USA > New York > Madison County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York > Part 46
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And, of another side of his character, Professor William Newton Clarke has said:
" As I have come to know him better, I have found him always aglow with devotion to intellectual freedom. Most fervently did he be- lieve in free thought. He held it to be an indispensable requisite to large discovery of truth. Fetters on the mind he utterly abhorred, and he would have cut off his own right hand before he would have helped to bind them upon any human being. He constitutionally shrank from strife, and I am not quite certain whether if worse had come to worst he would have fought for his own right of intellectual freedom; but I have little doubt that he would have been willing to fight for another man's right to think for himself. His interest in liberty of the mind was not merely a desire to do his own thinking; he was one of the few who will give all they demand for themselves. He delighted in seeing all minds free, and would help another, even more eagerly than he would claim his own birthright. Repression of thought seemed to him fatal to the interests of truth. His own views were inexpressibly vital to him, but he had never the shadow of a desire to take them as the standard to which all minds must come. He had no desire that his personal views of truth should be the standard in the Seminary where he had influence. There was no need, to his mind, that his col- leagues should teach exactly as he taught. Many a time has he told me this, that he never inquired what his colleagues taught, or cared for uniformity. He believed in truth, and delighted in honest openness of soul; and he was sure that if men were honest, truth in the long run would win its way. He did not grudge its grain of truth to a system of error, but rather rejoiced to recognize truth wherever found, and in whatever uncongenial combinations. Therefore he was a wise guide, and a blessed comforter whenever a soul was perplexed and doubting. Many a time has he been able to speak a word in season to him that . was weary, because he believed in truth, and the soul."
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With the new name-Colgate University-came a new era in the pro- gress of the institution. The history of the change of the name has been concisely written by Professor William Newton Clarke:
" Within the first decade of the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, William Colgate, of New York, became warmly interested in its work. He gave it his heart, and was constant in prayer and effort for its success. He and his family made constant contributions for its support, even in the early days, and in the dark time that fol- lowed in its later history, he was one of the most earnest and steadfast of its friends. At his death, which occurred in 1857, his two sons felt that the interests of the institution that he and their mother had loved
came to them as a sacred trust. They soon became members of the official boards, and entered upon a course of active helpfulness that has never since been interrupted for a day. In all respects Mr. James B. Colgate has been the largest contributor to its funds that the Univer- sity has ever known, and Mr. Samuel Colgate has been the steadfast and generous supporter of the Education Society, of which he has been the president for many years, and of the theological seminary. Presi- dent Dodge came to feel the need of a more distinctive name for the University, the name, " Madison " having never possessed anything more than an accidental appropriateness; and in view of this need, and of the long and invaluable services of the Colgate family, he proposed to substitute "Colgate " for " Madison " in the official name of the Uni- versity. The idea originated with him, and the movement for a change of name was his last great effort, into which his whole soul was thrown."
This plan received the hearty support of the faculty and trustees of the University and also of the trustees of the Baptist Education Society, and on the 13th of March, 1890, the Regents of the University of the State of New York changed the name of Madison University to that by which this institution is at present known.
President Dodge died on the 5th of January, 1890. From that time until 1898, with the exception of one period of two years, the Univer- sity was without a president; and while it doubtless suffered from this in some ways, yet under the administration of the Executive Commit- tee of the Board of Trustees there was substantial growth in many directions. Indeed, in some respects, the results of the years from 1890 to 1899 may rank in importance with any in the history of the in- stitution.
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With the addition to the endowment of the Dodge Memorial Fund came the opportunity to strengthen the work of the University in many ways. On the completion of the Library Building, the books were moved from Alumni Hall to their new quarters. Immediately after- ward the usefulness of the library was vastly increased by an exhaus- tive catalogue prepared in accordance with the Decimal System of Classification by cataloguers from the New York State Library School. A department which adds much to the value of the library is the Bap- tist Historical Collection. This was founded and endowed by Mr. Samuel Colgate and consists of books and pamphlets pertaining to Bap- tist history. The enthusiasm of Mr. Colgate while alive, and the con- tinuous effort of those now in charge of the work, have succeeded in making this one of the most complete and valuable collections of Bap- tist historical material in the world,
A most important addition to the material equipment of the Univer- sity is the gymnasium, which was built in 1893. The building is thoroughly equipped with the most approved apparatus, and with its completion the Department of Physical Culture was added to the Uni- versity, and a Director of Physical Culture was placed in charge of the work. The addition of a new athletic field, with running track, diamond and gridiron, the welcome gift of Mr. T. O. Whitnall of Syracuse, N. Y., will give ample provision for the athletic interests of the University. In recognition of the generosity of the donor, the athletic field has been named by the trustees Whitnall Field.
