USA > Ohio > Delaware County > History of Delaware County and Ohio : containing a brief history of the state of Ohio biographical sketches etc. V. 1 > Part 64
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4. Rev. Lorenzo D. McCabe, D. D., LL. D. Prof. McCabe came into the faculty as the successor of Prof. Howard. He was born in Marietta in 1818, and graduated at the Ohio University in 1843. He then became a member of the Ohio Conference, and preached one year ; but, in the year 1844, was appointed to the Chair of Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy in his Alma Mater. This place he held one year. In 1845, he was called to the same chair in the Ohio Wesleyan University ; and, in 1860, was transferred to the Chair of Bib- lical Literature and Moral Science. In 1864, by a re-arrangement of the college work, his chair was named " Philosophy." To this department he has since given his entire services, except in the years 1873 to 1875, during which he was also acting President.
5. Rev. William G. Williams, LL. D. Prof. Williams graduated at Woodward College in Cin- cinnati in 1844, and the same year was appointed to a place in the new faculty of the university as Principal of the Preparatory Department. In 1847, he was promoted to the adjunct professor- ship of Ancient Languages, and, in 1850, to the full chair of Greek and Latin Languages. This appointment be held until 1864, when his chair was divided, and he became Professor of Greek Language and Literature. This chair was endowed in 1867, by John R. Wright, Esq., and, in honor of his father (the venerable Dr. John F. Wright), was named the Wright Professorship. In 1872, Prof. Williams was appointed the acting Pro- fessor of Hebrew Language and Literature. In 1856, he became a member of the Central Ohio Conference, of which body he has for twenty years been the Secretary.
6. Rev. William L. Harris, D. D. LL. D. Professor Harris was educated at Norwalk Semi- nary, and joined the North Ohio Conference in 1840. He was stationed at Delaware in 1844-45, and here he first became connected with the uni- versity as one of the teachers of the Preparatory Department. He taught, however, but one year.
After preaching two years at Toledo, he accepted the principalship of Baldwin Seminary, at Berea. In 1851 he was recalled to Delaware, as Principal of the Academical Department, and was the next year appointed Professor of Natural Sciences. In this chair he remained eight years, till 1860, when, by the appointment of the General Confer- ence, he became one of the Secretaries of the Methodist Missionary Society. In 1872, he was elected to the Episcopate.
7. Rev. William D. Godman, D. D. Prof. God- man was the second graduate of the university, in 1846. He entered the ministry in the North Ohio Conference, but, in 1849, served the university for one year as Principal of the Academical Depart- ment. He was then President of the Worthing- ton Female College for some years, and afterward Professor of Greek for a while in the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ill. From thence he was called to a chair in his Alma Mater. From 1860 to 1864, he was Professor of Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy; in 1864, he was trans- ferred to the chair of Biblical Theology and Liter- ature, in which he served one year, and then re- signed to re-enter the pastorate. After preaching for some years, he became President of Baldwin University, which he served during the years 1870-75. Dr. Godman is now President of the New Orleans University.
8. Rev. Francis S. Hoyt, D. D. Prof. Hoyt graduated at Wesleyan University, Connecticut, and shortly after became President of the Willa- mette University, Oregon. In 1860, he was called to the chair of Natural Science in the Ohio Wesleyan University, and served in this depart- ment for five years. In 1865, he was transferred to the chair of Theology and Biblical Literature, in which he remained for seven years. This chair bears the name of the Chrisman Professorship, in honor of Mrs. Eliza Chrisman, who has secured its endowment (1865). In 1872 Prof. Hoyt was elected editor of the Western Christian Advocate, at Cincinnati, which office he now fills.
9. Rev. William F. Whitlock, D. D., graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859, and was immediately appointed tutor in languages. In 1864, he was promoted to an adjunct professor- ship of Latin ; and, in 1866, received the appoint- ment to the full professorship. In this chair he has since remained. In 1878, it received the name of the Brown Professorship, in honor of Mrs. Rebecca Brown, of Bellefontaine, who has given an endowment. In 1877, when the Ohio Wes-
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leyan Female College was united with the uni- versity, Prof. Whitlock was appointed Dean of the Faculty at Monnett Hall (the Ladies' College building), and for three years has had charge of that part of the university. He is a member of the North Ohio Conference.
