The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1876-01-04
Knowlton Hall-A Brief sketch OF
One whose Name it Honors.

Knowlton HalI-A Brief sketch OF
One whose Name it Honors.
The west building OF the group of
new buildings in Hillsdals College il
named in honor OF one whose life is
briefly sketched herein. Upon the To-
cation OF the College here there was an
understanding that the county would
build the buildings and that the de-
nomination controlling it would endow
it. The buildings were completed be-
fore the endowment was sufficient for
its support and upon invitation the
county generously aided in the endow-
ment TO the amount OF $4,000. Upon
the occurrence OF the fire the denomin-
alton felt that this sum ought to be re-
placed; so, at the general conference
in 1874, it thoroughly endorsed the
plan for rebuilding, and proposed to
refund what had locally been put into
the endowment.
II then asked that this might be done
by erecting one OF the buildings and
~ hOhOA VI ItSNs GDtneLtI
Knowlton, Of Maine, who died in the
early autumn OF 1874. To show the
character OF this man, aud the opinions
OF few parties We quote portion Of
the article sent out to the denomina-
ten in the interest Of this worthy pro-
ject. II says:
Rev. Ebenezer Knowlton was bern
in New Hampshire in 1915; moved to
Montville, Maine, in 1927, and was
converted in 1882. He had thorough
academic education, and spent his ear
ly life in teaching. He received the
honorary degree OF Master OF Arts
when quite young, but always deplor-
ed the fact that he did not complete q
college course. He was elected to the
Legislature OF Maine in 1S45, and up
on the very day OF his election As
speaker he decided to preach tho Cos
pei, and was ordained in 1S4S. He was
elected State Treasurer by the Legis-
lature OF Maine in 1853, but declined
its acceptance. He was elected TO the
Congress of the United States in 1854,
and though absent from his own peo-
pie, he found opportunity to preach
more than half the Sabbaths during
his term OF Office, and this, too, in ad-
dition to full service in the body OF
which he was member, and also in ad-
dition TO his duties rs correspondent
OF tho Morning Star" A reference
TO the letters over the signature OF
"Daniel," will furnish ample evidence
of his familiarity with governmental af.
fairs, and OF his ability to portrs '
them. OF his ability as statesman,
DIR. Cheney says: "Hc had all the
mental and moral qualities that 90 10
make up real statesman. I mean
ability, strength. foresight, decision,
honesty, integrity, love.of humanity
and fear OF God"
Upon the expiration OF his term he
declined reelection, preferring the
service necessary 10 establish an insti-
tuition OF learning, then known as the
maine State Seminary. During the
two years spent in this service, he rails
ed $40, 900, which was sufficient to pay
of the Indebtedness of the Seminary.
He was afterwards urged TO accep,
the nomination for Governor of Maine,
ut time when TO have accepted the
nomination would have been equivalent
10 an election, but he declined in favor
OF the ministry, and insisted upon be.
ing released from all political obliga-
tions, that he might devote his last
days exclusively 10 preaching the gos.
pei. He heroically maintained that
correct moral sentiment grows only ouI
OF the gospel, and that faithful Chris
tian ministry is the only Legitimate
agency for its spread and pcrpetuation
As over against political honors and
the compensation Of lucrative position
and TO show how he valued christianit,
We make . quotation from one Of hii
own letters. He said: 81 would rath
sr see one young man in my congrega
ton soundly converted 10 Christ thar
! TO have any Office in the gift OF man.
As IL TO put him TO a SURE. and, as 4
proved, final test, he was appointed
by President Grant 10 foreign minis
try, at q salary Of 5000 per annum
but he declined its acceptance, prefer
ring Gods commission In the Christian
ministry.
For over forty years he stood in Oh,
forefront, advocating every worth,
measure. Not only was he always zeal
GUS and faithful, but his worth was vel
understood and appreciated. His NOR,
than ordinary executive ability VA
well known, as his election a. Modcr
ator Of three OF our General Confer
cnces attcsts. He tsok decp'interes
in our UNCONVENTIONAL welfare, and
maintained its doctrines with fidelity
He was enthusiastic in both home ans
! foreign mission work, and at his deatl