Joseph R. Fugett facts for kids

Joseph Russell Fugett (born June 17, 1890 – died July 5, 1975) was an important American activist and educator. He is known for his work in schools and for helping his community. In 1920, he became the principal of the Gay Street School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. This school was for Black students.

Joseph Fugett: His Early Life

Joseph R. Fugett was born on June 17, 1890. His hometown was Baldwinsville, New York. His parents were Joseph Martin Fugett and Electra Josephine Bakeman Fugett. His father, Joseph Martin, was once an enslaved person in Tennessee. His mother, Josephine, was from New York. Josephine's family had a long history in America. She was a direct descendant of Henry Bakeman, who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

In 1900, Joseph lived in Van Buren, New York. He lived with his parents and his brothers and sisters. Their names were Frank, Bessie, James, and Sarah. Joseph graduated from Waterloo High School.

Joseph Fugett's Education and Teaching Career

Joseph Fugett went to Cornell University. There, he studied agriculture, which is about farming and growing food. He also joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. This was the first college fraternity for Black students. Joseph was very active in the fraternity. He served as a leader and helped to make it an official organization in 1912.

After college, Joseph became a teacher. He taught about animal husbandry (caring for farm animals) at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Later, he taught at Bordentown High School in New Jersey. He also taught at Delaware State University.

Becoming a School Principal

In 1920, Joseph Fugett moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania. He continued his education and earned a master's degree in education. He got this degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1926.

Joseph was a very active educator. He was a member of the National Education Association. He also joined the Elementary School Principals Association. He even helped start and lead the Suburban Philadelphia Elementary School Principals Association.

The State Department of Public Instruction asked Joseph to join a special committee. This committee worked to create learning materials. These materials helped people understand different cultures better. In 1945, Joseph also helped Major Richard R. Wright at an important meeting. This meeting was the United Nations Conference on International Organization.

In 1957, Cheyney University honored Joseph Fugett. They praised him for his work in education. They also recognized how he helped his community and improved human relations. Joseph was also an early member and officer of the West Chester branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights for Black people.

Joseph Fugett's Lasting Legacy

Joseph Fugett retired in June 1965. He had been the principal of the Gay Street School for many years. To honor him, the local school board renamed the school. It became Fugett Elementary School. On October 13, 1965, the town celebrated "Joseph R. Fugett Day."

When Fugett Elementary School closed in 1977, Joseph's name was moved to another school. East Junior High became J. R. Fugett Middle School. This shows how much he was respected. Joseph's name is also on a plaque that lists important teachers from the West Chester area.

Joseph Fugett lived in West Chester, Pennsylvania, for many years. He lived with his wife, Hazel Estelle Schloss Fugett. They had two sons, Joseph R. Fugett Jr. and Jean Schloss Fugett Sr.

His Family's Legacy

Joseph's son, Jean Schloss Fugett Sr., made history in 2004. He became the first Black man to join the Maryland division of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). This group honors descendants of people who fought in the Revolutionary War. This was special because his mother's family had a Revolutionary War connection.

Joseph's grandson, Jean Schloss Fugett Jr., is also well-known. He is a lawyer and used to be a professional American football player.

Joseph Fugett passed away on July 5, 1975. He is buried in Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania.