BICKNELL, Thomas Williams, Ameri can author, educator, historian: b. Barrington, R. I., 6 Sept. 1834. He was educated at Thet ford Academy, 1850-53; Amherst, 1853-54; Brown University, 1858-60. He was school teacher and principal, 1860-69; commissioner of education for Rhode Island, 1869-75. He founded the new Normal School, Rhode Island, in 1871. He was the founder, editor and publisher of the New England Journal of Education, Education and Primary Teacher.
He founded the New England Bureau of Edu cation, 1876; was a member of the Rhode Island house of representatives, 1860, and of the Massachusetts house of fepresentatives, 1888-90; cofoundef of the town, New England, N. D.-, founder (1880) and president (1880 84) of the National Council of Education; president of the American Institute of Instruc tion, 1877-78; president of the International Sunday School Association, 18&4; president of the Rhode Island Citizens' Historical Associa tion since 1904; founder, secretary and reg istrar of the National Society of Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, 1908; founder and secretary Providence Founders Society, 1911.
He has published