The minute records of the Falls Church District School Board were transcribed by members of the Providence Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Fairfax Station, Virginia. Chapter members generously donated their time and expertise to create a line-by-line transcription to preserve the integrity and style of the original writing. Because the original documents were frequently written in shorthand, the transcribed text has been converted to longhand on this webpage for accessibility, readability, and searchability purposes. The transcribed minute book created by the Providence Chapter, NSDAR is available for download below in PDF format. Photographs of the original record book pages are included in the PDF.

September 25, 1897

Falls Church, Virginia. The District School Board met at the West End Schoolhouse and signed contracts with teachers as follows:

Warrants were drawn in favor of Smoot and Company, and Thomas H. Walker, to the amount of $355.50, being the amount in full for the school building at Merrifield. Also, warrants were drawn in favor of R. W. French for $7.83 for crayons, erasers, and supplies. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk. Present at the meeting were Adam Martin, W. R. Seaman, and Robert W. Birch.

Notes:

• W. R. Seaman. Researchers found him as William R. Seaman in the 1870 U.S. Federal Census in New York, 1880 in Falls Church, Virginia, and as Will Leaman in 1900 in Falls Church, Virginia.  All other spellings were Seaman. He had sons and their records also show the surnamed spelled Seaman with a “S.”

December 13, 1897

Meeting of the School Board at Ilda. The contractor for building the schoolhouse was paid in full $100 for work, also other bills for work on the house and lot. O. G. Besley was paid for frame [lumber], and the house was accepted by the School Board. Miss Pearl Howard was appointed as teacher to qualify as soon as the schoolhouse is furnished. Mr. Caton agreed to furnish wood [firewood] for the school for $2.00 per month and received $1.70 on account in left over material from the school house. School officers present at the meeting were M. D. Hall, Superintendent, Adam Martin, W. R. Seaman, and Robert W. Birch.

Notes:

• O. G. (Oliver G.) Besley was a sawmill owner who donated the land for Wakefield Chapel in Annandale in 1899. Researchers think it is likely he also donated the frame for this school at Ilda since he was a local sawmill owner.

September 5, 1898

Meeting of School Board at Mr. Martin’s, the following teachers were appointed for the ensuing term:

The Board decided to meet teachers October 1, 1898 at West End to sign contracts, fill vacancies, etc. Present at the meeting were Adam Martin, Chairman, Robert W. Birch, Clerk.

October 1, 1898

The School Board met teachers at West End on October 1, 1898, and signed contracts and filled vacancies by appointing Mr. Love at Ravensworth (School) Number 7. Miss Ashford resigned, and Mrs. Yates was hired to fill the vacancy at Bailey’s (School) Number 4. The teachers were instructed to open schools on Monday, October 3, 1898, or as soon thereafter as possible. Superintendent Hall met with the School Board and teachers and announced the date for the annual Meeting of Teachers would be the third Saturday in October (October 15, 1898). Mr. Love’s salary per month was set at $30.00, and Mrs. Yates’ salary per month was set at $30.00. Present at the meeting were Robert W. Birch, Clerk, Adam Martin, and W. R. Seaman.

August 28, 1900

The District School Board met at Fairfax Courthouse and organized by electing William J. Malone as Chairman, and Robert W. Birch as Clerk. After statement of Mr. Birch as to the condition of schools and schoolhouses, it was decided to build a schoolhouse for a colored school at Mount Pleasant. The Clerk was ordered to prepare specifications and advertise for bids. A partial list of teachers was elected for the ensuing term and the Clerk was directed to notify the teachers to meet the Board at West End on September 29, 1900, to sign contracts, etc. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

September 10, 1900

A called meeting of the School Board at William J. Malone’s to complete the list of teachers and award the contract for building a new schoolhouse. Teachers were elected as follows:

Mr. Charles B. Cockrell asking permission to fill vacancy at School No. 3 was allowed same. Their being but one bid for the new schoolhouse, and the School Board judging the bid to be excessive, allowed Mr. Cleaveland three days to put in bid. Signed, Robert W. Birch

September 15, 1900

The School Board met at Robert W. Birch’s and accepted Cleaveland’s bid for the new schoolhouse at $495.00 – complete. Signed, Robert W. Birch

