64 
As a man, I cannot better express the opinion of all who knew him than 
give you the words of appreciation of one of his former students, ‘Professor 
Bodine was a man among men, a teacher among teachers seldom, if ever, 
equalled. He was a true gentleman who would be classified as ‘One who 
carefully avoided whatever may have caused a jar or jolt in the minds of 
those with whom he was east; who avoided all clashings of opinion or colli- 
sion of feeling or restraint, or suspicion of gloom, or resentment, his great 
concern being to make everyone at his ease and at home. He was tender 
toward the bashful, gentle towards the distant and merciful towards the 
absurd; he guarded against unseasonable allusions or topics which irritated 
and was seldom prominent in conversation—and never wearisome. He 
made light of favors while he did them and seemed to be receiving when 
conferring. He never spoke of himself except when compelled, had no ear 
for slander or gossip, was scrupulous in imputing motives to those who inter- 
fered with him and interpreted everything for the best.’ ”’ 
Professor Bodine published little—not from lack of ability to do research 
work or unfamiliarity with his subject, but because he was primarily a 
teacher and believed in giving all there was in him to his students. He was 
unusually well informed on all subjects whether or not connected with his 
work. His sense of fairness and his desire for accuracy and truth were so 
acute that to those who were given to the expression of opinions hastily 
formed, he seemed at times over critical; but he was equally sincere in his 
enthusiastic praise of work well done. 
Professor Bodine was a lover of music and always took an active interest 
in the development of this art in the college and in the community. He also 
interested himself in the civic welfare of the city of Crawfordsville and stood 
for everything that was best regardless of political or other affiliations. 
Although for many years an officer in the Presbyterian church he was not 
“orthodox” in the narrower sense of the term. In this as in other affairs of 
life he followed the apostolic injunction, ‘‘Prove all things; hold fast that 
which is good.’ He believed thoroughly in the rule of Reason and would 
not accept any statement unless supported by and based upon facts, scien- 
tifically established. He was especially desirous of eliminating from relig- 
ious teaching all superstitions and traditions. At the same time he was 
deeply religious by nature and was a thorough believer in the Church as an 
institution. 
