These biographical and historical sketches are highlights of Missouri history. Many sketches are from Missouri, Day by Day , published by the State Historical Society of Missouri in 1942. Links are to related primary sources at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the four campuses of the University of Missouri system.
Previous sketches are also available.
Jesse was born in Lancaster County, Virginia, March 1, 1853. He first studied in an academy founded by his father in Lancaster County, later at Hanover Academy, and he graduated from the University of Virginia in 1875. The next year he returned to Hanover to teach French and mathematics, and from 1876 to 1878 he held the position of principal of Washington Academy at Princess Anne, Maryland. Jesse then accepted the deanship of the academic department of the University of Louisiana. While there he gave up his plan of studying law and devoted himself to his career in education.