Myrte Harmon at school - Abt. 1905
She is the girl in the doorway to the left of the male teacher. She was about 15-16 at the time.
Note the huge timbers in the log cabin school. Don't have a location yet.
Submitted by: Morris & Lavelle Shepherd
Independence School 1920s
Submitted by: Al Brannon
Independence School
Photo taken abt. 1920.
Submitted by: Al Brannon
Lindsey Wilson Training School - 1907
Contributed By: Martha Penick Lamkin
Independence School on Independence Ridge Road
front row left to right: Eulene Bean, Deloris McKinney, unknown, Betty McKinney, Francis McKinney, Lola Jean Bean, Sennia Pelston, Gertie McKinney.
2nd row left to right: TEACHER: Beulah Bennett, Morris Stotts, Marylene McKinney, Regina Campbell, Leora Pelston, Vernell Stotts.
3rd row left to right: Helen Firkins, Nina Mae Estes and Margaret Estes
Submitted by: Roberta "Bert" Dooley
Millerfield School, Adair Co., KY - 1946
Randell Wolford, Rena Coomer. Morris Shepherd, Evalene Shepherd, J.C. Wright, Landen Coomer
Onieta Redman. Marba L. Stargel, Geary Wolford, Edwin Goodin, ? , Laverne Shepherd, Alan Shepherd, ? West. J.W. Stargel
Echel Shepherd, Fern Shepherd, Clementine Rector, Annie C. Stargel, Margaret Shepherd, Audrey Shepherd, Wanda L Tarter, Eugene Wolford, Tom Stargel
Imogene Abrell, Rhonda Stargel, Almeda Stargel, Faye Shepherd, Eva Wolford, Alma Shepherd, ? , Jean Shepherd, Beulah Goodin, Artis Stargel.Bill Holt
Submitted by: Morris and Lavelle Shepherd
Hunter School - 1939
located about four miles from Columbia, taken ca. 1939.
Front row, l-r: W.C. Curry, Charles Cole, and L.C. Wiilis.
Second row, l-r: Margie Burris, Dorothy Taylor, Mary Lee Montgomery, Dimple Baker, Helen Baker, Sonny Kemp, and Buster Sneed.
Third row. l-r: Joe Sneed, Ruth Cheatham, Rosemary Kemp, Rachel Willis, Kathleen Dohoney, Jean Dohoney, Clara R. Sneed, Floreen Curry, Gladys Sneed, Opal Kemp, and Blanch Cheatham (teacher).
Fourth row, l-r: Christine Tweedy. Holland Sneed, Leonard Taylor, K. C. Montgomery, J. B, Sneed. and Arnie Sneed.
Contributed By: Sherri Bradley with permission of Kentucky Explorer
Mt. Zion School - 1908
Mt. Zion School. Adair County, Kentucky, in 1908 or 1909.
The school was located between the Knifley and Casey Creek Road.
Members of the Jones, Stayton, Moxley, Holt, and Chappel families are represented in the photo.
The teacher was Walter Sinclair, father of Mrs. Sheldon Willock. On the bicycle is Lee Chappel,
grandfather of Wanda C. Bishop, 108 Davis Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718, who shares this photo. Wanda's father was W. F. Chappel.
Contributed By: Sherri Bradley with permission of Kentucky Explorer
Independence School in 1915
Mamie Bean (second from left, first row) and her class taken at the Independence School in Adair County in 1915
Miss Bessie Epperson & Mr. Darrell Strange were the teachers.
From left, front row Bessie Epperson, Mamie Bean, Caroline Stotts, Patria Stotts, Genie Estes, Helena Royse
Ella Stotts, Beulah Bean, Alice Royse, Luna Stotts.
Second row: Darrell Strange, Birtie Janes, Lennie Janes, Annie Stotts, Leona McKinney, Pernie Gibson,
Bertha Stotts, Faye Campbell.
Identified on the wagon are: John Stotts, Aaron Claywell, Stanley Bean, Boss Janes,
Virge Campbell, John Royse, Winfrey Janes, Herschel Campbell, Lear Estes, Vada Janes, Rollin Firkin,
Marie Gibson, Ova Campbell, Tom Stotts, George Janes, Alty Janes, George W. Stotts,
Holland Estes, John Gibson, Alton Estes, Holland Bean, Clifton Stotts, Otis Claywell,
Emmett Morgan, Elbert Morgan, Oliver Claywell, Earl Campbell. Some are unidentified.
Submitted by: Al Brannon, grandson
The Walnut Grove School circa 1900 Fairplay, Kentucky
Front row: Ella Sparks, Miss Green, Miss Green (sisters of Pete), Marcus Loy, Effie Lewis, Richard McClister, Iva Loy,
Chrisman Powell, Mike Loy, Herschel Voils. Second row: Jennie Samuell, Ethel Lewis, unknown, Lydia Turner, Effie Turner,
Curt Bottoms, Finis Watson, Cindy Powell, Maggie Turner, Henry Bottoms. Third row: John Bennett, Joe Sparks,
Joe Powell, Tom Samuell, O.L. Bennett, Pete Green, unknown, Elam Spoon, Lenny Powell, Luther Turner, Ess Earls.
