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beast. ^[[insertion]] In his hand he carried a cow hide. [[/insertion]] How I felt when I first saw him, But I soon made up my mind to keep my nerves under control, come what may. Before this little Rutlege cried in school and asked to go home. Thinking he was sick I gave him the permission. This fierce looking man was accompanied by Rutlege, still crying. "What's the fuss about," the man asked me. I told him there had been no "fuss." He told me he was the grand father of the "motherless child" Rutlege, and Frank and Peter Dwight has been striking him. He told me he knew R. was a bad boy and for me to whip him if he needed it but he was not going to have him imposed upon by Frank and Peter, etc. etc. Frank explained to me that in the morning before I had gotten to school Peter and Rutlege were into a little racket and he stepped between them. Since that my school has been progressing very nicely. Now (Dec) I have twenty one scholars.
The schoolhouse is very small only about 15 x 20 feet. It is weather board without ceiling. It has four medium size windows. It has ten benches without desks. The writing desk is fastened at the end of the room eight can hardly write at one time. 
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The little ones (nine in number) write on their slates. The others take turns in writing. A small stove is at one side of the room. Two small black boards adorn the walls. A state map and two music charts also hang on the wall now.
One day the house caught fire and burned a large hole in the roof. All the children were dread fully scared . We got every thing out even the Sash before help came and put it out.
One day it rained before we got the hole fixed and we had to start home in it. We stopped at Mr. Geddings until it was over. Next day, the roof was fixed.
I like my children very much indeed and I think, or at least they seem to like their teacher.
They gave me two lovely vases for xmas. I gave them each a little testament. I am now giving holidays from Friday to Tuesday Jan 2 1900. I spent a very nice xmas here. Of course I was denied the pleasures, that only home can afford on xmas morn. God helps me keep happy. Miss Williams Dwight Cains sweetheart spent xmas here. We had a xmas tree here. Besides other things Santa Claus brought "Honey" (Jamison)