On the Campus continuous improvement has been the order of the day. In 1891, plans for permanent development were prepared by an eminent landscape gardener, and all work since that time has been in accordance with these plans. Macadamized roads have been con- structed, much grading has been done, an entire new sewerage system has taken the place of the old, and an adequate system of surface drain- age protects the hillside improvements. Furthermore, the system of water supply and electric lighting, constructed and owned by the village of Hamilton, has been extended to the hill, furnishing protection against fire, and making it possible now to construct a building with all modern improvements anywhere on the campus.
The Greek Letter Fraternities have for many years held a prominent place in the University life. Prior to 1860 these organizations were not welcome at Colgate. There were two literary societies, Adelphia and Æonia, to which all students belonged. In 1855, however, the
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question of the establishment of a Greek Letter Chapter was agitated by James Holland Browne, '54, a student in the Theological Seminary. This effort resulted in the organization of The Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. The charter was granted on March 1st, 1856. In 1877 the Chapter entered its present hall on Broad street, which had been erected by the contributions of both active members and alumni. In 1892 Francis T. Pierce, a charter member, presented to the Chapter its present residence. This gift was in memory of the donor's son and is known as the Frank Burchard Pierce Memorial.
Delta Upsilon was the second fraternity to establish a chapter at Col- gate. The charter was formally granted on November 21st, 1865. In 1882 the chapter moved to its present commodious and beautiful chap- ter house which had been erected by the effort of both undergraduates and alumni.
The records of the Colgate Chapter of Beta Theta Pi show direct de- scent from the Adelphia Literary Society, which was founded in 1840. On the second of December, 1880, the transfer of property was made to the new chapter. Since that time this society has purchased a new home on Broad street opposite the university campus.
The New York Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi was established at Colgate in the spring of 1887. The ÆEonia Literary Society was transferred to this chapter and this gave to Phi Kappa Psi especial strength among the alumni. In the spring of 1892 the chapter erected its present home.
The Theta Psi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was organized October 11, 1887. It was founded by Isaac D. Moore, who had joined Phi Gamma Delta while a student at Bucknell University. Later, on en- tering Colgate, he induced seven others to join him and these became the charter members of the newly formed organization.
These are the fraternities at Colgate. They have fairly won their present honorable position. They have grown with the prosperity of the University, and all are to-day vigorous and strong. The college has long welcomed them to its organization, and they are now rightly considered as efficient aids to its order and to its intellectual life.
While improvement has been made on the campus, and in the mate- rial equipment of the University, needed changes in the curriculum have not been overlooked. In the college, all the courses leading to degrees have been devoloped into four year courses with requirements for graduation substantially equivalent in value. The elective system
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has been almost entirely the growth of the last ten years. The former department of English literature, civil history, and oratory has now been developed into the three distinct departments of English literature, history, and rhetoric and public speaking. The former department of natural science has been developed into the departments of geology, and biology, and there have been added to the curriculum, the depart- ments of modern languages, philosophy, physical culture, and history of art.
In the Theological Seminary, the system of electives has been intro- duced and developed to its present advanced condition. The two de- partments of Semitic languages and Old Testament interpretation have been developed from a single department, and the department of pas- toral theology has been separated from the department of New Testa- ment interpretation.
On the 12th of September, 1892, the Colgate Press Club was organ- ized. This was the result of a desire on the part of the newspaper correspondents at the University for an organization that should be of some assistance to them in the gathering of news, and that should pro- mote among them a helpful feeling of fellowship. The club prospered from the start; the first "Press Club List" contains the names of twenty-six newspapers, each with a representative in the club. Each year, so far as it can be gathered, the correspondence of the club is placed on file at the library, thus forming a continuous record of current university life. In 1896 the club instituted the custom of an annual address by a practical newspaper man.
The continued interest and loyalty of the alumni is shown in many ways. The Junior Historical Oration Prizes have been established by Edward M. Grout, Esq., class of 1884; and the Eugene A. Rowland Oratorical Prize has been established by Eugene A. Rowland, Esq., class of 1884. The alumni of Albany, Troy and vicinity have organized a vigorous association, whose annual gatherings are the scenes of much loyalty and enthusiasm for Alma Mater. Like expression marks the large gathering of Colgate alumni, who meet every year at the Baptist State convention. Gradually the attendance of alumni and friends is increasing at Patron's Day and Commencement, while the unfailing supply of students sent through their efforts to all departments of the institution is significant of the fact that the long years of waiting for a president have not weakened the loyalty of the alumnus to his Alma Mater.
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Three regular publications are sustained by the students of the insti- tution. The Academe is published weekly by the students of Colgate Academy; the Madisonensis is published bi-weekly by the students of the college, and The Salmagundi, or college annual, is published by the junior class of the college.
