The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-06-04
RETIRES At END
OF BUSY CAREER
Oldest Member of Purdue Uni
versity Faculty Is Prof.
EraStuS Test.
HAS TAUGHT FIFTY YEARS
BORN IN RICHMOND AND GRAD.
UATED FROM EAREHAM HALF A
CENTURY AGo-GREATLY BE.
LOVED eYAsTuDENTs.

Lafayette, Ind, June 4.-Wnen
classes were dismissed at Purdue uni
versity at noon yesterday Prof. Eras-
tus Test. the oldest member OF the
faculty, retired from active service
after . career of more than fifty
years as teacher The announcement
was made today that Prof. Test would
be retired under the provisions Of the
Carnegie foundation, which assures a
comfortable allowance for his declin-
ing years. The retirement comes at
Professor Tests own request, and
while the beloved old professors mul-
titude of friends will regret to learn
Of his resignation they will all rejoice
In the thought that he is to enjoy a
rest, well-earned and much merited.
Professor Test has taught continuous
ly at Purdue for twenty-five years,
and from year to year has grown dear
er and dearer to the hearts of Pur-
due men and women. until now he en-
joys the deepest affection OF alumni
and fellow faculty members of the
present and past. To have been a
teacher of college students for more
than score of years is in itself fine
record of service. but only those who
have been in Professor Tests classes
realize to what a large extent their
best lessons came. not from the text
books, but from the influence of his
own character and personality.
Principal Of Academy.
The first six years he was at Purdue
Professor Test was principal of the
academy and the denizens of the
dorm" for years regarded him as
their adopted father When the pre-
paratory department was abolished he
became professor Of mathematics
and has been in that department ever
since. His work has been most eff
cient and all the time he has been
at Purdue he has taken a fatherly in
terest in the students with whom he
came in contact. They all found him
man of the finest character, highest
principles and deepest sympathy for
college men and their problems. The
venerable teachers long connection
with Purdue has made him a most
familiar figure and he has always en-
joyed the highest respect and admir-
alton of the student body. His youth
full spirit and kindly heart has won for
him everlasting regard and alteration.
DIR. Test Is the first member of the
faculty to be retired under the Car.
negie Foundation. He will continue
to occupy his home on Russell street
and his genial face will be seen about
the campus, it is earnestly hoped by
all students and faculty members for
many years to come.
Born in Richmond.
Professor Tests own words best re
count his career before coming to Pur
due. He says: Il was born at Rich
| mond, Ind, November IL. 1886. MY
parents were lifelong members of the
Society of Friends and my wife and
| myself are still members Of that re
ligious society. was graduated from
Earlham college in August. 1863, and
two years later was called to take
charge Of the mathematical depart
| ment of my alma mater. The sudden
| disability of the professor of chemis
| try during the college year made II
necessary to transfer me to the de
partment of natural science, of which
was the head for six consecutive
years, with two half-year leaves o.
absence to attend medical lectures a,
the University OF Michigan. receiv
ed the degree OF NJ. D. from that uni
versity in March. 1868.
Practiced Medicine.
81 withdrew from Earlham collegt
at the close of the college year, Angus
l1S72. After three years Of the prac
tice of medicine at Dundee, ILL.,, thu
health of my family caused me to take
them to Oregon for year OF rest in I
mild climate. In August, 1876, / wa,
called to the principalship of Raisir
Valley seminary, an endowed academ,
OF the Society of Friends near Adrian
Mich. After five years OF servic.
there I was invited to start Centra
academy at Plainfield. Ind Within /.
year l had the school established on
substantial footing. / regard this a,
one of the best pieces of work I eve
did. From 1876 until 1883. whel
President Smart invited me to come t,
Il Purdue university, had been continu
ously ut the head Of some academy
specially fitting young men and won
en- for college"