My Genealogy Hound

HON. JULIUS HAWLEY SEELYE, the distinguished President of Amherst College from 1876 to 1890 inclusive, was born in Bethel, Conn., September 14, 1824, during the last year of Presient Madison’s administration, He was a son of Seth and Abigail (Taylor) Seelye, who had nine children. Of these four are now living, namely: Dr. L. Clark Seelye, the President of Smith College; Dr. Samuel T. Seelye, President of the First National Bank of Easthampton, Mass.; Henry E. Seelye, of Chicago; and Hannah H. Seelye, of Bethel, Conn.

After some preparatory study Mr. Seelye, the subject of this sketch, entered Amherst College, from which he was graduated in 1849, ranking as the third scholar in his class. Among his classmates were: Dr. Edward Hitchcock; Dr. Henry Lobdell, the well-known missionary; Dr. William G. Hammond, the distinguished jurist; and William G. Rolfe, the noted Shakesperean scholar — a remarkable array of ability. He was a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and ever a champion of the Greek letter societies at Amherst, attributing to them in large measure the development of the student. In college began his lifelong friendship with Dr. Edward Hitchcock, who has been associated with him in all his work at Amherst; and here, too, through Henry Lobdell and three other students, was kindled his abiding interest in foreign missions.

After graduation Mr. Seelye entered Auburn Theological Seminary, and in 1853 became pastor of the First Dutch Reformed Church at Schenectady, N.Y., where he remained five years. Mr. Seelye’s very pronounced bent for mental philosophy was increased by a year’s study in Halle, Germany. During that time he translated and published Schwegler’s “History of Philosophy.”

The work of Dr. Seelye has been carefully described by one of his pupils in the Springfield Republican: —

“His propositions in philosophy were presented in a convincing way, not through the claim of authority, but through his own sincerity and strength. His ideals in teaching were the Greek philosophers, and his favorite system was to lead the pupil away from unsound propositions by a series of concessions. It has been a frequent comment of his pupils, in later life, that they always realized in the class-room that there was a large man in the chair. Professor Seelye appreciated the fact that a weak student might easily adopt conclusions without question, and sought to stimulate inquiry. He believed in the freest investigation, holding no theme too sacred for thoughtful inquiry. He believed, too, that reverence and faith, instead of being endangered by the fullest freedom, are only encouraged and established thereby.

“He was keenly alive to the fact that his personality carried power, and reverently used such power to influence the students for good.

“The small college has its opportunity in moulding student character by individual influence, for which Amherst graduates give grateful tribute to Professor Seelye.

“His thought led up to clear and lofty realms instead of dazzling the mind, and his metaphysical teachings were profound rather than brilliant; but his mental equipment was of the highest order.

“So remarkable was his memory that he could accurately recall the statistics for an address on finance, and his ability to quote from the classics aroused wonder and admiration; yet he preferred to clinch his points in the class-room by the conclusions from his own reasoning rather than call up the historical authority on a given line.

“In his philosophy President Seelye held that there is no inherent law of progress in human nature, but that it is revolutionary, and that religious impulse has given inspiration to all high art and genius. During his professorship he revised and edited Hickok’s ‘Mental Science’ and ‘Moral Science.’”

In 1873 the American Board sent out Dr. Seelye to convince the well-educated Hindus of the error of their position. His hearers were so impressed by his lectures on the truths of Christianity that they were published in Bombay. His book, “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” was the outcome of these lectures. Soon after his return political honors were thrust upon him. In 1874, when the best men in his Congressional district became tired of machine rule, he was elected member of Congress. Not until the result of the election had been known was he officially informed of his nomination. His election expenses amounted to two cents, the price of the stamp on his letter of acceptance. With the advantage of an election as an independent candidate, no party ties restrained him, and he was able to begin a glorious career in politics. He was a careful student of the Indian problem, and as an advocate of needed reforms his ability won other earnest men to act with him in securing ends of lasting benefit to the country. Although usually acting with the Republican party, he strenuously opposed the seating of Mr. Hayes as President. Aside from speeches in Congress, which received marked attention, he wrote political pamphlets and newspaper articles on “The Electoral Commission,” “Counting the Electoral Vote,” “The Need of a Better Political Education,” and other kindred topics of the day. In 1874 he was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to serve on a commission to revise the laws of taxation. Later the Prohibition party nominated him for Governor, but President Stearns’s death during Mr. Seelye’s second Congressional year cut short his promising political career.

