Written to George Ames (1839-1918), Emily’s son-in-law. It was from Gad Elmer Johnson (1819-1901.) Elmer says that his daughter graduated from Cleveland City High School. In doing research on early Cleveland schools, we could only find a reference to Cleveland Central High School established in 1846 as a boys only high school. The first high school in Cleveland was in the basement of a ‘Church on Prospect Street.’ Ten years later, Cleveland built a free-standing high school. Girls were taught at high school but were taught different subjects from the boys. This letter is Elmer’s inquiry about colleges in Massachusetts to further his daughter’s education.
Friend Ames – George Ames (1839-1918), married to Emily’s daughter Elizabeth Dwight.
Bell – Ella ‘Nell’ Johnson (1867-1891), Gad Elmer Johnson’s daughter.
Minerva – Minerva Jane Eldridge Johnson (1828-1901), Gad Elmer’s wife.
Warrensville Aug 21, 1879
Friend Ames
Bell has Graduated at Cleveland City High School. She is not satisfied, would like to persue study further, We have heard the normal School located at Westfield Mass highly recommended How far is Westfield from Williamsburg Will you please write me all you know about the reputation of the school, the manner of boarding whether in private families or in boarding Halls, the probable cost per week to and any other things that you can learn about the school We are all of us well accept Minerva her health has been poor for a long time We are engaged in the Milk trade in the city that is we run two wagons each day in summer and one in winter. Otto drives one and myself the other. This business and our farming operations make a busy life for us, we are building this fall If you or someone of your family will answer this by return mail you will greatly oblige.
Best regard to all
Yours Gad E. Johnson
direct to no 596 Woodland Avenue Cleveland Ohio (in care of) Otto Johnson
The next letter is from William Wallace Johnson (1813-1900). He lived in Wisconsin at the time of this writing. He talks about old times before they moved from Massachusetts and how he has documented the genealogy of their families.
