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About RCOE | History

Dr. Lyman Gregory, first Riverside County Superintendent of Schools

May, 1893 - January 5, 1895

Dr. Lyman Gregory was a prominent physician from the Hemet/San Jacinto area when Riverside County split from San Diego and San Bernardino counties. He served in the Union Army at the age of 17, began his professional career in 1870, and was a superintendent of schools in Morrison, Illinois.

He practiced in the Chicago area before moving his family to San Jacinto. He was elected as the first Riverside County Superintendent of Schools on May 2, 1893. He served until January, 1895, after losing a bid for re-election in November 1894.

One of his first tasks was to work with the appointed County Board of Education to create a seal – “Education, the Nation’s Safeguard.”

The superintendent and board also gave examinations to prospective teachers – 20 primary, seven grammar and three high school. They also gave certificates to 127 eighth graders.

Gregory was eventually defeated by Edward Hyatt, also from the Hemet/San Jacinto area.

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Timeline

Gregory (1893-1895) - Hyatt (1895-1907) - Cree (1907-1919) - Landis (1919-1926) - Smith (1926-1951) - Johnson (1951-1961) - Grindstaff (1961-1970) - Kenny (1970-1987) - Holmes (1987-1999) - Long (1999-2007) - Young (2007 - present)