McGuffey, William Holmes (1800–1873)

US educator. He is best remembered for his series the Eclectic Readers, which became standard reading textbooks throughout the USA in the 19th century. He was president of Cincinnati College 1836–39 and Ohio University 1839–45.

Born in Claysville, Pennsylvania, USA, and raised in Ohio, McGuffey attended Washington University and Jefferson College.

In 1825 he joined the faculty of Miami University, where he lectured on philosophy and became interested in the issue of public-school reform. He was professor at the University of Virginia 1845–73.