The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-05-22
cOndenso Biographical sketch as fol

oondense biographical sketch as fol
lows:
DR.. Wickham came to Manchester in
1887 as Principal of Burr Seminary.
During its earlier years the work of that
institution was more especially the edu-
cation of young men fitting them for the
gospel ministry, and for this work DIR.
Wickham was peculiarly adapted. For
quarter of century large numbers of
young men came under his instruction,
greatly to their spiritual as well as men
tai development. Since giving up teach
ing at the Seminary he has never ceased
to work for its interest. He remained
president of its board of trustees until
his decease. By his wise counsel the
Misses Burr gave from their abundance
$4,000 for its endowment. He always
attended its examinations and gave good
advice to its teachers and students.
DR.. Wickham was born in Thompson,
Conn.,, April 4th, 1907, and had, there
fore, lived in the lifetime of every Presi-
dent of the United States. He graduated
from Yale University in 1915 and was
the oldest living graduate of that college.
Its commandments he frequently at
tended. Being a student of the first
President Dwight, he completely spanned
one generation, connecting not the past
but former generation with the pres
ent. No wonder that his visits were
eagerly looked for and that he was given
the place of honor over congressman,
governors and even Presidents. DR..
Wickham passed nearly the whole of the
second decade of this century at New
Haven, mostly as a student or teacher in
Yale University. Among the institu-
tions in which he has given regular in
struction were the Hopkins Grammar
School, of which he was rector; Yale
college, where he was tutor; Washing
ton Institute, New York; Collegiate In
stitute, Poughkeepsie, and Middlebury
college. But it is with Burr & Burton
Seminary that his hOnOred name and
history are chiefly connected, as stated
above. But his educational interest was
not entirely confined to the Seminary.
Besides his cartier work in New York he
was for year professor and treasurer at
Middlebury College. He was trustee
of that institution for more than fifty
years, and usually attended the meetings
of the board.
As minister of the gospel DIR. Wick
ham had no inconsiderable ability, expe-
rience and success. His license to preach
was received 20 years ago, Jan. 2, 1921
in New Haven county, Conn. Two and
half years later, in ChenangO County, N.
Y. he was fully ordained to the minis
try. In his ordination he was senior by
many years of every Congregational min
lister in the State now living. His first
preaching was for a Home Missionary
field on Long Island. His services were
soon afterward secured in the Central
New York agency of the American Edu.
cational Society. His first settled pas.
tOrate was in Oxford, n. Y, beginning
in 1923. In 1925 he accepted a call from
the united churches of New Rochelle and
West Farm, Worcester county. He was
a commissioner of the PrGsbytery OF
New York to the general assembly in
1926.
Referring to his life. work in Burr &
Burton Seminary a writer in the Rut
land Herald says: During his admins.
tration this institution stood in the front
ranks of preparatory schools in New
England DR.. Wickham retained his
physical and mental vitality to an extra
ordinary degree. During the past yeal
he has occupied the pulpit and made
several public addresses, manifesting
great vigor in advanced years. He at
tended with his nephew, eX-Mayor Will
liam II. Wickham of New York, the ser
vices in Trinity church on the occasion
of Washington's centennial, his erect
and venerable appearance attracting
marked attention, and elected much in
quiry."
The journal continues: 1.-THE funera
was held at the Congregational church
Saturday, and was largely attended not
withstanding the rain. Besides relatives
quite a number came from abroad. Mid
dlebury college was represented by Pres
ident Brainard and Prof. wager; vii
liams college by Prof. L. W. Spring
Parker II. Warren came from Philadel
phia, Benz. Buckley from Connecticut
Capt. S. E. Durham, Hon. Henry Clarl
and II. A. Hartman, ESQ.,, from Rutland
Besides the clergyman from the county
Rev. DIR. Phillips of Rutland and Rev
Mr.. French of Wallingford were present
There was a profusion of beautiful flow
ers, some being sent by friends who coulC
not be present. The church was drapeC
in the emblems of mourning. The fu
neral services were as follows:
"Hymn, Asleep in Jesus, Invocation
Rev. NJ. l.. Severance. Scripture read
ing, Rev. Mr.. Seymour. Anthem, 9TH
Lord is My Shepherd Address, Rev.
S. Pratt Hymn, There is Fountain.
Address, S. L. Bates. Prayer, Professo
Yager. Hymn, How Firm Founda
ton. At the cemetery, committal, Rev
DIR. Phillips; hymn, Abide with Me-
There are many "reminiscences tina
would be interesting in this connection
did space permit. Also the addresse
delivered. We refer to one incident: A
the memorable gathering held here at til,
house of J. E. McNaughtOn last Novem
Der of those that were 10 years and over
: DR.. Wickham was the Oldest male pres
ent and the oldest in town. He is til
fourth person that has died of the com
pany that was present on that occasion
, At the request of the deceased the Rev
Mr.. Pratt of Dorset, who had been in til
| ministry many years, and often asso
ciated with him, preached the funera
sermon. Since his death, the oldes
male here is Peter Russell, in his 92nd
year, and the oldest female, Mrs. Eliz
Mears, in her 95th year. DR.. WickhaH
had been thrice married. His wife, VIII,
is in her Slst year, and a daughter, Mrs