September 29, 1900

The School Board met at West End to contract with teachers, all being present, save Mr. Charles B. Cockrell and teacher for School No. 3. All teachers were contracted with for six months, except for School No. 3, and Miss Brooke agreed to teach for one month which met with approval from the School Board. The School Board directed the Clerk to correspond for a teacher for School No. 3 to teach for the balance of the term. The School Board agreed to take coal from John R. Zimmerman at $4.90 per term, and Mr. Malone was contracted to furnish wood to most of the schools convenient for him. Birch was to furnish the schools at Falls Church and Bailey’s. Richard S. Shreve was instructed to have repairs and cleaning done at West End. Malone to make repairs at Ravensworth. Signed, Robert W. Birch

November 3, 1900

This meeting of the District School Board was called by order of the Chairman at the new Mount Pleasant School House. On motion, the Clerk was ordered to draw warrants in favor of Arthur Cleaveland for $498.00 in payment in full for building the Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse. The Board made arrangement with one Butler to build a closet and put down seats in exchange for old lumber left over from the building. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

July 5, 1902

The meeting of the School Board was called at the house of the Clerk. On motion of Mr. Charles B. Cockrell, Mr. William H. Shreve was elected Chairman, and Mr. Birch was elected Clerk. Repairs to the West End School were ordered and Mr. Cockrell was directed to supervise the work. Mr. Birch was directed to have the Bailey’s and Falls Church schoolhouses painted. The School Board agreed to pay the same salaries as the last school term and to open schools on the last Monday in September. The Clerk was ordered to fill teacher vacancies using his best judgment and with the assistance of Superintendent M. D. Hall. The Clerk was ordered to contract for coal and firewood at the most convenient time. Present were William H. Shreve, Charles B. Cockrell, and Robert W. Birch. Left over bills from the prior school year for coal and supplies were ordered to be paid. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

July 9, 1904

The District School Board met at Robert W. Birch’s and organized by motion of Mr. Charles B. Cockrell. William H. Shreve was made Chairman and Robert W. Birch was made Clerk. Bills and the account of the District Fund were examined and discussed after which the School Board reappointed Miss Wiley, Miss Hagan, Miss Beatie, white teachers; Miss Holiday, Miss Riddick, and Mr. Hyson, Colored teachers. A petition was presented asking for W. T. Heistand as the teacher at Lincolnia, and after much discussion the School Board adopted resolution asking the Superintendent to revoke or not issue a license to said Heistand, resenting the manner in which he has treated the School Trustees and other teachers. The School Board agreed to open a school at Howardville (aka Seminary). The Board delayed further business for a conference with Superintendent M. D. Hall. Signed, Robert W. Birch

Note:

• William Thompson “W. T.” Heistand was born in Ohio, and his family was in the Fairfax area only a short time. It appears he tried his hand at the newspaper business and when he couldn’t make a go of it, he resorted to teaching. He taught at Swetnam (an earlier name for Fairfax Station), and his wife was an organist at Lincolnia Episcopal Chapel. The family moved to Buffalo, New York. Mr. Heistand died in 1921 in New York.

August 1904

The School Board met to complete appointments of teachers and appointed:

The School Board, being notified of the appeal of W. T. Heistand, was summoned by the Electoral Board to appear at the Lincolnia Schoolhouse on August 29, 1904.

August 29, 1904

Falls Church District, Virginia – Present were Messrs. Hall and Blake of the Electoral Board. Mr. Ford of the Electoral Board was absent through indisposition. Messrs. Birch, Shreve, and Cockrell of the Falls Church School Board were also present, along with Mr. Heistand and other patrons of the school. 

The meeting was called to order by the Electoral Board in response to an appeal from the patrons of the school to endeavor to settle a controversy between the Falls Church School Board and Miss Stephenson against Mr. Heistand relative to a letter written by him to Miss Stephenson who, with the authority of her School Board, had refused to give the key to the school to Mr. Heistand to hold evening classes. The School Board said the letter was ungentlemanly and unkind to the teacher and determined it was in the best interest of the school to not give him the school for the coming session, 1904-1905, for which he had applied to Mr. Charles B. Cockrell, one of the School Board members. 

Mr. Hall called the roll of petitioners and those present answered to their names, were sworn-in, and examined by him anent (concerning) this controversy for which the meeting was called. Mr. Howdershell wanted Heistand for teacher for the ensuing year and stated that he should get the school for evening classes for the large boys. Mr. Lewis said he wished for harmony of the school and would have like Heistand for teacher; that he has six children of school age, but now thought that the divided sentiment in the community indicated that it would not be wise to appoint him as teacher. Mr. Hall at this time read the letter under controversy for the information of those giving testimony. Mr. J. F. Laing said that it was he with Mr. Howdershell who started the petition for the night school. Mr. James signed the petition to give Mr. Heistand the school for the coming session; he has one child. Mr. James Cassady signed the petition for Mr. Heistand; he wanted a good arithmetic teacher and has two children. Mr. W. J. Baliss signed two petitions; he originally wanted Mr. Heistand as teacher, but now thinks otherwise because it would not be for harmony. Mr. Redmore has one child; he signed two petitions in favor of Heistand on account of his qualifications, but now thinks he should not get the school because of divided sentiment. 

Mr. Heistand stated that he had called for the school key at the house where Miss Stephenson lived, and was told that it was under a brick at the school door. He taught one evening, but was afterward was refused the key by the teacher who went to see the School Board who approved her course of action. He did not know whether fuel and oil would be found or the school kept clean. Mr. Heistand stated that he took his oil from the school after this. But, even though Miss Stephenson had ignored him, he showed all courtesy toward her. He stated further that Mr. Laing got a petition going on his behalf for the coming school year, and Mr. Heistand told Mr. Laing that he would take the teacher position at the school if the school patrons desired him to do so. Mr. Heistand defended his letter to Miss Stephenson which was the cause of the controversy.

The School Board, having been put on oath, Mr. Birch, the Clerk of the Board, said they had no application from Heistand to the School Board for teacher for the Lincolnia School for the coming year. Mr. Birch handed Mr. Hall a written statement giving reasons why they did not give Heistand the school. This was read to the meeting. Mr. Shreve said he concurred with Mr. Birch’s action in the matter. Mr. Cockrell said he got no letter from Mr. Heistand applying for the school – it was only verbal.

Mrs. Manchester, at whose house the teacher lived, did not think it well to give Mr. Heistand the school. She said the teacher would not give anyone responsibility, and went to Mr. Birch about it. Mrs. Carter does not think that Mr. Heistand is the proper person for the school, and would not send her child to him. 

Mr. Heistand in a rebuttal defended his action in the letter to Miss Stephenson, also his involvement in the school at Ilda. Mr. Heistand ignored the School Board when they refused to answer his letters. He failed to return the school register because he did not receive a blank book. Mr. Hall said that the publishers in Richmond were at fault. Mr. Heistand said he would send the register to Mr. Hall when it was completed. Mr. Shreve said Mr. Heistand manifested malice toward the School Board. 

At the conclusion, Mr. Hall gave good advice as to the future of the school at Lincolnia, to visit the school and use fact and kindness toward the teacher. Mr. Hall then asked those present to retire for a few minutes until he and the Secretary decide about the matter. The meeting being called again, the Secretary stated that they concluded to support the action of the School Board regretting that one so well equipped and fitted to teach as Mr. Heistand should be lost to the community. The meeting was then dismissed. Signed, John R. Blake, Secretary Pro Tem

July 29, 1905

Vauxcluse, Fairfax County – At a called meeting of the District School Board, July 29, after appointing teachers and other routine business, Mr. Charles B. Cockrell moved that we appropriate $800.00 to build a schoolhouse near Seminary, that said money be used at the discretion of a committee of three, one being a school trustee: Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Howard, and Mr. Birch, trustee. Any questions arising that are not satisfactory to the full committee were to be submitted to the School Board for their determination. The following teachers were appointed. There was no change made in salaries from last year.

Note:

• Vauxcluse, also seen as Vaucluse, was a plantation home in Alexandria, first owned by Dr. James Craik, a surgeon in the Virginia Regiment and the Continental Army, and later by Thomas Fairfax, 9th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. The home was destroyed during the Civil War. Professor and Mrs. Andrews (a committee member named above) rebuilt Vauxcluse on the original property around 1902; the home was often mentioned as a place of events in the Alexandria and Washington society pages.

