Methodist Church,"[1] a building erected in 1853-54,[2] on a piece of land donated for church and school purposes,[3] by James Welch, to the trustees of the Methodist Church. J. W. Wayne was probably the first teacher in the district. Nothing is known of the condition of the school, except that there were very few in attendance, and the school was in session only a very few months. Miss Liza Lincoln, Mrs. Hill, an English lady, and Mr. Moore, are names associated with the early schools, but the exact time of their service is not known, but all taught school some time before 1856.
In that year Judge A. A. Skinner took charge of the public school in a building near Bain's Mill, known as the "Holman House."[4] He was assisted by Mrs. Skinner, nee Miss Lincoln. The next year the public school was taught by Mr. Brown in the "old hospital" building, situated between Ninth and Tenth streets, on Duane. Mr. Brown is remembered for his skill in handling the large boys.[4] He was succeeded by Mr. Maxwell.
Up to this time the district had been without a schoolhouse, but in 1859 a building was erected on the corner of Ninth and Exchange streets. J. T. Maulsby taught the first term of school in it in 1860. The school was now too large for one teacher and the following year the board engaged the services of J. D. Deardorff and wife. He was a man of ability in his line of work and was well liked by both parents and pupils.[4] During the next term he was assisted by Mrs. Dr. Owens-Adair,[5] and the year following by Mr. Williamson,[4] a college bred man, who
