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A Bright Career Cut Short

A Bright Career Cut Short image
Parent Issue
Day
20
Month
March
Year
1903
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Death of George David Kerr Hendry in California

An Ann Arbor Boy Who Graduated from the University and Had Risen Rapidly in His Life Work

George David Kerr Hendry was born in Zilwaukee, Mich., in the year 1873, of Scotch parentage. In 1883 the family, consisting of the mother, George and a younger sister, removed to Ann Arbor, where George immediately entered the public school. In 1892 he entered the literary department of the University of Michigan, but, changing his plans, soon withdrew and entered the medical department. After the lapse of two and one-half years he again took up studies in the literary department, from which he graduated in the summer of 1898 as B. S. in biology.

Those who knew Mr. Hendry as he grew from boyhood to manhood will always remember him as faithful and loving in his family, and as participating freely in the social pleasures about him. If one were asked to name that which chiefly characterized him in his relations with his fellows, he would probably tell of the gentleness of his disposition and the sturdiness of his adherence to right principles. It can truthfully be said that he was beloved by all who knew him. His frankness of manner won the confidence of all. His health was never vigorous; but he had prepared himself for a life of usefulness.

Gifted more than the average student and realizing that the University course was to serve as the foundation of his after work in life he put into his studies all the ardor and devotion of youth. Thoroughness in work was the one guiding principle in everything that he did. He was the most painstaking and self-exacting of the students with whom he was associated in the laboratory. Rich in the possession of a beautiful Christian character and free from the petty habits of many young men he lived an honorable and upright life. During the last two ears of his college career he devoted special attention to bacteriology and after his graduation in 1898 as Bachelor of Science (in biology) he accepted a position in the biological laboratories of Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, where he remained for two years. While there he organized and was in charge of the vaccine department. His health requiring a change, he entered into the lumber business with a Saginaw firm, but before long he returned to his favorite work and accepted a position in the antitoxin department of Frederick Stearns & Co. In the fall of 1901 he was offered by Dr. Novy the Rockefeller research scholarship in bacteriology in the University, which offer he promptly accepted on account of the larger opportunities for work. While in this position he carried on a special research upon the germicidal action of metals, the results of which will be published and will serve as a lasting memorial to his name.

Last summer he received a flattering offer to take charge of an antitoxin and vaccine laboratory in Fresno, Cal. and this he accepted. Full of enthusiasm in his work, with the brightest hopes for the future, he departed for his new field of labor. He threw all his energy into the task which awaited him and had he lived would undoubtedly have reached the full measure of success. But his career was closed all too soon. Shortly before Christmas he developed typhoid fever and apparently entered upon convalescence, but a relapse followed. He died on January 17, in Fresno, at the age of 29. His devoted mother and sister, who are at present in California, survive him.