Mount Union College - Unonian Yearbook (Alliance, OH)

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in i ..,. , I l mls. PROP. A. M, nizusn. Qtjlrs. Qmefia Qftlcdlaff Qljrusti, QD6. M., Projkssar of Englzkh, Reszjgned. For twenty years just past, Mrs. Amelia McCall Brush haS Occupied the chair of English Language and Literature, and has been preceptress of the La- dies' Department ot Mount Union college. During this period of uninterrupted labor, she has by her Christian character, rehned manner, scholarly attainments and marked teaching ability, left a perma- nent impress upon the minds and hearts of the thousands of young men and women who were so fortunate as to have her for their instructor and teacher, and it need scarcely be said that her influence has been such as to inspire in those taught, higher ideals of life and living and intellectual attainments. Mrs. Brush was a constant student, especially of the English language, with theliterature of which she is deeply interested and remarkably familiar. She possessed a splendid diction and a peculiarly pleasing expression which gained for her the rapt attention of her auditors whenever she chose to express herself upon any subject. She was especially gifted as a teacher in her chosen field and no one left her class-room without feeling that he had been sitting in the presence of a master. She created an interest in the subject and instilled a desire in her pupils for pure English by holding up the language before them in all its beauty of thought and expression. . Her criticism and judgement of literary productions were sought in all quar- ters of the country, and her reputation as a master of the subject was not con- fined to the school in which she taught. During these years, she has contributed many able articles to current literature as found in the magazines and college publications of the country, and her readers have been impressed with her origi- nality of thought and beauty of expression. ' She has been faithful and untiring in her work during her long connection with the college. She has done her whole duty and retires from. these labors to seek a well-earned rest. She now makes her home with her son, H. W. Brush, who is U. S. Consul to Clifton, Canada. She will be greatly missed by the stu- dents and alumni of Mount Union college, all of whom hold her in the highest esteem, and who wish her yet many years of life and happiness, il 16

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' 6. tm Q, Mtn ms, Q,-Clloiititiiicb. Immediately after his graduation he went to Conneatville, Pa., and took charge ofian academy, where he taught three years. At the close of the third year he resigned, came without any vacation to Mt. Union and entered upon his duties here. For forty years Dr. Clarke has been instructor in our college. During all these years he has not missed a term. There is scarcely a study in the curriculum today that Dr. Clarke has not taught. He gave instruction in Latin and Greek almost forty years, having most of the time as high as eight classes a day. He has given instruction in mathematics from the lowest to the highest. For seventeen years he taught shorthand, fora number of years he was instructor in vocal music, twenty-five years were given to instruction in elocutiong for two years he was instructor in mental and moral philos- ophy, for the past few years he has been instructor of the natural sciences. He served as treasurer of the college for twenty years, secretary of the Board of Trustees since 1882, vice president since 1884, and acting president from '87 to '88. He received all his degrees from his Alma Mater. ln ISSI he received A. B., in 1854, A. M., and in 1881, Ph. D. No rnan who has ever been connected with Mt. Union College has done more than he for the institution. He was practically the founder of the museum which is not excelled by any college museum of the state. He spent over thirty years in collecting specimens. Almost every Saturday was spent in the fields and woods in search of specimens. l-le furnished all the materials needed to mount them, and donated them when neatly mounted, to the college. At one time by actual appraisement made by experts from a distance he donated specimens valued at something over SIIO0.00, and at another a quantity valued at 35oo.oo. Some years ago when there was a heavy debt on the col- lege, Dr. Clarke gave 35600.00 towards cancelling the debt. l-le was one of four men who gave 5500.00 apiece in cash for the telescope in the observatory. At the time of the erection of the present buildings instead of making a subscription to the building fund, he bore one-fourth ofthe exper15C in putting in the furniture and apparatus for the building and the bell. NfVhen it was discovered that the college could not be endowed by scholarships, he paid back in tuition in old scholarships be- tween 57000.00 and 58ooo.oo. Though receiving a very meager salary, or as he expressed it, having to work for nothing and pay board, he did not complain and whenever an appeal was made for the Hnancial support of a worthy cause, he found some way to contribute to it. One year he gave his entire salary of 235400.00 toward the erection of a house of worship. When the present beautiful church edihce was erected he contributed S5400.00. Rather than spend his surplus in travel, he gave it back to the college and church. His life has been a continual struggle with diffi- culties, but it has been serene and sweet. He is kind to all, particularly to the unfortunate and needy. Care and worry has not disturbed his soul or robbed him of vitality. None is more cheerful or hopeful. The sunshine of his soul has illuminated the pathway of hundreds. His sunny disposition and loving heart have inspired many to nobler efforts and purer lives. My life, says he, has been a happy and con- tented one. l have always enjoyed my work. I have felt that I was in a work in which l was doing good, and that was suffi- cient reward for all the struggles, sacrifices and labors of my life. ln all times however trying he has sought to do the right and 'the best, and having done so cheerfulness and peace were manifest in his life. He declares that he has always be- lieved thatthe Hcherishing of cheerfulness is one of the car- dinal articles of religion, and that God wants everyone to be cheerful and happy. The simplicity of his life and faith, his loyalty to truth and the church has been and ever will be a beautiful example to all. The tenderness of his heart has touched and warmed manycold hearts. This year he retires from his duties as instructor in the college. We are sorry to miss him, but students and friends all join in wishing him a God speed, and that the rest of his life may yield much fruit and be Hlled with the joy of the Master,

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