The Washington times., 1905-06-11
Macfarland's Eu!ogy,

Soii4inissioher Macfariand made the
Following statement TO a Times reporter
concerning the appointment: ei
l think the district is to be congrat-
ulated upon securing the services Of SO
eminent a man OF affairs and executive
educator for the board of education.
be-9re anyone was suggested for this
place sought President Needham.
knowing his personal interest in public
school education, and in all the highest
interests of the District, and finally
ootaineo his consent to present his name
10 TIE Commissioners.
his sense of public duty. shown on
so many occasions here. is so strong
that ne could not refuse, especially when
Tue invitation was to field in which
ne mas d4ready done so much. and which
mas a peculiar attraction for him.
His appointment will add a new eIe-
ment to the board that will be of special
value to it,
The Columbian University and its sue
cessor. the George Washington IJniver-
SHY. have had close relations for MANY
years with the public school system of
the District. Scholarships in the uni
versity are open to high school grad
yates.
Career of Distinguished Educator.
Charies Willis Needham, Ii. d. was
born at CASTLE, Wyoming county. N Y
September 90, 1913
Ills father. Charles RoIlin Needham.
was the son Of Calvin Needham who
served in the war of 1872, and the grand
son of Joseph Needham, soldier of
the revolution, who was known as
Deacon Joseph, the Fighter"
His mother was the daughter of the
hey- James Reed. a prominent minister
OF the Baptist Church
Dr Needham's education was in the
public schools, the local academy. and
with tutors, until he entered the ALBANY
Law School, from which he was grad
uateo IN 1863, when he was admitted to
the bar OF New York State In 1872 he
removed to Illinois, and ultimately took
up his residence in Chicago. where he
raploiy came to the front rank ar the
par and made large success.
IN ls9o he was advised togo to miIfer
climate. and settled in Washington. d.
Z. Here he continued his practice be-
tere the Supreme Court of the United
STATES ana added to his professional
reputation
AS member of the Washington
e~-N "a due ana IN other WAYS he
mas mad his share in many important
public undertakings. But his special in
terest has always been in education
and particularly in the public schools
and collegiate institutions.
He brought about important reform :
IN the public schools Of Chicago, had a
large part in the organization of the
University Of Chicago. and was a mem
Der of its board of trustees until he left
that city
Connection With Columbian.
His interest in education led to his
election in 1893 as a trustee of the CO.
iumbian University. and this made him
an educator later on. although he con-
tinued actively engaged in the practice
o. law until he became president Of Co
lumbian University in June, 1892
His success led to his selection as
president OF the university Under his
leadership tho university has been
transformed into a modern, progressive
uEdenomfnational institution. with
new spirit in the faculties, alumni, un-
dergraduates, and trustees; a new
name, the George Washington Univer-
slty; With a new support, from the
George Washington Memorial Associa-
tion; new site. the Van Ness Park,
surrounded by public PARKS, and a new
outlook for larger success