Amos Bronson Alcott (29 November 1799-4 March 1888), educator and philosopher, was born at Spindle Hill, Connecticut. His formal schooling ended when he was thirteen, though he continued to read on his own, and he soon became a peddler. A turning point in his life came in 1822 when, while travelling in the Carolinas, he stayed at a Quaker community. Impressed by their belief in the "inner light" of man which provided a direct spiritual contact with the divinity. Alcott felt a new sense of direction and purpose, and he returned to his first love, teaching. In 1824 he began a school at Wolcott, near his home.

Alcott taught various schools in Connecticut until 1828, when he was invited by the Boston Infant School Society to take charge of their classroom. One person who supported his assignment was Abba May and she assisted him when he took up his post. Their relationship soon...