Frederick Ayer (missionary) facts for kids

Reverend Frederick Ayer (died September 28, 1867) was a special kind of helper called a missionary. He came to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1865. His main goal was to help set up schools for people who had just become free from slavery. These people were often called freedmen.

Who Was Frederick Ayer?

Frederick Ayer was born in a town called Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Before coming to Georgia, he worked as a missionary for many years. From 1843 to 1863, he helped Native American communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. During that time, he even started a school in Fort Ripley, Minnesota.

Helping Start Schools in Atlanta

When Reverend Ayer arrived in Atlanta, he joined an important effort. Two freedmen, James Tate and Grandison B. Daniels, had already begun working to educate children. Ayer took over their important work.

Tate and Daniels had started the very first school for African American children in Atlanta. This school was located on the corner of Courtland and Jenkins Streets. It was in a building owned by the Bethel A.M.E. Church. This early school eventually grew into what we know today as Clark Atlanta University.

Reverend Ayer also helped create another important school. He organized a public school that later became known as Summer Hill School. He dedicated his time to making sure children had places to learn. Reverend Ayer passed away on September 28, 1867.