1896

Our classmate - Rev. Charles Arthur Jaquith died November 24 in Union Village. Vt., after a long sickness. Some six years ago he sold his home in Union Village where he had been living alone and since then he had lived at the farmhouse of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson about a mile out of the village. They had taken excellent care of him during his illness. For several years he had been very deaf and nearly blind. He was also lonesome. Most of the friends of his age had passed on.

Jaquith was born in North Thetford, Vt, June 4, 1872, the son of Arthur and Annie (Baxter) Jaquith. In college he was a diligent student and a great reader. He was a member of the K.K.K.. fraternity and a 100- yard dash member of the Athletic Team.

After graduating, he went to Yale Divinity School receiving his B.D. degree in 1899. He served pastorates in Congregational Churches in Connecticut, 1899-1901 North Woodstock; 1902-1908 South Windsor. He then began what was to be his life work - teaching. After two years as principal of Gates Academy in Nebraska, he went to Chicago University and earned his A.M. degree. Then to Maryland State Normal School in Baltimore for three years.

Jake married Eliza Lord, a graduate of Smith College in Paterson, N. J., on July 3, 1899. She died in 1945. They had no children and he left no near relatives. A brother died in 1956.

In 1915 he was elected as Professor of English at Talladega College, Talladega, Ala. This is a negro college supported in part by the American Missionary Association. He taught English and for some years also Biblical Literature. He was Editor in Chief of the College paper — The Talladegan and member of the Editorial Board, 1919 to 1937, when he retired at age 65. In 1937 the paper published a full account of the services he and Eliza had rendered the College. She taught Freshman English and also cultural subjects. The article reads in brief: "Two consecrated teachers have departed from the College. They met the exacting requirements of their positions as efficient, hard working teachers, as well as the subtle demands for friendship with their pupils." Jake and Eliza performed a noble service as teachers and as friends of the negro pupils. Talladega was the principal life work of Jaquith and his able and helpful wife.

We of '96 honor them for this sacrificial service. Its effect cannot be measured.

Secretary and Bequest Chairman 206 Appleton St., Arlington, Mass.

Treasurer, 21 Forest Rd., Cape Elizabeth, Me.