Deaths
[A listing of deaths of which word has been received within the past month. Full notices may appear in this issue or may appear in a later number.]
Worthen, Julius E., '81. Dec. 12, 1937. Rockwood, Wilbur J., '85, Apr. 9. Carter, Warren S., '10, Mar. 11. Calhoun, Homer I ., '19, Mar. 16. Presson, Harold W., 'ax, Mar. 31. Foley, Thomas F., '35, Mar. 30. Barker, Ralph H., med. '00, Mar. 21.
Necrology
1874
ELGIN AI.ONZO JONES, who has for several years acted as secretary of this class, died March 13, 1939, at the Elliot Community Hospital, Keene, N. H., after an illnes of two weeks.
He was born in Marlow, N. H., July 30, 1852, the son of John Quincy and Cynthia (Gould) Jones. He prepared for the Chandler Scientific Department at Marlow Academy and at McCollom Institute, Mt. Vernon, N. H. He was a member of the Phi Zeta Mu fraternity (now Sigma Chi).
After graduation he returned to his native town, and for a time was associated with, his father in the manufacture of doors, sash, and blinds. In 1876-80 he was superintendent of schools, and in 1877-8 principal of Marlow Academy. In 1880 he engaged in mercantile business, and so continued for 38 years, also engaging in civil engineering and lumbering, and being actively interested in all the affairs of his community. He was for many years on the directorate of the Cheshire County Savings Bank of Keene, the Ashuelot National Bank, and the Citizens National Bank. He had a long service on the school board of his town, and represented it in the legislature.
He was an active member of the Congregational church of Marlow, and after his removal to Keene in 1911 of the First Congregational church of Keene. He was long associated with the Cheshire County Y. M. C. A., and was a trustee of the Kurn Hattin Homes at Westminster and Saxtons River, Vt.
November 24, 1880, he was married to Sarah C. Boynton of Grafton, Vt„ who died on February 2 of the present year. They had no children.
In Mr. Jones' will are public bequests amounting to $17,000. He also leaves to the College his collection of Dartmouth pictures and printed matter, dating back to his college days.
1881
Word has only just reached the secretary of the death of JULIUS EDWARD WORTHEN at East Lansing, Mich., December 12, 1937. The information came through his sister.
He was the son of George Worthen, and born at Lebanon, N. H., September 23, 1856. He fitted for college at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, and was with us until the end of freshman year. He was a salesman in Lebanon and Boston for several years, then engaged in business in various capacities in or near Boston from 1886 to 1914, when he retired from active business life and went to Michigan.
He was married at Hartford, Conn., September 27, 1888, to Miss Janie Gates Savage. He had no children. Mrs. Worthen died before he left Boston.
Your secretary has not heard from him directly for over thirty years. Dewey was probably the last of the class to see him, a little before he went to Michigan. His sister has kept the secretary informed that he was alive, even as late as 1937.
1884
JAMES PERRY HOUSTON, son of Harvey and Rebecca Ann (Kerr) Houston, who died February 27, 1939, was born in a log cabin in Shelby County, three miles from Sidney, Ohio. August 28, iB6O. His grandparents were Scotch and were among the hardy pioneers who settied Western Ohio. From Sidney, the Houstons moved to Troy, Ohio, and lived on a farm, three miles west of the village. James attended the country school until he was fifteen, when he entered the graded schools of Troy. In 1880 he was graduated from the high school with honor, having the highest grade for the four years (98.8) of any student the school had ever graduated.
In the fall of 1880 he entered Dartmouth College, and early manifested a conspicuous loyalty and devotion to the men of his class and the College. During his college course he excelled as a student of mathematics, the physical sciences, and literature. He was graduated with honor—a Commencement man and a Phi Beta Kappa. Following his graduation he taught for two years in Farmington, Mo., Sandwich, Ill., and Bellaire, Ohio. He had previously taught one term while in college, and was an excellent illustration of that large group of Dartmouth men of former days, whom Whittier in "Snow Bound" has immortalized—men "Who told us what befalls In classic Dartmouth's college halls. He early gained the power to pay His cheerful, self-reliant way, Large-brained, clear-eyed, of such as he Shall Freedom's young apostles be."
