Samuel Hoadly facts for kids

Samuel Hoadly (born 1643, died 1705) was a very important school teacher and author. He wrote books to help people learn. His most famous book, Natural Method of Teaching, was used in schools for nearly 100 years! It was a super popular guide for students.

Samuel Hoadly's Early Life and Career

Samuel Hoadly was born on September 30, 1643. He was born in Guildford, New England (which is now part of Guilford, Connecticut). His parents had moved there because of a big conflict happening in Great Britain.

In 1655, his family moved back to Great Britain. They settled in Edinburgh, Scotland. Samuel went to university there in 1659. Later, in 1662, his family moved to Rolvenden in Kent, England.

The next year, Samuel started working as an assistant teacher. He taught at the Cranbrook free school. He was a religious person, but he never worked as a church minister.

Becoming a Schoolmaster

Samuel Hoadly opened his own private school in Westerham in 1671. He moved this school to Tottenham High Cross in 1678. In 1686, he moved his school again to Brook House, Hackney.

In 1700, he became the headmaster of Norwich School. He led this school until he passed away on April 17, 1705.

Hoadly's Family Life

Samuel Hoadly was married two times. His first wife was Mary Wood. They married in 1666, but she sadly died in 1668.

In 1669, he married Martha Pickering. They had a large family together, with nine children. Two of his sons became very famous. These were Benjamin Hoadly, who became a Bishop, and John Hoadly, who became an Archbishop.

Samuel Hoadly's Educational Books

Samuel Hoadly wrote many books to help students learn. His most famous book was Natural Method of Teaching. It was a mix of English and Latin grammar. This book was published in 1683.

This book was incredibly popular in schools. It was printed many times and was still being used almost 100 years later! By 1773, it had been printed eleven times.

In 1700, he also published school versions of other important works. These included Phædrus and the Maxims of Publius Syrus. He even exchanged letters with a famous scholar named Grævius.

Some young scholars from other countries came to live with Hoadly. They wanted to learn English from him. This was likely because Grævius recommended him.

Sources

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Hoadly, Samuel". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.