Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Before a system of public education was established in Dubuque, elected school officials depended upon private schools to educate the children. The first school in the Black Hawk Purchase was completed in Dubuque in 1833. The first schoolmaster, George Cubbage, had thirty-five students. Barrett Whittemore and Mrs. Caroline Dexter succeeded him as teachers. A school for young ladies was opened in 1836 by Mrs. Louisa King. In 1839 the first classical school in Iowa was established in Dubuque by Thomas H. Benton. Jr.
With the assistance of Bishop Mathias LORAS who opened two rooms in his house, in the fall of 1841, an English, classical, and mathematical school was opened. In a few months, C. F. Hardie opened an "Evening School." Located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church, the school emphasized English, grammar, and arithmetic for a tuition of four dollars for twelve weeks with classes four nights weekly. Each pupil was expected to "furnish is own light." On year later, Miss Eberlee opened a school for the instruction of boys and girls in English, French, and German with classes in needle and "fancy" work.
As late as 1849 there were no public schools in Dubuque.
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Source:
Petersen, William J. "The Web of Life," Telegraph-Herald, December 1, 1940, p. 5