15 Facts About Lorin Andrews

Lorin Andrews was an educator and school reformer in Ohio.

Lorin Andrews left the position to serve in the American Civil War, and died of typhus contracted in camp.

Lorin Andrews attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio from 1838 to 1840 but had to leave school before graduation because he was unable to pay tuition.

Lorin Andrews then began teaching at Ashland Academy and became principale of the school by 1844.

Lorin Andrews received an honorary MA degree from Kenyon in 1846 and became interested in politics and law.

Lorin Andrews passed the bar in 1847 but did not leave the field of education.

Lorin Andrews was an advocate for school reforms including: free grade schools in towns and villages, a state education commissioner, common school libraries, township boards of education, state funding of child education, a monthly journal of education, legislative support of institutes, improved buildings, increased wages, and increased public support for education.

In 1848, together with Mortimer Dormer Leggett, Lorin Andrews became editor of The Free School Clarion.

Lorin Andrews was a noted advocate of the 1853 School Law which made many of these reforms including the election of a state school commissioner.

Lorin Andrews began his duties in 1854, which included holding the title of Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, Political Economy, etc.

At the start of the American Civil War in April 1861, Lorin Andrews resigned from Kenyon to raise a company of volunteers.

Lorin Andrews was known as the first Ohioan to volunteer to fight for the Union in the Civil War, and was suggested for Governor of Ohio that summer.

Lorin Andrews was given the rank of colonel and put into command of the 4th Ohio Infantry.

Lorin Andrews returned to Gambier and died on September 26,1861.

Lorin Andrews was buried on the campus of Kenyon College.