Shepherd University - Cohongoroota Yearbook (Shepherdstown, WV)

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HON. GEO. M. BELTZHOOVER per1ty of Shepherd College and with the cause of educaiton f4.'..:w generally 1n this section of the state, there is no one to whom we owe a greater debt of gratitude than the Honorable George M. Beltzhoover. For nearly two-score years his continuous oflicial connection with the school, and his timely and efficient service in its behalf, have augmented this debt until those who best know of his unselhsh, untiring eliorts in the interest of the school cannot forbear at least a passing mention of our deep indebtedness to him. MONG all the men identified with the growth and continued pros- - A I I I 6 , I LJ' Mr. Beltzhoover took an active part in the movement that, as early as 1872, secured for school purposes tl1e court house made vacant by the removal of the county seat to Charles Town. Since that time his ofiicial connection with the school has been unbroken. During the first year of the school's existence, when it was conducted as a classical and scientific institution, he was a member of the Board of Trustees. The next year he was given additional responsibility by being appointed a member of the local Executive Board. He has held this double connection during the entire history of the school. Though it is an unfortunate fact that the members of these boards have not always been appointed on account of any special fitness for the position, but all too frequently for political reasons, the choice of Mr. Beltzhoover has always been so heartily approved that change of adminis- tration has never affected his reappointment. This is not surprising when we take into account his sterling integrity, shown by his upright life, his thorough knowledge of men, gleaned from his long experience as a keen and practical lawyer, and his genial, companionable manner which stamps him, as he is, a man of culture and of liberal education. He secured the major part of his education at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, from which institution he received his master's degree. His services to Shepherd College were by no means his only public services. He ably represented his district in tl1e West Virginia Legisla- ture, 1869-70. Later he served his county as prosecuting attorney. He was also at one time a member of the Board of Regents of the State Uni- versity. His loyalty and devotion to Shepherd College which he aided in found- 7

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rN. MEM, AI. BIil,'l'ZIIUnX 'K

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ing, and which he has been permitted to watch over during its periods of prosperity and adversity, is a beautiful example of fidelity to a noble cause. A recent enactment by the State Legislature creating the State Board of Control and the State Board of Regents marks the passing of the local Executive Committees. Mr. Beltzhoover, faithful to the last, by his prompt and decisive action in behalf of the school, secured for us our present use and control of the Old College Building, without which the school would be seriously handicapped. His ofhcial connection with the school may be severed, but the students and friends of Shepherd College will always hold him bound to us by the ties of gratitude and esteem. OGG?