Butte
County
Biographies
J. E. PARTRIDGE
Since
entering the educational field, J. E. Partridge has steadily advanced through
the exercise of effort and devotion to the interests entrusted to his charge,
and is now doing important work as superintendent of schools of Butte county, making his headquarters in Oroville. He was born on the home farm near Marion,
Ohio, June 30, 1881, a son of Charles and Olive (Miller) Partridge, who were
lifelong residents of that state. Five
children were born to them: Upton E., Ortis, Zora, J. E. and Vida.
Reared
in a rural district, J. E. Partridge attended the common schools of the Buckeye
state and in preparation for his chosen vocation enrolled as a student in the
Ferris Institute of Big Rapids, Michigan, where he took a course in normal
training. Returning to Ohio, he devoted
two years to educational work in that state, after which he was an instructor
in the public schools of Michigan for twelve years. Coming to California in 1914, he entered the
ministry of the Methodist Church and was subsequently engaged in pastoral work
in Live Oak, Sutter County, at Lockeford, in San
Joaquin County, and in Biggs, Butte County.
He preached the gospel until 1917, when he resumed the profession which
he had previously followed, and taught for six and a
half years in the elementary school at Biggs.
He was then made principal of the elementary school at Durham, acting in
that capacity for two and a half years, and his
success in that connection led to his selection for the responsible office of
county superintendent of schools, which he has filled satisfactorily for three
years. With the exception of the Chico
district, he has charge of all the schools in Butte county,
and has already instituted a number of changes and improvements in its
educational system, which is maintained at a high standard. Thoroughly experienced, he knows the needs
and requirements of the pupils and his tact, consideration and enthusiasm have
won for him the harmonious cooperation of the teachers under his supervision in
his systematic efforts to further the interests of the public schools in this
part of the state. Mr. Partridge was
united in marriage to Miss Leora Rhoads, a daughter
of A. P. and Catherine (Wood) Rhoads, who for many years have been residents of
Ohio. The father devoted his active life
to farming and is now eighty-four years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Partridge have a family of five children: Lucile, Raymond, Beatrice, Kathryn and
Dorothy. Mr. Partridge has been active in the work for the Boy Scouts of
America since 1912, devoting much time and effort to this organization, which
he regards as a potent factor in promoting good citizenship. He belongs to the Fellows Club and largely
finds his recreation in fishing. As an
educator he has ever been actuated by high ideals, utilizing practical methods
in their attainment and keeping at all times in close touch with the most
advanced ideas in regard to the training of children for the responsibilities
and duties of life.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
Wooldridge, J.W.Major History of Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 167-168. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies