Gentry Richard McGee
Description:
It is but fitting indeed that a short sketch of Professor Gentry R. McGee, who died in Jackson, Tennessee, on July 19, 1922, be given here. He was a prominent figure in the educational circles of the South, an author of more than state-wide reputation, a leading Confederate veteran of the strictest order, and a friend to the children of Tennessee.
He was born in Holmes County, Mississippi, September 17, 1840. His early academic training was at Andrews College, Trenton, Tennessee. Later he attended school in Chicago and returned to the state to engage in teaching -- first in the district schools, then as principal at Trenton for twenty-six years. He was elected Superintendent of the Jackson City Schools in 1903 and served in that position for nine years. For many years he was an instructor in the state institutes, where he left his imprint upon the teachers of other days.
Professor McGee was best known as an author. He wrote the state history that bears his name, which has been used as a text-book in the schools for many years and which is regarded as a complete and full treatment of the events of a great state. His name has become a household word to the children of Tennessee through the text.
At the urgent solicitation of his many friends and admirers, Professor McGee prepared, in manuscript form, a school history of the United States which had not been published at the time of his death.
He was an honorary life member of the State Public School Officers' Association and received a meritorious remembrance from its members at one of their meetings.
He was a life of usefulness; he was unassuming in manner, scholarly in attainments, a Chesterfield in the traditions and chivalry of the old South, strict in discipline of mind, loyal to friends, and a man among men.
His body rests beside that of his devoted wife in the cemetery at Trenton.
Page 334-335, History of Tennessee, by Gentry R. McGee, Revised and Enlarged by C.B. Ijams, Facsimile Reproduction 1971 by Charles Elder, bookseller
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Created: 3/23/2006 8:21:37 PM
