Old Kaufman County Schools

*When I said I would print photos of “old Kaufman County Schools” that I could find, I did not realize how many there might be available, but now I know—and this is going to take a while! But, I am not going to quit until I am finished and will try to add a few interesting tid-bits about some! Keep in mind that while I am finding one or two photos to use, many communities had up to three or four or five buildings before the final town schools took over.*

Abner School: Abner was formerly called Johnson’s Point. Mrs. Sam Stroman, of Black Jack School, remembered playing basketball against Abner and said both were famous for winning teams. The girls had black bloomers and white middle blouses for uniforms.

Lone Elm School: Prior to the closing in 1943, children were being served hot lunches each day from the school’s cafeteria (not too common then)!

Oak Grove School: no information available, just a photo

Evening Star School: In 1899 (Superintendents Records) Two Black Schools and one White. In the early days of 1909, Mary Patton used older students to help the younger ones in her school as she was in charge of grades 1-7 and had 35 students.

Friendship School: no information available, just a photo

Black Jack School: Mr. Sam Stroman remembers that four Indian children brought a 2-gallon jug of buttermilk every day for lunch.

Rosser School: The Rosser District and others surrounding looked forward to the interesting additions to local populations when the professors and school marms would arrive for the school year. They most always lived in the communities and also taught Sunday School, sat up with the “sick,” visited in homes, and attended local gatherings. Some met and married local people; some left with “broken hearts;” some left disappointed “lovers” behind. Some “young marrieds” came as “teams” to teach; some came for a few years; some stayed and raised their children in this good peaceful place to be.

Cotton Wood School: (Summer of 1872) A private school was taught by Mr. Dan Hill, and tuition was $1.50 per month with 8 or 10 students attending classes in a log house with a sandy, dirt floor. Then next summer, attendance rose to 12 or 15 students, and families unable to pay gave Mr. Hill other things of value. And, Mr. Hill and I will collect valuables and return next week with more schools.