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

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CAPTAIN TENTH U. S. CAVALRY BY JOSEPH M. WILLARD WILLIAM H. HAY I I S a resident oflicer at the Pennsylvania State College, Captain Hay has proved himself an exceptionally efficient man, with red blood, good sense, and tact enough, to command the respect of the whole College community: his high sense of duty, keen survey of every situation, and fair dealing, laid at once the foundations of an ever increasing popularity. He knew how to choose, protect and handle meng and was ready to work for the best un- der the circumstances. Captain Hay's wife and boys should be taken with stimation of him. Seldom is a family so strongly unified. Always under sf, , ' I- .,,, .ik '-.' fm- '. 3,3 1' .M , Q io him in any e P without offense. l l Captain Hay was born on a farm in Florida in l860: attended a military prepara- tory school in Bingham, N. C.: was appointed to West Point on competitive examina- tions in 1882 and graduated with distinction in l886. He joined the Third Cavalry in Texas for three yearsg took a two years' course in the Staff College at Fort Leaven- worth, Kas., i889-9l: graduated with honors: was promoted first lieutenant and as- signed to the Tenth Cavalry, to which regiment he still belongs. During this time, l89l-97, he performed the duties of Post Commissary, Quartermaster, Adjutant and Subaltern of a troop, Exchange Officer, and toward the end, for a great part of the time, commanded a troop. He was detailed fl897l to the Pennsylvania Military Col- lege, Chester, Pa., as Professor of Military Science and Tactics, and Junior Professor of Mathematics till the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, April, l898, and was then ordered to Mt. Gretna, as Quartermaster in charge of equipment and transportation. He was ordered to Cuba, December, l898g participated in the Santiago Campaign: was with the Army of Occupation in Cuba, afterwards serving as Collector of Customs at Mantanzas, and later for the port of Havana. As acting Chief of the Customs Service he oflicially inspected every custom house in Cuba, because he was thoroughly familiar with the Spanish language. Returning m i902 from Cuba, Captain Hay joined his regi- ment in Nebraska and served with it till detailed as Professor of Military Science in The Pennsylvania State College, September, l905. He completed four years here, for the excellence of which he was twice specially commended by the Secretary of War. He l1aS been, for many years, an expert in rifle shooting and has taken an important part in 0Y8aI1iZing all the National Matches since l90?. It was generally admitted that the preceding officer left the Regiment in good con- difi0n: yet, frgm the outset, Captain Hay built it even better. At the first inspection, movements were accomplished with a correctness that reflected great credit on him. He organized the Band as a distinct part of the Military Department: formed the fire- bfigadei kept the dormitories clean: interested himself in athletics: procured a State banner and put through the faculty the two-year-on-a-level drill requirement. d was proud of its victories, counting them erfect self-command and well poised, they were ready to take the initiative and did so - He saw the college double its numbers an - I Q u his own. His unfailing kindness won all hearts, and his effectiveness and sufficiency ln- vited the unusual and spontaneous recognition of the Trustees, and the hearty and memorable goodbyes of all. Page Seven

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WILLIAM C. PATTERSON BY WILLIAM A. BUCKHOUT FITTING tribute to the honest, wholesome face of William C. Patterson is hard to frame, hard because so much inheres in the atmosphere, the quiet serenity which surrounds it. For this there is no adequate means of ex- pression. Probably the most conspicuous points in his character were the transparency of his life and the dignified way with which he dealt with the duties of the daily round. These traits were not acquired in later life. nor assumed for effect. They were inherent, and marked his service as an overseer of a small force of farm laborers no less than in the multifarious and more responsible duties of his later years. They were the product of a rich inheritance, coupled with the ability to choose out of the experiences of life that which makes for clearer thinking and f 1' g N R.. fl . tie, s g.. A I higher living. Intercourse with him was always a pleasure. I-le never seemed to Hatter or curry favor, nor presume to obtrude, even when he could claim some special consideration. This latter trait was noticeably true as regards his experience in the Civil War. Al- though he served through the whole of that memorable period and was an active par- ticipant in many of its battles and most noted events, one scarcely knew it. For he spoke of it never boastingly, but only as it came up incidentally. Then he would sometimes speak in a reminiscent way, and always entertainingly. Several of his anecdotes of that time impressed the writer as peculiarly interesting and illustrative of war-time conditions. Speaking of the profound effect of the death of Lincoln upon the common soldiers, he said that they were so paralyzed and overwhelmed by the terrible calamity that they were dumb and speechless as they mechanically went about their individual tasks. It takes a great deal to make a soldier quiet. The influence of such a man is beyond estimate. It exercised a constant restraint and lifted up the tone of all with whom he had to do. It was an inspiring example, particularly to young people, before whom is so commonly and unnecessarily placed the idea that life is a struggle for mastery: that naught avails save that which reaches the top by crowding aside all lesser and weaker rivals. His ambition extended no further than to be true and faithful to the duties and opportunities of a humble life. He had no desire to shine brighter than nor rise higher than others. I-Iis life was a living proof of the poet's, 'fI lonor and shame from no condition rise: act well your part, there all the honor lies. Page Eight