George H. Laughlin
George H. Laughlin, President of Hiram College, Hiram, was born December 28, 1838, at Quincy, Ill. Being now in the very prime of life and of excellent physique, his greatest work is probably yet before him. His hair is considerably tinged with grey, but his step has lost none of its elasticity, nor have his dark brown eyes lost any of their original fire and expressiveness. His early training was received on an Illinois farm, and his first educational opportunities were limited. In October, 1857, he entered Berean College, Jacksonville, Ill., but being dissatisfied with that institution, he left it in less than one year, to enter Abingdon College, Knox Co., Ill., where he remained four years as student and graduated with the highest honors of his class. At Cameron, Ill., August 21, 1862, he was married to Debbie J. Ross, who has proved to be a devoted wife and helper. At this time he began teaching and preaching, and has since steadily continued his work. He regards teaching as his profession, and preaching as an avocation. For three years we find him engaged in the public schools of Illinois, afterward eight years Principal of the Ralls County Academy at New London, Mo., five years of this time filling the office of County Superintendent of Public Schools. During this time his Sundays were spent in preaching. He has done much work in county institutes, in preparing teachers for their work. In 1874 he was called to fill the Chair of Ancient Languages in Oskaloosa College, Oshkosh, Iowa. After holding this position seven years, he was elected President of that institution. After a successful term of two years he resigned to accept the Presidency of Hiram College, Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio. This position he has held for two years past with admirable success, having already won the approval and regard of the friends and patrons of the college. His life has been a very active one, and will doubtless continue so, until he shall lay aside the armor which he has never allowed to rust. Much of his time has been spent in writing for educational papers, both as editor and correspondent. He has given many lectures on educational and religious themes. He is of a metaphysical turn of mind. As a minister he is decidedly non-sectarian, and as a public speaker he has been regarded as very successful. He is logical and concise in writing, using pure diction, and possessing a style clear and forcible, as well as oratorical. In character he is blameless, and throughout his life, including a public career of nearly a quarter of a century, "not a stain can be found on his shield."
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885