This is taken from the "History of Joseph City and Its People":The history states that about 70 of the Arkansas traveling group came to settle Joseph City. The others settled in colonies on the Colorado River. James Alonzo was one of those who came.
In the year 1878 Allen's Camp, later Allen City was renamed St. Joseph in honor of Joseph Smith. In September of 1878 William C. Allen was released as presiding elder and Joseph H. Richards became the Bishop of St. Joseph Ward.
Under his direction, they petitioned for a school district with boundaries outlined in the petition. This is the second page of that petition showing the signature of J.A. McGrath [see star].
The date is faded but as far as I can tell it says April 1879. The community built a Community Center at the old fort in 1879 so that makes sense. The center was for church, school and recreational activities. Once the people moved to the town [out of the fort area] two additional buildings were built but the first actual schoolhouse wasn't built until 1916.
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