Yesterday: Cress School, 1897

Published 12:00 am Monday, October 10, 2011

Becky Lyerly brought this photograph to the Post of students who attended the Cress School in 1897. The log cabin school was located west of China Grove. According to an old news clipping, the grades pictured here were from “First Reader” to “Seventh Reader.” The students were taught by Gaither Blackwelder, who is at the extreme left rear. Lottie Cress stands next to him. Lyerly says Gaither Propst, the last student on the last row, was father of Roy Propst and father-in-law of Beulah Lyerly Propst. Also, Angie Bostian Lyerly was sister to some of the Bostians in this photo. The students, left to right, are first row — Billy Wilhelm, Frank Cress, Grover Bostian, Arthur Heilig, George Menius, Jenkins Lemley, Lon Propst, Mumford Wilhelm and Frank Mesimer. Second row — Harry Heilig, Mary Heilig, Lizzie Lentz, Arey Speci (with Lizzi’s arm around her neck), Lottie Fesperman, Maggie Parks and Addie Weaver. Third row — Rosa Menius (behind Harry Heilig), Annie Wilhelm, Smiley Wilhelm, James Propst, Lily Park, Frank Heilig, Lily Mesimer, Etta Heilig, Florence Fesperman and Alec Menius. Fourth row — Adam Lemly, Nona Cress, Jacob Wilhelm, Dora Mesimer, Pearl Bostian, Effie Cress, Mamie Fesperman, Lee Bostian, Bessie Mesimer, Maggie Speck, Jerry Cress and Jacob Speck. Fifth row — Vastine Wilhelm, James Lentz, George Propst, Charlie Menius, Bessie Cress, Maggie Cress, James Goodman, Missouri Bostian, Minnie Lentz, Russell Bostian and Gaither Propst.