Demotte - John - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Weik's History Of Putnam County, Indiana Illustrated 1910: B. F. Bowen & Company, Publishers Indianapolis, Indiana Author: Jesse W. Weik

JOHN BREWER DeMOTTE, A.M., PhD., M.D. John Brewer DeMotte was born in the village of Waveland, Indiana, August 21, 1848, and died in Greencastle, Indiana, September 1, 1907. His father, who bore the same name, was an itinerant Methodist preacher and he in turn was the son of Rev. Daniel DeMotte, one of the early pillars of Indiana Methodism. His mother was Emily Franklin Payne, whose marriage to John B. DeMotte, the elder, took place September 2-. 1842. The mother died in July, 1851; the father, November 30, 1901.

John B. DeMotte II, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools of the day and in whatever village or town he happened to live, for the circuit rider of that period hardly ever spent a second season in the same place. Moving thus from place to place. the boy had the benefit of many changes in instructors. Being a ever- absorbent as well as observant lad, these transitions from one field to another were not without their good effect. As a pupil in school, he was equally apt and ambitious. He learned readily and readily made use of what he had learned. Therein lay the success of his training. In 1860, his father was principal of the Asbury Female Institute, a girls' school in Greencastle, Indiana, and here the son came into contact with the atmosphere of University life.

Meanwhile the war came along an. though he was scarcely over fifteen years old, he volunteered and was mustered in as private in Company E. One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment. Indiana volunteers. Returning after the expiration of his army service, he soon entered Asbury University, in college he was noted for his clearness of perception, his analytical mind and industrious habits. Along with his studies, he found time to teach certain branches in the preparatory classes. His capacity for work was prodigious. In 1874 he was graduated from the University with honors and the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The next year he joined the faculty of his alma mater with a view to organizing the preparatory school. After remaining in charge of the latter department for several years he was promoted to the chair of physics in the College of Liberal Arts. He had the enthusiasm for investigation and research, which all the great savants have had, who have achieved anything of value in the world of science.

In 1887 Asbury University, his alma mater, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and six years later the Iowa Central College of Physicians and Surgeons, the degree of Doctor of Medicine. An earnest and profound student of electricity, he was made a life member of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. He carried on a large amount of research work in Cornell, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Bonn and Heidelberg-Universities in Germany. While abroad for study he was a co-worker with Henry Hertz at Bonn University, the discoverer of the Herzeman wave which made possible the discovery of the X-ray.

In the midst of his busy career he found time to devote to music, and at one time organized the Mozart Club of Greencastle, an amateur orchestra of fort}' pieces and a chorus of one hundred voices. He composed the music of Shelley's "The Cloud."

He found diversion in chess playing, this being his only game, although he skated and swam with skill; the year of his death he won a game of chess from the state champion. In January, 1878, Professor DeMotte married Lelia Laura Washburn, the ceremony being performed in Boston, Massachusetts, by the Rev. T. W. Walker, formerly district superintendent of the Greencastle district of the Methodist Episcopal church, who was studying for the ministry at that time. Miss Washburn was a woman of rare talent, culture and refinement, and the daughter of Gen. H. D. Washburn, who was a noted brigadier-general in the Union army during the Civil war and later was elected to Congress from the fifth congressional district of Indiana, serving two terms under Grant's administration, and still later appointed to the position of surveyor-general of the state of Montana.

It was he who commanded the expedition in 1870 and 1871 which discovered and opened Yellowstone Park, Mount Washburn and the Washburn range having been named for him. Mrs. DeMotte was born in Newport, September 13, 1855, Death occurred in Indianapolis, February 25, 1910. At the time of her death she was President of the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club, regent of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the Woman's Club, the Tuesday Reading Club, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the College Avenue (Greencastle) Methodist Episcopal church and other religious organizations. She was fifty-five years old at the time of her death and she was one of the leaders of the club and social life of Putnam County. Mrs. DeMotte, like her husband, was highly educated and she was always of great assistance to him in his work. She was graduated from DePauw University in the class of 1877, and it was while in school here that she formed an acquaintance with Air. DeMotte, whom she later married while an art student in Boston. She continued her studies and received the degree of Master of Arts in 18S0. She accompanied Professor DeMotte on his travels through Europe in after years and gathered a large collection of rare pieces of foreign furniture, tapestry and art, which were destroyed in a fire which burned Elmwood, their beautiful homestead, several years ago. Mrs. DeMotte's mother. Mrs. Lorena (Johnson) Washburn, lives in Greencastle, and the former's brother, Dr. Aquilla Washburn, lives in Clinton.

