WILT, Napier - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Napier Wilt, Professor Emeritus of English and former Dean of the Humanitarian Division of the University of Chicago, died November 12, 1975 at his home in Chicago. Mr. Wilt, 79, was born in Hillsboro, the son of John and Suzie Wilt. He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School. In World War I he served with the Rainbow Division in France and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Professor Wilt received a PHD from the University of Chicago and in 1923 began teaching there as an English instructor. In 1941 he became Dean of Students in the Humanitarian Division, then chairman of the English Department. He served as Dean of the Humanitarian Division from 1951 until his retirement in 1962. He was an authority on American Literature with a special interest in drama. He was the author of two books "Some Nineteenth Century American Humorists" and "The Plays of Bartley Campbell". He held honorary LLD's from Brown University, Indiana University and Augustana. During retirement, Professor Wilt served as visiting Professor at the University of Teerin, University of Hong Kong, U.C.L.A., San Fernando State and the Goodman Memorial Theater and School of Drama. He was chairman of a State Department Committee on Finland. Among universities where he lectured during his retirement were: University of Finland Turcu University (Finland), the Sorhoune, Caen and Aix in France and Bengasi in Libya. He also served on a committee at the Conference at American Studies Research Centre at the University of Hyderbad, India. There are no close surviving relatives. He requested that his body be donated to science.   --typed by Walt W -- Note: Walt, you are soooo appreciated :) kbz