Justus K. Jillson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Justus K. Jillson
1st South Carolina Superintendent of Education
In office July 6, 1868 – December 14, 1876
Governor	Robert Kingston Scott Franklin J. Moses, Jr. Daniel Henry Chamberlain
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Hugh Smith Thompson
Personal details
Born	1839 Gardner, Massachusetts
Died	1881 Springfield, Massachusetts
Cause of death	...
Political party	Republican

Justus Kendall Jillson (born 1839, died 1881) was an important American educator and politician. He is best known for being the first Superintendent of Education in South Carolina. He worked to improve schools and education for all students in the state.

Justus Jillson: A Life of Service

Early Life and Family

Justus Jillson was born in 1839 in Gardner, Massachusetts. His parents were Mary and Sylvester Jillson. He had two brothers, Henry and Leander. In 1858, Jillson married Ellen Gates.

Moving to South Carolina

In 1866, Jillson moved from Massachusetts to South Carolina. He went there to teach for the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization helped formerly enslaved people after the American Civil War. They worked to provide education and other support.

Leading Education in South Carolina

Jillson served four terms as the South Carolina Superintendent of Education. This was from 1868 until 1876. He was the very first person to hold this important position. As Superintendent, he led the South Carolina Department of Education.

He worked hard to set up and improve the state's school system. He also wrote the first official report about education in South Carolina. This report was given to the Governor and state lawmakers.

Working for Integration

Jillson believed in equal education for all. He tried to integrate schools, meaning he wanted students of all races to learn together. One of his goals was to include African American deaf students in schools for the deaf. However, the leaders of these schools resigned rather than accept these students. This shows the challenges he faced in his efforts.

Political Career

Besides his work in education, Jillson was also a politician. He was a member of the South Carolina Senate from 1868 to 1871. During this time, he led the education committee. He was a member of the Republican Party.

Jillson faced many challenges during his time in state government. He worked to make sure public funds were used correctly for schools.

Later Life

Justus Jillson passed away in 1881 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His work helped lay the foundation for public education in South Carolina.