Heidelberg University - Aurora Yearbook (Tiffin, OH)

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At the time of his death, which occurred very suddenly on the 2oth of july, 1896, Mr. Myers was a worthy member of the First Reformed Church in Tifhn, Ohio. Without a moment's warning he was stricken down by the hand of death on the railroad platform, where he had accompanied a niece to the train. The funeral services were conducted at his beautiful home by his pastor, the Rev. M. Schick, D. D., and the Rev. L. H. Kefauver, D. D., his former pastor and Chancellor of Heidelberg University. Two days after his death his remains were borne to Green Lawn Cemetery, where they were laid to rest to await the resurrection call to a glorified life. VVhile Mr, Myers was largely interested in the cause of education gener- ally, he h d especial concern for the educational interests of Heidelberg University. This, doubtless, iniiuenced the Ohio Synod of the Reformed Church to elect him a member of the Board of Regents, which action was taken at its annual meeting in the fall of 1881, This position he filled acceptably to the time of his death. During the greater part of that period he served on different Standing Committees, but on none where the respon- sibility was so great as that of the Executive Committee, of which he was the honored chairman for the last seven years. Here his counsels were sought, which generally proved to be wise. Mr. Myers' gifts to the Universityin various ways, besides his faithful serv- ices, were both timely and valuable. The short space allowed us on these pages prevent us from even enum: rating them. Had his life not terminated so suddenly, Heidelberg University would now be enjoying additional bene- fits of his liberality. He had planned liberally for her needs, which would have resulted in a large increase to her endowment. His surviving wife, however, who is a warm friend of the institution, knowing the wishes of her deceased husband, will see that his good intentions are carried out, which will add greatly to Heidelberg's prosperity. May his mantle fall on others to inspire them to still nobler deeds of charity.

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Miinonlixt SKETCH. T is with profound regret that we record the death of one of the OO most faithful members of the Board of Regents of the University and also one of the most worthy friends of the latter, which occurred during the last year. The deceased member, Benjamin F. Myers, son of Conrad and Leah Myers, was born May 2, 1835, in Mahoning County, Ohio. When but three years old his parents moved to Hancock County, Ohio, and from thence to Jackson Township, Seneca County, where the sub- ject of this notice grew up to manhood. In infancy he was dedicated to God in baptism, and became a confirmed member of the Reformed Church near Rehoboth, in his youth. The profession made at this time was most solemnly kept. On October 7, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Leah A. Faulk, who, with her son Claude, survives him. Mr. Myers became a student of Heidelberg College in its early history, where he laid the foundation for his future profession. It was here that he prepared for teaching the more advanced branches of our public school cur- riculums. Already at the age of sixteen he began his work in the school- room as instructor. As such he was eminently successful. In 1866 he was chosen principal of one of the schools in Tiffin, which position he filled with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the School Board, for a period of twenty years. During this time he was county school examiner, which office he filled with acceptance. As a citizen he was highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen. He was elected councilman for two terms, at a time when important public improve- ments were made. NVas elected County Treasurer in 1885, and served in this responsible position two terms, with entire satisfaction to his constituents. NVhen the Tiffin Savings Bank was instituted he was made its vice-president and was chosen teller. NVhile serving in this capacity his health, which heretofore had been good, failed, and under declining health he was com- pelled to resign his position.

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