aass A-S^i^O \ 
 
 Book_^C^2tM..^j 
 
 PRESENTED BV 
 
k\ .m..^..:^ 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 COTNER UNIVERSITY 
 
 including the 
 
 Early Religious and Educational Movement of 
 the Christian Church in Nebraska. 
 
 By LEON A. MOOMAW, A. M. 
 
 —1916 
 
1.03 140 ) 
 
 To the men ivho founded a Christian Uni- 
 versity in Nebraska; to the ones who 
 have loyally stood by it during the tiven- 
 ty -seven years of its existence, and to the 
 hundred of students, alumni and friends 
 %uho love Cotner. 
 
 
Cha 
 
 Presented as a thesis for the xoaster of arts degree 
 at the University of Kehraska. Cf • Letter from 
 Earnest W.Lxmdeen, Librarian, Cotner College, Lin- 
 coln, Neh«, June 27,1926. 
 
\ 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Chapter I — Early Educational and Religious 
 
 History in Nebraska. 
 Chapter II — The Beginning of Fairfield College. 
 
 Chapter III — The Decline of Fairfield College. 
 
 Chapter IV — The Inception of Nebraska Chris- 
 
 tian University. 
 lPTER V — The Laying of the Cornerstone. 
 
 LPTER VI — The City of Lincoln. 
 
 iPTER VII — The Promoters and Their Plan. 
 VPTER VIII — The Kealization of the Dream. 
 ^PTER IX — Bennett Academy and Kindred Ven- 
 
 tures. 
 ' APTER X — A Nevv^ Friend and a New Name. 
 
 APTER XI — The Crisis. 
 
 APTER XII — The School in Jeopardy. 
 Chapter XIII — Cotner Redeemed- 
 Chapter XIV — The Faculty at Work. 
 Chapter XV — Cotner's Departmental Schools. 
 Chapter XVI — Outside of Books at Cotner. 
 Chapter XVII — Clippings from the Cotner Expon- 
 ent. 
 Chapter XVIII — Clippings from the Cotner Colleg- 
 ian. 
 Chapter XIX — Looking Backward, 
 Chapter XX — Commencements. 
 Chapter XXI — Cotner Alumni. 
 Chapter XXII — Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges. 
 Chapter XXIII — Cotner Alumni Among the 
 
 Churches. 
 Chapter XXIV — Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work. 
 Chapter XXV— Cotner of Today. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 Three motives have prompted the writing of this 
 book; first, to give the reader a history of the higher 
 educational movement in Nebraska, fostered by the 
 Christian church. We hope it will be a sort of educa- 
 tional manual of ready reference for this early period. 
 We have given you the historical facts concerning the 
 early Christian church in Nebraska, Fairfield College, 
 and the founding of Cotner. After a careful interpreta- 
 tion of the facts, we feel you will have no words of 
 criticism to offer against those who have preceded us 
 in Christian work. 
 
 Second, all love college days and we wished to pre- 
 serve a record of events, victories, advancements, etc., 
 before time snatches them from us. Papers, programs 
 and records are too often not preserved. Memory is 
 weak when time has its way, and F.ome, who know 
 Cotner best, have already been called by the reaper, 
 while others may soon expect that call. 
 
 The last motive is the greatest of all. We hope as 
 you learn more about Cotner you will be even more 
 loyal. May this little contribution assist all other 
 forces in building a greater Cotner, v/hich will surpass 
 anything of which her founders ever dreamed. 
 
 As you read this book we realize you will find im- 
 perfections. Perhaps you will feel we have not re- 
 corded things correctly, omitted points which should 
 have been mentioned or misinterpreted events. We 
 have relied upon writings and memories of others for 
 much of the material and have been led to interpret 
 it, as we have, through our own investigation and the 
 counsel of friends. Memory is often faulty after 
 twenty years and records incomplete. Sometimes 
 friends have responded quickly, other times reluctantly, 
 
8 History of Cotner University 
 
 to our inquiry for information. We have a feAV cases 
 of very important churches that are not given proper 
 mention because we received no response. In the 
 multiplicity of events, happenings and names, which 
 have been connected with Cotner during the twenty- 
 seven years, we have had to choose that which was rep- 
 resentative, rather than to mention all. In the face 
 of these conditions we hope you will not be too critical. 
 We have given much of our energy, time and thought 
 to this task; you are to judge the product. 
 
 I wish to express my appreciation to J. Z. Briscoe, 
 C. W. Hemry, W. P. Aylsworth, J. W. Hilton and W. A. 
 Baldwin for their special help in giving me informa- 
 tion. Many of the present faculty and student body 
 have been very kind in assisting in the work. The 
 alumni have helped greatly. Many students in my 
 classes have offered words of good cheer. But most 
 of all, I am indebted to my wife for words of encour- 
 agement when I was blue, for sympathy when per- 
 plexed and for her constant help when in need of asssit- 
 ance. 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw. 
 Bethany, Nebraska, May 12, 1916. 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
 Early Educational and Religious History in Nebraska 
 
 In the days when ''the west" w^as still eastern Ne- 
 braska ; when the pioneer farmer was beginning to in- 
 crease the size of the Indian squaw's garden, and 
 divide the vast territory into quarters and sections, 
 higher education in Nebraska had its beginning. After 
 that memorable struggle in the United States Senate 
 which resulted in the triumph of Stephen A. Douglas, 
 by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill in 1854, 
 Nebraska became a territory and settlement began. 
 
 The first territorial legislature met January 15, 1855. 
 Hon.T.B. Cuming, acting governor, in his first message 
 called attention to the necessity of making careful pro- 
 vision for education. There was a committee on schools 
 to which this part of the message was referred. Dur- 
 ing this first session charters were granted to Ne- 
 braska University to be located at Fontenelle, Simpson 
 University at Omaha, and a Collegiate and Preparatory 
 Institute at Nebraska City. 
 
 To be the home of a university seemed to be the first 
 and highest ambition of all of Nebraska's earliest 
 towns. At the second session of the legislature char- 
 ters were granted to Nemaha University at Archer; 
 Washington College at Cuming City ; Plattsmouth Pre- 
 paratory and Collegiate Institute; and the Western 
 University at Cassville. At the next session another 
 list was added : Brownville College and Lyceum, Salem 
 Collegiate Institute, Rock Bluff Academy, Dakota Col- 
 legiate Institute, St. Mary's Female Academy, Univer- 
 sity of St. John and Omaha Medical University. In 
 the fall session of the same year still more charters 
 were asked for and granted to University of Nebraska, 
 Wyoming College, Dewitt Collegiate Institute, Falls 
 
10 History of Cotner University 
 
 City College, Literary Association of Elkhorn, and 
 Dodge County Lyceum and Literary Association. In 
 those early days there was a general feeling that the 
 chartering of universities was a good thing. The legis- 
 lature had blank charters all ready for introduction 
 as soon as the name of the prospective school was in- 
 serted.^ 
 
 The spirit of adventure and speculation entered 
 largely into these new enterprises. They were joint 
 stock companies created for financial gain. The towns 
 started universities in order to advertise the locality. 
 The high ideals of the true educator seem to have been 
 lacking in most cases although the object as set forth 
 in the charters was worthy enough, ''to promote the 
 general educational interests and to qualify students to 
 engage in the several pursuits and employments of 
 society and to discharge honorably and usefully the 
 various duties of life."- 
 
 The propagation of religious denominationalism was 
 not their great object although the charters read thus: 
 'The profession of any particular religious faith shall 
 not be required of those who become its students."^ 
 There was doubt in the minds of some, however, as to 
 whether the non-Christian had a right to attend such 
 schools because "the profession of any particular reli- 
 gious faith shall not be required," indicating that all 
 students must profess some religious faith. 
 
 For these institutions, the Boards of Trustees con- 
 sisted of from five to twenty members elected by the 
 stockholders. The capital stock was from $100,000 
 to $200,000 aside from land, which in the early char- 
 
 iThe facts about the early educational movement in Nebraska 
 and about the denominational colleges of the state have been 
 secured largely from Morton's "History of Nebraska" and Cald- 
 well's ''Education in Nebraska." 
 
 ^Legislative charters for colleges. 
 
Early Educational and Religious History 11 
 
 ters was limited to one thousand acres. Thus one 
 gleans from pioneer Nebraska history that the nucleus 
 for higher education was formed in the fifties with 
 speculation rather than religion as its chief promoter. 
 
 Over sixty years ago a venturesome group of col- 
 onists from Quincy, 111., wended its way across the new 
 state of Iowa, now one great farm; ferried across the 
 big, muddy Missouri, and set foot on Nebraska soil. 
 A prospecting committee was sent on in advance to 
 choose their location. A tract of land, located at the 
 junction of the Platte and Elkhorn valleys, was pur- 
 chased from Logan Fontenelle, chief of the Omaha In- 
 dans, for one hundred dollars. A new town imme- 
 diately sprang up which was named after the Indian 
 chief, a half breed, his father being a French educator 
 of St. Louis. Here they selected, planned, and built 
 new homes, laying aside one hundred acres for educa- 
 tional purposes, designating it as College Hill. The 
 coloists formed a company known as the Nebraska 
 Colonization Co., with strict laws and regulations. One 
 hundred dollars was the price to be paid for member- 
 ship in the company. 
 
 One of their number, Mr. Richardson, was chosen 
 as agent to use his influence in the territorial legisla- 
 ture to secure a college charter. As has already been 
 indicated a charter was secured and the new educa- 
 itional institution was named, Nebraska University. 
 This has the distinction of being the first school to be 
 chartered and to begin academic work in the territory 
 of Nebraska. 
 
 Passing from the fifties to the seventies and eighties, 
 speculation is joined by religious denominationalism 
 as a motive power in university building. The pioneer 
 settlers of Nebraska had come from the eastern states 
 seeking homes in the west. Their first task was the 
 erection of houses and the beginning of agricultural 
 
12 History of Cotner University 
 
 pursuits. There was little community life because of 
 the scarcity of settlers and the long distances between 
 their homes. But as years advanced new families 
 came and times grew more prosperous. Very natur- 
 ally the first desire of their lives was the organization 
 of churches in accordance with the religious affiliations 
 of their youth. The various religious denominations 
 sought to conquer the new land in behalf of their res- 
 pective beliefs. The struggle became intense. Each 
 sect early recognized the hopelessness of its task with- 
 out the corresponding educational advantages. As an 
 outgrowth of this recognized fact, came the foundation 
 of the different denominational universities. 
 
 At the first annual meeting of the Congregational 
 churches of Nebraska territory held at Omaha, October 
 30, 1857, this resolution was passed, ''That we deem 
 it expedient to take measures to lay the foundation of 
 a literary institution of a high order in Nebraska."^ 
 A committee of three was appointed to view locations 
 and receive propositions which resulted in the trans- 
 fer of Nebraska University at Fontenelle; in 1858, to 
 the Congregationalists. The early prospects for the 
 school were bright but the approaching disappoint- 
 ments many. Fontenelle had hopes of securing a 
 double prize, the county seat and the state capital; 
 but settlement was pushing to the southwest which 
 sealed its fate as a school center and a town. 'Ttemont 
 secured the county seat and Fontenelle was set in an- 
 other county; Lincoln was awarded its hoped-for cap- 
 ital; Crete its college and the open field its once am- 
 bitious town."^ The Congregationalists saw that their 
 college must be more centrally located, so Fontenelle 
 was abandoned. 
 
 iRev. Harmon Bross, D. D., Morton's History of Nebraska, 
 Vol. II, pp. 496. 
 
 2Rev. Harmon Bross, D. D., Morton's History of Nebraska, 
 Vol. II, pp. 495. 
 
Early Educational and Religions History 13 
 
 Six hundred acres of land adjoining Crete was se- 
 cured from the Burlington and Missouri River R. R. 
 Company for educational purposes. This gift was 
 received largely as a result of the influence of Thomas 
 Doane, who was at the time chief engineer and super- 
 intendent of the Burlington in this section. In appre- 
 ciation of this assistance the Congregationalists named 
 the new school Doane College. Mr. Doane was a con- 
 stant and liberal giver during life and upon his death 
 left his estate as an endowment. The school opened 
 in 1872 with only fifteen students and the president 
 of the school, D. B. Perry, as the only teacher. 
 
 The first attempt of the Methodists toward higher 
 education in Nebraska was to locate Simpson Univer- 
 sity at Omaha in 1855. As a financial basis they had 
 been given fifty acres of land by Rev. Moses F. Shinn 
 and twenty -five acres by T. B. Cuming, acting governor 
 of Nebraska territory. This land is now very valuable 
 being located in the heart of a fine residence district 
 in Omaha. However, the whole project was aban- 
 doned on account of a disputed title to the land. 
 
 The second attempt was at Oreapolis, Nebraska. 
 The chief promoter was John Evans, M. D. A few 
 years previous to this time he had assisted in the found- 
 ing of Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, 
 the town being so named in his honor. Later he be- 
 came governor of Colorado and one of the influential 
 men in the founding of Denver University. Oreapolis 
 Seminary was doomed to failure because of the unpro- 
 pitious time of its beginning. In 1880 a proposition was 
 oflfered to the Methodists by York, which made it pos- 
 sible for York Seminary to be started. Its career too 
 was brief although it did creditable work; and at one 
 time had an attendance of over two hundred students. 
 This school would probably have lived had it not been 
 
14 History of Cotner University 
 
 for the close competition offered by the founding of 
 two other colleges. In 1884, a school at Central City, 
 Nebraska, was established and a $10,000 building 
 erected. Two years later Mallalieu University was 
 started at Bartley, Nebraska. Each of these three 
 schools had a prosperous beginning but later the finan- 
 cial conditions were so embarrassing that it became 
 evident that none could continue to live. The pardon- 
 able sectional pride, which each different district had 
 was not sufficient for the maintenance of a university 
 within its borders, hence steps were taken by the Meth- 
 odist church for a unification of its educational system 
 in Nebraska. A plan accomplished by the estab- 
 lishment of Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lincoln. 
 The other schools were soon abandoned, and all efforts 
 were united in making this the educational center for 
 the Methodists in Nebraska. The original building 
 was erected at a cost of $70,000. In recent years the 
 C. C. White Memorial Hall has been added at a cost 
 of $50,000. To-day Nebraska Wesleyan ranks among 
 the best educational institutions of the state. 
 
 Another denomination seeking to propagate its 
 cause was the Presbyterian church which supports 
 two colleges in Nebraska. In 1880, Bellevue College 
 was founded as a result of the generous gift from 
 Henry T. Clarke which consisted of two hundred and 
 sixty-four acres of land with a promise to erect a build- 
 ing which he later did at a cost of $16,000. At present 
 there are five buildings, including the dormitory and 
 the president's home, on the college campus at historic 
 Bellevue, Nebraska. 
 
 Due to a spirit of rivalry a second Presbyterian 
 college was opened at Hastings, Nebraska, in 1882. 
 The campus of twenty-three acres is located just out- 
 side the city limits of Hastings, upon which are situ- 
 ated two buildings, McCormick Hall and Ringland Hall, 
 
Eaidy Educational and Religious History 15 
 
 costing $13,000 and $20,000 respectively. Each of 
 these schools is doing quite efficient work despite the 
 fact that they have suffered financial ''ups and downs." 
 
 That the Baptist church was also cognizant of the 
 need of Christian education is proved by the tenor of 
 the resolutions passed by the First Nebraska Baptist 
 Association, meeting in 1858, "that we recommend to 
 the churches composing this association the immediate 
 formation of an educational society v/ith the view of 
 taking steps, at as early a date as may be deemed prac- 
 ticable, for founding and maintaining an educational 
 institution of high grade at some central and conven- 
 ient point within the territory."^ This resulted in the 
 establishment of a school, first at Gibbon and later the 
 college at Grand Island, Nebraska. The city of Grand 
 Island contributed very liberally to this undertaking. 
 The preparations for the opening of the school were 
 consummated in 1892. 
 
 The only Catholic university of the state had its 
 beginning in the autumn of 1879. It was made possible 
 by large gifts from Edward and John A. Creighton and 
 their wives. The university known as /'Creighton" is 
 situated on a six-acre tract in the heart of the city of 
 Omaha. 
 
 After the Methodists abandoned their work at York 
 the United Brethern established a school according to 
 their religious creed in that city. The school has had 
 its reverses but at present is doing creditable work. 
 
 It is readily seen that between the years 1870 and 
 1895 the denominational struggle for the establish- 
 ment of colleges was keen. It was a "sifting" period 
 in which the determining factor was the old law of the 
 "survival of the fittest." Each religious body was 
 
 iRev. A. W. Clark, Ph. D., Morton's History of Nebraska, Vol. 
 II, page 432. 
 
16 History of Cotner University 
 
 anxious to advance its cause, and each city liberal in 
 its assistance, hoping to further its interests and devel- 
 opment. 
 
 During this period the Christian church was also 
 alert. The history of this organization in Nebraska 
 dates back to the days when the pioneer and the open 
 prairie were struggling for supremacy. Among those 
 who migrated westward, some were members of the 
 Christian church. In this new land they were loyal to 
 those principles for which the church stood. They were 
 willing to accept that great truth, ''where the Bible 
 speaks, we speak, and where it is silent, we are silent," 
 to wear only the name of Christ ; to accept the creed 
 Jesus the Christ, the son of God and to plead for the 
 unity of God's people. It seems that the first Chris- 
 tian preacher to deliver a sermon in the territory was 
 a man named Foster. This occurred on June 15, 1845, 
 not far from the present town of Ogalalla.^ This, of 
 course, preceded any concerted effort to establish 
 churches. 
 
 The first Christian church organized in Nebraska 
 was in January, 1855, at Brownville. This was due 
 to the efforts of Richard Brown and Joel M. Wood who 
 had arrived in the territory in 1854 and had been in- 
 strumental in the establishment of the town which had 
 been named in honor of Mr. Brown. These men were 
 both ardent Christians ; Mr. Wood being a preacher 
 of some prominence who began at once to preach to 
 the newly arrived inhabitants. Another person con- 
 nected with this work was John Mullis. This organ- 
 ization was unable to erect a church building for sev- 
 eral years. 
 
 No history, however brief, of the early Christian 
 
 iJoel Palmer "Journal of Travels over the Rocky Mountains," 
 1847. Page 23. 
 
Early Educational and Religious History 17 
 
 church of Nebraska can be written without mention- 
 ing at least three names, C. P. Evans, D. R. Dungan, 
 and R. C. Barrow. While living at Sidney, Iowa, C. P. 
 Evans^ often visited Nebraska, preaching at various 
 points, in the early sixties. He held a meeting which 
 resulted in an organization being perfected at Platts- 
 mouth in May, 1860. The next year, assisted by D. R. 
 Dungan- and W. A. Denton, congregtions were started 
 
 ^Charles P. Evans was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Feb. 2, 
 1827. His early education was received in the country schools. 
 Later he took some work at Hiram College, Ohio, and at Ken- 
 tucky University, Lexington, Ky. His scholarship was in ad- 
 vance of the ordinary student although he did not graduate from 
 either of these institutions. Mr. Evans was born and raised on 
 a farm and when but a lad of seventeen years was baptized into 
 the Christian church. His home was alternately in Indiana 
 and Iowa, prior to his movement to Arapahoe, Nebr., in 1887. 
 He began his public career in 1849, being ordained to the minis- 
 try Dec. 31, 1855, in which work he has since been actively en- 
 gaged. Elder Evans traveled and preached in nine different 
 states, principally in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. 
 
 -David Roberts Dungan is a descendant of a remarkable fam- 
 ily whose genealogy is traced back ten generations to the Earl 
 of Dunganon. Originally the name came from Scotland and 
 was spelled Duncan, the g being used in the English, Mr. Dun- 
 gan was born in Indiana May 15, 1837. He spent his boyhood 
 and received his early education in Indiana and western Iowa. 
 He was a student in Kentucky University, I^exington, Ky., but 
 received his A. M. degree from Drake Universtiy, Des Moines, 
 Iowa. The degree of LL. D. was granted to Mr. Dungan from 
 the University _ of Nebraska in 1891. Plattsmouth, Nebr., be- 
 came his home in 1863 where he preached for two congregations 
 and taught school during the winter months. Eight years were 
 spent in the service of the Nebraska Christian Missionary So- 
 ciety, his work closing in 1874. For six years Mr. Dungan was 
 a member of the Board of Regents of the State University; was 
 a member of the Academy of Sciences and of the State Historical 
 Society. Dr. Dungan was chaplain of the state legislature when 
 held in Omaha and later when removed to Lincoln. During the 
 years from 1890 to 1896 he was president of Cotner Univer- 
 sity. Previous to his being called to the presidency of Cotner, 
 he had taught for seven years in Drake University, Des Moines, 
 Iowa. After leaving Cotner he became dean of the Christian 
 University, Canton, Mo. In 1905 he again became a member of 
 
18 History of Cotner University 
 
 at Fontenelle, Papillion Creek and Ireland's Grove, 
 while preaching was done at several other places. 
 
 In 1863 a co-operation meeting of the six Christian 
 churches of Nebraska was held at Rock Bluff. A reso- 
 lution was passed asking for assistance from the Amer- 
 ican Christian Missionary Society. In response to this 
 call D. R. Dungan, who was engaged in teaching at 
 Plattsmouth and occasional preaching at nearby points, 
 was employed to begin missionary work. Six months 
 later R. C. Barrow was engaged as evangelist and con- 
 tinued in the work for twenty-five years, when he was 
 overtaken by death. ^ The co-operation meeting at Rock 
 Bluff proved to be the beginning of the Nebraska 
 Christian Missionary Society, and the employment of 
 these two men, the most vital step in the organization 
 of the Christian church movement in Nebraska. These 
 men were always faithful to the cause, preaching 
 wherever there was an opportunity whether in a school 
 house, a deserted building, at some residence house or 
 in a grove. Miles and miles were traveled upon horse- 
 back going from place to place. They were instru- 
 mental in organizing churches at Pawnee City, Omaha, 
 Lincoln, Tecumseh, Nebraska City, Salem, Table Rock, 
 
 the faculty at Drake University. He was married in 1861 to 
 Mary Ann Kinnis to whom he owes much of his success in life. 
 Mr. Dungan is at present residing in California. 
 
 iRobert Clark Barrow was born in Audes, New York, Aug. 18, 
 1832. He was unable to secure any school privileges until six- 
 teen years of age and then for only three years. The rest of 
 his education was received through his own efforts yet he ac- 
 quired some knowledge of both Latin and Greek. At the age 
 of twenty-six he became a member of the Christian church; 
 shortly after, he began to preach, spending the remainder of his 
 life in the ministry. Mr. Barrow preached in Pennsylvania until 
 1865 when he was appointed as evangelist for Nebraska ter- 
 ritory by the Christian Missionary Society. Miss Helen Harding 
 became his bride in 1856. Mr. Barrow died in Bethany, Nebr., 
 Nov. 29, 1890. 
 
Earlij Educational and Religious History 19 
 
 Bell's Station (now Greenwood), Nemaha City and 
 many other places. 
 
 The work done by the men in the sixties has con- 
 tinued to grow until at present there are two hundred 
 Christian churches in the state. These early leaders 
 created an educational conscience, so that they were 
 ready, when other denominations began to plan for 
 colleges and universities, to begin a similar work. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 The Beginning of Fairfield Oollege 
 The planting of a Christian college at Fairfield was 
 the first realized attempt of the Christian church to- 
 ward higher education in Nebraska. It seems, how- 
 ever, that at an earlier date the idea of a Christian 
 educational institution had its beginning. While it is 
 not a matter of record, it is probable that Hebron has 
 a right to claim the honor of having been the first 
 place discussed as a desirable location for a Christian 
 college in Nebraska. During the great Chicago fire 
 in 1871, a number of the members of the Christian 
 church had been rendered homeless and destitute of 
 worldly possessions. In the hope of bettering their 
 condition they moved westward finally locating at 
 Hebron, Nebraska. Isaac Errett, one of the pro- 
 nounced leaders in the Christian church movement, 
 purchased a half section of land near the town with the 
 hope of having a college located upon this tract, but 
 his hope failed of realization.^ 
 
 The first Christian church of Nebraska was born in 
 January, 1855. By the year 1863 there were six 
 churches. At this early stage the need of co-operation 
 was recognized and the six churches in a meeting held 
 at Rock Bluff, Nebraska, sought assistance from the 
 American Christian Missionary Societj^ This was the 
 beginning of a united effort. Evangelists were placed 
 
 iThere are no records which prove that Hebron was discussed 
 as a desirable location for a college but the writer has relied 
 upon the memory of Mr. C. W. Hemry who gave us this in- 
 formation. 
 
The Beginning of Fairfield College 21 
 
 in the field to assist the established churches and to 
 perfect new ones. There was need of a central body 
 to outline the missionary tasks ; to send evangelists 
 into the field; to assist financially and otherwise in 
 the creation and preservation of the church, and to 
 provide the general program of Christian work; in 
 other words there was need of a commander over all 
 the Christian church forces of the state. In lieu of 
 these facts the simple co-operative meeting of the six 
 churches which had been held at Rock Bluff in 1863 
 became a complete organization in 1867, known as 
 the Nebraska Christian Missionary Society. During 
 the half century of its existence it has ''been the fos- 
 tering power of our movement in the state. It has 
 gathered the small amounts that came in the early 
 years from the poverty of the few and used it wisely 
 so that the number of churches increased steadily. It 
 made a dollar do three to ten times the work done by 
 other religious bodies of the state. Its revenue never 
 in any degree approached the needs of the field."^ 
 Thus it was for this society, as it viewed the great field, 
 to indicate the need for education by the Christian 
 church. But the keynote was not sounded until the 
 twenty-first annual convention in 1878. Worthy T. 
 Newcomb offered a resolution asking for the appoint- 
 ment of a college committee.- This wish was granted 
 and Mr. Rowe, Mr. Bush and Mr. Newcomb were 
 named. The selection of the committee proved to be 
 the only thing accomplished. 
 
 iW. A. Baldwin, Christian Eeporter, Sept., 1909. 
 
 ^Worthy T. Newcomb was a graduate of Hiram College, Ohio, 
 in the class of 1873. After spending a few years in preaching 
 for the Christian church he moved to Nebraska, locating upon 
 a farm near Fairfield. The glowing reports which he sent back 
 to his native state and his Alma Mater were responsible for 
 bringing several Hiram graduates to Nebraska. He was very 
 active in the early Christian church movem.ent of the state. 
 
22 History of Cotner University 
 
 Five years elapsed before any further desire for 
 even a college committee took tangible form. At this 
 later date the matter was presented by R. C. Barrov^. 
 As a result 0. C. Hubbel, W. T. Newcomb and R. C. 
 Barrow composed the committee which launched the 
 plan that resulted in the founding of an educational 
 institution at Fairfield. Being eager to initiate the 
 new enterprise, the committee reported, in January, 
 1884, to a ministerial association which was held in 
 Lincoln a half year before the next annual meeting of 
 the missionary society^ The town of Fairfield, in Clay 
 county, was selected as the location for the proposed 
 institution, a choice not entirely satisfactory to all. 
 Objections were made by some to this location because 
 there was only one railroad entering the town, the St. 
 Joseph and Western. The territory from which most 
 students would come was Nebraska. From the north, 
 east and west there was no direct route to Fairfield. 
 This was considered a great drawback. Undoubtedly 
 the whole plan was rather hastily formed and executed. 
 
 As is almost always true in such an undertaking, 
 there Avas one individual who was the guiding spirit; 
 in this instance that man was Worthy T. Newcomb. 
 During the seventies Mr. Newcomb came west from his 
 native state of Ohio and settled on a farm near Fair- 
 field. The new environment increased his glowing 
 hopes of the great possibilities which the west pos- 
 sessed as it did for every man who breathed its at- 
 mosphere. 
 
 Prior to the time that the Nebraska Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society had appointed its college committee, 
 
 Speaking of Mr. Newcomb's connection with Fairfield College, 
 Thomas L, Fowler says: "There was one man entitled to more 
 crpdit for Fairfield and its work than any other person, and I 
 think I would be justified in saying- than all others combined. 
 If the history of the institution should be written the nam'? of 
 W. T. Newcomb would stand at the hef>d." Mr. Newcomb is at 
 present residing upon a small ranch at Santa Cruz, California. 
 
The Beginning of Fairfield College 23 
 
 three hundred and forty-five acres of land had been 
 purchased by W. T. Newcomb from W. T. Stephens 
 for $10,500. This tract, together with twenty acres 
 donated by S. J. Anthony, Mrs. T. J. Newcomb and 
 others, formed a nucleus around which the Board of 
 Trustees, consisting of nine men,^ began the enterprise. 
 Three hundred and sixty -five acres of land was a larger 
 basis than most schools of this type were able to se- 
 cure for a foundation. The Fairfield Christian church 
 was organized in a school house by W. T. Newcomb, 
 June 16, 1878, the number of charter members being 
 eight. So rapid was its growth that by the year 1885 
 its membership had increased to two hundred and five. 
 It was realized that this growing church would be of 
 great assistance to the proposed school- 
 
 Fairfield was a town of promise, hearty in its good 
 will toward the new college. However, it had no 
 chance of becoming a real city although it was situated 
 in one of the best farming districts of the state. The 
 following is a fitting description of the place : ''Fair- 
 field, the home of the college, is situated in Clay county, 
 Nebraska, in the midst of the beautiful rolling prairie 
 of the South Platte country. It is a prosperous and 
 growing town, rapidly increasing in prosperity and 
 material wealth. Not the least among the causes for 
 its prosperity is the fact that it is absolutely without 
 saloons or other like places of resort. Five churches 
 have congregations in the towm. A rich farming com- 
 munity surrounds the town and is the source of a 
 flourishing trade."- 
 
 Perhaps a more beautiful spot could not have been 
 
 ^Members of first board of trustees for Fairfield College: W. 
 T. Newcomb, Fah^field, Nebr.; J. P. Nixon. Fairfield; Ira Titus, 
 Fairfield; J. R. Nelson, Fairbury, Nebr.; R, C. Barrow, Tecum- 
 seh, Nebr.; N. B. Allen Lincoln, Nebr,; Charles Rockhill, Harv- 
 ard, Nebr.; S. B. Montgomery, Edgar, Nebr.; Cleveland Eller. 
 Clay Center, Nebr, 
 
 ^First Annual Catalogue Fairfield College, 
 
24 History of Cotner University 
 
 secured for a college site. The description of the 
 campus is even more picturesque than is that of the 
 town. ''It consists of twelve acres of land selected 
 from the three hundred acres belonging to the college, 
 on account of its special adaptation for this purpose. 
 The land sloping gradually in all directions gives it a 
 wide prospect and a commanding situation. The view 
 from the site of the main building over the town and 
 surrounding country is one of extreme beauty. The 
 grounds have been skillfully laid out with shaded 
 drives, groves, shrubbery, arbors and fountains so as 
 to make one of the most beautiful spots in the w^est."^ 
 
 At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees held 
 July 2, 1884, it was decided to begin school, although 
 the erection of a college building had been postponed 
 because delay was considered wise from a business 
 point of view. The land could have been sold imme- 
 diately and a building erected, but it was thought that 
 real estate would greatly increase in value if the col- 
 lege building could be constructed first. In accordance 
 with this idea donations for a building fund were so- 
 licited, a plan which naturally appeals to one as far- 
 sighted. By securing enough cash donations, the Trus- 
 tees would leave their property in land untouched 
 which would be increasing in market value as a result 
 of the new college and the added impetus accruing to 
 the town. 
 
 For two years the old church building and two tem- 
 porary rooms were used for school purposes. By the 
 fall of 1886, a new brick structure containing nineteen 
 class rooms was completed at a cost of about $12,000. 
 
 At first the school bore the name of P'airfield Normal 
 and Collegiate Institute, but in 1889, it was changed to 
 Fairfield College. During the first year of school, be- 
 
 ^ First annual catalogue of Fairfield College. 
 
The Beginning of Fairfield College 25 
 
 ginning in September, 1884, twenty-six Nebraska lads 
 and lasses appeared for registration. By the third 
 year the attendance had grown to one hundred and 
 thirty-seven.^ This was the greatest number of stu- 
 dents ever enrolled during any one year in Fairfield's 
 history. 
 
 Fairfield College extended the hand of opportunity 
 to many a youth. Its privileges could be accepted be- 
 cause the expense was small. The tuition in each de- 
 partment was at the rate of seventy -five cents per week. 
 The cost for board and room is given in these words : 
 "Good boarding has been provided, for several years 
 past, at an average per week of less than $1.60, mak- 
 ing the cost of room rent, tuition, incidentals and 
 boarding at less than $115 for the entire year and for 
 those w^ho prepare for the ministry at less than $90."- 
 
 Three principal courses of study were offered in the 
 college, viz : Normal, Classical and Biblical. Each year 
 saw the public school system more thoroughly perfect- 
 ed. There was a growing need for more teachers. The 
 normal course was intended to meet this demand in that 
 it was able "to fully equip young men and women for 
 that most important work, teaching." •' The classical 
 course contained the usual amount of modern and an- 
 cient languages, particular emphasis being laid upon 
 Greek and Latin. As Fairfield College held religion to 
 be its basic principle, special emphasis was naturally 
 laid upon the study of the Bible. It was not untrue to 
 its foster mother, the Nebraska Christian Missionary 
 Society and provided, the Biblical course which en- 
 
 iRecords have been destroyed so we can only give the at- 
 tendance for the years available: 1884-'85— 26; 1885-'86— 134; 
 1886-'87— 137; 1887-'88— 127; 1888-'89— 96; 1891-'92— 133; 1896- 
 '97—67. 
 
 -Minutes of the twenty-sixth annual convention of the Ne- 
 braska Christian Missionary Society for 1893. 
 ^First catalogue of Fairfield College. 
 
26 History of Cotner University 
 
 deavored '^to give accurate and unbiased interpretation 
 to all Scriptures and reasonable deductions there- 
 from."i In addition to these regular courses, work was 
 given in music, art, commercial and preparatory 
 branches. 
 
 The career of Fairfield College was begun. A college 
 building had been erected, courses of study outlined, 
 teachers employed, and students were enjoying its ad- 
 vantages. . Similar words might be spoken of Fairfield 
 College as were uttered by Alexander Campbell con- 
 cerning Hiram College in Ohio when it was in its in- 
 fancy and Ohio was the western frontier: ''Such in- 
 stitutions, well conducted, are streams that make the 
 wilderness and solitary place glad, and contribute to 
 the cause of human redemption."- 
 
 I'First catalog'ue of Fairfield College, 
 
 -History of Hiram College by F. M. Green, pp. 53. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 The Decline of Fairfield College 
 
 Fairfield College was born in 1884, and entered upon 
 what seemed a life of promise. Manj^ a child does not 
 enter the prime of life when it is called by the grim 
 reaper; thus it was with Fairfield College. In 1898, 
 after an existence of fourteen years, her doors were 
 closed, never to be opened again. It is now for the 
 writer, as the historian of these events, to record its 
 decline. Since it has now been almost thirty -two years 
 since its incipiency, when one turns to secure the facts 
 upon which to base this history, unfortunately there is 
 little historical material remaining, save memory. 
 Many men, women and youths as teachers and students 
 had staked their all upon Fairfield College. They were 
 all losers ; some who had taken part in the building of 
 the new school lost financially; others as teachers lost 
 because they gave the best years of their lives in its 
 service; while still others were losers, for they found 
 themselves alumni of a vanished college. One to whom 
 an inquiry was directed says, ''With no data at hand 
 to refresh our memory we can give you but little."^ 
 Another says : ''I do not have a single thing in my 
 possession from the college, not even a catalogue. As 
 I lost all I had in the college, even to a hundred-sixty 
 acres of land, I have tried to forget all I ever knew 
 about the institution, and have succeeded pretty well, 
 for which I am thankful."- So it is wherever we in- 
 quire. Only fragments in printed form remain ; and 
 memory, after a quarter of a century, is uncertain. 
 
 ^Personal letter from E. von Forell, ScottsblufF, Nebr. 
 -Personal letter from A. J. Mercer, Kearney State Normal, 
 Kearney, Nebraska. 
 
28 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 One can only tell a meagre, disconnected story. Be- 
 tween the lines one must read of the many events un- 
 recorded by printed page or dimmed memory. 
 
 One thing which causes a school to live in the minds 
 of men, although it no longer exists in material form, 
 is its teachers. The first president of Fairfield College 
 was C. W. Hemry. By invitation, Mr. Hemry was 
 
 C. W. Hemry 
 First President of Fairfield 
 
 present at the meeting of the Board of Trustees held 
 in July, 1884, and at that time was called to lead the 
 new school. Associated with him were Mrs. C. W. 
 Hemry and O. C. Hubbel,, who coniDosed the first 
 
The Decline of Fairfield College 29 
 
 faculty. These three individuals were classmates in 
 Hiram College, being graduates with the class of 1872, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hemry were called from responsible po- 
 sitions in Ohio and proved themselves efficient teach- 
 ers.^ Mr. Hubbel was at the time principal of the Has- 
 tings, Nebraska, High School.- A graduate of Fairfield 
 College recently said of him: "No better teacher ever 
 taught, he was a teacher born." 
 
 iChas. W. Hemry was born near Findlay, Hancock Comity, 
 Ohio, Aug. 30, 1841, where he grew to manhood. His early 
 education was received in the district school and a normal 
 school near his home. He enlisted in Co. D, 99th O. V. I. and 
 was discharged on account of wounds received in service in 
 February, 1865. After the war he attended school and taught 
 until 1867 when he entered Hiram College, from which school 
 he was graduated in 1872. Soon after graduation he married 
 Alice C. Squire, a graduate of the same class. Mr. Hemry 
 served as pastor of Ohio churches previous to his being called 
 to take charge of the school then being established by the Chris- 
 tian church at Fairfield, Nebr. From 1884 to 1886 Mr. Hemry 
 served as president of Fairfield, and teacher at the same time. 
 For several years he was educational representative of Cotner 
 University and for two years was editor and publisher of the 
 Christian New^s at Bethany, Nebr. Mr. Hemry was engaged in 
 school and church work in Clay county from 1897 to 1913 ,when 
 he moved to Lincoln for a home, after so many years of active, 
 laborious work. His interest in church woi'k has not lessened 
 although it is of necessity less strenuous than in former years. 
 
 Alice Squire Hemry is a native of Ohio, of sturdy New^ Eng- 
 land stock. Her early education was received in the district 
 school, her college training being taken at Hiram College grad- 
 uating with the class of '72. Since her marriage to Mr. Hemry 
 in 1872 she ever has been a faithful helper as well as the able 
 manager of the home. Mrs. Hemry taught for five years in 
 Fairfield College, and afterward the same length of time was 
 served as principal and instructor in the Fairfield High School. 
 The Christian Woman's Board of Missions work has been a 
 vital part of Mrs. Hemry's life. 
 
 -O. C. Hubbel was born in Warrenville, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1844. 
 His home was in that state until 1878 when, charmed by the 
 glowing written accounts of the west, he came to Nebraska 
 where he taught in the public schools until becoming connected 
 wHh Fairfield College, first as teacher and later as president. 
 Mr. Hubbel was a graduate of Hiram College in 1872. After 
 graduation he was superintendent of the schools at Bedford and 
 Chagrin Falls Ohio. In Nebraska, Mr. Hubbel taught in the 
 
30 History of Cotner Umversity 
 
 After two years as president of Fairfield, Mr. Hemry 
 resigned on account of lack of harmony with certain 
 members of the faculty. He was succeeded by W. P. 
 Aylsworth, a graduate of Bethany College, West Vir- 
 ginia.^ Before coming west. Professor Aylsworth had 
 gained considerable prominence as a Christian preacher 
 in Ohio, his last pastorate being at Columbus. He had 
 already been at Fairfield College one year as instructor 
 in the Biblical department previous to the call to the 
 presidency. As an interpreter of the Bible, Professor 
 Aylsworth had already created attention ; and he later 
 became one of the best teachers of the Bible in the 
 west. At the close of two years service as president, 
 Professor Aylsworth accepted a position in Cotner Uni- 
 versity, thus leaving Fairfield College again without a 
 leader. 
 
 Professor O. C. Hubbel served during the year 1888, 
 as acting president when Thomas L. Fowler, a Can- 
 adian by birth but a graduate of Bethany College, West 
 
 public schools of Sutton and Hastings. Since 1904 he has been 
 engaged in the milling business at Deweese, Nebr. The year 
 1915-'16, Mr. Hubbel spent in California, in the land of roses 
 and sunshine. 
 
 iWilliam Prince Aylsworth was born in Cuba, 111., Dec. 12, 
 1844. He was reared upon a farm and attended the country 
 schools. He was prepared for college in Wauconda Academy. 
 After teaching for several years, attaining the rank of prin- 
 cipal in the high school, he entered Chicago University. He 
 finished his sophomore year and then entered Bethany College, 
 West Virginia where he received his A. B. degree in 1869. Later 
 he received the A. M. from the same institution. Mr. Ayls- 
 worth now entered the regular work of the ministry, serving 
 important churches at South Bend, Angola, Union City and Fort 
 Wayne, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio. A fever quite common 
 in those days, now took possession of him; it was expressed in 
 "go west, young man, go west," so in 1886 he came to Fairfield, 
 Nebr., where he served the church and college for three years. 
 For the past twenty-seven years his name has been insepar- 
 ably linked with the history of Cotner University. Few men 
 connected with the Christian church and educational movement 
 in the central west are held in higher esteem than William P. 
 Aylsworth. 
 
The Decline of Fairfield College 31 
 
 Virginia in 1880, was called to the leadership of Fair- 
 field College. His success in the ministry in Canada 
 had been marked. He was also an educator of rare 
 type, but he remained with the school for only two 
 years. ^ 
 
 Although Mr. Hubbel had asked to be relieved, he 
 was again persuaded to accept the presidency of Fair- 
 field College. Much gratitude is due him for his faith- 
 fulness and constancy. He was the only person con- 
 nected with the school from its beginning to its end. 
 A kindly, helpful spirit was always shown which won 
 the respect and esteem of all who came into his class- 
 room or into his presence. 
 
 Many of the other teachers of Fairfield College are 
 deserving of special mention. A. M. Chamberlain, a 
 graduate of Butler College, Indianapolis, Indiana, was 
 the first professor of mathematics ; he was succeeded 
 by A. J. Mercer, a present member of the faculty of 
 the Kearney State Normal. Miss Cora Clark followed 
 Mrs. C. W. Hemry as instructor in Latin. Each was 
 a thorough and devoted teacher. Miss Clark was a 
 graduate of Oberlin College, Ohio. Professor L. W. 
 Smith, one of the early graduates of Fairfield, later 
 became one of its best teachers. At present he is a 
 professor in Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 
 
 iThomas L. Fowler was born in Yarmouth, Ontario, Canada, 
 in 1851. At the age of twenty-four he entered the Collegiate 
 Institute of St. Thomas where he spent three years. In 1880 
 he was graduated from Bethany College, West Virginia, with 
 the A. B. degree. Later he received the A. M. from a Canadian 
 college. His life has been given to the work of the ministry 
 and to Christian education. After nine years of successful min- 
 istry in Ontario he was called to the presidency of Fairfield. 
 Upon leaving Fairfield College he returned to Ontario, preach- 
 ing for the church at London. In 1895 the Christian churches of 
 Ontario established a Bible college. For nine years Mr. Fowler 
 served as president. Many ministers have received their train- 
 ing here. Mr. Fowler now resides at West Larne. 
 
32 History of Cotner Unive'^sity 
 
 Simpson Ely, for a time head of the Bible depart- 
 ment, was a former president of Christian University, 
 Canton, Missouri. A number of others might be 
 named. It is sufficient to say that all held degrees 
 from creditable schools and that the teaching staif was 
 above the average. 
 
 The faculty maintained careful oversight over its 
 students. Its policy was "to aid the student in forming 
 good habits ; to teach him self-reliance and self-gov- 
 ernment."^ In case of necessity the faculty was em- 
 powered to "suspend, dismiss or expel." No special 
 rules had been formulated because of the good moral 
 influence surrounding the school. All students were 
 required to attend chapel and advised to attend on 
 Sunday, one of the five churches located within the 
 town. 
 
 The first graduate of Fairfield College was J. W. 
 Elliott in the year 1889. Among the other graduates 
 may be named Sherman Hill, E. von Forell, Dr. Earl 
 Boyd, V. G. Shirley, L. W. Smith, Frank F. Johnson, 
 T. H. Beali and J. R. Teagarden. 
 
 Fairfield College, like many other denominational 
 schools of the early period, was doomed to failure. 
 Undertakings of a philanthropic nature have always 
 had a struggle for existence. The land belonging to 
 Fairfield College was platted in August, 1884. Many 
 lots were sold, but not enough to pay the original pur- 
 chase price of $10,500, and furnish in addition a cash 
 fund of any importance. By the year 1892, the finan- 
 cial condition of the college was serious. The following 
 statement is found in the report of the secretary for 
 that year : "Owing to the close times for the past two 
 years our hopes in regard to finances were not fully 
 realized, but with the return of prosperity throughout 
 
 L Annual catalogue Fairfield College. 
 
The Decline of Fairfield College 33 
 
 the state the outlook is much better.'*^ Unfortunately 
 they were mistaken for prosperity in any permanent 
 form had not returned. The hardest years were to 
 come after 1892. However, they were able to reduce 
 the debt from $13,000 to $10,000 in 1893. The years 
 1893 to 1896 were ones never to be forgotten by those 
 who experienced them. Crop failures and financial 
 depression were almost too much for the struggling 
 school and soon it was compelled to borrow $10,000 
 from the Nebraska Loan and Trust Company of Has- 
 tings, Nebraska. This company took a mortgage upon 
 the building, campus and several lots belonging to the 
 college. Besides the campus, the college still owned 
 two hundred town lots and eighty-eight one-acre tracts. 
 But there was no sale for them. The great land 
 ''boom" was over. It would have been easy for the col- 
 lege to have met its obligations if it could have sold 
 its lots at even a low price. 
 
 Another hindrance to continued success was found 
 in the fact that Cotner University had been established 
 in 1889, and was already beginning to overshadow 
 Fairfield College. The enrollment had greatly declined 
 as there were only sixty-seven in all departments. Con- 
 ditions gradually grew worse until in 1899 the mort- 
 ga2:e was foreclosed and Fairfield College ceased to 
 exist. 
 
 The promoters of Fairfield did not give up without 
 a struggle. In 1896, Mr. T. J. Williamson was em- 
 ployed to have complete oversight and management of 
 the college ; but for some reason he left without notice. 
 The management was then placed in the hands of 
 Virgil G. Shirley, E, E. Boyd and Prof. C. H. Beall. 
 These young men managed the school in a very skillful 
 way. E. von Forell was acting as Fairfield's financial 
 agent. By 1897, the Loan and Trust Company offered 
 
 ^Nebraska Christian Missionary Society report 1892. 
 
o 
 
 4 History of Cotner University 
 
 to accept $8,000 for their $10,000 claim. It was to be 
 paid on the installment plan ; $1500 to be paid October 
 1, 1897, and a second payment October 1, 1898, of 
 $1500. A new loan was to be made for the balance as 
 follow^s : $3,000 to be secured by a mortgage on the 
 college and campus ; $1,000 payable at the end of each 
 of three, four and five years. The last $2,000 was se- 
 cured by giving a mortgage upon the land, the amount 
 to be payable within five years. All loans were to draw 
 six per cent interest. It seemed that the above terms 
 would surely make possible the redemption of the 
 school. If the college could sell its two hundred lots 
 at $30 each and the eighty-eight one-acre lots at $50 
 each it would amount to $10,400. But all plans, hopes 
 and dreams failed and Fairfield college had to be aban- 
 doned. 
 
 Several times attempts v/ere made to unite Fairfield 
 College and Cotner University under the same gov- 
 erning body. The feeling between the two schools 
 was always more or less strained. The Trustees of 
 Cotner University felt that the Fairfield authorities 
 wanted far too much for their property. Finally, at 
 the time when the union came nearest to consumma- 
 tion, it was thwarted by plans made by certain mem- 
 bers of the Fairfield Board of Trustees who decided to 
 refuse to deed over the property. 
 
 A history of Fairfield College would not be complete 
 without paying a tribute to its principal founder, W. T. 
 Newcomb and his devoted wife. Their names are 
 worthy of being written among the heroes and heroines 
 of any pioneer movement. Their unselfish devotion 
 and cheerful sacrifices in both time and money are 
 characteristic of their noble lives. 
 
 Fairfield was not a modern college, as it did not use 
 the methods nor did it have the equipment possessed 
 by colleges to-day. No college of that period could 
 
The Decline of Fairfield College 35 
 
 boast of being equal to those of the present time. It 
 may safely be left to two of Fairfield's students to 
 estimate the work done. 'The old school did not live 
 in vain, many went out from its halls to render serv- 
 ice and count for one in the world's activities."^ The 
 other said, "The two years here were well spent. The 
 instructors at the time were Professors Fowler, 
 Hubbel, Mercer, Clark and Smith. Possibly there were 
 not a hundred students enrolled, but there was good 
 earnest work done and an interest and sympathj^ in 
 every student's life that did much toward shaping their 
 lives into future usefulness. "- 
 
 The writer's search for facts has led him to have 
 an interview by letter or person with each of Fairfield's 
 four presidents but each time, it has to be confessed, 
 that but little information has been received. Scarcely 
 a written page recording the great mass of events that 
 occurred during the fourteen years of its life is found. 
 Upon visiting Mr. Hemry the information was obtained 
 that for several years they had kept the catalogues, 
 papers, etc., relative to the college but that in 1913, 
 when they moved to Lincoln, they had been destroyed. 
 Dr. Aylsworth said, 'T haven't a single thing, not even 
 a catalogue." Thomas L. Fowler writes from his 
 Canadian home that it is impossible to summarize the 
 work done ''without more data than I have at my dis- 
 posal." After writing three pages of a personal letter 
 about the college. Professor Hubbel says, "I realize the 
 above sketch is quite meager but so it must be for I 
 have no records to help me." 
 
 So we close our history of Fairfield, leaving many, 
 many events to that great unlimited mass of unwritten 
 history which has sunk into oblivion. 
 
 iPersonal letter from E. von Forell, Scottsbluff, Nebr, 
 -Personal letter from Elva Rulon Peru, Nebr. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 The Inception of Nebraska Christian University 
 The first idea of Nebraska Christian University or- 
 iginated as a purely business proposition. In the 
 youthful days of Nebraska the speculative, venture- 
 some side of man's nature was reaching out for big 
 things. This new enterprise was not the product of 
 one man's mind nor even of a group of men of the 
 Christian church, but grew out of a desire, on the part 
 of Lincoln business men, to have another college or 
 university located in their rapidly grovvdng city. Dur- 
 ing the year 1886, these business and real estate men 
 offered two hundred acres of land to the people of the 
 Baptist church provided they would erect an educa- 
 tional institution upon the property. The committee, 
 appointed by the Baptist church to consider this offer, 
 decided that as they already had one college in the 
 state, the founding of another would be impractical. 
 
 The business men's proposition was now taken to 
 Mr. J. Z. Briscoe,^ president of the Nebraska Christian 
 
 iJoseph Z. Briscoe is of Pennsylvania origin, being born 
 March 1, 1838. He received his education in the commion schools 
 of his native state and later completed a course at Duffs Mer- 
 chants College, Pittsburg. The principal of the school in Sept. 
 29, 1855, recommends him in these words: ''It is due Mr. 
 Briscoe to state that he possesses rare qualifications for busi- 
 ness." In the early days he became a school teacher in Penn- 
 sylvania, but began farming when he moved to Sarpy county, 
 Nebr. He became county commissioner of this county and later 
 held the same office in Lancaster county. For several years he 
 was very successful in the boot and shoe business in Lincoln. 
 For a time Mr. Briscoe was a member of the city council of 
 Lincoln. A more active member of the Christian church in the 
 early day could not be found. For years he was chairman of 
 the board of the First Christian church of Lincoln and was 
 chairman of the committee that erected the memorable first 
 church building. Later he was a member of the building com- 
 
Inception of Nebraska Christiayi University 37 
 
 Missionary Society and a prominent member of the 
 Christian church, asking that he present it to that re- 
 ligious body. Probably it did not show as great wis- 
 dom as did the Baptist church when it declined the 
 offer because it already had one college in Nebraska. 
 Fairfield Normal and Collegiate Institute was under 
 the direction of the Christian church ; but as already 
 noted, there was considerable feeling of dissatisfaction 
 with its location, especially by the members of the 
 church in the vicinity of Lincoln. This marked the 
 beginning of strife between two factions of the Chris- 
 tian church. Bitter feeling was thus aroused which 
 may occasionally be seen although more than a 
 quarter of a century has passed. 
 
