Page:One of a thousand.djvu/256

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242 GANNETT. GANNETT. M. D., of Chester, and Correlia (Renham) De Wolfe. Of this union were three chil- dren, two of whom are living : Correlia De Wolfe and Grace De Wolfe Gamwell. While Dr. Gamwell's advantages for early educational training were somewhat limited, he made good use of what was within reach, and has been through life a willing and industrious student, and a prac- tical worker in medical and surgical re- search, until he has attained to eminence in his profession. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society ; has been president of the Hampden Medical Society two years ; was pension examiner during President Cleveland's administration ; is medical director of the Bay State lieneficiary Asso- ciation, at Westfield ; member of the school board, serving the second term of three years. The grandfather of Dr. Gamwell came from northern Ireland a few years previ- ous to the war of the revolution ; entered the army and served through the war; was one of the sturdy settlers of New England ; and was the father of sixteen children, several of whom are living. Dr. Gamwell is one of a family of nine, of whom all but two are living. GANNETT, GEORGE, son of Luther ami Olive (Washburn) Gannett, was born in East Bridgewater, Plymouth county, ( Ictober 29, t8 [9. lie prepared for college at Belfast, Me., to which place his parents had removed in 1820. He graduated at Bowdoin Col- lege in 1X42, and later received the degree ot A. M. from his alma mater, and was also elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. Immediately after leaving college, he became principal of Strafford Academy, Strafford, V II.. and continued in his work here for two years. On leaving, he re- ceived the highest testimonials from the trustees, in view of his eminently success- ful administration, having secured the es- teem and affection of the students of both sexes. Three years later, in 1.S47, he gradflated at the theological seminary, Bangor, Me. Soon after, he was settled over the Congre- gational church at Boothbay Harbor, Me., where he remained three years, en joying a pastorate full of comfort and delights. On accounl of serious ill health, however, he was compelled to resign, much to the re- gret of the people with whom he had la- bored, and by whom he was so well be- loved. In 1X50 he opened a private school for young ladies in West Cambridge — now Arlington. In 1X57 he removed to Boston, and in the course of a year established a similar school, which has been conducted and become widely known under the name of Gannett Institute. A pioneer in the cause of higher education, it entered upon collegiate work before any of the colleges for women were opened. Dr. GEORGE GANNETT. Gannett has had under his tuition sev- eral thousand who have been educated wholly or in part by him ; and the school still maintains its high rank, and is re- ceiving patronage from all parts of the country. In 1X71 he made an extended European tour for the purpose of visiting the great art centres of the continent, having been our of the earliest of New England educa- tors to introduce into the curriculum the study of history, literature and philosophy of art. Dr. Gannett's deep interest in this subject is evinced by the fact that his choice library of several thousand volumes includes a large and rare collection of val- uable art books. In 1X64 he was chosen one of the exam- ining committee at Harvard College, and discharged the duties of this office for seven vears.