Last row: Unknown, Joe Green Turner, Wesley Turner, Alvin Bennett, Elza McClister, Ath an Fletcher, Joe Frank Loy,
unknown, Thomas Coffey, Herschel McClister, Wint Grider.
Submitted by: Ron & Doris Curry
Republican School, Crocus Creek Road
The School was named Republican and my Uncle's Mother and Uncles are the Petty's in the Picture, The Morgans and Petty's are related. Boy number 2 Tillord Petty was in Albany Kentucky for a Business Deal when the Hotel caught fire, he made it out but went back in for his papers and never made it back out 2nd time, died in Fire. Think Uncle said it was in late 30's. Girl 17's, Father, James Newton Petty donated the land and Lumber for the School. The young lady married Owen Cheatham and their Daughter is still living. The School Board only had to pay for the nails. The School is on Route 704, which is Crocus Creek Road. Sits back off the Road and is all grown over now. 5-7 years ago it was still standing but in bad shape. Picture is from 1903 and closed during the 50's when Schools were combined.
Jean Dudley (teacher), Tilford Pettey, Elford Hadley, Hattie Armstrong Lewis, Pearl Armstrong Black, Annie Pettey Morgan, Agro Hadley, Darrel Strange, Roy Hadley, Tennis Morgan Letcher, Lizzie Morgan Bivise, Mattie L. Grider, Willie Pettey Leftwitch, Alta Morgan Hadley, Letha Armstrong Guthrie, Media Pettey Cheatham, Lillie Morgan Sexton, Letha Ross Morgan, Ruel Ross, True Acreas, J. Preston Pettey, Carl Morgan, Chester Pettey, Clarence Strange, Liza Hadley Grider
Contributed By: Sandy Weatherford - Information Contributed By: John Shelton
Knifley High School Excursion to Mammoth Cave - 5 October 1949
Front Row, L to R: Billy H. GENTRY, Frank DICKERSON, Hilda RICH, Mary F. MARTIN, John DUNBAR, Principal, Dean BARNETT, Jean WOODS, Patra GILES, Arlene FERGUSON, Welby SIMPSON, Nelda CLARKSON, Cora W. SIMPSON;
Row 2: Helen GREER, Chrystal EASTRIDGE, Betty Jean CHELF, Clarice BAILEY, Iona HOLCOMB, Audrey GOODE, Irvin HARDWICK, Emma Lou HOLTZCLAW, Maurice MINGS, Victor CLARKSON, James KNIFLEY;
Row 3: Ms. Readie TUCKER, Teacher, Maxine ALLEN, Joyce GRANT, Hoyt SCOTT, Joe SPIRES, J.W. SANDERS, Arthur GILES, Wm. H. "Bud" MARTIN, Elvin GILES, Johnnie PROCK, Gene MORGAN;
Row 4: Harold INABNIT, Dean TEDDER, Evelyn RICH, Lewis HARDIN, Barbara WILLIAMS, Marshall GOODE.
Contributed By: Frank Dickerson
Barnett's Creek School, school year 1946-1947
All students are not present. The occasion was a presentation of music at radio station WAIN at Columbia, KY.
Front Row, L to R: James T. SCOTT; Thomas A. DICKERSON; Wendell SCOTT; Herbert TAYLOR; Ronald E. BLAIR.
Second Row, L to R: Wayne TAYLOR; Eugene TAYLOR; JoAnn DICKERSON; Neleta CLARKSON; Bobby Joe BLAIR; Malcolm RICH.
Third Row, L to R: Victor W. CLARKSON; Kenneth SCOTT; Nancy DICKERSON; Nadine RICH; Radine RICH; Nelda CLARKSON; Lula CLARKSON; Frank DICKERSON.
Top row, L to R: Teacher, Hazel SANDERS-CLARKSON. (Mrs James A.); Hilda RICH, Pianist.
Submitted by: Frank Dickerson
Knifley High School; Juniors & Seniors of 1950 - 1951
1. John Dunbar, Principal 2. Margie Martin 3. Frank Dickerson 4. Glenna Spires 5. Clem Feese 6. Cleopatra Giles 7. Harold Dean Tedder 8. Justine Arnold 9. Travis Hatfield 10. Lewis Hardin
11. Jewel Gabbert 12. Billy H. Gentry 13. Nelda Iris Clarkson 14. Johnnie 0. Prock
15. Norma Sue Stayton 16. Victor W. Clarkson 17. Jean Woods 18. Wm. H. "Bud" Martin
19. Oreon H. Martin 20. Laverne Feese 21. James KM if ley 22. Frances Hardin
23. Voyd Dean Barnett 24. Evelyn Rich
Contributed By: Frank Dickerson
Millerfield School 1934-35
Back row: Alta E. Stargel, Lois Wolford, Nell Tarter, Madeline Pike, Clyde Wolford, Edward Shepherd.
Second row: Charlene Shepherd, Agnes Shepherd, Evelyn Pike, Alein Tarter, Maxine Shepherd, Nellie Pike, Mat tie Tarter, Elba Wolford.
Third row: Dorothy Pike, Clifford Shepherd, Clifton Shepherd.
