I recently came upon a letter that says my gr. grandfather William Jasper Morgan, AKA Jap or Jasper, taught school in Columbia Co. Washington. It would have had to be between 1880-1896. He taught in many schools and could have taught in more than one in Washington or Columbia County. I know he also taught in Oregon and in California, but have no clue what counties. I would appreciate any help finding out the names of any schools he taught at in your county, and if by chance there is a picture I would be glad to pay for a copy or just e mail me a copy. He taught with and became a friend of a man by the name of ROO. Hawks, They corresponded many years later. The last letter I have is dated 1922 and Mr. Hawks was living in Pendleton OR. My e mail address could have changed since I registered with RootsWeb so it is landeschris@yahoo.com. Thanks, Chris

The service as teacher for Mr. Morgan (I still give teachers the same respect) may have been in several school Districts. Individual districts would have records, but due to the time he served, that was before Washington became a State in 1889. So, if records exist, they would be in archives.

I would first start with the Public Disclosure Office for the Superintendent of Public Instruction. They may have accreditation files, or work service records. Call them instead of just sending in a form. Ask your question about potential records:
http://www.k12.wa.us/publicrecordsrequest/

They may indicate any such records would be in the Archives of the State of Washington, held by the Secretary of State:
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/archives/archives_state.aspx

Ron Bestrom