The first school in Johnson county was established by Jesse Berry, in 1840, in a small frame building, situated on College street, Iowa City. This house was still standing in October 1882, being then in use by J. B. Schofield as a rag carpet weaving house. The building was sided with oak clapboards which were split and shaved by David Cox, Esq., who now lives {in 1882} in Pleasant Valley township, on the site of the old Poweshiek Indian village and Gilbert’s trading house. {See diagram on page 207.} He also made the shingles in the same way. The original floor and the laths were also split lumber instead of sawed. The house is only one story high; stands on the north side of College street between Clinton and Capital streets; was used for some years as sheriff’s office, and for other public purposes; is an interesting relic and landmark of the city’s early days; and is probably the oldest house now standing in the city. (Source: History of Johnson County 1836-1882, pg. 381)