FIRST TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE IN CEDAR RAPIDS
The first teacher's certificate issued in Rapids township reads as follows:
"This certifies that I have this day examined Miss Susan A. Abbe, touching her ability to teach, both in regard to her education and to her moral character, and I find her well qualified for a teacher of common schools.
"This certificate shall be valid for one year.
"Rapids township, Linn county, Iowa, July 16, 1847.
"Alexander L. Ely,
"Inspector of Common Schools for said Township."
Alexander L. Ely was one of the early settlers of Cedar Rapids, was interested in the public matters of the new town, and early engaged in politics. He was also largely interested in real estate, and operated one of the first mills on the Cedar river at the dam, which he caused to be built with N. B. Brown and other leading citizens.
Susan A. Abbe, the person to whom this certificate was issued, is still living in Hollister, California, and is known as Mrs. Susan Shields. She was seventeen years when the certificate was issued, and had then been a resident of the county ten years. She taught for a number of years in the public schools of this county.