as president of that body. After leaving the school in 1907, Mr. Boerger was for nine months deputy clerk of court under Henry J. Limperich. Thereafter he took up newspaper work, holding the position of city editor of the St. Cloud Daily Times for three years. In the fall of 1910 he was elected superintendent of schools and entered upon his duties on January 3, 1911. Since that day two general elections have been held, but Mr. Boerger has had no opposition. Immediately upon assuming the duties of his office Mr. Boerger set about to achieve his chief purpose which is stated in a caption adorning all the stationery used in the office, "The Home and the School, Let us Bring Them Nearer Together." It was with this purpose in view that sectional teachers' and parents' meetings were held, these being at all times largely attended. A general awakening was the result. Prizes were offered by Mr. Boerger for the largest number of parents' visits in the schools (in proportion to the enrollment) and in 1913-14 over twelve hundred parents' visits were reported. Mr. Boerger also associated himself with the management of the Stearns County fair at Sauk Centre, making a large educational exhibit there every fall. One movement which will prove of lasting benefit to the county was the potato contest begun by Mr. Boerger in 1912. Up to this time not more than fifty car loads of potatoes had been shipped out of Stearns county, owing to the lack of uniformity in kind. The first year six hundred children entered the contest; the next year the number increased to seven hundred ninety-four, and the year following the contestants numbered over one thousand. As a direct result of these contests and their attendant instruction on the raising and marketing of potatoes, over five hundred car loads were shipped out of Stearns county the first year, and a much larger number the year following. In September, 1913, Mr. Boerger placed an exhibit of the Stearns county school work at the state fair, which won the second prize. The year following the Steams county exhibit again took second money, and in both years the first prize for a complete grade exhibit in penmanship was awarded the Stearns county schools. Mr.

Boerger's assistant is Charles Schmit, who was appointed by Mr. Ahles and retained by his successor. The situation in Stearns county is very encouraging. There is a most cheerful and hearty feeling of co-operation among all engaged and interested in school work, including not only the teachers, but the school officers and parents as well. The number of eighth grade graduates this year was 217, with a promise of a steady increase in the years to come.

Present Conditions. - It will be of interest as well as of value to future historians if the conditions of our schools as they exist at the time of this writing are briefly enumerated here, because far-reaching changes are contemplated and are already in the making. There are at present 196 schools in the county, exclusive of the independent districts, which are four in number. Seven joint districts, in which the schoolhouses are in adjoining counties, also extend into Stearns county. High schools are maintained at St. Cloud, Sauk Centre and Paynesville, while a full high school and commercial course is taught at Melrose. Courses in agriculture, domestic science and manual training are taught in St. Cloud, Sauk Centre, Paynesville and Melrose. A normal training department is maintained at Sauk Centre. High school work is also done in the graded schools at Richmond, Kimball, Eden Valley, Belgrade and Brooten, the last named maintaining, in addition, domestic science and agricultural departments. There are two consolidated districts, one at Sauk Centre and one at Kimball. In addition to the high and graded schools there are seventeen semi-graded schools, in which two or more teachers are employed, but which do not meet all the requirements for graded schools.

Including those of the independent districts there are 330 teachers employed in the county. Of these, 259 are women and 71 are men. The average monthly wages in the rural and semi-graded schools are $65.30 for men, and $51.16 for women. Twenty-two of the districts provide cottages for the teachers. Of the teachers employed 185 are graduates of high schools, normal schools or colleges, while of the rest 68 hold first grade, 65 second grade and 12 limited certificates. Limited certificates are issued to applicants without experience, but the credits required are the same as for second grade certificates. The branches required for a limited certificate are reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, history, geography, spelling, physiology-hygiene, civics and composition. When the holder has acquired five months' experience the certificate is made a complete second. A first grade certificate requires, in addition, algebra, geometry, physics and physical geography. Eight months of experience were necessary for a first grade certificate up to the present time; however, beginning with August 1, 1915, applicants for first grade certificates must show eighteen months' experience acquired before that date or else they must show thirty-six weeks of normal training in methods. After that date no amount of experience, if subsequently acquired, will be accepted toward a first grade certificate.

In 1914 the number of rural and semigraded schools receiving the special state aid was 147, the total amount received tor rural, semi-graded, graded and high schools being $43,828.10. The requirements for this special state aid (in oneroom schools) are as follows: The teacher must hold a complete certificate of either grade; school must be taught eight months and the building must be equipped with 100 square feet of blackboard; one unabridged and five academic dictionaries; two sets of supplementary readers; a case of nine maps; a twelve-inch globe; $10 worth of primary construction material; a library to which $10 worth of books must be added each year; a heating and ventilating plant, properly installed; sanitary drinking vessels, foot-scrapers and erasers. Two well-kept outhouses at least thirty feet apart must also be provided. Every school so equipped is entitled to the special state aid, providing the teacher holds a complete certificate. A limited certificate, while authorizing the holder to teach, does not entitle the district to this aid, although the apportionment and other state revenues are not withheld. If the teacher holds a first grade certificate the district receives $150; if a second grade, $100. If the district votes only seven months of school then either grade of certificate entitles to $75 only.

