Stewart, Cora Wilson, 1875-1958

Educator, author.

Born in Rowan County, Ky., Cora Wilson Stewart was educated at Morehead Normal School, the National Normal University and the University of Kentucky. In 1911, while serving as superintendent of Rowan County Schools, she established an adult education program aimed at eliminating illiteracy known as the "Moonlight Schools." Her pioneering efforts on behalf of illiteracy gained her a national reputation as an education reformist. In 1914 she was appointed head of the newly formed Kentucky Illiteracy Commission. She later worked for the Illiteracy Commission of the National Education Association, the National Illiteracy Crusade, the World Federation of Educational Associations and other agencies throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

During the 1930s her involvement in education waned as she became active in the Oxford Group, a religious organization. Stewart authored a series of readers for adult illiterates as well as readers for American soldiers during World War I, American Indians and many magazine articles.

From the description of Cora Wilson Stewart papers, 1900-1940. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 15183826