John Wesley Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wesley Johnson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1st President of the University of Oregon |
|
| In office July 26, 1876 – 1893 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 22, 1836 |
| Died | September 14, 1898 |
| Alma mater | Yale University |
| Profession | professor |
John Wesley Johnson (born March 22, 1836 – died September 14, 1898) was a very important person in the early history of education in Oregon. He is most famous for being the first President of the University of Oregon. He led the university from 1876 to 1893.
Contents
Journey to Oregon
In 1850, when John Wesley Johnson was 14, his family moved from Missouri to the Oregon Territory. They traveled West on the famous Oregon Trail. This journey was very difficult for many families. Sadly, Johnson's mother and sister died during the trip. Young John had to drive the family's oxen team for 2,000 miles. They were heading to their new home in Corvallis, Oregon.
Learning and Teaching
When Johnson was growing up in Missouri, he did not go to school. He first learned to read and write when he was 10 years old. At 17, he started attending school in Corvallis. People said he was an excellent student. Because he was so smart and a good teacher, he became the first instructor and principal of Corvallis Academy in 1856. This academy is now known as Oregon State University. It was one of the first public colleges in Oregon.
To continue his education, Johnson wanted to go to Yale University. However, it was very expensive. At 24 years old, he took out a loan to pay for his studies. He traveled by ship along the Pacific coast to Panama. There, he rode the new Isthmus of Panama Railroad. Then, he took another ship North to New York City. Johnson did very well at Yale, graduating sixth in his class of 100 students.
Return to Oregon and Leadership Roles
In 1862, Johnson came back to Oregon. He worked as a teacher and leader at McMinnville College (now Linfield College). He was there from 1863 to 1867. He was even promoted to president of the college. After that, he became the principal of Portland High School for six years.
In 1873, the University of Oregon hired Johnson as a Latin professor. On July 26, 1876, the University of Oregon Board of Regents chose Johnson to be the school's first president. This happened right after the state officially accepted Deady Hall.
Leading the University of Oregon
During his time as president of the University of Oregon, Johnson taught Greek and Latin. He was not just the president. He also worked as the registrar, business officer, provost, dean of students, and secretary.
He was president for 17 years. During this time, the university grew a lot. New buildings were constructed, like Villard Hall in 1886. A dormitory, now called Friendly Hall, was built in 1893. Johnson also worked hard to convince people across Oregon about the importance of higher education.
Johnson's Legacy
In 1918, the Administration Building at the University of Oregon was renamed Johnson Hall. This was done to honor John Wesley Johnson. In 1985, this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
