ROWLEY, Thomas (1797-1877)

Autograph Letter Signed

      Celebrated English headmaster at the venerated Bridgnorth Grammar School (founded 1503) in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and Rector of Middleton Scriven, 1822-54. ALS, 2pp, 4!" X 7", Bridgnorth, Shropshire, 1850 August 3. Addressed to "Sir." Very good. Mildly age toned and very lightly soiled. Superb content from the famed schoolmaster: "I will thank you, as Mayor, to announce to the Corporation my intention to resign the Mastership of Bridgnorth Free Grammar School in December next. I feel myself no longer equal to the onerous duties of the situation, and my hope and prayer is that under my Successor the School may stand higher in public estimation than it has even yet done. All must depend on the qualification's of the master, as the School itself has few inducements to offer to persons, who are desirous of educating their Sons for the University. I venture to make this remark, as I am most anxious that the future master of Bridgnorth School should be an able and zealous man...." Boldly if sloppily penned in thick brown ink. Along the top margin of the first page, in another hand, is penned "The late Dr Rowley." A choice content letter from the famed headmaster -- resigning his post. From the collection of University of Chicago geology professor Albert Johannsen (1871-1962), author of "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (1950), the definitive reference work and bibliography on the subject. Johannsen's original 4" X 7" catalogue slip, bearing his printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen), accompanies this item..