The original Cotton School (which was sometimes known as the May School) was built in the early 1890’s by Edmond Newton May, and the school district was known as School District #13, as early as 1904.  The May farm was located about 7½ miles north of Coleman and was purchased from Will Gay in the early 1880’s.  Soon after Mr. May bought the farm, he set aside about two acres in the northwest corner for the purpose of building a school house which his children and the adjoining neighbors could attend, thus eliminating the necessity for walking long distances to attend other schools.  This school and the two acres of land were to be used for school purposes and community activities.  When it ceased to be used, the building and land would revert to the May estate.

Some four years after the school was built, it burned to the ground, whereupon, it was replaced by Mr. May.  In the meantime, classes were held in a rock house on the May farm a few hundred yards from the original building.  Classes were held in the new building through the term of 1918-1919.  As was common at that time, the school terms lasted from four to six months.  Three teachers were employed the last school term: Margaret Lynch started the year (then married), a man replaced her and his name is unknown, and Miss Rachel Cox finished the year.

Children who attended this school and known parents were: Omi and Joe Bell, children of A. S. Bell; Roy, Oman and Viola, children of Vernon L. Smith; Vernon, lake, Tige and Sadie Maxwell; Don, son of W. E. May; Agatha and E. N., children of C. N. May; Gladys, Bryson, Ruby May, Minnie, Edmond and Jackson, children of J. W. Dial; Dock, Ad, Ab and (a girl) Preas; Horace, Everett, Sealy and Willie Snedegar; Nita Lee, daughter of Charlie Miller; Lora, Carolyn and Donna Gunn.

Beginning with the school term in 1919, Cotton consolidated with Anderson to form the new Anderson School District.  In 1921 or 1922, Mrs. E. N. May sold the structure, which was moved to a farm later known as the Drew Dunn farm, located some mile and a half north east of the May farm.  It was used to store feed and as a crib.