10. Rev. John P. Lacroix, Ph. D., D.D., graduat- ed from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1857. After teaching one year in the public schools of New Orleans, he entered the Ohio Conference, and preached until 1863. A descendant of an old Huguenot family, the French was his vernacular language, and he had also privately acquired the German language. In 1863, he was invited to become teacher of these languages in the uni- versity. In 1864, he was made adjunct professor of the same, and in 1866 was raised to the pro- fessorship of Modern Languages and History. Prof. Lacroix was a zealous and laborious student. Oppressed by constant ill health, he, nevertheless, studied and wrote incessantly, until, at length, while on a trip to Europe, whither he had fre- quently gone to recruit, he broke down com- pletely, and reached home only to die, September 23, 1879. This is the only death in the faculty since the organization of the school.
11. Rev. Hiram M. Perkins, M. A., is another graduate of the class of 1857. After graduat- ing, he was appointed tutor in natural sciences, and served in this relation for five years, having entire charge of the department one year, during the absence of the professor. In 1865, Mr. Perkins was appointed Adjunct Professor in Mathematics, and in 1867, was promoted to the full chair of Mathematics and Astronomy, which he has since occupied. This chair has received the name of the Parrott Professorship, from the be- quest of Mr. Thomas Parrott, of Dayton, who left $20,000 toward its endowment. Prof. Per- kins is a member of the Central Ohio Conference.
12. William O. Semans, M. A., is also a grad- uate of the class of 1857. After graduating he served for two years as tutor in languages, and then entered into business in the West. In 1862, he was appointed Professor of Natural Sciences in the Ohio Wesleyan Female College. In 1865, he was invited to a place in the university as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry, and, in 1867, promoted to a full professorship in the same department. In this position he yet remains. In 1875, he was elected Mayor of the city of Dela- ware, on the citizens' ticket, and served two years in this office.
13. Edward T. Nelson, M. A., Ph. D. Pro- fessor Nelson graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1866. He then entered the Shef- field Scientific School, and graduated Ph. D. in the year 1869. During this time he had acted as assistant to the Professor of Mineralogy. In 1869, he was invited to the chair of Natural Science in Hanover College, Ind., where he remained three years. In 1871, he was called to the Alumni Chair of Natural History in his Alma Mater. This chair has its name from the fact that it is endowed by the contributions of the Alumni. Prof. Nelson was unanimously nominated to the Board, by the Association, as their choice for the chair by them endowed.
14. Lucius V. Tuttle, M. A. Prof. Tuttle graduated in 1870; and was appointed to a tutor- ship in languages. In this position he served for three years ; when he was promoted to an adjunct professorship in Ancient Languages. In 1874, he was called to the principalship of the Friends' Academy, in connection with the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, which position he still holds.
15. Rev. John T. Short, M. A., B. D. Prof. Short graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1868, and in 1871 at Drew Theological Sem- inary, in divinity. He joined the Cincinnati Con- ference and preached some years, and then spent a year in Europe in study. In 1877, he was appointed to a place in the university, as Adjunct Professor of English Language and Literature. This position he held one year. In 1879, he was called to the chair of History and Philosophy in the Ohio State University.
The work of the professors has not, in most in- stances, been strictly confined to their own depart- ments. Besides the necessity of providing instruc- tion in more subjects than there have been chairs. the professors have often found it convenient to themselves to extend their work to subjects lying outside their several departments. But not even by this additional labor has it ever been possible for them alone to provide for all the classes. In this institution, as in most Western colleges, it has been necessary not only to furnish instruction to the four " college classes," but also to provide a preparatory or grammar school, for those not yet ready to enter freshmen. Indeed, the majority of the students enrolled are of this latter description. Coming from the rural districts, or even from the towns where the high schools do not furnish instruc- tion in the classic languages and mathematics, this class of students must needs begin their preparatory
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studies after entering the institution. To assist them, a large number of additional teachers has always been required. These have been various- ly designated, and not always by the same name for the same work. During the thirteen years of Presi- dent Merrick's administration, it was the policy of the institution to have but two grades of instructors, professors and tutors. But. before that time, the Preparatory Department had a separate organiza- tion under the charge of principals; and this order has recently been re-established.
Of these, besides the professors who have labored in this department, the following may be named : Rev. Thomas D. Crow, M. A., a graduate of Augusta College, was Principal of the Preparatory Department from 1850 to 1852. He was long a member of the Cincinnati Conference, but is now practicing law in Urbana. John H. Grove, M. A., a graduate of the class of 1870, after some years' experience in public schools, was appointed Principal in 1878. In this office he still con- tinues.
The university has twice organized a Normal Department. John Ogden, M. A., was appointed Principal of this department in 1853, and remained for two years, until called by the Ohio State As- sociation to the charge of the MeNeely Normal School. He is now principal of the Ohio Central Normal School at Worthington.
Richard Parsons, a graduate of the class of 1868, came to the university in 1875, as tutor in languages, but, upon the re-organization of the Normal Department in 1878, was promoted to the principalship, in which he still remains.
Of the tutors who have been connected with the university, the following may be named, all of whom are graduates of the university except Prof. Willey.
Owen T. Reeves, tutor in ancient languages from 1850 to 1852, is now Judge of the District Court, Bloomington, Ill.
George F. W. Willey, tutor in modern languages, 1851-52, is now Professor of Greek and Hebrew in Iowa Wesleyan University.
Samuel W. Williams, M. A., tutor in ancient languages, 1851-57, was called to the professor- ship of Ancient Languages in McKendree College, Illinois. He has been, for many years, assistant editor of the National Repository, Cincinnati.
Tullius C. O'Kane, M. A., tutor in mathematics, 1852-57, was subsequently in the public schools of Cincinnati. He is widely known for his musical publications.
William F. King, D. D., tutor in mathematics, 1857-62, was called to the chair of Ancient Languages in Cornell College, Iowa, of which he soon after (1863) became, and still remains, Presi- dent.
Almon S. B. Newton, M. A., tutor in ancient lan- guages, 1866-71, was called to the chair of Natural Science in the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, but soon left on account of failing health. He was subsequently in the ministry for three years, and died in 1875.
Charles J. Gardner, M. A., tutor in mathe- matics, 1872-76 ; resigned his post to study at Harvard University. He graduated with the de- gree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1878, and was elected Principal of a high school in New Bed- ford, Mass., but died before entering on duty, in 1878.
Joseph E. Stubbs, M. A., tutor of ancient lan- guages, 1872-75 ; resigned to enter the ministry. but ill health led him to engage in secular work for a few years. In 1879, he was appointed Profes- sor of Greek in Ashland College, Ohio.
William W. Davies, Ph. D., B. D., has been tutor in Hebrew for two years, and instructor in modern languages since the death of Prof. La- croix.
Besides these, a number of others have held positions as assistant instructors, in special studies, or in the various English branches.
Enoch G. Dial was assistant in the Preparatory Department during the first year, 1844-45. He is now a lawyer in Springfield, Ohio, and Repre- sentative in the State General Assembly.
Edward C. Merrick was assistant in this depart- ment, and teacher of French, in 1846-49, and again in 1855-57. He resigned to enter the ministry in the Cincinnati Conference. He now holds an appointment in the Agricultural Bureau. Washington City.
Percival C. Wilson was teacher of modern languages, 1861-63. He held the position of Professor, in 1867-70, in East Tennessee Wesleyan University, but is now in business in Chattanooga.
William H. Cole was instructor in English in 1864-69. He was called to the chair of English Literature in the Missouri State University, in 1875-77. He is now Superintendent of Instruc- tion at Marysville, Ohio.
In addition to these, every year a number of the advanced students, usually from the senior class, have been employed to give instruction in the lower grades. Many of these have had con-
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siderable experience in teaching before coming to the university.
Since the union of the female college with the university, a number of ladies and of gentlemen, teaching in the ladies' courses of study, have been enrolled in the faculty at Monnett Hall. Among these are :
Mrs. Lucy H. Parker, M. A., Preceptress ; now teacher of Natural Science in Chillicothe High School.
Mrs. Susan A. Brockway, B. S. Preceptress.
Miss Clara A. Nelson, Instructor in Languages. Miss Dorothea Graham, Instructor in Painting and Drawing.
Mrs. Delia L. Williams, Instructor in Normal Studies.
Theodore Presser, Director of Musical Depart- ment.
Jesse W. Parker, Director of Musical Depart- ment.
Duke F. Smith, Teacher of Instrumental Music. Mrs. Alice J. Osborne, Instructor in Vocal Culture.
The matriculation books of the university show that it has enrolled, from first to last, more than seven thousand students, not including the ladies enrolled in the female college, 1853-67.
Of these only 750, but little more than one- tenth, have remained to graduation. In these Western States the channels of business are so wide and inviting that it is difficult to induce students to stay for a degree. To this must be added the consideration that a very large number of the ma- triculants are poor, and are under the necessity of earning the means of support in college by manual labor or by teaching. It demands an extraordi- nary strength of character and zeal for learning, for such persons, already men competent to the active duties of life, to remain in school from four to seven years. Yet, of those who have gone out under graduation, a large number have taken ad- vanced courses of considerable extent. The lati- tude of choice offered by the wide range in the several courses of study, enables a student to shape his work in school with reference to his anticipated business needs, and so to acquire a respectable education without taking a degree.
The aim of the university has been to require thoroughness. Its demands upon students are quite as great as in other colleges; and no one graduates who has not faithfully tried to acquire both knowledge and discipline. The result is that its graduates take high rank in the professions and
business employments. More than two hundred have entered the ministry ; nearly two hundred are professors or teachers : about as many have en- tered the practice of law; and about fifty the practice of medicine. The remainder are found in various other callings; many having held offices under the State and National Governments. These graduates are now widely scattered. They are found in nearly all the States of the Union and in each of the four quarters of the globe; of the whole number, about fifty have died. These fig. ures of successful men would be largely increased if the undergraduates of three or more years' study were counted.
The university is under the auspices of the Methodist Church, but it is not sectarian or denom- inational in its teachings. It aims to be eyangeli- cal, yet liberal; and has always had a fair patron- age from other Protestant Churches, and even from the Catholic Church. The religious influence of the college life here has always been constant. and controlling. Devotional exercises, conducted by the members of the faculty, are held each day ; and a sermon or lecture at appointed times on the Sabbath. For many years this was a weekly ap- pointment ; during recent years it has been monthly. Attendance upon these college services, and upon some church service, is obligatory. Weekly meet- ings for prayer are maintained by each class sepa- rately, and one weekly meeting for all students in common who choose to attend. The proportion of religious students in the college classes increases with the advancement of the class ; and few pass through the college course without becoming hope- fully pious. More than once, the university has graduated large classes in which every member was religious ; and in every class graduated, the majority have been members of some church, a large proportion of whom became so through their connection with the university.
The religious zeal of the students led to the establishment in the university, and the success- ful working, for a long time, of a Missionary Lyceum. From this association, and largely through influences there begotten, a goodly num- ber of the graduates have been led to devote them- selves to the foreign missionary work .* For some vears a Young Men's Christian Association has been sustained in the school. Of the young men
* One of this number, Rev. Dr. Scott, of the India Mission, has sent to the university a complete pantheon of the idols of Hindostan. They are in marble, gilt, about sixty in number, and constitute, perhaps, the finest collection in the United States. The Lyceum has many other symbols from heathen lands.
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preparing for the ministry, those who are licentiates ; are faithful and useful in evangelical work in the churches of the city and of the neighboring country.
The students have organized five literary societies. Of these the Zetagathian, the Chrestomathian, and the Athenian are confined to the college classes. They have fine, well-furnished halls. They were for a long time, also, engaged in accumulating libraries, but have recently parted with these in view of the unrestricted privilege of the University Library. The Meleterian and Philomathian So- cieties are made up from the preparatory classes. The ladies of Monnett Hall have two literary socie- ties, the Clionian and the Athenaeum, with large and tastefully furnished halls. These literary so- cieties are sustained with spirit and generous rivalry, and are of much value in the literary and forensic culture of their members.