Dr. Seelye was the first Amherst graduate elevated to the presidency of that institution and the first man from the literary side of the faculty to hold the office. There was much opposition to his election, on the ground that he would have neither time nor ability to raise the funds needed, that he would slight the scientific departments, and that he could neither sympathize with the students nor control them. But, nevertheless, because President Seelye was not the man to undertake what he could not perform, the results were eminently satisfactory.

In this position, in the important duty of selecting teachers he was peculiarly fortunate. Professor Tyler says: “He always insisted that the strength of a college lies, not in magnificent buildings, large endowments, nor a large number of students, but in the high character and faithful work of its faculty.” In pursuance of this policy he brought to Amherst Professor Elihu Root, Anson D. Morse, Henry B. Richardson, John M. Tyler, Charles E. Gorman, David R. Todd, John F. Genung, Henry A. Frink, and William L. Cowles, most of whom were his pupils. Their work attests his insight and training.

Important changes in methods of government and in the curriculum were introduced by President Seelye. Under his administration the Amherst system of student self-government was inaugurated. All the students were admitted to college on a contract to conduct themselves as gentlemen. At first the faculty were the judges as to when a student had violated his contract; but later a college senate was organized, and in its hands were placed many of the powers of government. Professor Tyler says of the movement: “The day of common interests, mutual confidence, and hearty co-operation, the day of representation of the alumni in the Board of Trustees, and of undergraduates in the faculty, the day of larger liberty and more self-government, the day of elective studies, manly development, and practical preparation for the duties of citizenhip under free institutions, has come in Amherst and is coming to stay in all our colleges; and we may thank President Seelye for hastening its dawn.”

Dr. Seelye acted both as president and pastor of the college church, and continued his instruction in philosophy. He considered that the greatest service he ever rendered the college was the introduction of Spiritual Philosophy in its curriculum. On account of ill health in 1886 he gave up his favorite work, the pastorate of the college church.

The most striking feature of President Seelye’s administration was the hold he had on his pupils as individuals. He held special classes in the Catechism, and conducted a question box for his Senior class, in order to bring to them personally subjects of greatest moment. Dr. Parkhurst, the great reformer, is a conspicuous example of President Seelye’s high moral training. Amherst College prospered in all its interests under its honored president.

Walker Hall was rebuilt after the disastrous fire, and additional endowments amounting to over eight hundred thousand dollars were given.

Other work claimed his time and attention. He took an active interest in the Clark Institute for Deaf Mutes at Northampton, being one of its Trustees; and he was interested in the Mount Holyoke College. He served several years as President of the American Missionary Association, and was an active worker in the American Board. He was also one of the Visiting Committee at Andover Theological Seminary, and took a prominent part in the discussions that came before the board during the celebrated Andover controversy. Union College gave him the degree of D. D. in 1862 and Columbia College that of LL. D. in 1875. President Seelye’s intellectual and spiritual endowments place him head and shoulders above the crowd. Nature had given him rich gifts, but discipline had much to do with his great character.

On October 26, 1854, he married Elizabeth Tillman, daughter of the Rev. William James, of Albany. She died March 5, 1881, leaving four children: Professor William J. Seelye, of Wooster, Ohio, and the Misses Elizabeth, Anna H., and Mabel Seelye. Elizabeth subsequently married James W. Bixler, of New London, Conn., and died in 1894. The two other daughters are at home.

In 1885 he had an attack of erysipelas, which so weakened his health that two trips abroad were taken in hope of recovery. A hereditary disposition to paralysis then began to show itself, and in 1890 he was compelled to resign. President Seelye then resumed his uncompleted literary work, in which he took great interest. His death occurred May 12, 1895. The thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, which Mr. Seelye called “the description of a Christian gentleman,” was exemplified in his own godly walk and conversation.