Closely connected with the university life and history and profoundly influencing it in some ways, have been the publications of Colgate pro- fessors during the last ten years. The series of mathematical text books by Professor James Morford Taylor, LL.D., has been received with words of cordial appreciation in mathematical circles, both in this country and in Europe. The significant word in the estimates of these books is that the author has not followed the methods of previous writers, but has struck out a new and original path for himself.
Of the Calculus, C. O. Mailloux, editor of the Engineering World. says: " The work marks an epoch in the literature of the Calculus, for the reason that, in demonstrating the unity of the fundamental prin- ciples, it sets forever at rest those controversies which have made strife and contention among mathematicians, and which have made doubt and suspicion among students."
The Interpretation of Literature, by Professor William Henry Craw- shaw, has been widely reviewed both in the United States and Great Britain, and has everywhere created a most favorable impression. Scholars generally have commended the clear and forceful style in which the book is written, and the logical arrangement and striking presentation of the subject-matter.
An Outline of Theology, by Professor William Newton Clarke, was first printed privately, mainly for use in the author's classes. But the demand for copies became so large that, later, it was published, and was immediately recognized as a work of unusual force. Aside from the interesting way in which the subject is developed, the book "strik- ingly exhibits the change that is passing over the style of treatment given to theological topics." It has profoundly influenced the religious thought of the time. Within the last quarter of a century no book has aroused more widespread discussion in intellectual circles.
It was of this book that Marcus Dods, of Edinburgh, one of the lead- ing theological critics in Great Britain, said in the British Weekly: " It is not, then, so much new beliefs that characterize this new theology, as a new freshness, truth to life and reality, and unconventionality. There is also a felicitous lightness of touch combined with the most powerful
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grasp. He never presses his point too far, never overlabours an argu- ment, never obscures the essential features by introducing a crowd of non-essentials. There is no polemic, no overt reference to other men's opinions, no reference to books and authorities; all is clarified to abso- lute lucidity. We have received from America many useful contribu- tions to theological literature, but few that surpass this either as the- ology, or as literature."
These publications, adding as they have done, to the prestige of the University, emphasize not a little the progressive character which has marked the institution during these recent years.
No review of the record of the last ten years would be complete without a proper reference to the government of the University during that period. In the absence of a president, the responsibility for the proper conduct of the institution has rested, very largely, with the Exec- utive Committee of the Board of Trustees. This committee has con- sisted of Rev. Edward Lathrop, Professor Albert S. Bickmore, James C. Colgate, Esq., Rev. Henry M. Sanders, and Mr. Gardner Colby. To their wise and faithful oversight, has been due much of the progress which the institution has recently made. It would not be in place here to make more than a passing reference to the many matters of detail in the various departments to which the helpful attention of the Execu- tive Committee has been given; but some of their more important achievements it will not be out of place to mention.
Prior to June 1893, the control of the University was vested in two Boards of Trustees. The College and Academy were controlled by the University Board; the Theological Seminary, by that of the Baptist Education Society. This dual responsibility, as might be expected, gave rise to much inconvenience, and there had been for a long time, a general desire to unify the governing power of the institution. It was not, however, an easy thing to do. Both bodies were the trustees of vested interests which they were bound to guard; the Education So- ciety was particularly solicitous for the welfare of the Theological In- stitution. But after some concessions on both sides, the new compact was finally consummated, and all departments of the institution were united under the University Board in June 1893.
Another significant change which has been made in the governing body of the University during the administration of the Executive Committee is the admission of representatives of the Alumni to the Board of Trustees. This action was taken in 1894, and under it the
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Alumni of the University now have four representatives on the Board of Trustees.
During the first half of the last decade, Professor N. Lloyd Andrews discharged the duties of the president's office as Dean of the College Faculty. With indefatigable industry, under circumstances which, at times, added materially to the ordinary difficulties of the situation, Dr. Andrews performed well the arduous duties of this office; and his services were highly appreciated by the authorities of the University.
On July 2d, 1895, George William Smith LL. D., was elected president of Colgate University. He was a graduate of Colby University, had been a graduate student at Johns Hopkins, and as Professor of History at Col- gate, had made a marked success. His administration opened with promise. But within a year after his inauguration, his health having already been impaired, the duties of the position began to wear upon him until at last, unable longer, from physical disability, to perform the duties of his office, President Smith tendered his resignation which was accepted in June, 1897. During the last year of President Smith's term of office, much valuable work was done by Professor Albert Perry Brig- ham, and Professor William Henry Crawshaw, upon whom devolved the duties of the president's office.
During the fall term commencing in September, 1897, Professor William Henry Crawshaw served as Acting Dean of the College Faculty, at the same time discharging the duties of the president's office, and on December 21st, 1897, he was appointed permanently by the Board of Trustees, Dean of the College Faculty.
