Bethune, Joanne (1770–1860)

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Bethune, Joanne (1770–1860)

Canadian-American school founder. Born Feb 1, 1770, in Fort Niagara, Canada; died July 28, 1860, in New York, NY; dau. of John and Isabella Marshall Graham (1742–1814, educator).

Taught in New York City at the school opened by her mother; organized the Orphan Asylum Society in NY (1806); founded the Female Union Society for the Promotion of Sabbath-Schools (1816); inspired by Swiss educator Pestalozzi, established the Infant School Society, the 1st free school for infants in NY (1827); added 8 additional schools designed to assist working-class parents, with facilities to serve children between 18 months and 5 years of age.