Riverside County
Biographies
IRA
CHRISTOPHER LANDIS
Coming to California from the Hoosier state, Ira C. Landis has accomplished much important work along educational lines and is now serving as superintendent of the city schools of Riverside, an office which he has occupied for a period of four years. He was born on a farm in Carroll county, Indiana, November 1, 1883, a son of David and Hannah Elizabeth (Eikenberry) Landis, who are now deceased. The father, also a native of Indiana, was a Dunkard preacher as well as an agriculturist. He had a family of twelve children, of whom nine survive.
At Camden, Indiana, Ira C. Landis attended the grammar and high schools and in 1905 matriculated in Indiana University at Bloomington, where he was a student until 1909. His initial experience as an educator was gained in his native state, where he was a teacher in various schools for seven years. In order to qualify for greater responsibilities in the field of professional service he took special courses in the University of California at Los Angeles and the graduate school of Pomona College. He became a teacher at West Riverside in 1910, continuing his work there for three years, and in 1913 removed to Riverside. In recognition of his experience and ability he was made superintendent of the Riverside county schools in 1919, and since 1928 has served as superintendent of the city schools of Riverside, bringing them up to a high standard. He efficiently directs the work of three hundred and twenty-two teachers and has introduced a number of needed improvements in the school system here, which comprises one high school, three junior high schools, twelve grammar schools and one college.
In 1907 Mr. Landis married Miss Clara Dern, also a native of Indiana, who is active in social service and club work. They have a son and a daughter: Joseph G., who is attending Occidental College; and Anna Elizabeth, a pupil in the high school. A Kiwanian of more than local prominence, Mr. Landis formerly served as lieutenant governor of the district Kiwanis and is also a past president of the Kiwanis Club. His humanitarianism finds tangible expression in service on the board of directors of both the Welfare Association and the Young Men’s Christian Association of Riverside. Studious, energetic and high-minded, Mr. Landis has constantly widened his field of usefulness and is regarded as one of the most progressive and capable educators in this part of California.
Transcribed
6-14-12 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: California
of the South Vol. II, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages
457-458, Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 Marilyn R. Pankey.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S RIVERSIDE
BIOGRAPHIES