author
J. T. (James Thompson) McCleary
1853–1924
A Canadian-born educator who became a longtime Minnesota congressman, he moved from school leadership into public life and served in the U.S. House during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also wrote on civics and public affairs, reflecting the teacherly side of his career.
1 Audiobook
Studies in Civics
by J. T. (James Thompson) McCleary
About the author
Born in Ingersoll, Ontario, on February 5, 1853, James Thompson McCleary was educated at Ingersoll High School and McGill University. Before entering national politics, he worked in education, including as superintendent of schools in Pierce County, Wisconsin, and later as a teacher and educational leader in Minnesota.
McCleary settled in Mankato, Minnesota, where he became a professor at the state normal school and served as its president for a time. A Republican, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota and served multiple terms from 1899 to 1911.
Alongside his political career, he wrote books including Studies in Civics, showing a lasting interest in public instruction and citizenship. He died on December 17, 1924, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.