August 3, 1908

Alexandria, Virginia – The following arrangement was agreed upon by Charles M. Robinson, Architect, and the Falls Church District School Board. First, That Charles M. Robinson agrees to prepare the necessary original plans and specifications for a brick and concrete school building in West End, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia, fifty by thirty-six feet, and to supervise in his own proper person or a competent representative the construction of the same. Said supervision to consist of weekly visits to and full inspection of the work as the same progresses; Second, That the said Charles M. Robinson, Architect, further agrees to make such further drawings and descriptions to the original drawings and specifications as may be necessary to explain the same, and when visiting the work to make such verbal explanations as the contractor may request; Third, That the said Charles M. Robinson, Architect, further agrees to carefully inspect all material to be used in said building, to see that the same be first class in every particular; Fourth, In consideration of the foregoing, the Falls Church District School Board agrees to pay the said Charles M. Robinson for the service set out in this agreement in such amounts and such manner as follows: Two percent of the amount of each contract when the same has been properly executed and awarded, and three percent of all payments made to any and all contractors until the full amount of five percent on all contract work has been fully paid. Signed by Charles M. Robinson, Architect, and Robert W. Birch, Clerk, District School Board.

Note:

• Charles M. Robinson (1867-1932) designed many public school buildings throughout Virginia. The public schools he designed in Fairfax County included the Bailey’s Crossroads School, the Franklin Sherman School, the Forestville School, the first Herndon High School, and the West End School. He may have also designed the Clifton High School, the Floris Vocational High School, and the first Oakton High School.

July 29, 1910

This meeting of the Falls Church District School Board was called by the Chairman, and held at the residence of the Clerk, to appoint teachers for the term of 1910-1911. Division Superintendent Milton D. Hall was present. The following teachers were appointed:

The Board authorized the Clerk to correspond and fill the vacancies to the best of his ability. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

Notes:

• The Fairfax Herald newspaper lists Ada V. Lemley as the teacher of the Lincolnia School during the 1909-10 and 1910-11 school years.
• According to an article in the Alexandria Gazette newspaper on August 31, 1911, the faculty of the West End School during the 1909-10 school year was Miss Eva E. Cowling, principal; Miss Annie H. Beattie, first assistant; and Mrs. Emma G. Lewis, primary teacher. The article went on to state that Miss Cowling had served as the principal of the West End School for twenty-two terms. During the 1910-11 school year, “Miss Julia Cross from North Carolina, a friend of Mrs. M. D. Hall, was made principal, and Miss Cowling first assistant. Miss Nancy Hall, the young daughter of Superintendent M. D. Hall was appointed in Miss Beattie’s place and Miss Bashford primary teacher. Some of the patrons resented these changes.”

August 20, 1910

After the appointment of J. W. Gaines as Trustee at Fairfax, the Falls Church District School Board convened and reorganized with William H. Shreve as Chairman, and Robert W. Birch as Clerk. After some discussion of plans for the school term, the Board adjourned. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

December 3, 1910

The Falls Church District School Board met in Alexandria to discuss action to be taken in the West End School. Superintendent Milton D. Hall reported that the principal found it impossible to conduct school without the cooperation of all the teachers and that Miss Cowling positively did not cooperate, but on the contrary had made a breach of etiquette to the extent of demanding an apology of the principal in the presence of her school. The principal had stated that she would not teach any longer under such embarrassing conditions. After thorough discussion, it was decided to dismiss Miss Cowling for insubordination and employ someone else.

A bill in the amount of $9.15 was paid to Brown for repairs. The effort made to purchase more ground for the West End School has so far been a failure.

Later, the Board met at the home of the Chairman, and, after thorough discussion, a letter of dismissal was written and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk to be presented to Miss Cowling. It was further agreed to employ Miss Wine to complete the term.

