John Gurley Flook facts for kids
John Gurley Flook (1839–1926) was an American farmer, politician, and businessman. He is best known for helping to create Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. He did this by sponsoring a special bill in the Oregon State Legislature.
Contents
John G. Flook's Life Story
Early Adventures
John Gurley Flook was born on August 12, 1839, in Clermont County, Ohio. His father came from Baden, a country that later became part of Germany. His mother's family had lived in Virginia for a long time.
When John was three, his family moved to Iowa to farm. In 1857, they traveled west to Chico, California, in three covered wagons. John, who was the second oldest son, drove one of these wagons.
In 1860, the family moved north again to Douglas County, Oregon, to continue farming. John left home in 1864 to join the 1st Oregon Cavalry. He served in the military until July 1866, reaching the rank of first corporal.
Helping Create a University
In 1868, while living in Douglas County, Flook was elected to the Oregon State Legislature as a Republican. He served for two years. During this time, he wrote a very important bill. This bill helped establish a state-owned agricultural college in Corvallis. Today, this school is known as Oregon State University.
The idea for a university in Corvallis was not entirely new. As early as 1851, the Oregon Territory legislature wanted to create a university there. In 1856, the Corvallis Academy was started, which was the first higher education school in the area. It later became Corvallis College in 1858.
In 1862, the United States Congress passed a law. This law offered 90,000 acres of federal land to states to help them create agricultural colleges. Flook learned that Oregon was about to lose its chance to use this land grant. So, he introduced his bill to make sure Corvallis would get the college.
In August 1868, with help from W. W. Moreland, Corvallis College was officially chosen to receive the federal land grant. The Agricultural College of Oregon later became Oregon State College in 1937. It was finally named Oregon State University in 1961.
Later Years and Community Work
After his time in the military, Flook returned to his family farm in Douglas County. In 1873, he stopped farming to open a flour mill in Roseburg. His company, J.G. Flook Company, gradually improved its mill. It could produce 75 barrels of flour each day and employed about 15 people.
Later, Flook sold his flour mill. He used the money to start a planing mill in Roseburg, also called the J.G. Flook Company.
John Flook was married twice. He had two daughters with his first wife. His second marriage was in April 1893, and they did not have children.
Flook was an active member of the First Christian Church of Roseburg. He served on its board and as the superintendent of its Sunday school. He also played a key role in building a new high school for Roseburg. He led a committee that found a building site, created plans, and asked for construction bids.
Death and Legacy
John G. Flook passed away on January 24, 1926, at his home in Corvallis. He was 86 years old. He was buried in a cemetery in Roseburg, his former hometown.
