Person:John Cessna (7)

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, 30 Dec 1913, page 14.

NOTED PEDAGOGUE CALLED BY DEATH

John H. Cessna, One of the Most Widely Known Educators in State, Expires at Home of His Niece.

John H. Cessna, one of the most widely known educators in this part of the state, died yesterday afternoon at the home of his niece, Mrs D. F. Schwartz, 301S. Spruce avenue. He had been in poor health since his retirement as principal of the Second ward school, but was confined to his bed since Saturday. His death was attributed to Bright's disease.

Mr. Cessna was born in Cumberland valley, Bedford county, on June 15, 1839. He was feft early in life to fight his own way until he reached the age of 19, when he entered the Allegheny male and female seminary at Rainsburg, Bedford county. One year later he was given his first school and since that periond he presided over many schools in that county. As principal, he also served the schools of Saxton, Everett and Schellsburg boroughs. From 1881 until 1890 he was superintendent of the schools of Bedford county. Mr. Cessna divided the schools of that county into districts for local institutions and other educational meetings.

The veteran teacher moved to this city in 1892 and took up his duties as supervising principal of Logan township schools in which capacity he continued until 1898, when he was employed by the city board of education. Later he succeeded S. M. Harkness as principal of the Washington school and several years afterward, Mr. Cessna was transferred to the Penn. Forty-three years of his life was to teaching, or other educational work. He was an able instructor and proved his worth whereever employed. With principals Osborne and Bowles, he was retired July 1, 1913 under the new school code.

In 1862, he was joined in marriage to Miss Mary Diehl of Bedford county, who survives with one daughter, Mrs Ella G Wood of this city. Two sons preceded the father to the grave many years ago. One sister, Mrs. Rickel of Hollidaysburg, and a half-sister, Mrs Amanda Valentine of Cumberland, also survive. The deceased was a member of the Christ Reformed church, and the B. S. Davis lodge, No. 1056, I. O. O. F. of this city. Funeral services tomorrow afternoon -- the cortege to leave the 301 S. Spruce avenue, at 2 o'clock and will proceed to the Christ Reformed church, where services will occur at 2.30. Interment in Fairview cemetery.

1. ↑ Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule.
2. ↑ Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States. 1860 U.S. Census Population Schedule.
3. ↑ Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States. 1870 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   Bedford Twp; p.12/349, Bedford PO, ln.19, vis.77/83.

   CESSNA, John H age 30, w,m, Carpenter, bp PA
   Mary 30, w,f, keeping house, PA
   Ellie Gertrude 6, w,f, PA
   Amarine 2, w,m, PA 13 JUN 1870

4. ↑ Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States. 1880 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   ED 221, Everett; p.15, ln.5, vis.118/130.

   CESSNA, John H age 40, w,m, head, mar, school teacher, PA/PA/PA
   Mary 40, w,f, wife, mar, keeping house, PA/PA/PA
   Ella G 17, w,f, dau, sing., PA/PA/PA
   Berton J 12, w,m, son, PA/PA/PA
   Franklin C 4, w,m, son, PA/PA/PA
   LEADER, David H 30, w,m, boarder, sing., minister, PA/PA/PA
   MORGART, James H 22, w,m, boarder, sing., school teacher, PA/PA/PA

5. ↑ Birth date might be July 25, 1839