In Memoriam . 
445 
H. D. MAXSOM. 
By PROF. J. W. STEARNS. 
Rev. Henry Doty Maxson, vice-president of the Wisconsin Academy 
of Sciences, died suddenly at Eau Claire, Nov. 23, 1891. His connection 
with the Academy had not been long, but the transparent sincerity of 
the man and his complete devotion to the highest aims, had made a 
strong impression upon its members. Mr. Maxson was born in De Ruy- 
ter, New York, of Seventh Day Baptist family, and the wish of his 
parents, and his own early choice, destined him for the ministry in that 
denomination. Accordingly, he was in due time sent to the denomina¬ 
tional college, at Alfred, N. Y., to commence his preparation. But before 
the end of his first year a great change had gradually taken place in his 
convictions; and he acted upon it with the frankness which always char¬ 
acterized him, by renouncing his cherished plans and returning to his 
home. I have heard him relate with much emotion the struggle it cost 
him to take this step, because of the pain which he knew it would cause 
his mother. It seemed to separate him from his parents, and to cut off 
for the present the hope of a college education, of which he was very 
desirous. Fortunately these results which he dreaded did not follow, 
and in due time he graduated, in 1877, from Amherst college. He took 
the lead of his class in college. He was not only at the head of it in 
scholarship, but also in character, a marked man to whom his class¬ 
mates looked with affectionate esteem and almost with reverence. He 
came to Wisconsin as a teacher, and was employed first at Milton col¬ 
lege, then at Markham’s Academy, in Milwaukee, and afterward for 
nearly five years as Institute conductor for the State Normal School at 
Whitewater. This service brought him into connection with a large 
body of young people upon whom his influence w T as strong and inspir¬ 
ing. His genial manners, and his kindly interest in® them and their 
pursuits made warm personal friends of his pupils. He stood before 
them a refined gentleman, of quick sympathies, thorough scholarship, 
and lofty aims, and they were broadened and uplifted by the intercourse 
with him. In the spring of 1888 he became pastor of the Unitarian 
church at Menomonie. Here he accomplished remarkable results in a 
very short time. The magnetism of the man was quickly felt, and drew 