In 1886 he enrolled as a student in the Chicago Medical College. While there he continued to walk the "self-reliant way," serving in the office of a local physician and teaching in the public evening schools. To increase his knowledge and to fill his purse he was occupied the first summer vacation in writing the history of patients at the State Hospital for the Insane at Kankakee. The second summer he went as an attendant and adviser to a semi-invalid to the British Isles.
At the end of the three years he was graduated, the third man in his class, and was awarded the degree of M.D. In a competitive examination in medicine, science, and literature, he won the prize, one hundred dollars in gold. Following his graduation he began the practice of medicine in Chicago. April 2, 1890. he was married to Minnie Gertrude Adams of Sandwich, Ill., a cultured woman, who later became prominent in the literary and civic life of the city. A daughter, Nancy, was born to them July 9, 1904, now married and residing in Sandwich, 111.
The Houston home on the north side of the city was a hospitable and friendly place, where Dartmouth men were welcome and loved to go. In connection with his professional work, Dr. Houston was lecturer for five years on electro-therapeutics in the Chicago Polyclinic Hospital. Later he served for ten-years in the "Maurice Porter"—now, the Children's Memorial Hospital. He was counselor of the North Shore Branch of the Chicago Medical Society, and for one year served as president of the branch.
Removing from Chicago, he continued his professional work in Sterling, Ill., and Traverse City, Mich. In Traverse City for many years he was intimately identified with the life of the people, serving as physician, counselor, teacher, friend, even as business adviser. In his office one of the leading industries of the city was organized, of which he was a director for many years. During the World War, on account of the scarcity of competent teachers, he taught in the high school.
February 27, 1917, he was married to Elizabeth Parke Waugh of Michigan City, Ind. A son, James Parke Houston, was born June 10, 1922. For a time the family left their home in Traverse City and removed to New England and New York, where Dr. Houston was consulting physician in a sanatorium. Returning to Traverse City, the family resumed their busy life among the people whom they had faithfully served and amid scenes they loved.
Mrs. Houston, with tireless devotion and courage, shared the increasing vicissitudes of the family life, caused by financial losses and the long illness of their son, who died June 7, 1938. A little later she too was stricken, and after a few months of painful sufferings died November 3, 1938, a grievous blow and an immeasurable loss to her husband, who says of her, "She was a model wife for me and suited me exactly. I was rich in our home." For him the end was near. The fever of life had abated, and stricken with paralysis, which fortunately did not affect his mind, he tarried a little longer. "Gladly did he live and gladly die." Writing on a bit of paper an affectionate "Good-bye" to the "Boys of '84," he welcomed the great adventure and went forth blithely, confidently, expectantly.
The story of his life would be incomplete without a reference to his physical handicap. As often happens, this handicap became a suggestive guide and helper in the choice of his lifework. In a letter written to a classmate the last year of his life he says, "Mine has been a life of handicaps all through, beginning with loss of foot at three and a half years of age. But that had its compensations. I'd never have seen Old Dartmouth and the men of '84 and the long list of men in the college fellowship. That pays for<all the limitations I've been under for seventy-five years. Now the greater loss of physical powers has given me time to go back over the years and value what has come to me in the long lifetime. It has been worth all the handicaps."
In appraising his lifework he says, "I was born poor. I hope I have lived usefully. I die poor." One of his most distinguished classmates has revised this estimate, filling it with the glow of greater truthfulness and uncovering possessions of priceless value. "I was born poor. I lived usefully. I die rich in wisdom, friends, and faith."
James Houston was a worthy son of Dartmouth. His love for the College and for the men of his class found ample expression in fiis unwearying devotion and manly pride. His classmates, whom he served so faithfully and with such eminent ability, trusted him, loved him. His painstaking and abundant labors on their behalf found fruitful expression in his class reports and in the class reunions. His publications as class secretary rank high in the class literature of the College.
Happy for him and for the class of '84 a crowning experience of his life came in the address he gave at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the class at the meeting of the General Alumni Association. Every Dartmouth man present was proud of the man who made that memorable address, which later was judged worthy to be inscribed in full in The Golden Book, '84's gift to the College.
