Letter of Recommendation as a Teacher for John Burroughs from T. B. Pearson, Hedding Literary Institute, 1855

Before John Burroughs (1837-1921) became an internationally known naturalist and writer he earned a living as a teacher. From 1854 to 1863 Burroughs taught in district schools in New Jersey, Illinois, and his home state of New York. In late 1854, with money earned from his first teaching position, Burroughs attended Hedding Literary Institute. There, he received intensive instruction and obtained this recommendation.