Purdue University - Debris Yearbook (West Lafayette, IN)

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In 1856 Mr. Shortridge look charge of White Water College, at Centreville. which position he held until 1861, when he was elected Prin- cipal of the Preparatory Department of Northwestern Christian Uni- versity, now better known as Butler University. Here he remained for two years, when he became Superintendent of the Indianapolis schools. While in this position he commanded the respect and confidence of the board of trustees. No superintendent ever had a more loyal corps of teachers. It was under his influence that the Indianapolis schools gained a prominent place among the best schools of the country. In 1874 Mr. Shortridge accepted the presidency of Purdue, which was then in its infancy, and helped lay the groundwork for the present high standard of the College. Here Mr. Shortridge remained until January, 1876, when he retired to a beautiful farm nenr Indianapolis, where he still resides. Third President. Kmkkson Elhkidg}-: White, A. M., LL. D. Dr. ' hite was born in Mantua, Portage county, Ohio, and his boy- hood was spent on the farm. His early life was a struggle to obtain an education beyond that afforded by the common schools. By teaching, as a means of earning the expenses incident to a preparatory and col- legiate course, he was enabled successfully to accomplish his purpose. In 1876 Dr. White was called to the presidency of Purdue Univer- sity, and he brought to it unusual (jualifications and varied experience. He began his career as a teacher in a country school, but he was soon called to the principalship of the Central High School in Cleveland, O. In 1856 he resigned that position to accept the superintendency of the public schools of Portsmouth, Ohio, filling the position with eminent ability and success up to i860. After this he was editor and publisher of the Ohio Educational Monthly for fifteen years. As President of Purdue he laid the foundations of the young insti- tution on an original plan, and so wisely that no essential change has since been made, although it has grown under the fostering care of the State and Nation, and the wise direction of its present management, like a tree putting forth new branches. After retiring from Purdue, in 1883, he moved to Cincinnati, and was for several years superintendent of the public schools of that city. He is now living in his elegant home in Columbus. Ohio, his time being occupied in responding to numerous calls to lecture in all parts of the country, and in literary work. 14

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Presidents of Purdue, Richard Owen, LL. D., M. D. Richard Owen was born on January 5, 1810, at Braxfield House, lyanarkshire, Scotland. Receiving his early education at Andersonian Institute, he made a specialty of Chemistry, Physics, German and French. In 1827 he came to this country and settled at New Harmony, Ind., as a teacher. In 1847 he acted as captain of U. S. Infantry in the Mexican War. In 1849 Dr. Owen accepted the chair of Natural Sciences in the Western Military Institute in Kentucky, which position he held for nine years. He received a degree from the Nashville College at this time. In 1864 he accepted the chair of Natural Sciences at Indiana Uni- versity, where he remained for fifteen years, spending his vacations in Europe, Asia and Africa. In 1872 the presidency of Purdue University was tendered to Dr. Owen, but in consequence of the delay in organiza- tion, he resigned to return to Indiana University, not leaving there until 1878. Dr. Owen took a very prominent part in the Civil War. In 1874 he received the degree of L,L. D. from Wabash College. He has a world- wide reputation for his scientific discoveries, all of which, together with his letters and lectures, have been published in scientific papers. He died of accidental poisoning at his home in New Harmony, on March 24, 1S90. Second President. Abraham C. Shortridge. Abraham C. Shortridge, the second President of Purdue University, was born October 22, 1833, in Henry county, Ind. In 1848 his family moved to Milton, Wayne county, where he attended school, and learned the printer ' s trade. Later he attended school at Fairview Academy, in Rush county, and then at Green Mount Academy, near Richmond, Ind. He then taught school for three years, his remuneration being at first but ten dollars a month. 13

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The Present President. James H. Smart. Dr. James Henry Smart was boru January 30, 1 84 1 , in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. This beautiful little place is situated at the foot of the White Hills, and is one of the most attractive summer resorts in New England. At the early age of seventeen he began his career as an educator. For three years he taught in the high schools at Concord, N. H., and other cities in New England. A little later he was connected with The New Hampshire Journal of Education as an editor. A few years after- wards he became connected with the Toledo High School, where he remained until elected superintendent of schools in Fort Wayne, in 1865. Thrice he was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 1883 he became President of Purdue University, and the same year was chosen a Trustee of the State University, and served in a like capacity for the State Normal School. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Dartmouth College, and Doctor of Laws from Indiana University. Dr. Smart was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the State of Indiana at the Vienna Exposition, and was one of the United States Commissioners to the Paris Exposition, in 1878. He was elected President of the Indiana Teachers ' Association in 1 87 1, and of the National Educational Association, in 1880. In 1890 he was President of the American Association of Experimental Stations. Coming to Purdue he found little that would justify the name of a university and that at a time when technical education was not appre- ciated. His object was to make it one of the foremost technical schools. Perhaps nothing has shown the skillful management of President Smart better than the exactness with which his plans have been carried out. Even such a great misfortune as the burning of our finest build- ing did not make him falter. With increased diligence, funds were collected, and the legislature persuaded to do the best by Purdue. Now the laboratories are better arranged and equipped than ever before. Each course is being expanded and strengthened, new schools established and improvements being made in everything connected with the University. For all these good things. President Smart is largely responsible. 15