For a number of years the students had a very successful lecture association, which annually brought to the university and city many of the most distinguished lecturers and orators. This association was finally dissolved, not from a failure in its work, but in consequence of internal dis- sensions.
The Greek-letter societies, or inter-collegiate fraternities, are represented in this institution by eight chapters. These associations are held in great esteem by the students; but it has long been a mooted point among college men. whether they are not, on the whole, injurious to the members, prejudicial to the literary societies, and an obstacle to college discipline. Some years since, the Board of Trustees, under this conviction, ordered their discontinuance after a certain time, but subsequently rescinded their action. It is but just, however, to say that, with some probable ex- ceptions, the fraternity members have exercised over each other a salutary and helpful influence.
The discipline here exercised has, at all times, appealed to the confidence and the moral sense of the students. It has aimed to foster sentiments of manliness and honor, to work out the highest types of character, to make the students habitually self-respectful, and, therefore, respectful to author- ity. The general results have been satisfactory, and the relations of the faculty and the students have been of the most pleasant kind. Of course, in so large a body of young persons, promiscuously gathered, it must needs be that offenses come. Some are disposed to evil; others are incapable of reflection. These are the small minority, but they
furnish all the cases for special discipline. Accord- ingly, there has been no instance, in the history of the institution, of a general insubordination, and few instances of combinations to resist authority.
The students' college paper was started in 1867, by Joseph B. Battelle, of the class of 1868. It was called by him the Western Collegian, under which name it was published for seven years. Its form was then changed, and it was called the Tran- script. The editors are members of the senior class, are elected by their fellows, and have the financial responsibility of the paper. Since 1874, the ladies of the senior class at Monnett Hall have had a representation in the editorial corps.
The Association of Alumni was formed in 1849. The number of Alumui was then but twenty-two ; it is now 750. All graduates in cursu are eligible to membership, and all students who have studied in the university three years and have afterward received an honorary degree. In 1872, the Asso- ciation, with the cordial consent of the Board of Trustees, was admitted, under a general law of the State, to a representation in the Board equal to that of each patronizing annual conference. The Alumni are destined here, as in the older colleges of the country, to become eventually the great controlling power in the institution. Twelve of the number already hold seats in the Board ; eight of the positions in the faculty are held by gradu- ates; one of their number (Mr. Wright) has en- dowed a chair in his Alma Mater ; another (Mr. Mast) has given almost an equal amount for gen- eral purposes, and still others have together en- dowed another chair-the Alumni Chair of Nat- ural History. These are evidently but the be- ginnings of things in this direction. The graduates are yet mostly young men, and have not risen to wealth or to commanding place; but, before another third of a century shall have passed, both wealth and place will be theirs, and will be used in the interests of the university. Regard for the Alma Mater has ever been a family tradition ; it strength- ens with successive generations. This is the source of growth and power in the older colleges. The sons of the family, the benefactions of the family, are the inheritance of the college where the father graduated. It will be so here. Already sons of the older graduates are being enrolled among the Alumni beside their fathers. The
drift of patronage setting toward the university is shown by a single statement-six different families have each three sons among the Alumni, and fifty- three others have each two sons. If we include
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the graduates of the female college in this list, it would make these numbers still more striking. Many more families would each be represented by several names, and some would count as many as five each among the graduates. Besides these, many families have each had several children as students who have not become graduates.
The Alumni are represented during commence- ment week by an oration from one of their num- ber, chosen by themselves, and by a sermon from one of the number, appointed by the faculty.
At the organization of the university there was but one course of study adopted ; substantially the same as had obtained for generations in the usages of colleges. Its basis was the classic languages. The study of Greek and Latin occupied most of the time in the preparatory classes, half of the time in the freshman and sophomore years, and one-third of the time for the last two years of the course. And this general arrangement continued with gradual modifications, till the year 1868., This, which was called the ."classical course," or the " regular course," was the only one for which a degree was conferred. Two or three briefer courses, covering about three years' study, had, for a while, been instituted, and commended to such students as could not hope to complete the regu- lar course. These were called the Scientific, the Biblical and the Normal courses; but to those who completed them, only a certificate of proficiency was given, and their names did not appear in the Triennial as "graduates."
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