Hiram College - Spider Web Yearbook (Hiram, OH)

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professor 6500. LT. peckbum, G. 111. HE class of '94 counts it no small honor to be able to claim G. A. Peckham as its class professor. The interest he manifests in the juniors, and the pride with which he declares himself a member of '94, clearly indicate that the professor is as well pleased as is the class. For thirteen years Prof. Peckham has been a member of the faculty of Hiram College. As such he has performed his work to the satisfaction and gratification of all. Born at Akron, O., o11 the seventeenth of July, 1851, the future linguist was reared in that city, and there received his early education in the public schools. One term of the year '69-'70 he spent at Hiram as a student. The year of '71-'72 was passed at Bethany College. The following year he entered Buchtel College, which is situated in his native city, and there continued until he completed his college education. He graduated in the classical course with the class of '75. Upon graduating he received the degree of A. B., and later the college granted him that of A. M. He spent two years with his Alma Mater as a tutor of Ancient Languages, and two more as a professor in the same department. Although his chief work has always been in the class room, Prof. Peckham is also a minister of the Gospel. In the Disciple Church, at Doylestown, O., attended by the thoughts and feelings that are usually present with a young man on such an occasion, he preached his first ser1non. That was in February, 1375. Two years later, in the fall of l77, he was ordained as a regular minister. The ordination services were held in the church at Granger, O. I6

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Q 'S . ' I Q N fs - 2-rq Xssf Y s X X '+ D: ! x EQ ESE 'Viv r B ' RQ ' 'N W X, Rs xx Zfinctgzgolun HE music swept across the keys as sweet As though the singing of a wild wood bird Must voice each joyous, gushing thought in word The bright, gay song of early days so fleet. The music slower grew with steady beat, But sometimes bursts of harmony were heard, And all the depths of happy thought were stirred And then the melody seemed quite complete. The music swells again in grander straing A hint of unknown sadness rifting o'er Now strikes a minor chord untouched of yore, While mingling ever is a glad refrain That yet one year these college days remain To sing their changing chords to Ninety-Four. I5

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January Ist, 1879, is an important date in the professor's history. That it has made a profound impression upon his mind is evident from the fact that when recently interrogated concerning the date of his birth, he promptly gave that as his natal day. He then turned his back upon the freedom of his bachelor days. The wife of his choice was Miss Anna Sisler. She was a resident of Akron, and also a graduate of Buchtel College. Those who have the privilege of meeting the genial professor in his home, of becoming acquainted with his accomplished wife, of hearing the merry voices of his children, are prepared to congratulate him upon being a married man. Donbtless it is because he realizes that a man does not truly begin to live until after he is married that he sometimes mistakes the date of his marriage for that of his birth. lt was in the fall of 1880 that Prof. Peckham came to Hiram to fill the chair of Ancient Languages. A diligent student himself, he knows how to inspire his pupils with a love for his favorite studies. Each year his department becomes 1nore popular. Each year there are more students who desire instructions in languages that are not called for in any of the college courses. The professor is always ready to lead the way into the mysteries of even the most ancient of such languages. Hiram Hill would seem lonesome without Prof. Peckham. He and his famous stick have become a part of the college and are naturally associated with the place. Greek and Hebrew would lose more than half their charm if taught by any other. Jokes other than his would have an unnatural ring in the recitation room. No one else could so efficiently wield that renowned scepter as does he. Hiram College does well in being proud of so able an instructor. 17