In a statement entitled, "An Old Man's Musing," prepared the last year of his life, and probably intended to be an expression of the philosophy of his life and his outlook, he quotes two lines from Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar"—
"Sunset and evening star. And one clear call for me,"
and proceeds—"It is more than fifty years since I began a somewhat thorough study of man as an animal In this wise I have come to some faint understanding of the plan of the Great Creator, wrought out in man's creation. There has dawned on my limited perception something of the characteristics of the work of the Creator in this one wonderful productman. Then comes the wider observation of nature. I see the same perfection in the tree, in the rose, in the bee, in the oriole and though I take the wings of the telescope and fly to the uttermost parts of the universe, I find that same perfection of plan. Mulling these things over, I have reached the firm conviction that after life's sunset will come a new dawn, brighter, more roseate, beginning a more glorious day, in which I shall see new wonders of the Infinite Plan—a day filled with a greaterwork, a larger growth, a more adequate conception of the great plan, a better conception of the Creator. So,
'I wrap the draperies of my couch About me and lie down to happy dreams' of the greater life I shall enjoy when I awaken in that glorious dawn. I do not fear to go. Call it faith, if you will. To me it is certainty. After a quiet, beautiful sunset will come a more radiant dawn and sunrise." "Sic igitur per aspera ad astra."
THOMAS M. HODCDON.
1890
AMANDER EDWARD BEEBEE passed away March 26 at his home in Marshfield, Wis., after a long illness.
He was bom at Constable, N. Y., April 13, 1864, attended a country school and later Franklin Academy at Malone, N. Y. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Letters, being honored as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a Commencement speaker.
Beebee located at McMillan, north of Marshfield, in 1890, and lived there until he moved to Marshfield in 1925. In 1895 he married Cynthia Hastings, who survives him.
He became general manager of the McMillan Bros, interests, one of the leading lumber firms of the state. He was also connected with other enterprises, and was a leading spirit in municipal and county affairs. He had been retired from active business for several years and had spent many winters in Florida.
1897
It is but seemly that any man who wins a degree at Dartmouth should in time have his obituary in the DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAG- AZINE. There is no other way in dignity to close a college record. Two members of 1897 have been missing for over 30 years. The most diligent search has refused to reveal a trace, and on all records they are recorded as deceased.
RALPH HENRY JAMES was born May 26, 1874, in Bangor, Me., and he entered college from the Concord High School. He was of commanding presence, easy self-control, and friendly ways. He did good college work and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi and "of Casque and Gauntlet. He was the successful manager of the college baseball team. He inherited money—a large sum it seemed to us —and he spent it without restraint.
After graduation James was manager of the college hotel, the Wheelock. He was married July 12, 1899, to Myra B. Shapleigh of Lebanon, but the marriage was not I think a happy or a successful one. Soon James was without funds, and for a few years he was first an agent for the Travelers Insurance Co. and then road salesman for a mercantile house with work in Pittsburgh and other cities. When his money was gone and his work a failure he became much discouraged and he disappeared. This was about 1903 and all attempts to secure later information have failed. With regret we must record the conclusion reached long ago, that he is dead.
REMUS GRANT ROBINSON was born in Hamilton, Bermuda, February 16, 1873. He was a negro, very black, very straight, and thoroughly good looking. He was in all ways clean, decent, and self-respecting, free from vulgarity and scrupulously honest. He was very sensitive, asked no favors and accepted rebuffs with pained patience.
His father was a farmer of superior appearance, his mother an expert candy maker, a hard-working woman of unusual talent and devotion. One who visited the home many years ago has spoken of the high ideals and courtesy of the family. Remus was a twin, but Romulus died. There was an older brother and an older and a younger sister. The brother, David, came to Franconia for hotel work. He gained an education and was a lawyer near Boston but died some years ago. The other members of the family can not be found.
Remus without money came to Boston and a friendly train man helped him to Franconia. He went to the academy, worked in hotels, and so came to Dartmouth. At college he lived cheaply with work at the hotel and elsewhere. He was a member of the class athletic team and of the college dramatic club.
