From the September 30, 1897 Fayetteville Observer: "Professor Tate addressed the school and patrons Saturday at 10 o'clock. The school at this place will soon close. The one at the Cross Roads will close next Friday. Mr. Joe Hester, of Huntsville, was up to se his parents last Saturday and reports business improving in that city. The protracted meeting closed near the Cross Roads last week with twenty-one baptisms and twenty-two additions to the church. The was preaching here last Sunday at the Methodist Church and baptizing in the evening. If Superintendent Bryant meets you with a smile you can guess it is a girl."
From the October 14, 1897 Fayetteville Observer: "Superintendent Bryant is kept busy now visiting the schools before they close. He says he will not be able to get around on account of the sickness in his family."