December 5, 1910 (Monday)

By advice of the Superintendent, it was decided to close the school at West End on account of smallpox until after the holidays. Miss Cowling was dismissed. Signed, Robert W. Birch

January 2, 1911

The School Board signed a contract with Miss Winn to complete the school term as the first assistant in the West End School. Signed, Robert W. Birch

January 27, 1911

The appeal of Miss Cowling was heard before the Electoral Board. Continued to February 4, 1911. Signed, Robert W. Birch

February 4, 1911

Adjourned, investigation over, and met at the schoolhouse at 10 o’clock a.m. with the full Board and the counsel on both sides taking testimony for the plaintiff continued all day and adjourned to Tuesday, February 7, same place, at 10 o’clock a.m. Signed, Robert W. Birch

February 6, 1911 (Monday)

Mr. Vernon Ford reported being unable to attend on Tuesday. The Cowling case was continued.

Note: 

• The Alexandria Gazette newspaper reported on February 7, 1911: “The investigation of the insubordination charges against Miss Cowling, teacher of the West End School, set for today, was postponed on account of the illness of Mr. Vernon Ford, Chairman of the School Board.”

February 28, 1911

The Board convened at West End to hear further testimony in the appeal of Miss Cowling under management of the Electoral Board. Present from the Appeal Board were J. R. Blake, C. V. Ford, and M. D. Hall. Present from the Falls Church District School Board were Robert W. Birch, William H. Shreve, and J. W. Gaines. Cross examination of Miss Cowling was begun by Mr. Barbins, the attorney for the School Board. During said examination, several people in the audience took matters into their own hands and demanded Mr. Hall (who was also the Superintendent of FCPS) to vacate his position as a member of the Appeal Board. Mr. Hall thereupon did withdraw from said Board, and the District School Board declined to have the case heard further before the Appeal Board because of the inability of the Appeal Board to preserve order and decorum. The School Board asked for the case to be heard before the State Board of Education, and Mr. Hall was advised to confer with the State Board as to the disposition of the case.

April 10, 1911

At a meeting of the School Board at the home of Robert W. Birch, the appointments of teachers Miss Pullen, Miss Gayle, and Miss Bashford, to the West End School were approved at a salary of $50.00 per month. The matter of broken windows (at an unnamed school) was discussed, and it was thought best not to repair them before the beginning of the next school term. Mr. Gaines was advised to offer a reward of $25.00 for the conviction of the parties who have been doing damage to the school building.

July 22, 1911

Falls Church, Virginia – The District School Board met at the residence of the Clerk by appointment with the Superintendent. The Clerk’s account was compared with the Superintendent’s account and was found correct. The Superintendent advised the School Board to each install telephones at the expense of the District. The total amount paid to teachers during the last school term was $4,943.75. The amount disbursed from the District fund was $2,258.50. The amount of the balance, plus the funds from the county and the district, was approximately $1,200.00. After some discussion it was decided to build a new addition to the Lincolnia Schoolhouse and the Clerk was instructed to advise with Mr. Oliver B. Campbell as to building plans and specifications at once, and advertise for construction bids. The Clerk was also instructed to close deals for contracts with teachers as follows: Annandale, Miss W. Payne; and Miss Louise Byrne at Bailey’s (White) with the Misses Rice at $80.00 per month for the two rooms each – $40.00 for each teacher; and fixed prices at Lincolnia at $70.00 per month for the two teachers, and Ilda same; price for Seminary White School set at $45.00 and the position was offered to Miss Stephenson. The Clerk notified the Board that Miss Pullen, Miss Gayle, and Miss Bashford had been chosen for their approval as assistant teachers at West End (but no action was taken). The Clerk also advised of the applications of Mr. Kemp and Mr. Phillips for the Principal position at West End at salary of $75.00 per month. The Clerk was advised to have both of the applicants meet the School Board on Monday, July 24, 1911, at Fairfax if possible. Present at meeting were Milton D. Hall, Superintendent of Schools; William H. Shreve, Chairman of the School Board; J. W. Gaines; and Robert W. Birch, Clerk.

