J.A.Churchill was born in October of 1862 in Ohio. Churchill
attended Ohio Northern University and earned degrees in both science and
education. Soon after graduating, Churchill moved to Baker City, Oregon.
Churchill served as the Superintendent of Schools in Baker City from 1891
until 1913. As Superindentant, Churchill devoted himself to the well being
of his students, and influenced many of them to seek college opportunities
after high school. He also began his own family while in Baker City, marrying
Florence Jennings in 1888. They later had three children.
In 1913, Churchill was appointed Superintendent of State Schools in Oregon,
and devoted much of the next 13 years to building the foundation of the
Oregon school system. During this time, Churchill earned a Master's degree
from the University of Oregon in 1921. In 1926, Churchill was appointed as
the first president of the newly opened State Normal School in Ashland.
In addition to establishing the school, Churchill helped to bring the
now famous Shakespearian performances to Ashland. In 1932, Churchill transfered
to the Oregon State Normal School (OSNS) in Monmouth, which was recognized
as the leader in Oregon education. Churchill served as OSNS President
until his retirement in 1939. He was succeeded by Charles
A. Howard as OSNS President.
Churchill was a member of both the B.P.O Elks Club and the Episcopalian
Church. He died on February 8, 1945, at the age of
83 in Salem, Oregon.
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