(February 23, 1787–April 15, 1870), was an American educator and historian. She was a leader in the movement to provide higher education among women. Emma Willard was born in Berlin, Connecticut and began teaching at the age of sixteen. She was married to John Willard in 1809 and with his help she established a girl’s boarding school and later a girl’s seminary at Middleton, Vermont. The seminary was moved to New York and became the Emma Willard School. She wrote many successful books and later built a school for women in Athens, Greece.1877
In 1843, American historian Emma Willard wrote:
The government of the United States is acknowledged by the wise and good of other nations, to be the most free, impartial, and righteous government of the world; but all agree, that for such a government to be sustained for many years, the principles of truth and righteousness, taught in the Holy Scriptures, must be practiced. The rulers must govern in the fear of God, and the people obey the laws.1878
In commenting on the United States, Emma Willard stated:
In observing the United States, there is much to convince us, that an Almighty, Overruling Providence, designed from the first, to place here a great, united people.1879
In 1857, Emma Willard published a book for children entitled, Morals for the Young: or, Good Principles Instilling Wisdom. In it she stated:
My Dear Children and Youth:—
Since, then, wisdom teaches us to rate everything at its just value, it is wise to seek the favor and fear the frown of God, rather than to seek the favor, and fear the frown of men. …
Look upon a Savior’s cross … ask pardon … and the Holy Spirit’s guidance … receive the Christian’s armor.1880