For the past three years the average length of school term was 8.2 months for the entire county. The apportionment for the past year was $6 for each child that attended the required forty days, making a total of $60,317.51 for the entire county. There are 105 districts in which text-books are furnished free to the children. The total value of all schoolhouses and sites is estimated at this date to be $628,344. The interior equipment amounts to another $58,332, making a total of $686,676. During the past year the sum of $289,195.44 was expended for the maintenance of the public schools in this county, with a total cash balance of $120,187.75 in the several treasuries. The average rate of special tax, in mills, for the ensuing year was 15.9 for high and graded school districts, and 5.7 for rural districts.

In twelve of the rural schools warm lunches are served to the children at noon and the movement is steadily spreading. The pioneers in this direction were Harriet Wheeler, who began under serious difficulties and drawbacks in District Number 136 in the township of Ashley; Leta White, of District Number 49, three miles west of Sauk Centre; and Carrie Walz, in District Number 40 in the township of Rockville, Anna M. Karels, now Mrs. Henry Zenner, of St. Wendel, was the first to introduce manual training in a rural school, beginning this work in 1912 at St. Nicholas, where she taught for three years. Another pioneer in this movement is Michael Lutgen, now teaching in District Number 81, township of St. Martin.

There are 113 schools in the county in which a foreign language is taught, instruction being given as follows: German, 100; Scandinavian, 11; Polish, 2. The laws now in force permit the teaching of a foreign language in the public (common) schools for a period of one hour a day, provided it is so ordered by a unanimous vote of the school board.

Including those of the high and graded schools there are 177 school libraries in the county, with a total of 37,703 volumes. During the past year parents and pupils availed themselves of these libraries to the extent that 26,693 volumes were taken and read.

is 10,725, of whom 10,089 were entitled to apportionment the past year, having attended the required number of days. The average number of days attended by each child was 130. In 1909 the state legislature passed a wholesome compulsory education law which is quite rigidly enforced. It provides that the clerk of each district each year take a census of the children between the ages of six and sixteen, the original being filed with the county superintendent and a copy with the teacher. Children between the ages of eight and fourteen are obliged to attend regularly, unless excused by the board. Grounds for excuse are physical inability, mental deficiency, unreasonable distance from school and previous completion of the grades. Children between fourteen and sixteen years of age may be excused between April 1 and November 1, to assist in the necessary work on the farm.

Long Periods of Service. - Stearns county has acquired an enviable reputation for the numerous long periods of continuous service performed by many teachers in their respective districts. The longest uninterrupted term was enjoyed by Lucas Gertken, who taught in the village school at Richmond for thirty-one years, following which he taught nine years at Meire Grove. Next in line is John Wocken who has been principal of the Cold Spring school for twenty-seven consecutive years, while Gotthard Harren held the same position in the Freeport schools for twentyfive years. The longest term in any rural school was taught by Nicholas K. Weber, who was employed in District Number 125, in the township of St. Martin, for twentytwo years. Close upon this record comes that of Joseph M. Gillitzer, who taught the school in District Number 63, known as the "Wolf Settlement," for twenty-one years. Henry Krebs, one of the early county superintendents, taught at St. Augusta for twenty-four years, while Henry W. Lembeck has been teaching at Spring Hill for eighteen years.. N. K. Stein taught in District 64 for seventeen years. Seventeen years ago Mary Phlepsen was employed to teach the primary room in the village school at Cold Spring, and she has been -regularly reengaged every year since. Wendelin Ruf, one of the early teachers, taught sixteen years at Arban, while Theo- dore Lobmiller was employed for fourteen consecutive years at Farming. For thirteen years Edward Ortmann has been teaching the primary room in the Meire Grove school, and his record is equalled by those of John B. Glass and Michael Meinz, who taught the same number of years at Cold Spring as assistants to Mr. Wocken. Joseph Torborg taught the school in District Number 132 for eleven years, which record is also held by John Lang in District Number 133 and Hermann Ricker in District Number 183. The following taught each in his respective school for ten years: C. A. Boerger at St. Martin; Joseph N. Huss at Jacob's Prairie; Andrew Weber at Richmond; W. F. Kuehnl at St. Nicholas, and J. C. Diekmann at Roscoe. A nine-year record is held by M. P. Schiltz at Meire Grove, Henry J. Adrian in District Number 165, Simon Blum in District Number 144, and Henry Stoetzel at St. Rosa. For eight years W. C. Hendershott was principal of the Brooten school, a record also enjoyed by Joseph B. Himsl in District Number 94 and Joseph Lahr in District Number 63. Besides these there are a large number who have taught in one district for seven, six and five years. Much of this is due to the fact that in a large number of instances cottages are either owned by the district or else dwelling houses are provided rent free for the use of the teachers.

Ashley Township. - District Number 46. now called the Homm school, seven miles northwest of Sauk Centre, was the first organized in Ashley township. This is a joint district, part of which lies in Todd county. The first school was taught by Mary Parker in the house of F. Karell, across the road from the present location in Todd county. After a schoolhouse was erected Mary Stiles was employed to teach, the officers engaging her being F. Tubbs, clerk; George Baker, treasurer, and David Stiles, director.

All the records belonging to the district were destroyed by fire in 1899. Other teachers employed in this school were Hattie Doyle, Julia Kinsella, Mae Jardine, Nathaniel Swift, Alta Cass, Samuel F. Reed, Manda Nelson, Mae Gallagher, Florence Compton, Clara Hines and Alice Parker. This school was awarded second prize for general exhibits from rural schools at the Stearns county fair held at Sauk Centre in 1914. Alice Parker was the teacher. It is completely equipped for the special state aid. During the past year warm lunches were served, for which purpose the stove and utensils were bought with prize money earned by the school and by individual pupils for school exhibits at the county fair.

