Teacher's Common School Certificate from Fairfield County, Ohio. It was given to John C, Phelps at Lancaster, OH, on April 18th, 1896. The bottom of the paper lists his exam results and has the signatures of the president and two clerks of the board of school examiners. It has a blue decorative border. All text is in either blue or red. Printed by Ohio Eagle Job Print, Lancaster, O.
From top to bottom it reads, "No. 52. 5th Class, 12 Months. Teacher's COmon School Certificate. Fairfield County, Ohio. The Undersigned school Examiners of Fairfield County, Ohio, having examined John C. Phelps Hereby Certify that he possesses an adequate knowledge of the Theory and Practice of Teaching, and is qualified to teach Orthography, Rading, writing, Arithmetic, Geography, English Grammar, United States History, Physiology and Hygiene, Stimulants and Narcotics, and Civil Gov. and that he has furnished satisfactory evidence of Good Moral Character. This Certificate to be valid for 12 months from date. Given at Lancaster, Ohio, and dated this 18th day of April A. D. 1896. Signed by G. M. Morris, president, WM Dunn, clerk, and S. J. Wolfe."