Lawrence University - Ariel Yearbook (Appleton, WI)

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Z . PROF. HIRABI AXJONES, A. M. Born December 3, 1831, Grafton, Mass. Graduated Wesleyan University, 1853. Professor of Latin Litera- ture, 1854. Died April 11, 1898.

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Professor Hiram A. Jones. The great distinguishing feature of Professor jones character has always seemed to me fidelity to his con- victions. This would imply that he had convictions. These were not feeble nor superficial nor lightly enter-- tained. They were arrived at through much thought and careful consideration. They were of an essential solid sort, and he had not only accepted them, but they became practically controlling forces in his life. He had the courage of them always and so far as his moral and relig- ious action was concerned, there was no such word as compromise in the lexicon of his life. The views of con- duct which he adopted early in his career, if somewhat rigid in themselves,fdid- not offensively intrude upon other people, and they did not render him morose and dis- agreeable. ,He was a man of great cheerfulness and of the most kindly feeling towards both his associates and those who looked to' him for instruction and guidance. Wliile there were some who were restive and perhaps uncomfortable under the severity of his requirements in the days of their pupilage, there were few who in after years did not look back upon his treatment of them asp characterized by the most conscientious and most benev- olent intentions. That hevdid his work thoroughly and effectually few had any reason to doubt. The intrinsic kindness of Professor jones was a deep and rather profound feature of his character. It was as 8

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I unostentatious as possible, and it was not of a kind that does' good because 'it is an easy matter to do so. There were times in the early historyof Lawrence University when members of the faculty had to live as poor men do, and Professor jones was no exception to this rule. If he gave to religious and benevolent causes-and he al- ways did this-it was a kind of giving that cost some- thing, benevolence expressed through sacrifice. But I find I have gone beyond the limit assigned me in this slight notice. I have mentioned these two or 'three traits, because they always have impressed me deeply as characteristics of an departed friend. The college has had many faithful instructors, but none mo-re -devoted than he through the many years in which he served it. GEO. M. STEELE. The supreme objective test of character is its power to 'help the individual. Some men tower coldly and inaces- sibly as the pyramidsg others aspire like a flame, warm- ing and cheering all within the circle of their influence. judged by this standard, Professor jones measured to the full stature of a great and loving soul. Incor- ruptibly faithful to his own ideals of life and duty, he be- lieved also in the purposes and possibilities of others. Yet he never exercised that easy indulgence, often mis- called charity, which adapts itself as readily to faults as to virtues. I-Iis kindness could even veil itself on occas- ion in severity, only to shine forth the more brightly at the first evidence of a sincere effort at improvement. I-Iis own conscientious thoroughness repeated itself in 9