August 11, 1911

The School Board met at the Lincolnia School to open bids for the addition to the Lincolnia Schoolhouse. Those present were Superintendent Hall and School Board members Messrs. Shreve, Gaines, and Birch, as well as several school patrons and building contractors. Mr. Hall was asked to open the bids with the following result:

The School Board, believing W. S. Kendrick’s bid the most satisfactory, voted to accept same and arranged to contract with him the following day, Saturday, August 12, 1911. The Board then took up appointment of teachers for the Lincolnia School and selected Miss Mary Presgraves of Lenah for Principal and Miss Ruth Mitchell for assistant. Other appointments were left open for further consideration.

August 12, 1911

By appointment, the School Board met Mr. Kendrick at Falls Church, and signed the contract for new work on the Lincolnia School and accepted the bond of R. C. L. Moncure for faithful performance by Kendrick. The contract was to be completed in forty days, and payment was to made to the contractor in four equal payments of $441.21 each. The Board authorized the Clerk to insure said building in Fairfax Mutual against loss by fire during construction. Present at the meeting were William H. Shreve and Robert W. Birch.

September 25, 1911

The School Board met at Lincolnia to accept the new building. Present were William H. Shreve and Robert W. Birch. A bill for extra work in the amount of $32.19, in addition to the contracted amount, was approved and Kendrick and Allen receipted for full amount due: $473.44, bond being held until a cement platform was rebuilt. The Board also agreed to pay $25.00 to Mr. Daniel for painting of the old brick building. Signed, Robert W. Birch

October 10, 1911

The Meeting of the School Board was held at the home of William H. Shreve. On motion of the Chairman, the Board was reorganized with William H. Shreve as Chairman, and Robert W. Birch as Clerk. The Board ordered that the Superintendent borrow money to pay teachers until state funding became available; the Superintendent being further advised to settle the account with the bank. Superintendent Hall brought the matter of the appeal in the Cowling case before the Board and the request of the people of West End to make a vacancy in said school for Miss Cowling. In view of the fact that Miss Cowling had been expelled as a teacher in the West End School, and the Board no longer needed her service, the Board declined to take any action in the matter, and the Superintendent was advised to take as speedy action as possible in the case of Miss Cowling against the Falls Church School Board through the proper channels that at the matter might be settled as soon as possible. Signed, William H. Shreve, Chairman; Robert W. Birch, Secretary

February 12, 1912

A meeting of the School Board was called at the home of Chairman William H. Shreve to take up the matter of the controversy between Miss Eva Cowling and the School Board. Letters from Miss Lukens as to teaching drawing and also one from Miss Lumley as to the District Teachers Meeting were read and discussed. District Superintendent Hall submitted to the Board a letter from Miss Eva Cowling in which she proposed to compromise her case against the Falls Church District School Board for the sum of $267.30, this being the amount which would have been due her had she not been dismissed as a teacher in the West End School.

The District School Board of Falls Church District recognized no monetary obligation to Miss Eva Cowling. Yet, in view of the fact that a reopening of the controversy between the said Miss Cowling the said Board may injuriously affect the West End School, by unanimous action, the Falls Church District School Board left the entire matter of a compromise to the Division Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools believing that he will be able to secure such documentary evidence as will make it perfectly plain to all parties and persons that the School Board has not receded in any way from the position it took with reference to the insubordination of Miss Cowling at the time of her dismissal; and that it has moved to take this step in behalf of the common welfare of the school interest of the District in general and the West End School in particular. Signed, Robert W. Birch

March 13, 1912

The Alexandria Gazette, Page 1: Controversy Settled. The long drawn out controversy between the patrons of the West End Public School in Fairfax County, just west of the Union Station, and the school officials of the district, over the dismissal of Miss Eva E. Cowling, has at last been settled. Miss Cowling, who had been principal of the school for twenty-three years, was dismissed December 10, 1910, for insubordination. Her cause was taken up by a number of patrons of the school who appealed to the Fairfax County Electoral Board. Several meetings were held but before a decision was reached the case was settled by the Falls Church School Board, who has jurisdiction over the West End School, recognizing the contract with Miss Cowling and paying her the sum of $267.30 which was the amount of her salary for the year. While the decision of the Board was made without prejudice to either party the friends of Miss Cowling regard it as a vindication.

