North Western Female College
August 17, 1859
10 Fifteen months at the North Western Female College.
Commencinc, March first, 1858, & closing July 14, 1859. My studies, Natural Philosophy, Algebra, (Elementary & Higher,) Chemistry, Biblical Antiquities, Logic, Moral Philosophy, Natural Theology, Mathematical Astronomy, Mental Philosophy, Butler's Analogy, & Trigonometry. "All alone by myself," I have studied Domestic Economy, & Natural History, and Rhetoric I studied with some slight supervision from Aunt Sarah, and reading Theremin's "Eloquence a Virtue" in connection. I certify this to be a true account of my education.
Even as a young child taught by her mother in their family home, Frances Willard always aspired to achieve a formal and challenging education. Her teenage years brought her the opportunity to study outside of her home at Milwaukee Female College with her sister, Mary. This encouraged Willard to seek educational opportunities throughout her life, which later led her to North Western Female College in Evanston, Illinois.
The Willard family moved to Evanston in 1858, when Frances Willard was eighteen years old. Willard enrolled at the Methodist secondary school North Western Female College, where she graduated with training in teaching. Her early career served as evidence for the impact that her childhood and secondary education exhibited on Willard’s life.
This excerpt provides a detailed record of Frances Willard’s courses at North Western Female College, including some of the instructors with whom she studied. Her education consisted of a wide range of academic fields, with attention to theology, sciences, mathematics, and history. Willard even documented her enrollment and graduation dates, claiming, “I certify this to be a true account of my education.”
North Western Female College launched Frances Willard’s career as a teacher. Upon graduation, Willard taught at both small and prestigious schools for nearly twelve years before assuming the role of president at the Evanston College for Ladies. Her career was promoted throughout her time at the school, always remaining committed to education and the success of her students.
August 29, 1862
Friday Afternoon. On Monday I move over to the N.W. Female College. I am "Preceptress of Natural Sciences" there. Very humbly & sincerely I pray to God that I may be good over there, & do good. I was wild & wicked as a pupil-in the same house may I be consistent & a Christian as a Teacher. The last days at Home are passing-passing. O Lord! Thou hast, good for us somewhere in store!-Life changes so-Thy heart must ache for us, but that Thou knowest soon we are to enter the Beautiful World.
Before arriving at North Western Female College, Frances Willard expressed hope for her success at the school. As Willard became a more experienced teacher, her focus shifted from her own goals as a student to her aspirations as a teacher. Her attention focused on the best way to become as influential a teacher as she experienced during her schooling, and worked for the academic success of her students.
In this journal excerpt, Willard wrote, “Very humbly & sincerely I pray to God that I may be good over there, & do good. I was wild & wicked as a pupil-in the same house may I be consistent & a Christian as a Teacher.” She illustrates her transition from student to educator, while remembering the people and ideas that influenced her as a student. Willard’s education and later employment at North Western College saw through this transition, bridging one of the most pivotal points in Willard’s early career.