1817, Champaign County, Ohio

...the settlement grew, and the necessity for a schoolhouse was apparent; so, about the year 1817, the first house for that purpose was built in the township. It stood on the Zerkle farm, and in size was about 18x20 feet, constructed of round log, having the wooden and mud chimney of that day in either end. Two small windows, and an opening the width of a log, covered with greased paper, graced one side and furnished light. Split puncheon, supported by wooden legs or pins, without backs, were the seats, and the door of split puncheon, with wooden latch, opened and closed on wooden hinges. The first master was ... Jackson ... This house was also used as a meeting-house. The roads to school in those days were through woods and swamps, and the fear of Indians and of wild beast, we will warrant, made the children's hair almost stand erect. The schools were at this time, and for years later, maintained by subscription, it being the only mode of support.