John Bascom (May 1, 1827 – October 2, 1911) was an American professor, college president and writer.
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Life
He was born on May 1, 1827, in Genoa, New York, and was a graduate of Williams College with the class of 1849. He graduated from the Andover Theological Seminary in 1855. Aside from the degrees he received in those places, he held many other scholarly and honorary degrees. He was professor of rhetoric at Williams College from 1855 to 1874, and was president of the University of Wisconsin from 1874 to 1887. He retired in 1903 and died in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on October 2, 1911.
Authoring between 30 and 40 books over his lifetime, Bascom later claimed that their writing cost him more than they earned in sales revenue. However, his biography expressed pride at their impact on others.
He influenced future Progressive Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Senator Robert M. La Follette Sr. during the latter's studies in his youth at the University of Wisconsin.
In 1853, Bascom married Abbie Burt, who died shortly thereafter. He then wed Emma Curtiss, to whom he was married for over fifty years. Their three children, Jean, George and Florence, all graduated from the University of Wisconsin.
Legacy and honors
Bascom Hill and Bascom Hall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison are both named in his honor. Bascom House at Williams College is also named after Bascom. During World War II, the Liberty ship SS John Bascom was built in Panama City, Florida, and named in his honor.