 Mr. Briscoe felt that the suggested proposition would 
 receive favorable consideration from the Christian 
 church ; hence he took it upon himself, as president of 
 the missionary society, to appoint a committee to in- 
 vestigate the whole matter and report to the next 
 
 mittee for the beautiful claurcli in Bethany. Almost continu- 
 ously during his life Mr. Briscoe has taught a Bible school class. 
 For seven years he was president of the Nebraska Christian 
 Missionary Society. Because of his energy and good judgment 
 Mr. Briscoe was able to amass a considerable fortune at one 
 time. This was all swept away in the crisis of the nineties. Mr. 
 E. E. Brown, cashier of the Columbus National Bank of Lin- 
 coln, writes as follows of Mr. Briscoe in 1897: "For several 
 years past Mr. Briscoe has been identified with Cotner Univer- 
 sity near this city. To the upbuilding of this university he has 
 spent most of his time and nearly, if not quite his entire for- 
 tune which I have heard estimated at from $50,000 to $75,000. 
 I am told that this university is at present greatly in need of 
 financial aid to prevent it from being sacrificed. This is due 
 to the great depression in land values and financial stringency 
 rather than to mismanagement. I give it as my opinion that if 
 all the people who profess to take a great interest in this uni- 
 versity had supported it with the zeal and energy and given to 
 it the same financial aid which Mr. Briscoe has, the institution 
 would today be in a flourishing condition." At present Mr. 
 Briscoe is a respected and honored citizen of Bethany, Nebr., 
 still keenly interested in the welfare of the town and the 
 college. 
 
38 History of Cotner University 
 
 annual convention of the society.^ The Nebraska 
 Christian Missionary Society is the advisory body of 
 the Christian churches of the state; and each year at 
 its annual convention outlines the general program for 
 the succeeding months. The proposition of the Lin- 
 coln business men was not presented in time for the 
 making of a thorough investigation but it was able to 
 report that the proposition seemed worthy of further 
 consideration. A recommendation was also made that 
 a permanent committee of seven be appointed vested 
 with power to receive and accept propositions, to in- 
 corporate and to found a college if it was deemed wise. 
 This meant that if such a recommendation be passed 
 by a vote of the missionary society, the committe of 
 seven men had authority to erect another college build- 
 ing and maintain another school in Nebraska under 
 the direction of the Christian church. At first it was 
 not heartily endorsed by all members of the convention. 
 It "called forth quite a spirited discussion"- in which 
 men of prominence took part ; among whom were W. P. 
 Aylsworth, then president of Fairfield College, and 
 W. T. Newcomb, who had been the leading factor in 
 its establishment; R. C. Barrow, for twenty years a 
 pioneer preacher and evangelist; and E. T. Gadd of 
 Omaha. Despite some opposition and ill-will, at first, 
 it was unanimously passed and the committee of seven 
 appointed.-' 
 
 On September 7, 1887, the first meeting of the uni- 
 versity committee was called. The ofl^icers named were 
 J. Z. Briscoe, chairman, and Porter Hedge, secretary. 
 
 iC. C. Munson was chairman. Other members of the com- 
 mittee are not known. 
 
 -Nebraska Christian Missionary Society report for 1887. 
 
 •^The seven men appointed to act as the university committee 
 were: J. Z. Briscoe, Porter Hedge, G. E. Biglow and J. B. John- 
 son of Lincoln; W. P. Aylsworth of Fairfield, E. T. Gadd of 
 Omaha and W. W. West of Unadilla. 
 
Inception of Nebraska Christian University 39 
 
 It vvas decided to meet the men representing the pros- 
 pective donors of land at the Windsor Hotel that after- 
 noon. Following a short discussion, carriages were 
 secured and all drove to the proposed site known as 
 the Hawley farm, where the rest of the afternoon 
 was spent viewing the land. Nothing was agreed upon 
 as the university committee felt it was necessary to 
 secure more land. 
 
 It was only after the lapse of several months, dur- 
 ing which time offers Vv^ere made and rejected, that a 
 donation of three hundred and twenty-one acres and 
 eighteen lots (valued at $4,000) of land was accepted.^ 
 George E. Bieelow has the distinction of having made, 
 on January 23, 1888, the motion "that the committee 
 locate the university upon the southeast one-fourth 
 of section sixteen, township ten, north of range seven, 
 easto"- Thus was the location determined and the 
 plan launchedo The beautiful building which was to 
 mean so much to many a youth was still vague in the 
 minds of the promoters. Little did they realize how 
 mxUch of success and failure was to attend their cher- 
 ished plans. The financial depression of the nineties 
 was unforeseen. It was better that those so interested 
 
 iThe list of donors with amounts given is as follows: W, H. 
 Goodrich. 20 acres; W. Lennard, 10 acres; A. J, Cropsy, 85 acres; 
 W. Ruliffson, 12^9. acres; L. Leavitt 15 acres; C. M. Leighton, 
 10 acres; W. W. Webster, 10 acres; Stevens & Glade, 10 acres; 
 J. Z. Broscoe, 10 acres; U. Young, 10 acres; W. S. Mills, 10 acres: 
 L, Morgan, 15 acres; L. G. Leavitt, 5 acres; Havelock owners, 
 10 acres; Dr. Paine, 23 V2 acres; T. F. Barnes, 15 acres; Bond 
 & Colby, 10 acres; Mrs. Boyd, 5 acres; F. M. Horsford, 5 acres; 
 C. F. Goodman, 10 acres; Melick and McClay, 20 acres. In ad- 
 dition to this acreage there were 18 lots valued at $4,000. 
 
 ^Record Book of Board Proceedings, np. 23, 
 
 Note — The record book containing all the proceedings of the 
 Board of Trustees of Cotner University to 1896 is in the pos.- 
 session of J. Z. Briscoe and is the chief source from which much 
 of the information for the early history has been secured. It 
 will hereafter be referred to as Record Book of Board Proceed- 
 ings. 
 
40 History of Cotner TJniversity 
 
 in the new enterprise were unable to look down the 
 vista of time and see all of its struggles, for it would 
 have brought discouragement and prevented their 
 planning and working with such undiminished zeal. 
 
 Up to this time these seven men were only a com- 
 mittee representing the Nebraska Christian Missionary 
 Society; but they had been given power to form an 
 educational corporation. Porter Hedge, who was a 
 lawyer, drew up articles of incorporation which were 
 accepted. Thereafter the business vv^as to be carried 
 on by a Board of Trustees consisting of twelve per- 
 sons, a majority of whom must be members of the 
 Christian church and elected by the missionary society. 
 
 The founders of this movement were all well-mean- 
 ing Christian men. Perhaps in some instances they 
 were not as wise and far-sighted from a business 
 standpoint as they should have been; yet they were 
 anxious to establish a worthy institution to be guided 
 by worthy Christian men and women. They stated 
 in the articles of incorporation ''that all property 
 which may be held by said Board of Trustees shall 
 be held in behalf of the Christian church of Nebraska 
 and shall be devoted to educational purposes and not 
 for individual profit."^ It is also interesting to note 
 that — perhaps as a safeguard against undue specula- 
 tion — the Board of Trustees limited the indebtedness 
 upon university property, to a sum not to exceed 
 $50,000. 
 
 iRecord Book of Board Proceedings, page 3 in Articles of In- 
 corporation. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 The Laying of the Cornerstone 
 While progress had been made, the goal was still 
 in the distance. The university building must be 
 planned and the town laid out. As the eye of the new 
 owners viewed the great donation of land, in the past 
 and even then, a great corn field, it led the Board of 
 Trustees to choose its highest point, upon which to 
 locate the coveted structure. Twenty acres of land 
 were reserved for a campus. It was decided that the 
 foundation should be commenced before the first day 
 of May, 1888. Mr. 0. H. Placey of Chicago, who a 
 little earlier had been a competitor for a similar posi- 
 tion in connection with Nebraska Wesleyan University, 
 was chosen as architect and general superintendent. 
 One thousand dollars was the consideration to be paid 
 Mr. Placey. The construction of the building was to 
 be a ''first class stone foundation and basement ; walls 
 to be faced with Milwaukee or St. Louis pressed brick 
 and a slate roof ."^ The building was to be four stories 
 high above the basement. 
 
 The home of the university was to be called ''Bethany 
 Heights" in honor of Bethany College in West Virginia, 
 the oldest educational institution of the Christian 
 church. "Old Bethany" was the pivot around which 
 the efforts of this new religious organization centered. 
 It was the home of Thomas and Alexander Campbell, 
 who had sounded the keynote upon which the church 
 was founded in 1809. It was only natural that those 
 founding a university in the new west should have a 
 kindly feeling for the old land marks and a fond desire 
 that this new institution might prosper as had the old. 
 The main street of Bethany Heights was named in 
 
 iRecord Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 31. 
 
42 Histoiy of Cotner University 
 
 honor of ex-Governor Alvin Vv^. Saunders. It was one 
 hundred feet wide, extending along the west side of 
 the campus and through the entire donation received 
 by the university committee. A unique idea was car- 
 ried out in naming other streets after the various col- 
 leges of the Christian church, and to-day a map of the 
 town would show that the streets or avenues are called 
 Drake, Fairfield, Hiram, Eureka, Butler, Canton, Gar- 
 field and Lexington. 
 
 A new task now presented itself to the promoters. 
 People must be interested in this undertaking. This 
 field must undergo a complete change. These lots 
 must be sold and homes erected upon them. 
 
 That great interest was taken in this nevs^ educa- 
 tional movement is proved by the fact that the State 
 Missionary Convention of August 30, 1888, went in a 
 body to the proposed location to assist in laying the 
 cornerstone of the university. The religious motive, 
 which prompted the movement, the events of the day 
 and the dreams of the supporters of the undertakng 
 are described in these words : ''This being university 
 day at 10 a. m. the people gathered at the corner of 
 and Eleventh streets to take the carriages that had 
 been provided, while at least two hundred boarded the 
 Missouri Pacific train leaving at 10:25 for Newman 
 station, arriving there after a pleasant ride of a few 
 minutes. The station is three quarters of a mile from 
 the campus. The walk was not at all unpleasant even 
 if the mercury was peeping out of the top of the tube, 
 and many of the gentlemen pushed ahead, while the 
 ladies waited the arrival of carrias^es and two im- 
 mense hay waeons that were pressed into service. It 
 was nearly 12 o'clock before the last carriage arrived 
 from the city, and the early comers were given a good 
 oDportunity to examine the campus and the surround- 
 ing property. 
 
The Laying of the Cornerstone 43 
 
 There is nothing startling in Nebraska scenery but 
 many hilltops disclose views of surprising beauty. The 
 committee selected such an elevation for the site of the 
 universit}^ The campus is a beautiful slope, with the 
 building on the highest point. From the foundation 
 walls the observer can look over the corn that covers 
 the campus in front of the proposed building, and a 
 wide scope of country is seen. The c?ty is plainly in 
 sight directly in front; the Capitol, the church spires, 
 the Burr block and the State University cutting the 
 horizon line and coming prominently into view. Di- 
 rectly west, the buildings of West Lincoln appear like 
 children's blocks laid on a stretch of prairie so far 
 away that it is covered with a light haze. To the 
 left are the gently rolling hills covered with tasseled 
 corn with ragged yellow lines indicating where the 
 roads are, and here and there a solid field of smiling 
 sunflowers. Over the low swell on the northwest can 
 be seen the black slate roof of the Wesleyan Univer- 
 sity, a sister to the institution now rising on this spot. 
 To the right and in the rear are hills that cut off the 
 view on a small arc of the circle of horizon that sweeps 
 around so many miles away, but from, the upper win- 
 dows of the building the view will extend unbroken in 
 every direction. 
 
 It is an ideal location for a Christian University, 
 The city, four miles away, is easily accessible by steam 
 cars, and will soon be reached by a horse car line. 
 There is pure water in abundance. The campus is sur- 
 rounded by residence lots that will tempt many to 
 make their homes here. The future of this Christian 
 and educational suburb is certainly bright. 
 
 A few blocks north of the building is a grove and 
 here, the principal exercises of the day were held. 
 Three or four hundred persons were here at noon, 
 when lunch was spread on tables under the trees. 
 
44 History of Cotner University 
 
 Seats and shade were plentiful and the people enjoyed 
 themselves in picnic fashion for several hours. 
 
 The exercises opened shortly after one o'clock with 
 the singing of hymns and prayer by W. T. Maupin of 
 Hastings. B. J. Radford^ of Eureka, 111., was then an- 
 nounced for the principal address of the day. He out- 
 lined the object of the gathering, which was primarily 
 to lay the cornerstone of a great university, and asked 
 why it was necessary, in view of the excellent edu- 
 cational advantages enjoyed by the city of Lincoln, to 
 plant the new university. The speaker then proceeded 
 to give briefly and pointedly the need of the Christian 
 college that had been founded. The need primarily was 
 stated to be the necessity for fostering the public and 
 private conscience. Will secular education develop the 
 needed conscience? This education without other aids 
 will not fulfill the real mission of education. A non- 
 sectarian college diploma is, after all, a very unsatis- 
 factory indication that the possessor has a good moral 
 character ; it does not indicate what his religion is ; it 
 tells nothing except that the young man has gone 
 through a little intellectual gymnastics. More than this 
 is needed. We need a distinctly Christian education 
 for our young men and women. Secular education has 
 had its day. One generation of it has proven that it 
 is inadequate to the task of making strong and vigor- 
 ous Christian character. Culture is all right. It should 
 be made the hand-maid of religion. But secular culture 
 is a broken reed to lean upon. When we lean upon 
 that we put in the backe-round moral culture. This 
 WH'^ "nroven in tVie mind of the speaker by the history 
 of his native city of Cincinnati, which banished the 
 Bible frorn fi^p^ public ^'"hools a ffenpration asfo and is 
 now seeing the bad effects that followed the banish- 
 
 lAssociate editor of the "Christian Standard," published in 
 Cincinnati. Ohio. 
 
The Laying of the Cornerstone 45 
 
 ment of God from education. What should we base our 
 intellectual culture upon. The Bible. * * * You are 
 making no mistake in making the Bible the cornerstone 
 of this university."^ 
 
 The crowning event of the day was the laying of the 
 cornerstone. This was done in a verj^ fitting manner. 
 A copper box had been secured which was to be placed 
 in the cornerstone, containing a number of articles, 
 among which were the daily papers of the city, the 
 religious papers of the denomination and catalogues 
 from colleges of the Christian church. Prior to this 
 time we might call this whole movement a dream. 
 From now on it was a reality. The town was named, 
 the streets laid out and the Nebraska Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society, which was the governing power, had 
 sanctioned the movement by their presence in a body 
 and had assisted in laying the cornerstone. Would the 
 dream be a complete realization? 
 
 iProceedings of the 21st Annual Christian Missionary Con- 
 vention August, 1888, page 29. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 The City of Lincoln 
 
 A history of Cotner Universitj^ would be incomplete 
 unless it contained a brief account of the beginnings 
 and early growth of the city of Lincoln. The village 
 of Bethany being virtually a part of Lincoln, its 
 growth was dependent for the most part upon the 
 city's progress. A brief account of Lincoln's early 
 history will also make clearer the answers to some of 
 the questions arising in the minds of those unfamiliar 
 with such knowledge. Some of these questions are: 
 What was the object of the donors in giving three hun- 
 dred and twenty-one acres of land in order to have 
 another university in Lincoln w^hen the Nebraska State 
 and the Nebraska Wesleyan universties were already 
 located in the city ? Was the Nebraska Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society wise in permitting two educational in- 
 stitutions to be maintained in the same state ? Did Lin- 
 coln have greater possibilities than Fairfield? Was 
 the board of trustees of Cotner University unduly in- 
 fluenced by the spirit of speculation or was poor judg- 
 ment used in calculating land values ? 
 
 Mr. W. W. Cox, a pioneer of Lancaster county, des- 
 cribes the place where the future city was to be as he 
 saw it in 1861 when he was making his first trip west 
 from Nebraska City. He says, ''On the second day of 
 July, 1861, we followed a dim track down — to Lincoln? 
 — no; to Lancaster? — no, but down Salt Creek to the 
 mouth of Oak Creek, where we forded the stream. 
 There was at that time a magnificent grove of honey 
 locust timber on the west side of Salt Creek and just 
 south of Oak Creek; and a little to the south of the 
 foot of the present day street, at the large bend of 
 
The City of Lincoln 47 
 
 the creek, there were perhaps a hundred majestic elms 
 and cottonwoods, with here and there a hackberry and 
 honey locust. Those lovely groves would now, if they 
 coulcl have remained in their natural grandeur and 
 beauty as we saw them, be of priceless value to the 
 city for a park. " * * It brings peculiar thoughts to 
 mind as we look around us now and consider the 
 changes that twenty-six years have wrought. 
 
 One dim track only, crossed the site of the future 
 city from east to west, that had been made by hunters 
 and salt pilgrims, and the one already mentioned run- 
 ning up and down the creek. As we viewed the land 
 upon which nov/ stands this great busy city, we had 
 the exciting pleasure of seeing for the first time a large 
 drove of the beautiful antelope cantering across the 
 prairie about where the government square (now) is."^ 
 
 The first industry of Lincoln possessed a sufficient 
 am.ount of savoring qualities to have been preserved 
 until the present time, nevertheless it has long since 
 ceased to exist. Mr. Cox tell in a unique way of his 
 experience in the salt industry: "In company with 
 Darwin Peckham (now of Lincoln) we commenced 
 making salt on the 20th day of August, 1861. We pre- 
 empted one of the log cabins and ''bached" it during 
 the fall Salt vv^as very scarce during war times, and 
 was high in price, and of a necessity great numbers of 
 peoDle came to scrape salt. They came from all the 
 settled portions of the territory; from. Kansas, Miss- 
 ouri and as far east as central Iowa. * * * Going for 
 salt in those days was like going fishing — it was all in 
 luck. If the weather were perfectly dry, they could 
 get Dlenty of it, for it could be scraned up by the wagon 
 load, but three minutes rain would end the game. We 
 
 iHistory of Sew?ird Connty. NebT*, bv W. W. Cox. This history 
 wss published in 1888. Mr. W. W. Cox was one of the pioneer 
 settlers of Lancaster county and later of Seward county. 
 
48 History of Cotner University 
 
 have seen a drove of men that came a full hundred 
 miles arrive just in time to see a little rain clear all the 
 salt off the basin in a moment, and they left to hold 
 an empty sack. We found a goodly number there when 
 we arrived and they were holding the empty sack, for 
 it had just rained and the basin was as black as ink. * * 
 We immediately built a small furnace, made a sheet- 
 iron salt pan and began boiling salt, and by the time 
 the next drove of pilgrims came we had salt to sell or 
 trade them. * * * When the weather was dry many 
 would scrape more than they could haul home and we 
 would trade for their scrapings at twenty-five cents 
 per hundred and pay in boiled salt at two dollars per 
 hundred. In drj^ times we would accumulate a moun- 
 tain of scraped salt, and as soon as the first rain came 
 our scrapings would be worth fifty cents to one dollar 
 per hundred. Pilgrims would grab for it. They 
 brought all manner of provisions to trade for salt — 
 meat, flour, chickens, butter, fruit, potatoes, eggs. * '^ * 
 A party brought two four-horse w^agon loads (five 
 thousand pounds) of flour from Winterset, Iowa, and 
 we made an even exchange of five thousand pounds of 
 salt for it. It was a lively time for hundreds were com- 
 ing and going continually during the fall." 
 
 Civilization was moving westward. Omaha and Ne- 
 braska City were destined not to be the only towns of 
 importance in Nebraska but to have a rival located on 
 Salt Creek. The founding of the city is vividly des- 
 cribed by Mr. Cox, who tells of the arrival on July 4, 
 1862, of "Elder J. M. Young and party consisting of 
 Rev. Peter Schamp, Dr. McKesson, Mr. Warnes, Luke 
 Lavender and Jacob Dawson. They were in search 
 of a suitable location for a colony. They were patriotic 
 and had not forgotten the flag. Dinner was quickly 
 provided and disposed of, the neighbors called in, and 
 we had a celebration that was a feast to the soul. As 
 
The City of Lincoln . 49 
 
 the dear old elder talked to us of our blessed flag, and 
 how it had been trailed in the dust by recreant hands 
 and the mighty struggle that was going on to maintain 
 its supremacy, our hearts swelled with emotion as we 
 realized that our country and our all were at that 
 moment trembling in the balance. This was probably 
 the first time that our national flag ever kissed the 
 breezes of Lancaster county and it was an occasion long 
 to be remembered by all the participants. 
 
 In the second week in July, and after making a 
 thorough examination of the surrounding country, the 
 party made settlement on the land where Lincoln now 
 stands and dedicated a portion of section twenty-two 
 for a town site and christened it ''Lancaster." Lan- 
 caster did not grow as more modern towns do. A few 
 settlers began to arrive and settle on the beautiful lands 
 in the vicinity but not many cared to try their hand at 
 building a city just then. Town-building was a slow 
 process in those days so far inland." 
 
 Two reasons may be given for this slow growth of 
 Lancaster. First it was still questionable whether the 
 upland prairie was valuable for agriculture or not. 
 All farming was done on the creek bottom. Great fires 
 sweeping across the country would leave the grass 
 roots exposed to the scorching sun of late autumn and 
 the frosts of winter. For the next few years the grass 
 crop would be scanty. People not knowing or under- 
 standing the cause, thought the soil not fertile. The 
 second cause is found in the lack of railroads. St. 
 Joseph, Missouri and Ottumwa, Iowa, were the nearest 
 railway terminals. But the bill for the Union Pacific 
 was passed in 1862 ; and all were awaiting with eager- 
 ness the arrival of the first road. 
 
 Indeed this was a meager, insignificant beginning for 
 a future capital city. But let us leave the prairie ham- 
 let located near the great salt basin, the goal of hear- 
 
50 History of Cotner University 
 
 say ; leave it amid the vastness of a new country ; leave 
 it to unlock nature's storehouse and grow ; grow for a 
 quarter of a century and then take our second view. 
 
 From this trivial settlement in the wilderness^ with- 
 out trade or developed resources there was built a city 
 whose property was estimated at $50,000,000 in 1889. 
 There were now four railway systems entering the city. 
 Seventy manufacturing industries were flourishing. 
 Church property was worth a half million. The State 
 Capitol, penitentiary, insane asylum and State Univer- 
 sity were all located here. 
 
 Some of the past accomplishments and future expec- 
 tations are given by Messrs. Hayes and Cox in their 
 History of Lincoln. 'The future of Lincoln is fully 
 equal to that of Omaha and it is a possibility, that may 
 yet be realized, that Lincoln will outstrip Omaha on ac- 
 count of commercial superiority. To supply this com- 
 mercial empire (which had been outlined) there is a 
 perfectly legitimate reason why Lincoln's jobbing trade 
 should grow and it has grown, there being sixty-eight 
 wholesale houses in the city now and four hundred 
 traveling men make Lincoln their home. Lincoln's 
 manufacturing interests require her to grow. There 
 is a call for vast supplies of all ordinary manufactures 
 and the city must grow to keep up with this demand. 
 In keeping with this demand seventy factories are now 
 operated in Lincoln. On this account alone there will 
 be a call for a city larger than Lincoln at the hub of 
 the main railroad system of this splendid territory. 
 Then the railroad interests require a city at this place 
 and those who think Lincoln will stop growing should 
 remember one fact, viz : the railroad system of Ne- 
 braska is cast for all time in favor of Lincoln and in- 
 stead of the city failing, there is reason to believe that 
 on this account alone, reliance may be placed for long 
 continued advancement. The roads have reason to 
 
. The City of Lincoln 51 
 
 push the city and they will do it. At the rate the 
 city is now advancing and has gone forward for several 
 years it will contain 125,000 inhabitants before the 
 close of the next decade." 
 
 Lincoln had enjoyed a phenomenal growth. But as 
 we read these statements and ponder over this brief 
 sketch we instinctively feel that the hopes of the peo- 
 ple of Lincoln were too great for immediate realiza- 
 tion. A spirit of too great enthusiasm and hopefulness 
 often leads to speculation. It causes men to misjudge 
 values and reach too far. If this spirit entered into 
 the transactions of the founders of Christian univer- 
 sity, to a slight degree but not to a danger point, they 
 were only acting according to the dictates of their 
 environment. The same spirit had played a part in 
 every educational enterprise for twenty-five years. It 
 Avas the same spirit that prompted the business and 
 real estate men to offer a donation of land to any who 
 would agree to erect a university upon it. Although 
 there were already two universities in their midst, 
 they felt another would increase the population, attract 
 more business and enhance property values. 'To found 
 a university seems to have been the highest ambition 
 of many of Nebraska's earliest politicians, and to be- 
 com.e the home of a great educational institution, the 
 goal for which nearly all of her earliest towns strove 
 earnestly and welL"^ Not only was speculation a char- 
 acteristic of Lincoln, but indeed of the entire United 
 States, particularly of the west. The west was new 
 and abounding in possibilities which were visible to 
 all; yet nature requires time to produce a harvest. 
 Wealth cannot be accumulated in a day; the prairie 
 turned into an agricultural garden in a year; nor a 
 city reared in a decade. The west would meet all 
 expectations, but it required more time than men 
 
 i*''History of Lincoln" by Hayes and Cox. 
 
52 History of Cotiier University 
 
 thought. The inevitable result of this speculation was 
 a crisis and it swept the United States in the nineties. 
 Not only Cotner University and many other like insti- 
 tutions, but thousands of industrial enterprises the 
 country over were drawn into the maelstrom. As 
 one looks back to the eighties and nineties he is 
 apt to criticise for it is much easier to tell how past 
 misfortunes might have been avoided than to tell what 
 course to pursue in the unseen future. History is re- 
 plete with experiences which should make us wiser 
 than our forefathers. 
 
 Attention may now be turned to a discussion of the 
 other two questions, viz : Was the Nebraska Christian 
 Missionary Society wise in permitting two educational 
 institutions in the same state? Did Lincoln have 
 greater possibilities than did Fairfield? 
 
 Concerning these points four thoughts may be pre- 
 sented to the reader. Religious bodies at this early 
 period had not realized the necessity for concentrated 
 effort upon one school in each state. For example the 
 Methodists founded Simpson college in 1855, Oreapolis 
 Seminary in 1857, York College in 1880, Central Col- 
 lege in 1886. With all these schools. Rev. David Mar- 
 quette says the tendency was ''to increase the number 
 of struggling schools." Later it was seen that none 
 could accomplish the end in view so a 'Tlan of Unifi- 
 cation" was adopted in which it was decided to have 
 ''but one institution of college grade;" the "other 
 schools should be parts of, but subordinate to, the cen- 
 tral university." The central university was founded 
 in 1888, being called Nebraska Wesleyan, located at 
 Lincoln. There was still the idea of more than one 
 educational institution. The Presbyterians had three 
 schools in the state, viz : Bellevue, Hastings and Omaha 
 Seminary. It is not at all strange, in view of these 
 
The City of Lincoln 53 
 
 facts, that the Christian church considered the propo- 
 sition of another university when the business men 
 offered them this donation of land. 
 
 In the second place it was not intended to withdraw 
 any support from Fairfield Normal and Collegiate In- 
 stitute. In an address delivered before the 20th an- 
 nual convention of the Nebraska Misionary Society, 
 R. C. Barrow emphasized this point: ''Among the 
 contemplated enterprises looking to the advancement 
 of our religious interests in the state, that will demand 
 the consideration and action of this convention, is 
 that of founding a university at Lincoln. It is believed 
 by a number of brethren of excellent judgment in busi- 
 ness matters that the offers made us by real estate 
 owners in Lincoln will enable us to build and sustain 
 a university at that point without expense to the broth- 
 erhood. A committee selected by the state board will 
 present the details for your consideration. This en- 
 terprise is not intended to supplant, or in any way 
 weaken the moral and financial support now given 
 to the Fairfield Normal and Collegiate Institute, which 
 we should heartily sustain and strengthen to the fullest 
 extent of our ability."^ Mr. Barrow probably ex- 
 pressed the opinion of many when he indicated that he 
 thought the land donation would ''build and sustain a 
 university." Their idea was a land endowment. At 
 this same convention the college committee in its rec- 
 ommendation emphasized the fact that they did not 
 intend to withdraw any financial asistance from Fair- 
 field: "We recommend also that in case any college 
 or sj^stem of colleges be projected or established in the 
 near or more remote future within our borders and 
 under the auspices of the Nebraska Christian Mission- 
 
 iMinutes of Nebraska Christian Missionary Society in Annual 
 Convention assembled at Fairfield, Nebr., Aug. 30, 1887. 
 
.'54 History of Cotner University 
 
 ary Convention, a sensitive regard be had to the moral 
 obligation, financial and otherwise, which is owing to 
 an institution already inaugurated, and that it be un- 
 derstood that all such enterprises command their pro- 
 portional share of the society's sympathy and sup- 
 port." 
 
 We have no desire in any way to discredit Fairfield ; 
 yet, it was easily recognized at that early period, that 
 Lincoln had greater commercial possibilities than Fair- 
 field. It had a population of about 40,000 while Fair- 
 field was still in the hundreds. Four railway systems 
 entered the former while the latter was on branch lines. 
 Lincoln was the capitol city and the home of other 
 state institutions. Because of these advantages it na- 
 turally attracted the university founders as a m.ore 
 desirable place than Fairfield for a central institution. 
 There was no idea of deserting Fairfield. 
 
 The last thought is, that Lincoln was destined to 
 become the educational center of the west Many con- 
 ditions made this fact apparent. State institutions 
 always create an educational environment. The phe- 
 nomenal school growth was pointing in that direction. 
 The first school, known as Stone Seminary, was held 
 in 1866, in the days when Lincoln was called Lancas- 
 ter. The building was located where the State Journal 
 building now stands; only one room was completed in 
 time for use that year and cloths and carpets were 
 hung up all around to keep out winter's chilly breezes. 
 About thirty pupils with W. H. Merrill as teacher held 
 the first session of the first common school in Lincoln. 
 The second session is described by Messrs. Hayes and 
 Cox in their '^History of Lincoln," ''Early in 1867 Mrs, 
 Merrill taught a term in Stone Seminary. She was a 
 lady of a good academic education and could sing well 
 besides. The directors were anxious to find a teacher 
 and urged Mrs. Merrill to take the school. She said it 
 
The City of Lincoln 55 
 
 was impossible as she had a baby only about a year 
 old. The directors told her to take it to school with 
 her and to this arrangement she finally consented. So 
 Mrs. Merrill labored with the youth of Lancaster with 
 a baby in her arms part of the time. She lived in one 
 end of the building and John Montieth had a shoe shop 
 in another part." Stone Seminary was to have a sad 
 end as an educational institution. During the same 
 year it caught fire as a result of a misconstructed flue 
 and burned. 
 
 This simple beginning seemed very far removed from 
 a great educational center, but when one observes the 
 system twenty-two years later, he notes a very differ- 
 ent situation. The first State UniA^^ersity building was 
 erected in 1871 costing $139,000. By 1889 a student 
 body of five hundred was enrolled. A chemical labor- 
 atory costing $35,000 had been recently built and ''has 
 attracted the attention of educators all over the coun- 
 try."^ The other buildings, "Memorial Hall" and 'Tn- 
 dustrial Hall" costing $20,000 and $50,000 respectively 
 were a credit to our state. Nebraska Wesleyan had 
 just opened its doors and gave promise of future great- 
 ness. The common and high school system were grow- 
 ing and fairly satsifactory. No citj^ in the west could 
 point to equal educational facilities. This was a cog- 
 nizable fact. The Christian church, when given an 
 opportunity to be a part of this educational center,, 
 willingly accepted. 
 
 iC. H. Gere in Cox's History of Soward County, pp. 217. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 The Promoters and Their Plan 
 As has already been called to the attention of our 
 reader, the task of establishing and maintaining a uni- 
 versity was delegated to a Board of Trustees. The 
 following men were its first members : 
 
 Porter Hedge, Lincoln J. Z. Broscoe, Lincoln 
 
 C. R. Van Duyn, Lincoln Ira Titus, Fairfield 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth, Fairfield E. T. Gadd, Omaha 
 
 Alvin Saunders, Lincoln C. J. Hale, Craig 
 
 C. C. Munson, Lincoln John T. Smith, Nebr. City 
 
 W. T. Newcomb, Fairfield Thomas Wiles,Plattsmouth 
 
 The names of many of these men are familiar to 
 members of the Christan church. 
 
 There are four men to whom special credit should 
 be given for their unstinted, untiring efforts in behalf 
 of Christian University. These four are J. Z. Briscoe, 
 who was chairman of the Board of Trustees, Porter 
 Hedge, secretary ; C. R. Van Duyn, treasurer, and C. C. 
 Munson. They did not seek personal power or repu- 
 tation but in a quiet, unselfish, unassuming manner 
 undertook the task of establishing an institution which 
 should stand as a memorial dedicated to Christian edu- 
 cation. 
 
 The greater part of the actual work of getting the 
 university under way was done bj^ the executive com- 
 mittee consisting of those members of the Trustees 
 who were residents of Lincoln; its actions, however, 
 being ratified by the Board of Trustees when the latter 
 met in regular session. The executive committee met 
 in weekly, often in daily, consultation. 
 
 Mr. J. Z. Briscoe presided over the first meeting of 
 the university committee and alsp the last, which met 
 
The Promoters and Their Plan 
 
 57 
 
 October 15, 1896. For his services during these nine 
 years, acting as chairman and performing not only 
 the duties incumbent upon this office but also the in- 
 numerable other tasks which of necessity fell to one 
 in such a position, Mr. Briscoe deserves the greatest 
 credit and praise. He was the real general of the 
 
 J. Z. Briscoe 
 
 movement. His courage and optimism, when others 
 grew discouraged; his keen judgment, upon which 
 all reliedj and his high Christian motives, all were 
 worthy of emulation. 
 
 Another person always ready to give assistance to 
 any worthy cause was Porter Hedge. The magnani- 
 mous spirit of this man prompted him to take from 
 his business, the time necessary to act as secretary of 
 the Board of Trustees. The record of the proceedings 
 
58 History of Cotner University 
 
 of all its meetings is found in his handwriting. Mr. 
 Hedge was a man of fine mental balance. He thought 
 deliberately, but when he had formed an opinion he 
 was very firm in his conviction. He was a tender, kind 
 hearted man, always anxious to forward the cause of 
 Christian education. 
 
 Mr. C. R. Van Duyn, the treasurer, was a quiet, un- 
 assuming man. All of the deeds, mortgages and notes 
 were executed by him and he handled the entire cler- 
 ical business in a very efficient manner, Mr. Van 
 Duyn always tried to keep away from the ''public eye/' 
 but was a man loved and admired by all who knew him. 
 The First Christian church of Lincoln always num- 
 bered him among its most earnest and faithful mem- 
 bers. 
 
 Mr. C. C. Munson was an ever-ready member of the 
 hoard. His colleagues often spoke of him as 'Teter" 
 because of this characteristic. Mr. Munson was en- 
 gaged in the lumber business in Lincoln at the time 
 Christian Unversity was established and with his 
 knowledge of building materials and prices he gave 
 great assistance to the enterprise.^ 
 
 The above named men formed the executive commit- 
 tee. The remaining members of the Board of Trus- 
 
 iTliree of the four chief promoters of Cotner are still liv- 
 ing. Mr. J. Z. Briscoe has a comfortable home in Bethany, 
 in the shadow of the university which he helped to build. Porter 
 Hedge is no longer numbered among the living. One Saturday 
 evening he closed his office with every intention of returning 
 on Monday morning. But shortly after he had retired he made 
 a slight noise which awakened his wife. In response to her 
 inquiry he said "I'll be better soon" and in just a few moments 
 a life had flitted away. Mr. C. R. Van Duyn and wife are now 
 located in that beautiful western city, Eugene, Ore. Here in 
 peace and contentment they will probably ]ive until the close 
 of their useful lives. Mr. C. C. Munson is living in Denver 
 where he is engaged in the advertising business. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Munson bid fair to celebrate their golden wedding in 1918. 
 
The Promoters and Their Plan 59- 
 
 tees also deserve creditable mention. John T. Smith 
 was one of the pioneer preachers and evangelists of 
 the state. W. T. Newcomb and Ira Titus, residents of 
 Fairfield, were made members of the board that some 
 of the hostile feeling existing between the two schools 
 might thus be allayed, but they opposed in numerous 
 and various ways the plans and interests of the new 
 school. C. J. Hale and Thomas Wiles were faithful 
 members from the northeastern part of the state. E. 
 T. Gadd, a member from Omaha, was one of the best 
 and most widely known real estate men of the entire 
 west. Ex-Governor Saunders, although a busy, pop- 
 ular man, was one of the most zealous workers in be- 
 half of Christian University during its early years. 
 W. P. Aylsworth was one of the deliberate members of 
 the board, whose counsel was often of great value. All 
 of the trustees were members of the Christian church, 
 very anxious to forward the educational interests of 
 their denomination, willing to sacrifice much of their 
 time for this cause, none of them ever receiving a 
 salary. Each member of the board was elected for a 
 term of three years. Messrs. Briscoe, Hedge and Van 
 Duyn were the only ones, however, who served in that 
 capacity during the entire nine years. 
 
 Attention may now be turned from the men, to the 
 plan of the university itself. No time was lost in the 
 
 Mr. Munson has a reputation as poet. The following was writ- 
 ten by him describing the state of his adoption: 
 
 COLORADO 
 Calling to the peoples of every clime 
 Onward to valleys and scenes sublime, 
 Lands and mines await their coming, 
 On every hand success is humming — 
 Rivers and lakes from melting snow 
 Are ready to water the seeds they sow; 
 Down in the mines await silver and gold, 
 0, Colorado, thy wealth is untold! 
 
60 History of Cotnei' University 
 
 discussion of methods, for it was generally understood 
 that the same plan would be used as had been followed 
 in many other like efforts, namely, to provide for the 
 erection and maintenance of the university by the sale 
 of lots. As is usually the case in retrospection, one is 
 able to see places in which improvement might have 
 been made. This is possible in a review of any en- 
 terprise. All would admit that the lots must be sold 
 in order that homes might be erected near the campus. 
 Someone might suggest only the sale of alternate lots, 
 but this would have had a retarding tendency, for it 
 would have scattered the town, making practically im- 
 possible such city improvements as sidewalks and water 
 and sewerage systems. It is not the sale of lots which 
 the review of the past questions, but the use of all the 
 money derived therefrom. Instead of appropriating 
 all of the money in the erection of the building it seems 
 it would have been wiser to have reserved a part for 
 an endowment. The money for building purposes 
 could have been secured by subscriptions from those in 
 most prosperous conditions. Then, v/hen the critical 
 years came, a permanent source of income would have 
 been available. Some feel that the money for a build- 
 ing could have been raised at that time while others 
 say it would have been impossible. It is easier, how- 
 ever to look backward than forward. As the pro- 
 moters looked backward they saw only the plan of lot 
 sales as the one universally used in similar educational 
 movements. As immediate examples, they had the cases 
 of Doane, Hastings and Bellevue colleges and Nebraska 
 Wesleyan University. The policy had even been used 
 in the erection of the state capitol and other state 
 buildings. 
 
 Mr. E. T. Gadd of Omaha was now employed by 
 the Board of Trustees to act as the university real 
 estate agent. A man with a greater reputation in his 
 
The Promoters and Their Plan 
 
 61 
 
 line could not have been found in the west. The re- 
 muneration to us today might seem excessive but a man 
 of his ability could not be secured for less. They were 
 to give 10% of all sales made, his work beginning in 
 April, 1888. The lowest price at which any lot was 
 offered was $100, and this was for lots situated on the 
 outskirts of the new town. The more desirable lots 
 near the campus were listed at from $250 to $400. 
 The following is a copy of the outside cover of the first 
 price list: 
 
 AUGUST 
 
 PRICE LIST 
 
 BETHANY -:- HEIGHTS 
 
 Lots 50x140 
 
 Streets 60, 70 and 100 Feet 
 
 Alleys 20 Feet 
 
 Te7^ms~One-fourth cash, balance 
 at 8 per cent interest or will ar- 
 range with purchaser. Prices will 
 be advanced 20% Sept. 1, 1888. 
 
 For full particulars call on or 
 address 
 
 E. T. GADD & SON 
 
 Sole Agents 
 
 The first land was sold the day the State Mission- 
 ary Society came in a body to Bethany Heights to as- 
 sist in laying the corner stone. Lots v/ere sold at auc- 
 tion, Col. C. C. Pace, the city's most noted auctioneer, 
 
62 History of Cotner University 
 
 was in charge. The object in selling the lots in this 
 way was two fold ; first, to establish a price ; and second 
 to give them a ''start" on their land sale propaganda. 
 Thirty-nine lots were disposed of during the day, the 
 total receipts amounting to $8,315, or an average of 
 $213.20 per lot.^ This was a good price, yet some felt 
 they should have sold for more. 
 
 Land sales were in harmony with the spirit of west- 
 ern speculation. Everything started with a boom. 
 Prices were advanced every few months in order to 
 encourage immediate purchase, and many lots were 
 sold. There were two distinct classes of purchasers; 
 members of the Christian church, buying because of 
 their desire to advance the cause of the church and 
 the university, and others buying for the purpose of 
 speculation. Many purchasers gave their personal 
 notes. Later when the crisis wave of the '90's had 
 finished its sweep across the entire country; when the 
 speculative bubble had burst, and Lincoln and vicinity 
 were returning to normal conditions. Investors found it 
 difficult, and in cases impossible, to meet payments. 
 Some became bitter enemies of the school, and were 
 ready to act or speak in such manner as to help bring 
 the school into severe financial straits. 
 
 iTlie number who made final settlement for lots only took 
 twenty-seven at $5,590. 
 
 Proceedings of 22nd Annual Christian Missionary Convention,, 
 pp. 50. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 The Realization of the Dream 
 
 The first step to be taken by the Board of Trustees 
 in the erection of the university building, was the se- 
 curing of a competent architect, who should have gen- 
 eral supervision over the entire work of constructing 
 the building. Propositions to this effect were sub- 
 mitted by William Gray and O. H. Flacey. After a 
 consideration of the plans, it was decided that the 
 more suitable one for a university building was that 
 of Mr. Placey. He was therefore employed and re- 
 ceived one thousand dollars for his services. 
 
 It was decided to begin the foundation before the 
 first daj^ of May, 1888. A year had not yet elapsed since 
 the July previous, in which J. Z. Briscoe, as chairman 
 of the Nebraska Christian Missionary Society, had ap- 
 pointed a committee, with C. C. Munson as chairman, 
 to consider propositions for locating a Christian Uni- 
 versity in Lincoln. In August of that same year the 
 annual convention of the Missionary Society had rati- 
 fied the movement and appointed the committee of 
 seven; the gift of the donors had been accepted; arti- 
 cles of incorporation had been drawn; the village had 
 iDeen laid out and an architect employed. All was 
 therefore in readiness for the foundation. Four con- 
 tractors presented bids for the work. That of Thomas 
 Price and Company for $11,572 was accepted. The 
 last step was the erection of the superstructure. The 
 contract was awarded to Chidister and Barras for 
 $47,000 ; nine bids having been presented, ranging 
 from $41,000 to $52,000. The total cost of the entire 
 structure, when completed was $85,258.75. 
 
 The basement and foundation were constructed of 
 
64 History of Cotner University 
 
 first class stone with a wide cement base; the upper 
 part of the building, consisting of four stories, was of 
 Milwaukee pressed brick trimmed with red sandstone. 
 The roof was of slate and above it towered the lofty 
 spire reaching one hundred and thirty-five feet above 
 the ground. The building contains thirty-two class 
 rooms, seven office rooms for the president and pro- 
 fessors ; a chapel having a seating capacity, with the 
 gallerj^ of five hundred ; a reference library and large 
 study room and spacious halls and stairways. 
 
 As one views the building, situated on a rise of 
 ground one hundred and fifty feet above the city, he is 
 attracted by its beauty; architecturally it has no su- 
 perior in the state. About $3,000 and much labor 
 were expended in making the twenty-acre campus 
 beautiful. Between six and eight hundred trees were 
 purchased from ex-Governor Furnas for the orna- 
 mentation of the campus. Mr. D. C. Mosher, a land- 
 scape gardener, was employed for one year at $1200 
 to plan and superintend the work of beautifying the 
 university grounds. The campus was artistically di- 
 vided into four parts by winding driveways and walks 
 running from each corner of the campus to the build- 
 ing. Skirting the campus and on either side of the 
 driveways were set ash, hackberry, catalpas, locust and 
 other trees. Triangular clumps of spruce were beau- 
 tifully arranged about the terrace. As a result of their 
 planning and work posterity has enjoyed a beautiful 
 campus. 
 
 The Trustees had secured the north half of block 
 thirty-one for a dormitory site on which was now 
 erected a structure costing $4,373.02 and containing 
 sixteen rooms to be rented to ladies exclusively. Table 
 board has always been furnished to both men and 
 women at prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per week. 
 
 In order to attract residents to Bethany, the trus- 
 
The Realization of the Dream 65 
 
 tees decided to erect in various parts of the town, 
 thirteen dwelling houses at a total cost of $17,645. All 
 of those north of where the Interurban Street Railway 
 is now located, have since been moved away. In the 
 east part, two still remain, the old Demarest home and- 
 the B. F. Austin property. To the southeast, one is 
 now owned by William Shuck. In south Bethany are 
 the homes of J. J. Armstrong and James Tewksbury. 
 Just west of the campus is one more, which is the 
 home of W. E. Strain. The thirteen houses, together 
 with ten more erected by J. Z. Briscoe, made a good 
 start for the new town. 
 
 The promoters were not satisfied with laying out the 
 new town, the erection of the residence houses and the 
 completion of the new university building. Their 
 dream was not realized until school was actually be- 
 gun. 
 
 The trustees were undecided as to the advisability of 
 opening the school in the fall of 1889. Invitations were 
 sent to several of the prominent ministers of the state 
 to m.eet with them in their regular session of April 16, 
 1889 , After a deliberate discussion this motion was 
 made by W. P. Aylworth and unanimously accepted: 
 ''Resolved that it is the sense of this meeting that we 
 make a beginning of our school this fall, making such 
 provision for instructors and courses of study as cir- 
 cumstances may demand."^ A prospectus was imme- 
 diately prepared and circulated extensively. An an- 
 nouncement card was also sent out in the following 
 form: 
 
 Christian University -:- Bethany Heights 
 
 The First Session of this new University begins 
 Tuesday, Oct. 1, 1889. By this time the needed space 
 in the university building for chapel and recitation 
 
 iRecord Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 73. 
 
66 History of Cotner University 
 
 rooms will be ready ; other members of the faculty will 
 be chosen and rooms and boarding accommodations 
 will be provided. The street car line is extended to- 
 ward the university and preparations are being made 
 to have everything ready for the reception of students 
 For circulars, information, etc., address, 
 
 J. Z. Briscoe, Pres. of Board, or 
 Porter Hedge, Sec. of Board. 
 
 Thus was the announcement made of the day which 
 had been ardently wished for by those who had been 
 instrumental in the creation of the new university. 
 Their aim was clearly set forth in the prospectus. 
 ''Christian University, Lincoln, Nebraska, is the out- 
 growth of a desire on the part of members of the 
 Christian church to found there an institution of learn- 
 ing which should be second to none in the west in abil- 
 ity to confer a thorough and liberal culture and whose 
 surroundings should be distinctly of a moral and re- 
 ligious nature. It is their aim to offer the very best 
 facilities for the study of the Bible and to give every 
 possible advantage for young men desiring to study 
 for the Christian ministry/' 
 
 It was the wish of all to make the Bible the keynote 
 of learning in their new university. The magnanimous 
 spirit of J. Z. Briscoe prompted him to give $25,000 
 for the endowment of a Bible chair. This gift was 
 gladly accepted by the trustees as a great aid toward 
 the realization of their original purpose. Mr. Briscoe 
 offered this endowment in three forms from which the 
 trustees should choose, viz : in Lincoln real estate, in 
 notes amounting to $25,000 with good security and 
 bearing 7% interest or sixty-five Bethany lots. The 
 Bethany lots were chosen. The lots could be sold but 
 the proceeds were to be placed in an endowment fund 
 of which only the interest could be used. In appre- 
 ciation of this generous gift, the department supported 
 
Tiie Healization of the Dream 67 
 
 by it, was to be known as the ''Briscoe Bible Chair." 
 This was a noble act on the part of Mr. Briscoe. Per- 
 haps no man had a stronger desire to assist the youth 
 of Nebraska in their quest for truth than he. Firm 
 and outspoken in his opposition to infidelity, he was 
 very anxious to foster true religion. Mr. Briscoe was 
 given the privilege of naming the head of the depart- 
 ment during his life. At death this right was to be 
 granted to his wife or to his daughter. Miss Florence 
 Briscoe. During the entire existence of the Briscoe 
 Bible Chair it was ably occupied by Dr. W. P. Ayls- 
 worth. 
 
 During the first few years the new^ institution laid 
 great emphasis upon the Bible as the g'reatest of text 
 books. This was entirely natural. Among all people 
 religious controversy was very intense. The promoters 
 of the small college felt that the state schools and 
 large institutions were places where infidelity was 
 taught and encouraged. It was an epoch of religious 
 debate and denominationalism. On the other hand, it 
 was a period when some openly upheld infidelity. Peo- 
 ple were roughly divided into two factions, the religious 
 and non-religious. The former upheld the small col- 
 lege, the latter the state institutions. The small col- 
 le.ofe and its religious following charged the state school 
 with infidelity, while they on their part were criticized 
 for their lack of intellectuality, their small laboratories 
 and libraries. 
 
 In 1893, Porter Hedge said, "Education in secular 
 schools has given us few persons thoroughly conse- 
 crated to the work of the church, but rather has led 
 them away from this work." A year later a similar 
 idea was expressed by President Dungan : "Some way 
 it has gotten into the minds of many persons that Cot- 
 ner University is a kind of seminary whose ability is 
 exhausted in preparing students for the State Univer- 
 
68 History of Cotner University 
 
 sity. We ask such persons to compare the curriculums 
 of Cotner and that of the State University. If they 
 will, they will find that in literature and science they 
 differ but little from that institution. Professor 
 Harper, president of the University of Chicago, ac- 
 cepts our graduates upon the same basis as those grad- 
 uated from the State University." 
 
 .lih-'-yif: x-"%:. 
 
 Where School Began 
 
 Christian University would have been impossible 
 without this spirit of religious zeal. Otherwise stu- 
 dents would have attended the State University be- 
 cause of its better equipment and its freedom from 
 tuition. In fact, if one removes the religious factor, 
 the denominational college has little reason for exist- 
 ence. The state school to-day is not pronounced in its 
 opposition to the church, nor do those who hold relig- 
 ious beliefs consider it the home of infidelity. 
 
 Upon Tuesday, September 30, 1888, thirty young 
 
The Realization of the Dream 69 
 
 people buoyant with anticipaton, cast a final look of 
 scorn upon ignorance and turned in search of the hid- 
 den treasures of knowledge. The university building 
 was not completed until the new year, but school was 
 begun in one of the residence houses built by the trus- 
 tees, now known as the old ''Demarest home." Mr. 
 Arthur Munson was the first young man to register, 
 while Miss Alice Gadd (now Mrs. A. D. Harmon) has 
 the distinction of being the first young ladj^ student. 
 
 The day of greatest anticipation is the one upon 
 which youth first crosses the threshold of college ; the 
 four years spent therein are among the happiest of life ; 
 the day of graduation among the saddest and loneliest ; 
 for then one bids farewell to youth, to undertake the 
 the tasks of men in a great, busy world. Goodbye is 
 reverently spoken to college classmates and friends; 
 the doors of the college to you are closed. But upon 
 entrance, one is only dreaming the dreams of youth, 
 not seeing the visions of men. The little band of stu- 
 dents began their work. But as a house is not merely 
 four square walls, so a university is not simply build- 
 ings, laboratories and libraries. It is teachers and 
 students as well. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 Bennett Academy and Kindred Ventures 
 The greatness of the dream of the founders of Chris- 
 tian University is indicated by the fact that they were 
 ''desirous of establishing one or more educational insti- 
 tutions."^ No attempt was ever made by them, how- 
 ever, to establish a second college or university; but 
 an academy was maintained at Bennett, Nebraska, 
 and attempts were made to secure several other build- 
 ings for similar school purposes. 
 
 Bennett was a village of a few hundred inhabitants, 
 located eighteen miles southwest of Lincoln, where 
 Prof. F. W. Scott owned and managed a school known 
 as Union Seminary. The Board of Trustees, anxious 
 to establish academies as ''feeders" for the central 
 university, purchased this property, consisting of the 
 building all furnished for school purposes, and a five- 
 acre tract of land. The amount paid for the property 
 was $2,275 in Bethany real estate, and $108.33 in cash; 
 the new owners to receive the benefit of outstanding 
 pledges to the amount of $1100. 
 
 The name of the school was changed to Bennett 
 Academy. In the fall of 1890, it began its career in 
 rather an unpropitious manner, having four teachers 
 and four students.- Professor George E. Jones of Kent, 
 Iowa, became the principal and Miss Ella Dungan of 
 Des Moines, the assistant; the salaries were $800 and 
 $450 respectively. Before the end of the year Miss 
 Dungan was succeeded by Miss Kathleen Hearn, as 
 assistant principal. Miss Florence Baker was the in- 
 structor in music and Miss Lulu Murphy instructor in 
 
 lArticles of Incorporation filed in County Clerk's office April 
 12 1888. 
 
