Knox College - Gale Yearbook (Galesburg, IL)

Page 26 text:

'I'he circumstances attending the beginning of his career as a teacher would have claurlterl any less resolute spirit. His eagerness to learn, his fiery zeal which could overcome any and all obstacles in the way of intellectual progress, has been characteristic of the Professor's whole life. Having prepared for college at St. Lawrence Academy, in flgdensburg, N. Y., he entered his alma mater, Middlebury College, Vermont, in 18-16, graduating with high honors four years later. Immed- iately the Vermont Literary and Scientific Institution offered him the position of principal ofthe institution, and for one year he held that position. 'Phe next year came what has proved to be the call to his life's work, and he came to Knox. Having served three years as Tutor and Lecturer of Natural Sciences, his work proved so valuable and satisfactory that he was given the Professorship of Chem- istry and Natural Science. Before beginning this work he went to Harvard and took special work under Professors Horsford and Louis Agassiz. Besides all the regular work of his chair, Professor Hurd for seventeen years taught all the Latin in the Classical department of the College. Half of the pay he received for his work in Latin was devoted to building up a museum for Knox. 'l'hose best fitted to judge declare that Knox has great reason to be proud of her museum both in itself and because it is a wonderful monument to the self-sacrifice and zeal of Professor Hurd. From 1872 to 1875 Professor Hurd was acting Presi- dent of the College and showed good executive ability in conducting the institution through those trying years. In 1897 he was transferred to the Chair of Latin in the College . But it is not in the cold facts and dates we have mentioned that we find the real biography of Professor Hurd. He himself has been writing it for the last fifty years in the hearts and minds of the students of Knox. 'llhink what it means to spend a whole half-century in urging young people onward toward what is highest and best in intellectual attainment. And all this time he has been the very embodiment of energy, steadfastness of purpose, and devotion to duty. Small wonder, then, that in the eyes of the sons and daughters of Knox his hoary head is a veritable crown of glory. It is a great thing to be able to impart know- ledge as Professor Hurd has done all his life. Some are very wise themselves, but unable to impart that wisdom to others or to make others love knowledge. Some, knowing comparatively little, are able to im- part it in an attractive way. But rarely are learning and unsurpassed ability to teach combined as we find them in Professor Hurd. 'l'o us, who can look back to the years spent under his instruction, it seems that while this teaching ability was due partly to his own energetic personality, and the vim with which the subject matter was presented, yet it was largely due to the absolute thoroughness of his own preparation for each and all of his varied classes. He knew so much about everything and was so in earnest about it that no one but a willful trifler could escape without a fair understanding of the subject in hand. He did not expect us to be wonders of learning, indeed he showed us our ignorance very .rr worm-v wus mf ,um clearly and sharply many times, but if he felt sure

Page 25 text:

6772 Hurd Jubilee T was at the dinner of the Knox Alumni Association held in the dining rooms of the First Presby- terian Church on Wednesday of last commencement week that the plan to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Pro- fessor Albert I-Iurd's connection with Knox College was first suggested. No further announcement was necessary to arouse the interest of the alumni, and a committee was then appointed to take full charg?-3 of the affair and plan a suc- cessful celebration. That committee was composed of the following persons: Judge P. S. Post, Chairmang C. M. lvl' 'l'lllR'l'Y vlcaus ov ,mi-3. Avery, Mrs. Hettie L. Thompson, J0hl'l S. Phillips, Edgar A. Bancroft, Victor E. Bender, Thomas G. Frost, George W. Gale, Secretary. The idea was to get up a personal tribute to Professor Hurd and with that end in view the committee sent out personal letters to all the alumni asking them to express in a few words their appreciation of the valuable ser- vices he had given them, and also to make suggestions as to the best way to celebrate the event. Many tributes have been received some of which will be found at the end of this article, and it is proposed to pub- lish them all in book form and present a copy to Professor Hurd. The committee has also secured a celebrated artist to paint a life size por- trait of Professor Hurd which will be unveiled on the evening of June 12th, when appropriate exercises will be held. The long period of act- ive service of Professor Hurd, together with his true Worth as an in- structor, are sufficient reasons why the semi-centennial should be ob- served. The articles that follow are tributes from his friends and associates who are most competent to judge of his work. Mrs. McCormack offers the following contribution: A Born in Kemptville, Ontario, Professor Hurd's boyhood was spent on a farm where his was the usual lot of a farmer's son, hard work and plenty of it. Vet we who are permitted to see his vigorous old age, can realize that the rugged train- ing of youth has stood him in good stead during the long years of his life work. Although able to attend school in the winter months only, he made such advance- ment that at the early age of sixteen he began his career as teacher. From that time until the present he has taught at least a part of every year of his life.

Page 27 text:

of a pupil's earnest desire to learn, that pupil was always sure of his sympathy and help at all times. The lesson of reverence was never omitted in his teaching. While he taught us Natural Sciences, the Maker was never forgotten in his works, This Jubilee in the Professor's honor is the most natural thing in the world It had to happen, because the sons and daughters of Knox must have some outlet for the tender and grateful feelings they have for dear Professor Hurd MARGAIULT Co1.vIi.r.r: NICCORNACK. After mentioning the fact that Professor Hurd had been a teacher at Knox for fifty years, Dr. Standish speaks as follows: Fifty years of earnest toil with the mind of , youth! Fifty years of untiring energy and labor in erecting the temple to manhood and womanhood! Fifty years in developing the latent powers of the human soul! How full of interest, how full of thought, the rerlection! NVhat joys, what hopes. what ambitions were inspired during the recital of the daily lessons! How many can look back and say, the inspiration and impulse of my life deeds and life work were given, when receiving instructions from the teacher of fifty years experience! How many can say, then was opened to me my pathway of life ! Truly, iifty years, as a teacher and Profes- sor, is a holy sacrifice on the altar of devotion. lt is almost impossible, in any department of labor, lo accomplish a greater life-work. As a teacher in the class room, Professor Hurd stands pre-eminent. He has but few equals. He is clear and logical in thought and expression, and has l a most incisive way of imparting instruction. His lessons are always well learned, and he never med- dles with subjects that are hazy in mind or not well understood. He ispositive and commanding, and no student can fail to see the lucidness of his teaching and illus- .-VI' l llf'l'X'-FIVE YEARS OF AGE. trations. As a man and citizen, he has never made himself popular by his sociahility. ln the broad sense, he is not social, and yet, when thoroughly acquainted, he is one of the most social of men. l-Ie is especially known for his decision of charac- ter, purity of motives, and fair-mindedness in his relation with his fellow-men. He despises all shams and detests all sycophancy and demagogism. ln a word, he is acknowledged as a man of ability, of sound learning, and as one who always acts with prudence and discretion. Professor Hurd has always shown a commendable interest in the prosperity and welfare of this city. At the commencement of the legal existence of the Young Men's Library Association in January, 1860, he was elected its president. After holding that office for a year, he became its librarian and served in that capacity until April, 1867, when the continued existence of the Association had become assured and it was possible to pay the librarian a small salary. Du. J. VAN Ness S'r,xNnIsu.