The Rev. John Wedgewood, superintendent of schools in Winneshiek County, was chairman of a teacher's institute held in 1866. Attending teachers from Ossian were: W. S. Briggs, A. Hilliard and G. M. Blair. The Reverend has a letter of thanks published in an I867 issue of the Decorah Republican (former Republic); "I return my sincere thanks to the people of Ossian and vicinity for their very timely donation at the house of C. A. Sawyer. There was a very large gathering of persons of all ages, and as happy a collection of people as one ever sees together. After a most excellent supper, there was presented to me by one of the oldest residents, C. E. Brooks, on behalf of all present, the sum of $100. Long may these donors live, and much may they be prospered; and may they enjoy those rich spiritual blessings provided by our heavenly father, both here and hereafter."

Mr. Wedgewood, in his capacity as county school superintendent, gives his appraisal of the township's schools and teachers in the following accounts T. F. Northrup, teacher—"This schoolhouse is a small log building with seats on three sides and long writing desks. They have outline maps and a blackboard. A great deal of cold penetrates from want of putty and two panes of glass. The scholars are studious." Miss Addie Hilliard, teacher, 11 pupils—"Miss Hilliard manifests some diligence; with a little more care in training her pupils, her school would be one of prof it."

Ossian Independent—Mr. Greene, teacher with 32 pupils: "An accomplished teacher."

Ossian (fall of 1867)—Miss Lucy Wilkins, teacher with 46 scholars: "A highly competent teacher."

Ossian (1868)—Miss Lucy Wilkins, teacher with 60 pupils; "Teacher is overworked but shows great diligence in her profession."

Ossian (May of 68)—Miss Bridget McGaheran, teacher with 24 scholars; Mr. Henry Toye, with 45 pupils: "Idleness and whispering are not tolerated. Should Mr. Toye go on, as he has began, it will a profitable school."

Other Military Township schools in I867 were: Miss Riley, 12 pupils; Miss Amelia Wedgewood, 23 scholars; Miss Althea Adams, 6 pupils; Miss Glass, 7; Miss Calista Noble, 5; Miss Addie Zimmerman, 16; and Miss Ella Bullard,18. Average attendance is listed as 102 in the seven districts, and average compensation of school teachers in Winneshiek County as $8.40 a month for males and $9.94 for females.

By 1867, Military boasted 208 dwelling houses. Population was listed as 1200: 198 of whom were qualified voters, 153 militiamen and 76 foreigners. The year I869 brought further gains with 251 families composed of 763 males and 693 females.

A transient reports on his experience while passing through Ossian on Jan. 3i 1868: "After tea I heard rumors of a Christmas tree, and with the crowd, 'betook' myself to the attractive spot; and there, sure enough, without exaggeration, was enough to please the most fastidious: a hall filled with bright and pleasant faces; a tree loaded, and every branch glittering with Christmas paraphernalia to make mention of its attractive features would require more time and space than you, and I, can grant. Suffice that its value was $1000; the articles ranging from the most expensive furs to the child's toy. On examination, I found the goods, in quality and fashionable variety, to excel many of our Eastern selections, and on enquiry found them to be furnished by the branch establishment of Sweep & Meuser, located at this point. The entertainment, from begining to end, was absorbing of interest. The Sunday School, for whose benefit it was inaugurated, did well their part, and received in return the fine gratuities from the generous people of this place. As a whole, it was worthy of the time and talents of the excellent ladies who designed and executed it. Such enterprise should be fostered and encouraged..."

A livestock and product census of the township taken in I867 showed these figures: hogs, 1421; milk cows, 488; butter, 33,880 lbs.; cheese, 500 lbs.; work oxen, 72; sheep, 818; wool, 2204 lbs.; and dogs,127.