Hon. Ira G. Hoitt.
Hon.
Ira G. Hoitt. In the history of a State or nation there can be no more
important subject than that of education, as real progress is always dependent
on the development of that all-powerful agent, so that no apology is necessary for
the introduction here of a brief sketch of the present principal guardian of
the educational interests of California, more especially as he has taken a
peculiarly active part in their advancement. Ira G. Hoitt, Superintendent of
Public Instruction for the State of California, became associated with the
public schools of this commonwealth over a quarter of a century ago. He is a
native of Stafford County, New Hampshire, born in the town of Lee, July 23,
1833, his parents being Gorham W. and Abigail P. (Locke) Hoitt, who were also
natives of New Hampshire, while his father, a farmer by vocation, served his
county as sheriff and also represented her in both branches of the General
Assembly of the State. The subject of this sketch was prepared for college at
Phillips Academy, Exeter, after which he entered Dartmouth College, and was
graduated at that celebrated seat of learning in the class of 1860. He made his
own way through college, dividing his labors (while providing the funds)
between farming and school-teaching. After completing his education he took
charge of the high school at Holliston, Massachusetts, as principal and after
completing his engagement there, assumed a similar position in the high school
at Stoneham. He was next employed in a similar capacity at Marlboro, and
succeeding this was chosen associate teacher of the Boys’ High School at
Boston. He resigned the latter position in 1864, for the purpose of removing to
California. He left Boston on the steamer Ariel, for Panama, and crossing the Isthmus
resumed his journey on the steamer Golden City, from which he landed at San
Francisco at midnight of the 18th of May of that year. He became
vice-principal of the Denman Grammar School, and a short time thereafter
principal of the Rincon Grammar School. In 1865, when the building of the
Lincoln School was completed, he was elected principal. In 1867 he was
nominated by the Republican Convention for the office of City Superintendent of
Schools, but, with his ticket, was defeated. Soon after that time he retired
from his educational labors, and thereafter, until 1881, was engaged in the
vocation of life insurance, stock brokerage and real estate. In 1880 he was
elected to the General Assembly of California, serving during 1881 and 1882,
and holding the chairmanship of the Committee on Education, and membership,
respectively, in those on Ways and Means and on Public Morals. He next assumed
the business management of Bancroft’s “Commerce and Industries of the Pacific
Coast,” which he made highly successful. He published the Knights Templar
edition of the Pacific Coast Guide, as well as the edition devoted to the
National G. A. R. encampment. In 1883 he became organizer and manager of Palmer
& Rey’s Advertising Bureau and Newspaper Union. In 1884 he was elected as a
member of the Board of Education of San Francisco, and in 1885 and 1886 was
unanimously elected by the members president of the board. In 1886 he was
nominated by the State convention of the Republican party for his position, and
elected after a sharp contest. The position was well merited, as Mr. Hoitt had
devoted great energy toward the building up of the education sentiment of the
State, and as a member of the General Assembly had been particularly ardent in
the cause. While in the house he pushed to passage the bill for the
establishment of a Normal School at Los Angeles, and identified himself
thoroughly with any good pertaining to the cause. Since assuming the duties of
his present office he has fathered the introduction of most of the text-books
now in use in the State schools, and their high character (and even the fact
that some of them are now in existence at all) is due in no small degree to the
interest displayed by Mr. Hoitt, and to his personal labors. Mr. Hoitt is a man
of determined character, enthusiastic in his profession, never tiring of its
work, and this influence of his labors has been felt throughout the length and
breadth of the State, wherever there is a school-house. He has found a ready
helper in his wife, whose life has also been devoted to the cause of education,
and who is at the present time his most efficient deputy. The Professor
emphasizes the fact that much of his success in life is due to his wife’s
competent effort. Her maiden name was Julia B. Burrell. Her father, Captain B.
H. Burrell, came to California in 1849, but being taken sick, he started to
return home, died on ship board, and was buried in San Diego. Mr. Hoitt, a
cultured man himself, believes in the inculcation into the minds of children of
habits of courtesy which will cling to them through life, and his example is no
small factor in impressing such habits on those with whom he comes in contact.
In the preparations for the reception of the visiting teachers of the national
Educational Association, as well as in the actual business of the convention of
1888, he took a most prominent part, having been president of the local
executive committee for California, and untiring in the management of that
affair, so successful and so creditable to the State. No superintendent has
been so active in educational matters and institute work. Prof. And Mrs. Hoitt
have two children, one son and daughter; Ralph H., seventeen years of age, just
graduated from Sacramento High School; and the daughter, Gladys, who is twelve
years old, and in Sacramento Grammar School.
Transcribed
by: Marla Fitzsimmons
An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California.
By Hon. Win. J. Davis. Lewis Publishing Company 1890. Page 284-285.
© 2004 Marla Fitzsimmons.