Abstract
Jonas Wenger Hoover, a faculty member at Arizona State University from 1924 to 1943 died recently at the age of 90. His life was somewhat like a roller coaster, reaching highs and lows; for the first half of his life he was considered a gifted, intelligent, and well-rounded man, and he was highly regarded as an author and teacher, but for much of his life he lived in obscurity and near the bottom of society. He is a forgotten man today, but his life can be a lesson to us all. Mr. Hoover was considered gifted in several respects. He was an exceptionally good pianist, and sometimes composed songs as he played. He also entertained friends and students on the musical saw, had an excellent voice (baritone), and on occasions sang for the school at assemblies. Jonas was also a poet, and later in life supplemented his income as an artist. Jonas Hoover was born in Leaman Place (Lancaster County), in eastern Pennsylvania on June 23, 1889. He was raised on a farm, and educated in local schools. He graduated from Millersville Normal School in 1908 and taught grammar and high school for three years. He then earned an A.B. from Oberlin College in 1914, and an M.A. from the University of Chicago in 1915. His master's degree was in sociology, but he remained at Chicago an extra year for extensive study in geography, and ever afterward considered himself a professional geographer.
Recommended Citation
Commeaux, Malcolm
(1979)
"Jonas Wenger Hoover - 1889-1979 Dr. Commeaux,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 18:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol18/iss1/2