James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100334 was issued on March 1, 1869.
This desk features a wooden bench with a flat backrest and seat. The seat folds up with the use of wooden hinges. The desk is attached to the back and does not lift up. There is a storage shelf underneath the desktop. There are no legs, but instead a pew-like support system. There is a silver plaque, tarnished, on the desktop that reads, "Improved School Desk, James Smith, Richmond Ind."
Ezra Smith, Asa Smith, and James Smith owned Ezra Smith & Co., where they manufactured various types of school furniture.