The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-10-23

He passed away the other day-thls
man who was nothing but school
teacher"-and there was scarcely
ripple i'm the social current to evidence
his passing. The stock market was
unaffected by the incident and there
were no glaring headlines in the metro
nolitan dailies to tell the world of his
demise. He belonged to that so-called
impractical class Of human aspirants
whose members are supposed to know
little about the intricacies of business
and finance and who seemingly pos
sess but slight ability to drive a sharp
bargain or to accumulate a comfortable
hank account.
He had spent many years-practical-
~ his whole working life-either in
1 teaching or in preparation for educa-
| tional work. Through high school and
college he had forged his way, de-
rending principally upon his own eff
fcrts to put himself through. His va
cation periods were usually spent
| either in attending summer schools
for the purpose of keeping in the van
of his profession or as an instructor in
teachers institutes, normal schools or
colleges. He had taught in rural
schools, elementary schools and high
schools. He had been a supervising
principal a high school principal and
city superintendent.
He possessed tact, this man who
I I,,t faon
and likewise patience and forbearance,
sincerity and courage, good judgment
and vision; and withal love for child
ren. AS principal and superintendent
he was a source of inspiration to his
teachers, guiding here, directing there,
commencing where commentator was
due, yet frankly pointing out errors
when necessity demanded. When
schoolboard members attempted to ap'
point incompetent teachers through
personal favor or TO put through
schemes of false economy for selfish or
partisan reasons, but which were detri
mental to the best interests OF the
children, he fought out the issue with
them and in one or more instances he
resigned his position rather than sub
nit to such sinister dictation. His one
great idea was that the schools were
made for the children and not fol
the benefit of the teachers nor for the
exploitation of schoolboard members oi
their friends. When irate parents in
sisted upon special privileges for theil
precious offspring, he met the ISSUE
tactfully yet squarely, pacifying thu
parents where possible but fighting al
ways for the best interests of all th'
children. Thus he gradually accumu
lated enemies of those selfish an,
small-souled individuals who failed t,
compel him to do their bidding.
He was a positive force in the con,
munity in which he lived, taking ;
leading part in many of its activi
ties. His idea OF citizenship was sery
ice, and he had but little sympathy 70
those useless members of the CON
munity who remained persistently in
active yet who criticised sneeringly
the activities of those who tried to d
their duty.
The captains Of industry would hav
: looked upon his meagre salary as
i mere pittance yet he managed I
4 raise four children and helped to sen
them all through college.
This man who was nothing but
\ schoolteacher" had no time just
make money-he was too busy maxim
y men. He dealt in ideals-not do
4 lars. His mission was to teach an
guard and guide; and he helped
mould and fashion the souls Of boy
h and girls whose education and cultur
and refining influence will be felt
b all the home and social and bushes
4 circles wherever they may be in II
future. Many n teacher owed her su
cess TO his timely assistance and h
n words of inspiration. Many boy ar
e girl grown older. will look back
the past and will remember the kin
c, ly spoken word. the inspirational su
,c gestion that made them take hea
and believe in themselves and tn
spurred them on when failure loom,
before them, and they will unco
sciously respond to the silent, guidir
le force OF that vanished personali
whose high ideals and whose rig
habits and life activities have lie