Samuel Jarvis Peters

Sketch of Samuel Jarvis Peters by an unknown artist
Silhouette of Samuel Jarvis Peters by Auguste Edouart

Samuel Jarvis Peters (July 1801 – 11 August 1855) was an American businessman and education activist.[1] He is notable for his support of public education in New Orleans.[1][2] The Times-Democrat described him as the "Father of New Orleans Public Schools".[3]

Peters arrived in New Orleans in 1821, and made his fortune in groceries.[4] He later became the president of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.[4][5]

A public school was named for him in 1897.[6] The school was later renamed as Commercial High School,[7] and subsequently for Israel Meyer Augustine, Jr.[8] The school was closed in 2005.[7]

  1. ^ a b Bruno, R. Stephanie. "Orleans School Board placing historic buildings, empty lots up for auction". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  2. ^ "Peters, Samuel Jarvis, 1801-1855 - Social Networks and Archival Context". snaccooperative.org. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  3. ^ "Father of New Orleans Public Schools". The Times-Democrat. 1912-07-07. p. 45. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  4. ^ a b Redard, Thomas E. (1985). "The Port of New Orleans: an Economic History,1821-1860. (Volumes I and II) (Trade, Commerce,Slaves, Louisiana)". LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses: 35,88. doi:10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.4151. S2CID 113616737.
  5. ^ "Merle - Chamber of Commerce". The Times-Picayune. 1837-02-03. p. 3. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  6. ^ "A School Named for Samuel J. Peters". The Times-Picayune. 1897-11-28. p. 15. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  7. ^ a b "Israel Meyer Augustine Middle School". opacity.us. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  8. ^ "New Orleans' Israel Augustine Meyer [sic] Middle School Waits to Be Saved". National Trust for Historic Preservation. Retrieved 2021-05-06.