Pounds, John (1766–1839)

British philanthropist. He was crippled by an accident in 1781, and subsequently became a shoemaker, setting up business for himself in 1803. In 1818 he began to teach poor children, becoming famous as a teacher and friend of the very poor, and the originator of ragged schools. After his death schools were established as memorials to him. Pounds was born in Portsmouth, England.