William Torrey Harris Collection
Scope and Contents
Papers, speeches, and publications written by William Torrey Harris on the topics of education and philosophy, as well as correspondence to Harris from educator James Mickelborough Greenwood; Joseph Baldwin, whom he was influential in getting to come to Kirksville to set up the teachers college; Ira Divoll, former state superintendent of schools and city superintendent of schools in St. Louis; and O.P. Davis.
Dates
- 1871-1909
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Biographical Note
William Torrey Harris (1835-1909) was an educator, author, and philosopher. He taught in the public school system and became the superintendent of schools in St. Louis from 1867 to 1880. Harris was interested in modern German philosophy, particularly Hegel, and cofounded the Philosophical Society of St. Louis where he edited the Journal of Speculative Philosophy. In 1873, Harris, cofounded the first permanent public school kindergarten in St. Louis. He later moved to Massachusetts, and from 1889 through 1906, he held the post of United States Commissioner of Education.
Extent
1.0 linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Edith Davidson Harris gave this collection to Truman State University in the mid-1940s in memory of her father William Torrey Harris.
Processing Information
Arrangement scheme for the collection retained as it was received, in the order in which it was grouped in envelopes.
The collection is organized in two series. Series 1 includes writings, speeches, and publications related to education and philosophy. This series is in this finding aid and also in Pickler Memorial Library's catalog. Series 2 contains correspondence to William Torrey Harris.
- Title
- William Torrey Harris Collection, 1871-1909
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by unknown person(s).
- Date
- [before 2018]
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Truman State University, Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections Manuscripts Repository