In 1869 a part of District Number 46 was taken to form a new district, the school house being erected two miles south of that of the parent organization. It is now known as the Parker school, though Number 65 is its legal designation. The first officers of this newly created district were J. A. Shaw, clerk; Simeon Grant, director; John Ebenpacher, treasurer. The first schoolhouse used was a log building in which Triphene Baker was the first teacher. Miss Baker was engaged for a term of three months, at a salary of $20 per month, she to board herself, or, if she chose and found a welcome, to "board 'round." There were only three pupils en- 1 oiled the first term. The equipment at the command of the teacher and pupils was very limited. It consisted of one spelling book, one "Practical Arithmetic" and a Bible. This was further supplemented one morning by one of the older girls who brought a lead pencil and a sheet of writing paper that the teacher might help her write a letter to her beau! Still, in spite of these humble beginnings, this school has won in the course of time an honorable position. Among the pupils who attended here was Clara Stiles, now a member of the faculty of the state normal school at St. Cloud, considered one of the most thorough educators in the state. Jennie Pierson, Thekla Pierson, Orpha Stiles and Alice Parker, who also attended this school, later graduated with class honors from the Sauk Centre high school. At the 1913 county fair, with Blanche Lee as teacher, this school was awarded the second prize for a penmanship exhibit, and one year later, with the same teacher, it received the first prize for a general exhibit from rural schools. At the 1914 state fair the first prize for a product map of the state of Minnesota was awarded this district. A complete equipment for the special state aid adds to the efficiency of the school. Among the teachers em ployed were Paris Bruce, Elida Close, Net tie Wilcox, Kate Atfield, Charles Bronson Molly Dobbs, Emma Sumner, Fannie Mitchell, Minnie Hogan, Hattie Rockwell Belle McLief, Hattie Smith, Jennie Jones Bert Stiles, Emma Stiles, Nellie McCor mick (later society editress of the St Cloud Journal-Press and now Mrs. E. J Hollern of Minneapolis), Vinnie Johnson I. W. Reid, Edward Dubois, Mabel Cowl thorpe, Irving Fischer, Edna Carpenter Frances Spieker, Charlotte Swift, Mae Jar dine, Leta White, Jennie Hines, Blanche Lee and Typhosa Rorabaugh.

District Number 101, whose building is situated three miles west of the Parker school, was organized in 1874. School was first taught in a small board shanty on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of Section 17. This structure was replaced in 1876 by a frame building erected on the present site, the southeast quarter of Section 8. The teachers employed in this school were Lettie Burgess, F. A. Stiles, Ella L. Lewis, R. H. Sliter, Belle Riley, Cora Sunderland, Carrie Frederick, Rose Cooper, May Hoffman, Maggie Hartnett, Cassie Frederick, Hester Lewis, Eva Davis, Emma Stiles, Annie Gray, Celia Grimes, Lucy Chisholm, Lela V. Gilman, Anna Allen, Jennie Pierson, Carrie Cooper, Jennie Lovas, Jennie Hines, Mildred Lathrop, Bessie Manwell, Florence Compton, Clara Houghton and Clara Hines.

District Number 97 was organized in 1882 and a schoolhouse erected on the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of Section 26. Several years after the building was moved south one-half mile, and from this new location it has acquired the name of the Lynch school. The first teacher was Emma Lewis, who had an enrollment of twelve pupils. Other teachers employed were Etta Craig, Kate Flahaven, Mayme Grundmann, Maggie Meagher, Nettie Wilcox, Kate Fredericks, Carrie Fredericks, Clara Stiles, Orpha Stiles, Inez Gats, Thomas Flahaven, Elmer Smith, Lizzie Gray, Margaret Von Levern, Mae Jardine, Frances Spieker, Edna Brown, William Parker, Mathilda Bock, and Ruth Osborne.

District Number 136, which is more generally known as the Gray District, was organized in 1888, with William Gray, clerk; Charles Robinson, treasurer; William Mitchell, director. The first teacher was a Miss Mclntyre, whose enrollment was fifteen pupils. It was in this school that Harriet Wheeler in 1912-13 began the teaching of domestic science, the first work of its kind in the rural schools of this county. The first efforts were rather primitive, the equipment consisting of one kettle and such smaller dishes as the children were permitted to bring from home. The heating stove was used in cooking the food. Later the school board purchased an oil stove and the necessary utensils. Miss Wheeler's efforts, begun merely to provide a warm lunch at noon, gradually widened into a larger scope, and soon she found herself giving instructions in cooking and baking. This work was done on Friday afternoons, some of the mothers of the district being frequently present. During this period the boys judged and tested corn and potatoes. So successful were Miss Wheeler's efforts that she was employed by the state the following summer for demonstration work in the northern counties. Other teachers who instructed in this school were Martha Moon, Isabel Riley, Margaret Maguire, Mary Swift, Cecelia Grimes, Mary Fearby, Ethel Smith, Anna Hoffmann, Hattie Swift, Vinnie Johnson, Vera Parker, Rose Mclntyre, Lydia Lyons, Alice Cass, Archibald Kirk, Elizabeth Rich and Josephine Hanson.

