Ferrante Aporti

An educator and theologian, born at San Martino dell'Argine, province of Mantua, Italy, 20 Nov., 1791; died 14 Nov., 1858, at Turin. After his ordination to the priesthood and a three-years' course in Vienna, he was appointed professor of church history in the seminary of Cremona and superintendent of schools in the same city. He took a special interest in the education of poor children and opened for their benefit an infant school at Cremona (1827). The success of this undertaking led to the establishment of similar schools in various cities of Italy. Aporti visited each, encouraged the teachers and published for their guidance: "Il manuale per le scuole infantili" (Cremona, 1833), and "Sillabario per l'infanzia" (Cremona, 1837). He also gave, in the University of Turin, a course of instruction on educational methods which attracted a large number of teachers. He received from the French Government the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (1846) and from Victor Emmanuel the rank of Senator (1848). He was called in 1855 to the rectorship of the University of Turin , a position which he held until shortly before his death.