THE 
AMERICAN GEOLOGIST 
Vol. XXIV. AUGUST, 1899. No. 2 
OLIVER MARCY, LL. D. 
By A. R. Crook, Evanston, 111. 
(Portrait) 
A few years ago at the opening exercises of the North- 
western university, as one member of the faculty after another 
arose to make announcements concerning the work of his de- 
partment for the beginning collegiate year, a new comer on 
the teaching force, taking first impressions of the men who 
were to be his colleagues, heard a senior behind him remark, 
as a fine looking, white haired professor arose to announce 
work in geology, "There is the finest man in the faculty. He 
has helped me more than any other man living." 
If the senior's expression voiced a student's sentiment 
when the professor was past the alloted three score years and 
ten, it may convey an intimation of the popularity and influ- 
ence of the professor at the period of his greatest activity and 
power. It is said that when Dr. Marcy was acting president 
of the university no student felt that graduation could properly 
come to one who had not taken work under him. 
Oliver Marcy was born at Coleraine, Mass., Feb. 13, 1820, 
and died at Evanston, 111., March 19, 1899. He was the 
seventh of nine children born to Thomas Marcy. His father 
died when the lad was eight years of age. The mother must 
have been an unusual woman, for she managed to bring up a 
large family in such a manner that it became an honor to her 
and a blessing to the community. The daughters were well 
married. Three of the sons obtained a college education. Two 
