The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In Walnut Grove Township (Media Township today) the first school ever held was taught by John Sampy, a little wiry man who had keen eyes and habitually wore an expression on his face that frowned down all would-be disturbers of the schoolroom quiet atmosphere.
In the corner always stood several stout rods which were powerful arguments for obedience.
The school building had been Alex Rankin's first log house and its windows were well-greased paper. Rough slabs of wood were fitted with pins for support served as seats.
Around the room were slabs elevated above the other seats, called desks, upon which scholars learned to write.
A very few students possessed a spelling book and the remainder learned their letters from some paper letters pasted on boards held before them.
After reading the spelling book, the pupils moved on to the New Testament, which he read until he graduated from school, depending less upon the pupils advancement and more on his ability to help support the familyöchildren worked hard. 1882 History of Henderson County