After graduation no member of the class ever saw Remus again. For a year he was an instructor at Tuskegee. Then he attempted to establish an academy of his own in Alabama, but it soon failed. In 1901 Remus wrote to the secretary of the class that he was married and had a son, an applicant for the class cup. The cup was not given and no other letter was ever received. The record of teachers shows that Remus obtained a teacher's certificate in Birmingham, Ala., in 1906, but this certificate was not renewed. It is difficult to trace a colored man in the Mid-South, and no effort has produced information of any kind. Accordingly we believe that he has been dead for many years.
1900
WILFRED CARV RISLEY died at his home in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on March 6, 1939, at the age of 61. He had been ill for some months with an affection of the heart, and had spent a period in the early months of 1938 in the Baptist Hospital at Boston. He had returned home apparently much improved, but in November the malady returned, and his last months were a period of much suffering.
Risley was born in Piermont, N. H., on December 29, 1877, the son of Robert L. Risley, a farmer in that town. He attended the Bradford (Vt.) High School, and entered Dartmouth in the fall of 1896 together with his school classmates, Hadlock and H. M. Jenkins. In college, although not assertative, he was much liked by his associates for his quiet reserve of character, which in no way concealed his innate kindliness and friendliness of disposition. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
After graduation he attended the Thayer School, and then, for a short period, he was employed by the New York Central Railroad. In 1902 he entered the service of the Dominion Steel and Coal Company, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, as engineer, and remained in the employ of that corporation to the time of his death, a period of thirty-seven years. Eventually he was in charge of all the surface projects of this large corporation, including the maintenance of the Sydney-Louisburg Railroad; a position calling for a wide variety of engineering experience. The general manager of the company speaks of him as "a thoroughly competent civil engineer of wide experience, a sound man, conscientious, careful, painstaking, loyal to those whose work he directed and to his employers."
He was long a member of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and always maintained a keen interest in yachting. He was also active in the work of the First United church of Sydney.
Risley was married in 1906 at Halifax to Miss Wilhemena Robertson, who survives him, as do five children; four sons and a daughter. His funeral, largely attended by his friends and associates in all walks of life, was held in the First United church on March 8, and he is buried in Hardwood Hill cemetery in Sydney.
1903
BARTON HOWE GRANT of Paxton, Mass., died February 28, 1939, in the U. S. Veterans Hospital at Rutland, Mass.
Born in Worcester, Mass., on February 22, 1881, the son of Charles W. and Luella (Howe) Grant, Barton attended the public schools of Worcester and entered Dartmouth College in 1899. He left early in the course and entered the insurance business in Paxton, Mass., where he lived the remainder of his life. During the World War he served as sergeant in the Tank Corps, and later was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by two brother?, Malcolm W. of Worcester and Harold Grant of Amesbury, Mass.
1904
DR. EDWARD HOMER EGBERT died at his home on St. Simons Island, Ga., February 27, '1939. after an extended illness.
The son of Rev. Thomas Edward and Margaret (Baker) Egbert, he was born in South Bend, Ind., May 5, 1881. The family removed to Chicago in his infancy. When he was nine years old his father died, and the mother removed to Cleveland, and the son prepared for college at Cleveland High School. He remained in college only through freshman year, leaving to enter upon the study of medicine.
After graduating from Baltimore Medical School in 1905 he began practice in the city of Washington after a brief service as intern in Sibley Memorial Hospital in that city, and specialized in surgery. In September, 1914, he sailed for Europe at the head of a Red Cross unit volunteering for service in Russia. He had charge of a 800-bed hospital at Kiev, and afterwards served with the Russian Red Cross in various army hospitals. He received from the Czar the honorary rank of brigadier general and was decorated with the Order of St. Stanislaus. In the fall of 1915 he was sent to the United States to buy medical and surgical supplies for the Russian Red Cross.
Since the spring of 1915 he had been unable to operate on account of an infection of the hands acquired in operating. During 1918-20 with the famous Mme. Catherine Breshkovsky he toured the United States, collecting funds for relief work with Russian war orphans, and a home for these children established in what was once Czechoslovakia still bears Dr. Egbert's name.
After the close of his Russian work and his recovery from infection he practiced for two years on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and was then for several years in practice in Vineland, N. J. Then he was for three years at Wolfeboro, N. H., when he sought a better climate for his impaired health, finding it on St. Simons Island, Ga„ where he continued in practice until he was obliged to retire in August 1938.
