Antique Details

Birth5 Nov 1808, Salem, Salem County, NJ, United States

Death8 Jan 1901, Reading, Berks County, PA, United States Age

Large 25" x 20" in original frame

Death Miss Griscom
The oldest teacher in Pennsylvania passes away
Miss Rachel D. Griscom, one of the most estimable ladies in this city and well known in works of charity, died at her home, 227 South Fourth street, about 7 o'clock last evening. Miss Griscom had been in feeble health for almost a year, but no serious results were anticipated until a short time ago, when bronchial troubles developed and her decline was rapid. Her end was peaceful. A large circle of friends will mourn her death.
Miss Griscom was born in Salem, N.J., November 5, 1808, and was the daughter of Samuel and Ann, (nee Powell) Griscom, and was the eldest of 12 children. In 1809 her parents moved to Philadelphia, and there she resided for 18 years. She taught her first school at Hancock Bridge, N. J., at the age of 17 years, 74 years ago. In 1826 she taught for three months in the Friends' school, Philadelphia, her parents residing in Reading at the time. She also subsequently taught the Friends' school, in Maidencreek township, this county. Later she conducted a private school in the basement of the first Methodist meeting house, on the east side of South Fourth street, this city, and was a teacher in the Ladies' Seminary, on Penn street between Seventh and Eighth, many years ago. When a little girl in Philadelphia she saw Elizabeth Griscom Ross, who made the first United States flag. In 1850 she took charge of a female grammar school, on the third floor of the Washington street building, and taught there for eight years. Miss Griscom was not only the oldest public school teacher in the city, but probably also in Pennsylvania. Public schools were established in Reading in 1835 and Miss Griscom began her duties on January 20, of that year. The city then had two wards--North and South-and the school was in the basement of the old Universailist church, and the salary paid was $13 per month.
Miss Griscom was a member of the Friends' church and leaves the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Burrough, Baltomore, Md.; Mrs. Emeline G. Marot, Swarthmore: Samuel A. Griscom, Philadelphia; Chalkley Griscom, Pottsville: William M. Griscom, Berlin, Germany, and Horace Griscom, this city.
Reading Times, Reading, Pa.