Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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Pennsylvania, who has ever since been an inspiration and true help in the professor ' s happy home. Natural proclivities and thorough equipment led to the choice of teaching as a profession, and for more than twenty years Professor Houtz has been a successful instructor. He became Principal of the Pine Grove Academy, Centre County, Pennsylvania, 1885 , and was elected Professor of Mathematics, Vice Principal of the Missionary Institute in 1886, which posi- tion he filled with honor and credit till 1894, when he was chosen Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in Susque- hanna University, where he is now a strong factor in all that pertains to good discipline and true education. As coadjutor with Dr. J. R. Dimm, Professor Houtz did much in faculty committee work to advance the interests of the Institute, and has for years been the Chief Librarian of the College, performing much arduous labor there, and has always been a safe counsellor, and an active participant in all college work and student delights. In connection with his earlier professional labors, he also took a Theological course in the Missionary Institute during the time of Dr. Peter Born ' s incumbency, and was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel, by the Central Pennsylvania Synod in 1888, and ordained by the same in 1899. As statistician of Central Synod he has served most ac- ceptably since 1896. He acted in the capacity of delegate for his Synod at the General Synod, convened in York, Pa., 1899. He also supplied a pastorate for some time in Luzerne county, while professor in the Institute, and has always been a very busy man. From past successes we may safely predict greater achieve- ments and a brighter future for this faithful instructor and popular professor of Susquehanna University.

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REV. THOMAS C. HOUTZ, A. M. EV. THOMAS C. HOUTZ, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in Susquehanna Uni- versity, is one of the foremost educators of his time. His ancestors were Germans of sterling integ- rity and marked excellency of character, a providential bless- ing of inestimable value and a vantage ground of significant import. His parents, Christian and Christina (Shuey) Houtz, chose farming as a vocation, and located in the beautiful Nittany Valley of Central Pennsylvania. In this picturesque garden spot of the great Keystone State, near Lemont, was born September 28, 1853, Thomas C. Houtz, amid pleasing envi- ronments and bright foretokenings of noble achievements for this new actor in the arena of life. The earlier part of his life was spent in the rural employ- ments and rustic delights of his native place, aiding in the development of that sturdiness of body and strength of mind so much needed in the onerous solicitudes and multifarious burdens of subsequent professional employments. The public schools at Lemont with excellent teachers gave the first powerful impulse to a mind naturally vigorous, and successfully paved the way for a future college education. A term at the County Normal School in 1872, and a sum mer and fall term in 1873 at the Boalsburg Academy, proved a still greater incentive for the higher training which can alone be attained under the strict discipline of the college curriculum. Accoraingly the young Academian entered the Sub-Fresh- man Class at State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1874. Former habits of industry and critical methods of study soon marked the new Collegian as a young man of promise and future fame in any chosen profession. A Freshman prize for the best entrance average was a first trophy of honest labor and true merit. Following this were two more prizes, one in Mathematics, another in Physics, with graduating honors in June, 1879. On September 23, 1879, Professor Houtz was married to Miss Maggie Duffee, an accomplished young lady of Lemont,

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