DePauw University - Mirage Yearbook (Greencastle, IN)

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THE PRESID

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pastoral work in-that state. Afterwards, he began work as pastor in the New York East Conference. and from here he was called to the presidency of Asbury. Here he remained but three years, for during his administration occurred the great student rebellion, which resulted almost in the downfall of the institution. In 1857, he resumed pastoral connections with his New York Conference, and in 1864 was elected by the General Conference, editor of the New York Christian Advocate. He served for twelve years in that position, when he was elected editor of the Ladies, Repository. In 1884,11e was Chosen editor of the Methodist Review and General Books, in Which office he died in 1887. u As a college president, says Bishop Goodsell, Hhis career was short and eventful. He had not yet suiiieiently softened to make the young his allies, and to command by delicate use of his power the eager assistance of his compeers. No man questioned the strength of his brain 01' the- goodness of his heart. No one do'ubted that he intended to bring his best endowments to the institution of which he was at the head. But his mental tone just at this period was least fitted to the delicate task of a College Presidents Later 011 in life, the young thought him an oracle and a friend. The crown of age permits its wearer to be both positive and insistent. Dr. Curry was both, when neither was helpful in the work he had to do. FOURTH PRESIDENT. THOMAS W. BOWMAN, D. D., LL. D., 1859-1872. Thomas W. Bowman, present Chancellor of the University, is a familiar figure to the DePauw student of today, for Greencastle has been a second home to him for many years. Age rests with singular sweetness upon Bishop Bowman, and the calm face beneath his snow-white hair never beams more kindly than when addressing It his children It at DePauw. Bishop Bowman was born in 1817, near Berwick. Pa. He graduated from Dickinson in 1837 as val- edictorian of his class. After spending a year in the study of law, he was licensed to preach. In 1840 he began teaching in the grammar school of Dick- inson College, continuing in this connection for three years. In 1848 he organ- ized the Dickinson Seminary, and continued as President for ten years, when he was elected President of Indiana Asbury. His administration was one of singular success, for he commanded, as now, both the love and respect of the student body. In 1872 he was elected at Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal 16

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Church. Ohio Wesleyan in 1853 gave him the degree of Doctor of Divinity; Dickinson conferred that of Doctor of Laws in I872. During the session of 1864-65 he was elected Chaplain to the U. S. Senate, and in 1864 was sent by the American Methodist Churcheas a delegate to the British IVesleyan Confer- ence. He 110w resides in St. Louis. . ' FIFTH PRESIDENT. REUBEN ANDRUS, D. D., 1872e1875. Reuben Andrus was born near Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y., Jan. 29, 1824. His parents moved to Illinois and settled in Fulton county when he was fourteen years old. At the age of seventeen he taught his hrst school, thus preparing himself for a collegiate course of study. In 1844 he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville. In his senior year at this college he was elected to the principalship of the preparatory department of McKendree College. Gradu- ated from McKendrcc College in 1849, he went to what was known as Green- field Institute as its President. In 1850, he entered the Methodist ministry in the Illinois Conference, and about the same time was elected Principal of the preparatory department of Illinois W'esleyan. This position he accepted, and served as President pro fem. during the absence of the regularly elected President, Dr. Dcrnpster. In June, 1851, he was elected to the chairi of mathe- matics in the same institution. As there was 110 Professor in Greek employed, he volunteered to associate that department with his own. As the result of V overwork, his health failed at the end of two years, when he resigned, and took work in his Conference. From 1852 until the close of his life he alternated between the ministry and the educational work. Previous to 1852 he was President of Greenfield Institute and Central Academy, the last named in Springheld, Ill. These two were merged into the public schools, then being organized. In 1865 he accepted the presidency of the Quincy College 010w Chadwick 'Collegei. In 1867 he came to Indiana and was appointed Pastor of Trinity Church, Evansville, in 1870 to Meridian Street Church, Indianapolis. In 1872 he succeeded Dr. Bowman to the presidency of Indiana Asbury. It was here that the first symptoms of declining health appeared. Again he resigned to enter the choice of his life-work. After months of lingering illness he died, at his home in Indianapolis, January 17th, 1887. I7