Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1911-06-16

- pupil OHC WIZ WdS W DeCOIut IOF
a quarter OF a century the center OF |
his homes light and happiness,
IN UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
Next come to the treatment OF the
period wherin his perspective of life
broadened, heightened and deepened-
his career at the University OF vir-
ginia. When he entered in the fall
OF 1881, he was full grown man,
standing erect in the consciousness OF
gr ander opportunities and greater pos
sibilities. He was one, in Mathew
Arnold's majestic line. Who saw
life steadily and saw it whole At
the very threshold, he wrote of de-
sire that he might study there five or
x years, instead of the three allotted
for the taking of his degree. Eyes
fastened soul thrilled IS he gazed and
pondered upon grateful columns,
towering trees, spacious lawns, vener-
able structures, and suberb equip
ments Mind expanded as he sat at the
feet of learned professors, drinking
Inspiration and gathering wisdom.
With the charm of the cid shrine of
learning dominating him, in very
rapture of soul he wrote: If one could
not study here, then whereof The senti
ment was al echo from that far off
time where in happy, grateful out
lrsts. in the glad dawn of the mod
EN- world, with the bright face of
freedom beaming upon mankind,
young Ulrich Won Hutton exclaimuc:
Studies are blooming; minds are
awakening; it is Joy to be alive
HE mapped out his course of study
10 Lead to the Nj. A. degree. The Id
M A. as distinguished from the evo-
lutionized Nj. A. of today, was the
most distinctiTe in character of any
degree conferred by an American
Institution. 1t virtually meant speci
alizatiOn in Latin, Greek, mathematics.
natural philosophy, moral philosophy,
chemistry, two modem languages and
historical science. The graduate who
bore it away, from the viewpoint of
scholarship, was deemed eligible to
professorship in any reputable south
ero college. Schmitt's class of M. AS
that of 1884, was remarkable for the
number of scholars furnished to
faculties of institutions. Six became
identified with Tennessee. Besides
Prof. Schmitt. these included William
P. Trent, long at Sewanee, but now of
Columbia university, James Doug
| lass Bruce, of the University of
Tennessee; the late John B. Henne-
man, who after seven years given to
the University of Tennessee, went to
Sewanee; George Mex. Balm, some
time of the Baker-Himel school at
Knoxville; Clarence R. Wallace, for
more than twenty years head of the
University School, Nashville. The
list iustifies the assertion that, for
sixty years, this degree was the high
est academic title that could be won in
the south.
Before his work ended at the uni
versity, his services as teacher were
Earnestly sought in several quarters
that meant a flattering recognition of
his talents AMI qualifications. In
January, 1884, Mr.. John R Simpson,
principal of Pantops academy, made
him handsome offer, which he ac-
cepted eventually with substantial in
crease of salary.
WORK AT PANTOPS.
"Pantops offered fine fed for his
special gifts and tastes. The associ;.-
lions and traditions of the school VIZ re
wholly Presbyterian. stan1ing f.
rigid religious and intellectual cal
tire. The best families not oniy of
Virginia. but of the south, were re-
presented in the student body. twas
chiefly a boarding school where its
studies, intercourse, games and re-
creations wei directed to character
development and mental discipline
Latin, Greek and mathematics were
the basal studies, extending in range
from elementary work to preparation
for the senior class of abe University
of Virginia.
with body, mind and soul he |
threw himself into the work, and for
five years, 18S4-'89, he dedicated tai
ents to congenial pursuits. The first
year he taught principally Greek, a =,
love for which held him to the end of |
life. The next four years were given
in the main to mathematics so advanc-
ed as to include calculus. He has told |
me that he hestitated at one time
whether he should center his teaching
around Greek or mathematics. While |
in the fall of 1895, 1 was for two
months i'll of typhoid fever, he. out of
the goodness of his heart taught my
senior class in the Wasps of Aristo-
planes.
Though other instructors were en-
pioyed in Pantops, he instantly won
first place in the regard of principal
For much of the time,
the entire responsibility fell upon his
shoulders. The family prayers, held
night and morning, devolved upon him.
Direction Of the study hall. Of athlet.
les, and other student activities, as if /
by tac,t acknowledgment, he assum-
ed. He held first base on the diamond /
with as much enthusiasm and success /
as ne impaired syntactical construc-
ton or mathematical formulate. With 1
the boys he played backgammon, /
chess and tennis, read aloud from
good literature, and shared his candy Il
and apples with much relish as he Il
guided their studies aad counseled II
them in habits of thought life and
speech.
Edwards the had erranf u,isoh;ay II