 -Number of students: First year, 26; second year, 63; third 
 year, 52; fourth year, 52; fifth year, 79 
 
Bennett Academy and Kindred Ventures 71 
 
 art. The new school soon gained the confidence and 
 respect of the community and by the end of the first 
 year twenty-six were enrolled in all departments. That 
 there was an increasing interest and appreciation of 
 the efficient work done, was made manifest by the fact 
 that sixty-three students were enrolled during the sec- 
 ond year. 
 
 Bennett Academy made substantial progress until 
 the fifth year, when the Nebraska Christian Educa- 
 tional Board was forced, by stringent financial circum- 
 stances, to withdraw its support. Professor Jones was 
 the only member of the original f acultj^ then remaining, 
 being assisted by E. D. Harris and two young men, E. J. 
 Thomson and G. H. Knox. A decrease in attendance 
 might have been expected during the year, but the in- 
 terest in the newly introduced commercial course offset 
 any depreciation and gave the school a larger student 
 body than it had had in any preceeding year. The 
 sixth, and last year of the Academy was begun with 
 Mr. Paul Goss as principal. His work continued for 
 only ten weeks. With his resignation the history of 
 Bennett Academy comes to an end. The existence of 
 the Academy was brief, but the character of the work 
 done was creditable. Sixteen individuals count them- 
 selves alumni^ of this school that now lives only in 
 memory. 
 
 It is interesting to read in the proceedings of the 
 Trustees, proposals of two similar ventures. The rec- 
 ords for April 6, 1891, say, ''Rev. Mr. Hilton of Crete, 
 
 lAlumni of Bennett Academy 
 
 Class of '93— Geo. W. Eggleston, Jr., Ella Hartley, Lulu Hiatt, 
 Howard M. McPherson, Anna Moore, A. D. Southwick. 
 
 Class of '94 — Ella Hall, Remona Harper, Louise Hartzell, 
 Tyre Jones, Ora Seely, Emma Smith. 
 
 Class of '95 — L. V. Flowers, Emmet J. Thomson, Grace Hon- 
 nor, Delia Smith. 
 
72 History of Cotner University 
 
 was present and presented the matter of establishing 
 a school at Bartley, Red Willow county, Nebraska, 
 where a foundation worth $12,000 is already in, and 
 a plan which could be completed for $15,000, with 
 seven hundred and fifty acres of land promised as a 
 donation. No action taken."^ The minutes for Sep- 
 tember 3, 1891, refer to the second proposed venture: 
 ''J. Z. Briscoe was appointed to examine into the mat- 
 ter of the school at Republican City and decide whether 
 or not it would be w^ell to purchase it."- No further 
 record regarding these ventures is to be found. Time 
 has dimmed the memory of the only men remaining 
 who would in any wise be capable of recalling the why 
 and wherefore of these past events. Thus we are left 
 to wonder or conjecture as to the reason for their fail- 
 ure. 
 
 During this buoyant period of progress another plan- 
 that was contemplated, but never realized, was the 
 establishment of a law college.'^ This would undoubt- 
 edly have been too great an undertaking, involving too 
 enormous an expense, for the young university. 
 
 One of the hopes that was realized, however, was 
 the establishment of a medical college. A committee 
 from the Nebraska Eclectic Medical Society met with 
 the Board of Trustees May 27, 1889, to discuss the 
 feasibility of establishing a medical department in 
 Christian University. The committee consisted of 
 Doctors W. S. Latta and R. L. Bentley. It was not until 
 the following March, however, that definite action was 
 taken. A number of the leading Lincoln doctors,'^ had 
 
 iRecord Book of Board Proceedings pp. 223. 
 ^Record Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 266. 
 ^Record Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 222. 
 4W. S. Latta, R. L. Bentley, J. B. Keys, A. I. Root, Wm. Mc- 
 Intyre, J. H. Woodward. 
 
Bennett Academy and Kindred Ventures 73 
 
 formulated a plan which was at this time presented to 
 the trustees of the university. The essential points of 
 their plan were as follows : 
 
 1. That the Medical College should be a department 
 of Christian University. 
 
 2. That the Medical department should be self-sus- 
 taining. 
 
 3. The trustees should provide suitable rooms fully 
 equipped for medical work. 
 
 4. The university trustees should be given the priv- 
 ilege of removing any professor and should have the 
 authority to elect a successor upon the nomination of 
 the Medical College faculty. 
 
 This plan was accepted, and the Medical School was 
 opened in the fall of 1890, in rooms on the fourth floor 
 of the university building. A few years later, having 
 outgrown its original home, the Medical College was 
 moved to Lincoln, At the close of the year 1911 its 
 name was changed from ''Lincoln Medical College of 
 Cotner University" to ''Cotner University Medical Col- 
 lege." At the present time there is practically no affil- 
 iation between the Medical College and Cotner Univer- 
 sity, the separation taking place in 1913. 
 
 During its early years the Medical College was han- 
 dicapped because it was an eclectic institution. This 
 was something new to the western medical world and 
 men of the old school opposed it. It was impossible 
 to fill all positions on the faculty with men holding 
 the new view. This caused more or less friction. Jeal- 
 ousy among the medical men has often constituted a 
 disturbing influence. The school has had many "ups 
 and downs," but with all its difficulties, many men of 
 unquestionable character and distinction in the med- 
 ical world, give this institution credit for making them 
 what they are. 
 
74 History of Cotner University 
 
 Many changes have been made in length of time 
 required for graduation from the medical school. At 
 the beginning it consisted of a three year course of six 
 months each. The following year the term was in- 
 creased to seven months, instead of six. Another 
 change was made in 1896, when it became a four year 
 course of six months each. Still there seemed to be 
 need of more time and in 1900 the school year was ex- 
 tended to seven months. At present the professional 
 degree is given only upon the completion of satisfac- 
 tory work for four years of eight months each. 
 
 The Alumni Association of the Medical College 
 numbers two hundred and forty-nine members. It 
 can boast of having practicing physicians in nineteen 
 states of the union, one in the United States navy,^ 
 and three in India-. The school has just reason to be 
 proud of the record its graduates are making. 
 
 The close relationship between the medical and den- 
 tal professions, and the fact that dentistry is really a 
 part of the medical and surgical course, led to the 
 establishment of the Lincoln Dental College of Cotner 
 University. This new department was initiated in 
 September, 1899. The prime instigators of the new 
 movement were W. Clyde Davis, M. D., D. D. S., dean 
 of the new college ; Clifford R. Teft, M. D., secretary, 
 and H. A. Shannon, D. D. S., president of the executive 
 board. Each of these men also filled a prominent place 
 in the teaching staff. 
 
 The length of time required for graduation was the 
 same as that for graduation from the Medical College. 
 The first graduate exercises were held in 1901. The 
 first graduate was a Japanese by the name of Kuski 
 
 iSanky Bacon, '05. 
 
 ^Dr. C. C. Drummond, '96, Harda, India: Dr. Howard R. Mur- 
 phy, '12, Midnapore, India; Dr. Bertha Mangon Thomson, '13, 
 Mahoba, India, 
 
Bennett Academy and Kindred Ventures 75 
 
 Kumamoto. After a short period the relationship of 
 the Dental College with Cotner University was ended, 
 the Dental College becoming affiliated with the State 
 University. It is known to-day as the Lincoln Dental 
 College. 
 
 Many are the departments of education into which 
 Cotner has gone, her ventures have been many, her real 
 failures few. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 A Friend and a New Name 
 
 We cannot go further with our history without tel- 
 ling you, kind reader, of the name the university is 
 proud to wear, a name that has been echoed and re- 
 echoed over many an athletic field, one that many a 
 student speaks with pride, a name that has touched the 
 world — ^^the name, Cotner. Her graduates are found 
 in the sunny south, and in the pine clad hills of the 
 north; upon New England's rugged shore, and on the 
 western slope where rolls the Oregon ; and even more, 
 for their voices speak from across the sea. 
 
 "A friend in need is a friend indeed." One of the 
 quiet, reserved men, who was a member of the Board 
 of Trustees, who could be counted upon in times of 
 distress, was Samuel Cotner^ of Omaha. It is a pecul- 
 iar coincidence that the two greatest friends of this 
 university were relatives. J. Z. Briscoe, who gave 
 time, thought and money to the institution during its 
 creative stage, was ably seconded in the later period 
 by Samuel Cotner. his brother-in-law. 
 
 There are many ways of doing good in the world. 
 Some are eloquent, speaking from pulpit or platform; 
 some are sympathetic, radiating kindness and 
 cheer, while others give of their wealth. The last 
 way was used by Mr. Cotner in assisting Nebraska 
 Christian University. 
 
 1 Samuel Cotner was the youngest of a family of thirteen chil- 
 dren, eleven boys and two girls. His mother died when he was 
 three years old and his father seven years later. His education 
 was secured in the common schools. Upon leaving Indiana in 
 1866, Mr. Cotner came to Nebraska, settling in Douglas county 
 where he lived until his death. He was widely known in Ne- 
 braska business circles. Mr. Cotner was at one time president of 
 
A New Friend and a Neiv Name 77 
 
 Not long after its beginning financial pressure began 
 to weigh upon the trustees of Cotner University. Ad- 
 joining the land owned by the university was a tract 
 of fifty-five acres of land, which it was felt would be of 
 great value, if it could be secured. Samuel Cotner 
 now proved himself a real friend to the university. 
 Mrs. Cotner tells how they decided to purchase this 
 tract of land and give it to the university. ''You know 
 Mr. Cotner was a very quiet, unassuming man. He 
 never occupied any public place in life but was much 
 interested in state affairs always questioning right 
 and wrong. When the State University was graduat- 
 ing infidels and our people were aroused for the safety 
 of their sons and daughters, and were striving to com- 
 plete and put on a permanent basis our own university, 
 Mr. Cotner took up the matter v/ith me. (We never 
 did things alone, one always helped the other.) In 
 the course of our conversation he said, there is a tract 
 of fifty -five acres near the university; if they could 
 buy it, it would help them out. I said, I wish we could 
 buy it and give it to them. He replied, if you like we 
 will do so, and we at once began to plan toward that 
 end. I cannot write of these plans and the pleasure 
 we took in them.''^ 
 
 one of the South Omaha banks and was engaged extensively in 
 the live stock commission business. At the time of his death he 
 was general agent of the Banker's Life Insurance Company of 
 Lincoln. The marriage of Mr. Cotner and Miss Sarah Briscoe 
 took place at Burnettsville, Indiana, October 11, 1861. Miss 
 Briscoe was at that time a teacher in the Burnettsville Normal 
 School. Mrs. Cotner was a g-reat counsel and co-worker with 
 Mr. Cotner in all his educational and business undertakings. 
 TTieir golden wedding anniversary was celebrated on October 
 11, 1911. Mr. Cotner was born at Logansport, Ind., June 2, 1842, 
 and died at the same place April 5, 1912. Mr. Cotner had gone 
 to Logansport to visit his aged sister. While his death was 
 sudden and unexpected, it is a joy to know that he had filled out 
 the limits of a ripe age; that his life had been useful and hon- 
 orable. 
 
 iPersonal letter from Mrs. Cotner of Jan. 15, 1915. 
 
78 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 This tract of land was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. 
 Cotner for $12,000 and given to the University. It 
 was a noble gift, coming from generous hearts. It was 
 just what the new, struggling school needed. Her 
 resources were becoming almost exhausted, for the 
 expense of building and equipping such a big enter- 
 
 Samuel Cotner 
 
 prise was enormous. The records of the university 
 show this resolution as being passed April 28, 1890 : 
 ''Inasmuch as Brother and Sister Samuel Cotner of 
 Omaha have signified their intention to aid the uni- 
 versity to the extent of $12,000 in the purchase of 
 property, which shall be worth to the university about 
 $40,000, be it resolved by the executive committee of 
 
A New Friend and a New Name 79 
 
 the board now in session that the name Cotner Uni- 
 versity be tendered to them ; the same to be published 
 as soon as they shall indicate their acceptance of the 
 name 'Cotner University' and their willingness to com- 
 ply with the required conditions. This resolution con- 
 templates that the first catalogue of the institution, to 
 be issued in a few weeks, shall bear the name Cotner 
 University."^ This motion was unanimously adopted. 
 Thus, the institution begun as Nebraska Christian Uni- 
 versity obtained a new friend and a new name. Since 
 that time the school has always been known as Cotner. 
 
 Mr. Cotner gave to the university fifty-five acres of 
 land, almost one-sixth as much as the original dona- 
 tion. It was located in what is now South Bethany. 
 The camp ground, where the Nebraska Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society often holds its yearly meeting, is on 
 one corner of it. The trustees estimated the land 
 worth $40,000 to them. It was all the more valuable 
 because it was given at an opportune time. The sale 
 of lots was becoming quite difficult and this addi- 
 tion of land gave new impetus to the whole project. 
 
 Mr. Cotner was always keenly interested in educa- 
 tional affairs. Just after coming to Nebraska he 
 taught school on the site now occupied by Bellevue Col- 
 lege. In these early days he was one of the most 
 ardent of those who fought for more thorough train- 
 ing and for the development of a higher system of edu- 
 cation. By his gift to Cotner he was able to carry 
 out a life long desire. During the hard times of the 
 nineties his fortune was swept away, preventing him 
 from giving to the school the further aid he had 
 planned, but his interests and sympathy grew keener 
 as the years passed. 
 
 iRecord book of Board Proceedings, pp. 162. 
 
80 History of Cotner University 
 
 Mrs. Cotner was equally desirous of assisting the 
 cause of Christian education and shared with Mr. 
 Cotner the joy which comes as a result of giving. Since 
 his death Mrs. Cotner has given to the trustees $500 
 to apply on the endowment fund of Cotner University. 
 This was a part of the money received from a small 
 insurance policy on Mr. Cotner's life. Mrs. Cotner 
 now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, and whenever she 
 is in Lincoln she never fails to make a visit to Cotner 
 University. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 The Crisis 
 
 Even though the strictest economy is practiced by 
 denominational schools, years lapse into quarter and 
 half centuries, and often a new century dawns before 
 they are properly endowed and financial struggles 
 cease. The financial history of every college, fostered 
 by religion is the presentation of a like story of fail- 
 ures and successes. Cotner's story is no exception to 
 this general rule. 
 
 While Cotner was still in its youth, real anxiety was 
 shown as to the financial outcome of the movement. 
 In order to understand clearly the crisis which almost 
 wrecked the school in its eighth year, it is necessary 
 to trace the financial history from the beginning of the 
 school. 
 
 The source of all income for the support of the 
 school was derived from the sale of land. No effort 
 was made to secure cash donations. All money re- 
 ceived from land sales was placed in the general fund 
 and used for building and other purposes. No land 
 or money was reserved primarily for an endowment. 
 The original donation of land amounted to three hun- 
 dred and twenty-one acres and eighteen lots. The lots 
 being located in different parts of Lincoln. This total 
 included a donation of ten acres from Charles M. Leigh- 
 ton. Before it was finally deeded to the trustees of 
 Cotner University he offered to sell them, one hundred 
 and fifty lots of the usual size, and five lots of one acre 
 each, at the price of 12,400, provided the Trustees 
 would cancel his original donation of ten acres. This 
 was considered a good proposition by the Board and 
 
82 History of Cotner University 
 
 was accepted. The Leighton addition lay two blocks 
 north and three blocks west of the northwest corner of 
 the campus. The Trustees also purchased of E. T. 
 Gadd for $3525 twenty-three and one-half lots in 
 Townsend and Gadd addition. This land was located 
 between the Leighton addition and the rest of the uni- 
 versity property. In the spring of 1889 a generous 
 gift of fifty-five acres was received from Samuel Cot- 
 ner. The total amount of land donated to, and pur- 
 chased by, the Trustees of Cotner University was three 
 hundred and eighty acres, and eighteen lots in Lincoln 
 and twenty-three and one-half lots in Bethany. This 
 acreage did not include the sixty-five lots given to them 
 by J. Z. Briscoe for the maintenance of the Bible Chair 
 in the university. The proceeds from the sale of these 
 lots, however, were not to be placed in the general fund 
 but were to be reserved as an endowment for the 
 Briscoe Bible Chair. 
 
 During the first three years a lack of money did not 
 retard the progress of Cotner University. From the 
 beginning to August 26, 1890, one hundred and eighty- 
 eight and one-half acres of Bethany real estate had 
 been sold for $100,295. ''Of the original donation of 
 land to the Board for the location of a university we 
 have remaining one hundred thirty-two and one-half 
 acres and eighteen suburban lots."^ From the Leighton 
 addition, property had been sold to the amount of 
 $29,325. According to the listed price there still re- 
 mained unsold $3,475 worth of lots. This gave them 
 a net profit on the Leighton transaction of $16,925, 
 besides the unsold lots. From the Gadd purchase, there 
 had been lots sold to the amount of $1,125. 
 
 The total expenditures for the year 1889 were 
 $73,729.99. A year later they had increased to 
 
 iProceedings of 23rd annual Christian Missionary convention^ 
 pp. 12. 
 
The Crisis 83 
 
 $93,373.95. In this expense was included the cost of 
 the building and its furnishings, together with the cost 
 of maintaining the school for the first year. In ad- 
 dition to the above amount a dormitory had been 
 erected at a cost of $4,373.02 and thirteen dwelling 
 houses costing $17,645.42. There was a mortgage of 
 $13,600 placed upon these houses and the lots which 
 they occupied. In noting the assets and liabilities for 
 the first years one readily discerns the greater balance 
 to be upon the side of the assets. All bills contracted 
 (except the mortgages upon the thirteen houses) for 
 the building, campus, dormitory, etc., were paid in full. 
 There were no outstanding obligations unpaid. This 
 great university was dedicated free from all debt. Suf- 
 ficient land had been sold to meet all expenditures ; the 
 only handicap lay in the fact that all were not cash 
 sales. The terms upon which lots were sold were ''one- 
 fourth cash, the balance at eight per cent interest or 
 will arrange with the purchaser." As has already 
 been said, all money was secured from the sale of 
 land. Lots had been sold in large numbers. Payments 
 were made in bankable notes for about three-fourths 
 of this total sum or in other words, three-fourths of 
 the returns from land sales were in notes. Of course 
 the amount of cash received was not sufficient to pay 
 the obligations of the university so these personal notes 
 were sold, but before anyone would purchase them, 
 they were personally endorsed by the members of the 
 Board of Trustees and by the finance committee, con- 
 sisting of J. Z. Briscoe, C. C. Munson, C. R. Van Duyn 
 and Porter Hedge. Mr. Hedge says, 'The local mem- 
 bers of the Board, or a majority of them, have endorsed 
 all notes negotiated by the University Board in order 
 to make them saleable and have cast in their fortune 
 with the fortune of the university, to rise or fall with 
 
84 History of Cotner University 
 
 it. We ask you for your sympathy and support and 
 we will have no fear of the results." 
 
 In 1891, anxiety was beginning to show itself, be- 
 cause the purchasers of lots were not meeting their 
 payments. By 1892, real alarm was manifested and a 
 special meeting of the University Board was called 
 to devise the best plan for meeting the existing finan- 
 cial pressure. At this meeting, Professor Aylsworth 
 proposed to do something ''substantial."^ President 
 Dungan offered to be one of fifty persons to give $1000 
 each toward relieving the financial stress of the uni- 
 versity. C. B. Newnan, pastor of the First Christian 
 Church of Lincoln, and W. P. Aylsworth agreed to do 
 the same. This was the first time the suggestion of 
 taking pledges had been made. The attempt, however, 
 was doomed to failure. 
 
 The situation looked very discouraging for the uni- 
 versity. The plan of the founders rested wholly upon 
 the returns from land sales. When the buyers could 
 not pay because of hard times it seemed that the plan 
 was unsuccessful. The purchasers of the lots were 
 really the builders of the university and they could 
 not meet their obligations. The next question was, 
 would those who endorsed their notes be able to meet 
 the obligation ; if not the university must go. The per- 
 sonal property belonging to the men who had endorsed 
 these notes was now in danger. They could have 
 avoided this personal risk by mortgaging the univer- 
 sity but rather than encumber it, they assumed the 
 risk. 
 
 As a last resort in the attempt to better conditions, 
 it was decided to exchange Bethany lots for farms 
 upon which there were some improvements. The 
 Trustees were to ''take land with incumbrance, pro- 
 vided, the purchaser will take property enough to give 
 
 iRecord bock of Board Proceedings, pp. 284. 
 
The Crisis 85 
 
 a mortgage back to the Board of the same amount as 
 that assumed by the Board on the land purchased."^ 
 The farms were to be rented for one-third of the crop, 
 delivered at the market. Ultimately they hoped to dis- 
 pose of the land at a fair profit, having disposed of 
 their town lots in the transaction. Five per cent com- 
 mission was given to J. Z. Briscoe for making the 
 exchange of property. This plan involved the Board 
 in an extensive real estate business. By 1893 the 
 estimated value of their farm equity was $37,000. 
 Farm property, however, proved to be no better asset 
 than Bethany lots had been. The mortgages upon 
 farms, which had been assumed, must be paid. By this 
 time the indebtedness of the university had reached 
 $38,755.37. They were now desirous of selling the 
 farms and meeting their obligations, but were unable 
 to do so because of the ''hard times" of the nineties. 
 
 The financial embarrassment became more intense. 
 The Board of Trustees held personal notes amounting 
 to $25,000, but considered $9,000 of it as v/orthless 
 paper. Collections were very difficult, sales were im- 
 possible and yet obligations must be rnet. In October, 
 1893, the indebtedness was $50,000.- To meet this 
 demand the Board, in compliance with the statutes of 
 Nebraska, authorized the issue of bonds to the amount 
 of fifty thousand dollars in series of five hundred dol- 
 lars each."'^ A trust deed upon the university campus, 
 building, and one hundred and thirty-four lots was 
 given to the Globe Loan and Trust Company of Omaha, 
 for the purpose of securing these bonds. The Board 
 hoped in this way to gain time and ultimately to save 
 the university. 
 
 The final outcome was just opposite to what they had 
 
 iRecord book of Board Proceedings, pp. 264. 
 -Record Book of Board Proceedings, pp. S38. 
 •"Record Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 339. 
 
S6 History of Cotner University 
 
 hoped. The financial panic swept the entire country. 
 The creditors secured judgments against the property 
 of the persons who had bought lots and given their 
 notes in payment. This was not sufficient to meet 
 their claims because all values, particularly land, had 
 greatly depreciated. Deficiency judgments were then 
 secured against the property of the finance committee 
 from the Board of Trustees. It was in this way that 
 J. Z, Briscoe and others lost heavily. As this was 
 still insufficient the university building and property 
 were taken. This property was all taken to pay the 
 creditors because of the decrease in land values. As 
 an illustration of this fact, lots that sold for $250 be- 
 fore the panic sold for $25 afterward. 
 
 To equip and man a college is as much a business 
 proposition as to equip and man a steel mill or a de- 
 partment store. At the outset Cotner University had 
 but one acting head, a president. It was the duty of 
 this man to be the presiding officer of the faculty and 
 to have the general oversight and management of the 
 school. The title given to the individual in this posi- 
 tion was that of president. The president and the 
 Board of Trustees shared together the responsibility 
 of the financial situation. It was felt, however, that 
 if a competent man could be secured, whose sole work 
 would be that of devising a plan for the adequate 
 financing of the school, conditions would be greatly 
 improved. With this end in view the office of chancel- 
 lor was created and A. E. Jennings was called to fill the 
 position.^ 
 
 Mr. Jennings accepted the call and began at once a 
 careful investigation of the existing conditions. In his 
 
 lA. E. Jennings was a resident of Ann Arbor, Mich. He had 
 shown a keen interest in the educational movement of the Chris- 
 tian church in the west He was chosen Chancellor of Cotner 
 with the hc'pe that he could secure help from the wealthy men 
 of the east. 
 
The Crisis 87 
 
 report, given on June 12, 1894, he found for the school 
 year just closed, a deficit of $12,725. ''Investigation 
 shows we have been running behind on an average 
 of $10,000 a year for four years. "^ The total debt 
 was $75,000 ; of this total there were farm obli- 
 gations amounting to $15,000. The Articles of Incor- 
 poration permitted a debt of but $50,000. Mr. Jennings 
 said : ''There are two ways out of the difficulty. First, 
 amend our charter to allow more indebtedness ; second^ 
 devise some way to come within our limit. I cannot 
 under any circumstances recommend the former. "- 
 
 The assets of the university were also carefully 
 noted. He found it impossible to get accurate informa- 
 tion as to the amount due the university. His report 
 gives the assets as amounting to $312,000." 
 
 According to the findings of Mr, Jennings the assets 
 were far in excess of the liabilities but regardless of 
 the value of the assets the Board was unable to turn 
 any of it into money. On a whole Mr. Jennings' work 
 was satisfactory, but owing to the dual headship 
 there was more or less friction. President Dungan 
 showing a somewhat jealous spirit toward Mr. 
 Jennings. At the end of the first year, in which Mr» 
 Jennings had canvassed for pledges, his resignation 
 was tendered and accepted. From this time on the 
 head of the school was to be known as chancellor and 
 Mr. Dungan was to fill this position. 
 
 It seemed that every hope had vanished. The uni- 
 versity was in the hands of creditors. All plans of 
 relief had failed. The indebtedness was daily increas- 
 ing. Must the school close and the property be turned 
 over to the creditors? 
 
 iRecord Book. 
 
 -Record Book, 
 
 •'Assets according: to the Jennings report: Building- $85,000; 
 Campus, $40,000; Lots, $98,000; Farms, $50,000; Notes and 
 Mortgages, $39,000. Total, $312,000. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 The School in Jeopardy 
 
 Cotner University was now in jeopardy, but the men 
 who loved the school were not going to let it go with- 
 out another effort to save it. During these dark years 
 one of the most hopeful propositions was made by 
 Mr. F. M. Call of St. Louis, Missouri, The founders 
 of Cotner realized that the school could not continue 
 without an endowment and in their efforts to provide 
 such, Mr. Call had been solicited a j^ear or so before 
 the panic. Being greatly interested in the higher 
 educational movement, he promised to respond with a 
 gift of $50,000. Before this plan could be consum- 
 mated, however, the panic had swept over the entire 
 country. 
 
 The indebtedness was rapidly increasing. Mr. Call 
 was solicited to see if the form of his proposed gift 
 could not be changed and used to save the university 
 from creditors. This agreement was finally reached: 
 Mr. Call was to give $50,000 which was to be used to 
 pay off the indebtedness and thus save the school, pro- 
 vided the Trustees would deed him all the university 
 property, valued at over $300,000, as a guarantee that 
 as soon as the financial outlook of the country bright- 
 ened, the Board of Trustees would raise $50,000 for 
 an endowment fund. This would mean virtually the 
 same as Mr. Call giving that amount for an endow- 
 ment and would serve the additional purpose of saving 
 the university. It must be remembered that the finan- 
 cial conditions were such that the creditors would 
 very soon take the property. There seemed to be no 
 way available to meet this indebtedness and unless 
 the university could be relieved of this burden an en- 
 
The School in Jeopardy 89 
 
 dowment would be futile. This indeed seemed a happy 
 remedy for two ills, viz : the relieving of the debt and 
 the securing of an endowment fund. 
 
 Another part of the agreement required the chang- 
 ing of the name from Cotner to Call University. Mr. 
 Cotner was consulted regarding this anticipated change 
 and true to his generous disposition he told the Board 
 to do whatever was best for the future of the school. 
 It was hoped and felt, however, that when Mr. Call 
 should arrive and be made acquainted with the cir- 
 cumstances he would accept the name, Call-Cotner Uni- 
 verstiy. 
 
 No one thought it impossible to raise $50^000 for 
 an endowment as soon as financial conditions again 
 became normal. As soon as this money should be 
 raised, Mr. Call agreed to return to the university all 
 the property which it had deeded to him. A contract 
 embodying these ideas had been drawn and lacked only 
 the signatures of the contracting parties to make it 
 binding. Excerpts from the contract show how care- 
 fully all the details had been worked out. ''This article 
 of agreement entered into this 10th day of April, A. D. 
 1895, by and between the Nebraska Christian Educa- 
 tional Board of Lancaster county, Nebraska, party of 
 the first part, and F. M. Call of Saint Louis, Missouri, 
 party of the second part, witnesseth : That in consid- 
 eration of the payment and covenants hereinafter men- 
 tioned to be made and performed, the party of the first 
 part will convey and assure to the party of the sec- 
 ond part, in fee simple, clear of all encumbrances what- 
 soever by good and sufficient warrantj^ deed all proper- 
 ty owned by the University. ''The party of the first part 
 further agrees that on and after the signing of this 
 agreement the name of the institution shall be Call 
 University. The party of the second part hereby 
 agrees that the University shall be under the control 
 
90 History of Cotner University 
 
 and management of The Nebraska Christian Educa- 
 tional Board the same as though these covenants had 
 never been entered into, and to deed to purchasers any 
 of the vacant lots at the request of the said first party. 
 And at any time that the said party of the first part 
 shall have freed itself from all debts and liability, and 
 secure and furnish Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) 
 as endowment to said university in addition to its 
 present resources, party of the second part shall deed 
 back to party of the first part, free and clear of all 
 encumbrances whatsoever, said University, Campus 
 and buildings. Dormitory and Hospital with grounds 
 and furnishings thereunto belonging to all buildings. 
 The party of the second part also agrees to execute 
 a deed of all property conveyed as mentioned above to 
 party of the first part, and place said deed in the hands 
 of his administrator or his executor with instructions 
 to deliver to party of the first part in case of decease of 
 party of the second part." 
 
 Before the final execution of the plan it was neces- 
 sary to obtain the sanction of the creditors. This was 
 easily secured, together with liberal reductions on their 
 part. A meeting of the Board of Trustees was called, 
 to which the creditors and Mr. F. M. Call were in- 
 vited. Inasmuch as President Dungan had been influ- 
 ential in interesting Mr. Call in Cotner University, he 
 was also present. The meeting assembled and all 
 parties were hopeful. There was not the slightest 
 thought of failure in bringing about the desired re- 
 sults. It is unfortunate that the historian must record 
 things as they were, rather than as it was hoped they 
 would be. The whole proposition suddenly collapsed 
 and Cotner lost the chances of receiving the $50,000. 
 Just what influences caused Mr. Call to withdraw his 
 proffered gift will probably never be known. Un- 
 doubtedly, by talking and investigating, Mr. Call 
 
The School in Jeopardy 91 
 
 learned that the financial circumstances of the school 
 were very doubtful. Whatever the cause he returned 
 to St. Louis and no renewal of negotiations was at- 
 tempted on either his part or that of the university. 
 
 Mr. Charles R. Van Dnyn was the "all purpose" man 
 of the university. It w^as his duty to look after its 
 many varied interests. In his report given in June, 
 1895, the real condition of the university is presented. 
 'This has been one of the most busy, anxious and labor- 
 ious years of my life. I have acted in the capacity of 
 correspondent, collecter, bookkeeper, secretary, treas- 
 urer, etc. . It has required a great deal of time, both 
 by correspondence and personal interview, to keep our 
 creditors from bringing suits and closing us out to sat- 
 isfy their claims. I here mention, very briefly, a few 
 things that have been done. I made settlement with 
 Bro. A. E. Jennings and secured the $1,000 donation 
 on his salary which he agreed to give if a satisfactory 
 arrangement could be made with him within ten days 
 after his resignation. J. M. Howie v^^as employed to 
 assist in keeping the accounts ; but in one month he re- 
 signed his position and I have done that part of the 
 work myself, saving the Board thereby $510.00. Prof. 
 F. E. Haughey resigned his position one month before 
 his time expired which saved us $10.95. I made set- 
 tlement with Noah and Margaret L. Weaver and thus 
 relieved the Board of $500.00 judgment. Collected 
 notes for Miles and Thompson and the Fremont Loan 
 and Trust Co., on which the Board is endorser, to the 
 amount of $4,173.85, and received $64,40 fees for col- 
 lecting the same which the Board gets credit for on my 
 salary. I donated one-half of the expense ($27.50) 
 for telephone services during the time we used the 
 phone. December 1st, we discontinued the service of 
 the telephone which cut off the expense of $10.00 per 
 month. I spent five weeks in Illinois in company with 
 
92 History of Cotner University 
 
 D. R. Dungan to try to sell our lands; but owing to 
 successive failures of crops for two years in Nebraska, 
 it was impossible to interest investors. We exchanged 
 the equities on three farms in Custer county, Nebr., 
 amounting to $395.88, on coal bill and to provide for 
 coal this year. This exchange was made with J. E. 
 Lowery of Lincoln. Foreclosure suits are commenced 
 on several of our farms. In all these cases, I have 
 asked for a stay of nine months and it has been 
 granted. The time of redemption has about expired on 
 one of them ; we have some time on all others. It has 
 been almost impossible to make collections on our per- 
 sonal notes or pledges, owing to the uncertain condition 
 of our institution. I have looked after the building 
 to keep it in repair and in as good condition as pos- 
 sible."! 
 
 According to Mr. Van Duyn's report, the liabilities 
 of the university were $98,089.29, the assets $313,- 
 524.63. But values had so greatly depreciated that it 
 was impossible to secure money from any source. 
 Foreclosures were constantly being made upon uni- 
 versity property. The salaries of the faculty rem.ained 
 unpaid. In order to save the teachers from complete 
 loss, bills of sale were made out, giving them the fur- 
 niture, desks and other articles in their respective 
 rooms. 
 
 It was now thought wise to give the chancellor more 
 authority. ''He was to have the sole power of nomin- 
 ating his co-workers in the faculty," subject to the 
 approval of the Board, they still having the right to 
 elect a chancellor. 
 
 The Christian Educational Board was helpless. Not 
 even the running expenses of the school could be paid. 
 The chancellor and faculty were at this juncture given 
 entire charge of the university, receiving the free use 
 
 iRecord Book of Board Proceedings, pp. 398. 
 
The School in Jeopardy 93 
 
 and control of the building and all income from tuition 
 and endowment. They must pay all expenses incurred 
 and then prorate the balance in proportion to the 
 amount of salary agreed upon, which was to be accepted 
 as full compensation. 
 
 These changes meant an entire reorganization with 
 regard to the management of the university. The 
 Board of Trustees was to elect a chancellor, the chan- 
 cellor to select the faculty. The building was turned 
 over to them, they were to receive all income and pay 
 all expenses with it. It really meant that the chancel- 
 lor and faculty had full control. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 Cotner Redeemed 
 
 There were msiny indications during the last months 
 of the school year ending in June, 1896, that this was 
 the last year for Cotner. Many students were making 
 preparations to go elsewhere while some of the upper 
 classmen doubled their work in order to finish their 
 course or become graduates with the class of '96. Many 
 thought the future of Cotner hopeless, while all were 
 doubtful. Those in charge, however, were going to 
 make one more effort. Chancellor Dungan went to 
 California during the summer vacation, hoping to 
 raise money, but returned wholly unsuccessful a few 
 weeks before school was to begin. 
 
 To all inquirers Chancellor Duncan told the result 
 of his efforts and publicly stated that there was only 
 one condition upon which he would begin school ; viz : 
 that one thousand dollars be raised in cash in Bethany 
 within the next two weeks. This was an impossibility, 
 for as a long-time citizen of Bethany recently re- 
 marked, ''It would have been practically impossible to 
 have raised one thousand dimes in cash in the town in 
 so short a time, let alone raising one thousand dol- 
 lars." 
 
 To close school meant a ''hard blow" to the Chris- 
 tian churches of the state ; to the town of Bethany, and 
 to the many students of Cotner. Many citizens of 
 Bethany were keenly interested and it was decided 
 to call a special meeting to see if anything could be 
 done to prevent this unhappy result. It was the sense 
 of this meeting that the school ought not to close. 
 After careful deliberation, it was decided to ask the 
 Board of Trustees to request Chancellor Dungan to 
 
Cotner Redeemed 
 
 95 
 
 begin school without the one thousand dollars in cash 
 and if he positively refused to do so, as a last resort, 
 to ask for his resignation in order that someone else 
 might undertake the task. Before the plan, decided 
 upon at this meeting could be carried out. Chancellor 
 Dungan tendered his resignation. 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth was now called to fill this import- 
 ant position of chancellor at this most critical time. 
 It was a task no one would seek and one which but 
 
 W. p. Aylsworth 
 
 few would have accepted. Dr. Aylsworth cheerfully 
 assumed this responsibility in order that another ef- 
 fort might be made to save Cotner to the cause of 
 Christian education. Dr. Aylsworth chose as able a 
 body of teachers as possible under existing conditions 
 and school was begun in the face of what seemed al- 
 
96 History of Cotnei' University 
 
 most hopeless circumstances. All realized that but 
 little was accomplished in the opening of school. 
 Nothing lasting could come unless money was secured. 
 The campus, building and all university property were 
 in the hands of creditors. The Christian News said, 
 "We are a people of many thousand with a splendid 
 school but no university building. We are now occu- 
 pying a beautiful building in architecture and costly 
 in construction held by a trustee for the benefit of the 
 banks of Lincoln. "^ The creditors were permitting 
 school to be held in the old building and offered to re- 
 turn the property upon liberal terms. 
 
 Three great steps must now be taken, first a plan of 
 redemption must be formulated; second, the very best 
 terms possible must be secured from the creditors, 
 and lastly, some competent person must be secured to 
 carry to completion the work of redemption. In 1893, 
 funds, secured by a trust deed, had been issued for 
 $50,000. ''During the years 1895-'96 many deficiency 
 judgments were rendered against the Board of Trus- 
 tees on mortgages that had been taken in payment 
 for property and sold, the mortgages having never 
 been paid. These judgments all became liens upon 
 the university. The creditors who held the bonds, 
 secured by the trust deed, commenced an action to 
 foreclose their lien upon the property. A decree was 
 rendered giving them a first lien on all the property, 
 included in the trust deed and subsequently the prop- 
 erty was sold and bought in by the creditors, it being 
 held by a trustee for their benefit."- Such was the 
 financial situation when it was decided to open school 
 in the autumn of 1896. This proved, however, to be 
 a successful school year. 
 
 iThe Christian News, 1896. 
 
 NOTE: This was the official paper of the Christian churches, 
 of Nebraska edited by William Sumpter. 
 -The Christian News, 1897. 
 
Cotner Redeemed 97 
 
 A committee which had been appointed at the meet- 
 ing of Bethany citizens, in accordance with the wish 
 expressed at that time, issued a call for a conference 
 of leading ministers and churchmen of Nebraska. The 
 letter sent out was as follows : 
 
 Bethany, Nebr., April 19, 1897. 
 
 Dear Friend and Brother : — You are doubtless famil- 
 iar with the great financial embarrassment hitherto 
 attending Cotner University. Some months ago the 
 building and campus were sold under foreclosure and 
 are now held by a trustee for the creditors. It is only 
 a question of time when some other people will buy it 
 if we do not. It can be purchased for a small percent 
 of the original cost. Circumstances demand, in order 
 to hold the property, a new organization and manage- 
 ment. To this end we earnestly invite you to be pres- 
 ent at a meeting of influencial and representative 
 brethren from different parts of the state to be held 
 at the university Thursday at 3 o'clock p. m., April 29. 
 The immediate object of the meeting will not be to 
 raise funds but to devise ways to accomplish the above 
 ends. Will you come? Entertainment will be fur- 
 nished while here. Sincerely and fraternally, 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth, 
 
 F. L. SUMPTER, 
 
 J. E. Waller, 
 A. D. Harmon, 
 J. W. Hilton, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 In response to this call forty-two persons assembled, 
 while many others who could not be present sent 
 meeting is given in these words: **W. P. Aylsworth 
 words of hope and encouragement. The work of this 
 was elected temporary chairman and 0. J. Grainger of 
 
98 History of Cotner University 
 
 Fremont temporary secretary. The assembly was then 
 led in prayer by J. M. Vawter of Omaha. The chair- 
 man briefly, but very clearly, set forth the purpose of 
 the meeting and the situation of the property of the 
 school. He showed to the brethren present that the 
 time was fully at hand and was the most opportune 
 we would probably ever have for purchasing the prop- 
 erty in question. 
 
 J. E. Harris was elected permanent chairman and 
 O. J. Grainger permanent secretary. After the per- 
 manent chairman had taken charge and asked the 
 pleasure of the meeting a full and free discussion was 
 participated in by brethren from Omaha, Exeter, Elm- 
 wood, East Lincoln, Auburn, Eagle and other places, 
 respecting the situation and inquiring closely into mat- 
 ters respecting the property and what could be done to 
 save it from a similar fate when purchased by the 
 church. 
 
 Immediately following the period of many pointed 
 questions and as many clear-cut answers it was the 
 sense of those present that no step should be taken 
 without the most careful examination into the pres- 
 ent legal status of the university property, and ac- 
 cordingly the chair was ordered to appoint two, who 
 in conjunction with himself, should employ the best 
 legral talent in the city to examine the abstract of the 
 title and get their written opinion thereupon. 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth and H. J. Kirschstein were ap- 
 pointed to act with J. E. Harris to employ an expert 
 to examine the title to the property. Next came the 
 discussion of the basis of organization after the pur- 
 chase of the university property. After some deliber- 
 ation it was decided to hear read a proposed plan of 
 corporation as outlined by the committee making the 
 call for the meeting. Accordingly all further discus- 
 sion was dispensed with until F. L. Sumpter had read 
 
Cotner Redeemed 99 
 
 the outline in question. It was read over carefully by 
 Mr. Sumpter and received the approbation of the as- 
 sembly. This is accounted for by the fact that the 
 committee who submitted the plan had spent many 
 hours both in committee and in private, thinking in- 
 tensely over it before the meeting occurred."^ 
 
 Three committees were appointed at this meeting. 
 The one above mentioned to look into the title to the 
 property, another to draw up articles of incorporation. 
 These two were temporary committees. A third was 
 to be a permanent one and was known as the Ways and 
 and Means committee,- consisting of ten persons, to 
 whom minor committees were to report and who, in 
 conjunction with Chancellor Aylsworth, were to for- 
 ward all plans made, call meetings of the brotherhood 
 when necessary and in general forward the interests 
 of the university. 
 
 The great plan of redemption was to make a thor- 
 ough canvass of the churches of Nebraska and adjoin- 
 ing states in an effort to secure money which was to 
 be known as the trust fund. The donors to this fund 
 were to be known as the certificate holders. These in- 
 dividuals should meet once a year in order to elect a 
 Board of Trustees and to decide upon questions of busi- 
 ness and management of Cotner University. ''Any 
 person may become a member of this corporation and 
 receive a certificate of membership upon the donation 
 of one hundred dollars to be used in purchasing and 
 endowing the Nebraska Christian University. "■'' Any 
 Church of Christ, Christian Endeavor, Ladies Aid So- 
 ciety or any other organization connected with the 
 
 ^The Christian News, 1897. 
 
 -The followirg- were members of the Way? and Means Com- 
 mittee: J. M. Vawter, L. C. Oberlies, E. S. Chamberlain. J. E. 
 Harris. F. A. Bright. F. L. Sumpter, A. D. Harmon, J. W. Hilton, 
 F. L. Wilmeth. A. W. Harney. 
 
 •'Articles of Incorporation of Cotner University. 
 
100 History of Cotner University 
 
 church upon the donation of one hundred dollars, would 
 become a certificate holder. In order that persons or 
 churches of a later period might have a part in the 
 endowment and a vote in the management and control 
 of the school, they might at any time be granted cer- 
 tificates upon the receipt of one hundred dollars for the 
 permanent endowment fund. 
 
 The Board of Trustees consisted of fifteen members. 
 The term of office was three years. The first 
 Board was to consist of five members elected for 
 one, five for two and five for three j'ears. One very 
 important limitation was placed upon the Board of 
 Trustees. 'The Board of Trustees shall not have 
 power to mortgage or encumber the university building 
 and campus." **The Board of Trustees shall not con- 
 tract any indebtedness or incur any liability beyond 
 the actual income of the university and in the em- 
 ployment of a faculty, they shall enter into a written 
 contract whereby the compensation shall be a propor- 
 tionate share of the net income of the university from 
 all sources, less the necessary actual expense but such 
 share not to exceed a certain fixed amount. No other 
 contract shall be made until such a time as the income 
 from endowment and otherwise shall warrant the giv- 
 ing of fixed salaries."^ 
 
 The new organization of the university provided 
 that the chancellor should be head of the school and 
 faculty, recommending new teachers, plans, etc. The 
 chancellor was to be elected by the Board of Trustees 
 and must report to and be governed by that body. 
 The Trustees in turn were to be elected and controlled 
 by the certificate holders. It was hoped by this plan 
 of certifixates, to create a large constituency person- 
 ally interested in the future of Cotner University. Of 
 course, gifts of less than one hundred dollars were ac- 
 cepted and due credit given. 
 
 lArticles of Incorporation of Cotner University. 
 
Cotner Redeemed 101 
 
 The great problem after the formation of the plan, 
 was the execution of it. Ordinarily it would not be a 
 difficult task to raise a few thousand dollars but it 
 must be remembered that the jaws of the crisis had 
 scarcely loosened their grip upon the people. Almost 
 every man had obligations of his own to meet which 
 seemed almost too great without attempting to aid in 
 paying the obligations of a university. 
 
 A name which must always be linked with Cotner 
 redemption is that of W. P. Aylsworth. He gave con- 
 stant help and advice in formulating the plan, working 
 upon committees and in standing at the head of the 
 school in these trying times. For two years, while 
 acting as chancellor and professor of Sacred literature, 
 he spent all of his spare time in raising money for the 
 trust fund. 
 
 If dollar for dollar of the indebtedness had been 
 required by the creditors it would have been impossible 
 to have regained possession of Cotner University build- 
 ing. 
 
 The largest part of the debt was held by four banks 
 of Lincoln, namely: 
 
 First National Bank of Lincoln .......$12,064.36 
 
 American Exchange Bank 8,043.11 
 
 Columbia National Bank 4,946.00 
 
 The Union Savings Bank..... 14,110.57 
 
 In addition to the bank claims, the faculty had also 
 secured a judgment against the property for $12,535.41 
 due them in unpaid salaries. The total indebtedness 
 thus amounted to $51,699.45. Those working for the 
 redemption of the university were able to get this 
 amount reduced to about one-fourth, or to $13,807.25. 
 This sum must be raised to save Cotner.^ 
 
 iThe figures concerning the financial status were secured from 
 papers, receipts and documents belonging to J. W. Hilton. In 
 addition to the one-fourth there was $800 which had to be paid 
 
102 History of Cotner University 
 
 A few members of the faculty refused to accept one- 
 fourth as full payment of their claims so it was neces- 
 sary, in order to satisfy them, to pay them more. Sev- 
 eral other members of the faculty, however, accepted 
 the one-fourth adjustment and were also willing to 
 take Bethany lots instead of cash in payment. These 
 lots were taken at about $25 apiece. Lots had been 
 selling from $200 to $400 before the crisis. This is 
 only one illustration of the great depreciation in land 
 values. After these plans had been formed and the 
 terms secured, the real work of redemption was begun. 
 
 The words of a few of the Christian ministers will 
 indicate how people felt about the need of and the plan 
 for redemption : 
 
 ''Your plan impresses me as the best possible appli- 
 cation of sound business principles applicable to the 
 present emergency. It will take many years to recover 
 from the shock if the school, with its power for good, 
 is lost to us." — A. W. Davis, Falls City, Nebr. 
 
 ''I believe the articles of incorporation to cover quite 
 thoroughly the ground for w^hich they were drawn and 
 I think the plan the most sensible and practical one 
 yet framed. May God bless the efforts to make it a 
 success." — L. P. Bush, Tecumseh, Nebr. 
 
 ''To lose the university means to the churches of Ne- 
 braska and the west what paralysis means to the hu- 
 man body. We cannot spare Cotner University." — 
 George C. Ritchey, Humboldt, Nebr. 
 
 "With these articles as a basis of organization I see 
 no reason why all donations or gifts made to the uni- 
 versity should not be on the safest of foundations. 
 They have a business ring to them." — J. W. Elliot, 
 Harvard, Nebr. 
 
 to the creditors for having kept up the insurance on the build- 
 ing. It will still not quite make the $13,807.25 because some 
 would not settle on the one-fourth basis. 
 
Cotner Redeemed 103 
 
 With almost universal support of the church the 
 canvass was begun. Five percent of the amount of the 
 pledges received was to be used to defray expenses. 
 Pledges were taken with the understanding that if the 
 sufficient amount was not raised to redeem the prop- 
 erty not less than eighty percent of the pledge should 
 be returned. Until the total amount was raised the 
 money was to be held by William Sumpter as a trust 
 fund, that is, a fund held in sacred trust. The raising 
 of this money was not an easy task. It could not be 
 accomplished in a few weeks. Many were willing to 
 help yet powerless to do so. This is the form of the 
 pledge used: 
 
 A PLEDGE TO THE TRUST FUND FOR THE PUR- 
 CHASE OF COTNER UNIVERSITY BY THE 
 CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN NEBRASKA 
 
 $ .189... 
 
 Promises to pay 
 
 dollars to become a trust fund, to be used in purchas- 
 ing the property known as Cotner University, to- 
 gether with the campus, dormitory and 134 resident 
 lots. The said amount to be paid to William Sumpter 
 as treasurer and trustee of said fund. 
 To be paid .-.. 
 
 By 1898, Dr. Aylsworth had succeeded in making a 
 good beginning on the necessary amount. He had been 
 very successful for it was realized that the task of 
 acting as chancellor, professor and of raising the trust 
 fund, was too great for one man. Many of the pledges 
 which had been secured by Dr. Aylsworth were given 
 by citizens of Bethany and the immediate vicinity. A 
 more extended canvass must be made ; the appeal must 
 be taken to all the churches of Nebraska and adjoining 
 states ; more time must be given than Chancellor Ayls- 
 worth could spare, if success was to crown the efforts 
 of those who labored for the redemption of Cotner. 
 
104 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 All people instinctively turned to a member of the 
 graduating class of 1898 ; to one who had already ren- 
 dered valuable service. No one had taken a greater 
 personal interest in the- cause of Cotner. He was now 
 employed to enter the field and solicit funds. Mr. 
 
 J. W. Hilton 
 
 Hilton was a young man full of enthusiasm and power, 
 willing to leave his home and family and sacrifice him- 
 self financially. His efforts were rewarded in that 
 the Christian church now owns a great Christian Uni- 
 versity known as Cotner. Just as we can point to the 
 men who assisted most in founding Cotner University ; 
 as we can praise those who have stood at the head of 
 the school in trying days ; as we can name with pride 
 those who have stood as peers in the classroom, so 
 can we point to J. W. Hilton as the one whose name 
 
Cotfier Redeemed 105 
 
 should be honored above all others in leading the work 
 of redemption of Cotner University.^ 
 
 Other factors, however, assisted in making the en- 
 terprise a success. Words of praise are due the 
 churches for their loyalty. In every church was to be 
 found an alumnus, an old student or a friend of Cotner. 
 They rang true every time and did their best. 
 
 The students in Cotner at that time should not be 
 forgotten. They banded themselves together in an 
 organization known as the Students League and as- 
 sisted greatly by sending letters and information to all 
 parts of the state. Those especially prominent in the 
 Students League were J. W. Hilton, Grace Young and 
 Frank Turner. At one time when it seemed that the 
 task was hopeless, school was dismissed and the stu- 
 dents returned to their homxe communities for one 
 week to solicit funds 'for the university. None failed 
 and many were very successful. By thus gathering the 
 small sums and putting them into one fund a substan- 
 tial gain was made. 
 
 ij. W. Hilton was born in New York CHy March 27, 1867. 
 His parents moved to Nebraska when he was eight years of 
 age, settling upon a farm near Dorchester. His early schooling 
 was meagre but he began teaching in the country schools in the 
 winter months and working in a Dorchester bank during vaca- 
 tions. The year 1887-1888 was spent at Fairfield College. After 
 determining to pursue his education, Mr. Hilton with his wife 
 and two children moved to Bethany in the fall of 1892, when 
 he entered Cotner University as a preparatory student. One 
 school year was lost on account of severe sickness but the 
 college course was completed in 1898. Upon graduation Mr. 
 Hilton was chosen by the Ways and Means Committee to travel 
 for Cotner University to raise funds for the redemption of the 
 school. Three of the six years of student preaching was for the 
 East Side Christian Church of Lincoln. While preaching for 
 the East Side church and four years for the Bethany church he 
 was able to complete his work for a master's degree at the 
 University of Nebraska and all but his thesis for a doctor's 
 degree. In 1907 he was elected as professor of sociology and 
 associate professor of Sacred literature at Cotner. After five 
 years as a professor he resigned to lead the East Lincoln church 
 to greater achievements. 
 