District Number 157, the most northwesterly in the county, was organized in 1891 with J. C. Cass, director; H. B. Nickum, treasurer; G. D. Cass, clerk. Allie Moore was the first teacher. Her enrollment was fifteen pupils,. Other teachers were Lulu Wilcox, Sarah Hartnett, Eva Davis, Etta Carpenter, Mary Rooney, Clara Carpenter, Lena Karels, Lillie Schwartz, Barbara Krick, Blonda Smith, Mary Kettermann, Susan Auer, Pauline Ahles, Emily Rassier, Anna M. Heger, Susan Rassier and Elizabeth Speiser.

Avon Township. - The first school in this township was taught by Mary Sutrup in a wagon shop, owned and operated by M. S. Keppers near his home. The only furniture was the work bench. In 1870 District Number 60 (the present village school of Avon) was organized and a log building erected on Section 28. Joseph Katzner, now the Rev. John Katzner, O. S. B., familiarly known as Father John, the successful horticulturist of St. John's Abbey, was the first teacher in this new building. The structure was also used as a church and the equipment was very meagre in both directions. It consisted of a number of rudely fashioned benches, a piece of canvass painted black and an old box stove. The first folding slate, bound .in flaming red flannel, caused such a commotion that for half an hour discipline went begging! The log building was later replaced by a frame structure which is still standing, although it is no longer used for school purposes. An addition was built in the nineties and an assistant hired. In 1912 a parochial school building was erected and rented to the district. Three teachers are employed.

An amusing incident occurred in the early days which is still related by those who remember the occurrence. One of the teachers was very fond of deer hunting, which game was quite abundant at that time.. He was in the habit of going out early in the morning to lie in waiting near the runways. But in spite of his vigilance he never got a fair shot at any of the nimble creatures. Despairing of success he hit upon the expedient of scaling a half fallen tree which overhung one of the runways. However he was much afraid that in his excitement he might fall off, and to provide against such a calamity took with him a strong piece of rope with which he lashed himself somewhat loosely to the trunk. Presently a fine buck came sniflang along the path. The pedagogue wriggled into position, but in his eagerness he lost his balance and slipped from the tree. At the appointed hour the children arrived at the school building but there was no teacher. They waited half an hour, an hour, and still the good man did not put in his appearance. Finally some people living near-by became interested and a search for the missing teacher was instituted. Much speculation was rife as to the possible fate of the master as the people and children hurried through the woods, when suddenly they came upon him dangling from the tree with a rope tied about his waist! After numerous remarks by which, as may well be imagined, his dignity was not at all advanced, the unfortunate schoolmaster was liberated and everybody trooped back to school, where the work for the day was resumed. The good man's ardor in the chase may well be pardoned, for the first teachers were paid the lowest of wages and were obliged to "board 'round."

The teachers employed were Mary Sutrup, Joseph Katzner, Joseph Maier, Conrad Marschall, Anton Warnken, Ignatius Broker, Phillip Richter, P. J. Limperich, Casper Klostermann, L. J. Rocholl, John Steichen, Math Weirens, Anton Eltrich, Michael Gans, Anna Christen, John Goetz, W. F. Kuehnl, Joseph Heinen, Carl Rettenmaier. Miss Hasty, Ben Garding, Miss Nelson, Mary Coyne, A. C. Seifert, John Jacobs, John Lang and J. J. Welte.. The first assistant was Mrs. Carl Rettenmaier and her successors were Miss Kuhn, Kate Christen, Clara Engels, Sophia Kranz, Theresa Bauer, Carrie Walz, Frances Donnersbach and Mary Bauer.

District Number 72, the school at St. Anna, was organized in 1869, with Wolfgang Voit, clerk; Rudolph Grunoh, treasurer; John Rass, director. There is some dispute as to who may have been the first teacher. Some maintain that Adam Keppers enjoys this distiction, while others claim that Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict gave the first instructions. The school formerly stood one mile south of the present location, instruction being given in a log building. This was later replaced by a frame structure which was destroyed by fire. When a new building was erected the location was changed. The enrollment at the present time is 72, a number far in excess of the seating capacity of the school. However, the district is contemplating the erection of a modern, tworoom building, which will no doubt materialize within a short time. During the past year a large past of the territory was detached to form a new district. While this greatly diminishes the area it does not materially decrease the enrollment. The teachers who taught in this school v/ere F. Vorwold, Louis Kitowski, John Schwientek, Mrs. H. Remington, Joseph Otte, James Backes, Mathew E. Omann, Adam Waldowski, Joseph Krebsbach, Alice Uptegrove, Anna Stewart, Paul Dobis, Elinor Bettenburg, Michael Tschida,

Adam Keppers, Miss Haales, Prank Brinkmann, Mr. Renker, John Eich, Anna Keppers, C. Janski and Emily Rassier. Mr. Vorwold, one of the early teachers, was drowned in Pelican Lake, near the school. He lived across the lake and in winter would skate across to shorten the distance.

