Upper Chickasaw School, Farmer Township

Two rural schools were named Chickasaw (Chickesaw) in Defiance County.  The Upper Chickasaw School was located in Section 13 of Farmer Township at the corner of State Route 249 and Openlander Road.  Its counterpart, Lower Chickasaw, was two miles east.  
Just how did the schools get the likely Native American name of Chickasaw? Well, according to history, Route 249 was often called the Chickasaw Pike by the early locals. Both Upper and Lower Chickasaw Schools sat along the Pike or Rt 249, so that explains the naming of the schools.  But then, why was the ROAD given that name?  That may be lost to history.  Any ideas?

This photo is undated and the pupils unidentified.  The teacher may be Mr. Don Strusaker.

This souvenir booklet is dated 1899-1900.

 Names of Pupils -
Losina Baker, Clara Baker
Maud Byers, Julia Byers, Carmie Byers
Lizzie Bash, Elsie Bash, Ina Bash
Cora Beerbower, Carrie Beerbower
Leah Biglow
Gay Carlisle
Rosa Donley
Lorain Hepker, Lydia Hepker
Nellie Lee
Nora Mason
Hazel McCavit, May McCavit
Natalie McDowell
Rollie Rone
Ethel Sweet

Clark Baker, Robert Baker
Howard Beerbower
Guy Carlisle
Alvey Donley
Charley Lee, Harry Lee
Alton Mason, George Mason, Charley Mason
Karl McCavit
Cliffton Sweet
Donald Weaver

Carmie A. Dustin, Teacher