106 History of Cotner University 
 
 At another time when faikire seemed imminent a 
 new friend was found in the person of Alfred Allen. 
 This young man owned an eighty-acre farm near Ris- 
 ing City, Nebraska, which he offered to give to save 
 Cotner. The Board of Trustees refused to accept the 
 proffered gift feeling that it was too great a sacrifice 
 for Mr. Allen to make. Thej^ felt it was too much to 
 accept all of a man's property although it w^as gladly of- 
 fered. The farm was valued at $2,000, one-fourth of 
 this amount or $500 was accepted as a splendid gift. 
 Mr. Allen's name should not be forgotten among those 
 who made the recovery of Cotner possible. 
 
 L. P. Bush as secretary of the college during these 
 trying years, is deserving of special credit. He as- 
 sumed this task upon the request of Chancellor 
 Aylsworth, who had been acting in this capacity in 
 addition to his other work. Mr. Bush served three 
 years during w^hich time he was also pastor of the 
 Bethany church or a professor in the college. One of 
 the commendable features of his work as college sec- 
 retary was the securing and collecting of sufficient 
 pledges to keep J. W. Hilton in the field as financial 
 agent. A host of other names should be mentioned if 
 space would permit, among whom v/ould be Dr. S. L. 
 Hubbard, F. L. Sumpter, Grace E. Young and William 
 Sumpter. 
 
 The last gift to be secured was also the largest one. 
 It was the result of Chancellor Aylsworth's efforts that 
 Horace Morse, a Colorado friend, gave $2,000 to Cotner 
 University. While under normal conditions this gift 
 would not be considered extraordinary, coming at the 
 opportune moment it did, and at the close of the years 
 of financial depression, Mr. Morse should be called a 
 munificent benefactor of Cotner. 
 
 As we re-count these names and events we should 
 not forget the faculty who held the school together, 
 
Cotner Redeemed 107 
 
 receiving almost no salary. At the head of this group 
 stood W. P. Aylsworth ; bearing the burdens, forgetting 
 the criticism, always with the one thought of saving 
 Cotner University. 
 
 After several years of economy, sacrifice and labor, 
 $12,906.80 in cash had been paid to Mr. N. Z. Snell, 
 trustee. Although there was a small amount yet to 
 pay, by Mr. Hilton signing the following agreement 
 the property was returned to its former owners : 
 ''Whereas, N. Z. Snell, trustee, has deeded to Freder- 
 ick L. Sumpter and Thomas Rawlings, the campus and 
 lots eight (8) and nine (9) in block thirty-nine (39) 
 of Bethany to be by said guarantee deeded to the Ne- 
 braska Christian University when incorporated, the 
 agreed consideration for w^hich property, with other 
 property described in the sheriff's deed of date Decem- 
 ber 5, 1896, to said Snell as trustee Vv^as $13,750.00 of 
 which $12,906.80 only have been paid and. 
 
 Whereas, I have secured pledges which, when paid, 
 will more than discharge the balance remaining un- 
 paid, and 
 
 Now therefore I undertake and agree with the said 
 N. Z. Snell, trustee, that the said sums so pledged are 
 a trust fund to be used in the payment of said balance 
 only. 
 
 And I further undertake and agree that I will con- 
 tinue in the future as I have in the past to collect said 
 pledges and secure additional pledges and collect the 
 same until said balance is wholly paid to said N. Z. 
 Snell, trustee. J. W. Hilton. 
 
 The university property again belonged to the Chris- 
 tian church. The small sum that was lacking was paid 
 in full. It was absolutely free from the shackles of 
 debt. From the day of redemption to the present no 
 indebtedness has ever been placed upon the university. 
 This has only been possible because of economy in every 
 
108 History of Cotner University 
 
 way, particularly as to salaries paid for teachers. For 
 many years they labored for $25 per month and some- 
 times as low as $10 or $15 per month. 
 
 When Cotner was released from indebtedness new 
 life and force was instilled into the school. It was a 
 time for great rejoicing. Students, alumni, teachers 
 and friends all took up the cry of victory. 
 
 ''Now sweep the strings of passion lyre 
 And tune a thousand tongues of fire; 
 Lift up the song of Jubilee — 
 Praise God, our Alma Mater's free. 
 Let every heart responsive sing 
 In true devotion to our King, 
 And shout the Jubilee.'''^ 
 
 iLast verse "The Jubilee Poem," by J. W. Hilton. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 The Faculty at Work 
 
 In the life record of each mature man or woman 
 there are but few who have had to do with the direct 
 molding and shaping of that life, although there are 
 many whose influence must be counted. Among those 
 who are most responsible for the future career are 
 the teachers under whose supervision the plastic youth 
 is placed. Fortunate indeed, is the student whose life 
 is so directed that he may receive training under com- 
 petent Christian instructors. "It does not so much 
 matter what we study as with whom we study." As 
 compared with the State University, the Christian col- 
 lege usually offers smaller laboratories and fewer books 
 but this is offset by the intimate companionship, coun- 
 sel and oversight of men in whom broad scholarship. 
 Christian faith and consecrated life form a consistent 
 whole. 
 
 Many factors enter into the formation of a univer- 
 sity such as buildings, equipment, laboratories, 
 libraries and endowment but by far the most import- 
 ant factor is teachers. The original idea of a univer- 
 sity was that of a teacher around whom a group of 
 students had gathered. Whether a university was 
 popular or commonplace depended upon whether a 
 great teacher was in their midst or not. Students 
 would pass from one nation to another in order to sit 
 at the feet of a great teacher. Great teachers make 
 p-reat universities ; poor teachers, poor universities. 
 It is evident that a teacher is an important factor in the 
 life of a youth and the most essential thing in a uni- 
 versity. It is almost impossible to place too much em- 
 phasis upon the importance of the faculty of an educa- 
 tional institution. 
 
110 History of Cotner University 
 
 During the twenty-seven years of Cotner's existence 
 she has had fifty-five teachers in the regular College of 
 Liberal Arts department with probablj^ as many more 
 in the special departments. Of the regular instructors 
 twenty-six have held the degree of Master of Arts ; 
 twenty-five, Bachelor of Arts and only four have been 
 without degrees. 
 
 The work in the College of Arts at Cotner University 
 may be roughly divided into eight departments. To 
 old students, alumni and friends, the names of these 
 teachers will recall many pleasant associations. 
 
 Bible Department 
 W. P. Aylsworth, A. M., LL. D., 
 
 Head Professor 1889-1916 
 
 D. R. Dungan, A. M., LL. D., 
 
 Moral Philosophy 1890-1896 
 
 L. P. Bush, A. M., Associate in 
 
 Sacred Literature 1898-1901 1912-1916 
 
 J. W. Hilton, A. M., Associate in 
 
 Sacred Literature 1907-1911 
 
 Mathematics 
 
 J. A. Beattie, A. M.i 1889-1896 
 
 G. E. Jones, A. M 1896-1897 
 
 Wm. M. Reeves, A. M 1897-1916 
 
 A. W. Osterhout, A. B., assistant 1910-1916 
 
 1 James A. Beattie was born in Ashland county, Ohio, May 11, 
 1845. He was educated in the public schools of Ohio, at an 
 academy at Savannah, Ohio, and at Bethany College, West Vir- 
 ginia. Dr. Beattie has held many important positions in edu- 
 cational work. He has served as president of Oskaloosa College 
 (Iowa); Nebraska State Normal at Peru; the Eastern Oregon 
 State Normal and Hiram College, Ohio. For many years he 
 was a professor at Cotner University, part of the time serving 
 as Vice President. During the early days of Cotner, Dr. Beattie 
 acted as field agent, selling lots, soliciting students and funds 
 or working in the interests of the library. Professor Beattie 
 is widely and highly regarded by the teaching profession as an 
 educator of marked ability. At present he lives in Lincoln, 
 Nebraska. 
 
The Faculty at Work 111 
 
 History- 
 Nora Madden, A. M 1893-1896 
 
 A. D. Harmon, A. M 1896-1897 
 
 Ellen B. Atwater, A. M 1897-1901 
 
 F. T. Kincaid, A. B 1901-1902 
 
 L. P. Bush, A. M 1902-1913 
 
 L. A. Moomaw, A. M : 1913-1916 
 
 English Literature 
 
 Nora Madden, A. M 1893-1896 
 
 Ellen B. Atwater, A. M ...1897-1901 
 
 A. D. Harmon, A. M .1896-1897 
 
 F. T. Kincaid, A. B 1901-1902 
 
 Rilla G. Lane, A. B 1903-1904 
 
 Beatrice Haskins, A. B 1904-1905 
 
 Marv Clipfell, A. M 1905-1908 
 
 R. d. Aylsworth, A. M . 1908-1910 
 
 Bert Wilson, A. B....... . 1910-1912 
 
 Cora Marsland 1912-1913 
 
 Mrs. T. J. Fitzpatrick, B. S 1913-1914 
 
 Josie Y. Osterhout, A. B 1914-1916 
 
 Philosophy 
 
 D. R. Dungan, A. M., LL. D 1890-1896 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth, A. M., LL. D .1896-1902 
 
 L. P. Bush, A. M .1902-1916 
 
 Modern Languages 
 
 Percy B. Burnet, A. M 1889-1893 
 
 Martin Osterholm, A. M ...'.... ......1893-1896 
 
 Grace E. Young, A. M 1897-1916 
 
 Science Department 
 
 T. J. Oliver, B. S 1890-1891 
 
 S. A. Hoover, A. M 1891-1894 
 
 N. A. Stull, A. M 1894-1896 
 
 H. H. Jones 1896-1904 
 
 D. C. Hilton, A. M 1904-1906 
 
 Melvin R. Gilmore, A. M 1904-1911 
 
 W. A. Dobson . : 1902-1903 
 
112 History of Cotner University 
 
 Geo. M. Jacobs, A. B 1907-1911 
 
 H. D. Shellenberger 1911-1913 
 
 T. J. Fitzpatrick, M. S 1913-1914 
 
 E. E. Smith, A. B 1913-1916 
 
 E. F. Walker, A. M ...1914-1916 
 
 Ancient Languages 
 
 A. M. Chamberlain, A. M 1889-1891 
 
 C. B. Newcomer, A. M .1891-1893 
 
 J. F. Woolery, A. M 1893-1896 
 
 Raymond G. Aylsworth, A. B 1896-1899 
 
 Alvin E. Evans, A. M .1897-1901 
 
 T. Milo Keith, A. M.i 1902-1914 
 
 Lydia Wampler, A. B 1904-1916 
 
 Ruth Lindley, A. M 1914-1916 
 
 Kitty M. Austin, A. B., assistant..... .1899-1901 
 
 Clara J. Austin, A. B., assistant ...1901-1904 
 
 M. R. Gilmore, A. B., assistant . 1903-1904 
 
 IT. Milo Keith was head of the Greek department in Cotner 
 University for ten years. His training for this work was se- 
 cured by taking the classical course at Cotner, graduating in 
 1903 and by completing th© work for a master's degree at the 
 University of Nebraska. Still being anxious to go higher he 
 was working for a doctor's degree at the University of Chicago. 
 Although frail in body, he was a splendid example of untiring 
 energy and perseverance. At the time of his death Professor 
 Keith was cashier of the Bethany State Bank, having given up 
 his work in Cotner a few months before. A second stroke of 
 paralysis brought death to this splendid man in the spring of 
 1914, thus closing a life that was full of promise, at the age of 
 thirty-three. The following clipping from the Cotner Collegian 
 shows the esteem in which he was held: 
 
 "Although his life was short, the thirty-three years of active 
 work were not in vain and all who have known him will ever 
 think upon his life as a benediction, as a wholehearted, true, 
 steadfast, purposeful soul, who taught despite discouragements 
 mastered not only Greek and Latin in a marvelous way and 
 Although frail in body he was a splendid example of untiring 
 taught them with a comprehension of one who wishes to im- 
 press everyone with the importance of doing all things well, but 
 he mastered the great problem of life, to be content to live 
 well and nobly and to serve others." 
 
The Faculty at Work 113 
 
 It is impossible for the historian to speak of the 
 merits of as many teachers as Cotner has had, even 
 though everyone were deserving. A committee has 
 chosen eleven of the fifty-five teachers which it felt 
 were deserving of special mention as a sort of Who's 
 Who list of Cotner teachers. ^ This is in no way a dis- 
 credit to the vast number of splendid teachers whose 
 names are not mentioned in the list. The decision of 
 the committee was based upon three things. First, 
 their merit as real instructors ; second, the personality 
 of the teacher and third, the length of time spent at 
 Cotner. 
 
 Who's Who Teachers at Cotner 
 
 W. P. Aylsworth ....Professor of Biblical Literature 
 
 J. A. Beattie Department of Education 
 
 L. P. Bush.... Professor of Philosophy 
 
 R. L. Hoff Department of Education 
 
 T. Milo Keith Professor of Greek 
 
 S. A. Hoover Professor of Natural Science 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw.. Professor History and Social Science 
 
 Josie Y. Osterhout Professor of English 
 
 Lydia Wampler Professor of Latin 
 
 Grace E. Young Professor of Modern Languages 
 
 A student of each one of these teachers, who is a 
 graduate of the school, has been asked to give his or 
 her reasons for considering that instructor as a teacher 
 of special merit. 
 
 L. P. Bush.* He, who is entrusted with the Chair of 
 Philosophy in a Christian school has a task, the pecul- 
 iar problems of which are many of serious concern and 
 ever on the increase. In the person of Prof. L. Penn 
 Bush, I have found a man who, under the conditions 
 
 iThe committee who chose the Who's Who teachers, requested 
 that their names should not be published. Those who had a 
 part in the choosing: were from the following classes: Three 
 from the class of 1893, one from 1894, one from 1909, one from 
 1911, one from 1913, and one from the class of 1916. 
 
114 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 is rendering an especially noteworthy service. His 
 ability to set the student, who cares, eagerly to working 
 out his or her philosophy of life is to me remarkable. 
 Few services are greater than that of stimulating the 
 students to dig down, as it were, into his own soul and 
 think. — Robert A. Conley, '15. 
 
 Mrs. Josie Y. Osterhout 
 
 JosiE York Osterhout; One who conscientiously 
 guides and directs the thoughts of her students into 
 channels of life long usefulness. She is kind, sympa- 
 thetic, practical, broad minded and progressive. From 
 a book of hard cold facts she transforms the text into 
 one teeming with life. Those who sit before her day 
 after day, cannot help but be better men and women for 
 having come into personal touch with such a Christian 
 character. Her work will live long after she has left 
 us. — Margaret Knapple, '16. 
 
The Faculty at Work 
 
 115 
 
 Professor R. L. Hoff 
 
 R. L. Hoff; In all things was Professor Hoff thor- 
 ough and systematic. When he assigned a lesson, the 
 pupil realized he must work and it was always worth 
 the effort expended. While Professor Hoff had his 
 own views upon a subject, as should everyone who is 
 really worth while, yet he was broad minded and al- 
 ways willing to look at both sides of a question. He 
 was a scholarly man and inspired his pupils to do 
 things which amounted to something. Those things, 
 which were learned in his classes, were never for- 
 gotten. — Floss Strain, '16. 
 
116 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Miss Lydia Wampler 
 
 Lydia Wampler for eleven years connected with 
 the department of ancient languages at Cotner Uni- 
 versity, is a very efficient instructor. Her success is 
 due to the fact that she is a true, sympathetic friend 
 to each student with whom she comes in contact and 
 she is master of her subject. Being a thorough efficient 
 student not only in Latin, but also in the leading ques- 
 tions of the day, she makes her teaching vital. — Josie 
 Somers, '11. 
 
The Faculty at Work 
 
 117 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw is a highly successful teacher 
 for two reasons ; first, he knows his subjects thoroughly 
 and knows how to present them in a clear, concisive 
 manner. Second, he understands his students and 
 takes a very deep interest in their work. — Charles 
 Streeter, '16. 
 
 James A. Beattie; Scholarly, sympathetic, sincere. 
 A true and tried teacher. Dr. Beattie impressed upon 
 his pupils the seriousness of life and its problems. He 
 inspired them to the achievements of the highest and 
 best. He was a friend, counselor and example. — Nettie 
 Sherman, '14. 
 
118 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 
 > 
 
 S% 
 
 
 
 •^ 
 
 T. Milo Keith (deceased) 
 
 T. MiLO Keith had a surprising understanding of 
 his courses. Without a doubt he possessed a marked 
 ability in being able to convey his knowledge to others. 
 He has acquired an almost uncanny knowledge of the 
 ability of his students and the efforts they were mak- 
 ing, and with this knowledge he courageously proceeded 
 to properly acquaint them with their mistakes and 
 accomplishments in the work in hand. He showed no 
 favor, and because of his insight, learning and appre- 
 ciation of merit, he inspired many with the desire to do 
 thorough and conscientious w^ork. — Clarence G. Miles. 
 
The Faculty at Work 
 
 119 
 
 William Prince Aylsworth; The measure of 
 greatness of a teacher is his power to direct the im- 
 pulses of his pupils. By this measure Cotner has had 
 many successful teachers, foremost among them, Chan- 
 cellor Emeritus Aylsworth. The great influence of 
 this, ''Cotner's grand old man," is due not only to a 
 scholarship that makes his exposition final but to a 
 character which interprets to each student in his pres- 
 ence the humble spirit of the Master Teacher. — Edith 
 Burgess, '13. 
 
 Miss Grace E. Young 
 
 Grace E. Young.- Why is she one of Cotner's best 
 professors? This is a question that is best answered 
 by the unique place she holds in the hearts of all, who 
 have been in her classroom. Thorough know^ledge, 
 human sympathy and cheerfulness, all requisites of a 
 
120 History of Cotner University 
 
 good teacher, are hers. She was always willing and able 
 to give advice to those in her department. — Mabel 
 McClintock, '13. 
 
 D. R. DuNGAN was a natural teacher, able to enforce 
 the salient points in a lesson by apt illustration and to 
 dispel the clouds of misconception and doubts Vvith the 
 sunshine of his wit and humor. He was exceptionally 
 strong and at his best in teaching the Holy Scriptures 
 and kindred subjects. His students could truly say of 
 him that "he opened their minds that they might un- 
 derstand the Scriptures." Many students are indebted 
 to him for a clear and comprehensive knowledge of the 
 Bible and for a vital faith in the Son of God, but none 
 can repay him. He was positive and constructive and 
 if he had doubts and theories he never taught them. — L. 
 P. Bush, '95. 
 
 S. A. Hoover.- Cotner University is proud to men- 
 tion the name of S. A. Hoover as one of her leading 
 science teachers. He was an educator of no mean 
 ability. He will be remembered because he was a 
 broad-minded Christian scholar and a man of culture. 
 He was a great lover of science and to its investiga- 
 tion, gave his life but he never lost faith in a Creator 
 nor in the religion of Christ. He was indeed a great 
 man; to know him was to love and honor him. — J. H. 
 BicknelL '93. 
 
 Many other names might be added to this list of 
 teachers chosen by the committee. Professor A. M. 
 Chamberlain, a member of Cotner's first faculty, al- 
 though remaining for only two years, was a teacher of 
 rare ability. Miss Ellen B. Atwater, one of Cotner's 
 first graduates, was later one of her best teachers. 
 Professor J. F. Woolery deserves special mention ; Pro- 
 fessor Bert Wilson was a powerful m^an in his class- 
 room ; William M. Reeves has given Cotner almost 
 twenty years of splendid service proving himself a 
 mathematician of exceptional ability. 
 
Faculty at Work 121 
 
 A few words must now be written about the men, 
 who have acted as president or chancellor of Cotner 
 University. David R. Dungan was Cotner's first presi- 
 dent. In the year 1890, when the first head was chosen, 
 the Board of Trustees could have found no man, who 
 could have brought more real support to the school than 
 D. R. Dungan. For twenty-five years in Nebraska, 
 he had labored as evangelist for the Christian church, 
 many churches having been organized by him. Not 
 only was he known in Nebraska but was prominent 
 among the leading men in the Christian church in the 
 United States. He was known as a great teacher of 
 the Bible, which drew many interested students to 
 Cotner. While Cotner was in the making, a man of 
 this character gave the new school prestige among the 
 Christian churches and over the country in general.^ 
 
 The next chancellor, beginning his work in 1896, was 
 W. P. Aylsworth. He was not to give to the school pres- 
 tige or a place among colleges, but to save that which 
 had already been gained. Cotner found in him a man, 
 deliberate in action, firm in purpose and devoted to his 
 task. As the past is reviewed, all instinctively feel that 
 he was pre-eminently the man to lead Cotner Univer- 
 sity out of the years of financial depression. Chancel- 
 lor Aylsworth was not a man to launch out into big, 
 new fields, but rather the one to lay a good foundation 
 and upon it, to build cautiously and carefully. 
 
 The last chancellor was William Oeschger, who began 
 his work in September, 1910. It was his task to take 
 Cotner after it had escaped from the snare of a finan- 
 cial crisis and create around it an educational con- 
 
 iDuring the year 1893 the Board of Trustees adopted a dual 
 head-ship plan for Cotner. The two offices were called presi- 
 dent and chancellor. A. E. Jennings was chancellor for one 
 year. We have not included special mention of his name among 
 the leaders of the school because of the short time of service 
 and no far-reaching result was accomplished. 
 
122 History of Cotner University 
 
 sciousness which would make possible a great univer- 
 sity. The Christian church and school must be bound 
 together and the Christian church colleges must clasp 
 hands in a common cause. During the administration 
 of Chancellor Oeschger this task has been accomplished. 
 The churches and colleges of the Christian church are 
 working in unison, shoulder to shoulder in a common 
 cause in the form of the Men and Millions movement. 
 Cotner was given a place in the educational world 
 by D. R. Dungan ; was led safely through the dark years 
 and given a strong structure or frame-work by W. P. 
 Aylsworth; an educational consciousness or mass for- 
 mation has been attained by William Oeschger and now 
 Cotner is ready to enter into the field of great univer- 
 sities. Each of these men, as chancellor, has accom- 
 plished the task circumstances imposed upon him in an 
 admirable way. 
 
 The character and quality of the faculty have been 
 delineated. The teacher is greater than his subject 
 because of the life touch which he gives to it; yet the 
 subject matter too, is important. Attention should 
 therefore be turned to the faculty at work. 
 
 At its beginning, Cotner University offered four 
 courses of study in the College of Arts, viz : Clas- 
 sical, Modern Classic, Scientific and Biblical. The title 
 of each course in itself indicates the line of study upon 
 which the greatest stress was laid a preference, how- 
 ever, was allowed the student for, ''courses of study 
 have been so arranged as to make ample provision for 
 individual choice of lines of investigation and scholar- 
 ship, affording in each case opportunity for liberal cul- 
 ture and opening the way for special and technical 
 training by means of elective studies and special 
 courses."' 
 
 ^Annual catalogue of Cotner University 1889-90, pp. 22. 
 
Faculty at Work 123 
 
 In the year 1896, a fifth course was added leading to 
 the Bachelor of Arts degree with special emphasis 
 placed upon the normal work. 
 
 To meet the demands of a growing system of educa- 
 tion, the courses of study were reorganized in 1898. 
 The original classical coures was still retained for 
 those desiring special work in Greek and Latin. The 
 Biblical course was from this time on, known as the 
 Sacred Literature course. For those intending to teach 
 in the public schools the Normal Philosophical course 
 was outlined. A course providing for the general need 
 of the student was arranged under the name Philo- 
 sophical course. Later the name of the Normal Philo- 
 sophical course was changed to the Collegiate Normal. 
 The school year was divided into three terms. Two 
 hundred and five hours were required for graduation. 
 With the year 1913, a change was made with re- 
 spect to the length of class periods and amount of work 
 to be completed before graduation. The system grow- 
 ing out of this change is the one in use at present. 
 Prior to this time the term system had given place to 
 the semester plan as a means of dividing the school 
 year. From the beginning of Cotner University the 
 recitation period had been changed from thirty to 
 forty-five minutes and lastly to fifty-five minutes in 
 length. One hundred and thirty hours v/ere required 
 for graduation. ''To enter the freshman year a candi- 
 date must present thirty (one hundred fifty hours) 
 high school or academy credits divided in the follow- 
 ing manner: 
 
 English 4 credits 
 
 History (European) 2 credits 
 
 Foreign Language 6 credits 
 
 Mathematics .. 5 credits 
 
 Laboratory Science 2 credits 
 
 Elective Subjects 11 credits 
 
124 History of Cotner Univfirsity 
 
 The program outlined for the student preparatory 
 to graduation from the College of Arts is as follows: 
 
 A. Retoric 4 hours 
 
 Physical Training 2 hours 
 
 Psychology 3 hours 
 
 Ethics 4 hours 
 
 New Testament History G hours 
 
 Christian Evidences 3 hours 
 
 Mother Tongue 10 hours 
 
 Foreign Language 10 hours 
 
 B. History 10 hours 
 
 Sociology or Economics 6 hours 
 
 Mathematics & Astronomy 10 hours 
 
 Physical Science 6 hours 
 
 Biological Science 6 hours 
 
 C. General Electives 54 or 58 hours 
 
 Each candidate for graduation is required to com- 
 plete all the work under group A, and any four of 
 the five divisions under group B. The latter must be 
 completed by the end of the junior year. Not later 
 than the beginning of the sophomore year, each stu- 
 dent must select some one department in which he is 
 to take a ''major" of not less than twenty four hours 
 and not more than forty hours. ^ 
 
 During the early years of Cotner University three 
 degrees were granted, namely, Bachelor of Arts, Bach- 
 elor of Letters, and Bachelor of Science. In order to 
 receive one of these degrees the faculty required one 
 year of actual residence work in the university imme- 
 diately preceding graduation. The other part of the 
 required work could be done in a different school capa- 
 ble of doing creditable work, and the credits trans- 
 ferred. 
 
 ^Annual Bulletin of Cotner University, 1915, pp. 26. 
 
Faculty at Work 125 
 
 In 1893, the degree, Bachelor of Letters was discon- 
 tinued and in 1898 the Bachelor of Science degree was 
 also done away with. 
 
 No effort has ever been made to build up a graduate 
 school in Cotner, however, the Master's degree has been 
 granted. The original plan was to award this degree 
 to the individual, who had done one year's work in 
 advance of a Bachelor of Arts degree or if he ''had 
 engaged successfully in some literary or professional 
 calling for three years. "^ In either case the student 
 was required to present a thesis "upon some line of 
 special study or investigation."- In 1904 the work for 
 a Master's degree was permitted to be done ''largely 
 in absentia." At present this policy has been discon- 
 tinued and the faculty are very strict concerning work 
 done in absentia. In reality the university authorities 
 discourage graduate work. 
 
 Cotner has been somewhat lax in her method of 
 granting degrees. Her greatest weakness is not in this 
 respect, however, but may be found in the laxness 
 allowed in the classroom. 
 
 The government of Cotner University is vested in 
 the faculty. As a general principle they "regard the 
 students as upright and honorable and treat them as 
 such until their conduct proves the contrary. Good 
 deportment, good morals and good habits are expected 
 of all. The faculty assume that a generous confidence 
 begets a generous response."-' For continued mis- 
 demeanor in regard to study or habits, the student is 
 subject to dismissal. 
 
 The authorities of Cotner have always expected stu- 
 dents to attend Sunday services. Chapel exercises 
 
 lAnnual catalog of Cotner University 1889-'90, pp. 22. 
 -'Annual catalog of Cotner University 1889-'90, pp. 22. 
 ^Annual catalog of Cotner University 1903, pp. 53. 
 
126 
 
 Histo7'y of Cotner University 
 
 consisting of singing, reading of the Scriptures and 
 prayer are held each day. During a part of Cotner's 
 history chapel attendance has been compulsory but 
 most of the time it has been left optional with the stu- 
 dent but with the urgent request that he attend. 
 
 The following table gives the number of teachers in 
 the Cotner faculty by years : 
 
 1889 
 
 six 
 
 1898 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1907 
 
 twenty-six 
 
 1890 
 
 eleven 
 
 1899 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1908 
 
 twenty-seven 
 
 1891 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1900 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1909 
 
 twenty-six 
 
 1892 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1901 
 
 sixteen 
 
 1910 
 
 twenty-seven 
 
 1893 
 
 fifteen 
 
 1902 
 
 nineteen 
 
 1911 
 
 thirty-two 
 
 1894 
 
 sixteen 
 
 1903 
 
 nineteen 
 
 1912 
 
 twenty-six 
 
 1895 
 
 thirteen 
 
 1904 
 
 twenty 
 
 1913 
 
 twenty-four 
 
 1896 
 
 sixteen 
 
 1905 
 
 twenty 
 
 1914 
 
 twenty-four 
 
 1897 
 
 eleven 
 
 1906 
 
 nineteen 
 
 1915 
 
 twenty-five 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 Cotner's Departmental Schools 
 
 A university may be likened to a tree. The main part 
 or trunk leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. The 
 branches of this tree are called departments. Besides 
 the regular college courses leading to the Bachelor of 
 Arts degree, Cotner has five departments which deserve 
 special mention : music, commercial expression, normal 
 and art. 
 
 Music is a succession of sounds that pleases the ear ; 
 it is real food for the soul. It is an art which cannot 
 be mastered in a day or a month, but years are re- 
 quired to fathom its wonders. 
 
 Cotner University school of music was begun upon 
 the same day that the university was opened for stu- 
 dents. Mrs. W. P. Stearns was head of the department 
 and instructor in instrumental music. She was assisted 
 by Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weber as instructors in violin 
 and voice respectively. An excellent record was at- 
 tained the first year. Out of a total enrollment of one 
 hundred thirty-six for all branches, seventy-six took 
 work in music. 
 
 Cotner has had many teachers of marked talent. 
 The following table gives the instructors in instru- 
 mental music and voice from 1889 to 1916 : 
 
 INSTRUMENTAL 
 
 Mrs. W. P. Stearns... . 18B9-'91 
 
 Maud Robinson 1891-'93 
 
 May Z. Hughes 1893-'96 
 
 Mrs. H. T. Sutton 1896-'97 
 
 Mrs. F. L. Sumpter 1896-'97 
 
 Myrtle D. Hulfish 1897-'02 
 
 Lola Mix Sutton...... 1902-'07 
 
 Luella Henderson (Kechley) 1902-'07 
 
128 History of Cotner University 
 
 Gertrude Sumpter 1906-'10 
 
 Edna Wright (Carry) . 1907-'12 
 
 Maude Morrison (Murphy) 1908-'ll 
 
 Bess Berg (Brokaw) 1910-'13 
 
 Capitola Stone 1913-'14 
 
 Edward S. Luce 1914 
 
 VOCAL 
 
 Mrs. Adolph Weber . ............. 1889-'90 
 
 James E, Hawes ' 1892-'93 
 
 G. H. Walters 1893-'96 
 
 Mrs. Dr. Cotter... 1896-'97 
 
 Charles R. Travis 1899-'01 
 
 Olive B. Jarvis . 1903-'04 
 
 Vera Upton 1904-'05 
 
 Grace Trowbridge.. 1906-'07 
 
 Mrs. R. G. Aylsworth 1907-'10 
 
 John P. Mann 1910-'14 
 
 Alma F. Taylor 1911-'14 
 
 Elizabeth E. Luce.. 1914- 
 
 During the entire history of the Cotner School of 
 Music 1546 students have been enrolled, the following 
 being graduates of this department : 
 
 Mrs. W. J. Hanna.. ../94 Elsie Bankson (Ellis). .'09 
 
 Katie Bedford '94 Mabel Avis (Perry) ....'09 
 
 Gertrude Sumpter '97 Maude Morrison 
 
 Dilla Owings '96 (Murphy) '09 
 
 Luella H. Kechley '00 Ruth Van Derzee '09 
 
 Grace TroAvbridge ..'00 Alma Perrine '11 
 
 Mrs. Louise Bull '02 Grace Turner 
 
 Alma Taylor '02 (Murphy) '11 
 
 Bertha Owings Bess Fairley 
 
 Aydelott ..... '02 (Workman) ..... '11 
 
 Helen Currie. '02 Bessie Young ....'12 
 
 Edna Wright (Carry). .'07 Gertrude Bartlett (v)..'12 
 
 Carie Hubbard (Bash) '07 Leslie Strain (v) '13 
 
Cotner Departmental Schools 129 
 
 Ada Burton Zella Grimm '14 
 
 (Parminter) '13 Bertha Aydelott (v).-.'14 
 
 Hettie Turner Clara Dill '14 
 
 (Wilmeth) (v)... '14 Vera Anderson '15 
 
 In recent years several oratorios have been rendered 
 with much credit, among which were Handel's ''Mes- 
 siah," Hayden's ''Seasons" and the English grand opera 
 "The Bohemian Girl" by Balfe. At present the de- 
 partment is managed upon a high plane of efficiency.. 
 A band, orchestra, ladies glee club and male glee club, 
 are all maintained in addition to the regular work. 
 
 Music is manna for the aesthetic nature; it sets on 
 fire the better self and awakens the spiritual life of 
 man leading him into closer communion with God. 
 
 COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT 
 
 Shortly after the organization of Cotner University 
 provisions were made for a business department. In 
 1890, a large number of students were enrolled in pen- 
 manship under Benjamin F. Stephens as instructor in 
 that work. The reason for the establishment of a com- 
 plete commercial school the next year is given in these 
 words: "Frequent calls for instruction in short-hand, 
 type-writing, penmanship, and other branches pertain- 
 ing to a business education have led the Board of Trus- 
 tees to offer a full business course and to assure com- 
 petent instruction. While furnishing advantages of 
 equal excellence, it will be remembered that these op- 
 portunities can be had at Cotner University at less cost 
 than elsewhere while at the same time the student is 
 enabled to enjoy many advantages and associations of 
 the university not attained in a regular business col- 
 lege."i 
 
 During the next two years the work was limited, 
 although twenty-six students took advantage of the 
 opportunity offered the first year. The work was under 
 
 ^Annual catalog of Cotner University 1891-92, pp. 23. 
 
130 History of Cotner University 
 
 the direction of Prof. J. M. Howie until 1894, when 
 G. H. Walters was made principal, which position he 
 held for four years. During the school year of 1896 
 commercial work was not given on account of severe 
 financial stress. In 1897, J. D. Austin, with Sigel 
 Matson as assistant, directed the work of the depart- 
 ment. 
 
 Commercial work was then eliminated for four 
 years. A feeble attempt was made at reorganization 
 in 1901, under the principalship of Miss Cora Bray, but 
 failed on account of her resignation in a few months. 
 The next year the Cotner Business School was organ- 
 ized and Prof. A. W. Osterhout elected as principal. 
 The assistant instructors, associated with him at var- 
 ious times while he had charge of the department were, 
 Elsie Adams (Lomax), Lillie Predmore, Edna Wright 
 (Carry), Ena M. Sterling, C. E. Lemmon, Imogene M. 
 Jacobs and E. R. Cornell. In 1909, a school of sten- 
 ography was added under the direction of Prof. J. H. 
 Walker. 
 
 During the summer of 1910 the business department 
 was entirely reorganized under the name of Cotner 
 Commercial College. Prof. Osterhout having resigned 
 to take up other work in the university. Prof. Walker 
 was elected to fill his place. Courses of study were 
 rearranged and new ones added. More room was as- 
 signed to the department and modern equipment in- 
 stalled, including business offices, commercial desks, 
 typewriters of the latest models, a writerpress, a 
 dictation phonograph and an adding machine. The 
 instructors during this year were J. H. Walker, L. D. 
 Nation and A. G. Longman, A. B. Sixty-two student 
 were enrolled. The year 1912 marked a steady prog- 
 ress which necessitated two additional rooms. Miss 
 Nettie C. Gilmore was added to the commercial fac- 
 ultv. 
 
Cotner Departmental Schools 131 
 
 It is needless to say that the Cotner commercial de- 
 partment was really incomparable with the past, be- 
 cause of the spacious rooms and modern equipment 
 which it afforded. Never before had there been more 
 than three teachers, now four were giving their time 
 to the work. A splendid group of students was not 
 only receiving a thorough commercial training but 
 also enjoying the privileges, associations and culture 
 of university life which a business college was unable 
 to give. A large per cent of men who are to-day en- 
 gaged in what is caller "big business" are individuals 
 of high Christian character. The young men and 
 youno: women who receive a business education sur- 
 rounded by the environment of a Christian university 
 have a much greater chance of attaining success. 
 
 L. D. Nation resigned in 1913 and his place was taken 
 by Robert B. Lemmon, A. B. Fifty-four students were 
 enrolled and a successful year finished. At the close 
 of the year the commercial department was discon- 
 tinued. It was, however, re-established in the fall of 
 1914 on a small basis and placed under the direction 
 of Prof. P. R. Stevens. Seven students were enrolled 
 in the department last year. 
 
 Six hundred eighty three students have been en- 
 rolled in the Cotner commercial department during 
 its various years of existence. Many graduates have 
 gone forth to fill successfully, positions in the com.mer- 
 cial world. 
 
 Expression Department 
 One of the attributes which distinguishes man from 
 the animal world is the power of speech. Knowledge 
 is wonderful but the ability to transmit knowledge is 
 even more wonderful. Men of all ages have sought to 
 develop the art we call, oratory. When the age of uni- 
 versities dawned it became a part of their program. 
 So it is and so it ever will be ; the gift of oratory is 
 diligently sought. 
 
132 History of Cotner University 
 
 Cotner's School of Eloquence had its origin in 1889. 
 The first instructor was Miss H. Almena Parker. For 
 the first few years the work of this department was 
 carried on in the city of Lincoln. Time is required to 
 perfect a business corporation or a manufactory ; thus 
 it is with a university, it takes time to develop all of 
 its varied interests. But Cotner grew steadily, new 
 faculty members and new courses of study were added 
 each year. Hand in hand with this general develop- 
 ment went the expression department. 
 
 Those who have had charge of this work as instruct- 
 ors are: 
 
 H. Almena Parker . 1889-'92 
 
 Mrs. Emma O. Gregg . ......1892-'93 
 
 H. T. Sutton ...1896-'97 
 
 Lethenia E. Watson 1897-'02 
 
 Miss Nellie Painter 1893-'96 
 
 H. T. Sutton 1902-'07 
 
 Ita E. Casey 1907-'09 
 
 Mattie Russell 1909-'10 
 
 Frances Miller 1910-'ll 
 
 B. F. Shock (1st semester) 1911-'12 
 
 Edith Anderson 1912-'13 
 
 Marguerite Van Deventer 1913-'14 
 
 Norma Jefi'ries 1914-'15 
 
 Leon R. Snyder 1915- 
 
 Throughout Cotner's history much interest has been 
 taken in oratory, dramatics and public speaking. For 
 a number of years declamatory contests were offered 
 under the direction of the expression department. Pub- 
 lic recitals have always been given an important place 
 in the work. In the field of dramatics a number of 
 plays of merit have been given. Prof. H. T. Sutton 
 staged a wonderful production of his own composition 
 entitled "Judas." Two Shakespearian plays ''Merchant 
 of Venice" and ''Hamlet" were directed by Miss Casey. 
 "Our Alma Mater" and "The Cricket on the Hearth" 
 
Cotner Departmental Schools 133 
 
 were coached by Miss Russell and Miss Miller res- 
 pectively. 
 
 Upon the completion of three years work, the de- 
 partment grants the Bachelor of Expression degree and 
 for an additional year the Bachelor of Oratory. Those 
 having received degrees are as follows : 
 
 Lucy Cone.... '97 Ford Ellis ..-'09 
 
 Elmira M. Wood '00 Bert Wilson '09 
 
 Hannah Bell Morphet-.'OO Besse Van Buskirk '10 
 
 Clyde Cordner '08 Hannah Jacobson '10 
 
 James Beem '08 Leon A. Moomaw '10 
 
 Each person must render an evening's program as 
 one of the requirements for graduation. Several mon- 
 ologues have been given. Clyde Cordner receiving the 
 B. E. degree in '08 and the B. 0. in '11, presented 
 'The Christmas Carol" and 'The Message from Mars." 
 James Beem gave a strong rendition of ''Seven Oaks." 
 Ford Ellis presented 'The Crisis" and Bert Wilson, 
 'The Singular Life." Ralph Connor's "Prospector" 
 was the basis for a monologue given by Leon A. 
 Moomav/ in 1910. 
 
 At present, at least four years of work are required 
 for the B. 0. degree. The candidate must have satisfac- 
 torily completed a four year high school course. Those 
 in charge of the department realize, however, that a de- 
 gree should be conferred only when efficiency is at- 
 tained rather than upon the completion of a certain 
 amount of work. 
 
 Cotner Normal School 
 
 In the prospectus of Cotner University a special three 
 year course for teachers was announced. Those who 
 outlined the scope of the work realized that they were 
 living in an ever changing age, that those who were 
 engaged in teaching, that is, the dissemination of 
 knowledge, must be constantly reviewing and acquir- 
 ing new knowledge in order to keep abreast with the 
 
134 History of Cotner University 
 
 practical side. The normal work at Cotner was, 
 in the beginning, quite meager. Prof. E. D. Harris, 
 designated as instructor in preparatory and 
 normal studies, and A. J. Reynolds, A. M., pedagogy, 
 were the first to have charge of this work. The course 
 was outlined with the view of meeting the needs of 
 two groups. For those who desired review work, it 
 was arranged to provide for any elementary branch 
 when as many as eight or ten were to be benefited. 
 To those working toward a certificate, a three year 
 course was offered. In the early years no effort was 
 made to give the specific principles and methods of 
 education. Prof. Harris closed his work with the nor- 
 mal department in the year 1894. No one w^as elected 
 to take his place and for the next six years but little 
 definite work was done although indirectly some nor- 
 mal branches were taught. 
 
 In 1901, the normal department was revived under 
 the leadership of Charles S. Jones. It was completely 
 reorganized and Prof. Jones was made dean of the 
 department. A preparatory normal course was offered 
 which was designed to give a thorough review or prep- 
 aration for taking the regular three year course of 
 advanced work which contained all the branches re- 
 quisite for a state certificate. 
 
 Upon the resignation of Prof. Jones before the close 
 of his year's work, Mrs. Josie Y, Osterhout was elected 
 principal of the normal department and began her 
 work in the fall of 1902. An advance step was made 
 in the method of teaching. In addition to the theo- 
 retical courses a practice school was maintained a part 
 of each year. Mrs. Osterhout remained at the head 
 of this work for four years when Di. J. A. Beattie 
 became principal of the normal school and Mrs. Os- 
 terhout assistant principal. Advancement was being 
 made each year, more stress being placed upon the 
 
Cotner Departmental ScJiools 185 
 
 exalted work of the teacher, the principles under- 
 lying the process of education and the methods of work. 
 Upon the satisfactory completion of the normal course 
 offered, Cotner University was permitted to grant the 
 First Grade State Certificate. When a holder of such 
 certificate had completed three years of successful 
 teaching, a life certificate could be secured. Through 
 the efforts of Prof. Beattie a splendid educational 
 library was received as a gift from Abram Teachout, 
 a wealthy business man of Ohio and ''one of the best 
 friends Hiram College ever had." 
 
 In 1912, another change was made and R. L. Hoff, 
 A. B., became the head of the department of education. 
 Under the supervision of Prof. Hoff, the department 
 was modernized. In every phase of its work it met the 
 requirements of the State Department of Education. 
 After three years of efficient service, Prof. Hoff re- 
 signed to be succeeded by Mrs. Thomas, wife of State 
 Superintendent A. 0. Thomas. 
 
 As one reviews the history of the normal depart- 
 ment of Cotner university in the light of present day 
 educational methods, there are many imperfections to 
 be seen. However, it is not difficult to find imperfec- 
 tions in viewing any past system. During the years 
 when Cotner was struggling with educational prob- 
 lems, the whole system was in the making. Cotner's 
 work has always been based upon the standard set by 
 the Nebraska state normals and has received the 
 hearty endorsement of the state superintendent. In 
 1890, A. K. Goudy, Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
 tion, says, ''I have been able to examine your proposed 
 course of study for the normal department of the uni- 
 versity and while this has been examined rather hur- 
 ridly I am certainly safe in saying that it meets my 
 approval and I am glad to know of another agency 
 
136 History of Cotner University 
 
 whereby those preparing to teach in the public schools 
 of the state may be better fitted for their work." Six- 
 teen years later the statement of Superintendent J. L. 
 McBrien indicates the good standing of the normal 
 department. ''I am pleased to note that, beginning with 
 the coming session of Cotner University, opening Sep- 
 tember 10, 1906, it is the purpose of the management 
 to establish a department of education in compliance 
 with the requirements of law permitting the college 
 to grant grade and professional certificates. Having 
 gone over this matter, and believing your course of 
 study, equipment and faculty meet the requirements of 
 the statute for the recognition of your institution on 
 the same basis as state normal schools and also upon 
 the same basis as the state university, it gives me 
 pleasure to give recognition to your institution on both 
 these lines on and after September 10, 1906" In recent 
 years under the efficient leadership of Prof. Hoff and 
 Mrs. Thomas the work has met the approval of the 
 state department in every way. The real test of ability 
 is not in the course of study but to ''making good" in 
 the school room. Cotner teachers are satisfying the 
 demand. 
 
 A few words concerning Cotner's Art Department 
 should be given although it did not have its beginning 
 with the first year of school nor has it been a complete 
 department each year since its inauguration. 
 
 Miss Lulu Murphy was the first instructor in the 
 art department, in the year 1890. Anna Reba Drum- 
 mond, Lucy Cone Waggoner, Professor H. H. Bagg, 
 Mabel Davies Tookey, Mrs. R. L. Hoff and Mrs. Ida 
 Bennett have been succeeding teachers. 
 
 Professor Bagg is an instructor of rare ability in 
 crayon, water color and oil painting. He has been con- 
 nected with the art department of Cotner longer than 
 any other teacher and is therefore deserving of spe- 
 cial mention. 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
 
 Outside of Books at Cotner 
 
 When the years have passed and the wrinkles are 
 furrowing the brow, just a little, and when there is 
 a silvery tint to the hair, we shall all pause and think 
 of the days of youth, and decide that college days were 
 among the happiest and the best. Those days will 
 stand out in our memory as does Demosthenes or 
 Cicero in the world of oratory. 
 
 Cotner University 
 
 While we shall have forgotten much that we learned 
 in the classroom, we shall never forget that oratorical 
 contest or debate, in which we dreamed of first place 
 but received nearer the last, in which we anticipated 
 hearing the students cheer with 
 
 What's the matter with 
 
 He's all right. 
 Who's all right? 
 
 Three cheers! 
 
138 History of Cotner University 
 
 And then there bursts upon the air another sound : 
 White and blue, white and blue, 
 What's the matter with old C. U. ? 
 Blue and white, blue and white, 
 Cotner Uni. ; she's all right. 
 
 But perhaps we joined with the students in the cheer 
 for the other fellow. 
 
 The aim of a university is to produce a symmetrical 
 man. To meet this standard an individual must be a 
 disburser of knowledge as well as a possessor of it. 
 In other words emphasis must be placed upon the abil- 
 ity to acquire knowledge or scholarship, and also the 
 ability to impart it or in other words, public speaking. 
 An ability to appear well before an audience is ac- 
 quired in many ways. One of the most effective is in 
 oratorical and debating societies. 
 
 Cotner Oratorical Association was organized during 
 the school year of 1890-'91. It had for its purpose the 
 holding of oratorical and declamatory contests. Soon, 
 Cotner's organization became a mem.ber of the state 
 association. ''During this period the State University 
 was a member of the association. It seems that it was 
 a foregone conclusion that this school would win every 
 contest. It was openly stated that it would not be at 
 all fitting that a large and substantial institution like 
 the State University should be defeated by some de- 
 nominational college, so no matter how strong the 
 other speakers might be, the best they could hope for 
 was second place. This was a source of much irritation 
 to the smaller schools and many fierce combats were 
 waged in the business meetings to secure fair play. In 
 1894 the annual convention was held in the chapel at 
 Cotner. All the afternoon the conflict raged. Cotner 
 and the State were the principals and late in the aft- 
 ernoon Cotner won out. But that night in the contest 
 although Finch clearly outdid them all, Cotner was 
 compelled to take second place. This seemed to be the 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 139 
 
 last straw. A year later Cotner withdrew from the 
 association. The other schools did likewise, leaving 
 the State University alone in her glory. Later a new^ 
 state association was formed with a clause in the con- 
 stitution debarring technical and professional schools. 
 As the State depended almost wholly upon the em- 
 bryonic politicians in her law-school for her success, 
 she of course did not enter the new association." For 
 several years Cotner was not a member of the new 
 organization. These were the dark years when even 
 her existence was doubtful. 
 
 During the later years the workings of the State 
 Association have been peaceful and harmonious. Cot- 
 ner has almost always been represented in the state 
 contest. Hugh Lomax has the honor, however, of being 
 the only Cotner representative who has ever won first 
 place. Miss Alice Gadd (now Mrs. A. D. Harmon) is 
 the only Cotner lady who has the distinction of hav- 
 ing represented her school in a state contest of any 
 kind. During the last few years much more interest 
 has been manifested in debating than in oratory. 
 
 A list of Cotner representatives in the state con- 
 test are : 
 
 1891 J. H. Bicknell 1906 A. J. Hollingsworth 
 
 1892 A. D. Harmon 1907 Howard Britt 
 
 1893 Alice Gadd-Harmon 1908 John G. Alber 
 
 1894 C. A. Finch 1909 Clyde Cordner 
 
 1895 R. K. Beattie 1910 John G. Alber 
 
 1900 C. A. Sias 1911 C. E. Lemmon 
 
 1901 Hugh Lomax 1912 L, D. Christy 
 
 1902 W. L. Mellinger 1913 R. C. Dady 
 
 1903 W. L. Mellinger 1914 Orville Johnson 
 
 1904 F. G. Hamm 1915 P. B. Cope 
 
 1905 Hugh Lomax 1916 Orville Johnson 
 Another associatoin which has given an opportunity 
 
140 History of Cotner University 
 
 for the development of oratory and for inter-collegiate 
 rivalry is the Inter-collegiate Prohibition Association. 
 The object of the I. P. A= is to hold regular meetings 
 in which debates, addresses, lectures and study classes 
 are held in order to disseminate knowledge upon this 
 great problem of the liquor traffic. A national associa- 
 tion is maintained with headquarters at Chicago= Eight 
 or ten men known as national secretaries are devoting 
 their whole time to organizing and lecturing in the 
 colleges and universities of the United States. There 
 are now associations in over two hundred schools. 
 
 As a part of its work it maintains an oratorical 
 contest. Four series of contests are held, the local, 
 state, interstate and national. The following colleges 
 are in the Nebraska association: Hastings College, 
 Hastings; Wesleyan University, University Place; 
 Bellevue College, Bellevue; Central College, Central 
 City; Grand Island College, Grand Island; York Col- 
 lege, York; State University, Lincoln: Cotner Univer- 
 sity, Bethany; Omaha Theological Seminary, Om.aha; 
 Doane College, Crete; Luther Academy, Wahoo. 
 
 In the central interstate contest the following states 
 are represented : Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, South Da- 
 kota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and 
 Texas. 
 
 In this field of oratory Cotner has won special prom- 
 inence. The following are the Cotner orators and the 
 place won in the state contest: 
 
 1904 Hugh Lomax First 
 
 1905 A, Jo Hollingsworth 
 
 1906 Clyde Cordner 
 
 1907 John G. Alber ..First 
 
 1908 Ford Ellis ...First 
 
 1909 Clarence Lemmon Third 
 
 1<^10 Clyde Cordner First 
 
 1911 Leon A. Moomaw First 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 141 
 
 1912 C. H. Thomson Third 
 
 1913 No representative 
 
 1914 Carl PerLee Second 
 
 1915 No representative 
 
 1916 No representative . 
 
 Debating 
 
 The Excelsior Debating Section was the name of a 
 society organized in 1903. J. G. Pitts was its presi- 
 dent; Floyd Bash, vice-president, and Elsie Adams 
 Lomax, secretary-treasurer. This society held private 
 meetings, except where a member brought an invited 
 guest. A strict constitution was adopted by which the 
 membership was limited in numbers. ''None but work- 
 ers are wanted, and by the constitution they are the 
 only ones that can long remain in the society" was the 
 intention of those perfecting the organization. This 
 debating club did not last long, however. 
 
 Upon November 2, 1906, a mass meeting of all in- 
 terested students was called which resulted in a new 
 society in the university known as ''Cotner Debating 
 Club." It had for its object a double purpose: first, to 
 hold weekly meetings at which time various issues of 
 the day might be debated; second, to encourage and 
 arrange for inter-collegiate debates. During the first 
 year much interest was shown in the weekly meetings. 
 Since that time a regular class has been maintained in 
 debating under the direction of a debating coach for 
 which college credit has been given. This has taken 
 the place of the weekly meetings. 
 
 Since the organization of the Cotner Debating Club 
 twenty-six inter-collegiate debates have been held. 
 Out of this number the "White and Blue' has carried 
 away eighteen victories and only eight defeats. 
 
 Cotner's first inter-collegiate debate was held in 
 
142 History of Cotner University 
 
 March, 1907, with Christian University, Canton, Miss- 
 ouri. The question for debate was concerning our 
 governmental policy in the Philippine Islands. Cotner's 
 team defended the government in its present policy but 
 were unable to convince the judges that they were 
 right. The debaters were Clarence Alvord, E. M. 
 Johnson and E. H. Longman. 
 
