Sarah Derby
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Sarah Langley was born in Hingham on April 18, 1714 to John and Hannah (Vickery) Langley. The first and only surviving child of the Langley's, Sarah grew up on the corner of Town Street and Fish Lane (now North Street and Ship Street). Sarah's father owned Langley's Island and a small boat yard, but most of the family's income was from the inn they ran at their homestead. Although there were few travelers to Hingham, the tap room was frequently used by local residents.
Sarah Langley grew into a very attractive young woman and had many suitors. She chose to marry Ezekiel Hersey, a doctor and Harvard College graduate, who came from a very wealthy family. They became husband and wife on July 30, 1738 - the same year in which Sarah's father died. Sarah went to live with her husband in the Hersey homestead, known as the "Mansion," located on the old Boston Post Road. While her husband concentrated on his profession, Sarah managed all the affairs of the large estate.
Ezekiel died on December 9, 1770 at the age of 61 and left his estate to his wife. He did however, request that she donate 1,000 pounds to Harvard College to create a position for a Professor of Anatomy and Physiology. She made the donation, and the first step was taken toward establishing a medical school at Harvard College.
Ten months after Ezekiel's death Sarah married Captain Richard Derby, a prominent resident of Salem, Mass. After their marriage Sarah moved to his home in Salem, where she lived for twelve years. As she had in Hingham, Sarah became a well-known figure in local society, attending events and holding social gatherings. After Richard Derby died in December of 1783 Sarah, who was 69, returned to her first husband's home in Hingham.
Sarah was unable to receive an education as a child not only because she was female, but also because her family was not wealthy. As a wealthy adult, she wanted to ensure that future generations of girls would have the opportunity to do what she could not. In October of 1784 she signed the paperwork required to created the first coeducational school for lower and middle-class children in the country.
The school was to be managed by ten trustees, including Rev. Ebenezer Gay and General Benjamin Lincoln. Upon her death they would receive a piece of land on Main Street along with the town houses, barn, and outhouses located on it. They were to use this property to open and maintain the school.
Sarah Derby died on June 17, 1790, leaving money to many different groups and organizations, including Old Ship Church and Harvard College. Derby Academy was opened in 1791, and quickly gained a national reputation as a quality school for both boys and girls. It still exists today as the oldest independent school for both boys and girls.
While living at the "Mansion" with her husband, Dr. Ezekiel Hersey, Sarah was responsible for not only managing the household servants but also farming activities. This was quite a task, for the farm had many acres of land to cultivate rye, flax, pumpkins, corn, etc. It also supported a large number of sheep and cattle. She therefore built a platform near her house where she could watch over the laborers. She also took up painting and held many different social activities, including grand dances, which turned the Hersey home into the town's social hub.
Richard Derby, the second husband of Sarah Derby, was a member of the General Court as well as the Governor's Council, and was very involved in politics. He was also the owner of multiple merchant ships, which he converted to armed privateers in support of the colonies during the revolutionary war. When he married Sarah Derby he had both children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. It is said that Sarah was liked by all of them.
Sarah's "Deed of Lease and Release" for Derby Academy stated that it would be a school "for the instruction of all such males...in the Latin, Greek, and English and French languages, and in the science of Mathematics and Geography; and all such females...in writing, and in the English and French languages, arithmetic and the art of needlework in general." Although the differences in education may seem antiquated, it was a major step forward for children who could not otherwise afford an education.
In order to attend Derby Academy boys had to be at least twelve years old and girls at least nine. Boys under the age of twelve would only be admitted if they were intending to enroll in Harvard College. All students had to contribute to the school's supply of fire wood and attend sermons at the North Parish Church in order to obtain knowledge regarding morality and virtue. It was the duty of the Trustees to find a suitable minister to provide these sermons.
Sarah Derby's wish to create a quality school for both boys and girls quickly became a reality. In 1795 President George Washington recommended the school to William A. Washington, who was looking for a private academy to which he could send his sons. The President wrote that he had heard only excellent remarks about Derby Academy.
MADAM DERBY
April 18, 1714-June 17, 1790
Born Sarah Langlee at Hingham
married 1st Dr. Ezekiel Hersey of Hingham
married 2nd Capt. Richard Derby of Salem
Benefactress Ante Factum
Harvard Medical School
1770
Benefactress And Founder
Derby Academy
1784
This stone erected by students and friends of
Derby Academy
1991
Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius