White Oak School- 1913-1918

Louisa Moore

The Sumner Press reported on October 9, 1913, that “the teacher of White Oak School and about 13 of his small pupils gathered at the home of Miss Louisa Moore Tuesday evening to remind her of her eighth birthday.  A good supper was prepared for them of which they all did ample justice.  The children amused themselves with music and out-of-door games. They departed about the hour of six leaving Miss Louisa alone with the little presents they had given her and wishing her many more such happy birthdays.”

In the school archives of the Historical Society there is a diploma of Roy Foss. His teacher was Olla May Foss who was also his older sister.  She was 21 and he was 17 when he was promoted to the 8th grade in March of 1915.

The following two photos have been dated and misdated several times in the newspapers over the years. Because no student is holding a slate with the date on it, the years were determined by the years the teachers taught.  

White Oak School 1916-17

The identification on this photo of White Oak school students states that it was taken in 1915 or 1918 and the teacher was Lawrence Osborn.  The Sumner Press reported that Lester Brothers had been hired to teach the 1915-16 term. Lawrence Osborn taught the 1916-1917 term and was paid $55 a month to teach 7 months according to the County Superintendent’s Directory of Teachers. It couldn’t be 1918 because Lawrence Osborn was inducted into the service June 1918.   

First row L-R: Cecil Foss, Stanley Beal, Ray Traylor, Earl Turner, John Blevins, Omer Moore, Dale MooreSecond row: Beulah Moore, Daisy Moore, Gladys Welton, Marion Osborn, Cletis Fiscus, Garnet TurnerThird row:  Dora Moore, Louis Moore, Beulah Fiscus, Dorothy Turner, Blanche Moore, Grace Cunningham, Gertrude Osborn, Lawrence Osborn (teacher), Kate Cunningham, Sylba Moore, Daisy Wright, Bonnie Moore

After serving in WWI, Lawrence Osborn was employed in various county banks. In December 1932, he was shot and killed by Sam Selby, a Birds school teacher because of personal financial differences.  

Hattie Provines taught the 1917-18 term at White Oak School.  

First row L to R: Hershel Welton, Earl Turner, Floyd Moore, Noble Moore, Cecil Foss, Coen Moore, Virgil Bell, Stanley Beal, French Fiscus.

Second row: Vera Foss, Grace Moore, Daisy Moore, Marion Osborn, Beulah Moore, Gladys Welton, Garnet Turner, Cletis Fiscus, Dorothy Turner, Louisa Moore

Third row: Omer Moore, Ray Traylor, Dora Moore, Beulah Fiscus, Zazel Moore, Ira Moore, Dale Moore, Willis Moore

Fourth row: Roy Moore, Kate Cunningham, Blanch Moore, Daisy Wright, Bonnie Moore.