District Number 149, otherwise known as the Sperl school and more recently given the name "Rosebud School," was organized in the fall of 1890. Stephen Dillenburg was elected clerk; John B. Sperl, treasurer, and John Grossmann, director. Jacob E. Lemm, now living at Estovan, Canada, was the first teacher. His enrollment numbered 28 pupils. Since the organization of the district the number of pupils has steadily decreased, until the term in 1911-12 when no school could be taught as there were only two pupils of school age in the district. Accordingly the school board made provision for the transportation of the children to the Albany school, and for one year the little school on the hill stood vacant. However, this could not continue, as under such conditions the district stood in danger of dissolution; so the following year a teacher was again employed, although the number of children was still less than half a dozen.. Other teachers who followed Mr. Lemm were Joseph Lommel, Kate Wimmer, Lena Christen, J. P. Schwinghammer, Benedict Lemm, Fred Christen, Sophie Christen, Mary Schwinghammer, Bernard J. Keppers, Leonars Vos, Mary Pratschner, Cecilia Robeck, Henrietta Christen, Frances Backes, Martin Schmitt, Margaret Roesch (now Sister Jeanette of the Order of St. Benedict), Anton J. Schneider, Anna Gerding, Max Grave and Mathilda O. Friedl.

District Number 175, whose educational activity is visibly expressed by a little Btone schoolhouse, situated one mile north of St. John's University, in a hollow formed on three sides by a naturally curved mound and on the other by the high grade of the Albany state road, was organized in 1895. This district, which was formerly a part of District Number 120, may properly be said to have been born of a cyclone, for it was upon this physical calamity that dissatisfaction from within found expression when it was proposed to erect the new building still farther from this part of the district. (See history of District No. 120, Township of CoUegeville.) The majority voted to have the school placed half a mile farther south, whereupon the residents in the northern part of the district petitioned for a new organization. The petition was granted and in 1895 the organization was completed by the election of the following oflScers: Sebastian Meyer, clerk; Peter Rau, director; Aloysius Himsl, treasurer. Mr. Meyer still holds his office, while Mr. Himsl continued to be treasurer until his death, which occurred July 2, 1913. Two weeks later his son, Frank Himsl, was elected in his place. John Wimmer, was the first teacher in this school. His enrollment numbered 35 pupils, which number has very much decreased since the first term. Other teachers employed were Mary Braun, Mary Jakale, Albert A. Eich, Frank Wagner, Math Krier, Carrie Walz, Elizabeth Rich, Regina Schneider, Elizabeth Keller, Joseph M. Gillitzer, Elizabeth Kamp, John Mergen, Simon Meyer, Mathilda Lemm, Roe Danzl and Alma Hockert.

District Number 176, the Hill school, located in Section 13, was organized in 1896. The first school officers were Patrick Meagher, William Murphy and Hermann Maehren. Nellie McBride, now Mrs. Oliver Cronin of North Dakota, was the first teacher. She had an enrollment of fifteen pupils. Other teachers employed were Wendelin Ruff, Norbert Schneider, Henry Bachel, Theresa Hill, B. J. Keppers, Evaline Messerschmitt, Minnie Kaufmann, Agnes Coyne, James L. Barrett, Sarah Fearon, Elinor Theisen, Martha Murphy and Margaret Ryan.

District Number 208 was organized in the summer of 1914, the territory being taken from Districts 72, 87, 42 and 176. The school officers were E. J. Tipton, clerk; F. Phillipsek, treasurer, and Anton Streit, chairman. Mr. Streit was for a number of years clerk of District Number 87. Miss Effie Quale of Albany was the first teacher.

Albany Township. - The first school in the Township of Albany was taught in 1867 in a log building on Section 22 by Anthony Froehlich, twenty pupils being enrolled. The school was situated on the land of Mr. Obermiller, about half a mile south of the present village of Albany, although at that time no railroad extended into Stearns county and there was as yet no village of that name. Because of its location the school was known as the Obermiller school. The building had been erected by a number of Catholics who lived in the surrounding country for a church, the Rev. R Benedict, O. S. B. (long since deceased), conducting services therein about once a month. In the spring of the following year District Number 59 was organized with Joseph Schwinghammer, clerk; Isidor Obermiller, director, and Paul Obermiller, treasurer. The organization embraced all of the township of Albany except sections 31, 32, and 33. The old church continued to be used for school purposes for several years; however, upon the completion of the Great Northern railroad through the county and the platting of the townsite of Albany, a church was built nearer the station and the old building was deprived of its religious character. The land on which it stood was repurchased by the former owners, and in order to accommodate the children of the village (during the first three or four years these were few in number) the school site was changed to the cross-roads about onequarter of a mile to the east, where a frame building was erected and stood for several years. Some of the early teachers were A. Hoffmann, Frank Klostermann, A. Warnken, J. M. Gillitzer, Michael Kummer, Nicholas Young and Henry F. Meyer. The arrangement proved quite satisfactory for several years; however, as the population of the village increased sentiment favored the location of a school within the corporate limits, and at an election held in 1878 a sufficient majority of the voters cast their ballots in favor of the new location. Immediately upon this the people living to the south and east petitioned the county board for a new district and their petition was granted. The new organization was known as District Number 111, but the schoolhouse remained at the crossroads, almost at the edge of the village, until 1902, when it was moved south about two miles.. Even at the present time the boundaries of District Number 111 extend up to the village limits of Albany, scarcely half a mile from the town school. The first village schoolhouse was a frame structure in which for several years only one teacher was employed. The present four-room building was erected in 1892, and upon its completion four teachers were engaged. The principals since 1892 were Andrew Schneider, Paul Ahles, Andrew H. Kessler, Henry Krinbring, Thomas Cougherty, Felix Payant, Peter Ahles, Susan Auer, Eleanor Bauer, Rosalie Weisser and Peter M. Weyrens. The school was placed on the state graded school list in 1903 during the principalship of Mr. Krinbring, and so continued until 1910 when on account of lack of pupils, it could no longer maintain its standard. In 1909 a large parochial school was built, which caused a great falling off in attendance. Assistant teachers employed in the Albany village school were Lena Marschall, Rose Geisel, George Garreis, Mary Schwinghammer, John Krause, Bertha Linnemann, Carrie Walz, John A. Maus, Peter P. Molitor, Mary Pratschner, Theresia Bieble, Tillie Schwartz, Bertha Pallansch, Catherine Doyle, Angelia Schroeder, Beatrice C. Wolfe. Cecilia Fitzgerald, Susan Auer, Theresia Bauer, Olive Dailey, Mayme Pallansch and Catherine Murphy.

