Known Activities
Fisher came to Dundee, IL after serving six years as superintendent of schools in McHenry, IL. During his eight-year tenure in Dundee — a suburb of Elgin, IL — he oversaw a substantial expansion and modernization of the local school system, work characteristic of the Progressive Era investment in public education. (Source: rock-island-argus-1914-05-11-image-12)
Among his documented accomplishments in Dundee:
- Gymnasium construction: Fisher directed the erection of a gymnasium at a cost of $6,500.
- Science and vocational facilities: He installed chemical laboratories and fully equipped manual training and domestic science departments.
- Health inspection: Fisher introduced medical and dental inspection in Dundee's schools, an early adoption of public-health practices in the district.
- Curriculum expansion: He added two-year business and two-year industrial courses to the high school curriculum.
- Night school: Fisher was reportedly planning the establishment of a night school for working non-graduates, scheduled to open in September 1914 — an initiative he apparently did not complete before his departure.
In addition to his professional work, Fisher held membership in several fraternal and civic organizations: the Masons, Knights Templar, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), Eastern Star, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married with three children at the time of the 1914 announcement. (Source: rock-island-argus-1914-05-11-image-12)
Appointment to Rock Island
The Rock Island board of education received nearly 100 applications for the position of superintendent, personally investigating five or six finalists before selecting Fisher. He was appointed to succeed H. B. Hayden, who had held the Rock Island superintendency for fourteen years before resigning and reportedly planned a year's vacation in Colorado prior to relocating. Fisher was set to assume his new duties on July 1, 1914. (Source: rock-island-argus-1914-05-11-image-12)
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1871 | Born; birthplace not documented in available sources |
| Prior to 1906 | Graduated Eden Valley, MO high school; completed three-year course at Missouri State Normal University; studied three years at Illinois Medical College |
| c. 1900–1906 | Served as superintendent of schools, McHenry, IL (approximately six years) |
| c. 1906 | Appointed superintendent of public schools, Dundee, IL |
| c. 1913 | Offered superintendency of Aurora, IL; declined after Dundee raised his salary by $600 annually |
| 1914 (before May 11) | Planned establishment of night school for working non-graduates, to open September 1, 1914 |
| 1914-05-11 | Appointment as superintendent of Rock Island public schools announced publicly |
| 1914-07-01 | Set to assume duties in Rock Island, succeeding H. B. Hayden |
- rock-island-argus-1914-05-11-image-12 — Image 12 of Rock Island Argus (Rock Island, Ill.), May 11, 1914, Home Edition. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn92053934/1914-05-11/ed-1/?sp=12