When Earlham opened as Friends Boarding School in 1847, the two people who ran the school were the Superintendent and the Matron. The Superintendent was the equivalent of a president and business manager, while the matron oversaw meals and housekeeping. The position of Superintendent changed considerably after Earlham became a college and was eventually superseded by the position of President. It disappeared completely in 1911. The position of matron, however, continued until 1947. In the early years, the positions of Superintendent and Matron were often held by married couples. For example, Barnabus C. and Rebecca Hobbs.
Sources:
Alumni Directory of Earlham College, 1847-1947.
Bulletin of Earlham College: Alumni Directory, 1847-1940.
Earlham College • 801 National Road West • Richmond, Indiana 47374-4095