District Number 111, as already indicated in the foregoing, was organized April 29, 1878. Its history is closely related to that of District Number 59, in fact both districts claim the original Obermiller school as their own. However, since the school was moved from the crossroads near Albany to its present location, it has become known as the Heinen school, though an occasional old settler calls it by its former name. The district is contemplating the erection of a new schoolhouse, since the present structure no longer meets the state requirements, although properly equipped in every other direction. Some of the teachers employed in this school were Peter Stadtherr, Agatha Roeder, N. J. Harren, Leo Bauer, Martin J. Schmitt, Emily Schneider, Jennie Tischleder, M. G. Weyrens and Theresa Bauer.

District Number 143, whose schoolhouse is situated about three miles west of Albany, was organized in 1889. John Pleme! Sr., John Dirkies Sr., and Herman Jackel were the first officers. Peter Danzl was the first teacher. Since his time the following teachers have been engaged in this sahool; Henry F. Meyer, Michael Weyrens, Annie Christen, Katie Wimmer, Peter Ehresmann, George Garreis, John Schwinghammer, Karl Rettenmaier, John Fink, Jacob L. Hohmann, Barney Eshpeter, Henry Briol, Max Grave and Joseph Fahnhorst. Louis Dirkies, a prominent attorney; Edward Schmid, Anna Eschpeter and Magdalena Eschpeter, teachers, attended this school. In the year 1901 a dwelling house was erected for the use of the teacher.

District Number 179, the Fruth school three miles southwest of Albany, was organized in 1898. George Fruth was the first director; S. P. Wimmer, clerk, and Joseph Meier, treasurer. Josephine Wim> mer, now Mrs. William Bidmann of Two Inlets, Minn., was the first teacher. Her enrollment was thirty pupils. The teachers who followed her were Fred Christen, Mary Schwinghammer, Alvina Besemann (now Mrs. Albert Strobel of St. Cloud) Elinor Pallansch and Emily Schneider.

District Number 178, northeast of Albany, was organized in 1898. Math Gretsch, Joseph Friedl and Michael Konsak were the first school officers. Miss Hedwig Himsl, now Mrs. J. P. Goetten of St. Cloud, was the first teacher. Other teachers were Norbert Schneider, Sophia Christen, William Schneider, Evaline Messerschmitt, Hannah Batz, Anna Berle, Rose Dicks, Emily Schneider and Isabel Krebs.

District Number 148, for many years known as the Weivoda district, but recently renamed the Woodland school, was organized in 1891 with Peter George director; Andrew Malley, treasurer, and Rudolph Stich, clerk. Aloys Schwinghammer, now of Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada, was the first teacher. He was followed by Peter Weber, Conrad A. Marschall, Jacob L. Koll, Peter G. Ehresmann, Nicholas Young, Michael George, Lizzie Rosenberger, Sophia Kranz, John Kraus, Mary Roesch, Lizzie Eich, Theodore Schulte, Anna Karels, Anna Adrian, Mayme Pallansch, Laura Eich, Anna Luckeroth, Elizabeth Just, Celia Hammerl, Katherine Wilwerding and Katherine Johannes.

Brockway Township. - The first school in the township of Brockway was taught by Irene Carrick of Elk River in 1859. This was a private school, conducted in the house of Winslow Getchell. This was within the confines of what, since 1857, was designated District Number 7 and is now known as the Perry school (also the Riverside school). Since neither funds nor public buildings were available, recourse was had to private instruction, a small tuition being charged. The present schoolhouse was built in 1861 and the first teacher was a Mr. Sabbath who was employed for a three months' term. Unfortunately the records for a number of years were lost or destroyed. The first school board consisted of George W. Day, John Hayward and Winslow Getchell. The second year a term of four months was taught, and for the next nine years six months was the regular length of term. Thereafter, until 1913, the term was held at seven months, and in 1913 it was increased to eight. In that year the schoolhouse was much improved by an addition and a complete interior equipment.

