Page:A history of the Michigan state normal school (now Normal college) at Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1849-1899 (IA historyofmichiga00putniala).pdf/422



is Superintendent of the Benton Harbor schools, which by his efforts have been placed on the University list in all courses. His work as a teacher and instructor in institutes has been eminently successful. He was elected a member of the Board of Education for the term commencing January 1, 1893, and ending December 31, 1898. Asa member of the Board he was industrious, punctual in his attendance upon its meetings, and earnest and painstaking in the discharge of any duties imposed upon him in committees or elsewhere.

David A. Hammond.

Hon. David A. Hammond was born in the township of Augusta, Washtenaw county, Michigan, in 1855. At thirteen years of age he began life for himself, working on a farm during the summer months, and attending district school in the winters. He graduated from the Normal School in 1878; became principal of the schools in Blissfield, Lenawee county, holding this position four years. He was also township superintendent of schools and a member and secretary of the first county board of school examiners in that county. He was Superintendent of the schools of Tecumseh for six years, resigning this position in 1888 to accept the superintendency of the Charlotte schools. He remained in Charlotte until 1893, when he removed to Ann Arbor, where he has since been connected with the publication of a newspaper as editor and part proprietor. In November, 1890, he was elected a member of the Board of Education for for the term commencing January, 1891. He resigned this position in August, 1896. As a member of the Board he was characterized by activity and devotion to his work. He bore a prominent part in many of the measures for the improvement of the Normal School.

James W. Simmons.

Hon. James W. Simmons is a native of Michigan, having been born in Farmington, Oakland county, in 1849. He was the son of a farmer and learned by experience all the details of farming. His education began in the district schools, and was carried on further in Hillsdale college, from which he graduated