While there he was a member of the United States Christian Commission, traveling to support soldiers during the Civil War.

[6] After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1860, Bancroft became the principal of the Appleton Academy in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire.

[citation needed] The school ran out of funds in 1872 and the founder quit the project, leaving Bancroft unemployed.

During his time in Andover, he was offered a similar position at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, but declined.

[8] Bancroft accepted an offer from the Trustees of Phillips Academy while in Italy and was officially named 8th Principal on May 17, 1873.

[9] He began his tenure later that year, arriving in Andover on July 31, 1873, living in Double Brick House.

He convinced fellow society members such as Warren Draper to donate funds to purchase the twenty-three-acre property.