HINSDALE, BURKE AARON (31 Mar. 1837-29 Nov. 1900) was an educator, president of Hiram College, superintendent of CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, and author of numerous books and articles on history, education, and President JAMES A. GARFIELD.
Born in Wadsworth, Ohio to Albert and Clarinda (Eyles) Hinsdale, Burke attended public school and, from 1853-1860, the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (Hiram College) where he befriended one of his teachers, James A. Garfield. Upon graduating Hinsdale taught in the English Department of Hiram College until 1864.
Between 1864-1868, Hinsdale was pastor of the Church of the Disciples of Christ, Solon, then of the Franklin Circle Church, Cleveland. He became associate editor of The Christian Standard, a religious periodical in Cleveland, authoring numerous articles.
In 1868 Hinsdale became chair of History, Political Economy, and Governmental Science at Alliance College. In 1869 he returned to Hiram as Professor of Philosophy, English Literature, and Political Science. In 1870 Hinsdale became President of Hiram, serving until 1882.
After Garfield's assassination, his widow, Lucretia authorized Hinsdale to collect, edit, and publish The Works of Garfield. Hinsdale also wrote President Garfield and Education, How to Study and Teach History and The American Government.
From 1882-1886 Hinsdale was Cleveland's superintendent of public schools. He sought to strengthen the schools and, during his administration, built 14 new buildings. Hinsdale resigned to become a professor of education at the University of Michigan.
Hinsdale married Mary Turner on 24 May 1862. They had three daughters. Hinsdale died in Atlanta, Georgia.