In 1908 Dr. Egbert was married to Elizabeth, daughter of H. Clay and Lenora (Hart) Hawes, who survives him, with two daughters and a son.
1910
WARREN SHAW CARTER passed away suddenly at his home in St. Paul, Minn., on March 11 as a result of a second shock, the first having been sustained several months ago. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park, with services in the Church of St. John the Evangelist on March 14.
Nick Carter was born in Somersworth, N. H., Sept. 1, 1888, the son of Edgar I. and Margaret M. Shaw. Graduating from Somersworth High School, he entered Dartmouth College to graduate in the class of 1910, being a member of the Senior Executive Committee. After a year at Harvard Law School, he completed his law course at the University of Michigan, and was admitted to the Michigan bar in 1913, going to St. Paul, Minn., in 1914 where he has since resided.
He became associated with Davis, Kellogg, & Severance law firm, and was admitted to the company in 1918 with the last partnership being known as Kellogg, Morgan, Chase, Carter, & Headley. Mr. Kellogg at one time was Secretary of State at Washington.
Nick was married on June 6, 1916, to Esther Eileen Kaiser of St. Paul, and one son, Warren Shaw Carter, Jr. was born. He is now a sophomore at Dartmouth. They and his mother survive him.
From 1916 to 1920 he was secretary of the Northwestern Alumni Association, and became its vice president in 1924. He served two terms on the Alumni Council from 1926 to 1932 as representative from the Western States District.
Nick Carter was a New Hampshire Yank, who, though transplanted, never lost his love for his college and state, and many a time longed to be living again in northern New England. Extremely conscientious, capable, and congenial, he had a definite mission in college and in life, which he fulfilled as was exemplified by his success in his profession. His dreams and aspirations of having his only child follow in his footsteps at Hanover could only be partially realized—but the year and a half that the boy has now been at Dartmouth brought many comforts and compensations to Nick.
HOWARD FALL, the oldest son of the late George H. and Anna (Christy) Fall, was born in Maiden, Mass., Nov. 26, 1887. After graduating from Maiden High School and attending Norwich University for a short time, he entered Dartmouth College to graduate with the class of 1910.
Ill some months ago, Monty took a European cruise last summer in hopes of obtaining relief from his asthmatic trouble—but no lasting help came, and he gradually became worse until he died on March 9 at the John Adams Hospital in Chelsea from heart and pneumonia complications.
In college he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and Dragon, also taking part in the famous "King of U-Khan." After college he held membership in Knights Templar, Shrine, Elks, Military Order of the World War, Eagles, Republican, University, and Dartmouth Clubs, also the Sons of American Revolution in Maiden, which he served as president for many years.
During the World War he rendered a noteworthy service as 2d Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, and was stationed at Camp Jackson, S. C. Becoming active in politics, he served in the Maiden Common Council 1914-15; the Board of Aldermen 1916-17 and 1920-24; was member of the Mass. House of Representatives 1927-30; and treasurer of the Republican State Committee 1920-26. He was one of the founders of the Maiden Post of American Legion, and was president of the Dartmouth Alumni Association of Boston, 1923-24. Immediately on graduation from college he became affiliated with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., to remain with them during his active business life, and to be promoted to traffic supervisor in 1920.
On June 15, 1923 he married Ethel M. Carlisle, who died a few years later shortly-after their daughter Ethel was born. He married Lillian Bergstrom, who with Ethel survives him. Monty also leaves two sisters, one of whom is Judge Emma Schofield, widow of the late Al Schofield 'O9. The late Lionel Fall '13 was a brother.
Funeral services were held March 12 from the Centre Methodist Episcopal church with burial in Forest Dale Cemetery.
Monty Fall never missed a Dartmouth gathering in Boston, and was a most loyal and enthusiastic alumnus at all times. His attractive personality that never acquired any superficial veneer during life leaves a host of pleasant memories.
1914
THOMAS ALEXANDER ANDERSON died suddenly Saturday, March 25, after a few days' illness, at his home, 331 Centre St., Milton, Mass. The funeral was held from Gleason's Chapel, 335 Washington St., Dorchester, the following Tuesday, with burial in the Milton cemetery.
