THE MUSEUM. 
57 
of rock on the premises, which the Indians had hollowed out for a mortar; and finally 
we finished our evening’s explorations by examining the rock retreat, facing the rail¬ 
road, from which so many Indian remains had been recently taken. 
Professor Haldeman was never at a loss for a good story to illustrate a point. 
He was witty, much given to anecdote and an enjoyer of jest, and his humorous stories 
were often emitted in such rapid 'succession that they could not be recalled by his 
hearers. Frequently, when conversing with a friend on the street, he would gather 
an appreciative crowd around him. On one occasion the writer occupied the same seat 
in the car with him from Philadelphia to Chickis, during which time he entertained 
all of the passengers within hearing by his wonderful flow of anecdote. At the end 
of the journey a gentleman who sat near was heard to remark, “ That man is the most 
fascinating talker I ever listened to.” A county superintendent of schools once said 
to me, “ I never knew a more versatile, or better informed man than Professor Hal¬ 
deman. I remember once we wrote to him, asking him to deliver a lecture for us, 
and received an answer requesting us to select our subject and he would be ready.” 
One of his most noteworthy characteristics was a conscientious particularity in 
giving full credit, in his writings, even in the most unimportant particulars, wherever 
credit was due. He never claimed credit for the discoveries of others. He wrote 
to a friend who submitted to him some manuscript, “Your article is so good that I 
wish it to be better. I will give you some hints, for which I do not wish to be 
quoted, as they are facts which pass from one to another.” 
To young students he was ever ready to impart information and render assist¬ 
ance. As rapidly as his collections accumulated he was in the habit of culling 
out such objects as had served their purpose in his investigations, and sending 
them to public museums. “ You are aware,” he often said, “ that I am collecting for 
a public purpose.” 
Prof. Haldeman was elected to membership in some forty scientific societies, in 
all parts of the world. His published writings included about one hundred and fifty 
papers and books. He was beloved by all who made his acquaintance. “ I never 
knew,” remarks Mr. Rathvon, “ a man so free, so open, so generous as Haldeman in 
his efforts to help others who manifested any disposition to help themselves.” 
He attended the meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Science, in 
Boston, shortly before his death. In a letter, dated September 4th, 1880 (one of the 
last he ever penned), he says “ I have returned from Boston, sick and exhausted; 
can’t stand travel and excitement.” From this indisposition he never recovered. Six 
days afterwards, on the 10th of September, 1880, he passed away from the scenes of 
his earthly labors. Thus peacefully ended a useful life, full of years and honors. 
It seems particularly fitting that the beautiful monument which marks the last 
resting place of the late Dr. Haldeman, at Marietta, should have been designed and 
carved by one of his co-workers in science, Mr. Herman Strecker, of Reading, Pa. 
The excellent portrait which forms the frontispiece to this number has been kindly 
presented by Mrs. Sara Haldeman Haly, of Harrisburg, Pa. 
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