Thomson - Henry Rossman
Source: Crawfordsville Star, Crawfordsville, Montgomery COunty, Indiana p 2 c 2
Henry Rossman Thomson, Peck Professor of Chemistry at Wabash College, died at 3:30 on Monday morning. He was the second son of Alexander and Christina Thomson and was at Crawfordsville July 15, 1847. In May, 1862 he became a member of Center Church. He was graduated at Wabash College in the class of '68. He was tutor from 1869-1870. From 70 to 72 he studied in the School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia. In 1873 he was again appointed tutor in Wabash and in 74 was appointed associate professor of chemistry with the venerable Prof. Hovey, spending part of the year in the Sheffield School at Yale College and filled the position until 77 when he was elected Peck Professor of chemistry. All these offices he has filled with marked ability until his work was arrested i May last by the sickness which terminated his life. On September 4, 1877 he was married to Miss Margaretta P. Thomas, a singularly happy union, terminated by her death Jan 2, 1882. The collegiate year 1882-83 Prof. T. spent in professional study in Germany, assuming his work in college a year ago. He stood high in all his college studies, but excelled in that to which he devoted his life. In every relation he was a man of extraordinary modesty, and whilst best beloved by those who knew him best, he was loved by all. He was to the last a laborious student and teacher. Making no parade, he lived perputually a beautiful, religious life. His sickness, protracted through more than 20 weeks was borne with strength, courage. He greatly desired to live and yet resigned himself all the time to the will of God. When dying he magnified, "the wonderful grace of God in receiving one so unworthy," and fervently repeated the words, "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." His intellect was clear and strong until within an hour of death and his composure perfect. All college exercises at Wabash College were .. up to today out of respect to the beloved Professor of whom it can be said "enemies hehad none and friends were all they who knew him." Sad it is to see cut down thus early in his youth one of so much genius, manhood and ability, but his goodness and grace will survive him. The funeral of HR Thomson was preached at the family residence on College Hill by Dr. JF Tuttle at 10 a.m. yesterday. The attendance was very large. The remains were interred at Oak Hill Cemetery by the side of mother, wife and child.
"College Notes"
The death and funeral of Prof. Thomson has cast a gloom over the college. Kind and genial in all the relations of life, he was known only to be respected and loved. The bereavement of his family is also the personal bereavement of every student. The loss will long be felt although his chair in the faculty may be filled by another. -- transcribed by kbz