Tom was born in Milton March 28, 1891, and after graduation entered the florist business with his father. This had been his only work and to it he had given continuous years of effort, In fact, he and his brother Roland were considered authorities in certain branches of horticulture.
Besides his widow, Irene Lincoln Anderson, he is survived by three daughters, Doris H., Miriam L., and Ruth M., and two brothers, Roland and George.
1919
ROLLIN TAYLOR ROOD, a member of this class in freshman year, died at Westfield, Mass., September 30, 1936, of coronary thrombosis.
He was born in Manchester, Conn., July 6, 1896, the son of Rollin Morgan and Flora Louise (Taylor) Rood. Beyond the fact of his marriage, May 19, 1935, to Lillian Gibson of Harrison, N. Y., no other details of his history have been obtained.
1921
HAROLD WEBER PRESSON died of a heart attack early on the morning of March 31, 1939, at his home on the Worcester Academy campus. Although his health had been impaired for a year or longer, no one suspected that it was so serious, and his death came as a distinct shock to an unusually large group of friends and admirers.
The son of Edward Babson and Alice (Weber) Presson, "Had" was born September 6, 1895, at Springfield, Mass. He entered Dartmouth from Worcester Academy, where he later was to become famous as physical education director and coach of football, swimming, basketball, and lacrosse. Had played on the varsity eleven and won his "D" freshman year, a situation having arisen because of war conditions which made this feat possible. He was a member of Theta Delta Chi. In January 1918 he enlisted in the Air Service, and was sent to M. I. T. to study military aeronautics. Discharged a 2d Lieutenant in December 1918, Had entered the wholesale drug business and did not return to Hanover.
From 1921 to 1923, he served as assistant athletic director at Worcester Academy, and for the three succeeding years was director of physical education at Classical High School, Springfield, Mass. Since 1926 he had been director of the Department of Physical Education at Worcester Academy. Had Presson was known throughout the East for the football teams and players which he developed, not to mention the reputation he acquired for developing swimmers.
Had attended summer schools at Springfield College, and at Clark University, from which he was graduated in 1938 with the degree of Ed.B. He was a Mason; member of Square and Compass at Clark; and a member of College Football Coaches Association. He had been elected honorary life president of the Central Massachusetts Conference of Coaches and Officials. For a year he was acting headmaster of Worcester Academy. A classmate living in Worcester writes, "Had was one of those fellows who had very little to say, but you always knew right where he was when there was anything to be done for Dartmouth. We shall miss him as a friend, and the College will find it hard to replace the keen judgment he displayed in the men he has steered to Hanover in the last few years."
Had was married June 19, 1920, at Springfield, Mass., to Olive Munson. Their daughter, Jane Munson, born November 17, 1925, died on the second anniversary of her birth. On November 21, 1931, they were blessed with a son, Harold Weber Jr., who survives, with his mother.
1935
THOMAS FRANCIS FOLEY JR. died of a . sudden heart attack while watching a Stanley Cup play-off game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers at the Boston Garden on March 30.
Tom was born in Worcester, Mass., on March 7, 1913, the son of Thomas Francis and Ellen (O'Donnell) and prepared for Dartmouth at South High in that city. As an undergraduate he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon and played Freshman hockey, winning his numerals. He was particularly interested in aeronautics, being a member of the Flying Club, and spending much of his spare time pursuing that hobby.
After graduation he worked for the Luscombe Airplane Development Corp., in West Trenton, N. J., until about six months before his death, when heart trouble forced him to return home and take up insurance as a vocation.
John J. Foley '34 and Robert E. Foley '38. are his brothers.
1937
BURTON FRENCH JR. was killed in an elevator fall at Shreveport, La., on March 10. Following graduation he worked for the Houston Oil Field & Material Co. in Texas, but had recently been transferred to Shreveport. His home was on Knollwood Ave., Huntingdon, L. I., N. Y.
The son of Burton and Marion Beatrice (Gilmour) French, he was born at Oklahoma City, Okla., March 7, 1915, and prepared for college at Taft School.
