c. 1859 -1930
Margaret Coult was head of the English department for the Newark high school system and a teacher at Barringer for many years. She was a trustee of the library and museum and author of several books on education. She was the sister and daughter of Eliza and Frances Coult.
The Newark News wrote, “Among Newark teachers Miss Margaret Coult occupied a position of her own…The excellence of her work was recognized by educators and pupils alike….Many former pupils… recall Miss Coult’s influence in giving them a real impetus… The educator’s touch will be felt for many year’s to come.”
Margaret was with the school system for 51 years, 42 at Barringer. She was also was a Republican Committeewoman and President of the NJ Teacher’s Association.
Margaret’s father Joseph was City Counsel for Newark. She was born in Newton as “Hannah M Coult” and is shown in Newton on the 1865 and 1875 NJ censuses. However, she graduated Newark High School in 1879, reading an essay in the commencement called “The Legends of Arthur”. By 1880 she lived with her family in Newark at 9 Riverside Ave. By 1889, she is listed as teaching at the High School.
After Margaret’s death, a memorial association was created which published a poetry book and created a poetry prize in her honor.
Bibliography
Baker, Mariana Narrative for tableaux; Newark Women of the Century.
“Miss Margaret Coult” New York Times Jun 22, 1930
“Services Held at Barringer High School for Woman Who Taught for 51 years” New York Times Oct 31, 1930
C-37, Coult, Margaret, Newark News Morgue, Newark Library
“Booklet telling…” Newark News Jul 11, 1931
“Glowing tribute…” Newark News Oct 31, 1930
“Margaret Coult” Newark News Jun 24, 1930
“Newark Educator is Taken by Death” Newark News Jun 21, 1930
Census records
“More Books are Needed, Miss Margaret Coult Tells of Work at the High School” Newark News Nov 9, 1899
Annual report Board of education 1879 and others on digital.npl.org
“The Graduating Class for 1879” Sunday Call Jun 8, 1879