Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Divol, Ira

DIVOL, Ira, instructor, b. in Topham, Vt., in October, 1820; d. in Baraboo, Wis., 22 June, 1871. He lost both parents while still a child, and was fitted for college by an elder brother. He was graduated at the University of Vermont in 1847, and, going to New Orleans, became principal of a grammar-school. In 1852 he turned his attention to law, but removed to St. Louis in 1855, and was elected superintendent of the public schools, holding this office for eleven years, when failing health compelled his withdrawal. He was afterward elected state superintendent of public schools. His firm policy carried the schools safely through the dangers of the civil war, and prevented their disintegration. He also laid the foundation of the public-school library, which afterward became the public library in St. Louis.