William A. (William Augustus) Mowry

Born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in 1829, William Augustus Mowry became an American educator, historian, and author whose work was closely tied to schools and public instruction. He studied at Brown University, served in education posts in New England, and built a reputation as a thoughtful teacher and school leader.

Mowry is especially associated with Providence, Rhode Island, where he helped found and lead Mowry and Goff's School. He also served as a superintendent of schools and wrote many books, particularly on American history, civics, biography, and education. His writing was aimed at helping young readers and students understand the people and events that shaped the United States.

He died in 1917, but his books remain part of the long tradition of nineteenth-century American educational writing. For listeners interested in older works of history or moral instruction, his background helps explain the direct, classroom-friendly voice found in much of his work.