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 22 March 1836-September 14, 1898) was a famous figure in the early development of Oregon's higher education. He is probably best known today as the first President of the University of Oregon, serving from 1876 to 1893.

Early years

In 1850, John Wesley Johnson and his family immigrated from Missouri to the Oregon Territory. Like many families who ventured West on the Oregon Trail, the Johnsons experienced many hardships. Johnson's mother and sister both died on the journey. A mere 14-years-old, Johnson was tasked with driving the family's team of oxen along the 2,000-mile journey to their new home in Corvallis, Oregon.

While growing up in Missouri, Johnson had no formal education and first learned to read and write at the age of 10. As a 17-year-old, Johnson first began attending school in Corvallis and was said to have excelled academically. His reputation as a brilliant student and gifted teacher led him to serve as the first instructor and principal of Corvallis Academy in 1856. The academy, now known as Oregon State University, was one of the first forms of public higher education offered in the state.

To further his career in higher education, Johnson applied to Yale University. However, the cost to attend the prestigious school was too expensive and he alone could not afford the cost. At 24-years-old he secured a loan to cover his tuition and set out by ship for the Eastern Seaboard. The voyage took him South along the Pacific coast to Panama, where he boarded the newly constructed Isthmus of Panama Railroad. Upon reaching the Eastern shore, he voyaged North by ship to New York City. Johnson graduated sixth out of his class of 100 at Yale.

ln 1862, Johnson returned to Oregon and served as a teacher and administrator at McMinnville College (now Linfield College) from 1863 to 1867. He was eventually promoted to president. He left Linfield College to work as principal of Portland High School and remained there for six years. In 1873, Johnson was hired by the University of Oregon (known then as Oregon State University) as a Latin professor. On July 26, 1876, the University of Oregon Board of Regents met (immediately upon the state land board's official acceptance of Deady Hall) and elected Johnson the school's first president. Thomas Condon, Mary Spiller and Mark Bailey were also elected to the faculty that day.

University of Oregon

During his tenure at the University of Oregon, Johnson taught Greek and Latin. He served not only as president, but as registrar, business officer, provost, dean of students and secretary. His 17 years as president helped foster great expansion at the Eugene school, including the construction of Villard Hall in 1886 and the dormitory (now Friendly Hall) in 1893. Throughout his tenure, he was a statewide advocate of the university, attempting to overcome many Oregonians' objections to higher education.

Legacy

In 1918, the Administration Building (completed in 1915) was renamed Johnson Hall in honor of John Wesley Johnson. In 1985, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.