Albion College - Albionian Yearbook (Albion, MI)

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CCD ERT S. EiWIllNllNl, By FREDERIC S. Gooukicr-1. It was with deepest feelings of personal bereavement that the friends of Professor Robert S. Avann learned, on Saturday morning, Dec. 3rd, 1898, that his heroic struggle with death had ended, and the patient heart was still. The memory of such a life is a benediction and a priceless boon to all who knew him. To know him was to love him, but those who knew him best realized most thoroughly the unfailing tenderness, the sturdy conscientiousness, the brotherly affection, and the Christian spirit which constantly animated him. He was born in Tenterden, Kent, England, July Gth, 18-18. His parents came to this country when he was but six years old. The influences surrounding his early life were genuinely religious. He manifested a most heroic spirit in his attempts to secure a higher education, working his way through college, often suffering privation, yet never faltering in his determination to reach the goal of high and accurate scholarship. He was converted while a student at Baldwin University, and thenceforth he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. After his graduation in 1873, he taught three years in the Upper Iowa University. In 1877, he graduated at Harvard University, winning the highest scholarship for proficiency in Greek, and standing sixth in a class of 177. His appointment as Proctor followed. He continued to hold this office and to carry on graduate work until 1880, when he received the degree of M. A. The following year he studied in the School of All Sciences, Boston University, where he received the degree of Ph. D. He married Ella Torbet, Aug, 18th, 1880. In 1883 he was elected Professor of Latin in Albion College. He resigned this position in June, 1898, by reason of the progress of his disease, and his increasing weakness and suffering. , Less than a year before his death, in consultation with high medical authorities, he was told that he, had but a few months to live. He went on with his work, however, with the utmost fortitude and courage. Again and again he said, It is all right. Religion, always real to him, was never more real than in those last months. In his college work he was, in the truest sense, a scholar in instincts and tastes. He was painstaking and accurate, and thoroughly devoted to his work. Full of loyalty to the college, his interest in it never flagged. Full of love for the church, his devotion to it was unceasing. Full of enthusiasm for everything that he counted right, his conscientiousness and adherence to principle were patent to all. His devotion to the cause of temperance was one of the most marked characteristics of his life. His love for humanity made him an implacable foe of the liquor traffic in all its forms. This meagre outline of a rich and fruitful life will be filled in, by those who loved him, with the picture of a man inspired bv the highest ideals, actuated by the purest motives, and filled with the spirit of Him who went about doing good. The memory of the' just is blessed. The funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. Gth. As far as possible they were in accordance with the wishes which Professor Avann had expressed. After a prayer service at the house the remains were taken to the chapel, where they lay in state. The chapel had been decorated by the ladies of the Faculty. The floral offerings were numerous. Professor Avann's chair was masked with flowers sent by Dr. L. R. Fiske. Rev. A. E. Craig presided at the service. Scripture lessons were read by Rev. P. J. Maveety and Rev. W. T. Jaquess, and Rev. Washington Gardner offered prayer. Remarks were made by Dr. Craig and Professor Delos Fall, and a message was read from Dr. Fiske, who by reason of sickness could not be present. The closing address was given by President Ashley. Several selections were sung by a quartet composed of Professors Fall and Barr, Mrs. Martha Armstrong and Kate Calkins. At the close of the service the congregation united in singing God be with you till we meet again. The Faculty acted as a guard of honor to escort the remains to Riverside Cemetery. ...,9..

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PROF ROBERTS -23- .AVANN

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TO william Scott Brown, FOUNDER OF THE CHAIR OF BELLES LETTRES ALBION COLLEGE. Provisional in the Will. -30-