Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-09-09
DR.. SAMUEL SHELDON DIES
Prof. Of Physics md Electrical En-
cheering Mt Polytechnic Insti-
tute mt Brooklyn 81 Years

Middlebury. Sept. 5.-Dr. Samuel Sheldon.
professor of physics and electrical en-
gineering at the Polytechnic Institute at
Brooklyn, N. Y. for 81 years, died last
evening at the Addison House in this
village.
Middlebury was his early home and the
scene of his summer vacations for many
years. Up to a fortnight ago Dr. Sheldon
was sufficiently in good health to be
contemplating his return to his duties at
tho institute where he was one of the
most popular members of the faculty.
He had, however been suffering from
diabetes for some time and was suddenly
taken to his bed with an acute attack
which, complicated with brights disease
resulted in his death. With him AT the
time were his only son. Samuel Sheioon'
Jr. of Brooklyn and his only surviving
sister. Mrs. Susan b. Miner OF Middle
bury. DR.. Erich Hausmann. who has been
Dr. Sheldons assistant for the past l.
years was also present
The funeral will be held Tuesday at the
home Of DR.. Sheldon's niece. Mrs, Frank
]. Hubbard, in Middlebury. with the Rev.
, u. r. Holmes of st. Stephens Church or
floating. The burial will be in Middlebury.
whare his wife, who was Frances warner
Putnam. and who died here in l9l4' Is
buried.
/ DIR. Sheldon was born in Middlebury
March 10 1862. the son of Harmon Alex
ander and Mary (Bass) Sheldon. He was
graduated from Middlebury College Ill
1889 with the degree of A. Il. and then
pursued graduate work, receiving the oe-
gree of A. NJ. In 1886. During the next
two years he studied at Wurzberg, Ger
many, and received the degree OF DOCTOR
of philosophy in 1888. During part or
fad
rausch, the distinguished physicist In his
I celebrated determination of the ohm as
the unit Of the electrical resistance. He
was awarded the honorary degree or doc
tor of science from the University or
PENNSYLVANIA In 1906, and from Middlehury
College In 1911.
DR.. Sheldon's afiliation with the Poly
technic was coincident with the growth
of that institution from the rank or
preparatory school to that OF a technical
college and his work was an important
factor in this accomplishment.
He went to Brooklyn In 1889 after a
wear spent at Harvard as instructor in
physics and upon his going there he was
honored with ful prolessorship III
physics and electrical engineering. ne
was then in his 9th year
His thorough command Of his subject
together with his enthusiasm and energy
which he exhibited in the lecture room
gained for him the reputation as one OF
the foremost educators In the engineering
nrofession His strong points as a teacher
were his Inspiring and sympathetic per-
sonality keen analytical brain, execu-
tive and cooperative ability, and tre-
mendous capacity for work. Illness In
, 1909 necessitated a long vacation and ne
chose to take trip to Europe where ne
had an opportunity to visit the principal
engineering schools OF Germany, the
British Isles. France and Italy. Upon his
, return to Brooklyn. his popularity at the
institute was demonstrated when alumni
, students and faculty united in welcome
r home dinner. Again in 1914 upon the com
5 pletion Of his 36th year in service testi'
. monial dinner was given him at the Hote
Astor
D over 1000 graduates from the Polyteoh
. mic have received instruction from DR.
. sheldon and a majority OF them held hin
in such affectionate regard that he waa
popularity known to them as SAMMY