The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-09-20
late S. R. Bearce Esq. of Lewiston being
its LARGEST contributor

late S. R. Bearce Esq. of Lewiston being
its largest contributor
All this time the school enjoyed won
derful degree of prosperity and was
thronged with students. DR.. Torsey's
idea was an intermediate school Of high
rank for the people, SO graded and ar
ranged that the toiling masses might en-
Joy it's blessings But while he labored
to this end, he watched with an eagle
eye for new developments and education
al demands on the part of the people.
About thirty years ago there was not a
college in Maine that would open it's
doors to a female student DR.. Jersey
was quick to see the point and supply
the public demand then made for regu-
lar college course for the ladies. He
procured from the legislature a college
charter for the ladies in his school, Or
ganized regular college course of study,
and had the honor of graduating the first
class of female students in Maine, and |
think, in New England. And so success
full was he in his work of advanced fe-
male education that about every college
in New England has opened its doors
and now gives females equal advantages
with the males.
After ,hirty-eight consecutive years of
service as principal and president of the
Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Female
College, DR.. Torsey in 1882, on account
of his arduous labors, became broken
down in health and resigned his position
in the school. He has ever since been an
invalid, able to do but very little work.
His last direct work for the school, was
collecting funds and experimenting the
building of Blethen Hall, fine structure
occupied by the President Of the institu-
ton and his family for home.
Dr. Torsey, although laid aside as an
invalid for the last ten years, has never
lost or abated his interest in the institu-
ton, which under his fostering care grew
up to be one Of the most popular literary
institutions in New England. From Bates
College Dr.. Jersey received the honorary
degree of D. D., and from McKendric
College, in Indiana, that of LII. d.
Although an ordained minister in the
M. E. church, on account of his educa
tional labors and i'll health, DR.. Torsey
never has been more than an occasional
preacher. Had he chosen the pulpit for
his life work he would have undoubtedly
taken high rank in his profession.
In politicsIthe Doctor was an ardent Re-
publican. He has often been urged by
his political friends to accept office, and
been offered high positions in public life,
but the only public trust ne consented TO
hold was two years service in the Maine
Senate and one year as special agent OF
the Treasury Department under Presi-
dent Lincoln.
In his family relations he was exceed
ingly happy. In 1S45 he was married to
Miss Emma J. Robinson, an accom-
plished and finely educated lady, the
daughter of the late Rev. Ezekiel Robin
son. During the early years of her hus-
bands connection with the Seminary
Mrs. Torsey was preceptress, and highly
esteemed as a popular and successful
teacher.
Socially DR.. Jersey was always the life
of the company he was in. At repartee, |
in which he always delighted, he was sell
dom distanced even by the keenest wits. |
As friend he was one of the truest men |
I ever knew; and long will his memory |
be cherished by thousands who 'srise up |
and call him blessed"
JOHN J. PERRY.