To Professor DeMotte and wife two sons were born, both of whom are living. They are: Lawrence Washburn DeMotte. head master in the Army and Navy Preparatory School at Washington, D. C. and John Brewer DeMotte. who is engaged in the real estate business at Tacoma, Washington. The last eighteen years of Professor DeMotte's life were spent on the lecture platform, where his life work was accomplished. He lectured in nearly all the lecture courses east of the Rocky Mountains, some times returning to the same course eight or nine years in succession. He was regarded by all who were fortunate enough to hear him as a very able lecturer, entertaining. forceful, always interesting and at times truly eloquent. Of his abilities in this line, an able fellow lecturer makes the following comment: "For more than a dozen years John B. DeMotte was easily the most popular lyceum lecturer on the American platform. He was, at the same time one of the most useful and helpful of all platform speakers. I have weighed these words, and utter them with deliberation, and I repeat with emphasis the statement I have made that the most popular American platform speaker of this opening decide of the twentieth century was John B. DeMotte. He manifested such an intense interest in his work, combined with an untiring energy and strong will power that he could almost bring success from failure."

Doctor Hedley writes : "The key to the man lies largely herein : To encourage others; to teach and guide and serve and bless others, was his highest creed and his chiefest purpose. It was his mission. Dr. DeMotte's life was a life of service." Following is a list of his lectures: "The Harp of the Senses: or the Secret of Character Building," "Python Eggs and the American Boy," "A Plea of Posterity: or the Problem of Heredity." "The Fever of Life." Some of his addresses were: "Success Means Sacrifice," "Potential Energy," "Youth," "Habit," "Tapping on the Window Pane." "Point of View," "Recipe for Happiness." He was the author of "The Secret of Character Building," published by S. C. Griggs & Company. He was a member of the Gentleman's Club of Greencastle. Indiana, the Grand Army of the Republic, Franklin Institute and the Indiana Horticultural Society. Professor DeMotte was regarded as an excellent instructor and was popular with his pupils. Unlike many of his calling who become pedantic, he was essentially a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views and had the courage of his convictions on all the leading public questions and issues upon which men and parties divide. He kept in touch with the trend of modem thought along its various lines and, having been a man of scholarly attainments and refined tastes, his acquaintance with the literature of the world was both general and profound ; while his familiarity with the more practical affairs of his day made him feel at ease with all classes and conditions of people with whom he came in contact.  -- kbz

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John Brewer DeMotte, born in Waveland Ind, August 21, 1848 died in Greencastle, Ind Sept 1, 1907.  Graduate of Depauw University, Greencastle with degree of BA in 1874;  MA and Ph. D pro merito, later on, and was honored with the degree of MD from the College of Physicians and Surgeons.  Was principal of the preparatory department of the university 10 years, six years Assoc Prof of Mathematics and in 1882 became full Professor of Physics, which department he made famous, his lecture rooms and laboratory being crowded with students attracted by his enthusiasm, and charge of personality ... in 1891 he severed his relations with the University and entered upon his great public career as a lecturer.  His engagements took him to every state in the Union and his preeinence was generally recognized.  He made many trips to Europe for study and with the advantage gained by so much post-graduate work in the foreign schools, and his 20 years' experience as Professor of Math and PHysics at Asbury and Depaus, he was well equipped to make for himself a unique position among American lecturers.  

His illustrations were of his own designing.  He was said to be the first to photograph sound waves, and reproduce them by moving pictures.  He gave 100 lectures annually for 10 years.  He had innumerable testimonials as to the worth and value of his work.  His energy seemed tireless and often when exhausted with travel he would undertake new and difficult situations. He had seved in youth in the CivIL War.  He married Feb 5, 1878 Lelia Laura Washburg, daughter of the Hon. Henry Dana Washburg, membr of Congress fro Indiana under Grant's administration and later Surveyor General of Montana, where he explored and first surveyed Yellowstone Park, his party naming some of the geysers.  Later on others named for him the Washburg Range.

After the death of Prof. DeMotte the Southern Indiana Conference characterized him as "one of the most eloquent, faithful and eficient preachers of righteousness of this generation.  Issue: Lawrence Washburn born Sept 18, 1879,.  Has been master in the Jacob Thome Institute in Port Deposit, MD and later head master of English and History in Army/Navy Preparatory School, Washington DC and John Brewer, b. Feb 16, 1889 a student at DePauw University.  -- kbz

November 10, 1817 - September 1, 1907

   At an early age John's mother died, and he was cared for by an aunt. His father married Phoebe Foster, an educated woman from New York, and together they had seven children.  The new Mrs. DeMotte possessed a natural gift for teaching and took great pride in looking after John’s education. He never knew any other teacher until he entered Asbury University.

    

   The brothers and sisters who joined his home acquainted him with family cares at an early age, and through his inventive genius he made mechanical devices that would rock the cradle, churn the butter, and lighten almost every task. He was a rival of "Tom Sawyer" in enlisting the help of the other boys.

   John was a great hand to entertain the children with story telling, and the older he grew the more exciting the tales became. One evening he was left at home to care for two little sisters. As they were the sole occupants of the house he decided to give a performance. The little girls remained in the big front room while he improvised a curtain over the doorway and disappeared. After what seemed a great while to the spectators the curtain fell, and amidst great clatter and hullabaloo Mephistopheles, in wonderful attire, illumined by a brilliant calcium light, performed to the great satisfaction of the audience.

