Austin Raymond Merry, Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee
Posted by: 
krsmith2
N 35° 36.182 W 088° 48.832
16S E 335696 N 3941435
Professor Merry pioneered and established the first African Americans school as an educator and principal.
Waymark Code: WMHMYN
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 07/25/2013
Views: 3
Austin Raymond Merry
1854 - 1920
When the Jackson school system organized in 1879, the first black educator and principal hired was Austin Raymond Merry. Professor Merry pioneered the development of the first school for African Americans in Madison County. He established the South Jackson School for Colored which was the forerunner of what was to become Merry High School.
Professor Merry received his B. A. and Masters degrees from Fisk Univerity in the 1800's and was the first African American in Jackson, Madison County to have a college degree. Mr. Merry dedicated his life to making a quality education available to Jackson and Madison County Black youth.
Group that erected the marker: Jackson, Madison County Board
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
706 Highway 45 Bypass
Jackson, TN U.S.A.
38301
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