Submitted by: Morris & Lavelle Shepherd
Cane Valley School - 1930s
Submitted By: Paula
Graded & High School - Columbia, Ky
The old Grade and High school in Columbia, KY. It has now been replaced by the consolidated Adair County Schools.
Contributed By: Morris Shepherd
Columbia High School 1947 - Freshman Class (first half)
1st. Row: Dorothy Sneed, Virginia Blades, Hubert Fitch, Bobby Wanty, Jane Barnett, Donald Harris, Jimmy Fason, Zelma Smith, Robbie White.
2nd Row: Louise Sparks, Dorothy Montgomery, Sue Thomas, Betty Jean Branham, Flossie Parnell, Yvonne Lawhorn, Ellynor Vance, Claudette Durham, Avon Coomer, Mildred Farris, Lavelle Farris.
3rd Row: Charles Barnes, Helen Coomer, Jeanette Bradshaw, Gene Lawless, Delano Bryant.
4th Row: Hyman Loy, Jr. Rodgers, Jack Wilkinson, Cecil Turner, Bobby Morris, Jim Callison.
Submitted by: Morris & Lavelle Shepherd
Columbia High School 1947 - Freshman Class (second half)
1st Row: Eva Bailey, Rena Coomer, Evalene Shepherd, Kathlene Collins, Rose Mary Hancock, Mary Stephens, Alice Jean Burton, Audrey Shepherd, Louise Burton, Wanda Morris, Vera Hadley.
2nd Row: Eugene Hadley, Van Keith Burton, Earl Cundiff, Maurice McFarland, Jesse Loy, Harold Young, Austin Curry.
3rd Row: Morris Shepherd, Kenneth Corbin.
Submitted by: Morris & Lavelle Shepherd
The Blair Ridge School
Photograph: Courtesy of Teanonna Reynolds
Blair Ridge Student Roster 1922
The age of each student has been estimated using the Adair Co., Census for 1920 as a guide, so the age will be inexact by "X" months to one year. If the maiden name of the mother is unknown, her name is preceded by (?).
Top row, left to right:
Earl Thomas WINGLER, 6 yrs. 9 months; Son of Thomas S. and Tempie (?) WINGLER; Brother of Virgie and Gracie.
Walter SCOTT, 10; Son of James S. and Martha J. (?) SCOTT; Brother of Charlie, Ray and several other siblings.
Mont E. RICH, 4 yrs. 9 months; Son of William Joseph and Viola DAVIS-RICH; Brother of Matilda Ann and other siblings.
Charlie SCOTT, 5 yrs. 9 months; Son of James S. and Martha J. (?) SCOTT; Brother of Walter and others.
Elmer BARKER, 11; Son of Arthur and Nannie (?) BARKER.
Grover F BLAIR, 4 yrs. 8 months; Son of Huel and Fannie (?) BLAIR; Huel was brother of Virgil and others; Grover became the husband of Lora Marie PRICE.
William Elza BLAIR, 16; Only son of Benjamin and Melcina GILES-BLAIR; Brother of Dortha L. and other siblings.
Center row, left to right:
Virgie V. WINGLER, 8; Daughter of Thomas S. and Tempie (?) WINGLER; Sister of Earl and other siblings.
Violet Jewel BLAIR, 9; Daughter of Benjamin and Melcina GILES-BLAIR; Sister of Dortha L. and other siblings.
Matilda Ann RICH, 11; Daughter of William Joseph and Viola DAVIS-RICH; Sister of Mont, Hattie and other siblings.
Thelma DIXON, 8; Daughter of Robert C. and Candis A. (?) DIXON.
** Ada SPENCE, 11; Daughter Lucian G. and Laura Long SPENCE. (a photo of Ada's Family is located here
Dortha L. BLAIR, 12; Daughter of Benjamin and Melcina GILES-BLAIR; Sister of Violet Jewel and other siblings.
Gracie C. WINGLER, 10; Daughter of Thomas S. and Tempie (?) WINGLER; Sister of Earl, Virgie and other siblings.
Lessie SCOTT, 7; Daughter of James S. and Martha J. (?) SCOTT; Sister of Walter and other siblings. Lessie married Herman Ray BLAIR, son of Virgil and Ida SAPP-BLAIR.
Oscar Sinclair - Teacher
Bottom row, seated left to right:
Herchel TEDDER, 5 yrs. 5 months; Son of Gordon and Bertha KNIGHT-TEDDER; Brother of Lida M. and other siblings.
Velma TEDDER, 5; Daughter of Sherman and Hattie RICH-TEDDER; Sister of Harold Dean and several other siblings.
Linnie B. BLAIR, 6 yrs. 11 months; Daughter of Huel and Fannie A. (?) BLAIR; Sister of Grover.
Dora Hazel PRICE, 6 yrs. 2 months; Daughter of Felix and Sarah "Sallie" WINGLER-PRICE; Dora married Elby GILES, son of Milton GILES.
Gracie Miller, 11; Daughter of Enos and Dora B.(?) MILLER.
Compiled by: Frank Dickerson, 25 April 2002.
Page updated December 2025
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