The administration of Dean Crawshaw has been one of quiet but continuous progress; careful attention has been given to the work of the individual student with the result that the general standard of scholarship has not been higher in recent years than it is to-day; and the marked feeling of good will now prevalent throughout college circles is perhaps the most significant testimony to the general accepta- bility with which this work has been performed.
On December 20th, 1898, Rev. George Edmands Merrill, D. D., of Newton, Mass., was elected president of Colgate University.
President Merrill was born in Charlestown, Mass., December 19th, 1846. He is a graduate of Harvard University and of the Newton Theological Institution. In October, 1872, he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Springfield, Mass., and in 1877 removed to Sa- lem, Mass., to accept the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in that
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place. Here he remained for eight years and then removed to Colo- rado Springs in the hope of re-establishing his health. At Colorado Springs two years were spent as pastor of the Baptist Church and two more in a successful business career. At the end of this period, having regained health, he became pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Newton, Mass., May 1st, 1890. Here he remained until he became president of Colgate University.
President Merrill's administration opens with great promise, A new President's House, the gift of Mr. James B. Colgate, is in process of erection; old buildings are being renovated and new ones planned; a large gift for an athletic track has been secured and the Whitnall Field is being pushed to completion; the scholarship of the University is being maintained at its high standard; the moral and religious tone of the student body was never higher; and in many and valuable ways the entire institution is feeling the impulse of the new administration.
Inspiration for the future is found in the loyal response, instant and universal, when President Merrill, on the Day of Prayer for Colleges, laid down this guiding principle for his administration, and appealed to the University for its support: " I want to beseech all of you gentle- men, with patience, with consideration, with sympathy, with a common love for our common University, with absolute loyalty to its interests, and with the desire that each one of us may get the most out of it for ourselves and for God, to take hold and do everything that can be done together in this University, for life and for God."
Hamilton Female Seminary .- In order to meet an apparent demand for the higher education of young women this institution was estab- lished in 1856 by Clinton C. Buell and incorporated by the Regents on the 17th of January, of that year. After about three years of mod- erately successful management of the Seminary Mr. Buell was suc- ceeded by the Misses Wallace and Fields who conducted it for a short period, when it was abandoned for want of patronage. At about the time the academy was discontinued in the year 1861 the Seminary was revived by Rev. Charles A. Raymond who continued it two years, when it was again closed. In the fall of 1866 the institution was re- opened by M. M. Goodenough, A. M., principal, and his wife precep- tress, who successfully conducted it as a boarding and day school.
Hamilton Union School .- The village of Hamilton previous to 1853 included three common school districts. Educational facilities in that
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place prior to that year, as far as the common schools were concerned, were entirely inadequate to the needs of the community. This was due, to some extent at least, to the existence of the several higher edu- cational institutions that have just been described. In the latter part of the year 1853 measures were adopted to consolidate the three dis- tricts into one and establish a Union Free School. For this purpose a number of persons from each of the three districts united in a call for a meeting to vote upon the project. The meeting was held in the base- ment of the Baptist church and was largely attended. The proceedings were characterized by earnest argument and controversy which con- tinued until about midnight, when a vote was taken upon the main question resulting in the negative. A motion to reconsider was imme- diately made and the contest continued until about two o'clock A. M., when a second vote was taken resulting in the affirmative. It is diffi- cult at this day to fully understand and appreciate the spirit of opposi- tion in the community to this desirable change in the educational sys- tem of the village. After the affirmative vote was recorded a Board of Education was elected, consisting of the following persons: Charles Payne, Charles Gardiner, Abram Sanford, Samuel S. Abbott, Mulford Roger, James L. Fay, Horace B. Burchard, Alonzo Thurston and Al- bert N. Sheldon. Mr. Payne was chosen president of the board. The opposing element continued its campaign insisting that the preliminary proceedings for the meeting, as well as the proceedings themselves, were invalid. Another meeting was held at which the inhabitants voted a tax for the purchase of a site for the new Union free school house. This tax was levied by the Board of Education, the rolls placed in the hands of the collector who made a consistent effort to collect the funds; but the opposition was so widespread and persistent that he finally became discouraged and refused to enforce the tax against de- linquents. In this emergency an arrangement was made by the Board of Education with Eli Buell, jr., who, though not unfriendly to the new school, had declined to pay his tax, under which it was agreed to sub- mit the case to the General Term of the Supreme Court for decision. Early in the summer of 1854, the court having the entire matter before it, decided in favor of the board. The tax was then collected, the site for the school house purchased and the building erected. The first principal of the school was Henry I. Sherrill, a very efficient and ener- getic instructor, under whose management the school became noted throughout central New York for its thorough course of instruction and the rapid advancement of its pupils.
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