John R. Park

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John R. Park (1833-05-07 – 1900-09-30) was a prominent educator in Utah in the late 19th century and in many ways the intellectual father of the University of Utah.

Park was born in Tiffin, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.[1] In 1857, Park received an M.D. from New York University.[2]

Although he practiced medicine for a time in Tiffin, Park decided to become a teacher. He came to Utah Territory in 1861 settling in Draper. In 1862, he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1869, he became president of the University of Deseret, the predecessor of the University of Utah.[3]

In 1895, Park was elected as Utah Superintendent of Education on the Republican ticket.

Park adopted several children as his own, put he never married.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jenson, Andrew. LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1, p. 785
  2. ^ short bio connected with his papers at UofU library
  3. ^ Jensen. LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 p. 785