Arozina Perkins was born in Johnson on this day in 1826. She was recruited and trained by the National Board of Popular Education, managed by William Slade in Middlebury. Perkins, like many other young Vermont women, would become a teacher, sent by the board to educate children on the western frontier.

Easterners, Vermonters included, were migrating westward to stake their claims and find their fortunes. By 1860, 42 percent of Vermont’s natives had left the state.

Arozina Perkins convinced her family of her passion for teaching and her ability to handle the challenges of the western frontier.

Image courtesy History of the Town of Johnson, Vermont 1784 - 1907 by the Oread Literary Club.