Park, John R., 1833-1900

Utah author and educator who served as president of the University of Deseret.

John R. Park (1833-1900) was born in Tiffin, Ohio. He grew up on the family farm, and attended public school in Tiffin. After completing those studies, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University as a teacher, and taught from 1853 to 1855. He then entered medical school at New York University, and received his degree in medicine in 1857, which he practiced until 1860, when he headed West to teach school again. By 1861, John R. Park was in the Utah Territory, and settled in Draper. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1862. In 1869, he became president of the University of Deseret, which would later be known as the University of Utah (1892). He stayed until 1892, and only resigned because he felt that he had been there a long time, and the position should be held by those younger than he. Although he never married, John R. Park adopted several children. He died in 1900.

First president of the University of Deseret (University of Utah), State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 1896-1900.

1869-1892, First president of the University of Deseret.

1896-1900, State Superintendant of Public Instruction.