Author: Hitchcock, Edward
Biography:
HITCHCOCK, Edward (1793-1864: ANBO)
Edward Hitchcock was such an influential scientist and educator that his one verse drama is not even mentioned in some of the sources of information about his life. He was born in Deerfield MA, one of five children of Justin Hitchcock, a hatter, and his wife Mercy (Hoyt) Hitchcock. He attended Deerfield Academy, where he went on to be headmaster from 1815 to 1819. (The play was written for the school and Hitchcock himself performed the part of the Russian Emperor.) At Deerfield he developed an interest in the sciences, especially geology. He married a fellow teacher, Orra White, in 1821; they had six children. After Deerfield, Hitchcock changed course and studied for the ministry at Yale. He was ordained and served as minister at Conway MA until 1825. But in 1825 he accepted a position as professor of chemistry and natural history (from 1845, of "natural theology and geology") at Amherst College and spent the rest of his life in Amherst. He was President of the College from 1844 to 1854. He also held the position of State Geologist, responsible for surveys and reports. Hitchcock published widely on science and on the reconciliation of science with religious faith. (ANBO 25 Mar. 2019; Appleton) HJ