He was active in the Dramatic Club and was on both the football and wrestling teams at Taft. His enthusiasm for these two sports was carried into Hanover. He was on the J. V. football team and a winner in the annual wrestling meet. Perhaps many knew him best as a faithful and active member of the news board of The Dartmouth. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi and the Dragon.
His departure has been sudden, and the blow to his friends has been a great one, but our real loss will only be realized in the years to come. We are going to miss "Burt."
MEDICAL SCHOOL
1892
DR. BYRON ULYSSES RICHARDS died February 15, 1939, at his home in Pawtucket, R. I., of valvular disease of the heart, after an illness of considerable length.
The son of John March and Olive (Clay) Richards, he was born in Wilmot, N. H„ June 13, 1866. His preliminary education was obtained at Phillips Andover Academy.
After graduation he served an internship at Cambridge Hospital, then worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and in 1896 and '97 did further work in the hospitals of London and Vienna. In September 1897 he opened an office in Pawtucket, where he remained in highly successful practice until his retirement in 1929. He served as city physician, police surgeon, and superintendent of health for nearly 15 years from 1899. From 1917 to 1929 he was secretary of the State Board of Health, his duties including those of registrar of vital statistics and secretary of the Board of Medical Registration. He served as vice-president of the State and Provincial Health Authorities of North America, and in 1930 was made an honorary life member. In 1926 he was elected vice-president of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, and its president in 1927.
September 15, 1896, he was married to Laura B., daughter of Ezekiel and Lydia Hunting (Blaisdell) Wentworth of Rochester, N. H., who survives him, with a son, Byron U. Richards Jr., a daughter, Olive Wentworth Richards, and three grandchildren.
Dr. Richards was keenly interested in Dartmouth affairs, and never failed to attend the annual dinner of the Rhode Island Association, of which he was a charter member.
He was a member and constant attendant of the Pawtucket Congregational church.
1900
DR. RALPH HIGGINS BARKER, Dartmouth Medical School 1900, passed away at his home in Derry, N. H„ March si, 1939, after a long illness with a complication of diseases. He was born Feb. 7, 1873 in Candia, N. H., the fourth of seven children of George W. and Clara A. (Bell) Barker. When about seven years of age he removed with his family to Pittsfield, N. H., where he attended school until the age of fourteen. Although obliged to go to work at this early age, he was still interested in education and continued to study at night.
After six years he decided that he must continue his formal education, even though he had neither funds nor financial help. He entered Worcester Academy in the fall of 1893 at the age of twenty, and graduated in 1897, in the class with President Hopkins. He desired to study for the ministry, but lacking a good oratorical voice, decided that he could better serve humanity in the field of medicine. He entered Dartmouth Medical School in the Class of 1900, the last class to graduate in the three year . course.
Following his graduation in February 1900 Dr. Baker served his interneship in Boston hospitals, and on Oct. 1, 1900 he started practice as a country doctor in Chester, N. H.. having borrowed a horse and obtained all of his supplies and equipment on credit. In 1911 he removed to the adjoining town of Derry, where he continued to practise until the fall of 1938. although he had been in failing health for several years.
Dr. Barker represented all that is best in the country doctor and family physician. For thirty-eight years he carried on without a vacation. Bad weather, great distance, impassable roads, early morning or late night hour, fatigue—none of these mattered when the call of distress came, for the good Doctor could not refuse, even when he knew he would never be paid.
His services to humanity extended beyond the professional field. He was an active member of the Derry Baptist Church; for many years the Superintendent of its Church School. He fought courageously for the cause of righteousness. He contributed unostentatiously to the Church, to the community needs and to those in need, to the point of self denial. He was cordial and hospitable, and lived by the Golden Rule.
Dr. Barker had held many high Masonic offices, being a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a Past Master of the Derry Grange. He held memberships in the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order U.A.M., Rockingham County Medical Ass'n, New Hampshire Medical Ass'n, Manchester Medical Society and American Medical Society.
The funeral was held at the Derry Baptist Church on March 23rd, and temporary interment followed in the receiving tomb of the East Derry Cemetery.
Dr. Barker is survived by his wife, Blanche H. Barker, M.D., one son, two daughters, four brothers, one sister and eight grandchildren. One sister passed away in 1938. His brother Edward B. Barker graduated from Dartmouth in 1907.
