Muhlenberg College - Ciarla Yearbook (Allentown, PA)

Page 32 text:

1fL mmorwaw R. HENRY R. MUELLER, professor of Ameri- can history at our college since l920, died suddenly at his home on May 3, l937. He was in his fiftieth year. Dr. Mueller was recog- nized as an authority on the American Revolu- tion. Dr. Mueller was born at Marietta, Lancaster County, on July Zl, l887. He prepared for col- lege at the Lancaster High School, and was gradu- ated from Muhlenberg College with the class of l909, receiving his bachelor of arts degree. He received his master of arts degree from Columbia University in l9l5 and his doctor of philosophy degree in l922. He studied at the Sorbonne in France in l9l9. When the United States entered the World War Dr. Mueller joined the armed forces of his country and served in an artillery unit in France until the end of the struggle. Dr. Mueller was the author of The Whig Party in Pennsylvania, an authoritative volume published in l9Z5. He was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta and Omicron Delta Kappa fraterni- ties and was one of the directors and managers of the Student Loan Fund. A fitting and proper memorial service was held in the Egner-Hartzell Memorial Chapel on Octo- ber 20, l937g this service was broadcast through the courtesy of the Lehigh Valley Broadcasting Service.

Page 31 text:

MEMCDRIALS ig'- ix 31

Page 33 text:

. W., H mm. A TRIBUTE By Dr. James Edgar Swain Character is judged by a great number of standards. Eminence is measured in a variety of ways. History is filled with the names of indi- viduals who have achieved fame through one means or another. Warriors, rulers, and philan- thropists have been given niches in the halls of fame. Some are deserving of the highest reward. More are imposters and have had their impor- tance exaggerated. The warrior rides to fame on the bloodshed and sacrifice of his followers. The common soldier lies in unmarked graves while the general reaps the glory. Rulers are often un- scrupulous and undeserving. They pose as a pub- lic servant when their chiefest interest is per- sonal reward. The sterling qualities of character which con- stitute true greatness are not dependent upon medals, regalia of office, or high-powered adver- tising. They are a part of the inner-self and fre- quently burn brightest in the least assuming in- dividuals. There may be a difference of opinion as to what these qualities areg but, at least high ethical standards, modesty, willingness to serve others, industry, and courage must be included. Without morality man is little above a beast. Dr. Henry R. Mueller lived up to those stand- ards to a remarkable degree of completeness. As a scholar, teacher, friend, helper, and idealist he ranked with the leaders. He was scrupulously honest and an enemy of evil, not in a sentimental way, but as a practical reformer. He detested untruthfulness and hated hypocrisy. Modesty was one of his most delightful characteristics. As a teacher he had no peer on the campus and his scholarship was recognized by the best in his pro- fession. He served his country with distinction in the World War, was one of the first American soldiers to go into service, and was one of the last to leave. Yet, you never heard him mention it. He performed his task well and then chose to forget it. l believe that serving others was one of Dr. lvlueller's greatest pleasures. He was willing to serve people in all walks of life and he com- manded respect from the highest to the lowest. He was a man with convictions and he possessed the courage to back them, even in the face of overwhelming odds. To the institution in which he completed his life work and to his closest friends, his untimely death is an irreparable loss. We should remem- ber, however, that he was a master builder. And upon that foundation may we continue to build as a fitting memorial to him the idealistic, the honorable, the progressive, and the beautiful. IN IVIEMORIAM HENRY R. MUELLER No coward soul was his, whose mortal eyes Are closed today, whose tongue is stilled by death. He spoke no word nor ever wasted breath For cheap and passing slogans men most prize, But when some worthy cause hemmed in by lies, Stood undefended, he would lift his voice ln challenge, he would bravely make his choice For battle without fear or compromise. When help was needed, never did he turn Away, but, often weary gave his hand To weaker souls, whose courage ceased to burn. His name shall not be blotted, but stand For evermore, a call to us to fight, To strive, to live for what is true and right. Dr. John D. M. Brown -..- 1'