NOTT, ELIPHALET, D.D., LL.D., 1773-1866; b. Ashford, Conn. He enjoyed the careful training of an excellent mother, and at the age of four had read the Bible through. At the age of 16 he taught school, and at 18 took charge of the Plainfield academy, pnr at the same time his classical and mathematical studies with the rev. Dr. Benedict. Prom Plainfield he went to Brown university, remaining a year, but died not graduate, though in 1795 he received the degree of master of arts. He then studied theology with his brother in Franklin; was licensed by the New London Congregational association in 1796; was missionary and school teacher at Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1795-97; pastor of the Presbyterian church in Albany in 1798-1804. In 1804 he was elected president of Union college, Schenectady. He found the college in a low condition, " without funds, buildings, or library, and in debt," and its friends greatly disheartened; but he was suc cessful in raising funds, and providing for its pressing needs. His remarkable executive abilities, and his power as a disciplinarian, were soon apparent, and young men Caine to the college from every state in the union. During his presidency of over 62 years, upwards of 4,000 students graduated. Dr. Nott was one of the most distinguished of American educators, and is spoken of as "one of the historical monuments of this coun try." In 1811 he was the moderator of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church. He published Counsels to Young Men on the Formation of Character and the Principles which lead to Success and Happiness in Life; Lectures on Temperance, presenting a con vincing argument for the disuse of intoxicating liquors. He published also several baccalaureate and other sermons and addresses. His must remarkable discourse was on
the occasion of the fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr. The sermon made a profound impression upon the public mind, and gave him wide fame as a pulpit orator. Dr. Nott had great mechanical talent, and in the "Digest of Patents" are found 30 in his name granted for the application of beat to steam-engines, the economical use of fuel, etc. Dr. Crook, of the Methodist, says of him: "Perhaps no American educator, no American preacher, who has seen the dawning of 1865, has had so unique a history—few, probably, so effective a career. Intellectually, he was a remarkable man—many-sided, and superior on most sides. His mechanical genius is well-known, and one of the most famous iron manufactories (the ' Novelty Works') originated in one of his inventions, which, by its economical peculiarities, was first known as a 'novelty.' Ile was a great financier, and enriched himself and Union college by his masterly skill and enterprise." Dr. Nott was not only an able theologian, but probably the most finished pulpit orator in the country. "Strong, serene, dignified, beautiful in language, clear in thought." "His most striking characteristic as a preacher was his perfect glace of manner, toned by a perfect gracious ness of religious feeling." His memory was extraordinary, contributing greatly to his eloquence, as he was able to go at once from the writing of his discourse to the pulpit without his manuscript, and deliver it without any effort at recollection. He had indom itable ,force of character, and his mental power was controlled by Christian principles