Military Wiki
John G. McMynn
7th Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin

In office
October 1, 1864 – January 6, 1868
Governor James T. Lewis
Lucius Fairchild
Preceded by Josiah Little Pickard
Succeeded by Alexander J. Craig
Personal details
Born John Gibson McMynn
(1824-07-09)July 9, 1824
Palatine Bridge, New York
Died June 5, 1900(1900-06-05) (aged 75)
Madison, Wisconsin
Resting place Mound Cemetery
Racine, Wisconsin
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Spouse(s)
  • Ella W. Wiley (m. 1852–58)
  • Marion Frances Clarke (m. 1860–1900)
Children
  • John Clarke McMynn
  • (b. 1869; died 1921)
  • Robert N. McMynn
  • (b. 1871; died 1925)
  • Helen (Williams)
  • (b. 1874; died 1902)
Alma mater Williams College
Occupation educator, politician
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Volunteers
Union Army
Years of service 1861–1863
Rank Colonel, USV
Commands 10th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry
Battles/wars American Civil War

John Gibson McMynn (July 9, 1824 – June 5, 1900) was an American educator and school system administrator. He was the 7th Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction, the first president of the Wisconsin Teachers Association, and the founder of the public school system of Racine, Wisconsin. He also served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War.

Biography[]

Born in Palatine Bridge, New York, McMynn graduated from Williams College in 1848. In 1848, he moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he started a school. In 1853, he moved to Racine, Wisconsin,[1] to set up the public school system. In 1861, he moved to Winona, Minnesota, to help set up the first normal school in Minnesota now Winona State University. However, when the American Civil War started he went back to Wisconsin and joined the 10th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He was commissioned Major in the regiment and later was promoted to Colonel. He resigned in June 1863 and returned to Wisconsin.[1] He served as Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin from 1864 to 1868.[2] McMynn helped set up the Wisconsin Teachers Association and was its first president,[1] and he served as regent for the University of Wisconsin.[1] He also worked for Jerome Case.[3][4] McMynn died at his home in Madison on June 5, 1900.[2]

Shortly after his death, McMynn School was established in Racine and named for him. The school building later housed Walden III Middle and High School. The school was demolished in 1975 and replaced by an apartment building named McMynn Tower.[5]

Notes[]

Military offices
Preceded by
Col. Alfred R. Chapin
Command of the 10th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment
January 1863 – June 16, 1863
Succeeded by
Lt. Col. John H. Ely
Political offices
Preceded by
Josiah Little Pickard
Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction
1864 – 1868
Succeeded by
Alexander J. Craig
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