 A history of Cotner's debating record would be in- 
 complete without a word of commendation concerning 
 H. 0. Pritchard, who was for six years the debating 
 coach. Mr. Pritchard is a scholar, having received 
 his B. D. degree from Yale in 1906. While in Yale he 
 had laid special emphasis upon inter-collegiate de- 
 bates. Mr. Pritchard developed in the student an 
 analytical mind, an argumentative style, and an ability 
 to form a logical conclusion. Perhaps no individual, 
 aside from regular faculty members has done more to 
 develop the student's mind, paving the way for success 
 than H. 0. Prichard. The system of debate which he 
 inaugurated coupled with determination on the part 
 of the debaters has given Cotner a high standing in 
 inter-collegiate circles. 
 
 In 1908, Cotner arranged a triangular debate with 
 Bellevue College at Bellevue and Doane College at 
 Crete. Each of the three schools have two teams, one 
 on each side of the question. Three debates take place 
 the same evening, one at each school. This triangular 
 debate is still held each year. For six years the annual 
 debate was held with Canton, Missouri, but was then 
 abandoned because of the long distance and expense 
 involved. For the past two years Cotner and Ne- 
 braska Wesleyan have met in the debating arena. 
 
 The names of the Cotner debaters, the question dis- 
 cussed and the decisions rendered will be given ac- 
 cording to the year in which the debate was held : 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 
 
 143 
 
 Opponent Cotner Debaters | 
 f A. W. Rethmeyer 
 Ray E. Hunt Won 
 
 Chas. E. Cobbey 
 
 A. W. Rethmeyer 
 L. A. Moomaw 
 Chas. E. Cobbey 
 
 B. F. Lively 
 Ray E. Hunt 
 Bert Wilson 
 
 Questions 
 
 Canton 
 
 Doane 
 
 Bellevue 
 
 Resolved, That the 
 
 federal government 
 
 should have exclu- 
 
 Won,sive control of all 
 
 corporations doing 
 
 an interstate busi- 
 
 „, ness. 
 Won 
 
 Canton 
 
 Doane 
 
 1909 
 ^Bert Wilson 
 
 Ray E. Hunt 
 
 Chas. E. Cobbey 
 
 Bert Wilson 
 C. E. Lemmon 
 [Floyd Bash 
 I^Ray E. Hunt 
 Bellevue \ Dan C. Troxel 
 Chas. E. Cobbey 
 
 Won 
 
 W^on 
 
 LuSL 
 
 Postal savings 
 bank. 
 
 1910 
 
 X. E. Lemmon 
 
 Canton \ Dan C. Troxel Won 
 
 [Leroy Watson 
 
 1^ Frank Wot en 
 Bellevue \ Dan C. Troxel Lost 
 
 [L. A. Moomaw 
 
 'C. E. Lemmon 
 Doane \ Leroy Watson Won 
 
 0. H. Loomis 
 
 Commission plan 
 of City Government 
 
144 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Opponent 
 
 Cotner Debaters 
 
 1911 
 ^, E. Lemmon 
 
 Canton ^ Dan C, Troxel 
 L. A. Moomaw 
 
 Carl Knapp 
 Bellevue -\ W. C. Radcliff 
 [Clarence Miles 
 
 rc. E. Lemmon 
 Doane \ Dan C. Troxel 
 L. A. Moomaw 
 
 Questions 
 
 Canton 
 
 Bellevu; 
 
 Doane 
 
 1912 
 ^Rodney McQuary 
 } C. E. Lemmon 
 [P. B. Cope 
 
 E. N. Griggs 
 Dan C. Troxel 
 R. C. Dady 
 
 Rodney McQuary 
 C. E. Lemmon 
 P. B. Cope 
 
 Lost 
 
 Won 
 
 Won 
 
 Resolved, That our 
 les-islation should be 
 shaped toward the 
 abandonment of the 
 protective tariff. 
 
 Won 
 
 Resolved, That all 
 judges, other than 
 Wonjthe federal, should 
 be subject to the re- 
 call. 
 
 Won 
 
 Doane 
 
 Bellevue 
 
 1913 
 
 C. E. Lemmon 
 
 R. C. Dady Won 
 
 C. H. Thomson 
 
 fP. B. Cope 
 
 E. N. Griggs Won 
 
 C. E. Per Lee 
 
 Resolved, That the 
 trusts should be reg- 
 ulated rather than 
 be prohibited. 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 
 
 145 
 
 Opponent 
 
 Cotner Debaters 
 
 
 Questions 
 
 1914 
 
 
 
 ^Orville Johnson 
 Bellevue <! Elmer Strain 
 
 
 
 Lost 
 
 
 
 Carl Per Lee 
 ^Luther Cobbey 
 
 
 Single-tax. 
 
 3oane 
 
 Ernest Molloy 
 P. B. Cope 
 
 Won 
 
 
 Doane 
 
 Bellevue 
 
 Wesleyan 
 
 1915 
 ^Elmer Strain 
 < L. A, Brumbaugh 
 E. E, Eriorofs 
 
 Lawrence Dry 
 P. B. Cope 
 0. E. Johnson 
 
 I^P. B. Cope 
 -< Lawrence Dry 
 0. E. Johnson 
 
 Won 
 
 Won 
 
 Won 
 
 Government own- 
 ership of railroads. 
 
 Doane 
 
 Bellevue 
 
 Wesleyan 
 
 1916 
 
 rO. E. Johnson 
 
 A Glenn McRae 
 [Paul Kennedy 
 
 Garland Nichols 
 iklonzo Knight 
 L. A. Brumbaugh 
 
 fGlenn McRae 
 L. A. Brumbaugh 
 0. E. Johnson 
 
 Lost 
 
 
 
 Resolved, That ths 
 
 
 UnitedStates should 
 
 
 immediately and 
 
 Lost 
 
 substantially i n- 
 
 
 crease her arma- 
 
 
 ment. 
 
 L Lost 
 
 
146 History of Cotner University 
 
 Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. 
 
 Many of the pleasant hours spent in college cluster 
 about the Young Men's or Young Women's Christian 
 Association. It is such organizations that drive away 
 the loneliness that comes to the new student, who has 
 left the old home. These two associations as world- 
 wide movements have, from the beginning, been strong 
 factors in elevating the ideals and strengthening the 
 righteous purposes in the lives of young people. Happy 
 is the young man or woman, who has come within the 
 influence of the city or student association. 
 
 The young women of Cotner University have been 
 exceedingly fortunate in having the privilege of being 
 identified with this great movement, for it has been 
 a part of the school during almost the whole of its life. 
 While school was yet being held in the dormitory, a 
 state secretary came to organize a Young Women's 
 Christian Association among the girls. Progress was 
 made but slowly, however, until Miss Ada Barnes, 
 then tri-state secretary, visited the Cotner associa- 
 tion, lending help and encouragement and impart- 
 ing a real missionary message. Much credit for 
 the Lincoln city association is due to Cotner, for Miss 
 Alice Gadd (Harmon) assisted Miss Barnes in that 
 work in the spring of 1892. The work of the Cotner 
 association advanced ; excellent prayer meetings were 
 held ; earnest Bible study classes carried on and a 
 wholesome social life prevailed. So strongly is the 
 influence of this association felt that one mother among 
 the alumni feels it in her heart to say *'one of the beck- 
 oning hands bidding us bring our children to Cotner is 
 the Y. W. C. A.." 
 
 Some of the presidents of the Y. W. C. A. between 
 the years 1890 to 1897 were Misses Alice Gadd, Addie 
 Harris, Grace Young and Hannah Mcrphet. During 
 the dark financial days, the Y. W. C. A. together with 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 147 
 
 most of the other organizations passed out of existence. 
 There was a substantial revival of the association 
 in 1902. In room seventeen a group of girls came to- 
 gether in the fall of that year and an organization was 
 perfected with Miss Mollie Enyart (Armstrong) as 
 president. Soon every girl in the college, save three, 
 were enlisted as members. The general conference of 
 the Y. W. C. A. was then held at Lake Geneva, Wis- 
 consin. Miss Lucile Ford was the first Cotner girl to 
 attend this conference. The girls acting as president 
 of the Cotner Y. ¥/. succeeding Miss Enyart were : 
 
 Lillie Brunell Turner 1903-'04 
 
 Lucile Ford 1904-'06 
 
 Donna Enyart 1906-'07 
 
 Lura Armstrong 1907-'08 
 
 Ada Bash (Hunt) 1908-'09 
 
 Wenona Wilkinson 1909-'10 
 
 Ethel Ranney (Wilmot)..._.1910-'ll 
 Minnie Young (Moomaw) ...-1911-'12 
 
 Mabel Cutter (Packer) 1912-'13 
 
 Ruth Dixon 1913-'14 
 
 Flossie Strain 1914-'15 
 
 Dale Ellis 1915-'16 
 
 Alletta Brokaw 1916 
 
 The work of the Cotner Y. V/. C. A. has grown con- 
 sistently during all these years. Weekly prayer meet- 
 ings have been held at which time some important 
 topic pertaining to the practical side of life has been 
 discussed b}^ the girls in general, or a special speaker 
 has brought an inspiring message. 
 
 The work of the local association has been delegated 
 to various committees, with a competent girl as leader 
 of each. Every member of the association is placed 
 upon one of these different committees and thus be- 
 comes acquainted with the numerous departments of 
 the work. Miss Grace E. Young has for many years 
 
148 History of Cotner University 
 
 been the advisory member from the faculty to the 
 Cotner association and has been an invaluable aid to 
 the progress of the work. 
 
 The western students' conference is now held each 
 year at Estes Park, Colorado. The inspiration of such 
 a conference cannot but have a lasting impression 
 upon the life of everyone who attends. The Y. W. C. A. 
 has its own peculiar place in the college life of every 
 girl and its influence does not end with college days. 
 
 The history of Cotner Y. M. C. A. is very similar to 
 that of the Y. W. C. A. The men have been equally 
 fortunate in being identified with a great movement. 
 The plan of work of the two associations is practically 
 the same. The summer conferences were held at the 
 same place only at different times of the year, first at 
 Lake Geneva, then at Cascade and now at Estes Park, 
 Colorado. During the very early days Cotner Y. M. 
 was launched. Records of those days have not been 
 kept but it seems the most earnest worker for the 
 association was C. C. Drummond, now a missionary 
 in India. 
 
 As was true of almost every college organiaztion the 
 Y. M. ceased, during the years of financial depression 
 at Cotner University. In 1900 the work was reorgan- 
 ized with Hugh Lomax as president. The membership 
 was small, yet meetings were held every Sunday after- 
 noon and many young men look back upon these as days 
 of pleasure and profit. Many of those who have gone 
 from Cotner's halls point to the Y. M. as a pov/erful 
 factor in their lives. Some of the presidents which 
 persons have been able to recall, for no records exist, 
 are, R. Lyle Finch, Roy Young, Cleveland Kleihauer, 
 Ray Murphy, Ernest Parminter, H. E. Neibiing, J. H. 
 Walker, Henry Hanner, P. B. Cope, 0. E. Johnson, 
 Winters Funck and Glenn McRae. 
 
Outside of Books at Coiner 149 
 
 Cotner Athletics 
 
 In a retrospection of Cotner athletics we could not 
 tell of all the victories if we would and would not tell 
 of all the defeats if we could. In the early nineties, 
 athletics did not play as prominent a part in college 
 activities as in the present period, therefore, Cotner 
 w^as not as active in that line. Yet it is known that 
 we were not asleep, for in 1893 the Cotner football 
 team defeated Wesieyan with a score of 20 to 0. It 
 seems rather humorous to-day to think of Lyle Finch, 
 H. C. Armstrong, E. H. Longman, Leslie Lodwig and 
 Roy Lucas in connection with Cotner athletic teams, 
 yet they used to perform that function in a commend- 
 able way. 
 
 Among the names of baseball players of prominence 
 in recent years in their respective positions, the fol- 
 lowing are found: 
 
 Pitchers— Parminter, Ling, Carrothers, Pirtle, Ford, 
 Newman and Streeter. 
 
 Catchers — Louis Ogden, Everett Ling, Shagool and 
 Dry. 
 
 Basemen — Ritchey, Troxel, Ray Murphy, Harrys 
 Murphy, Guy Emery, Jester, Elmer Strain. 
 
 Short Stop — Miles, Strain (Elmer), Shagool and 
 Thomas. 
 
 Field — Joe Smith, Ben Ogden, Siddons, Adams, 
 Black. Raver, McPherson and many others. 
 
 Basketball has not been prominent in Cotner for so 
 many years. Cotner's greatest basketball team was in 
 evidence in 1910 and 1911. The personnel of the team 
 was: "Happy" Aspinwall, center, ''Mc" McCullough, 
 "Ben" Ogden, guards ; "Pid" Parminter, "Lefty" Sid- 
 dons, forwards. 
 
 In 1910, not only did Cotner win the State Collegiate 
 championship by winning every game, but won it by a 
 two to one score, Cotner's total score for the season 
 being 445 to 191 for her opponents. 
 
150 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Score for 1910 
 
 Cotner 36 
 
 Cotner 51 
 
 Cotner 48 
 
 Cotner 28 
 
 Cotner 42 
 
 Cotner Q>^ 
 
 Cotner 26 
 
 Cotner 43 
 
 Cotner 30 
 
 Cotner 36 
 
 Cotner..... 39 
 
 Peru 18 
 
 York 10 
 
 Tarkio 12 
 
 Highland Park 26 
 
 Hastings 19 
 
 Kearney 17 
 
 State University 22 
 
 York 12 
 
 Highland Park 16 
 
 Peru 15 
 
 Tabor, Iowa 23 
 
 In 1911 not only was the Cotner team victorious over 
 the colleges of the state but proved themselves the 
 undisputed champions of the Missouri Valley. 
 Basketball Score Card for 1911 
 
 Cotner 33 
 
 Cotner 29 
 
 Cotner 45 
 
 Cotner 35 
 
 Cotner 46 
 
 Cotner 43 
 
 Cotner 39 
 
 Cotner 30 
 
 Cotner 35 
 
 Cotner 35 
 
 Cotner 65 
 
 Cotner 14 
 
 Cotner 14 
 
 Cotner 25 
 
 Cotner 48 
 
 Y. M. C. A., Lincoln.... 31 
 
 Omaha University 10 
 
 Kearney 18 
 
 Nebraska 17 
 
 Highland Park 17 
 
 York 16 
 
 Doane 21 
 
 South Dakota 17 
 
 Kearney 16 
 
 Kansas 26 
 
 Peru 15 
 
 Highland Park 15 
 
 Omaha University 16 
 
 Peru \ 20 
 
 York 24 
 
 Good basketball players have been on Cotner's floor 
 since the famous quintette. Ed. Britt, Avery Morton, 
 Glen Leavitt, Rollin Squires, Elmer Strain, John Sha- 
 gool and many others have upheld Cotner's colors in 
 an admirable manner. 
 
 The 1916 basketball players were Clyde Darner, Lee 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 
 
 151 
 
 Neuman, Francis Knapple, Paul Britt, Ted Strain, 
 Frank Brokaw, Paul Thomas and Earl Parminter. 
 
 Season's Record 
 
 Cotner 38 
 
 Cotner 25 
 
 Cotner..-. 30 
 
 Cotner 38 
 
 Cotner 16 
 
 Cotner 21 
 
 Cotner 28 
 
 Cotner 11 
 
 Cotner 12 
 
 Cotner 19 
 
 Cotner 19 
 
 Cotner 19 
 
 Cotner 25 
 
 Cotner 23 
 
 Cotner 17 
 
 Cotner 12 
 
 Cotner 22 
 
 Cotner . 23 
 
 Old Stars 4 
 
 Old Stars 13 
 
 Tarkio 25 
 
 Omaha . 11 
 
 Peru 39 
 
 Tarkio 19 
 
 Omaha 8 
 
 Wesleyan 39 
 
 Peru 7 
 
 Wesleyan 38 
 
 Grand Island 19 
 
 York 21 
 
 Kearney 19 
 
 Hastings 16 
 
 York 16 
 
 Grand Island 18 
 
 Kearney 29 
 
 Hastings 10 
 
 In football Cotner has never had a winning team in 
 every game but has held her own against schools of her 
 size. The score cards for the years 1913 and 1915 are 
 representative of the work done. 
 
 1913 
 
 Doane 14 
 
 Cotner 7 
 
 Cotner 
 
 Cotner 
 
 Cotner 5 
 
 Cotner 14 
 
 Cotner -... 54 
 
 Cotner 56 
 
 Cotner 13 
 
 Cotner 9 
 
 Cotner 
 
 Bellevue 
 
 Weslej^an 48 
 
 Omaha University 6 
 
 Kearney 10 
 
 Peru 
 
 Hastings 
 
 1915 
 
 Bellevue 2 
 
 Kearney 33 
 
 Doane 12 
 
152 History of Cotner University 
 
 Cotner... 7 Omaha - 
 
 Cotner — . Hastings 39 
 
 Cotner. 27 York 27 
 
 Literary Societies at Cotner 
 The first literary society known to Cotner was the 
 Christian Rhetorical which began in 1889. The C. R- 
 Society was born to live but one year for it ceased to 
 exist in June, 1890. J. H. Bicknell was the first presi- 
 dent. The officers for the second semester of that year 
 were S. A. Groat, president; L. P. Bush, vice-presi- 
 dent; Miss Groat, secretary, and Charles Hazelrigg, 
 treasurer. During the winter of the first year at Cot- 
 ner a Bible society was formed with Dr. Aylsworth 
 as its promoter. The inception took place in the din- 
 ing room of the present dormitory, and the name was 
 Mathesian, meaning ''disciples" or ''learners." It w^as 
 fundamentally a Bible society, a part of every program 
 was the reading of the Scriptures, prayer and a sermon 
 by a member of the society. The following is an exact 
 copy of a literary program given at Cotner's first com- 
 mencement : 
 
 Programme of the C. R. and Mathesian Societies of 
 Cotner University, Lincoln, June 18, 1890 
 
 Vocal Solo Mrs. Weber 
 
 Invocation Prof. W. P. Aylsworth 
 
 Oration, "The Puritan and the Cavalier" 
 
 J. H. Bicknell, Bloomington, Indiana 
 
 Recitation, "The Legend of the Organ Builder"... 
 
 .....Miss Grace Martin, McCook, Nebraska 
 
 Violin Solo Prof. Weber 
 
 Criticism, "The Book of Hebrews" 
 
 Miss Alice Gadd, Bethany Heights, Nebraska 
 
 Recitation, "Mucklittle's Boy" 
 
 Miss Effie Hale, Craig, Nebraska 
 
 Piano Solo Miss Culbertson 
 
Outside of Books at Cotfier 153 
 
 Essay, ''American Women" Miss Blanch Gregory 
 
 Oration, ''The Impending Crisis" 
 
 William Oeschger, Valparaiso, Nebraska 
 
 Vocal Solo Mrs. Weber 
 
 During the second year of school there was a desire 
 for a purely literary society. A very unique method 
 was adopted for the starting of two organizations. 
 The names of six students were placed in a hat and 
 drawn out, forming two comxm.ittees of three each. 
 Arthur Munson, William Oeschger and Alice Gadd 
 were the committee to canvass the students to secure 
 members of a new society to be called the Delphian. 
 J. H. Bicknell, R. W. Abberley and F. L. Sumpter were 
 to act in the same capacity but their society was known 
 as the Athenian society. These organizations flour- 
 ished until the crisis of the nineties. 
 
 A little of the humorous side of society life creeps 
 into a letter written by Mrs. Alice Gadd-Harmon about 
 literary societies. The students of older days will un- 
 derstand, while those of recent years can do as she 
 says, "ask your chancellor, registrar or Dr. Aylsworth 
 about a certain literary organization that "died young." 
 "I was a charter member of everything but the Athen- 
 ian society. That was a very inferior society 'in the 
 beginning/ All the talent belonged to the Delphian 
 society. But many warring members made trouble so 
 the best, brainiest Delphians brought into existence an 
 organization that would have won fame, honor and 
 reputation for the school but the blind faculty 'saw it 
 not' so the infant died. All this combined brain went 
 into the Athenian society and it grew in numbers and 
 wisdom from that hour. It was in the early days of 
 our literary societies that your chancellor (Oeschger) 
 used to have the 'goddess of Liberty dance her golden 
 slipper off' twice every meeting." 
 
 The Mathesian Literary society is the only organ- 
 
154 History of Cotne?' University 
 
 ization of any kind that stood the test of the crisis 
 years, having been organized during the first year 
 of Cotner's history and at present has its weekly meet- 
 ings every Friday night. It is not now a Bible society 
 as in the beginning but a purely literary organization. 
 The first officers were R. W. Abberley, president; H. 
 G. Wilkinson, vice-president; Miss Gregory, secretary, 
 and William Oeschger, treasurer. The second year 
 William Oeschger was elected president. During the 
 early years a list of the officers was not available but 
 the records have been preserved since 1 906 : 
 
 President Secretary 
 
 Donna Enyart 
 
 G. C. Aydelott .._..Floyd Bash 
 
 E. M. Johnson Elsie Bankson 
 
 C. W. Longman Mable Davies 
 
 Ed. Kechley Chloe Dill 
 
 Bert Wilson ...Lura Armstrong 
 
 Leroy Watson Elsie Morton 
 
 Thomas Perry Maude Morrison 
 
 Robert Lemmon Vera Moomaw 
 
 Leon Moomaw Mary Hilton 
 
 Mary Hilton Harry Weekly 
 
 Avery Morton Gertrude Baldwin 
 
 C. H. Thompson . Ruth Dixon 
 
 Nelle Gingles -- Elmer Strain 
 
 Lela Witham . Frank Hanner 
 
 Elmer Strain Cleo Dixon 
 
 Pearl Swartwood Lennie Brumbaugh 
 
 Harry Weekly Dale Ellis 
 
 Floss Strain. Everett Ward 
 
 L. A, Brumbaugh.. Celia Elliot 
 
 With the death of the Athenian and Delphian so- 
 cieties in 1^96, a new society was born in the spring 
 of 1897. This received the cognomen, Philomathian. 
 After 1903 the presidents and secretaries were as fol- 
 lows : 
 
Outside of Books at Cotiier 155 
 
 Presidents Secretaries 
 
 Roy Lucas 
 
 E. E. Smith- Mabel Wilson 
 
 Hugh Lomax Clara Aylsworth 
 
 Clara Aylsworth Elmer Child 
 
 Kenneth Roland Elsie Britt 
 
 Clare De Forest John Alber 
 
 Austin Hollingsworth Helen Demarest 
 
 Orville Johnson Elsie Britt 
 
 J. E. Smith Theodosia Camp 
 
 Elmer Child Verna Holmes 
 
 H. L. Britt Alma Perrine 
 
 Clarence Miles Bess Kirk 
 
 0. H. Loomis Ethel Ranney 
 
 Helen Demarest Ernest Parminter 
 
 Homer Young Florence Leavitt 
 
 Ethel Ranney Rollin Squires 
 
 Dan Troxel . Madge Hill 
 
 J. M. Packer Mabel McClintock 
 
 Clarence Lemmon Hope Black 
 
 Ernest Molloy Anna Oeschger 
 
 Harry Hill Edna Ranney 
 
 Orville E. Johnson Vera Anderson 
 
 Lawrence Dry Bessie Adams 
 
 Charles Streeter Ada McKinney 
 
 Glen McRae Alletta Brokaw 
 
 The literary societies of Cotner have always existed 
 for the purpose of advancing literary standards among 
 her students. Individual students in preparation for 
 the weekly programs have done research and original 
 work which has been an invaluable aid to them in their 
 later activities ; ease and grace upon the platform have 
 been acquired. In the early days the societies had 
 regular meeting places as now. The present Philo Hall 
 was then the Athenian Hall ; the Mathesian, the Del- 
 
156 Histo7'y of Cotner University 
 
 phian, and the room now occupied by the Expression 
 department was the Mathesian Hall. 
 
 At present there is an Athenian Literary society 
 which was organized in 1911. Only Cotner Academy 
 students are eligible to membership. Its object is the 
 cultivation of literary ability and the development of 
 public expression. 
 
 Sneak Day 
 
 ''Sneak Day" in the real sense of the word origin- 
 ated in the spring of 1903, when the college class of 
 1907 was yet the senior academy class. This was the 
 largest class in school and noted for its vim and vigor. 
 The rivalry in the school w^as between this class and 
 the remaining student body. 
 
 The chief instigators in the planning of a picnic for 
 the faculty and students, with the exception of the 
 senior academy class, were Edward Clutter, Roy Lucas 
 and E. J. Sias. Persuaded under manifestation of 
 arms, Chancellor Aylsw^orth and most of the other fac- 
 ulty members followed in the wake of these leaders. 
 On that early spring morning they did actually sneak 
 away to Steven's Creek, leaving Miss Grace Young 
 with a recitation class composed of members of the 
 senior academy class, and those closely affiliated with it 
 and Miss Willie Walker, a teacher with a class similarly 
 composed, as the only ones to carry on school that day. 
 But of course they didn't ''keep" school. Hastily pre- 
 paring a lunch, the undaunted group left behind re- 
 paired to the picnic grounds at the State Farm. The 
 day was reported "delightfully spent" by each pleasure 
 seeking group. The only cause for grief to those at 
 the Steven's Creek grounds was the strange disappear- 
 ance of three of the horses making up the teams, which 
 conveyed the party to its pleasure resort. The al- 
 leged thieves of course were immediately suspected as 
 being members of the State Farm picnicing party. It 
 
Outside of Books at Cotner 157 
 
 did seem very likely that if Cleveland Kleihauer and E. 
 M. Johnson were to be tried before the bar of justice, 
 they would be found guilty. 
 
 From this brief sketch, we have a slight idea of 
 what the first Sneak Day was like. Since 1903 there 
 has been an annual gala day participated in by students 
 and faculty alike, and has ever been one of the long 
 to be remembered days of each year. The plans have 
 been under the auspices of the senior class for each 
 particular year, Steven's Creek being the place where 
 with but few exceptions, the picnic has been held. 
 
 Things You Want to Know 
 
 The University Song 
 
 Chorus 
 
 For we are jolly students of Nebraska land; 
 
 We've got the sand. 
 
 Our colors, they are white and blue; 
 
 And we belong to Cotner University, Rah, Rah, Rah, 
 
 Where the students dare and do. (Repeat.) 
 
 You may talk about your colleges, fair Harvard and 
 
 old Yale; 
 And all the universities whose banners brave the gale. 
 There's the azure flag of Cambridge and old Oxford's 
 
 noble blue 
 That wave in far off England over hearts both brave 
 
 and true. 
 From the sunny shores of Frisco up to distant Portland 
 
 Maine ; 
 Away off to the Philippines and aw^ay back home again, 
 There's no college, university or school can ever show 
 So brave, so true, so great a crew of students as we 
 
 know\ 
 
 On a glorious morn with a victory won, there broke 
 a glad refrain, 
 
158 History of Cotner University 
 
 Into the world a school is born and Cotner is its name. 
 Our colors float in grandeur over south, north, east and 
 
 west, 
 Our graduates are widely known, their training's been 
 
 the best, 
 And where the scenes of conflict rage, you'll find until 
 
 the last, 
 Old Cotner's colors in the field, to meet the stormy 
 blast. 
 And in the many countries where Old Glory comes to 
 
 view. 
 We also mean to plant a stake for Cotner's white and 
 
 blue. 
 
 The University Yells 
 
 Cotner, Cotner, Cotner, the 
 
 Cotner University 
 
 Don't you see? 
 
 White and Blue, White and Blue, 
 What's the matter with old C, U. ? 
 Blue and White, Blue and White, 
 Cotner Uni, she's all right. 
 
 C. U. Rah Rah 
 C. U. Rah Rah 
 C. Rah U. Rah 
 C. U. Rah Rah 
 
 The University Colors — Blue and White 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 Clippings From the Cotner Exponent 
 
 As Cotner University grew in "numbers and wis- 
 dom" a need was felt for a medium through which 
 student activities might be transmitted. In order to 
 meet this need the students had talked of a college 
 paper as a means. This idea took tangible form in 
 April, 1893. The following is suggestive of the plan 
 adopted and the editorial staff for the first year: 
 
 THE COTNER EXPONENT 
 Published monthly by the students of Cotner 
 
 University 
 
 F. L. SUMPTER, Editor 
 
 Assistants : 
 
 A. J. Dungan Locals 
 
 Miss Alice Gadd Literary 
 
 Wm. Oeschger .....Field Notes 
 
 H. J. Johnson, Business Manager 
 
 Subscription, one year in advance $.75 
 
 Single copy .10 
 
 Entered at Bethany P. 0. as second-class matter. 
 
 Editorial 
 For a number of years Cotner University has felt 
 the need of a good representative college paper. Many 
 times have different students talked the matter over, 
 but each time we have failed in seeing how we could 
 make it pay expenses. At last we have succeeded. 
 We have gone to the most enterprising business men 
 of the city, laid the matter before them, explained that 
 we have about 300 students and 200 residents, and con- 
 vinced them that it will pay them, to advertise with us. 
 Now they have done their part, and done it well and 
 
160 History of Cotner University 
 
 liberally. As far as they are concerned the Cotner 
 Exponent is a success. The rest remains for the stu- 
 dents and friends of Cotner University. 
 
 Clippings from the Cotner Exponent will carry to 
 the students of Cotner's initial period a message which 
 will be keenly enjoyed because of the personal touch 
 with the school in those years ; to the ones of the later 
 period they will present a picture of the days other 
 than those of which they were a part. 
 
 Locals 
 
 Mr. Frank Barrow, formerly a student of Cotner, 
 but at present the editor of the Bennet News, visited 
 Cotner on the 4th. 
 
 Motto of the Theological Students : 
 ''Count that day lost whose low descending sun 
 Views at thy hand no eight dollars and expenses won."^ 
 
 It has been hinted that there is to be another society 
 this term, viz: 'The Bald-Headed Bachelors." First 
 meeting in the music room. 
 
 Professor: "Please preserve a little more silence in 
 this library, as Miss Hemry would like to study." 
 
 There are fifteen houses in process of erection at 
 Bethany Heights. Hurrah for Cotner university. 
 
 Another occasion of great rejoicing was the victory 
 of Cotner's baseball team over that of the Wesleyan 
 University. It has been the boast of that institution 
 when we made them see stars in the football game, that 
 they could just whip us on the diamond. We never 
 thought so, and just for fun scared up a scratch team 
 and went over Friday, October 6. The players were 
 as follows : Brown, catcher ; Darby, pitcher, Hillis, 
 first base ; Pile, second base ; Wilmeth, third base ; 
 Dune-an, R. A., right field; Dungan, R. M., left field; 
 Smith, center field; Stratton, short stop. 
 
 Is Schell also among the preachers? Verily, what 
 
Clippings from Cotfier Exponent 161 
 
 strange things are coming to pass in these last days. 
 
 The students would be pleased to hear from the "Sea 
 Side Quartette" and so the gentlemen composing that 
 organization may expect to be called upon in chapel 
 some morning. 
 
 Chancellor Jennings started east Feb. 17, on an ex- 
 tended visit to work for the university from a financial 
 standpoint. His success is fully expected and our uni- 
 versity will be placed on a footing to do much better 
 work in the future than it has done in the past. 
 
 The Exponent often gave the orations of Cotner's 
 representatives to the state contests. In 1893 Miss 
 Alice Gadd was Cotner's orator. Her subject was ''The 
 Work of the American Women." 
 
 ''0, noble man, thou art indeed worthy of the crown 
 which decks thy brow ! Thou has gloriously accom- 
 plished the work which God has given thee to do ! But, 
 alone, thou art inadequate for the great work of today ! 
 In the youth of history the value of woman as a help- 
 mate began to be appreciated. Is she not now capable 
 of rendering the needed assistance ? In disposition she 
 is kind, sympathetic, affectionate, true and forebear- 
 ing. God truly could never have given man anything 
 more worthy of his love and protection than He did 
 when He allowed the angel of purity to assume the 
 form of woman, and consenting to her pleadings in 
 behalf of the lonely man, permitted her to take up her 
 abode in that garden, called after she had come to 
 dwell there, the garden of Paradise." 
 
 Prohibition Oratorical Contest 1893 
 "William Oeschger spoke on 'How to Vote.' He 
 spoke earnestly and with feeling. The cheers of the 
 audience indicated their appreciation. A piano duet 
 by Misses Stephens and Rush showed great skill and 
 was greatly enjoyed. The next number was a recita- 
 tion by Miss Jessie Dillon, entitled "The Spanish Duel." 
 Cotner people never tire of hearing Mies Dillon and this 
 
162 History of Cotner University 
 
 was one of her best efforts. The Harmonic Quartette, 
 composed of Messrs. Flatter, Dungan, Nesbit and Hil- 
 ton, rendered ''The Tar's Farewell." They responded 
 to a hearty encore with "Simple Simon." By the time 
 the program was finished the decision of the judges 
 was ready. Mr. Oeschger received first place and will 
 represent Cotner University in the state prohibition 
 contest May 13, 1893." 
 
 Oratorical Contest 1894 
 "A Problem of the Ages" by R. Kent Beattie 
 
 ''Hark, the echoes of the approaching conflict come 
 faintly to our ears. From the pine-clad shores of old 
 New England to the sunny w^estern slopes of the 
 Sierras, we see the gradual awakening from the sleep 
 of apathy into the full glory of energetic action. Shall 
 we lag behind? No. The man is thrice a coward who 
 deserts his country now. Answer manfully to your 
 country's call, as have your fathers in times before. 
 Let us then press onward to victory with the watch- 
 word upon our lips, that glad triumphant cry, the 
 patriot's song of freedom, "America for America." 
 Clippings from the History of the Class of '93 
 
 The history of the class of '93 is a history of Cotner. 
 Christian University, as it was then called, begun 
 school October 6, 1889. We then occupied the yellow 
 house southeast of the campus, known as "Uncle Tom's 
 Cabin." The faculty consisted of Vice-President Ayls- 
 w^orth. Professors Chamberlain and Harris and Miss 
 Parker. In January we were promoted to the dormi- 
 tory. We were exceedingly proud of our new quarters. 
 At first the janitor lived in the basement just across 
 from the chapel, otherwise known as the dining room. 
 Mr. Scott and family indulged in cooking cabbage two 
 days and cooked onions three days of the school week. 
 In January we were also delighted by an addition to 
 our faculty. Professor Burnet was very cordially 
 welcomed. We only wished there could be several 
 
Clippings from Cotner Exponent 163 
 
 more. The first of the spring term we entered the uni- 
 versity building. There was much joy over this and a 
 jubilee held. The students were of a very literary 
 turn of mind and early in the fall term the C. R. so- 
 ciety was organized. Mr. Bicknell was elected presi- 
 dent. 
 
 During the month of May the sophomore and second 
 preparatory classes gave a banquet in honor of the 
 class of '93. It was an elaborate affair and will always 
 be remembered with pleasure. * '^ Our history is ended. 
 I have not taken space to tell of the positions held by 
 the members nor of their rank in class work. Our 
 work is known to the students. Our three young men 
 leave school to enter the ministry. If history included 
 prophecy I would predict a successful future for each 
 of them. We leave with more sadness than joy. We 
 entered as tiny streams this reservoir of learning; we 
 leave with stronger currents and purer waters. We 
 enter the great ocean of life each to flow in its chosen 
 channel. Happy, laborious, beneficial school days, 
 ''goodbye." Helpful, dear and noble students ; loving 
 kind and competent teachers "farewell." — Class His- 
 torian. 
 
 Extracts from Medical Commencement Address 
 by Dr. E. J. Latta 
 ''I have often spoken to you of certain habits, and I 
 feel constrained on this last occasion to refer to them 
 again. If you have acquired a habit of using tobacco, 
 my advice is to abandon it. You can easily do it. It 
 requires no more will power than it does to steady the 
 hand, when you are compelled to wield the surgeon's 
 knife. Abandon it for the sake of your own health — 
 abandon it because it is a vulgar, filthy practice — but 
 especially abandon it because the smell of it from your 
 breath and clothing will make your lady patients sick 
 every time you approach the bedside, and you don't 
 want to be an object of disgust. 
 
164 History of Cotner University 
 
 When business accumulates as it often v/ill in what 
 are called sickly seasons, and you are compelled to go 
 through storm and night ; when you are tired amost to 
 prostration, and the damp winds chill the very marrow 
 in your bones, you will say to yourself, and with some 
 show of reason, that *'if a man ever needed a stimulant 
 I am that man ; a little alcohol will warm and do me 
 good." For a few times it might; but I adjure you, 
 touch it not, for those times when you think you need it 
 will come too often ; the serpent will get in his work. 
 The habit may form which will carry you rapidly to 
 a drunkard's grave before you have lived over half 
 your days. You know that I am not a fanatic on this 
 subject, but feel it a duty at this parting hour to speak 
 of the experience of many young men who entered upon 
 the duties of the profession when I did, and since, some 
 of whom are in their graves from this cause nearly 
 twenty years. Shun that which will steal away your 
 brains and send you speedily to an imbecile's grave. 
 
 And now, as the time has come when our relations 
 as teachers and pupils must be severed, we do it with 
 the most profound regrets. Not but that we rejoice 
 with you in your having completed your college course, 
 v/hich makes you the equals of other physicians in pro- 
 fessional standing. But there is a sadness about part- 
 ing with friends with whom we have been so intimately 
 associated during years that are past, especially when 
 that parting may, and probably will be the last. Be 
 brave ever to oppose the wrong, always strive to do 
 right; acquit yourselves like men, and be assured that 
 you will always have our best wishes for your success 
 and happiness in this life and the great beyond." 
 
 As you finish reading this short chapter, just pauss 
 for a few moments, read between the lines many other 
 events which are not here recorded, then dravv^ a bi^ 
 breath of the ''old Cotner spirit," sweetened by the 
 fragrance of past memories, and push on with a 
 broader smile. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 Clippings From the Cotner Collegian 
 
 Perhaps a more loyal, progressive group of young 
 men and women was never gathered in one place than 
 those enrolled as Cotner students. Most of the move- 
 ments for the advancement of university life have 
 been initiated by the student body. One of the vital 
 factors in universitiy activities since 1902 has been the 
 Cotner Collegian. The beginner of this college paper 
 was Miss Myrtle King, then a student of Cotner, now 
 Mrs. G. J. P. Barger, a missionary at Bolenge, Africa. 
 While in high school Miss King had learned the print- 
 er's trade, and after an apprenticeship in the job and 
 newspaper office of her brother-in-law, she began news- 
 paper work for herself. In January, 1902, she en- 
 rolled for a business and Bible course at Cotner. Hav- 
 ing a hand printing press she established a job print- 
 ing office in Bethany the following June and in the fall 
 initiated the Cotner Collegian. From the beginning 
 Miss King won the hearts of all by her quiet, affec- 
 tionate ways and from that time to the present the 
 little paper has filled an important function in college 
 life. 
 
 The first Collegian editorial staff was as follows : 
 
 Myrtle G. King Editor and Publisher 
 
 Contributing Editors 
 
 General News T. Milo Keith '03 
 
 Religious Alma Demarest Sias '06 
 
 Mathesian Biblical Society Bert Wilson 
 
 Philomathian Literary Society Elsie N. Reddick 
 
 Athletic. -.. -.-..R. Lyle Finch '07 
 
 Music .....Prof. Lola Mix Sutton '04 
 
166 History of Cotner University 
 
 Local and Personal, — 
 
 Mollie Enyart '07 
 Roy 0. Young '06 
 
 Alumni — Prof. Grace E. Young '97 
 
 The second year marks a change in the management 
 of the paper. During the first year it had, to an extent, 
 been a private enterprise now it becomes a student pub- 
 lication. An editorial in September, 1903, explains the 
 change. ''The beginning of the fall semester marks 
 a change in the management of this organ. Hitherto 
 Myrtle G. King has been its editor and proprietor. 
 Henceforth the publication will be controlled by the 
 student body of Cotner. At a mass meeting of the 
 students on September 16, an advisory board, consist- 
 ing of M. E. Miller, Professor Bush and Mollie En- 
 yart, was elected. This board exists to perpetuate the 
 life of the paper and to advise in its policy and man- 
 agement when necessary. Likewise Hugh Lomax and 
 Bert Wilson were elected editor and business manager 
 respectively." 
 
 The paper was published as a monthly until 1908 
 when it became a weekly. The subscription price, 
 which had been fifty cents per year, was now advanced 
 to $1.00. In the early days more articles were found 
 in the Collegian, while to-day as the activities of the 
 university have multiplied, it deals to a much larger 
 degree with the local news. 
 
 The editors and business managers from the be- 
 ginning have been as follows : 
 
 Year Editor Business Manager 
 
 1902 Myrtle G. King Myrtle G. King 
 
 1903 Hugh Lomax Bert Wilson 
 
 1904 Claire Armstrong Homer J. Young 
 
 1905 E. M. Johnson Roy Lucas 
 
 1906 Cleveland Kleihauer ..E. H. Longman 
 
 1907 J. E. Smith C. G. Smith 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 167 
 
 1908 Elsie Britt (Child)... George Dill 
 
 1909 Chloe Dill (Morrison).... .....Harold Neibling 
 
 1910 Besse Van Buskirk.. H. E. Parminter 
 
 1911 Robert Lemmon ..L. J. Strain 
 
 1912 Avery Morton L. J. Strain 
 
 1913 Harry Weekly ...Henry Hanner 
 
 1914 Cleo Dixon Elmer Strain 
 
 1915 Pearl Swartwood Clyde Darner 
 
 Sometimes, when we were students at old C. U. and 
 the Collegian made its monthly or weekly visits to our 
 rooms, we found ourselves ''too busy" to do more than 
 glance at the headlines and barely scan its pages but 
 to-day, as we are looking for something in an old box 
 or trunk or in a closet or the attic, where the remnants 
 of the past are kept, if perchance our eyes fall upon 
 copies of the Collegian we peruse, read and re-read, 
 until someway our eyes become blurred and we care- 
 fully lay them away. Yes, we had just as well destroy 
 the old copies but — oh — somehow we rather like to 
 keep them. 
 
 Here are some of the local items that have appeared 
 in the Collegian not as the weeks or months have re- 
 corded them but as the years have come and gone. 
 
 Local News 
 
 Ada and Floyd Bash spent the 15th at their home 
 near Adams. 
 
 Those who attended the Y. M. C. A. convention at 
 Beatrice are Roy Young, Clay Longman, John Gilmore, 
 and Ed. Smith. 
 
 The Mathesian has a glee club composed of sixteen 
 male voices. 
 
 At last it has come! Proclaim it to all the people. 
 We (Mathesians) begin on time. 
 
 Chancellor Aylsworth delivered the memorial ser- 
 mon at Wesleyan last Sunday. 
 
168 History of Cotner University 
 
 The ''long and short of it" a duet sung by John 
 Olmstead six feet three inches, and Val Johnson four 
 feet, was very interesting. 
 
 Elmer Child is a new student from Georgia. Who 
 says that Cotner is not a drawing power? 
 
 How We Spent Vacation 
 
 Mr. Miller — Nailing laths on various houses, coming 
 out, without owing a cent and with a sore thumb left 
 on hand. 
 
 Mr. Johnson — Chuckling over our baseball victories 
 and thinking up schemes to worry the '07s. 
 
 Mr. Turner — Getting married and the postoffice. 
 
 Mr. Lucas — On parole (pay roll) at Hastings insane 
 asylum. 
 
 Mr. Kleihauer — Hoeing sauerkraut on the stalk. 
 
 The matrimonial crop will probably be scanty next 
 summer. The students are limited to two evenings out 
 each week. 
 
 Mr. S. Murashima, a Japanese student, will start 
 from Japan as soon as he receives his ''Ryo-Ko Ken" — 
 a transport. He expects to be here the second semester 
 to use his scholarship, which was presented to him by 
 the college board. 
 
 At Philomathian, after the president, Mr. Lucas, had 
 escorted the secretary, Miss Harding, to her accus- 
 tomed place, two very lonesome beings were left back in 
 the audience. But as misery always loves company, 
 ''The Deacon" and Miss Scheer soon found themselves 
 consoling each other with words too sympathetic to be 
 repeated. 
 
 The chorus under the direction fo Mrs. Sutton is 
 working on the oratorio "The Prodigal Son." 
 
 The ministerial association held its opening session 
 Wednesday evening. Addresses were made by Prof. 
 Bush and President Johnson. Also a report concern- 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 169 
 
 ing the conditions of the field was made by Secretary 
 Kechley. 
 
 We are glad to see the boys bringing back new stu- 
 dents, even if they do have to marry them to get them 
 here. We become either old bachelors or married men 
 in a hurry here at Cotner. 
 
 The only excuse a student has for not entering con- 
 tests is ''Ain't got time." The only reason a student 
 has is "Fraid Fll get heat." 
 
 Clevy Kleihauer's jolly round face is shining in our 
 midst once more. 
 
 We are glad that soon we can have reports from the 
 girls, who went to Geneva. Miss Clara Aylsworth and 
 Mollie Enyart were sent as delegates and Miss Donna 
 Enyart went in the interest of the Y. W. C. A., as well 
 as for pleasure. 
 
 Bert Wilson, candidate for congressman, also an old 
 time Mathesian, attended chapel October 4. 
 
 This is to be a year of great things in the way of 
 oratory. Twenty-five people are preparing for the 
 local contests, the first of which will occur about De- 
 cember 8. 
 
 The university church raised $148 for foreign mis- 
 sions March 5. 
 
 On February 19, at the regular Sunday afternoon 
 service the Young Women's Christian Association 
 elected officers for the ensuing year. The result of the 
 e lection was as follows : President, Lucile Ford ; vice- 
 president, Carrie Hubbard ; secretary. Donna Enyart ; 
 treasurer, Nellie Phillips. 
 
 Look out for a hot debate between the Mathesians 
 and the Philos. 
 
 Floyd Bash has gone to his home at Hooker. After 
 completing the corn husking act he will move with his 
 parents to Bethany. 
 
170 History of Cotner University 
 
 Three weddings have occurred in Bethany recently 
 among our former students. Homer Young and Mabel 
 Wilson, Arthur Armstrong and Laura Meyer, and 
 Louis Epler and Freda Ford. We all join in wishing 
 each couple many joys and blessings. 
 
 Frank Woten and Edwin Smith have been out of 
 school for a week husking corn. 
 
 The enrollment of the university to date is nearly 
 250, at least 50 more than the enrollment up to this 
 time last year. 
 
 Y. W. C. A. Officers 
 
 Miss Minnie Young, president; Miss Ada Burton, 
 vice-president ; Miss Daisy McClintock, secretary ; Miss 
 Gertrude Baldwin, treasurer. 
 
 News has just reached Bethany of the safe arrival 
 in Liverpool of Joseph E. Smith, a Cotner man, who 
 is to complete a three years course at Oxford, England. 
 
 Prof. Melvin R. Gilmore has an interesting article 
 in the current number of the Journal of American His- 
 tory which every student should read. Incidentally this 
 is a boost for Cotner. 
 
 Mrs. H. 0. Pritchard addressed the Y. W. C. A. 
 meeting Friday afternoon. 
 
 Miss Mabel Cutter gave an elocution recital for the 
 C. E. at Hazard Friday evening. 
 
 The Minnesota students were entertained last Thurs- 
 day evening by the Misses Bess Kirk and Myrtle John- 
 son in honor of J. H. Bicknell, ^93. All of the fifteen 
 Minnesota students at Cotner have been sent by Rev. 
 Bicknell. 
 
 The athletic association held a meeting last Thurs- 
 day and elected Rollin Squires as manager of the bas- 
 ketball team and Ray Murphy as manager of base ball. 
 
 Dr. Aylsworth delighted the students at chapel 
 Wednesday with the announcement that Rodney 
 
Clippifigs from Cottier Collegian 171 
 
 McQuary had been elected president of his class at 
 Yale. 
 
 Dole is the man who is doing the picture work this 
 year. 
 
 ''Brum" says he is in line for the whole team but 
 don't know just what he is good for yet. 
 
 Henry Hanner is still hanging around Bethany from 
 last reports. Why? 
 
 Why should everyone laugh when Mrs. Luce inci- 
 dentally remarked, as she was making an announce- 
 ment, that "the glee club girls were pretty"? 
 
 The Collegian has always brought the news. It has 
 told of entertainments, musicales and plays, given and 
 enjoyed; it has told of the victories which Cotner 
 orators, debaters and athletes were to win and then in 
 the next issue, of the real contest, sometimes with vic- 
 tory, sometimes defeat, but always saying, "we are 
 proud just the same." It has given the gist of chapel 
 speeches, society programs were mentioned and a little 
 told about the Y. M. and Y. W. It has told of wedding 
 bells that rung, of happy homes begun and of some 
 that perhaps would be. Yes, teachers and students 
 have contributed articles and poems. All this the 
 Collegian has brought to us month by month or week 
 by week. Glance over these clippings and be filled with 
 an invigorating breath of college spirit. 
 
 Lines, paragraphs or verses, here and there, from 
 the articles or poems of teachers and students as they 
 have appeared in the years past will perhaps give a 
 word of cheer or encouragement to the reader. 
 
 Concentration 
 
 Diffuse thinking leads to action without system and 
 to action void of satisfactory results. A block of ice 
 may lie with its face turned to the vertical rays of the 
 sun and though it dissolves itself into icy tears it can 
 impart no warmth to the objects around. Take, how- 
 
172 History of Cotner University 
 
 ever, but a small fragment of the block of ice, round 
 the top down to the edge, and the paradox is complete, 
 the piece of ice has become a producer of heat. The 
 rays of the sun are focused through it, are concen- 
 trated. So the student who would succeed must learn 
 to focus the powers of the mind, must acquire the art 
 of concentration. — L. P. Bush, Collegian, 1904. 
 
 Plans and Specifications 
 
 The ideals for the year, in a general way hardly need 
 to be stated, they are so familiar. First of all must 
 be placed genuine, manly and womanly character. 
 This cannot be stimulated. Some one has said, ''Your 
 actions speak so loudly that we cannot hear what you 
 say." Do not neglect your spiritual life. Second, re- 
 member that your aim should be high scholarship. Per- 
 haps not always the ''honor man" but certainly the 
 kind of student determines largely the success of the 
 future. Let nothing beguile you from a determination 
 to be a good scholar. Do not stop at the things easy 
 for you. To conquer the difficult and uncongenial 
 tasks, there the real honor and the greatest benefits 
 lie. — Chancellor Aylsworth, Collegian, 1904. 
 Let Your Light Shine 
 
 Someone says, "My influence is so small, I can do so 
 little." Let me say to that person: Every little bit 
 helps. The great pyramids could never have been built 
 if it had not been for the individual stones. — S. J. 
 Epler, Collegian, 1905. 
 
 Our Life Work 
 
 Finally, we must associate ourselves with the In- 
 finite. We must really associate ourselves with the 
 Power that moves the worlds; with the wealth that 
 hides the gold and precious stones in the heart of the 
 earth; with the science that classifies and names the 
 trees and the flowers, the birds and the beasts; with 
 the gentleness and tenderness that puts the pearly dew 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 173 
 
 drop on the petals of the rose ; with the love that pro- 
 vides the bounties of earth for man and beast. Truly 
 we must associate ourselves with God. — H. C. Arm- 
 strong, Collegian, 1905. 
 
 On Mother's Knee 
 
 Ah! at mother's knee, 
 When all the blessed are gathering home 
 
 With banners waving high. 
 When angels cluster 'round the throne 
 
 In realms beyond the sky. 
 I do not ask for golden crown 
 
 Nor costly robe for me. 
 If only resting place be found — 
 
 A resting place at mother's knee. 
 
 — Clyde Cordner, Collegian, 1908. 
 
 If I Were Chancellor 
 
 If I were elected chancellor 
 
 I know just what I'd do — 
 I'd make a minor change of two. 
 
 And systematize the school. 
 
 For all athletics I would boost, 
 
 And thereon lay much stress ; 
 
 But Latin, Greek and English too 
 Would take a slump I p;uess. 
 
 Unto Professor Keith I'd look 
 
 For order in the hall. 
 I'd take him from the Greek classroom 
 
 To manage basketball. 
 
 To mathematics of all kinds 
 
 I soon would put a stop; 
 Fit room thirteen for pressing clothes. 
 
 And first-class barber shop. 
 
174 History of Cotner University 
 
 Dr. Beattie'd have this room, 
 
 And fit it up you know, 
 To teach a moving picture class 
 
 And run a ten-cent show. 
 
 Miss Wampler'd organize a class 
 
 Of all the girls in town, 
 And simply teach them not to turn 
 
 The bashful fellows down. 
 
 I'd watch the college spirit too. 
 
 For this shows too much fight ; 
 
 And Mr. Woten reprimand 
 
 For shocking owls at night. 
 
 Wilson I'd make janitor; 
 
 I b'lieve he'd save us coal 
 By speaking pieces in the piiies 
 
 He' make the hoop-la roll. 
 
 Professor Young and Jacobs too, 
 And Aylworth and the rest 
 
 I'd leave alone, and pay them well 
 Unless we got hard pressed. 
 