District Number 8, whose building is situated about three miles north of the Perry school and which is locally known as the Crosby school, was organized in 1867. E. J. Smart, C. M. Hiscock and H. B. Smart were the first school officers. The first school was taught by Julietta Hicks in the farm house of Reuben Crosby, about half a mile south of the present schoolhouse. Twenty pupils were enrolled. Other teachers employed were Agnes Russell, Electa Holding, Susan Popple, James B. Bonham, Janet Russell, Anna C. Kelley, Etta Clifford, Lydia Pedley, Belle Tuttle, Alda Everette, Olive Leavitt, Grace Wilson, May Leavitt, Lulu Bonham, Emma R. Smart, Lottie Brown, Alice Bowen, Jennie E. Campbell, Mary E. Hiscock, Nellie Wakefield, Margaret Miller, Mary Moulin, Gertrude Gilman, Miriam A. Smart, Mary V. Collar, Nellie Dayton, J. F. Smart, Lillian Kenyon, Cora Rucker, Mary E. Bell, Lucy M. Lisle, Agnes A. Flint, Hester J. Caughey, Jennie A. Smart, Josephine Johnson, Eva Caughey, Bessie Parks, Mamie Lisle, Gertrude Flint, Bertha Lausted, Evangeline Carpenter, Etta Whan, Grace Burt, Martha Hurley, Mae Koch, Alma B. Gordon and Alma Caughey.

District Number 12, known as the Ross school and situated one mile east of Opole, was organized in 1869 with Joseph Patrick, director; George Healy, clerk, and Wil- liam Ross, treasurer. The first school was taught in a log building, just across the road north of the present location, by Annie Parnett. There were thirty-five pupils enrolled. Among the teachers who followed Miss Parnett were John Pleasant, Angus Kennedy, Joseph Meyers, John Schultheis, D. J. Mclsaacs, Minnie Perlowski, Rose Courtney and Mary Richards. Charles M. Weber, later county superintendent of schools, taught in this district for a number of years. R. P. Ross, at present superintendent of Cass County, Minnesota, attended this school when a boy, his father being the first treasurer of the district.

District Number 4, the Brick school, in the southwestern part of the township, was organized in 1874. The first school officers were Angus Kennedy, John Murphy and Timothy McCarthy. Thomas Mc- Cauley was the first teacher, ten pupils attending. School was first taught in an old log building half a mile west of the present location. This building is still in a good state of preservation, although the variety of uses to which it has been put in later years have wrought some changes in its original appearance. At the present time it serves as a combination of barn and tinker's shop, a sort of emergency hospital where plows and reapers and carts that have fallen victims to minor accidents may be given temporary relief. Since the organization of the district the enrollment has steadily increased, numbering at the present time 64 pupils. The old log building soon proved too small, and a brick building was erected in its place. In this the pupils now find themselves in rather close quarters, and the erection of a new schoolhouse will be given earnest consideration in the near future. After Mr. Mc- Cauley the following teachers were employed: Alex McGinnis, William Martin, Lizzie Collins, Agnes Stack, William Stack, Rosella Randolph, Richard Mahoney, James L. Barrett, Margaret McKay, Irene Reed, Anna McNulty, Hattie Lavette, Alice Morris, Sarah Twomey, Margaret Coyne, Margaret Twomey, Emma Kennedy, Alex Stuart, Winnifred Connelly, Mary McArthur, Margaret Welsh, Marie Held, Sarah Ryan and Leona Lovell.

Peternell school, and more recently christened the Roosevelt school, was organized in 1874, with Andrew Then, John Knettle and Paul Blenkush the officers. Joseph Thiers was the first teacher. He taught in a log building about ten rods southwest of the present school. This has since entirely disappeared. Among the pupils who attended this school and later attained prominence were the Rev. M. Omann, Mathew E. Omann, principal of the Carver schools, and Andrew Peternell, cashier of the Albany state bank. Other teachers employed in this district were John Goetz, Charles M,. Weber, Valentine Ruff, August Richter, Frank Brinkmann, John Richter, Laura I. Friburk, Lena Karels, Blonda Smith, Margaret Raykowski, Bernard Winkelmann, Jennie Lacher, Rose Schmidt, Sophia Kranz and Helen Katzmarek.

District Number 130, the school at St. Stephen, was organized in 1887. The first school officers were Gregory Peternell, Martin Legat and Anton Kapser. John Gates, who had an enrollment of about twenty pupils, was the first teacher. Since then the number of pupils has so steadily increased that the present quarters have become much too small. At the last annual meeting bonds were voted for the erection of a modern two-room schoolbuilding. It will cost about $5,000. The teachers who followed Mr. Gates were Math Bilbon, Math Justin, Frank Bemick, Anna Keppers, John Heim, Lena Bernick, Laura I. Friburk, Anna Mensinger, Kitty Quinn, Mathew E. Omann, Mary Trzewik, Margaret Kosel, Rose Quinn, Rose Farrell, Mary Tschumperlin, Joseph Eversmann, Marie Gleason, James L. Barrett and Norbert Schneider.

District Number 121, whose building is the most northeasterly in the county, was organized in 1881. The officers were Mr. Adams, Mr. Richardson and Samuel Lambert. Elizabeth Adams was the first teacher, giving instruction to a small number of children in a private house about half a mile north of the present school site. Other teachers employed were John Mrosha, Mary Smart. Lucy Overton, Tracy Seifert, Lizzie Bonham, Jennie Smart, George Garrison, Nettie McNeal, Mary Edelwein, Sophia Hagemann, Elizabeth Mund, Josephine Johnson, Arthur Morgan, Grace Lambert, Eva E. Caughey, Eliza-

District Number 195, known as the Opole school, was organized in 1902. Michael Sowada, Stanley Kuklok, and John Pientok were the officers. The first teacher was Mathew E. Omann, who had an enrollment of about sixty pupils. Other teachers were Celia Roble, Peter Mohs, Mary McArthur, J. B. Svienty, Anna Steward, Bertha Winkler, Mary Grant, Nora Donohue and Erma Kiley.

