Grandfather William Farthing taught elementary education many years ago in Watauga County. We know of several school locations where he taught in our county. These were usually one room schools with terms of about 3 months. My father, Ben Farthing, taught for 15-17 years, in Avery and Watauga counties, N.C. We know of at least 7 locations where he taught, during the 1908-1925 era. In that era, school terms were probably 3-4 months each. By the mid 1920s, North Carolina went to 6 month terms generally and by the late 1920s, 8 month terms became normal until 1943. At that time, North Carolina went to a 9 month school term.

Laura started teaching elementary school about 1932, and taught 33 years in Watauga County. Her first 2 terms were at the CLARKS CREEK SCHOOL ( one room school) which was located 2 miles from our house at Valle Crucis. Her daughter, Laura Church HODGES , was a high school English teacher in Watauga County until she died in 1998.