M. A. Albin

Biography

M. A. Albin was born on October 25, 1877 on a small farm near the town of Nappanee, in Northern Indiana. Attended the local schools of his area, graduating from Nappanee High School.

Albin was a voracious reader since early childhood and carried this love of learning throughout his life. He next attended the Northern Indiana Normal School (teacher training college).

Inspired by his mother, a skillful penman in her own right, Albin became interested in beautiful penmanship around the age of fifteen. An itinerant penman gave a few lessons in his town and cemented Albin’s desire to become a professional penman.

Albin borrowed the money necessary to attend the Zanerian Art College from neighboring farmer, amply repaying him in both money and acquired skill. He entered the Zanerian in January of 1899, graduating with honors.

The Albin family fostered love of art in all of their children. In fact, Albin’s sister Vera Gertrude Albin also attended the Zanerian and became an excellent penman.

Albin then embarked on a long career as a teacher of penmanship and commercial education, teaching in many locations around the country including Kansas, Texas, Oregon and even Alberta, Canada.

A longtime contributor to the penmanship magazines, Albin’s most notable work was a series of lessons in ornamental penmanship in the Business Educator called “Lessons in Artistic Penmanship for Beginners”.