1869 – 1936
Adelia McIntyre is cited by William Ashby and the Afro American as one of the earliest African American teachers in Newark.
Adelina lived at 13 Academy St and 69 Plane St. She is listed as “Mulatto” on the 1880 census and “White” on the 1895 and 1930 Censuses. She atended Commerce Street School.
When Adelina graduated the Newark High School the Newark News wrote, “Among the girl graduates was Adelina McIntyre a colored girl who is credited by her teachers with a high standing in her class throughout the course.” The New York Freeman wrote, “Through the four year course Ms. McIntyre passed credibly…her average ranging from 85 to 95 percent…She is to be congratulated on her success”.
Adelina graduated the Newark Normal School in 1887. The New York Freeman called her “an accomplished young miss”. In September they wrote, “[James Baxter’s] assistants are…Addie McIntyre, this being this young lady’s first attempt as a teacher”.
In 1888 Adelina was listed in the Board of Education report as an Assistant Teacher at the Colored School and continued through at least 1905. She had a baby in 1906, and afterwards no longer listed as a teacher.
Adelina was active in the NAACP and Urban League. In 1913, a dinner was given in her honor in Paterson.
In 1930, Adelina is still listed living at 69 Plane St on the census (“Adelina Garris”). She died in 1936 and it was covered by the national Afro American, calling her “one of Newark’s outstanding educators” and “a foremost public school teacher”.
Bibliography
Ashby, William. “Reflections on the Life of Negroes in Newark“
“Progress in Newark, N.J.” Afro American Sept 11, 1937, pg. 22
Census Records
Newark Board of Education Report 1887 , 1888 1899, 1902 , 1883
“Essays and Flowers” Newark News Jun 25, 1886
“Last Rites Held for Newark Teacher” Afro American Sept 19, 1936
“Newark Entertainments” New York Freeman Jul 3, 1886
“Newsy Newark Notes” New York Freeman Jul 2, 1887
“Newsy Newark Notes” New York Freeman Sept 18, 1887
“Paterson, N.J.” The New York Age Oct 23, 1913
Passenger Lists, Ancestry.com
Newark News Death Notice, Sept 12, 1936
