Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-05-01
Warren johnson.

The death of Warren johnson, late Su-
perintendent of Common Schools oil
Maine, removes from life an aple
worker in noble cause, citizen
highly respected in this community. man
to whom the State is indebted for large
and valuable services. The principal
events of his life are presented in ano'h-
er column. Nine years ago he was first
appointed Superintendent of Common
Schools. lie brought to the Office as quail
ifications for the discharge OF Its duties
sound health. strong mind, resolute WILL
untiring energy aud industry, thorough
education and practical experience as
teacher. In this position he made name
for himself which will live in honor long
after the grave closes over his mortal re-
mains. He found our school system but lit
tie more than an apology for one he built
it up by hard work. by resolute adherence
to his purposes against rebuff' aud dis
couragements, until he made it well de-
veloped system, harmonious in all its
parts. operating with excellent effect for
the education of the children of the State.
With all his other qualities as leading
e iucator Mr. johnson was possessed OF
rare faculty as an organizer. lie could
D an as we'll as execute. He saw what
was wanted and was never at loss as
to how it could be done. lie aimed for
the best He did not accomplish all that
he wished for, but when he failed to car
ry his point, as in measures requiring leg
islative action. he never lost courage, new
err threw away anything by weak yielding
TO Encouragement and disgust. but held
fast what he could and awaited a better
opportunity to try again. In his cheerful,
hopeful, resolute disposition, in his skill to
organize and prosecute his plans, as well
as In his industry. his large ability in all
directions for work. his sterling integrity
of character, his gentlemanly department,
he was indeed model that educators of
all ranks might study with profit.
The official reports of Mr.. johnson as
Superintendent of the Common Schools
of this State have been much sought for
by the authorities of other States, and have
even gone TO Europe to be studied. They
have been praised for their ability by the
best educators in the country, and the
methods and recommendations which they
contain have been copied by other States.
This outside popularity Tor his reports
was never labored for by Mr.. johnson.
They are Legitimate State reports, prepar-
ed exclusively for home benefit, making
no pretension to be anything else. Con-
sidering the ground they cover they are
concise, having no matter that could well
be omitted. nothing foreign to the real
purpose OF such works. They are earnest,
direct and forcble. As far as they can
they represent the author as an educator,
but there was a personal power in Mr..
johnson before school or convention
of teachers, as worker among men in
forwarding his schemes that no report
from his hand can present to the reader.
Though Mr.. Johnson had left this State
to reside in another, his name and fame
belong to Maine. Here he was reared
and educated and did his real life work,
aud here his death is sincerely mourned
as that of a benefactor and faithful pub
lie servant.