BAYLESS BUSINESS COLLEGE

Bayless Business College. First commercial college established in Iowa and believed the oldest school of its kind north of St. Louis and west of Chicago. The school was known in later years as the Bayless Business College.

The college, founded on September 1, 1858, by Aaron Bayless, originally used rooms above the Old Log Tavern. The first students, enrolled on October 1, 1858, paid tuition of five dollars per course, a princely sum. Students were also to supply their own spittoon. In its first year of operation, the school made a profit of thirty dollars.

On June 16, 1862, Cornelius BAYLESS arrived in Dubuque. Although he and his cousin were nearly strangers, Cornelius was given a job as a teacher. By 1863 the two cousins were partners in the college. On August 2, 1863, Cornelius became sole owner of the college upon the death of Aaron.

Letterhead used by the Bayless Business College. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Determined that the college would succeed, Cornelius entered upon an aggressive campaign using handbills and advertisements placed in the Daily Times and Herald. By 1873 enrollment had increased, and additional room was needed. Better accommodations were found in the Ogilby Building. In 1874 the college was moved again to a building on Seventh and Main STREETS.

This diploma and the reputation behind it helped ensure quick employment. Photo courtesy: James Cox

The reputation of the college graduates helped ensure prompt employment of those successfully passing the curriculum. Shorthand and typing were added to the previous curriculum of bookkeeping, arithmetic, and penmanship.

Receipt for payment of tuition covering four weeks of class. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Growing enrollment led to the school being moved during April 1892, to the Lincoln Building at Eighth and Locust Streets. In 1908 many of Dubuque's most prominent citizens toasted the college's fiftieth anniversary.

Bayless served as president of the college until 1909 when it was sold to Edwin B. LYONS.