 Some great improvements I would make 
 
 Within, without as well. 
 And if the students these should mar 
 
 I'd send them straight to my office. 
 — F. H. Brokaw, '14, Collegian, 1910. 
 
 Ships Gone Down at Sea 
 
 'Neath the surface broad and smiling, 
 Of the ocean wide and deep. 
 
 Where the waters lie in quiet 
 
 And the tempests never sweep. 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 175 
 
 There are depths so calm and peaceful 
 That from stormy waves are free, 
 
 But they hide the broken wreckage 
 Of the ships gone down at sea. 
 
 Smiling faces all about us 
 
 Cover depths of soul profound, 
 Where the wrecks of high ambitions 
 
 Broken hope and faith are found. 
 One had hope of fame and honor, 
 
 Sought for name of great renown, 
 But the world saw not his greatness 
 
 And his ship of fame went down. 
 
 One had hope of wealth and riches, 
 
 King of gold he hoped to be, 
 But the fleeting years have tricked him 
 
 And his ships gone down at sea. 
 One had dreams of love and sweetheart, 
 
 Dreams that made his future glow, 
 But the dreaming died in vision, 
 
 And his ship went down below. 
 
 One had faith in God and heaven, 
 
 Faith and trust as of a child, 
 But his ship of faith was shattered 
 
 When the stories of life grew wild. 
 Far beneath the smiling surface 
 
 Of the sea of human life, 
 Down in depths of calm unbroken 
 
 Lies the wreckage of the strife. 
 
 And the world may smile and chatter 
 In the homes and in the marts. 
 
 But a million smiling faces 
 
 Hide a million broken hearts. 
 
176 History of Cotner University 
 
 Just as in the depths of ocean. 
 
 Where no eye of man can see, 
 Lie the broken masts and rigging 
 
 Of the ships gone down at sea. 
 
 — T. Milo Keith, Collegian, 1911. 
 
 Alone in Thought 
 
 When in this peaceful room I rest, alone and sad at 
 
 heart, 
 I study o'er the means of life, of all it doth impart. 
 How great this life of every day with all its strife:-^ 
 
 and cares. 
 Yet, He who dwells above us all, with us our sorrow 
 
 shares. 
 
 Still after all, how sweet is life amidst its pains and 
 
 cares. 
 For blessings great come from above to drive away 
 
 the tears. 
 And when I think of Him, Divine, of life beyond so 
 
 fair — 
 My heart is still and peaceful, I upward breathe a 
 
 prayer. — Grace Park, Collegian, 1914. 
 
 Names 
 
 I went to the college top one day, 
 
 Reverently mounted the twisted stair; 
 
 And I locked the door for I wished to stay 
 For a little while alone up there. 
 
 I climbed to the top of the highest tower, 
 Above and apart from the busy strife; 
 
 A place where silence claims the hours 
 Stilling the stirring of distant life. 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 17/ 
 
 Where each of the four close walls displays 
 The plyings of pencil, knife and pen. 
 
 A thousand names in a thousand ways ; 
 
 Some carelessly scrawled again, and again. 
 
 Some clearly written, small and straight, 
 
 Some faded dim with times' decay 
 Some closely paired with added date. 
 
 Some carved too deep to wear away. 
 
 It's thus a tower within my heart 
 
 To which I climb when memory calls; 
 
 A little place above, apart, 
 
 A room with names upon the walls. 
 
 A thousand names in a thousand ways, 
 
 Some carelessly scrawled again, and again, 
 
 And fondly memory 'mong them strays 
 To conjure visions of what has been. 
 
 Some clearly written, small and straight, 
 
 Some faded dim with times' decay ; 
 Some closely paired with added date, 
 
 Some carved too deep to wear away. 
 
 — Lois Nichols, '19, Collegian, 1915. 
 
 Prohibtion Oratory 1904 
 
 Listen, as the Collegian reports the victories won! 
 
 The chapel was well filled Thursday night, March 
 10th. The occasion was the annual contest of the Pro- 
 hibition League, which is fast becoming a favorite 
 ''side issue" of the students. The first speaker, 
 Bert Wilson, took the floor. His subject was ''Do We 
 Need a Prohibition Party"? Mr. Wilson took first on 
 manuscript. E. E. Smith was the next speaker. His 
 oration was entitled, "Grounds for Liquor Legislation." 
 
178 History of Cotner University 
 
 He ranked second on manuscript. ''Evils of License" 
 was the subject of the next speech, delivered by Hugh 
 Lomax. Mrs. Kittie Aylsworth then entertained the 
 audience with a vocal number, rendered in her usual 
 pleasing manner. Following this were the two re- 
 maining orations, 'The Tree of Abolition," by Eugene 
 Palmer and "The Open Saloon," by Ford Ellis. At 
 this point the markings were collected from the dif- 
 ferent judges and the "summing up" committee re- 
 tired The result of the markings was as follows: 
 
 Mr. Lomax, first; Mr. Wilson, second; Mr. Smith, 
 third; Mr. Palmer, fourth; and Mr. Ellis, fifth. The 
 winner will represent Cotner in the state contest, held 
 this year at Central City, April 12. Many favorable 
 comments upon all the orations were heard. 
 
 Oratorical Contest 1904 
 The oratorical contest this year promises to be the 
 best ever. Nine orations are in the hands of the 
 judges. December 22 is the date. The state contest 
 will occur this year at Grand Island early in February, 
 and one of the following students will represent Cotner 
 there: F. G. Hamm, John Alber, E. E. Smith, Lucile 
 Ford, Ford Ellis, Clara Aylsworth, H. Lomax, A. J. 
 Hollingsworth and R. W. Roland. 
 
 Prohibtion Contest 1905 
 The annual oratorical contest of the prohibition 
 league was held at the chapel Thursday evening, Feb- 
 ruary 25th. Six stalwart prohibitionists, well pre- 
 pared and trained, contended for the victor's wreath. 
 Mr. Austin J. Hollingsvv^orth was awarded the first 
 honor and Mr. M. E. Miller received the second. 
 
 That Contest 1907 
 
 By some "hook or crook" the Collegian failed to men- 
 tion in its last issue, that notable occasion in the school 
 year, namely, the "Contest of Tongues" or "War of 
 
Clippings from Cottier Collegian 179 
 
 Words," or more modestly, the local Oratorical Contest. 
 It occurred. It occurred well. Mr. Britt won the 
 plum, even while Cordner, Ellis and Alber were reach- 
 ing for it. We congratulate Mr. Britt. 
 
 Prohibition Contest 1908 
 
 Among the many creditable victories w^hich have 
 been achieved by the students of Cotner University 
 recently, none deserve a more prominent mention than 
 the Avinning of first place in the State Prohibition Ora- 
 torical Contest, held at Grand Island, March 25th. 
 
 Mr. Ford A. Ellis, Cotner's orator, spoke on 'The 
 Liquor Traffic — A Crime." It w^as a logical and pol- 
 ished production and being delivered with Mr. Ellis' ac- 
 customed force and grace easily won first place. 
 
 Mr. W. B. Knapp of Wesleyan University, speaking 
 on "The Master Apostle of Abstinence," won second 
 place. York College and Doane were well represented 
 tieing for third place. Other schools represented were 
 Grand Island College, Nebraska Central College and 
 Orleans Seminary. 
 
 The contest was held in the Grand Island opera 
 house, a large and commodious room and the various 
 colleges were well represented by delegations. 
 
 Mr. Ellis will represent Nebraska for the State Pro- 
 hibition League at the interstate contest to be held at 
 Waco, Texas, during the next month, and with his 
 splendid energy and ability is sure of a very creditable 
 place. He has worked hard during his days at Cotner 
 to gain this marked success and we all rejoice with 
 him over it. 
 
 Alber Wins 
 
 Mr. John G. Alber won the annual oratorical contest, 
 which was held in the chapel Tuesday evening, being 
 marked first place by each of the six judges, an unus- 
 ually decisive victory. Clyde Cordner took second place 
 
180 History of Cotner University 
 
 with his oration on ''International Peace" and Leon 
 Moomaw ranked third, his theme being ''David Liv- 
 ingstone — A Hero." 
 
 Alber has an enviable record as an orator. In his 
 senior academy year he represented Cotner in the 
 State Prohibition Oratorical contest, taking first place 
 and taking second place in the interstate contest held 
 at Witchita, Kansas, during the same year. While a 
 freshman, he won the local oratorical contest and took 
 fourth place in the state oratorical contest held at 
 Creighton. 
 
 Cordner's Record in Oratory 
 
 It will be remembered that Cotner attained a very 
 high rank in the Prohibition oratorical w^ork last year. 
 Mr. Cordner for Cotner won first place in the state 
 contest. In the national contest held at Valparaiso, 
 Indiana, he received fourth honors. 
 
 Contestants for 1911 
 Leon Moomaw Wins Contest 
 
 Thursday evening the annual State Prohibition Ora- 
 torical contest was held in the chapel. This was the 
 first time for seven years that the state contest has 
 been held at Cotner. A large delegation was present 
 from Wesleyan which added much enthusiasm to the 
 occasion. Several were present from Union College. 
 The judges on manuscript were Supt. Crabtree and 
 Prof. Sherman. Judge Frost and Prof. Phillips were 
 the judges on delivery. The junior Male Quartette 
 furnished music for the evening. The orations were 
 all very good. Leon Moomaw won first place. This 
 makes two years in succession that Cotner has won 
 the state contest. It is also the fourth time in six 
 years. 
 
 The other colleges ranked as follows : Wesleyan, sec- 
 ond; York, third; Grand Island, fourth; Doane, fifth; 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 181 
 
 Orleans Seminary, sixth ; Central College, seventh. Mr. 
 Moomaw received a prize of fifty dollars and a pen- 
 nant from each college represented. He will represent 
 Nebraska in the interstate contest to be held at Gren- 
 ville, Texas, May 19. 
 
 Lemmon Wins Second Place 
 
 Clarence E. Lemmon, '14, won second place in the 
 twenty-seventh annual contest of the Nebraska Inter- 
 Collegiate Oratorical Association at Hastings last 
 Thursday night, February 16. Wesleyan proved an 
 invincible foe. W. A. Crossland, their contestant, after 
 two years' experience in the state contest on practically 
 the same oration, won first place. Thus we do not 
 decry our defeat. 
 
 Mr. Lemmon was in the best of trim. His oration, 
 ''The Spirit of Progressive Government," was devel- 
 oped along the lines of the new nationalism. It was 
 written in his characteristic style, strong and vigorous, 
 and convincing in argument. His delivery was at its 
 best. As he came upon the platform, his self mastery 
 asserted itself. He was the seventh upon the program 
 and as the hour was exceedingly late, the audience was 
 tired and restless. Yet he gained their attention and 
 held it throughout. His production and rendition were 
 creditable both to himself and to his universiy. 
 Oratorical Contest 1915 
 
 The Nebraska Oratorical contert was held at Crete, 
 Nebraska, Last Friday. The honor for first place went 
 to Grand Island, and they should be proud of their 
 representative, Earl Everett. His subject, "'Who 
 Leads?" w^as developed in a brainy fashion and deliv- 
 ered in a gripping way. He took the lawyer as the 
 leader and his material was chosen from ages past as 
 well as the present day. 
 
 Miss Johnson of Bellevue, who helped to compose 
 
182 History of Cotner University 
 
 one of their debating teams last year, won second. She 
 has a beautiful voice and an easy natural delivery. 
 
 P. B. Cope came in for third place and the large 
 number of Cotner students that went down to help 
 him were proud of his oration and the work he had 
 spent upon it to bring it to such a degree of efficiency. 
 
 Oratorical Contest 1916 
 
 In the annual contest of the Nebraska Inter-Col- 
 legiate Oratorical Association that was held at Omaha 
 on Friday evening of last week O. E. Johnson of Cot- 
 ner won second place. 
 
 Elmer A. Barr of Creighton university in an oration 
 on ''Preparedness" won first place. Bellevue, York and 
 Doane all tied for third place; Wesleyan took fourth, 
 Grand Island fifth and Hastings sixth. 
 
 All the speakers showed a great deal of preparation 
 but for logic and clearness of thought, Johnson had 
 them all ''backed off the board." 
 
 Debating 
 
 March 26, 1908 — There was a triangular debate be- 
 tween Bellevue, Doane and Cotner. Each school had 
 two teams and each argued both sides of the following 
 question: Resolved, That the federal government 
 should have exclusive control of all corporations doing 
 an interstate business. Doane lost both debates, Belle- 
 vue won one and lost one, and Cotner won both. Cot- 
 ner's debaters were Moomaw, Rethemeyer and Cobbey ; 
 Wilson, Hunt and Lively. Four juniors and two fresh- 
 men, all preachers. Of course we don't question the 
 veracity of our preachers, but they certainly must have 
 enlarged upon the facts on one side or the other. H. O. 
 Pritchard trained the teams. 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 183 
 
 March 27 — On the return of the debaters from Crete, 
 all operations in the college were suspended and all as- 
 sembled in the lower hall to hear how it was done. A 
 temporary platform was constructed out of the shoul- 
 ders of two students of giant stature, and upon this the 
 conquerors mounted and said their little speeches. 
 
 March 28 — Because of the interest he had taken in 
 the work of the debating team, H. O. Pritchard was 
 presented with a pair of hoisery, which he called socks, 
 Within these was enough money to take him to Bloom- 
 ington, Indiana. 
 
 Troxel-Moomaw-Lemmon 
 1911 
 
 At the final preliminary last Thursday afternoon, 
 Dan. C. Troxel, '12, Leon Moomaw, '11, and Clarence 
 E. Lemmon, '14, were chosen as the team to meet Can- 
 ton February 15. Clarence Miles, '11, was chosen as 
 alternate. The same team will, no doubt, meet Doane 
 at Cotner in the tri-angular debates held during March. 
 
 Each member of the team is an experienced debater, 
 Lemmon and Troxel being in the team which defeated 
 Canton at Cotner last year, and Moomaw twice figur- 
 ing in the tri-angular debating teams. The try-out 
 last Wednesday showed much better form and prepar- 
 ation than any of the season and with six weeks in 
 which to work up the team it is expected that every 
 thing will be in good shape. 
 
 Clarence Lemmon is "The Invincible" of Cotner. He 
 is one of the leading orators and debators. Defeat is 
 not in his line. 
 
 Troxel, too, has been a leader. He will show Canton 
 if they are from Missouri. He is a good public speaker, 
 has a good voice and never lacks for a speech. 
 
 Moomaw is the steady, progressive debater. He can 
 
184 History of Cotner University 
 
 take defeat as well as victory and do it like a man, but 
 no defeat will have to be suffered by him and his 
 colleagues in the debate with Canton. 
 
 Knapp-Radcliff-Miles 
 
 1911 
 
 The debating club met last Thursday afternoon for 
 its final preliminary debate, leading up to the triangu- 
 lar debate between Doane, Bellevue and Cotner. The 
 team that was selected a few weeks ago for the Canton 
 debate will be one of the teams in the triangular meet. 
 The personnel of the team first chosen is, Dan Troxel, 
 '12, Leon Moomaw, '11, and Clarence Lemmon, '14. 
 The men picked Thursday were, Clarence Miles, '11, 
 Walter Radcliff, '14, and Carl Knapp, '14. In the final 
 arrangement it is probable that Leon Moomaw and 
 Carl Knapp will change positions. The question that 
 is to be debated is, ''Resolved, That legislation should 
 be shaped toward the abandonment of the protective 
 tariff." Messrs. Miles, Moomaw and Radcliff will up- 
 hold the negative of the question at Bellevue, Messrs. 
 TroxeL Lemmon and Knapp will maintain the affirm- 
 ative at home against Doane. 
 
 Cotner Wins Triangular 
 
 1913 
 
 Proves Both Sides for Third Successive Time 
 
 For three successive years Cotner has proved both 
 sides of the question in the triangular debate. This is 
 certainly a record to be proud of. Moreover, in the 
 six years that this triangular league has been in exist- 
 ence, Cotner has won nine debates out of twelve. She 
 has won both sides of the question four times, lost both 
 once, and won only one side once. All in all, the last 
 six years out of seventeen intercollegiate debates, Cot- 
 ner has won twelve. 
 
Clippings from Cotiier Collegian 185 
 
 This year the question debated was ''Resolved, That 
 trusts should be regulated rather than prohibited." 
 Cotner met Bellevue at Bellevue ; a team from Doane 
 also met Cotner at Cotner, and Bellevue also met Doane 
 at Crete. Each home team defended the affirmative. 
 Cotner was the only team to successfully defend the 
 affirmative. It is rather singular this year that each 
 victory was a two to one decision. 
 
 Two of Cotner's men close their work in debating this 
 year. Mr. Lemmon has been on eight winning teams 
 since he has been in school. He is the winner of the 
 Edwin Jeary twenty-five dollar ($25) prize for the 
 best all-round debater in school. His long experience 
 makes his services invaluable. Mr. Griggs, the other 
 senior, helped win his second intercollegiate debate this 
 year. 
 
 The affirmative speakers were R. C. Dady, C. H. 
 Thompson and C. E. Lemmon. The negative speakers 
 were W. W. Wertz, Ward Goble and F. A. Dawes ; 
 Cotner men representing the affirmati^'e side and 
 Doane men the negative. 
 
 Cotner at Bellevue 
 
 On the same evening that Cotner's affirmative team 
 was showing Doane that the trust should be regulated 
 rather than prohibited, the negative team composed of 
 E. N. Griggs, C. E. PerLee and P. B. Cope, with Avery 
 Morton as alternate, met and defeated Bellevue at the 
 latter place. 
 
 Cotner-Bellevue 1914 
 
 Although Bellevue scored decisively over Cotner in 
 her debate last Friday evening, the fact that the nega- 
 tive side won in all three of the debates held in the 
 triangular last Friday evening acts as a sort of heart 
 balm to the defeated. 
 
 The question, ''Resolved, That in America municipal- 
 
186 History of Cotner University 
 
 ities of twenty-five thousand or over, a tax on the rental 
 value of land, exclusive of improvements, should be 
 substituted for the general property tax," is rather 
 lop-sided from the debater's standpoint. 
 
 The affirmative, upheld by Cotner, was represented 
 by Orville Johnson, '16, Elmer Strain, '15, and Carl 
 Per Lee, '14. The Bellevue team was composed of Mr. 
 Seymour Smith, Miss Anna Johnson and Mr. Orie 
 Webb. 
 
 Cotner-Doane, 1914 
 
 On Friday night Cotner's negative team, composed 
 of Luther Cobbey, '17, Ernest Molloy, '14, and Peter 
 B. Cope, '15, administered another defeat to Doane 
 College at Crete. Out of seven debates with Doane, 
 Cotner has w^on six. 
 
 Debating, 1915 
 
 The first debate at home with Doane was a two to 
 one victory. The Cotner team upholding the affirm- 
 ative side of the railroad ownership question, consisted 
 of Messrs. E. E. Strain, L. A. Brumbaugh and E. E. 
 Briggs. Alonzo Knight was the alternate. Every 
 speech made showed hard work and clear, consistent 
 thinking and good delivery. The debate with Belle- 
 vue upheld the negative of the same issue and Messrs. 
 L. Dry, 0. E. Johnson and P. B. Cope, with Garland 
 Nichols as alternate composed the team. The decision 
 was unanimous in favor of the negative and these men 
 deserve all the praise of a proud and happy student 
 body. 
 
 Athletics 1903 
 
 Bellevue made her initial appearance on Cotner's 
 ground on May 8, her team came, hoping to wipe out 
 the defeat administered in her own door yard, but not 
 so. After it was over the man behind the pencil said 
 11 to 6 in favor of Cotner. 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 187 
 
 Football has closed the season with much credit. 
 Not all the games were won, but in every one our boys 
 made a good showing. We have every reason to be 
 proud of their record. At a recent meeting Mr. John- 
 son was elected manager for next year and Mr. Lucas 
 captain. 
 
 Field Hockey 1907 
 The third was won and let there be nine rahs for 
 every one who helped to win it, Cotner vs. Wesleyan. 
 Peaches and cream! say, don't that sorter tickle your 
 ears every time you hear about it? There were 373 
 paid admissions and the interest was great, almost 
 impossible to keep them off the hockey limits and no 
 one would sit in the grand stand. Music was furnished 
 by the band. Wesleyan called it noise, but no one with 
 reasoning powers would expect them to appreciate 
 music with the ball rolling steadily toward their goal. 
 Strange indeed, that they noticed it at all, A good 
 game with a good score ? No, not that. A great game 
 with a glorious score of 2-0 for Cotner. 
 
 Cotner-Wesleyan Game 1908 
 
 Of all the victories Cotner has won this year, per- 
 haps no other has brought so much joy to our hearts 
 as the Cotner-Wesleyan ball game. On the 8th day of 
 May about 4 o'clock there assembled a goodly number 
 of fans at the Wesleyan ball park to witness the 
 struggle. Both teams were confident of winning. Mr. 
 Farthing, the much tooted Wesleyan south paw, was to 
 do the twirling for the opposition while 'Tid" Parmin- 
 ter was to serve the slants for the Cotnerites. Mr. 
 Farthing undoubtedly had the groceries, for he only 
 allowed the Cotnerites one little lonesome hit. Par- 
 minter was equally effective at critical times, and al- 
 lowed only five scattered hits. Wesleyan had a num- 
 ber of men on bases and at one time filled the bases 
 with no men out, but there was absolutely nothing 
 
188 History of Cotner University 
 
 doing in the score column. Taken through and through 
 the Wesieyanites are fair batters, but a headless lot of 
 base runners. Cotner was unable to uncork a score 
 until the eighth inning, owing to their inability to 
 connect with Farthing. Pirtle safely reached first and 
 then just stole the remainder of the iDases in succession, 
 making the lone score for the game. After that there 
 was nothing doing at home plate. Farthing's pitch- 
 ing and Jester's double play were the features of the 
 game. 
 
 The Western Trip, 1908 
 
 The Cotner "Bulldogs" took their v/estern trip be- 
 ginning May 12 at Kearney and ending May 20 at 
 Seward. Kearney's strong aggregation got the small 
 end of the score on Tuesday, May 12, 1 to being the 
 result. The game was one of the fastest ever seen on 
 the Kearney diamond. Ritchey, Ogden and Smith, the 
 stonewall outfield, pulled off sensational stunts which 
 raised the spectators from their seats as if they were 
 one. Parminter wiggled with Ling doing the receiving 
 stunt. Giltner's first game was pitched by 'Tannehill" 
 Jones. Our clever south paw doing double work both 
 on the slab and at bat, really won his own game, 5 to 4. 
 The boys have all kinds of confidence in 'Tanne," for 
 he is sure a coming winner. ''General" Miles, the star 
 short stop, for "Old C. U.," stepped into the box posi- 
 tion and pitched remarkable ball for one not profes- 
 sing to be a slab artist. The Giltner boys pounded 
 in five tallies while Cotner scared only one across the 
 plate. At Hastings "Pid" Parminter again faced the 
 sluggers from the opposing team and they slugged 
 "Pid" for seven runs in the last of the ninth inning, 
 making a tie score of 9 to 9. Twelve innings finished 
 the game with a score 11 to 9 in Cotner's favor. 
 Saturday's game at Overton was a neat victory for 
 "Old C. U." The score 8 to 5 tells the tale. Tannehill 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 189 
 
 Jones served the slants into the big scoop of ''Skinny's" 
 and pitched a strong heady game. Cotner again won 
 from Seward on Tuesday, May 19, at Seward by the 
 score of 14 to 5. Oh, what a walloping the Seward 
 pitchers got. P. Ling or "Ching," one of Cotner's old 
 pitcher's, now^ w^th Seward, received his, after Seward 
 was driven from the box. Parminter and Ling did 
 battery work for Cotner. Each got a home run. Se- 
 ward got a homer off Parmenter, the only one this sea- 
 son so far. The last game of the trip was played at 
 Seward which Cotner lost by 3 to 0. One of the fast- 
 est games of the season was witnessed by the Seward- 
 ites in this shutout game. Jones twirled a beautiful 
 game, but Cotner could not connect with the Seward 
 pitcher for scores. The game was played in one hour 
 and ten minutes. 
 
 EATS UP THE CORNKUSKERS 
 
 1910 
 State University Team Outplayed by Bulldogs 
 
 SCORE THIRTY-FIVE TO SEVENTEEN 
 
 The following acocunt of the Cotner-Nebraska bas- 
 ketball game, which was played Saturday night, is 
 taken from the Sunday State Journal: 
 
 ''A score of 35 to 17 gave Cotner University's bas- 
 ketball five a victory over the State University team on 
 the latter's floor last evening. The Nebraska five was 
 outplayed in all departments of the game save in 
 throwing goals on foul." 
 
 The line-up for the game was : 
 
 Cotner Nebraska 
 
 Parmenter rf Hutchinson 
 
 Siddons If Carvier-Owen 
 
 McCullough Ig .Gibson-Minor 
 
 Ogden rg Kiddoo-Frank 
 
 Aspinwall c Hiltner 
 
190 History of Cotner University 
 
 COTNER DEFEATS KANSAS 
 
 1911 
 
 Big Giiime of Season Nabbed by Bulldogs. — Fans 
 Have Severe Case of ''Rabies" 
 
 FOUR VICTORIES THIS WEEK 
 
 The biggest and most important game of the season 
 was pulled off in the Cotner gym last Thursday even- 
 ing when the Invincibles met the Unconquerables, 
 when the ''Bulldogs" met the Jayhawkers and admin- 
 istered the usual drubbing. This is the gam.e that all 
 local fans have been looking forward to. Prediction 
 was, that it would be the biggest game of the Missouri 
 valley this season and while the result was generally 
 admitted to be in doubt, the favor of the doubt with 
 many outside of the local fandom was with Kansas. 
 The devotees of Happy's five were not disappointed 
 in their favorites. The score of 35 to 26 in favor of 
 the Bulldogs was the cause of great rejoicing. 
 
 The line-up : 
 
 Cotner Goals Foul Goals 
 
 Parminter, rf 4 1 
 
 Siddons, If '. .._- 9 1 
 
 Aspinwall, c 2 1 
 
 Ogden, rg 
 
 McCullough, Ig _- 1 
 
 Cotner Administers Defeat to Wesleyan 
 1913 
 On last Wednesday night the much tooted and her- 
 alded organization known as the Wesleyan Coyote Bas- 
 ketball team, came over highly confident of adminis- 
 tering a drubbing to the local quintette. For some rea- 
 son or other the expected drubbing failed to arrive. 
 The Bulldogs had been storing up their energy and 
 waiting for a time when they could even things up for 
 the defeat handed them earlier in the season. This 
 
Clippings from Cotner Collegian 191 
 
 night the Bulldogs proved themselves able to gnaw 
 away on Coyote bones, and get a few tender morsels 
 from such. 
 
 Cotner Field Goals Foul Goals 
 
 Oeschger, rf 3 
 
 Hudson, If 2 
 
 Squires, c... 3 
 
 Morton, rg 2 4 
 
 Leavitt, Ig .-. 3 
 
 —30 
 
 Wesleyan Field Goals Foul Goals 
 
 Kline, rf 2 
 
 Keester, If 3 5 
 
 Hughes, c . 2 
 
 Magee, rg 
 
 Gary, Ig 4 
 
 Johnson, rg 
 
 —27 
 
 Referee: Waugh. 
 
 Captain Martin Glances Backv/ard, 1914 
 
 ''As I look back over the football season of 1914, I 
 feel more than ever before the honor of being captain 
 of that team. The team that represented Cotner this 
 year has not a single game to be ashamed of. In 
 every one the men fought and fought hard. True, 
 every game was not won but teams averaging nearly 
 twenty pounds to the man heavier were held to close 
 scores and in only one game was Cotner held scoreless. 
 
 And by far the greatest honor brought to the team 
 was the picking of ''Tiny" Strain by coaches of the 
 state as all-state quarterback. And he clearly deserved 
 it, not only by receiving punts and in generalship of 
 the team, but mainly by his almost unerring ability to 
 carry the ball for consistent gains. But credit for 
 this must also be given to the team." 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 Looking Backward 
 
 How true it is that a ''little nonsense now and then 
 is relished by the best of men." As your eye falls upon 
 the pages of this chapter, kind reader, we ask you to 
 let your mind wander back to the days that are passed. 
 Perchance you will find something that will do you 
 good ; or maybe a smile will break through in spite of 
 the cares, that almost — well — almost get the best of 
 you. Haven't you heard it said by someone, somewhere, 
 sometime, that college days are the happiest in life; 
 isn't it true for they do have fun at old C. U. 
 
 Don't you remember hearing the chapel speakers tell 
 us how glad they were to be there, and to look into our 
 bright and shining faces, and then rising almost to 
 the dignit}^ of an orator tell us to make the most of our 
 opportunities for if we didn't we would regret it, and 
 not let our studies interfere with a good time — or 
 let's see — did they tell us that or was that just the rule 
 we followed — no matter now, we will let it pass. Oh 
 yes, we enjoyed chapel for it was there that Doctor 
 Aylsworth gave his kindly admonitions ; he said there 
 was a tendency to skip chapel or to be late in coming; 
 he hoped we would think seriously about this and — and 
 — co-operate in making the chapel a pleasant and help- 
 ful hour. Then all announcements had to be read for 
 the Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. cabinets and another or- 
 ganization or two wished to have a meeting in the 
 east end of the hall for just a minute after chapel. By 
 and by we went to classes. 
 
 In the years which have passed into memory we have 
 had a great many conflicts. Every once in a while 
 our studies conflicted with a good time; there were 
 
Looking Backward 193 
 
 conflicts in meeting places for organizations; some- 
 times two somebodies needed the gym stage or chapel 
 platform at the same time, or the faculty plans con- 
 flicted with the student's ideal. Yes, we had con- 
 flicts with our friend, the enemy, Wesleyan, but the 
 conflict I was thinking about was how often at the 
 beginning of a semester, as we looked over the sche- 
 dule it was remarked, ''I wanted to take that but I have 
 a conflict." One should not wonder 'tis true, for a long 
 while ago at a faculty meeting held at 9 a. m. Septem- 
 ber 13, 1890, it was ''found impossible to avoid all 
 conflicts." Yet the faculty favored firmness in what 
 we should do for in 1892 ''cast iron schedules were de- 
 cided upon and Professor Beattie appointed to draw 
 up the same." 
 
 You ask if w^e w^ere ever "out of order" ; sometimes, 
 when we used to have parliamentary drill in the liter- 
 ary societies ; oh yes, we violated both Robert's rules 
 of order and faculty rules of order for our conduct 
 in the halls was beneath the dignit^^ of young men and 
 young women. Despite the innumerable admonitions, 
 the faculty once passed a resolution "that it be the 
 sense of this faculty that we ask the Board to take 
 steps to keep order in the university halls." Of course 
 we know that it had taken ten years to become so dis- 
 orderly, for this motion was passed in 1903 and the 
 old original rules governing conduct in the halls were 
 adopted in 1893, stating that "audible talking, studying 
 in pairs or in groups, whistling, heavy walking and all 
 other unnecessary noise in the halls and stairways are 
 prohibited during class hours." 
 
 And then, occasionally, it was a little noisy in the 
 library. Once upon a time Professor Newcomer com- 
 mented upon the subject and thought the order was 
 "very loose" and the names of some students were 
 mentioned, but never mind, I will not give you away. 
 
194 History of Cotner Urdversity 
 
 Did they have library rules then? I should say so, 
 just listen to rules four and five from the Librarj^ Reg- 
 ulations, ''During the time of recitations students are 
 not to enter, nor are they to leave the library without 
 permission of the Monitor in charge. Changes in the 
 library are to be made at the same time that classes 
 go from one room to another." "Noise, all studying 
 aloud, all studying in groups or in pairs, and all com- 
 munication except with the Monitor, are prohibited." 
 
 The boys in the early years were very bad, particu- 
 larly in 1890 when Doctor Aylsworth felt it necessary 
 in faculty meeting to make this motion, ''That Presi- 
 dent Dungan admonish the students over Hallowe'en 
 mischiefs." Did they ever do anything like that again 
 — no not for a year. 
 
 But the most serious problem that the faculty had 
 to deal with was "to keep the boys and girls in the 
 straight and narrow way," every girl wanted a beau 
 and every boy a sweetheart. Where did you get yours ? 
 Well you needn't tell— that is a secret you know. Did 
 you ever violate that rule passed in 1893? "Young 
 ladies and gentlemen students of the university are en- 
 joined from such associations as are wasteful of time 
 and improper_ in character. Strolling about in the 
 evening, visiting each other's roomys or spending un- 
 due time in each other's company are considered im- 
 proper and are forbidden." Almost twenty years later 
 similar rules were passed. "Evening calls made by 
 students should terminate by half past ten. Gentlemen 
 will note this and govern themselves accordingly." 
 "Young ladies shall not entertain gentlemen callers 
 oftener than once a week," Nevertheless as in the 
 days of Noah, students have continued "eating and 
 drinking and marrying" — yes eating and drinking at 
 class parties, banquets and festivals and making love 
 (I guess they call it) in the halls and vacant rooms, 
 
Looking Backward 195 
 
 going to programs and church, in fact just everywhere. 
 Perhaps the faculty was right but we didn't see it that 
 way. 
 
 The faculty used to have great difficulty with the 
 girls and it was ''moved that the faculty discourage 
 all display of dress at all college performances." They 
 haven't had such troubles in recent years, there is no 
 such display for the girls are satisfied with either 
 "hobbles" or ''hoops" and have become so economical 
 that they wear the shirts six inches from the floor. 
 
 Did you ever hear about that male ouartette, no not 
 the one in 1911 that sang "I never will forget," but 
 the one of 1898 which, although composed of different 
 college classmen, desired to sit together in chapel. As 
 this would be a violation of the rules regarding the 
 seating in chapel a petition from the quartette was 
 presented. Alas, the faculty did not see the wisdom in 
 it all and the chapel was robbed of that wonderful 
 music. 
 
 Then there has been some trouble with the janitors 
 in the past. Perhaps they didn't sweep the floors quite 
 clean or maybe they overslept and the air in the uni- 
 versity building was just a little cool at 8 a. m,, but 
 the gravest error ever committed was the one when 
 Professor Chamberlain was compelled to "report the 
 negligence of the janitor in allowing dust to collect on 
 the gas machine." 
 
 The faculty has always shown deep interest in the 
 welfare of the student body, willing to do anj^thing 
 even to the providing of necessary equipment for their 
 use. In 1891, Professor Harris was instructed "to buy 
 a mirror, pitcher and bowl, by means of a fifty-cent 
 quota from each member of the facultj^, for the Young 
 Women's waitinsr room at the college." 
 
 There have been some wonderful organizations in 
 C. U. The Mathesians for example. One time they 
 
196 History of Cotne?' University 
 
 asked for the privilege of giving an evening's program 
 during commencement week. Dr. Aylsworth moved 
 ''that Sunday evening be granted." But they never 
 showed the depth of intellect that was manifested in 
 the Philo society. As proof of this fact note this pro- 
 gram given by them April 25, 1905. 
 
 The Philos 
 
 Song ''America" 
 
 "The Proper Time to Shuck Wheat"... Stephen J. Epler 
 "How Often Should we Curry Our Hogs?". .Elmer Child 
 
 "The Work of the Farmer's Eldest Daughter" 
 
 Clara De Forest 
 
 "Farm News" Perry Marvel 
 
 Vocal Solo with Whistling Chorus Elsie Lomax 
 
 "How to Cure a Balky Horse or Mule" Roy Lucas 
 
 "Some Good Ways of Separating a Calf from its 
 Mother Without Breaking the Heart of 
 
 Either" Austin J, Hollingsworth 
 
 "Jolly Old Farmar" Farmers' Chorus 
 
 In recent years the Calendar of Events given in the 
 College Annual reminds us of by gone days. 
 
 September 25, 1907 — Chancellor appoints whistling 
 committee. 
 
 November 19, 1907 — (From room 12) A sound like a 
 mighty tempest. Only the debaters at w^ork. 
 
 January 7, 1908 — Freshmen mistake telephone bell 
 for dinner bell, cut classes, and go to the "Dorm." 
 
 January 25, 1908 — Dr. Beattie delivers chapel speech 
 on "Thoroughness of Oskaloosa College." 
 
 March 10, 1908 — Chapel speech by Chancellor Ayls- 
 worth on "Empty Seats." 
 
 October 7, 1909 — Separate chapel. Sheep divided 
 from goats. 
 
 October 29, 1909 — Lost, strayed or stolen, the '11 
 Rock. 
 
Looking Backward 197 
 
 January 19, 1910 — General wail, ''Would that I had 
 ditched less and studied more." 
 
 February 25, 1910 — Highland Park beat Wesleyan. 
 Cotner beat Highland Park. Therefore, Wesleyan 
 won't play Cotner. 
 
 October 24, 1911 — First call for Putnam's Psy- 
 chology. 
 
 January 10, 1912 — Second call for Putnam's Psy- 
 chology. 
 
 January 17, 1912 — Chancellor Oeschger lectures on 
 "Choice Spirits" (preachers). 
 
 February 27, 1912 — Third and last call for Putnam's 
 Psychology. Show of hands. 'Tlease, thank you." 
 
 May 12, 1912 — Sneak day. Several immersions 
 without confessions. 
 
 September 30, 1913 — Prof. Young frightens fresh- 
 men into taking assigned seats. 
 
 October 3, 1913 — Chancellor is afraid to call down 
 Trustee Jeary for overrunning chapel time. 
 
 Variation in time has always been marked at Cot- 
 ner. Someone says, ''The bells were not rung on the dot 
 today." Some students have watches that run a little 
 slow we suppose for they can't quite make it by eight ; 
 the program was to begin at eight but certainly eight- 
 fifteen is soon enough to go. Yes, we did have trouble 
 with the clock until the '14 class gave us the new one. 
 In 1909, Prof. Reeves was "made a committee on 
 clocks," and at the next faculty meeting only one week 
 later reported the "clock still running." Again we 
 find "the ringing of the bells and the running of the 
 clock" being among the subjects discussed by the fac- 
 ulty. Perhaps variations have been common and the 
 old clock irregular, yet time has moved on in the same 
 way; years have come and years have gone. Many 
 strangers have come to Cotner and as classmates and 
 friends have bidden goodbye to old C. U. ; others take 
 
198 History of Cotnei' University 
 
 our places and though we return we are strangers 
 again. Yes, Cotner has given us much ; the lessons we 
 learned, the games we played; the joy we felt — it all 
 comes back today and we smile and brush away a 
 tear — and are happy. 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 Commencements 
 
 Of all the pictures that hang on college memory's 
 wall, the one of commencements are best of all. Th&t 
 happy week when studies were over and w^e were free 
 from the burdens, we thought heavy. Yes, the final 
 examinations of the week before were passed, they 
 were not so hard after all, and we were free as youth 
 itself. How the memories of the first commencement 
 ever attended all come back today^ as if it were only 
 yesterday. Perhaps it was then w^e had our first 
 beau or sweetheart, for it was a time when the lads 
 and lasses somehow ''got together." You say, we were 
 foolish then; we are foolish still, for there is no place 
 we would rather go than back to old C. U, for com- 
 mencement. It's a great home-coming for we see so 
 many of the old classmates and friends. And then, 
 as student or visitor we enjoy the programs. We en- 
 joy the Mathesian or Philo exercises because we are 
 or were members of that society. Yes, there are the 
 music and expression department programs, which 
 recall happy associations. So it is, whether a ''has 
 been," "now are" or a "will be," commencement is a 
 happy occasion, 
 
 A few of the many programs which have been given 
 during commencement week in the years passed will 
 not only recall these pleasant days but will help and 
 encourage us to make true the dreams of youth, to 
 build the aircastles of college days. 
 
200 History of Cotner University 
 
 First Declamatory Contest of Cotner University 
 
 June 19, 1890 
 
 Piano Solo. .."Spring Song'' 
 
 Mrs. W. P. Stearns 
 
 Invocation 
 
 Declamation "The Fisherman's Wife" 
 
 Miss Addie Harris 
 
 Declamation... "Mona's Waters" 
 
 Miss Emaline Leavitt 
 
 Declamation. "The Modern Chain" 
 
 Mr. J. H. Bicknell 
 
 Vocal Solo..-. 
 
 Mr. Chas. Hopper 
 
 Declamation "The Clergyman's Story" 
 
 Miss Sarah Harris 
 
 Declamation "Regulus" 
 
 Mr. Arthur C. Munson 
 
 Vocal Solo .."Gumbert's Waltz Song" 
 
 Mrs. Greer 
 
 Declamation .. "The Last Leap" 
 
 Miss Alice Gadd 
 
 Declamation "Grattan's Reply" 
 
 Mr. Clarence Harris 
 
 Declamation "The First Settler's Story" 
 
 Miss Blanche Gregory 
 
 Vocal Solo... 
 
 Mr. Chas. Hopper 
 
 Decision of Judges 
 
 Judges — Gen'l J. R. Webster, Hon. Steward Dales, Miss 
 Phoebe Elliot. 
 
 Referee — Prof. Rachel Lloyd. 
 
Commencements 201 
 
 Program Commencement Day 
 June 14, 1894 
 
 Piano Solo, "Rhapsodie Hougroise" Liszt 
 
 Miss May Z. Hughes 
 
 Invocation 
 
 The Ladies' Octet, ''Legender" Mohring 
 
 Oration "The Pi^ovince of Anglo Saxon" 
 
 Fred S. Henry 
 
 Oration "Man and Evolution" 
 
 Fred L. Sumpter 
 
 Oration "Liberty Under Law" 
 
 Robert A. Schell 
 
 Quartette, "Ruy Bias" Mendelssohn 
 
 Misses Beattie, Owings and Cone 
 
 Oration "Valedictory" 
 
 William Oeschger 
 
 Annual Address 
 
 J. H. Garrison 
 
 Male Quartette, ''Annie Laurie". Dudley Buck 
 
 J. W. Hilton, S. A. Nesbitt, G. W. Walters, C. A. Finch 
 Benediction... 
 
 Graduating Exercises 
 June 11, 1896 
 
 Piano Quartette, ''Overture to Zampa" Harold 
 
 Invocation 
 
 Vocal Solo, "How Could I Vain Have Slumbered" 
 
 from Freischuetz Weber 
 
 Prof. M. Elvira Jones 
 
 Oration "hiternational Arbitration" 
 
 William T. Fisher 
 
 Oration.... "The Netv Woman" 
 
 Meltha M. Miller 
 
 Oration "The Goal of Education" 
 
 Samuel W. Christy 
 
202 History of Cotner University 
 
 Oration - ''God in Nature" 
 
 Arthur K. Turner 
 Oration . ''Life a Gain" 
 
 Sarah L. Harris 
 
 Instrumental Solo/'Tannhaeuser March" Wagner-Liszt 
 
 Prof. May Z. Hughes 
 
 Oration ''Via Vitae" 
 
 Alvin E. Evans 
 
 Oration "The Fullness of Time" 
 
 George C. Ritchey 
 
 Oration. "Dream, of Life" 
 
 Marie Blanche Smith 
 
 Valedictory 
 
 Raymond G. Aylsworth 
 
 Conferring of Degrees... 
 
 Vocal Quartette, "A Night in May" F. Abt 
 
 Benediction . 
 
 Commencement Program, June 13, 1907 
 
 The Festive Song Troyer 
 
 Cotner University Chorus 
 
 Spring Dawn Mason 
 
 Edna L. Wright, Carrie L. Hubbard 
 March Lola Miksch Sutton 
 
 (Composed especially for the day, honoring our great Nebraska American) 
 
 Cotner University Song 
 
 (With two additional verses by Clyde Cordner) 
 
 Clay W. Longman Chorus 
 
 Conferring of Degrees 
 
 Chancellor W. P. Aylsworth 
 
 Commencement Program, June 9, 1910 
 
 Valse Moszkowski 
 
 Mrs. Gertrude Sumpter 
 
 Invocation. 
 
 Rev. H. 0. Pritchard 
 
Commencements 203 
 
 Mattinata Tosti 
 
 Love's Question Coverly 
 
 Mrs. Raymond Aylsworth 
 
 Address 
 
 Rev. A. D. Harmon 
 
 Gypsy Dances ......Nachez 
 
 Miss Genevieve Fodrea 
 
 Conferring of Degrees and Awarding of Diplo- 
 mas and Certificates 
 
 Chancellor W. P. Aylsworth 
 
 Italia .Donizetti 
 
 University Chorus 
 
 Commencement Program, June 11 1914 
 
 March Hollander 
 
 Miss Edna Johnson 
 
 Fifth Symphony Beethoven 
 
 Miss Clara Dill Miss Eula Scarce 
 
 Miss Burl Berry Miss Zella Grim 
 
 Invocation 
 
 Rev. H. H. Harmon 
 
 My Thought of You (from Love's Dial) E. L. Ashford 
 Miss Hettie M. Turner 
 
 Commencement Address 
 
 Rev. W. F. Richardson, Kansas City 
 Conferring of Degrees and Awarding of Diplo- 
 mas and Certificates. 
 
 One evening in each commencement Aveek is given to 
 the School of Music. Everyone looks forward to an 
 evening of unalloyed pleasure. The program given in 
 1912 will call to our minds these musical treats of the 
 past. 
 
204 History of Cotner University 
 
 COTNER SCHOOL OF MUSIC— Season 1911-12 
 
 Commencement Recital 
 
 Saturday Evening, June 1, at 8:00 o'clock 
 
 University Chapel 
 
 PROGRAM 
 
 Rondo - - Field 
 
 Maid of Ganges Mendelssohn-Liszt 
 
 Madge Murphy 
 
 Longing Worden 
 
 Ye Merry Birds Gumbert 
 
 Hettie Turner 
 
 Hark, Hark, the Lark Schubert-Liszt 
 
 March in D flat Hollaender 
 
 Hazel Reeves 
 
 Everywhere Oley Speaks 
 
 Flower Rain..... Schneider 
 
 H. D. Shellenberger 
 
 Egeria opus 35 . Kroeger 
 
 Zora Grinstead 
 
 Laughing Streamlet Spross 
 
 Delizia ...Beethove^i 
 
 Maurine Longman 
 
 Adagio catible Beethoven 
 
 Ada Burton 
 
 A Rose Garden .Spross 
 
 Will o' the Wisp Spross 
 
 Bernice Weekly Marvel 
 
 Larghetto MacDoivell 
 
 Bessie Young 
 
 Recompense Hammond 
 
 Honor and Arms Handel 
 
 L. J. Strain 
 One program from each of the literary societies will 
 rekindle in our minds the memory of many good pro- 
 grams rendered. 
 
Commencements 205 
 
 Mathesian Society, June 13, 1895 
 
 Piano Solo, ''Loreley" Han Seeley 
 
 Mrs. F. L. Sumpter 
 
 Invocation.. 
 
 Salutory 
 
 Miss Grace Wiles 
 
 Speech.... ''Christ in History" 
 
 J. H. McSparran 
 
 Vocal Solo, "Jerusalem" Henry Parker 
 
 MabelFord 
 
 Sermon Outline ''Discipleship" 
 
 L. A. Hussong 
 
 Selection Ideal Mandolin Club 
 
 Recitation ''Aunt Parson's Story" 
 
 Lucy Cone 
 
 Oration.. ...."The Progress of Truth" 
 
 D. W. Ohern 
 
 Song, 'Therefore with Angels" V. Novello 
 
 Aeolian Quartette 
 
 Speech "The Model Man" 
 
 H. J. Kennedy 
 
 PiLOMATHIAN COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM 
 
 Friday Evening, June 7, 1907 
 Part I 
 
 March Lola Miksch Sutton 
 
 Ruth Vanderzee, Carrie Hubbard 
 
 Invocation 
 
 Oration "Joan of Arc" 
 
 Howard Britt 
 
 Vocal Solo, ''My King" Frank Lynes 
 
 Nell Roggy 
 
 Address.—.-. "An Echo from the Past" 
 
 S. J. Epler, '05 
 
 Quartet, "The Cooper's Song" (Baccaccio) Vo7i Suppe 
 
 Messrs. Olmsted, Ling, Rethmeyer, Kleihauer 
 
206 History of Cotner University 
 
 Part II 
 
 ORIGINAL PLAYETTE 
 
 ''There's Many a Slip 'Twixt the Cup and the Lip'^ 
 
 by 
 
 Grace Trowbridge, Orville Johnson, Elsie Britt 
 
 Dramatis Personae 
 
 Gwendolin Carr . Helen Demarest 
 
 Alice Osborne, friend of Gwendolin, Grace Trowbridge 
 Herbert Francis, medical student, Cleveland Kleihauer 
 Richard Luverne ,young lawyer, Austin Hollingsworth 
 Hon. Chas. Montrose, dude from England, Elmer Child 
 
 SYNOPSIS OF PLAYETTE 
 
 Herbert and Richard are close friends. Richard is 
 in love with Alice and thinks that Herbert also loves 
 her. Alice prefers one of the young m^en, Gwendolin, 
 the other. The dude tries to complicate matters still 
 further, but fails. At last each one discovers the real 
 state of affairs. 
 
 The Expression department usually entertains the 
 commencement audience by rendering some good play. 
 Both modern and Shakespearean plays have been given 
 with much credit. Enjoy them again by reading the 
 programs. 
 
 Shakespeare's Tragedy of Hamlet 
 
 by the School of Expression, June 8, 1909 
 
 cast of characters 
 
 Claudius, King of Denmark ..Leon Moomaw 
 
 Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Clyde Cordner 
 
 Ghost of King Hamlet, father of the Prince 
 
 - Ernest 0. Sweaney 
 
 Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain... .....Floyd Bash 
 
 Laertes, son of Polonius Bert Wilson 
 
 Horatio, friend to Hamlet Dan Troxel 
 
 Rosencrantz, Courtier. Arthur Longman 
 
 Guildenstern, Courtier ...Augustus Brokaw 
 
Commencements 207 
 
 Osric, Courtier Roy Boyce 
 
 Player King Clarence Miles 
 
 Player Queen Mattie Britt 
 
 Second Player Bess Van Buskirk 
 
 Gertrude, Queen of Denmark Maurine Longman 
 
 Ophelia, daughter of Polonius Bess Kirk 
 
 Marcellus, Officer George Dill 
 
 Bernardo, Officer Homer Young 
 
 Francisco, a soldier Clarence Miles 
 
 First Grave Digger .: Ted Cordner 
 
 Second Grave Digger George Dill 
 
 Priest Homer Young 
 
 Attendant to the Queen_- Hannah Jacobson 
 
 ''Our Alma Mater'' 
 by the School of Expression, June 7, 1910 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Marcus Aurelius Gaskill, Professor of Latin with 
 
 a bug hobby Peter Cope 
 
 Frank Harley, a Student Clarence Miles 
 
 Bush Eggleston, a Student ''Bush with a Push"..-. 
 
 . Ted Cordner 
 
 Percy Wilkins, a Student ...Leon Moomaw 
 
 Olaf Nielson, Olaf the "Assassin" a Student 
 
 Rollin Squires 
 
 Brown, a Student Roy Scott 
 
 Tin Star Shine, Constable Bash Armstrong 
 
 Mr. Fish Foregotson, a Loan Shark ..Ben Ogden 
 
 Carius ~) C Dan Troxel 
 
 Hope \ Kappa Omicron-Nus ) Ossie Wilmeth 
 
 Olsott j I Ben Ogden 
 
 Minerva Hope, Prof. Gaskill's Niece, Hannah Jacobson 
 
 Ethel Wilkins, Percy's sister Agatha Gregg 
 
 Mrs. Poore, who boards students.. ..Bessie Van Buskirk 
 
 Jane Hampton, a Co-ed Hilina Benson 
 
 Mary Madden, a Co-ed Olga Dye 
 
 Co-eds Fannie Adams, Hetty Turner, Mabel Cutter 
 
208 History of Cotner University 
 
 During the later years, one of the most enjoyable 
 features of this great week is the senior class play. 
 It is regarded as a sort of climax to their four years 
 of strenuous work. We give the programs that you 
 may read and enjoy them again. 
 
 The Melting Pot 
 By Israel Zangivill 
 
 Presented by the Class of 1911 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONAE 
 
 David Quixano Clyde Cordner 
 
 Mendel Quixano Leon Moomaw^ 
 
 Herr Papplemeister Arthur Ritchey 
 
 Quincy Davenport Clarence Miles 
 
 Baron Revendal Homer Young 
 
 Baroness Revendal Helen Demarest 
 
 Frau Quixano Mayme Philpott 
 
 Kathleen ..Besse Van Buskirk 
 
 Vera Revendal.. ...Wenona Wilkinson 
 
 The Yoke 
 
 hy Elizabeth Miller 
 
 Rendered by the Class of 1912 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Maneptah, Pharaoh of the Exodus ....W. J. Carry 
 
 Queen... Mary M. Hilton 
 
 Rameses, Son of Maneptah, Crown Prince 
 
 Robert B. Lemmon 
 
 Ta-User, a princess, chosen by Egypt for Rameses' 
 
 Queen Florence Leavitt 
 
 Harhat, Fan-bearer to Pharaoh Orion P. Latimer 
 
 Masanath, Daughter of Harhat Daisie McClintock 
 
 Rachel, an Israelitish maiden Ethel Ranney 
 
 Deborah, Rachel's attendant Mary M. Hilton 
 
 Kenkenes, a young Egyptian sculptor.. ..Dan C. Troxel 
 
 Moses, the lawgiver A. D. Brokaw 
 
 Aaron, Moses' brother Dan C. Troxel 
 
Commencements 209 
 
 Loi, High Priest to Amen A. D. Brokaw 
 
 Guard, J. M. Packer 
 
 Servant.— - Glenn Leavitt 
 
 The Servant in the House 
 Presented by the Class of 1913 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 James Personby Makeshyft, D. D., the Most Rev- 
 erend, the Lord Bishop of Lancashire 
 
 Earl N. Griggs 
 
 The Reverend William Smythe, Vicar. ..C. E. Lemmon 
 
 Auntie, the Vicar's Wife.... Maurine Longman 
 
 Mary, their niece Edna Hilton 
 
 Mr. Robert Symth, a gentleman of necessary occu- 
 pation Ben Ogden 
 
 Rogers, a page-boy Avery Morton 
 
 Manson, a butler Rodney McQuary 
 
 The Lost Paradise 
 
 by Ludwig Fulcla 
 
 Given by the Class of 1914 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 Andrew Knowlton, owner of the Knowlton iron 
 
 works Harry Hill 
 
 Reuben Warner, Superintendent of ''The Works" 
 
 .Ross Williams 
 
 Ralph Standish, the last leaf of the family tree 
 
 Ed Britt 
 
 Bob Appleton, hail fellow well met, and met very 
 
 often Ernest Molloy 
 
 Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Knowlton's man of business 
 
 Carl Per Lee 
 
 Joe Barrett, foreman .....Henry Hanner 
 
 Schwartz John Shagool 
 
 Old Bensel .....C. C. Smith 
 
 Hyatt Lauren Christy 
 
 Men at ''The Works'' 
 
210 History of Cotner University 
 
 Billy Hopkins, a spark from the factory furnace 
 
 Albert Austin 
 
 Mrs. Knowlton, a motherly worlding, Andrew 
 
 Knowltons wife ..Anna Oeschger 
 
 Margaret Knowlton (their daughter), a pearl that 
 
 the toilers at ''The Works' have set 
 
 Nettie Sherman 
 
 Polly Fletcher (Mr. Fletcher's niece), a country 
 
 slip in city soil Mabel Cutter 
 
 Julia, maid at Mr. Knowlton's Mabel Christy 
 
 Nell Minnie Moomaw 
 
 "Cinders" Madge Hill 
 
 Kate Lela Witham 
 
 Girls at "The Works'' 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Act I^ — The home of the Knowlton's — the place 
 "Where the Pearl is Set." 
 
 Act II — A glimpse into the life of the laboring class. 
 Mr. Warner, the superintendent of the vv^orks, has long 
 been in sympathy with the workmen, for he knows and 
 realizes the poverty in which thej^ live. He has plead 
 with Mr. Knowlton in vain for a betterment of their 
 condition. Here we see "How the Pearl is Set." 
 
 Act III — A very real but pathetic view of the dis- 
 tress and wretchedness which exists in the home life 
 of the factory people. Here is discussed the situation 
 as it is seen, especially by Schwartz and Nell. 
 
 Act IV — Nell asks Margaret to go and see where 
 they live. She goes, and is convinced of the fact that 
 her father is doing much for her at the expense of the 
 workmen. Margaret secures from her father the right 
 to grant the demand of the laborers. 
 
 The play closes with those in wealth and those in 
 poverty clasping hands and looking forward to the 
 emancipation of the laboring class. 
 
Commencements 
 
 211 
 
 The Charity Ball 
 
 By Bias CO and DeMills 
 
 Presented by the Class of 1915 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS 
 
 John Van Buren, a New York Clergyman.. ..Alden Hill 
 
 Dick Van Buren, his brother Leslie Strain 
 
 Judge Knox, of the Supreme Court Peter Cope 
 
 Alec Robinson Carey Martin 
 
 Frankly Cruger, King of Wall Street Lawrence Dry 
 
 Creighton, a stock broker Robert Conley 
 
 Belts Elmer Strain 
 
 Paxton Ernest Briggs 
 
 Cain (child part) Paul Nichols 
 
 Ann Cruger Hallie Lemon 
 
 Phyllis Lee ...Cleo Dixon 
 
 Bess Van Buren Edna Ranney 
 
 Mrs. Van Buren Celestine Brock 
 
 Mrs. De Peyster Mrs. Cope 
 
 Each commencement has brought a speaker of prom- 
 inence to Cotner to deliver the annual address. These 
 addresses have been listened to with pleasure and have 
 made an indelible impression upon the minds of the 
 hearers. A partial list of the names of the orators is 
 given : 
 1891 B. W. Johnson 1906 J. H. Garrison 
 
 1893 H. W. Everest 1907 W. J. Bryan 
 
 1894 J. H. Garrison 1908 Charles Medbury 
 
 1897 W. F. Richardson 1909 Burris Jenkins 
 
 1898 B. O. Aylsworth 1910 A. D. Harmon 
 
 1899 Benjamin L. Sm.ith 1911 G. B. Van Arsdel 
 
 1900 B. J. Radford 1912 Charles A. Finch 
 
 1903 J. V. Coombs 1913 E. L. Rouse 
 
 1904 Mr. Dutcher 1914 W. F. Richardson 
 
 1905 R. W- Abberley 1915 Charles Medbury 
 One of the last programs at each commencement is 
 
 given by the Alumni Association. The following was 
 the list of toasts responded to upon June 9, 1915 : 
 
212 History of Cotner University 
 
 ANNUAL BREAKFAST 
 
 TOASTS 
 
 Nettie Sherman, Toastmistress 
 
 Conservation Saves Dollars-Minnie Y. Moomaw/14 
 Observation Causes Enterprise. ...Lawrence Dry,'15 
 
 Temptation Often Fortifies Hugh Lomax/05 
 
 Navigation Rules Empires Clarence Miles/11 
 
 Enervation Never Attains Edith Burgess, '13 
 
 Reputation Sees Triumph E. M. Johnson,'07 
 
 Seven-Thirty A. M. University Church 
 And when commencement is over, alumni, students, 
 and friends are all ''going home." 'Tacking up" is 
 the work of the hour. Listen to the conversation you 
 might hear: "Goodbye old man, you are coming back 
 to the class reunion in 191....?" "Yes, sure." "Pleas- 
 ant vacation Miss , you are coming back next 
 
 year?" "Good luck until we meet again, fight hard, 
 our Alma Mater is expecting great things of you." 
 "I will do my best." Those who are most reluctant 
 to leave are the graduating class of that year. Per- 
 haps they are having their last class party. They all 
 talk awhile, finish up all class business, and perhaps 
 sing a song or two and then say goodbye with tears 
 that won't stay back, filling their eyes and a lump rises 
 in their throats. Whether teacher, student or alumnus, 
 all say goodbye and with a hand clasp that rings true; 
 go into the great world to "fight a good fight, finish the 
 course and keep the faith." 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
 
 Cotner Alumni 
 
 To determine the value of a farm one inquires as 
 to the harvest it yields; to estimate the ability of a 
 man one looks up his record. Likewise a university 
 can be measured by this same standard, that is, its rec- 
 ord or the product or harvest it yields. 
 
 The success of a university may be measured by 
 three things ; its ability to draw young men and women 
 into its midst and enroll them as students ; its power 
 to hold these students until graduation and lastly the 
 success attained by these graduates after leaving the 
 university. Hundreds of students have been attracted 
 to Cotner and at the twenty-six commencements al- 
 ready held two hundred and two persons have been 
 awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree, and twenty-one 
 the Master of Arts, in addition to a large number who 
 have received diplomas from the music, expression or 
 commercial departments. This does not take into con- 
 sideration another large group, who have received 
 teachers' certificates from the normal department. At 
 only two commencements, the first and third, has Cot- 
 ner failed to confer the A. B. degree upon someone. 
 
 The school was opened in the autumn of 1889, and 
 at the close of the second year the first graduation 
 exercises were held. Miss Ellen B. Atwater and Mr. 
 E. D. Harris had the privilege of first calling Cotner 
 ''our Alma Mater." The average size of the twenty- 
 four graduating classes is over eight members. Three 
 times in the history of the school, in the years 1897, 
 1899 and 1904, the graduating class consisted of but 
 one member. These years were following the financial 
 crisis when the student body was smaller than usual. 
 The largest graduating class completed ts work in 1914. 
 
214 History of Cotnei^ Universitij 
 
 It was a peculiar and happy coincidence that this 
 should be the twenty-fifth anniversary of the school 
 and that there should be twenty-five graduates. 
 
 From the beginning Cotner has been a co-educational 
 institution. The opportunities offered to women have 
 been equal to those offered to men. The following 
 table gives the number of men and women in each class 
 and indicates that the proportion among the graduates 
 is almost two to one in favor of the men. 
 
 Year 
 
 Men 
 
 Women Year 
 
 Men 
 
 Women 
 
 1891 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1904 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1893 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1905 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 1894 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 1906 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1895 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 1907 
 
 ....... 9 
 
 2 
 
 1896 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 1908 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 1897 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1909 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 1898 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1910 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1899 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1911 ... 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 1900 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1912 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 1901 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1913 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 1902.......... 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 1914 
 
 14 
 
 11 
 
 1903 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1915 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 Totals 
 
 126 
 
 76 
 
 It has often been said that the saddest thing about 
 college life is, the severing of friendship ties. Men 
 and women enter the university at the age when friend- 
 ships are most easily formed. College students are 
 bound closely together during four years of association. 
 Upon commencement day every friendship tie is broken 
 and the graduates are scattered in every direction to 
 take up the various vocations of life. A tabulation 
 noting the location of Cotner's alumni shows how 
 widely they are scattered. 
 
Cotner Alumni 
 
 215 
 
 State No. of Alumn 
 
 Nebraska 94 
 
 California 5 
 
 Oregon 5 
 
 Montana --. 4 
 
 Wisconsin 2 
 
 Maryland 3 
 
 Colorado 6 
 
 Utah 2 
 
 Washington, D. C 1 
 
 Kansas 17 
 
 Connecticut 7 
 
 Washington 8 
 
 Wyoming 3 
 
 Idaho ... 3 
 
 Ohio .... 4 
 
 i State No. of Alumni 
 
 Indiana 4 
 
 India 3 
 
 China 1 
 
 Philippines 2 
 
 Iowa 1 
 
 Michigan 1 
 
 Missouri 3 
 
 Oklahoma 1 
 
 Texas 2 
 
 Canada 1 
 
 Minnesota 4 
 
 Illinois 3 
 
 North Dakota 1 
 
 Arkansas 2 
 
 Kentucky 1 
 
216 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 The following table gives a classification of the 
 alumni of Cotner into ten groups according to the year 
 of graduation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <D 
 
 
 
 
 
 T3 
 
 
 
 
 
 >i 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 O) 
 
 
 Class 
 
 ^ S 
 
 
 03 
 
 M 
 
 
 'TS 
 
 
 ^. s 
 
 fU 
 
 M CO 
 
 ?H CO 
 
 CD 
 
 
 a; 42 
 
 o 
 
 1 O) 
 
 5h 0) 
 
 CD CO 
 
 M 
 
 
 r^ CO 
 
 • 1-^ 
 
 ou ^ 
 
 O ; rt 
 
 B 
 
 c^ 
 
 C^ ^ 
 
 
 O «r-| 
 
 Oi 
 
 p ? 
 
 ^J -S 
 
 P-H 
 
 1^ Ki 
 
 
 C3 ?^ 
 
 ro 
 
 S 1 ^ 
 
 O 
 
 c^ 
 
 ?H 
 
 O 
 
 O . -^ 
 
 
 cu r: 
 
 •r—l 
 
 o 
 
 cf, 
 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 C« 
 
 i-i 
 
 <D i O 
 
 
 H I§ 
 
 § 
 
 w 
 
 ^ 
 
 Q 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 P 
 
 Q 
 
 Eh 
 
 1891 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1893 
 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 1894 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1895 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 1896 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 1897 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1898 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 1899 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1900 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1901 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 1902 
 
 
 1 
 
 ' 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 1903 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1904 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1905 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 1906 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 1907 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 11 
 
 1908 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 1909 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 18 
 
 1910 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 5 
 
 1911 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 19 
 
 1912 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 10 
 
 1913 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 21 
 
 1914 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 25 
 
 1915 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 20 
 
 Total 
 
 53 
 
 50 
 
 11 
 
 26 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 16 
 
 5 
 
 29 
 
 6 
 
 202 
 
Cotner Alumni ' 217 
 
 Twenty-six of Cotner's graduates have been classi- 
 fied as *'home-makers." To some it may seem that 
 these women are doing but little in this world of many 
 needs. Perhaps their names will not be written upon 
 the scroll of fame, yet each is proud to be "just a 
 helper" to the one whose life she shares. There is no 
 more important or beautiful institution known to man 
 than the home. Let us then pay our tribute ; here's to 
 the queen of the most sacred of all institutions — the 
 home. 
 
 Four Cotner alumni have taken a law course and two 
 are now practitioners in that profession. There is a 
 large field for the clean, straight forward lawyer and 
 there is no reason why a Cotner graduate should not 
 attain prominence in the practice of law. Let us look 
 farther among the great vocations of life to find the 
 remainder of Cotner's men and women. In the med- 
 ical profession we are not disappointed for here are 
 four, curing the physical ills of the body and speaking 
 a word that will uplift the soul. Yes, there are five 
 farmers. There is perhaps no vocation in which the 
 surroundings are more beautiful, the environment 
 purer or the opportunity greater for the farmer ''feeds 
 the world." This is an age of ''big business" which de- 
 demands "push" as the life of enterprise, honesty as the 
 only policy, and the "delivery of the goods" as the 
 final test of success. The sixteen Cotner alumni are 
 meeting every demand in the business arena. 
 
 If all Cotner alumni could gather about their uni- 
 versity home there would be six vacant chairs. Miss 
 Ellen B. At water, a member of the first graduating 
 class of Cotner, has been called to her reward. She 
 was for a time an efficient teacher at Cotner and for 
 many years filled an important position in the St. Louis 
 High School as instructor in history. Howard H. 
 Jones, of the class of 1898, is another absent member. 
 
218 History of Cotner University 
 
 He was also a teacher, having spent several years in 
 Cotner as instructor in science. Miss Donna Enyart, '08 
 was taken in the prime of life when the years were 
 full of promise. She was making preparation for 
 greater usefulness when the golden cord was severed. 
 Mrs. Blanche Smith Latta, '96, was suddenly called 
 from the happy home over which she presided, leaving 
 many friends and loved ones to mourn her loss. 
 Howard L. Johnson, '05, was a man of great promise, 
 having just been called to the chair of philosophy at 
 Bethany College, West Virginia, when death came. 
 Many expectations for a wonderful career were thus 
 ended. T. Milo Keith, '03, for ten years a teacher at 
 Cotner, was a great example of what zeal and deter- 
 mination can dOo He was the embodiment of scholar- 
 ship and manhood. 
 
 The group that is placed in the column as the un- 
 classified, according to- the table, include those who are 
 engaged in work not represented by any of the other 
 headings, taking care of aged parents, working at 
 the old home or for reasons better knov/n to themselves 
 than anyone else, are prevented from entering the 
 active arena. It also includes those vv^ho are in other 
 universities pursuing studies leading to higher degrees. 
 
 There are four of the unclassified w^ho deserve spe- 
 cial mention, Mr, George C. Aydelott, '07, is engaged 
 in iyceum and chautauqua work filling about one hun- 
 dred dates during the summer. In the fall and win- 
 ■ter months his time is completely taken, giving lectures 
 in almost every part of the United States. His prin- 
 cipal lectures are ''The Man of the Hour" and "The 
 Twentieth Century Puritan." Prior to his beginning 
 this work he was engaged in the ministry. He was 
 pastor of the Christian church at Humboldt, Nebraska, 
 Soniat Avenue Christian Church, New Orleans, Louis- 
 iana and the church at Muskogee, Oklahoma. 
 
Cotner Alumni 219 
 
 E. J. Sias, '07, is also in the lecture and chautauqua 
 work. He has filled fifteen hundred dates in thirty 
 states of the Union. All dates which Mr. Sias can fill 
 are sold until 1920. For the past two years addresses 
 have been given before several hundred commercial 
 clubs. Special attention is being given to the "com- 
 munitj^ interest" problem. Before he decided to give 
 his entire time to lecturing, he was pastor of the Frank- 
 fort, Indiana, Christian Church, which had a member- 
 ship of over fourteen hundred. The tabernacle Chris- 
 tian Church of Lincoln owes a special debt of gratitude 
 to Mr. Sias. Between lecture engagements he acted as 
 pastor for this new organization while they were strug- 
 gling to make a start. To Mr. Sias this was a great 
 financial sacrifice, but to the church an invaluable help. 
 
 E. M, Johnson, '07, is doing a comimendable work as 
 general secretary of the Nebraska Prison Association. 
 The purpose of this association is to ''assist discharged 
 prisoners to get the right kind of a start in life after 
 their imprisonment. Since the parole system has been 
 put into operation there are few prisoners who stay 
 in the prison until the expiration of their maximum 
 sentence. They receive a parole which enables them 
 to go out while under charge of the state to show their 
 ability to take their rightful place in society. In 
 making the parole law, the state failed to make suffi- 
 cient provision for the paroled man. He must have 
 employment before he can leave the prison. He needs 
 means to reach the place of his work and perhaps 
 the most important, he needs a friend. The Associa- 
 tion is giving its attention to supplying that which the 
 state has neglected to supply." As general secretary, 
 Mr. Johnson has this work under his supervision. He 
 is also chaplain of the penitentiary. In this capacity 
 he has charge of the religious work in the prison. The 
 regular Sunday services consist of songs, prayers and 
 
220 History of Cotner University 
 
 sermon. The Sunday school which follows the preach- 
 ing service is supplied with volunteer teachers from 
 the outside. All of the inmates are expected to attend 
 the chapel service but the Sunday school attendance 
 is voluntary and about half of the prison company 
 come to the classes. It is gratifying to know that 
 eighty-five per cent of the prisoners, assisted upon 
 leaving the penitentiary, are living in right relations 
 to society. Cotner should be proud of Mr. Johnson's 
 work. He also has a good record as a pastor and evan- 
 gelist. 
 
 R. Kent Beattie, '95, is one of the noted graduates 
 of Cotner. His education was received in the Oska- 
 loosa, Iowa, and Lincoln High Schools and Cotner and 
 -Nebraska Universities. His major work was always 
 in botany. For thirteen years he was an instructor in 
 Washington state college being head professor of bot- 
 any for nine years. While there he constantly repre- 
 sented the State College in Farmers and Teachers In- 
 stitutes. He is now plant pathologist for the Federal 
 Historical Board, Washington, D. C. He is a member 
 of the National Scientific Association, The Association 
 of American Botanists and other organizations of the 
 same kind. Mr. Beattie has done extensive work in 
 plant investigation which has been printed in bulletin 
 form by the Washington agricultural station or by the 
 United States Bureau of Agriculture. One of the most 
 interesting is 'Tlants Used for Food by Sheep on the 
 Mica Mountain Summer Range." Three books have 
 been written by Mr. Beattie and C. V. Piper entitled 
 "The Flora of the Palouse Region," ''Flora of South- 
 eastern Washington and Adjacent Idaho" and ''Flora 
 of the Northwest Coast." 
 
 To receive the A. B. degree is good, but there are still 
 goals that are higher for those who are eager for 
 knowledge. A carpenter can complete his building; 
 
Cotner Alumni 221 
 
 a farmer finish plowing his field, but a student can 
 never finish his education. Something new is learned 
 every day whether in or out of college. One of the 
 tests of a true college is its ability to inspire its stu- 
 dents to go higher after they have secured the A. B. 
 degree. The following are the Cotner graduates who 
 have secured higher degrees and the universities from 
 which they have taken them : 
 
 Ellen B. Atwater, A. M University of Chicago 
 
 E. D. Harris, M. Sc Cotner University 
 
 A. D. Harmon, A. M Cotner University 
 
 F. S. Hemry, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 William Oeschger, B. D.... University of Chicago 
 
 L. P. Bush, A. M Cotner University 
 
 C. A. Finch, A. M ...Cotner University 
 
 R. G. Aylsworth, A. M.... Yale Univeristy 
 
 Alvin E. Evans, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 Alvin E. Evans, Ph. D University of Michigan 
 
 Grace E. Young, A. M Cotner University 
 
 J. W. Hilton, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 T. Milo Keith, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 M. R. Gilmore, Ph. D University of Nebraska 
 
 Cleveland Kleihauer, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 Claire Armstrong, A. M. and B. D ...Yale University 
 
 B. J. Brethouwer, A. M... ..University of Nebraska 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 John G. Alber, A. M University of Nebraska 
 
 W. J. Carry, A. M Cotner University 
 
 Edward Kechley, A. M Cotner University 
 
 Those now working for higher degrees are : 
 
 E. H. Longman Yale University 
 
 Clay W. Longman Yale University 
 
 Arthur Longman Yale University 
 
 W. L. Watson.... University of Nebraska 
 
 Lucile Brock.. University of Nebraska 
 
 Edith Burgess. ..University of Nebraska 
 
222 History of Cotner University 
 
 E. N. Griggs Yale University 
 
 Rodney McQuary Yale University 
 
 Robert Conley University of Nebraska 
 
 Carl Worden University of Nebraska 
 
 Alumni of Cotner University 
 
 1891 
 
 Ellen B. Atwater.. : Deceased 
 
 E. D. Harris, farmer... I.anthers, Wyoming 
 
 1893 
 
 R. W. Abberly, Mangolia Avenue Christian Church 
 
 Los Angeles, California 
 
 John H. Bicknell, secretary of College Board, Cotner Univer- 
 sity - Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Alice Gadd (Harmon), home-maker ..Cable, Wisconsin 
 
 A. D. Harmon, professor of Sociology (elect) Cotner 
 
 Cable, Wisconsin 
 
 Cora E. Hemry, C. W. B. M. secretary for Nebraska 
 
 Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 1894 
 
 F. S. Hemry, professor Modern Languages in Jacob Tome's 
 
 Institute .--. Port Deposit, Maryland 
 
 R. A. Schell, pastor First Christian Church Boulder, Colorado 
 
 F. L. Sumpter, business Salt Lake City, Utah 
 
 Wm. Oeschger, Chancellor Cotner University.. Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 1895 
 
 R. Kent Beattie, U. S. Horticultural Dept. Washington, D. C. 
 
 L. P. Bush, professor of Philosophy, Cotner University 
 
 Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Addie Harris (Holmburg), home-maker Casper, Wyoming 
 
 Minnie Leavitt, teacher Fowler, Montana 
 
 J. H. McSparran, pastor. Meridian, Idaho 
 
 Chas. A. Finch, pastor, First Christian Church 
 
 Fayetteville, Arkansas 
 
 Canna Wiles, (Finch), home-maker...... Fayetteville, Arkansas 
 
 1896 
 
 R. G. Aylsworth, Civil Engineer, B. & M. R. R 
 
 Denver, Colorado 
 
 Wilford C. Christy, farmer - ...Glendora, California 
 
 Alvin. E. Evans, professor of Latin in Washington State 
 
 College... Pullman, Washington 
 
Cotner Alumni 223 
 
 W. T. Fisher, Department of Religious Education, Phillips 
 
 Bible Institute Canton, Ohio 
 
 Sarah Harris (Jones), home-maker Waco, Nebraska 
 
 John M. Howie, professor of Mathematics State Normal 
 
 - ----- -- PerU; Nebraska 
 
 Meltha Miller (Fisher), homemaker Canton, Ohio 
 
 George C. Ritchey, pastor. First Christian Church 
 
 - Monmouth, Oregon 
 
 Blanche Smith (Latta) : Deceased 
 
 A. K. Turner, physician..- Petaluma, California 
 
 1897 
 
 Grace Effie Young professor of French a,nd German, Cotner 
 
 University Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 1898 
 
 Kittie Austin (Aylsworth), homemaker Denver, Colorado 
 
 J. W. Hilton, pastor. East Side Church. Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Howard H. Jones Deceased 
 
 Grant K. Lewis, secretary American Christian Missionary 
 
 Society Cincinnatij Ohio 
 
 1899 
 Frank L. Evans, lumber business ....Hills City, Idaho 
 
 1900 
 
 Henry J, Kennedy, pastor.. Jewell, Kansas 
 
 Walter H. Monroe, banker Los Angeles, California 
 
 Elizabeth P. Ritchie, librarian ...Kalispell, Montana 
 
 Jennie B. Ritchie, .teacher Otis Orchard, Wyoming 
 
 1801 
 
 Clara Austin (Monroe), homemaker Los Angeles, California 
 
 Evelyn Hanna, stenographer Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Harry C. Parmenter, farmer .Yutan, Nebraska 
 
 Freeman L. Pettit, pastor, First Christian Church 
 
 Independence, Kansas 
 
 Clarence F. Swander, state secretary, Christian Missionary 
 
 Society Portland, Oregon 
 
 1902 
 
 Daisy Aitken (Seybolt), homemaker Ashland, Nebraska 
 
 Earl E. Boyd, physician Central City, Nebraska 
 
 Harvey M. Johnson, business Clevelnd, Ohio 
 
 Fred Meredith, business Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Elmer E. Meredith, business Omaha, Nebraska 
 
 C. A. Sias, pastor Carlton, Oregon 
 
224 History of Cotner Univei^sity 
 
 1903 
 
 T. Milo Keith -. .- Deceased 
 
 Willard L. Mellinger, pastor Portland, Oregon 
 
 1904 
 Melvin R. Gilmore, Curator Museum, University of North 
 
 Dakota Bismark, North Dakota 
 
 1905 
 
 Stephen J. Epler, pastor Fairfield, Nebraska 
 
 Grant Hamm, pastor Wallowa, Oregon 
 
 Howard L. Johnson -... Deceased 
 
 Hugh L. Lomax pastor, Budd Park Church 
 
 Kansas City, Missouri 
 
 Manson E. Miller, pastor Kearney, Nebraska 
 
 1906 
 
 Clara Aylsworth (Kleihauer), homemaker.... Seattle, Washington 
 
 Clarence C. Drummond, missionary Harda, India 
 
 Lucile Ford, missionary Mahoba, India 
 
 Lulu Harding (Smith), teacher.. Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Roy J. Lucas, pastor Bellaire, Kansas 
 
 Kenneth Roland, business Clay Center, Kansas 
 
 1907 
 
 George Aydelott, lecturer Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Edward Clutter, evangelist Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Clara DeForest (Emery), homemaker Salt Lake City, Utah 
 
 W. A. Dobson, student in Chiropractic School. ...Davenport, Iowa 
 Mary A. Dobson, student in Chiropractic School 
 
 Davenport, Iowa 
 
 Austin J. Hollingsworth, pastor. Temple Church 
 
 Kansas City, Kansas 
 
 Edward M. Johnson, chaplain State Penitentiary, secretary 
 
 Prison Reform Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Cleveland Kleihauer, pastor. University Church 
 
 - Seattle, Washington 
 
 G. M. Jacobs, business Seattle Washington 
 
 Ernest J. Sias, lecturer ...Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 E. E. Smith, professor of Biology, Cotner University 
 
 Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 1908 
 
 Claire Armstrong, pastor, Harlem Avenue Church 
 
 Baltimore, Maryland 
 
 Evelyn Corbin, teacher Sumner, Washington 
 
 Mabel Davies (Tookey) homemaker Hooper, Nebraska 
 
Cotner Alumni 225 
 
 Donna Enyart - - Deceased 
 
 Mary Enyart Armstrong, homemaker Baltimore, Maryland 
 
 Edward Kechley, pastor - .-..Louiston, Montana 
 
 Clay W. Longman, graduate student, Yale University 
 
 New Haven, Connecticut 
 
 Edward H. Longman graduate student, Yale University 
 
 New Haven, Connecticut 
 
 Nellie Phillips Eidson, homemaker Sligo, Colorado 
 
 Marion A. Swiger, business Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 1909 
 
 Floyd Bash, pastor ...Highland, Kansas 
 
 Ada Bash (Hunt), homemaker Minneapolis, Minnesota 
 
 Ray E. Hunt, pastor, Grand Avenue Church.... 
 
 Minneapolis, Minnesota 
 
 Howard Britt, business Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Elsei Brtt (Child), missionary work San Antonio, Texas 
 
 Elmer Child, missionary work ..San Antonia, Texas 
 
 B. J. Brethouwer, teacher Normal, Nebraska 
 
 Charles E. Cobbey, pastor. First Christian Church.. 
 
 Omaha, Nebraska 
 
 Clara Dill, missionary work.... Hazel Green, Kentucky 
 
 Ford A. Ellis pastor Traverse City, Michigan 
 
 Edith E. Jones, teacher ....Long Island, Kansas 
 
 Orville Johnson Philippine Islands 
 
 B. F. Lively, pastor ....Mabton, Washington 
 
 Arthur Longman, graduate student, Yale University 
 
 ---- ...New Haven, Connecticut 
 
 Amarilla Smith (Foote), homemaker... White Pine, Montana 
 
 Joseph E, Smith, professor of history. Eureka College 
 
 --- _ Eureka Illinois 
 
 Ernest 0. Sweaney, pastor North Bend, Nebraska 
 
 Bert Wilson, western secretary of Foreign Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society. ...Kansas City Missouri 
 
 1910 
 
 Ethel Ireland, teacher Gordon, Nebraska 
 
 Orven H. Loomis, business and pastor Mound City, Missouri 
 
 Thomas Perry, pastor ...Cherokee, Oklahoma 
 
 E. L. Rouse, Dean State Normal.... Peru Nebraska 
 
 LeRoy W. Watson, graduate student, Nebraska State Uni- 
 versity Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 1911 
 
 John G. Alber, pastor. South Omaha Church 
 
 ....South Omaha, Nebraska 
 
 Merle Aspinwall, farmer Bethany, Nebraska 
 
226 History of Cotner University 
 
 Clyde Cordner, mining business Central City, Colorado 
 
 Helen Demarest (Squires), homemaker.. Crete, Nebraska 
 
 George Dill, banker .._ ...._ Eldorado, Nebraska 
 
 Clarence Miles, lawyer ...Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw, professor of History and Social Science 
 
 Cotner University Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Vera Moomaw (Walford), homemaker Lincoln Nebraska 
 
 Ernest Parminter, principal of High School. ...Elmwood, Nebraska 
 
 Alma Perrine, teacher Mitchell, Nebraska 
 
 Mayme Philpott, teacher... Omaha, Nebraska 
 
 Arthur Ritchey, pastor York, Nebraska 
 
 Joanna Somers, librarian Cotner Universiy... Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Bessie Van Buskirk ..Merna, Nebraska 
 
 Bertha Wilson, teacher in High School Alliance, Nebraska 
 
 Wenona Wilkinson, missionary to China. Nankin, China 
 
 Stella Witham (Hall), homemaker Canton, Nebraska 
 
 Frank Woten, pastor Gering, Nebraska 
 
 Homer J. Young, pastor Alliance, Nebraska 
 
 1912 
 
 Augustus Brokaw, pastor Hiawatha Kansas 
 
 W. J. Carry, pastor Staples, Minnesota 
 
 Mary Hilton (Lemmon), student College of Missions 
 
 Indianapolis, Indiana 
 
 Orion Latimer, farmer Shenandoah, Iowa 
 
 Robert Lemmon, student. College of Missions 
 
 Indianapolis, Indiana 
 
 Daisy McClintock( Griggs), homemaker. New Haven, Connecticut 
 
 Harold Niebling, attorney-at-law Seattle, Washington 
 
 Ethel Ranney (Wilmot), homemaker Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Dan C. Troxel, pastor Falls City, Nebraska 
 
 Florence Leavitt Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 1913 
 
 Edith Anderson, teacher Toronto, Canada 
 
 Gertrude Baldwin, teacher Kearney, Nebraska 
 
 Hilma Benson Harvard, Nebraska 
 
 Lucile Brock, graduate student, University of Nebraska 
 
 Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Edith Burgess, graduate student. University of Nebraska.... 
 
 Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Nelle Gingles, teacher Humboldt, Nebraska 
 
 Earl N. Griggs, graduate student, Yale University 
 
 New Haven, Connecticut 
 
 Avery Morton, principal of High School.... Valparaiso, Nebraska 
 
Cotner Alumni 227 
 
 Elsie Morton, teacher in High School Valparaiso, Nebraska 
 
 B. E. Ogden, pastor Paola, Kansas 
 
 J. M. Packer, physician Memphis, Nebraska 
 
 Rollin Squires, teacher in Crete High School Crete, Nebraska 
 
 Edyth Stansbury, teacher Vale, Oregon 
 
 1914 
 
 Albert Austin, bank employee Prairie Home, Nebraska 
 
 Edward Britt, teacher in Exeter High School.. ..Exeter, Nebraska 
 
 Lauren Christy, pastor La Crosse, Kansas 
 
 Mabel Christy, homemaker La Crosse, Kansas 
 
 Mabel Cutter (Packer), homemaker Memphis, Nebraska 
 
 Bertha Ewers, homemaker Reserve, Kansas 
 
 Henry Hanner David City, Nebraska 
 
 Harry Hill, pastor Humboldt, Nebraska 
 
 Madge Hill, teacher Emerson, Nebraska 
 
 T. V. Hubbel, pastor Everest, Kansas 
 
 Thomas Keros, business Lincoln. Nebraska 
 
 Ernest Molloy, pastor Howard Lake, Minnesota 
 
 Minnie Young (Moomaw), homemaker Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Anna Oeschger, teacher Valparaiso, Nebraska 
 
 Carl PerLee, pastor Plattsmouth, Nebraska 
 
 Ernest Pfeiffer physician Ruskin, Nebraska 
 
 Elva Rulon, librarian State Normal Peru, Nebraska 
 
 John Shagool, teacher _ Peabody, Kansas 
 
 Nettie Sherman, primary department Bethany school 
 
 Bethany Nebraska 
 
 C. C. Smith Ulysses, Nebraska 
 
 Goldie Stevens, teacher Minden, Nebraska 
 
 C. H. Thomson, missionary to India Jubbulpore, India 
 
 Hettie Turner (Wilmeth), homemaker Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 Ross Williams, pastor Clay Center, Nebraska 
 
 Lela Witham, teacher Wymore, Nebraska 
 
 1915 
 
 Celestine Brock teacher _ Halsey, Nebraska 
 
 Robert Conley, graduate student, University of Nebraska 
 
 - Lincoln, Nebraska 
 
 P. B. Cope, pastor Lebanon, Kansas 
 
 Hazel Adams Cope, homemaker Lebanon, Kansas 
 
 Clara DePue teacher Diller, Nebrask^ 
 
 Cleo Dixon, principal of High School Diller, Nebraska 
 
 Lawrence Dry, pastor Peru, Nebraska 
 
 Fred Eaton, teacher Burr Oak, Kansas 
 
 Earl Hanner, government teacher Philippine Islands 
 
228 History of Cotne?' University 
 
 A. L. Hill - Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Hallie Lemon, student College of Missions 
 
 Indianapolis, Indiana 
 
 W. C. Martin, student, College of Law, University of Chi- 
 cago - Chicago, Illinois 
 
 A. W. Osterhout, teacher, assistant professor in mathema 
 
 tics, Cotner University Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Josie Y. Osterhout, professor of English, Cotner Univer- 
 sity --- ---.Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Edna Ranney, teacher - Red Cloud, Nebraska 
 
 L. J. Strain, pastoral helper and chorus director 
 
 _- Bethany, Nebraska 
 
 Elmer E. Strain, teacher...- --McCook, Nebraska 
 
 Carl Worden, graduate student. State University 
 
 - --..- ----Lincoln Nebraska 
 
 H. E. Weekly, teacher --Crawford, Nebraska 
 
 E. E. Briggs, pastor..... ....Nebraska City, Nebraska 
 
 1916 
 
 Charles Streeter Winters Funck 
 
 Drville Johnson F. A. Wilmot 
 
 Dale Ellis Ruth Dixon 
 
 Vlargaret Knapple Floss Strain 
 
 L. A. Brumbaugh Hazel Reynolds 
 
 Ora Sanborn Pearl Swartwood 
 
 Russell Lemmon Charles M. Ewers 
 
 Clyde Darner Frank Sanborn 
 
 T. A. Blakleslee Tessa Stevens 
 
 Nellie Packer H. Lee Woodward 
 
 Prank Brokaw 
 
CHAPTER XXII 
 
 Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges 
 
 This is an age in which education is looked upon 
 with favor, a college or university viewed with pride 
 
 E. L. Rouse 
 
 and the professor considered a man of importance in 
 his community. In college halls, filling places of 
 honor and honoring the college of their younger years, 
 are to be found fourteen graduates of old Cotner en- 
 gaged in educational work. The records of these four- 
 teen are of interest to all. 
 
230 History of Cotner University 
 
 E. L. Rouse, Dean of Peru State Normal 
 
 Nestled among the trees and hills of southeastern 
 JSfebraska is to be found one of Nebraska's foremost 
 educational institutions in which E. L. Rouse is an 
 educator. His first educational training was received 
 in Cass and Nuckolls counties. Two winters were 
 spent at old Fairfield College. After teaching in the 
 rural schools for a few years, he spent one year at 
 Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa. Re- 
 turning to educational work, Mr. Rouse was for three 
 years, principal of the Hebron schools and three years 
 superintendent at Plattsmouth, when he was called to 
 Peru State Normal. Mr. Rouse took his A. B. degree 
 at Cotner in 1910. In 1912, he was made dean of 
 Peru Normal. Mr. Rouse is very popular in the Nor- 
 mal and over the state, and has more calls for insti- 
 tute, lecture and commencement addresses than he can 
 fill. He is one of Nebraska's leading educators. 
 
 Fred S. Hemry, Modern Languages, Tome School 
 
 Professor Hemry is a graduate of the Lincoln High 
 School. He entered Cotner in 1890 and was graduated 
 with the class of 1894. Three years later he received 
 his A. M. degree from the University of Nebraska. 
 Following this, a number of years were spent in teach- 
 ing in Fairfield College, Henry College, Texas and 
 Eureka College, Illinois. Further post-graduate work 
 was done at John Hopkins and three summers were 
 spent studying in Europe. He is now a successful 
 teacher of Modern Languages at Port Deposit, Mary- 
 land in the Tome School. The Tome School is for 
 boys only and is the most magnificently endowed 
 school for its size in the United States, being located 
 on one of the most beautiful spots in the state of 
 Maryland on the palisades of the Suspuehanna river, 
 near its junction with the Chespeake Bay, About two 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges 231 
 
 hundred boys under nineteen from all parts of the 
 United States are enrolled. 
 
 E. E. Smith, Biology, Cotner University 
 Professor Smith was a farmer lad, born and raised 
 on a farm in Johnson County, Nebraska, where he 
 
 E. E. Smith 
 
 received his early education. In 1907, he finished a 
 seven year preparatory and college course at Cotner 
 University, having entered at the age of seventeen. 
 He spent several years in the ministry before contin- 
 uing his education for one and one-half years at the 
 University of Nebraska. In 1913, Mr. Smith came 
 back to Cotner as instructor in Biology. 
 
 William Oeschger, Chancellor of Cotner University 
 In 1864, the father and mother of Chancellor 
 
232 History of Cotner University 
 
 Oeschger came to this country of many nationalities 
 from the beautiful land of lakes and forests, Switzer- 
 erland. They located in the city of Philadelphia and 
 while there, a little dark -haired son took up his abode 
 with them. Finally in 1885, they located on a farm 
 near Valparaiso, Nebraska. He received country 
 school training near his home. In 1889, he came to 
 Cotner, remaining five years, graduating in 1894 
 with the A. B. degree. He then continued his educa- 
 tion for four more years at the University of Chicago, 
 receiving two degrees. He was a conscientious stu- 
 dent, having the ability to apply himself to either work 
 or play with the force of a strong man. He married 
 Miss Dema Hopkins in the year 1899. Chancellor 
 Oeschger served several churches as their pastor, re- 
 maining with the people of Vincennes, Indiana, for 
 ten years, when he left there to take the position of 
 chancellor of Cotner. 
 
 Grace E. Young, Modern Language, Cotner University 
 
 An active dark eyed, dark haired girl spent her 
 early childhood on a farm near Tecumseh, Nebraska. 
 After finishing the country schools, she spent three 
 years at Peru State Normal. Miss Young then 
 taught one year before entering Cotner as a student 
 in 1892. In 1897, she was elected to the chair of 
 Modern Languages at Cotner after receiving her 
 Bachelor's and Master's degrees. She has taken work 
 at Nebraska nad Chicago Universities, aside from 
 traveling in Europe in 1911, in better preparing her- 
 self for her vv^ork as teacher of French and German, 
 which position she has ably filled for nineteen years. 
 
 L. P. Bush, Philosophy, Cotner University 
 Professor Bush says concerning his birth : "The 
 date of my birth is in the nature of a tradition, and 
 as I grow older I am inclined to minimize the tradi- 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges 233 
 
 tion, and to hold more firmly to the fact. Of course, T 
 was present at the time, but my consciousness of the 
 event is extremely hazy, in fact, I have no memory 
 of it at all. Tradition says that I was born in a log 
 house in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. This well- 
 
 L. P. Bush 
 
 known ear mark of greatness has signally failed in my 
 case." His father died when he was only five years 
 of age and he began to struggle to take care of himself. 
 At fifteen, he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter 
 and joiner's trade. He had, when he was nineteen, 
 saved up enough from his apprenticeship to attend the 
 High School in Troy, Pennsylvania. Here Professor 
 Bush says, "Somewhere about this time I w^as married. 
 This was not so much a matter of wisdom, perhaps, 
 as good fortune." Enough money was borrowed to 
 
234 History of Coiner University 
 
 attend another term of High School after which he 
 taught one term in the ''backwoods" of Pennsylvania. 
 Mr. Bush came to Nebraska in 1889, locating in 
 Bethany as a carpenter and in 1890, started to take a 
 six year course in Cotner, graduating in 1895. He 
 commenced to preach in 1891 ; preaching in Tecumseh 
 while in school and remaining there two years after 
 graduation, at which time he returned to preach for 
 Bethany Church and in April, 1898, began teaching in 
 Cotner. Considerable postgraduate work has been 
 done, better fitting him for his work. 
 
 Melvin R. Gilmore, '04 
 
 Curator of the Museum, North Dakota University 
 Born on a farm near Valley, Nebraska, Doctor Mel- 
 vin R. Gilmore attended the district school in winters. 
 He qualified for a teacher and then alternately taught 
 and attended the Fremont Normal finishing the highest 
 course there. In 1903 he came to Cotner as an 
 structor for half time and enrolled as a senior 
 student, graduating in 1904 with the A. B. de- 
 gree. In the fall he enrolled in the University of Ne- 
 braska and so continued as a graduate student, teach- 
 ing full time at Cotner. In June, 1904, he received 
 the degree of A. M. from the University of Nebraska. 
 In the same year, he registered as a candidate for the 
 degree of Doctor of Philosophy, still teaching at Cot- 
 ner. In 1911, he resigned at Cotner to take the po- 
 sition of Curator of the Museum of the Nebraska 
 Historical Society. He received the degree of Ph. D. 
 from the University of Nebraska. In the spring of 
 1916, he was elected as Curator, in the University of 
 North Dakota. Dr. Gilmore is a scholar of rare abil- 
 ity. He is an accepted authority upon many subjects 
 pertaining to Indian life and to early conditions in 
 the central west. Cotner considers him one of her 
 strongest men. 
 
Cotnei' Alumni Among the Colleges 235 
 
 Leon A. Moomaw 
 History and Social Science, Cotner University 
 Professor Moomaw was born in a sod house on the 
 western Nebraska plains, in Scotts Bluff County. His 
 early education was secured in a sod school house and 
 from his mother at home. He graduated from the 
 Bayard High School in 1905 and entered Cotner Uni- 
 versity one year later. In 1910, the Bachelor of Ex- 
 pression degree was received from Cotner School of 
 Expression and the A. B. degree in 1911. For two 
 years Mr. Moomaw was national traveling secretary 
 for the International Prohibition Association, lectur- 
 ing in about two hundred colleges and universities in 
 the central and western states. He was married to 
 Miss Minnie E. Young, a Cotner graduate, in 1914. 
 For three years he has been head of the History and 
 Social Science department at Cotner. 
 
 W. T. Fisher, Religious Education, Phillips Bible Institute 
 
 Professor Fisher is an Indiana product, but early 
 moved to Ohio where he received his public school 
 education. The years from twelve to sixteen were 
 spent w^orking in a steel mill. At this time his family 
 moved to a Kansas farm. When about twenty, he 
 entered Cotner University, as he said, ''to begin prep- 
 aration for the ministry, which had been my ambition 
 for a number of years." He was graduated with the 
 class of 1896. After graduation, thirteen years were 
 spent ministering to three Iowa churches when he 
 became Iowa State Bible School Superintendent. After 
 four years in this capacity, Mr. Fisher was called to 
 the department of Religious Education of Phillips 
 Bible Institute at Canton, Ohio. This position he still 
 holds. The Master's degree was received from Cot- 
 ner in 1913. Mr. Fisher's record is one of which Cot- 
 ner can be justly proud. 
 
236 History of Cotner University 
 
 Elva E. Rulon, Head Librarian, Peru Normal 
 
 Miss Rulon traces her ancestry back to the Hugue- 
 nots, who left France because of religious persecu- 
 tion. These people first located in Pennsylvania, but 
 as civilization moved westward, they moved to Ohio 
 and then to Illinois. Here, Miss Rulon was born. Her 
 father died when she was but a child and with her 
 mother and relatives, she moved to Nebraska, locating 
 at Pawnee City. Her early education was received at 
 Pawnee City Academy. Later she attended Fairfield 
 College for two years. After teaching a short time. 
 Miss Rulon entered Peru State Normal completing 
 her course in 1896. One more j^ear was spent there 
 in graduate work. She began her work as librarian 
 in that important institution in 1898. Leaves of ab- 
 sence have been granted to her at different times in 
 order that she might pursue her studies. A course 
 at the Pratt Library School of Brooklyn, N. Y., was 
 completed in 1907. One summer was spent at Chi- 
 cago University and in 1914 she was graduated from 
 Cotner University. 
 
 Joseph E. Smith, History, Eureka College 
 
 Mr. Smith is a Kansan by birth, but received his 
 early training in the Fremont, Nebraska, High School. 
 Three years were spent in Cotner. He won the Cecil 
 Rhodes scholarship in 1908, and studied in Oxford, 
 England for three years, spending his summers travel- 
 ing in Europe. Upon his return to America, he was 
 employed for two years in Phillips University at Enid, 
 Oklahoma. Wishing to pursue his studies further, 
 Mr. Smith entered the University of Nebraska and 
 secured his Master's degree. He is now professor of 
 History at Eureka College in Illinois, where he is 
 ''making good.'* 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges 237 
 
 Alvin E. Evans, Latin, Washington State College 
 
 Mr. Evans was born on a farm near Valley, Ne- 
 braska. His early years were spent in the common 
 school, coming to Cotner at the age of fifteen. After 
 completing his college course, he taught for a time at 
 Cotner University. His Master's Degree was received 
 from the Nebraska State University. The next two 
 years were spent in teaching at Eureka College, Illi- 
 nois. After a year of further study at the University 
 of Chicago, Mr. Evans taught at Racine, Wisconsin, 
 and in the State University of Washington. Still 
 wishing to better equip himself, he secured his Ph. D. 
 degree from Ann Arbor University, Michigan. For 
 the past six years he has been engaged as instructor 
 of Latin at Washington State College. During these 
 years, he spent all his spare time in the study of law, 
 in which he wished to specialize. In the fall of 1915, 
 he entered the Harvard Law School, having secured 
 a leave from his teaching work, and will receive his 
 degree in 1916. Mr. Evans is an exceptional scholar, 
 a successful teacher and a splendid man. 
 
 John M. Howie, Mathematics, Peru Normal 
 An Iowa farm was the birth place of Mr. Howie. 
 At an early age he moved, with his parents, to Bloom- 
 field, where he received his common and high school 
 education. When he was but a lad he showed marked 
 ability in penmanship and, upon the completion of his 
 high school course, became instructor in that subject 
 at the Southern Iowa Normal. While teaching, he 
 also took enough school work to graduate in 1889 from 
 the Normal. Not being old enough to get a certificate 
 in Iowa, he came to Nebraska and taught in a country 
 school in Saunders county, from 1889 to 1891. He 
 was a student and instructor of penmanship and draw- 
 ing at Cotner University for the two succeeding years 
 
238 History of Cotner University 
 
 and principal of the Commercial department at that 
 place, from 1893-'94. Mr. Howie was a student and 
 assistant in mathematics at the University of Ne- 
 braska the following year. The same work was pur- 
 sued at the University of Wisconsin from 1895-'97, 
 and one year was spent as instructor of mathematics 
 in the Eau Claire Wisconsin High School. The posi- 
 tion, as head of the department of mathematics at 
 the Nebraska State Normal at Peru, has been well 
 filled by Mr. Howie since 1898. 
 
 Lulu Harding" Smith, Domestic Art, 
 Nebraska School of Agriculture 
 
 Miss Harding was born at Humboldt, Nebraska, 
 in 1883. All of her early education was received at 
 Humboldt, being a graduate from the high school of 
 that place under Professor R. L. Hoff. After four 
 years work at Cotner, she received the A. B. degree 
 with the class of '06. She was the first graduate from 
 Cotner to receive a teacher's life certificate. Six 
 years were spent as a teacher in the public schools, 
 before beginning her work in 1914, first, as a student 
 and later as a teacher in the Domestic Art department 
 of the Nebraska School of Agriculture. 
 
 Albert W. Osterhout, Assistant in Mathematics, 
 Cotner University 
 
 Of a jolly nature is Albert W. Osterhout. Perhaps 
 a reason for this disposition is found in the fact that 
 as a youth he enjoyed the bitter with the sweet. He 
 was born in Illinois, but four times with his parents he 
 made the trip between Illinois and Nebraska in a cov- 
 ered wagon, the last one being made when he was past 
 thirteen. The district schools of Nebraska and Illinois, 
 the high school at Sycamore, Illinois, the state normal 
 at Peru, Nebraska, the State University and Cotner 
 University have each had a part in his education. 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Colleges 
 
 239 
 
 Farming, teaching and going to school was the pro- 
 gram for a number of years and now it is preaching, 
 teaching and going to school. In 1894, Mr. Osterhout 
 w^as married to Josie E. York, a former schoolmate, 
 pupil and classmate. He began his work in Cotner in 
 
 A. W. Osterhout 
 
 1902, one year being Dean of the Normal School, seven 
 years principal of the Business School and the last few 
 years assistant in mathematics. Mr. Osterhout re- 
 ceived his A. B. degree from Cotner University in June, 
 1915. 
 
 Josie York Osterhout, Head of English Department, 
 Cotner University 
 A little, prim, dark haired, dark eyed girl started to one 
 of the country schools in Johnson County, Nebraska, 
 
240 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 on her fifth birthday anniversary and continued a pupil 
 in that school until 1886 when she entered the prepar- 
 atory course of the State Normal at Peru, Nebraska. 
 Mrs. Osterhout was graduated from this school in 
 June, 1893, having been out but one year, in which she 
 taught at Nemaha City. The school year of 1893-4 
 she taught in the Weeping Water High School. Since 
 her marriage she has spent two years in the country 
 schools of Nemaha county, one year in the grades of 
 the Humboldt schools and fifteen years in Cotner Uni- 
 versity. By doing extra work in Cotner University 
 and attending summer school at the State University, 
 Mrs. Osterhout prepared herself for the A. B. degree 
 which was granted her in June, 1915. For two years 
 she has been the efficient head of the department of 
 English in Cotner University. 
 
 J. H. Bicknell, Secretary of the College 
 
CHAPTER XXIIl 
 
 Cotner Alumni Among" the Churches 
 
 The church is the institution through which the 
 sweetest and best human thoughts are unfolded and 
 given to the world. It is through the teachings of 
 the church that man approaches nearest the Divine 
 and by His power he forsakes sin, corruption and 
 immorality. It is the greatest moral and spiritual 
 agent known to man. One of the principal reasons 
 for the establishment of Cotner University was to 
 provide a place for the training of young men for 
 the ministry. In that hope her founders have not been 
 disappointed. Over forty per cent of the Christian 
 preachers of the state of Nebraska are either Cotner 
 alumni or former students. Fifty, of the two hun- 
 dred and two Cotner graduates are ministers. Cotner 
 is proud of all and ashamed of none of her preachers. 
 In this chapter it is our purpose to take the reader 
 upon a journey among the Christian churches where 
 Cotner's alumni are pastors. Just a few lines of a 
 biographical sketch of these men and a few words 
 about their churches will be of concern to all because 
 Cotner is a big family, each interested in the other. 
 
