Penn State University - La Vie Yearbook (University Park, PA)

Page 10 text:

James Gilbert White. A MAN OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. ai' Mr. James Gilbert White was born at Milroy, Pennsylvania, in the year 1861. His father, the Reverend john W. White, was long one of our College preachers, whose marked ability, eloquence, and high ideals enabled him to wield a beneficent and lasting infiuence upon the students of State. His mother, a sister of our well-beloved General Beaver, possesses great charm of manner and strength of character. From such stock as this it is but the ful- filling of natural law that a strong individuality should originate. Their eldest son, the subject of this sketch, though engaged in practical affairs rather than with such as minister directly to spiritual development has proven himself self worthy of his ancestry. A As a young man in college he was rather quiet, a trait he still possesses, and which covers a fund of reserve power. A keen intellect and generous nature made him popular among his fellows, and a leader in his classes, in the student organizations, and in upholding the best elements of the college community. At graduation from State in 1881 he took away not only his diploma, but with it the warm regard and respect of his fellow students and of the Faculty. Continued study, especially of a scientific nature, and some time spent at the head of a college department in physics prepared him to answer the urgent call of the country for well trained and high spirited men to captain the growing industries. He left the collegiate World in 1887 for this new field of labor. Unbounded pluck, energy, and sterling manhood, characterized the years following his entrance into practical business. In the face of adverse circum- stances and small capital he forged rapidly to the front and was soon noted for his straightforward methods and exceptional ability, and rapidly rose to a com- manding rank in his chosen profession-electrical engineering. Massive light- ing installations, great electrical railway systems, and extensive high elec- tric pressure transmission plants scattered over this country and in many other 8

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parts of the world bear the impress of his mental power and strength. Much of his work has been in advance of the proved methods of the day, for his mind is ready to grasp the meaning of new discoveries and an intrepid courage has enabled him to Venture upon unbeaten paths. Among the many achievements which have marked his genius, one of the best known is the great power trans- mission line between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. The high character of his work has done much to advance the electrical industries, commerically and technically, indeed, Mr. White is of the coterie of men of the new century who have enabled the United States to conquer the markets of the world. The key note of his life is his absolute sincerity of purpose and his spirit of human helpfulness. One of his acquaintances in commenting upon the readi- ness with which he attracts capital to his enterprises, remarked: It is only necessary for Mr. White to look a man squarely in the eye and his case is won. Unlike the typical rich man of the present generation, he has not held close his purse strings until a great fortune has accrued to him, but has from his earliest manhood given generously though quietly and without ostentation. A much appreciated benefaction is the White Scholarship Fund, given to our College in honor of his father, an act well worthy the son of such a father. It is not surprising that this man, successful in life and upright in character, holds a warm place in the breast of his old Alma Mater, and that her students look up to him as a model upon which to shape their own lives. We of the same Alma Mater have just reason to be proud of our college brother, James Gilbert White. JOHN PRICE JACKSON. Q 9