June 18, 1912

The School Board met at the residence of Robert W. Birch. Present were William H. Shreve, J. W. Gaines, Robert W. Birch, Mr. J. W. Kemp as applicant for West End High School, and J. D. Harris representing the Virginia School Supply Company. Appointment of teachers were as follows:

The Clerk was instructed to return Miss Cowling’s papers advising her that Miss Gayle had been appointed to the position for which she had applied.

Note:

• Harrietta Massalette of Fauquier County was 18 years old when given the position as teacher of the Ilda School.

April 7, 1913

The meeting of the District School Board was called at the residence of Chairman William H. Shreve at 2:30 p.m. The County Superintendent reported the condition of the schools as being very favorable, generally, and also the work of the industrial teacher had met with much success. On motion, the Board ordered all white schools, except Ilda, to run eight months; and all Colored schools, except the academic department at Falls Church, to run seven months. The vote on the seven-month term for Colored schools was opposed by Clerk Robert W. Birch, his vote being overruled by the votes of Shreve and Gaines. The Board advised that pay for all colored teachers would be raised next school term; with no salary less than $30.00 or more than $35.00 per month. Signed, Robert W. Birch

July 25, 1913

The District School Board met at the residence of J. W. Gaines. Present were William H. Shreve, J. W. Gaines, Robert W. Birch, and Superintendent Milton D. Hall. Mr. Hall presented a bill for expenses of L. H. Jackson, Colored, as delegate to the Colored Teachers Convention at Norfolk and, on motion of Mr. Gaines, the Board declined to pay it. The Superintendent then made an examination of the Clerk’s account and found them to be correct. A petition was then read asking for a change of the principal in the Annandale School; also, letters asking for the principal to be retained. The Board members were unanimous in the opinion to sustain the old teacher and this met with the approval of the Superintendent. After some discussion, the Board appointed teachers as follows:

The School Board also agreed to pay $15.00 as rent to Ilda Church for three months use of the church building after the Ilda Schoolhouse burned. Discussion as to the wants of the Ilda neighborhood in regard to a new school building was left open, nothing done, the matter left in the hands of the Superintendent for an opinion letter. The Clerk was instructed to have repairs done on all school buildings where needed. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

Note:

• The title before the name of the teacher of Colored School D has proved very difficult to decipher, hence the dual title found in the transcription.

March 24, 1916

The District School Board met at the Bailey’s Schoolhouse and organized as follows: J. W. Gaines as Chairman, and Robert W. Birch as Clerk. Superintendent Milton D. Hall was present and he advised that he would confer with attorney Ford and report to Board what steps to take as to completing a new school building at once. The Board agreed to run Colored schools for seven months when the patrons (parents) paid half of the teachers’ pay for the last month - in other words an extended term of half a month at the county’s expense. The Board also agreed to an extended the term of the white schools where there was a reasonable assurance of legal attendance being maintained (at no expense to parents). The Board conferred with Nicholas as to further work to be done by him in a heating and plumbing contract. The Board adjourned to meet again as soon as it heard from the attorney about further work on the school building. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

September 17, 1921

This meeting of the Falls Church School Board was held at the office of the Insurance Company of Alexandria. The following teachers were contracted with: Miss Mabel Kiracofe and Miss Agnes McDaniel were assigned to the Bailey’s School for white children. The other teachers to be assigned to this school were not present to sign their contracts. Chairman Gaines was instructed to take blank contracts to the teachers and have them signed as soon as possible. Miss E. Fleming and Miss Anderson, both present, were assigned to the Annandale School and signed their contracts. There being no one present to take the teaching position at the Lincolnia School, the appointment of a teacher to this school was deferred until the Board could get satisfactory applicants. The appointment of a teacher to the Woodburn School was also deferred. Colored teachers for the Falls Church School were appointed: Mrs. Henderson at a salary of $60.00 per month, and Mrs. Thomas at a salary of $45.00 per month. Other teacher vacancies were to be supplied. Transportation of pupils from Seminary was awarded to E. H. Oliver for $3.00 per day. Mr. Gaines was instructed to purchase crayons and supplies for schools. Signed, Robert W. Birch, Clerk

Notes:

• Mabel Kiracofe was principal at Bailey’s Crossroads for 8 years and then at several other schools in the Norfolk area.
• Eppa Hunton “E. H.” Oliver was a farm hand and store keeper from Falls Church.