Sarah Elizabeth Rowntree

Sarah Elizabeth Rowntree (known as “Essie”) was the eldest child of John Stephenson and Elizabeth Rowntree. Born in April 1861, Arnold Rowntree was her younger brother, junior by 11 years. Sarah Elizabeth never married but remained close to her family, especially Arnold. Much like Arnold, she was an active participant in the Adult School movement in York. Like many other Rowntrees, she first acted as a teacher at the School at Lady Peckett’s Yard. However, when a New Earswick Women’s Adult School was opened in 1930, she began to lecture there. She was thanked by name for her contributions to the School in its annual report.

Sarah Elizabeth died in September 1942, aged 81. The Yorkshire Adult School Union acknowledged the impact that her death would have on their work. Sarah Elizabeth is buried at the Retreat Friends
Burial Ground in York.