    

   In 1863 the stories of our country’s need for brave men to defend our homes thrilled his whole being, and after several attempts, he was finally enrolled as a private of Company E, in the 118th Indiana Volunteers, August 19, 1863. He was fifteen, tall and exceedingly slender; too young and too frail, it would seem, to endure the hardships of war.

   But he wore the man’s uniform, too big almost by half, and carried the heavy gun, a burden even for a strong man, until his regiment was mustered out March 1, 1864. He never missed a march and the only wound he received was the one inflicted by a fellow comrade. The regiment was on a long march, the gun heavy, the boy tired and exhausted, and occasionally his gun would strike the weary soldier, and he retaliated with a thrust of the bayonet, and the scars ever remained as a reminder of that hard march.

    

   He was detailed to cook for the captain a short time, and learned to toss the "flapjack" and catch it with great dexterity. When DeMotte returned from the war he opened a telegraph office, and the first dispatch he received was the announcement of the assassination of President Lincoln. He did not follow this business long, but came to Asbury University for one year. He taught a country school, and he served as clerk in a fine jewelry store. In 1870 he was elected principal of the Jenks School in Lafayette. His success made him a favorite, but he wanted to complete his education. He resigned, returned to Greencastle and entered Indiana Asbury University.

    

   DeMotte at once was a leader among the students. He made his expenses by tutoring, corresponding for the Indianapolis Journal and clerking in a store on Saturdays. The Platonian Literary Society gave him an excellent opportunity for concentration of mind, or it would have been impossible for him to carry the college work with his other duties. One June he decided to change his college course, and during the three months´ vacation he mastered two years of Greek. He graduated from Indiana Asbury University in 1874.

    

   For two years he had been tutoring preparatory students, and his ability as a teacher was recognized.  He was elected to take charge of Asbury’s preparatory classes, and in 1874 he organized the preparatory department and called a Psi Phi Deke pledge brother, Dr. Philip S. Baker, and Dr. T.J. Bassett to assist in the work. He was elected to deliver the master’s oration, when he received the Master of Arts degree pro merito. For ten years he was principal of the preparatory school; he was made adjunct professor of mathematics, and in 1882 Professor DeMotte was elected chair of physics in the university.

   DeMotte was a member of the commission that made the arrangements for the great electrical exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1884. This display was a great inspiration to study, and he entered upon his work with renewed energy and zeal, and was justly proud of the apparatus that he brought home with him. Dr. Demotte’s work was along experimental lines. It was so easy for him to make the truths of nature simple and easy to understand by his experiments and illustrations. His classes were large and enthusiastic. Across the wall of his recitation room were the words: "The Laws of Nature are the Laws of God."

    

   In 1887 Professor DeMotte received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from DePauw, and a few years later Doctor of Medicine from the Iowa Central College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was a life member of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, and greatly interested in its research work.

   In Laboratories, hospitals, medical schools, state institutions for the deaf and dumb and blind, the feeble-minded and the insane he pursued his study, and at various times he went abroad to engage in original research in leading laboratories.

   He resigned from DePauw in 1891 and joined the Slayton Lyceum Bureau where he gave over 3,000 lecture engagements in the United States and Europe over the next 25 years, speaking on such topics as "Electricity, its nature and possibilities" and "The Princes of the Realm of Tone."

    

   The later years of his life were given to the study of psycho-physics, and it grew to be almost a passion with him, he was so eager to push the known laws further into the realm of the unknown. He was one of the first to successfully photograph sound waves. For years he carried in his suitcase some recent publication along this line of study. Thompson’s Brain and Personality was his last study. A German book and a history of music, or biography of some of the great musicians, and "Elements of Psychology" by Thorndyke, were taken from his case on his last return.

   Dr. DeMotte composed and arranged the music for Shelley’s matchless poem, "The Cloud." It was presented at one of the many concerts given under his direction by a chorus of fifty boys and fifty girls, accompanied by the faithful Mozart Club of forty instruments. The "antiphonal" by the children "We bring fresh flowers," was especially enjoyed by the large audience present.

   Dr. DeMotte was a man of many abilities, horticulture being one of his strengths, and he took many prizes on his fruit at the Indiana State Fair. He was correspondent for years to the Country Gentleman magazine, also several agricultural papers. He was an enthusiastic lover of livestock, and was an authority on some of the fine strains, but his favorite was a herd of Scotch Shorthorns.

   For many years of his life he was a teacher. For twenty years he was a professor of mathematics and physics at Asbury and DePauw Universities. He had the benefit of post-graduate work in European schools. He won many degrees and honors. His teaching life made him all the stronger for his later work of the lyceum.  He died in Greencastle, Indiana September 1, 1907.