Oberlin College - Hi-O-Hi Yearbook (Oberlin, OH)

Page 9 text:

Adelia A. Field Johnston, A.M., LL.D. 1837-1910 ON JULY 22, 1910, there passed away from Oberlin a strong, kindly, devoted spirit, and tl1e sense of a great loss cast a shadow over the entire community. Who did not know Mrs. Johnston? For forty years she had gone in and out among us. W'ho was not familiar with the slender figure, the brisk walk, the bright eye, the cordial greeting? And who was ignorant of her quick sympathy with all classes of persons, her variety of interests, her enthusiasm in every good work, her willingness to render aid? And who did not respect her staunch fidelity to duty, her blameless life, her strong religious convictions? Active-minded, re- sponsive, ready in conversation, she interested everyone. She had also a quick sense of humor and genial wit, and there was no company but her presence gave added interest, and yet she seemed never conscious of this, so genuine and simple- hearted was her enjoyment in others. Frank-and outspoken she was, of great de- cision, and fearless in expressing her own judgment, but her sincerity and good- will disarmed criticism. Positive as were her convictions, she had largeuess of heart and generosity towards those who differed from her, and growing sweet- ness of temper in meeting the varied experiences of life. Frail as she appeared. her energy was marvelous, and she could endure hardness and pain with fortitude. She lived only for others, and first of all for the college, but as she gradually laid aside the heavier burdens of college duties, she entered more and more into the life of the whole community. Numberless were the services she rendered, and warm the response she received in affection and respect. Mrs. Johnston's work for the college was of remarkable variety and was ac- complished with ability. ln teaching, her pupils caught her enth11siasm and learned to love knowledge and the search for knowledge. As Dean of the Women. she felt the seriousness of her responsibilities. lf, at times, she was criticised as severe, the Alumnae, from a larger experience as the years have passed, have acknowledged her wise control. Mrs. Johnston made friends for the College through her own wide acquaintance and the peculiar pleasure she gave as a p11blic speaker, Her personal influence, also, secured substantial and important gifts. I-Ier sagacity and shrewdness of judgment were so appreciated by the Board of Trustees that they made her a member of the Prudential Committee. Wfith such varied ability and such force of character, Mrs. Johnston must be ranked with the most honored and influential members of the Oberlin Faculty. MARY K. MONRO'E. 9

Page 8 text:

ADELIA A. FIELD JOHNSTON, A.M., LL.D

Page 10 text:

5 11- -, ' -- . ,,-'LQ '5' -4 -'- L- . : h' J-e,,.-. . , . . W -T -V 141 .-.-v- QQ.. ' L an! ' Rx S 5.- C f '., v THE MEN'S BUILDING