Sarah Ann Babcock-Mather

Sarah Ann Babcock was born in Chester, Mass. on March 20.1820. Sarah spent her lift educating others, Sarah was educated at the Wesleyan Academy in Wibraham, Mass. and became a teacher of language and literature. At the end of the Civil War in 1865, Sarah traveled to Camden, S.C. in 1867 she established a private methodist school for african-americans.


In 1887 The Browning Home and Mather Academy opened for girls, they were taught basic education skills, social,family and religion. In 1890 boys were allowed to enroll.

Sarah returned to her home in Plymouth, Mass, and married the Reverand James Mather in July of 1869, she continued her teaching in the Plymouth area until her death May 14.1901.

In 1983 the school was closed. The building were torn down in 1995.

There is a Facebook page for Mather Academy, and more information can be found on google books for Sarah, and her wonderful contribution to the community of Camden. SC.