Collegeville Township. - Owing to the very hilly and rugged surface of this township, Collegeville is at the present time the most sparsely settled region in the entire county. It has only three schools, though it is very probable that a fourth district will soon be established in the center of the township. At the present writing the schools are located in the extreme corners, with District Number 132 in the southeast corner of Farming township serving the people in the southwestern part of Collegeville. The first institution of learning established in the township of Collegeville was St. John's University, of which a comprehensive sketch appears in another part of this history. However, its presence drew about it many farmers, and in 1875 District Number 120 was organized. School was first taught in a little log building which stood about three-quarters of a mile northwest of St. John's University. Sister Candida, of the Order of St. Benedict, was the first teacher. The first school officers were Peter Rau, Peter Eich and John Obermiller. The little log building continued in use until 1890 when the school site was changed after a very spirited election. A new frame structure was then erected on an old mill site, about half a mile east, where it stood for five years. It was completely destroyed by the cyclone which swept over the central part of the county in "1895. A new site southwest of the University was then selected (see history of District Number 175, Avon township) and since that time the little schoolhouse has been standing in the very shadow of one of the greatest institutions of learning in the Northwest. Sister Candida taught several terms, and was followed by others of her Order. Other teachers employed were Miss Frankie, Miss Seifert, Simon Blum, John Harren, Conrad Marschall, J. M. Gillitzer, George Meyer, Sebastian DeGross, Anna Marschall and Lena Hockert.

District Number 144, variously known as the Scherer school and the Eisenschenk school, was organized in 1889. The officers were Nicholas Keller, Andrew Klein and John Klocker. Simon Blum was the first teacher, being his own successor for a number of terms. He had nineteen pupils enrolled. Other teachers were Pauline Geiger, Jacob Doetzel, Anton LeMiller, Clara Streitz, George J. Guggenberger, Elinor Theisen and Ida Backes.

District Noimber 140, known as the Fandel school, about four miles southwest of .A von, was organized in 1898. John Black was the first clerk, Nicholas Fandel, director and Theodore Ritter, treasurer. Nicholas Neeser was the first teacher, being followed by John Eich, John Mutchlechner, John Schwinghammer, Lena Christen, Kate Christen. Michael George, Mary Eich, Mary Kattermann, Ben J. Keppers, Frances Backes, Joseph Theisen, John Spoden, Edward Schmidt, Lucy Hingsberger and Louise Lahr.

Crow Lake Township. The first school in Crow Lake township was taught in 1870 by Julia Nelson, now Mrs. Michael Olson of Colfax, Kandiyohi county. The school house stood on the southeast corner of Section 15, two miles west of the present village of Belgrade. This was in District Number 76. The first school officers were F. A. S wen son. Even Hendrickson and Frank McMine. When the Belgrade village district was organized the school was moved half a mile farther west. Some of the teachers were Selin Daniels, Charlotte Pelvison, Delia Home, Ina Platts, Florence Phipps, Rena E. Halvorson, Archie W. Kirk, Bessie Skimland, Ella Madson, Clara Tollefson, Nettie Bright, Hilda Carlson, Ethel J. Anderson and Cora Troelstrup.

District Number 96, the most southwesterly in the county, was organized in 1890 with Martin Madson, Hans Olson and Horatio Geer as officers. Mrs. Etta Miller

"v/as the first teacher, fifteen pupils attending. Other teachers employed were Maggie Nugent, Nellie Brown, Annie Shipstead, Lillian Reiquam, Dora Madson, Henry Shipstead, Thea Reiquam, Clara Torkulson, Lily Knutson, Lena Hendrickson, Gertie Olson, Jennie Olson, Alma Huseth and Julia Swenson. Dora Madson, who attended this school when a little girl and was later employed to teach it, is now principal of one of the buildings in Two Harbors, this state. Ella Madson, a sister, later employed in the Belgrade village school, also attended the school in District Number 96. Harold Imsdahl, cashier of the State Bank of Brooton, was also a pupil here before taking a course in business instruction.

District Number 158, one of the six in the county that are regular in shape (being a perfect parallelogram), lies directly east of Number 96.. The school is snugly hidden in a dense grove hard upon the highway, and a person coming along the road is unaware of its presence until, at a slight turn, he comes upon a long signboard inscribed "Please slow down; school playgrounds one hundred feet distant." This injunction became necessary because of the speed with which chauffeurs would drive their automobiles past the school grounds, frequently endangering the lives of the children there at play. Margaret Nugent was the first teacher, and was followed by Oscar B. Olson, Annie S. Anderson, Lydia Jermuson, Emma R. Lyse, Edna Geer, May M. Morgan, F. R. McGladrey, Grace Frazier, Lottie Bey, Ella M. Madson, Jennie Olson, Emma Larson, Christine Knutson, Lena Pletschett, and Bernard Olson.

District Number 124, the Forest school, about three miles southeast of Brooten, was one of the early schools in that section. Thomas Kjeldahl was the first teacher, being followed by Lydia Jermundson, Martha Torculson, Agnes Mitchell, Gertrude Mitchell, Lilly Knutson, Mamie Gannon, Sadie Westover, Lillian Kieffer, Evelyn Evans and Myrtle Ferdinantsen.