“William A. Mowry, of Providence, R. I, the president of the American Institute of Instruction, is a worthy example of a man who has earned success through merit, and whose elevation to the highest office of honor among New England educators comes from active service in the ranks, and from a ruling desire to render labor values in advance of their rewards. Mr. Mowry's ancestry bear an honored name in Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and the tribute he has paid to the noble men and women of his name in 'The Descendants of Nathaniel Mowry' and 'The Family History of Richard Mowry' is the best evidence that the later stock is loyal to the spirit and traditions of the earlier; and the work he has done in all departments of education attests his fidelity to the family faith. "Mr. Mowry was born in Rhode Island in 1829. The country school was his best inheritance, next to a good home. At eighteen he commenced his career as a teacher in Mohegan, a country village in Rhode Island. After teaching four years in Burrillville, Uxbridge, and Whitinsville, he fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, under the principalship of 'Uncle Sam Taylor,' and entered Brown University in 1854. Prevented by ill-health from completing his college course, he left the university and travelled for his health. From September, 1857, to February, 1860, he edited the Rhode Island Schoolmaster, during the most valuable years of that always instructive magazine. From May, 1858, to February, 1864, he taught successfully in the public high school, Providence, with the exception of an honorable service of nine months as captain of Company K; in the Eleventh Regiment Rhode Island Infantry. From 1864 to 1866 he served as superintendent of the public schools of Cranston, R. I. Here, as elsewhere, he did thorough and efficient work in elevating the schools and teaching of that important town. In February, 1864, he opened The English and Classical School,' a private institution for boys, of which he is senior principal. This school now numbers nearly three hundred pupils, whose scholarship and character attest the fidelity and ability of Mr. Mowry and his nearly twenty associate teachers. In 1866, Brown University honored herself and him by conferring the honorary degree of Master of Arts, and subsequently he was made a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. "President Mowry has been active in the educational movements of the State, especially in connection with the Rhode Island Insti tute of Instruction, of which he has been president. To the re-establishment of the State Normal School, in 1872, he gave valuable aid and co-operation. As a member of the Providence School Board he was a laborious and earnest worker. In the restoration of the American Institute to its pristine vigor and usefulness, Mr. Mowry has given most cordial and efficient work. His educational lectures before institutes and normal schools in all parts of New England have been characterized by clearness, force, weight of argument, and vigor of expression. He has made a success of every enterprise he has yet undertaken, and the conduct of the Institute is no exception to the rule. He well deserves the honor which the teachers of New England have conferred, and his industry, energy, enthusiasm, and unconquerable zeal prove him to be the right man in the right place for these auspicious years of our grand association." In conclusion we tender our thanks to the members of the public press, and especially to Miss E. Hatch of the Boston Journal, to whom we are indebted for much of the material in preparing this Preface. E. NORRIS SULLIVAN, Stenographic Reporter for the Institute and Editor of this volume. |