History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia: The Oldest Incorporated Methodist College in America — John Shaqi
History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia: The Oldest Incorporated Methodist College in AmericaIrby, Richard
History
History of Randolph-Macon College, Virginia: The Oldest Incorporated Methodist College in America
Irby, Richard
Randolph-Macon College; Randolph-Macon Woman's College
Professor Duncan was the genial, humor-loving Irishman. His shillalah
was ever ready for any exposed head, but he had no murderous intent, and
did not mind when the subject hit back, but rather enjoyed a repartee.
A broad smile always foretold his sally of wit, and sometimes it was so
slow coming that the victim would have time to "cut." Dear, dear "Old
Pad," as we called him, it was hard to say whether he enjoyed most his
fun with the boys or his ancient languages, with the love of which he
seemed to be fully saturated. A kinder heart never beat in human frame.
"Old Jim" (Hardy) presided in the Laboratory on the third story. He was
a third-story man every way. Though a young man, and the first alumnus
of the College made a full professor, his manner was austere, and hence
he had but little popularity with the students. Some excuse for his so
appearing was due to the fact that he had to study hard to keep up with
the expectations of his classes.
"Old Zeke" (Blanch) our tutor in mathematics, was a fine instructor and
bright every way. He, too, was fond of humor when out of his
lecture-room, but very strict while in it.
Oh! for a Dickens to picture Tutor Harris. Pardon me for taking up more
room with him than is given all the rest. But such a character is not
often found, and deserves the space he takes.
My first classical instructor was one of the tutors. He was the first
Virginia University man ever elected to fill a chair at the old College.
Deeply imbued with a love for his subjects, he looked upon the ancient
languages as having, potatoe-like, the best parts at the root. The
"particle" was his especial delight. So much absorbed was he in
discoursing on it, that he was not particular whether his pupils
listened or not. They might go to sleep or do anything, so they did not
break the thread of his lecture. It was amazing to see how many learned
authorities in the shape of books he would daily lug to the room.
Doubtless this digging at the root was very deep and thorough--too much
so for the average "fresh." Some of the most scholarly appreciated the
exercise, or pretended to do so. To the latter the tutor mainly directed
his attention.
Not only did the tutor pursue this absorbing search indoors, but it
seemed to monopolize all his thoughts, even while going to his meals and
returning. It made him oblivious to all else for the time being. He
would, while thus absorbed in thought, kick a chip before him for a
mile, and would not recognize the best friend he might meet in the way.
All he asked then was the full "right of way."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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