Field, Homer H. and Joseph R. Reed. History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Vol. 1. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1907.

Page 147

The Iowa School for the Deaf

Although the history of the above named institution has no connection with Pottawattamie county previous to 1866, it seems but proper to start from its inception and follow it up to the present time. In this we are indebted to the present superintendent, Mr. Henry W. Rothert.

Shortly after the admission of Iowa as a state small appropriations were occasionally made by the legislature to pay for scholarships for Iowa children attending schools in other states.

It was not until a private school was organized in Iowa city by W. E. Ijams that a part of the public funds were directed towards establishing an Iowa institution. This private school received for a time a small pecuniary assistance from the state until January, 1855, when an act was passed establishing the Iowa institution for the education of the deaf and dumb, and approved by the governor.

Under the provisions of this act providing means to support and maintain this institution the general management was intrusted to a board of trustees consisting of the governor, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, and four others elected by the general assembly.