 We will begin the journey in the far east at Balti- 
 more, Maryland, where we find H. C. Armstrong, '08. 
 Mr. Armstrong's place of birth was in a little log cabin 
 in the woods of Illinois in 1877, but he grew to man- 
 hood upon the plains of western Kansas. Four years 
 were spent in Cotner, securing the A. B. degree. The 
 A. M. and B. D. degrees were received from Yale Uni- 
 versity. He was married to Miss Mary R. Enyart, a 
 Cotner graduate, September 16, 1908. In 1912, Mr. 
 
242 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Armstrong was called to the pastorate of the Harlem 
 Avenue Christian Church of Baltimore, Maryland. 
 
 The Baltimore church is among the old churches, 
 it having been organized as a Baptist church about 
 1805, but a little later joined the movement led by 
 Alexander Campbell. Mr. Campbell held an evangelis- 
 tic meeting for this church in 1835. The first convert 
 was Theodatus Garlick, the world's famous sculptor 
 and surgeon. The graded Sunday school system was 
 first worked out and established in this church. The 
 church has a well equipped, substantial building, and 
 a membership of about six hundred. Mr. Armstrong 
 holds many positions of special prominence connected 
 with the Christian churches of Maryland. 
 
 Ford Ellis 
 
 Ford A. Ellis, '90, is located at Traverse City, Mich- 
 igan, a city of fifteen thousand population. Mr. Ellis 
 spent his boyhood days upon a farm near Broken Bow, 
 Nebraska. His education was received in the Merna 
 High School and at Cotner University, In college, he 
 was a football player and an orator, winning at both. 
 Mr. Ellis is a graduate from Cotner School of Expres- 
 sion as well as from the College of Arts. His life com- 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 243 
 
 panion, Miss Elsie Bankson, is a graduate from Cot- 
 ner School of Music. 
 
 The Traverse City church has a membership of five 
 hundred, a good building, and a good opportunity for 
 work. This church has sent twelve boys into the min- 
 istry. During the two years of Mr. Ellis' ministry, 
 three hundred and twenty-five have been added to the 
 church, seventy having been recently added by a home 
 force meeting. Mr. Ellis is president of a number 
 of important social and religious organizations of his 
 €ity. 
 
 A. J. Hollingsworth 
 
 
 
 Temple Church 
 
 
 Just west of the Missouri river A. J. Hollingsworth, 
 '07, is found. His place of birth was on a farm near 
 Ashland, Nebraska, where he took a course in agricul- 
 ture before taking the one in brain culture at Cotner. 
 Mr. Hollingsworth held a number of important pas- 
 torates before being called to the Temple Christian 
 Church in Kansas City, Kansas, where he is doing 
 splendid work. The church has great possibilities be- 
 fore it, on account of its favorable location. The 
 membership is about three hundred. 
 
244 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Budd Park Christian Church 
 
 Kansas City, Missouri, is the home of Hugh Lomax, 
 '05, who was born in a Kansas log house and grew to 
 manhood in that state and in Nebraska. He entered 
 Cotner in 1896, but ill health prevented him from 
 finishing his college work as soon as he otherwise 
 would have done. After a few unsuccessful attempts 
 at preaching he decided to change his plan and give 
 up the ministry. Being more successful later, he 
 decided to make it his life work. He has now been in 
 the ministry for ten years, serving the churches at 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 245 
 
 Auburn, Nebraska, and at Highland and Abiline, 
 Kansas, before going to his present location. 
 
 The Budd Park church has four hundred and twen- 
 ty-five members. The building is a new, beautiful, 
 well arranged structure, located in a rapidly growing 
 part of the city. Every branch of the church is grow- 
 ing and everybody likes Hugh Lomax. 
 
 Ray E. Hunt 
 
 In the northern metropolis of Minnesota, Ray E. 
 Hunt, '09, is located with the Grand Avenue Christian 
 Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Hunt arrived in 
 this world in March, 1884, near Galesburg, Kansas. 
 While in college he was very active in all literary and 
 
246 History of Cotner University 
 
 social functions. After graduating he began work 
 with the First Christian Church of Duluth, Minnesota, 
 where he labored for five years with marked success. 
 The Grand Avenue Church, where Mr. Hunt has la- 
 bored for the past year and a half, has a membership 
 of about two hundred and fifty. 
 
 For the past four years Mr. Hunt has been presi- 
 dent of the Minnesota Christian Missionary Society 
 and for the last two years, office secretary. During 
 the four years, the Minnesota Christian churches 
 have increased in membership from two thousand 
 seven hundred to five thousand. Much credit is due 
 Mr. Hunt for this remarkable growth. 
 
 After leaving Minneapolis, we journey to Omaha 
 where two more Cotner alumni are found. Charles E. 
 Cobbey, 09, is pastor of the First Church, located 
 at 26th and Harney streets. His career was begun 
 in 1885 at Beatrice, Nebraska, where he spent his 
 boyhood and received his early education. In 1903, 
 relatives called him to Columbus, Indiana, assuring 
 him they had work for him to do. Upon his arrival, 
 he found himself employed as pastor of the East Co- 
 lumbus church. He went to work, although he had 
 never thought of preaching, and held the work for 
 three years. This was the beginning of his life work ; 
 since then many successful pastorates have been held. 
 His higher education was received at Cotner, where 
 he was especially active in all college life. He says 
 my greatest ambition is, ''to preach the gospel until I 
 am seventy-seven." 
 
 The year 1868 saw the first Christian church organ- 
 ization in Omaha perfected, although C. R. Hand held 
 a meeting there in 1865. The first building was 
 erected through the efforts of D. R. Dungan. This 
 congregation has had six church homes, the last is val- 
 ued at $65,000 and is a modern, up-to-date struc- 
 ture. The membership of the church is over five hun- 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 247 
 
 John Alber 
 
248 History of Cotner University 
 
 dred. Over three hundred are enrolled in the Bible 
 school. This church is growing in every department. 
 C. E. Cobbey is a live wire. 
 
 John G. Alber, '11, is leader of the South Side Chris- 
 tian Church of Omaha. He is a Cotner alumnus of 
 which all are proud. During his college days he 
 served in a very sueccessful manner as student pas- 
 tor at Peru, Nebraska. His next pastorate was at 
 Auburn, Nebraska, where through his rare ability as 
 a carpenter he was able to direct the work of con- 
 structing a splendid building and did a great deal of 
 the actual work himself. He also made the pulpit, 
 desks and many useful articles for the church. 
 
 The South Side Christian Church of Omaha, for 
 which Mr. Alber is now laboring, was organized in 
 1890. For some time this organization had no real 
 church home. Finally a small two-story building was 
 constructed on the alley of a lot which had been pur- 
 chased. Services were held upon the first floor, while 
 the pastor lived upstairs. In a few years a building 
 belonging to the Methodist (colored) people was se- 
 cured and placed upon the front of the lot. This was 
 used until 1909, when the present splendid building 
 was dedicated. The church has now a membership 
 of over two hundred and twenty-five. 
 
 In the capitol city of the state, J. W. Hilton, '98, is 
 found with the East Lincoln Christian Church. It 
 was organized in 1890, as a mission of the First Chris- 
 tian church under the direction of C. W. Hemry and 
 later of R. W. Abberly. C. B. Newnan was pastor of 
 the First Church at the time. Under this direction 
 the mission had finished and dedicated the first chapel, 
 the main part of the present old building. J. W. 
 Hilton is now the eflficient pastor of this church. 
 
 The pastors in order of service, have been as fol- 
 lows others have served temporarily : 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 249 
 
 R. W. Abberley, June 19, 1890 to June, 1895. 
 
 J. W. Hilton, July, 1895, to July, 1898. 
 
 G. J. Chapman, July, 1898, to February, 1899. 
 
 F. L. Pettit, April, 1899, to April, 1900. 
 
 J. W. Hilton, May, 1900, to September, 1901. 
 
 E. E. Boyd, November, 1901, to December, 1905. 
 
 Z. O. Doward, April, 1906, to October, 1908. 
 
 W. H. Zenor, April, 1909, to July, 1910. 
 
 J. W. Hilton, August, 1910, to . 
 
 The present pastor will complete ten years of serv- 
 ice with the congregation in May of the present year, 
 having been called for the third time to the work in 
 1910. The congregation now has a membership of 
 344 resident members with a few non-residents, who 
 maintain an active relationship. On November 2, 
 1913, the new basement of a $30,000 modern church 
 building was completed at a cost of $8,538.67. This 
 amount is about paid and plans will soon be in opera- 
 tion, is is hoped, for the completion of the useful 
 workshop. 
 
 Whenever we arrive, we will find Dan C. Troxel, 
 '12, working with the Falls City, Nebraska, Christian 
 church. The subject of this sketch was born in the 
 summertime of the '80's, and in the summertime of 
 the year, July 14. He is a native Nebraskan, was 
 born on a farm three miles southeast of Clay Center. 
 His father, reared in a Disciple home, homesteaded 
 in Clay county with a colony of lowans in 1872. His 
 mother, a Baptist, born in North Carolina, home 
 steaded on an adjoining section. Later, standing be- 
 fore Worthy T. Nemcomb at Fairfield, Nebraska, these 
 homesteads and homesteaders were united. Dan just 
 grew as other boys do. At the age of eight, a boy's 
 best companion, his mother, was laid to rest. He was 
 graduated from a ten grade high school at the age of 
 fourteeen, then served his apprenticeship in a print- 
 
250 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 u 
 
 X 
 
 Q 
 
 X 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 251 
 
 shop, becoming foreman of a large press room. He 
 entered Cotner University in 1906, finishing in 1912. 
 A week after graduation he was married to Mattie 
 L. Britt. 
 
 The church at Falls City had its beginning in an 
 organization as early as 1870. The building, which 
 was completed in that year, is now used for school 
 purposes. This organization was to suffer a peculiar 
 calamity. The pastor, board and building were cap- 
 tured by the Baptist people. The remnant of the con- 
 gregation later rallied and met in the old Odd Fellows 
 hall at 15th and Stone streets, now occupied by Wahl's 
 store. This remnant so flourished that within a few 
 years they had regained a number who had gone with 
 the Baptists and also Bro. Beardsley, the Baptist min- 
 ister at that time. Thus regaining all they had lost 
 except the building. W. E. Neal from Kentucky 
 assisted in re-organizing this group in 1877. R. C. 
 Barrow held a meeting in which about forty united 
 with the church. A new building v/as dedicated in 
 1878 by J. B. Briney, still prominent in our brother- 
 hood. By 1910 the old church was too small and a 
 portentious buildine enterprise was launched. As a 
 result the present $30,000 church plant was dedicated 
 in 1911. During the building campaign, F. E. Day 
 bore the burden and vigorously pushed the plans, as 
 pastor of the church. Since 1914, Dan C. Troxel has 
 been laboring with the church and is deeply en- 
 trenched in the hearts of his people. 
 
 Another live church in Nebraska is under the direc- 
 tion of Arthur F. Ritchey, '11, as commander in chief. 
 He was born in 1882, in Wellington, Kansas, where 
 his father was engaged as a Presbyterian minister. 
 Mr. Ritchey is a graduate of Boyles Business College^ 
 Omaha and Cotner University. During the ten years 
 in which he has been engaged in the ministry, four 
 
252 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 A. F. Ritchey 
 
 were spent with the church at Bennett, Nebraska, one 
 as a singing evangelist and five at York, where he has 
 been called for another five years. A wife and three 
 little girls complete his happy home circle. 
 
Cotnei^ Alumni Among the Churches 253 
 
 The Christian church of York was organized as a 
 result of the work of R. C. Barrow in 1886. The 
 membership is at present five hundred and thirty-one. 
 Over five hundred have been added to the church 
 during the ministry of Mr. Ritchey. The Bible school 
 enrollment is over three hundred. Every phase of the 
 church work is progressing. 
 
 C. E. Lemmon, '13, is pastor of the First Christian 
 Church at Hastings, Nebraska. He is a Nebraskan by 
 birth and residence. Before coming to Cotner, he 
 was graduated from the Waco High School and the 
 York Business College. Prior to taking his college 
 training, several years were spent in business. While 
 a student he ministered for the church at Douglas, 
 Nebraska, for four years. He served the Ashland 
 church one year before being called to Hastings. 
 
 As in many other cases the Hastings church was 
 organized by R. C. Barrow in 1885. For a long time 
 they worshipped from place to place until a small 
 frame building was erected. After a meeting, held 
 by Charles Reign Scoville in 1910, a new building 
 was planned. As a result, the $30,000 structure was 
 dedicated in 1911 by Chancellor William Oeschger. 
 The new building is modern in every respect, having 
 ample room for a Bible school, which averages about 
 three hundred. The church membership registers 
 four hundred and seventy-five resident members and 
 one hundred fifty non-resident. This is a growing- 
 church. 
 
 Manson E. Miller, '05, is located at Kearney, Ne- 
 braska, where one of the State Normal Schools is sit- 
 uated. This church was organied in 1882. The pres- 
 ent church building is of brick and stone, built in 
 1912, and seats about seven hundred. The building 
 stands oppsite the big Midway hotel on Central Av- 
 enue, and is also on the street known as the "Lincoln 
 
254 History of Cotne?' University 
 
 Way" which is the trans-continental highway. Tour- 
 ists are continually taking pictures of the building. 
 The present resident membership is three hundred; 
 forty have been added since the present pastorate 
 began eight months ago. 
 
 Mr. Miller first opened his eyes to the light of day 
 in Iowa in 1874 and he says: ''According to the evi- 
 dence of my mother, I entered the state of Nebraska 
 under protest, being at the time but five months old, 
 and lying on my back with my heels in the air." His 
 education was received at the Greenwood, Nebraska, 
 High School; at Cotner Business College and later in 
 the regular College of Arts. Pastorates were held at 
 Exeter for two years and Clay Center, Nebraska, for 
 eight years before locating at Kearney. 
 
 Fairfield has the distinction of being one of the 
 pioneer points for organized Christian church work 
 in Nebraska. The Fairfield Christian Church was 
 organized in the school house by W. T. Newcomb, 
 June 16, 1878. The number of charter members was 
 eight. W. T. Newcomb and James H. Artrup were 
 the elders ; Joseph Webb and S. J. Anthony were the 
 deacons. The legal organization known as ''The Fair- 
 field Christian Church" was perfected November 1, 
 1881. The congregation met in a school house, which 
 was purchased January 4, 1885, when D. R, Lucas 
 dedicated it as the new church building. This was a 
 neater and more suitable structure for the growing 
 congregation, costing about $3,000. By the year 1885 
 the membership had grown to two hundred and five. 
 During the eighties the Christian College was located 
 at Fairfield and continued to exist until the nineties. 
 The college was a great strength to the church and its 
 influence still remains. In 1907, the church building 
 was improved and enlarged but unfortunately it was 
 completely destroyed by a cyclone a year later. The 
 
Cotnei^ Alumni Among the Churches 255 
 
 membership showed great determination by going for- 
 ward under the leadership of H. C. Williams. Al- 
 though the old building was not free of debt, a new 
 modern plant was dedicated by L. L. Carpenter in 
 1909. The present membership is three hundred and 
 twenty-nine. 
 
 The minister to this church for the past three years 
 has been Stephen J. Epler, '05. Nebraska City, Ne- 
 braska, was his birthplace, but his early childhood 
 was spent on a farm near Tecumseh, Nebraska. He 
 is a graduate of the Tecumseh High School and of 
 Cotner University. Mr. Epler ministered to the 
 church at Brooklyn, Iowa, for four years and the 
 same length of time to the West Liberty, Iowa, church. 
 Miss Blanche Parmenter of Bethany became his wife 
 in 1906. He attributes much of his success in the 
 ministry to her. 
 
 Leaving Nebraska, we must visit two Kansas 
 churches. Floyd A. Bash is making the work go at 
 Highland. He began his career on a Nebraska farm, 
 iirst seeing the light in 1885. He is a graduate of the 
 Adams High School and of Cotner University. While 
 in school he was a participant in all college activities. 
 Mr. Bash is now filling his third regular pastorate, the 
 first being for one and a half years at Dorchester, 
 Nebraska ; second, four years were spent with the 
 Christian church in Sheridan, Wyoming, where over 
 three hundred new members were added. In 1914, 
 he came to Highland, Kansas. In the year and a half, 
 over one hundred have been added and a $7,000 ad- 
 dition built to the church. The total membership is 
 a little less than four hundred. This church supports 
 two living link missionaries. Mrs. Bash, formerlj^ 
 Miss Carrie Hubbard, a graduate of Cotner Music 
 School, is an able assistant to Mr. Bash, who is ''mak- 
 ing good." 
 
256 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 Floyd Bash 
 
 At Independence, Kansas, Freeman L. Pettit, '01, 
 is doing a good work. Mr. Pettit is a Buckeye by 
 birth, but spent much of his early life as a Kansas 
 farmer boy and school teacher. Six years were spent 
 in Cotner and one in post-graduate work in Yale, 
 preparatory to his life work in the ministry. He was 
 married on June 12, 1901, to Miss Edna Bush, a Cot- 
 ner girl. The Independence Christian church, for 
 which Mr. Pettit labors, has seven hundred and sixty 
 members. For the past three years the Bible school 
 attendance has averaged nearly four hundred. The 
 building is of brick, dedicated in 1909, and is a well 
 arranged workshop, having a pipe organ and other 
 modern equipment. The church property is valued 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 257 
 
 at $35,000. This church is sure to grow. Independ- 
 ence is a county seat town with a population of thir- 
 teen thousand. 
 
 When we journey in the south land, we find Charles 
 A. Finch, '95, as pastor of the First Christian Church 
 at Fayetteville, Arkansas. ''Back east,' in Pennsyl- 
 vania in 1869, are given as the place and date of birth. 
 After moving to Nebraska, he attended the Academy 
 in connection v\^ith Fairfield College for two years. 
 The A. B. degree was received from Cotner Univer- 
 sity and also from Chicago University. Mr. Finch 
 served as pastor for Christian churches at Newton 
 and Cheney, Kansas, for three years each, when he 
 began work with the First Christian Church of To- 
 peka, where he remained for thirteen years. The 
 Fayetteville church, where Mr. Finch has been for the 
 past year, has a membership of four hundred. This 
 city is the home of the State University and State 
 Agriculture School of Arkansas, with a population of 
 eight thousand, being the metropolis of the southeast- 
 ern part of the state. Mr. Finch is making progress 
 in his new field. 
 
 Only one of Cotner's alumni, ministers for a Colo- 
 rado church. R. A. Schell is v/ith the First Christian 
 Church of Boulder. He was born in Illinois, but 
 reared at Beatrice, Nebraska. His early education 
 was received in the Beatrice public schools and in the 
 Beatrice Business College. Upon graduation from 
 Cotner University, he was engaged in teaching for 
 three years before entering the ministry. Mr. Schell 
 has served four churches in Nebraska: Ashland one 
 year, Hebron eight years, and Hastings seven years, 
 when he accepted the work at Boulder and has been 
 there for three years. 
 
 The Boulder church has six hundred and fifty mem- 
 bers and is the third largest congregation in the city. 
 
258 History of Cotner University 
 
 The average attendance at the Bible school is about 
 three hundred. The church membership has been in- 
 creased two hundred and twenty-five during the last 
 three years. Plans are laid for the enlargement of 
 the church building. The Boulder Christian Church 
 is one of the strongest in Colorado and is considered 
 very important on account of Boulder being the home 
 of the State University. 
 
 At last we reach the Pacific coast on our journey 
 among the big Christian churches, where Cotner 
 alumni are employed. Here we find R. W. Abberley, 
 '93, with the Magnolia Avenue Christian Church of 
 Los Angeles, California. Liverpool, England, is the 
 birthplace and boyhood home of Mr. Abberley. In 
 1888, he became a resident of the United States. Some 
 of the pastorates held since graduation from Cotner 
 were in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio and Minne- 
 apolis, Minnesota. Two j^ears and five months were 
 spent as general evangelist for the American Chris- 
 tian Missionary Society. During this time one thou- 
 sand seven hundred and forty-one were added to the 
 church. 
 
 The Magnolia Avenue church is one of the strong- 
 est on the Pacific coast. The church has seven hun- 
 dred and the Bible school four hundred enrollment. 
 The church building is valued at $35,000. W. B. 
 Alexander is the living link missionary from the 
 church at Damoh, India. The C. W. B. M. help sup- 
 port the missionary work in the mountains in Ken- 
 tucky. Fifteen confessions were taken by Mr. Ab- 
 berley on Easter day, seventy-five have been added in 
 the last six months. 
 
 George C. Ritchey, '96, was born in the ''show me" 
 state in 1870, but is a Nebraskan by education, hav- 
 ing received his training at Cotner. His first sermon 
 was preached at Troy, Kansas, December 31, 1891. 
 
CoUier Alumni Among the Churches 259 
 
 Since leaving Cotner, Mr. Ritchey has devoted his 
 time to pastoral and evangelistic work. Some of the 
 pastorates held were Humboldt and Harvard, Ne- 
 braska, and Salem, Rosebury and Newberg, Oregon. 
 Many important evangelistic meetings have been held 
 and the following churches organized by Mr. Ritchey, 
 Peru and Bancroft, Nebraska; Wellman, Iowa; New- 
 burg and Wallowa, Oregon, and Meridan, Rupert and 
 Emmit, Idaho. Mr. Ritchey was largely responsible 
 for raising the money for the Oregon steamer to be 
 used upon the Congo in Africa. He is now serving 
 the Monmouth, Oregon, church, where the State Nor- 
 mal is located. In June, he begins a pastorate with 
 the Boyle Heights Christian Church of Los Angeles. 
 In the far northeast corner of the United States is 
 found a Cotner alumnus, who linked himself as closely 
 as possible to Cotner by marrying, on New Years day, 
 1908, the chancellor's daughter. Miss Clara Aylsworth. 
 Mr. Cleveland Kleihauer was born, reared and re- 
 ceived his early education in Nemaha county, Ne- 
 braska. After six years work at Cotner the A. B. de- 
 gree was received and work begun with the David 
 City, Nebraska, Christian church, where he remained 
 for four years. A short time was spent with the 
 Redpath Lyceum Bureau. The A. M. degree, from 
 the State University was received just before locating 
 with the University Christian church at Seattle, Wash- 
 ington, in October, 1912. This steadily growing 
 church has a membership of two hundred seventy-five 
 with a Bible school of over three hundred. The new 
 church building, in process of erection, is designed es- 
 pecially for Bible school work, having a capacity for 
 a school of twelve hundred. It is thought that per- 
 haps such a school would be needed in connection with 
 the University of Washington, which is only two 
 
260 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 blocks away. Mrs. Kleihauer is a graduate of Cotner 
 in '06, and proves herself a most efficient helper in the 
 work. 
 
 Cleveland Kleihauer 
 
 This group of seventeen churches which we have 
 mentioned includes those under the direction of Cotner 
 alumni, which are either large in membership or located 
 in large cities. They are among the greatest churches 
 of the Christian brotherhood and in fact in the re- 
 ligious world. Cotner's ministers are proving their 
 ability to meet the religious problems as efficiently as 
 the graduates of any Christian church college. These 
 men are not only great in their capacity to govern and 
 direct church life, but are daily called upon to create 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 261 
 
 and mold the public mind of their community. They 
 are not considered narrow and sectarian but rather 
 broad minded, public spirited men. Great ministers 
 cannot alone be measured by the membership of the 
 church, nor by the city in which they are located; 
 therefore, there is another group deserving of men- 
 tion. 
 
 In Nebraska, the following four young men are the 
 pastors of live, growing churches. Carl E. PerLee is 
 a native of Michigan and a graduate of Grand Rapids, 
 Michigan, High School. His higher education was 
 received largely through his own efforts as to finan- 
 cial support. His early purpose in life was to obtain 
 an education at the Michigan Agricultural College, 
 but contact with Evangelist H. E. Wilhite in a meet- 
 ing at the Christian church at Grand Rapids resulted 
 in changing his entire course in life. Mr. PerLee en- 
 tered Cotner University in the fall of 1911 and pur- 
 sued a ministerial course. He was graduated with 
 the class of 1914. Mr. PerLee had a pastorate at Mar- 
 cus, Iowa, previous to taking the work at Plattsmouth, 
 Nebraska, where he is now located. The church at 
 this place is one of the historic organizations of the 
 state. It was organized by Elder T. J. Todd in May, 
 1860, with fourteen charter members, one of whom 
 remains at this time, Isaac Wiles. For many years 
 the church worshipped in the homes of the members 
 or in rented halls. The present church property was 
 purchased in 1874, from the Congregational church, 
 for $700.00. Additions have been made to the build- 
 ing, but it is yet inadequate for the needs of the rap- 
 idly growing Bible school. The membership of the 
 Plattsmouth church is two hundred and eighty. 
 
 Peru, the home of one of the State Normal Schools, 
 is the field where Lawrence Dry, '15, is laboring. Mr. 
 Dry was born and received his high school education 
 
262 History of Cotner University 
 
 at Chester, Nebraska. He proudly calls Cotner his 
 Alma Mater. The Christian church at Peru, Ne- 
 braska, has been organized for about twenty years 
 and has a membership of a little less than two hun- 
 dred. Much work is done among the normal students, 
 who are there for eleven months each year. 
 
 Harry J. Hill, '14, a Minnesotan by birth and early 
 education, came to C. U. in 1900. He attributes the 
 influence which confirmed his choice of life work, the 
 ministry, to W. P. Aylsworth. The Christian church 
 at Humboldt was assisted in its organization by R. C. 
 Barrow. The membership of the church at present 
 is two hundred and they worship in a modern build- 
 ing erected in 1911. The Humboldt organization is 
 one of the active churches of the state. 
 
 Ross Williams, '14, hails from the state of Iowa. 
 Before deciding to secure a higher education, he had 
 had considerable experience in other lines. Three 
 years spent in the U. S. navy, the same length of time 
 as clerk for a Council Bluifs firm, and several years 
 as employee in the Union Pacific R. R. shops at Omaha, 
 Nebraska. Mr. Williams tells of his first preaching in 
 these words : ''Did one year's preaching prior to en- 
 tering Cotner in which some real pioneer work was 
 done as I was forced to do preaching in the Avoods 
 near Bentley, Iowa, after a sectarian church and a 
 school house had been closed against me. During this 
 experience a dam was constructed across a little 
 stream so baptizing could be done. On Sunday after- 
 noons preaching would be done under the trees in 
 sight of the baptistry." The Clay Center church, with 
 which Mr. Williams is now working, has a member- 
 ship of three hundred. It is one of Nebraska's strong 
 churches, located in a clean town. 
 
 Across the border line in Kansas are some more of 
 Cotner's active young preachers. Peter Cope, '15, is 
 
Cotner Alumni Among the Churches 263 
 
 located with the church at Lebanon, Kansas. There 
 is a splendid church building, a membership of two 
 hundred and fifteen with prospects for the future 
 brighter than ever before. Mr. Cope was born in 
 Kansas, but moved with his parents to Hastings, Ne- 
 braska, when but a year old. There he earned his 
 own way previous to entering Cotner in 1907, and on 
 through his college course. Student preaching was 
 done at different points in Kansas and Nebraska. Mr. 
 Cope's decision to enter the ministry was made when 
 he was nineteen years of age and his determination 
 has never wavered. 
 
 T. V. Hubbel, '14, is making things go at Everest, 
 Kansas. He was born in Hastings and spent his boy- 
 hood days at Fairfield, Nebraska, receiving there all 
 of his early education. Two years of college work 
 were taken at Drake University and two at Cotner. 
 The Everest church is a rapidly growing one, forty 
 members having been added last year. The church 
 was organized in 1908 and the new modern building 
 was erected the following year. The Bible school is 
 "front rank," each class being well organized, and 
 each having a separate room. The future for the 
 Everest church is propitious for greater work and 
 growth. 
 
 So it is, wherever we go the Cotner preachers are 
 ''making good." Those who have not been named in 
 this chapter, who are serving smaller churches in the 
 town or village, will receive their reward for God is 
 there just the same as in the city church. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work 
 
 Leading Christian thinkers to-day believe in the 
 evangelism of the world, not a part, but the whole 
 of it. This is the age of a million opportunities in 
 which to prove that we are our brother's keeper. This 
 is indeed an age of progression; in our business the 
 fifteen story building has taken the place of the two 
 story one, in transportation the small train of 1832 
 is a toy compared with the great engine drawing its 
 long line of freight or passenger cars. Likewise, in 
 this day, to confine missionary w^ork to a particular 
 section is a dwarfed conception of a bigger job than 
 business or transportation. Ten of Cotner's alumni 
 are engaged in missionary work, four of these are 
 in far away foreign lands. 
 
 Mr. C. C. Drummond, '06, is Cotner's greatest mis- 
 sionary, having been at Harda, India, an important 
 grain and cotton market, with a population of six- 
 teen thousand since November, 1897. Mr. Drum- 
 mond was born at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1867, and is 
 now in the noonday of usefulness. He was a graduate 
 of the Arapahoe, Nebraska, High School, then of Cot- 
 ner University Medical College in 1896. When home 
 on a furlough he took the A. B. degree from Cotner 
 with the class of 1906. Dr. Drummond and Miss 
 Elizabeth liams were married August 24, 1897. In 
 a short time they sailed for India, arriving November 
 15, 1897. Strange and bewildering indeed were the 
 scenes to the new bride and bridegroom ; heathen tem- 
 ples and odd customs so opposite from American 
 ways. Dr. Drummond uses his medical ability as a 
 powerful means for doing good. He is the only Euro- 
 
Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work 265 
 
 pean physician within a radius of sixty miles. People 
 of at least twelve different languages come great dis- 
 tances to receive treatment. Over thirteen thousand 
 different persons are treated yearly ; as many of these 
 come more than once the number of cases reaches 
 twenty-five thousand. He preaches at the mission 
 chapel twice per month. Not only by preaching, but 
 in every possible way does he tell every patient he 
 treats of the way of salvation. He officiates at wed- 
 dings, baptisms, births, deaths and funerals. He is 
 also secretary-treasurer of the Harda station which 
 involves the business of the station, making reports 
 and answering correspondence. The Missionary In- 
 telligencer says: 'This excellent missionary is one of 
 the most useful men the Foreign Society has ever been 
 fortunate enough to appoint and support. Quiet, in- 
 dustrious, persistent, good-humored, a lover of men, 
 tactful, he is honored and loved by all his associates 
 and all who come to know him." Mrs. Drummond has 
 really been a true helper. 
 
 Two other Cotner alumni in India are Miss Lucile 
 Ford, '06, and Clinton H. Thomson, '14. Miss Lucile 
 Ford spent most of her childhood days in Bethany. 
 Her education was received in Bethany public school 
 and Cotner Academy and University. Her plan for 
 going to the foreign field upon completion of college 
 was thwarted by ill health. Her second choice for 
 life work was with children and she entered the Na- 
 tional Benevolent Association Home at St. Louis, 
 where she was for six years. Having regained her 
 health she took one year's training in the Mission Col- 
 lege, Indianapolis, Indiana, preparatory to sailing for 
 India in September, 1915. As yet she has not begun 
 her active work but spends from eight to ten hours 
 per day studying the Hindu language at Jubbulpore. 
 This will soon be completed and she will go to her 
 
266 History of Cotner University 
 
 work at the girls orphanage at Mahoba, India, where 
 she has been appointed to work. Miss Ford has gone 
 to the foreign field as the living link missionary of the 
 Christian church of Council Bluffs, Iowa. 
 
 C. H. Thompson, '14, and his wife, Bertha Mangon 
 Thomson, a graduate of the Cotner Medical College 
 in '13, have been recently added to the missionary 
 force in India. Mr. Thomson was born and reared 
 on a farm near Red Oak, Iowa. Seven years were 
 spent in Cotner. Student preaching was done most 
 of the time. In 1914, he was married to Bertha Man- 
 gon and together they entered the College of Missions 
 at Indianapolis, Indiana. These young people are 
 both well fitted for their work. They arrived at Jub- 
 bulpore, India, in November, 1915, and have since been 
 studying the Hindu language. They will soon begin 
 their active work. 
 
 Wenona Wilkinson, '11, is Cotner's missionary to 
 China. She was born in Sheridan county, Nebraska, 
 in 1887. Because of the number of Indians on all 
 sides, she was given the Indian name, ''Wenona,'' 
 meaning ''first born daughter." In 1903, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Wilkinson went to Porto Rico as missionaries. This 
 gave Wenona an opportunitj^ to learn the Spanish 
 language. Upon their return she completed her work 
 at Cotner and for two years was engaged as a teacher 
 at Elmwood, Nebraska, when the call came to her to 
 go as a teacher to China. At first she thought she 
 could not respond to the call because she had intended 
 to be a missionary to some Spanish speaking country. 
 But at last she decided to go to the College of Mis- 
 sions, Indianapolis, for one and a half years and then 
 to go to far away China. She sailed in September, 
 1915, and has since arriving, been diligently studying 
 the language at Nankin. Miss Wilkinson will soon 
 begin her work as head of a new school for girls at 
 
Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work 267 
 
 Lochoufu, China, where she will be a power for good. 
 
 These five, C. C. Drummond, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. 
 Thomson, Lucile Ford and Wenona Wilkinson, are 
 Cotner's representatives going ''into all the world" to 
 preach the gospel. No one deserves more praise, be- 
 cause of loyalty to a great cause, than those who ''lay 
 down their cross" and follow Christ. Surely a crown 
 is awaiting them. 
 
 Bert Wilson, '09, as western secretary of the For- 
 eign Missionary Society, is doing a great work in en- 
 larging the vision of the church for missions. He was 
 born in West Virginia, but at two years of age came 
 with his parents to Minden, Nebraska. A vivid pic- 
 ture of his youth is given in his characteristic style: 
 "First school attended was in a sod house. Plowed 
 corn with oxen. First public speech ever made was 
 in the sand hills of the northern part of Kearney 
 county. The pulpit was the saddle on a cream col- 
 ored pony — the auditorium was a great stretch of 
 sand hills and plains — the audience was cattle, coy- 
 otes and prairie dogs. They all sat up and took notice. 
 The subject, 'Prohibition speech for one of the old 
 Demarest contests'." His education was received at 
 Cotner with some post-graduate work at the Univer- 
 sity of Nebraska. For two years he was head of the 
 department of English at Cotner. The same length of 
 time was spent as secretary of the Men and Religion 
 Forward Movement for Lincoln and southeastern Ne- 
 braska. 
 
 He was called from this work to become western 
 secretary of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society 
 with headquarters at Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. 
 Wilson's field includes Minnesota, South Dakota, Ne- 
 braska, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Ar- 
 kansas, Louisiana and Texas. His work consists in 
 trying to enlarge the interest in foreign missions 
 
268 
 
 History of Cotner University 
 
 among all of our people, visiting Sunday schools, En- 
 deavor societies, county, district and state conven- 
 tions, delivering missionary addresses, holding con- 
 ferences with the church boards, etc. Also helping to 
 select qualified missionaries for the field, visiting well- 
 to-do individuals and getting them to give large sums 
 to the work. 
 
 No better words, expressing appreciation of Mr. 
 Wilson's work can be found than in the Missionary 
 
 Bert Wilson 
 
 Intelligencer: ''What a splendid field marshal is Bert 
 Wilson! All the elements of success, faith, intelli- 
 gence, missionary passion, good judgment, industry 
 and tact are united in him so that he has sprung to a 
 place of real leadership of the missionary hosts in a 
 
Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work 269 
 
 comparatively short time. His relation to the churches 
 of the middle west is of the very highest importance. 
 Mr. Wilson is only in the morning of a large and a 
 more useful day in the missionary propaganda among 
 our people. He is an inspiration and a strength to 
 the Foreign Society and his services are invaluable." 
 Another field which is of equal importance with 
 that of the F. C. M. S. is the American Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society. In this great work of evangelizing 
 
 Grant K. Lewis 
 
 America, Cotner has a representative in Grant K. 
 Lewis,' 98. A million foreigners are yearly coming in 
 the United States which is the "melting pot" of the 
 world. These people are to be Christianized just as 
 well as those of foreign lands and when they segre- 
 gate themselves into certain parts of our great cities, 
 a problem is presented which is as intricate as any in 
 a foreign field. The negro of the south should be 
 given both education and religion. All over the 
 United States are places where churches should be 
 organized or where struggling churches are needing 
 assistance. The evangelist is needed everywhere. 
 These are only a few of the tasks left for the American 
 
270 History of Cotner University 
 
 Christian Missionary Society to do. Grant K. Lewis 
 as secretary of this society certainly has a noble work 
 to do and he is doing it in a commendable way. The 
 following report is suggestive of what has been ac- 
 complished. Each year brings greater victories for 
 this organization which has labored for so long and 
 so faithfully. 
 
 1913 Results Through the Home Society 
 
 Missionaries and Evangelists 381 
 
 Baptisms 7,685 
 
 Other Accessions 7,290 
 
 Unclassified 602 
 
 Total 15,577 
 
 Churches organized 65 
 
 Number of Places Assisted 711 
 
 Elmer and Elsie Child of the class '09, are two of 
 Cotner's alumni engaged in missionary work in the 
 home land. Mr. Child is a native of Nebraska, being 
 born at Arapahoe in 1883. When thirteen years of 
 age, his parents moved to Fitzgerald, Georgia, where 
 Elmer finished his high school work in 1901. The 
 little Christian Endeavor society of the Christian 
 church was the place where he began his first religious 
 work, which has since been actively continued. Mr. 
 Child entered Cotner in the fall of 1903, completing 
 his college course in '09. Among the student activ- 
 ities, the Volunteer Band was the one to which he 
 gave most attention. Mr. Child was married to Miss 
 Elsie Britt in June, 1909, and they went at once to 
 their homestead in South Dakota, remaining there 
 until the first of the year 1911, when they went to 
 Indianapolis to attend the College of Missions. They 
 were at this time under appointment by the Chris- 
 tian Woman's Board of Missions to Buenos Aires, 
 Argentina, South America, but on account of the ill 
 
Cotner Alumni in Missionary Work 271 
 
 health of Mrs. Chlid, were detained. An additional 
 year's training was taken at the College of Missions 
 in 1913, but the dangerous sailing condition, due to 
 the European war, was the cause of their again being 
 thwarted in their purpose. 
 
 Elsie Britt Child, so well known by all Cotner peo- 
 ple from the years 1904-1909, was born and reared 
 in Seward County, Nebraska. Special credit is due 
 Mrs. Child for the capable way in which she acquitted 
 herself in the editing of the first Cotner annual, en- 
 titled the ''Croaker," in 1908 and the Cotner Collegian 
 in 1908-'09. Since her marriage to Elmer Child, their 
 biographical sketches are inseparably linked. In 
 October, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Child began their work 
 in the Mexican Institute, located in one of the sub- 
 urbs of San Antonio, Texas. This institute was estab- 
 lished by the C. W. B. M. three years ago and is now 
 maintained by the same organization. The building 
 where the work is carried on is a modern, well equipped 
 structure. The work consists of a continuous attempt 
 to implant Christian ideals in the lives of the hun- 
 dreds of Mexican people who live in numerous huts 
 surrounding the Institute. Daily classes in the study 
 of the English language, sewing, millinery, etc., are 
 conducted and Bible classes on Sunday are held in 
 both the English and Mexican language, native help- 
 ers assisting. The opportunity for work is great and 
 much is being accomplished by Mr. and Mrs. Child. 
 
 Clara Dill, another member of the '09 class, is doing 
 a worthy work on the home missionary field. The 
 early years of her life were spent at Cheney, Ne- 
 braska. After her parents moved to Bethany, she 
 attended public and high school there and then en- 
 tered Cotner University Academy and later the Col- 
 lege of Arts. Miss Dill also pursued the study of 
 music, receiving her diploma from the Cotner School 
 
272 History of Cotner University 
 
 of Music in June, 1914. Following her graduation 
 from Cotner in '09, Miss Dill taught for two years in 
 the rural schools near Portland, Oregon. She entered 
 the College of Missions in the fall of 1914, remaining 
 there for one year. 
 
 Hazel Green, in Wolfe County, Kentucky, is a small 
 village in the valley of the Red River. It is surrounded 
 by lofty hills and here and there the clear mountain 
 water forms sparkling brooks. This uniquely situated 
 village is the home of the Hazel Green Academy, which 
 is the oldest mountain school conducted by the C. W. 
 B. M. It is here that Miss Clara Dill is working; 
 teaching in the day school and assisting in numerous 
 ways with the children of different ages who come to 
 the academy. On Sunday she and other teachers go 
 up farther into the mountain districts and conduct 
 Sunday school work among the poor, but appreciative 
 people of that locality. 
 
 On the Pacific coast, C. F. Swander, '01, is corres- 
 ponding secretary and superintendent of missions for 
 the Christian Missionary Society of Oregon. He has 
 been in this work for eight years, during which time 
 the number of churches has increased from ninety- 
 eight to one hundred and twenty-eight and the mem- 
 bership of the churches from twelve to eighteen hun- 
 dred. Mr. Swander's task is to organize churches, 
 settle disputes, hold meetings, gather funds, conduct 
 rallies and conventions and direct the entire mission- 
 ary work of the state. 
 
 Mr. Swander points to Iowa as his birthplace. His 
 early manhood was spent as a school teacher, a printer 
 and a preacher on Sundays. Four years were spent 
 in Cotner, student preaching being done on Sunday. 
 In 1904, he was a candidate for Governor of Nebraska 
 on the prohibition ticket but says, "Be sure and tell 
 folks I wasn't elected. I don't want to receive false 
 
Cotner Alumni in Missionary Wo}-k 273 
 
 lienors." He was pastor at Ashland, Medford and 
 McMinnville, Oregon, before beginning his present 
 ivork. 
 
 One of the great missionary forces in America is 
 the Chrisitan Woman's Board of Missions. Ne- 
 braska is fortunate to have its work under the direc- 
 tion of Miss Cora Hemry, '93. This lady was born in 
 the Buckeye state in 1875. Early in life she came, 
 with her parents, to Fairfield, Nebraska. Here she 
 attended school. Upon graduation from Cotner, she 
 became a school teacher, holding for many years an 
 important place in the Omaha public schools. When 
 Mrs. Calla Scott Willard gave up the C. W. B. M. 
 w^ork on account of ill health, a new leader was found 
 in Miss Hemry. Her time is completely taken in vis- 
 iting churches, attending conventions and planning 
 and perfecting the women's missionary work of the 
 state. 
 
 Cotner University has not been untrue to that great 
 Macedonian call, "come over and help us." When 
 the call for help from China, India, and other mission 
 fields came echoing over the ocean waves the re-echo 
 carried back the answer ''we are coming." The mis- 
 sionary spirit lives in Cotner's halls to-day. Ten stu- 
 dents belong to the Volunteer Band. May the mis- 
 sionary spirit grow until the sin of the world is con- 
 sumed. Miss Minta Thorp was president of the Band 
 during the last year. 
 
CHAPTER XXV 
 
 Cotner of To-day 
 
 Cotner University is young in comparison with the 
 lives of colleges. Has the quarter of a century of its 
 existence brought to it progress and advancement? A 
 review of the past, in three directions, the town, the 
 church and the college, will show what time has 
 wrought. 
 
 In 1890, the town of Bethany was a little village of 
 scattered houses with none of the conveniences of a 
 city. The population was only about two hundred, 
 although much effort had been expended, during the 
 two years previous, to interest people in the new en- 
 terprise. To-day, Bethany has a population of about 
 twelve hundred. The town owns its own water and 
 lighting plant, furnishing excellent accomodations to 
 its citizens. Two street car lines give splendid con- 
 nection with the city of Lincoln. A new, brick high 
 school building has just been completed which will 
 make possible a good twelve grade school. In every 
 way Bethany is making steady progress. 
 
 From the beginning of the whole movement, the 
 Bethany church and Cotner University have been so 
 closely linked together that they are almost one. The 
 church has suffered the same reverses as has the col- 
 lege. The faculty and students have been faithful to 
 the work of the church while in turn the church has 
 loyally supported the college. For twenty years all 
 church services were held in the college chapel. The 
 year 1909 witnessed the dedication of the new build- 
 ing which had been erected under the leadership of 
 H. 0. Pritchard. The present pastor, C. R. Neel, is 
 doing most efficient work in piloting the church to 
 greater achievements. The church membership is 
 
Cotner of Today ' 275 
 
 about seven hundred. The Bible school has an aver- 
 age attendance of almost four hundred while all de- 
 partments of the church are making steady progress. 
 Because of the church and college, Bethany is the cen- 
 ter of the Christian church work in Nebraska and 
 from it, influence is radiated to all parts of the state. 
 The men who have been pastors of the Bethany church 
 are as follows : D. R. Dungan, three years ; W. P. Ayls- 
 worth, two years; William Sumpter, one year; W. P. 
 Aylsworth, three years; L. P. Bush, one year; A. D. 
 Harmon, one year ; A. K. Wright, two years ; J. W. 
 Hilton, four years; H. 0. Pritchard, six years; C. R. 
 Neel, two years. Others have served for short per- 
 iods when there was no regular pastor. 
 
 In the field of Christian education, three advance 
 steps have been taken which are of great benefit to 
 Cotner. 
 
 (1) The development of an educational conscience 
 upon the part of the Christian churches within Cot- 
 ner's field. 
 
 (2) The unification of the educational work of the 
 Christian churches of the United States. 
 
 (3) The launching of a united financial plan in the 
 form of the Men and Millions Campaign. 
 
 If the religious and moral elements were withdrawn 
 the denominational college has little hope of existence. 
 It cannot expect to surpass, although it may equal, 
 the state institution from an intellectual standpoint. 
 The church founded the denominational college as a 
 means of perpetuating itself. Without this religious 
 zeal and determination it could never have existed. 
 Every religious body established one or more colleges 
 but several lessons were to be learned after the build- 
 ings were erected and school begun. First, it was 
 found that the college could not pay expenses from the 
 tuition fund; that it was not a self-sustaining insti- 
 tution. Second, the plan of land endowment, which 
 
276 History of Cotner University 
 
 was almost universally adopted, was in nearly every 
 case a failure. The third and last lesson is not as yet 
 thoroughly mastered by all, but it is the only solution 
 of this problem of Christian education; it is that, 
 the church must support the child of its creation, the 
 Christian college. 
 
 It is much easier to get an individual, a church or 
 any organization to give of their wealth for a definite 
 purpose, such as the erection of a building or the 
 launching of a new movement, than to a general ex- 
 pense fund. It was necessary, however, to teach the 
 members of the Christian churches of Nebraska and 
 adjoining states that this is imperative to the exist- 
 ence of Cotner University. 
 
 In 1912, the churches gave to Cotner as an educa- 
 tional offering $52.34; in 1903, $72.47, and in 1904, 
 $233.45. Such amounts are practically nothing com- 
 pared to the expense of a university. A great ad- 
 vance, however, was made between the years 1911 
 and 1916, the educational offering being as follows: 
 
 August 1, 1911, to August 1, 1912 $2522.57 
 
 August 1, 1912, to August 1, 1913 2294.40 
 
 August 1, 1913, to August 1, 1914 3309.36 
 
 August 1, 1914, to November 1, 1915 3755.89 
 
 November 1, 1915, to March 8, 1916 (4 mos.) 2183.55 
 
 For this great increase Chancellor Oeschger deserves 
 much credit. No other Christian church college can 
 point to such progress in this line. Grant K. Lewis, 
 secretary of the American Christian Missionary So- 
 ciety, said, ''There is no situation comparable in any 
 other state to that which obtains between Cotner and 
 its constituency." Cotner enjoys this result because 
 of thorough work. The educational offering is taken 
 upon the third Sunday of January. Upon this day the 
 minister of each church is asked to give an educational 
 address. Previous to this time the churches have been 
 visited by the Chancellor or a Cotner field secretary to 
 
CoUier of Today 
 
 211 
 
 William Oeschger 
 
 assist the pastor in securing pledges to meet the 
 amount which has been apportioned them. Many of 
 the pastors are Cotner alumni while almost every min- 
 ister is in sympathy with the school. Perhaps no man 
 ever connected with Cotner University labored more 
 earnestly than has Chancellor Oeschger. He has given 
 his time to this financial problem which is by no means 
 
278 Histo7-y of Cotner University 
 
 a pleasant task, and has created an educational con- 
 science in Cotner's territory which has never before 
 been equalled and has paved the way for still greater 
 advancement in the future. 
 
 The second great advance step taken was, viz: the 
 unification of the educational work of the Christian 
 church in the United States. The idea which pre- 
 vailed a quarter of a century ago, that every little 
 town could support a college, has passed. This is an 
 age in which all are beginning to realize the necessity 
 for concentration. It takes enormous sums of money 
 to equip and maintain a modern college, more by far 
 than a local community can amass for that purpose. 
 As the state has advanced and perfected the public 
 educational system, the churches have felt the neces- 
 sity for doing the same. 
 
 There has always been an overlapping of territory 
 and more or less rivalry has existed between the edu- 
 cational institutions of the Christian church as has 
 been true of the schools of other organizations. Re- 
 cent years have witnessed what might be called a mass 
 formation of the educational forces. This marks the 
 first attempt toward unification in the direction of 
 higher education although for years there has been 
 concerted action in other fields such as the Foreign 
 Christian Missionary Society, The Christian Woman's 
 Board of Missions and the American Christian Mis- 
 sionary Society. A national Board of Education of the 
 Disciples of Christ has been created and a definite 
 territory assigned to each college, which territory is to 
 be canvassed for both students and funds. Cotner's 
 assignment consists of the states of Wyoming, Colo- 
 rado, South Dakota, the nothern half of Kansas and 
 Nebraska. 
 
 The last step is an outgrowth of the increased edu- 
 cational conscience and the union of the Christian 
 churches in a common cause. At first the Men and 
 
Cotner of Today 279 
 
 Millions Movement was to be an attempt by the Amer- 
 ican Missionary Society, the Foreign Society and the 
 C. W. B. M. to raise $2,000,000 and to secure one 
 thousand additional trained workers for missionary 
 service. The movement was directed out of its orig- 
 inal channel into a larger stream of activity including 
 all the missionary societies and the colleges. The goal 
 was to be one thousand trained workers and $6,300,- 
 000. Of this amount $300,000 was allowed to cover 
 the shrinkage in pledges ; $2,500,000 goes to the mis- 
 sionary societies and $3,500,000 to the colleges for im- 
 provements and endowment. The Business Men's 
 Commission is to divide $3,000,000 of the apportion- 
 ment to the colleges, among the ten most prominent 
 schools of the Christian church, viz: 
 
 Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia. 
 
 Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio. 
 
 Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky. 
 
 Butler College, Indianapolis, Indiana. 
 
 Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois. 
 
 Cotner University, Bethany, Nebraska. 
 
 Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. 
 
 Christian University, Canton, Missouri. 
 
 Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma. 
 
 Texas Christian University, Waco, Texas. 
 
 The remaining $500,000 is to be apportioned among 
 the smaller schools. 
 
 Mr. R. A. Long has offered to give $1,000,000 when 
 the Men and Millions team has secured $5,300,000 for 
 this great forward movement. Mr. Long, the distin- 
 guished layman of the Christian church, is bestowing 
 upon the world a marvelous blessing by giving of his 
 wealth. 
 
 While the work of the Men and Millions Movement 
 is not yet completed, its ultimate success is practically 
 assured. When Cotner has received the $225,000 
 which is her share of these millions, she will be ready 
 
280 History of Cotner University 
 
 to enter the field of great universities. 
 
 Cotner has been making advances all along the line. 
 During the past few years improvements in a material 
 way have been made. The gymnasium was erected 
 in 1907. The properly equipped platform was added 
 in 1915, making a splendid auditorium for all public 
 gatherings. The new modern heating plant is a won- 
 derful improvement. The library , which is now un- 
 der the efficient management of Miss Josie Somers, 
 is growing each year. Cotner has never witnessed a 
 phenomenal growth, but is comparable with the man 
 we call a ''plodder/' slowly but surety; accepting suc- 
 cess and reverses as they come. 
 
 During the twenty-seven years of her existence, Cot- 
 ner has entrenched herself in the hearts of thousands. 
 Human words would fail in an attempt to estimate 
 the good accomplished. The history of the institution 
 has been given in the pages of this book. We must 
 now leave it for another quarter of a century. When 
 the half century milestone has been reached, time will 
 have wrought, through Cotner, even more marvelous 
 wonders. 
 
 In a sort of revery, let us stand before the great- 
 building. During the day, in our fancy, we can hear 
 the voices of the scores of students as they pass here 
 and there when the bell calls them to the class rooms ; 
 from the athletic field we hear the words of the old 
 Cotner yell. During the night time, as if in a dream, 
 we can see the building with its lofty spire towering 
 above mother earth toward the blue sky; standing as 
 a lonely sentinel watching over the quiet village of 
 Bethany. All is softly kissed by the breezes that rustlf 
 through the trees. Amid the stillness and loneliness 
 we feel that Cotner is a sentinel, in the turbulent world, 
 guarding the lives of men. We feel its presence and 
 are instinctively drawn to the Prince of Peace. Amid 
 sunshine or shadows may Cotner University ever ra- 
 diate His love and power. 
 
N