Kirk, John R
lawyer, educator, was born Jan. 21, 1851, in Bureau county, Ill.
He received the rudiments of his education in the public schools of Missouri; graduated from the State Normal school of Kirksville; attended the universities of Missouri and Kansas; and attained proficiency in Latin, Greek, science and mathematics. He has been county commissioner of schools of Harrison county; for eight years was superintendent of schools of Bethany; for seven years was connected with the principal schools of Kansas City; and since 1894 has been state superintendent of public schools for the state of Missouri.