History of Richmond, (Providence County) Rhode Island United States of America

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William Colgrove Kenyon, educator, was born in Richmond, R.I., Oct. 23, 1812. His parents were poor and he lived in the families of Deacons Daniel Lewis and John Longworthy, and attended school regularly, 1826-29. He worked in machine shops at Westerly, R.I., Schenectady, N.Y., and New York city, 1830-36, and prepared for college while working at his trade, entering Union college in the summer of 1836. The winter of 1836-37 he was employed in the Novelty Works, New York city, meanwhile keeping up with his college studies, and in 1839 he was principal of Alfred Centre school. He was graduated from Union, A.B., 1844, A.M., 1847. He was superintendent of common schools for Alleghany county, N.Y., in 1841; and was professor of languages and natural science, 1842-45; of natural and moral science, 1845-49, and of English and Latin languages and literature at Alfred institute, 1849-55, and of mathematics and the English language and literature, 1855-57. The school was made an academy by the regents of the University of the State of New York, Jan. 31, 1843; on March 28, 1857, a university charter was granted by the legislature and on April 15, 1857, when the college department was organized, Professor Kenyon was chosen first president of. the university. He was also professor of English and belles lettres, 1857-60, and of Latin and English languages and literature, 1860-67. He retired from active connection with the institution in 1865 on account of ill-health, and sought rest and recuperation in foreign travel. He was married, Aug. 5, 1840, to Melissa B. Ward, and secondly in September, 1864, to Mrs. Ida S. Long. Kenyon Memorial hall was erected in his honor on the campus at Alfred university. He died in London, England, June 7, 1867.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Richmond, (Providence County) Rhode Island

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