The Biographical Dictionary of America/Anderson, James Wright

ANDERSON, James Wright, educator, was born near Pittsburg, Pa., April 1, 1831; son of Thomas and Esther (Wright) Anderson. He was graduated at Jefferson college, Canonsburg, Pa., in 1851, and removed to California, settling in Solano county, where he taught school. He was county superintendent of schools, 1855-'56, and president of Hesperian college, Woodland, near San Francisco, 1873-'90. He was state superintendent of public instruction 1891-'94, and was the chief promoter of the remarkable educational exhibit of the state at the Columbian exposition at Chicago in 1893.