Georgia Genealogy Trails "Where your Journey Begins"

Barrow County, GA
Biographies

David C. Barrow Jr.

Probably no man ever held office in Georgia with more modesty and worth than Chancellor Barrow of the University. For twenty years he had been quietly and forcefully concerned in the building up of a great university spirit, which brought to him the admiration and affection of those who knew of his high character and splendid success. Out of the comparative inconspicuousness of a subordinate position, he moved into the light of popular attention with the same gentle manner that he always had, and the public at once recognized the many qualifications he possesses for the high office he now holds.

For over twenty years Dr. Barrow has been connected with the University. He began his work there as instructor of mathematics, a science for which he had a great affection and in which he was remarkably proficient. The students are fond of saying that there never was a problem that was beyond his power of solution. In 1883 he was elected professor of civil engineering, a department for which he was peculiarly fitted, having taken a degree as civil engineer and bachelor of science when he graduated, and having served two years on the geological survey of Georgia.

As he taught his classes, he continued his studies, as only a devotee of signs and symbols can, so that when, in 1889, he was raised to the head of the department of mathematics, and undertook the management of that important and difficult science, he came to it fully equipped in mind, scholarship and temperament to be the great head of a great department.

During all the time he was teaching, he was winning the devoted regard of the student body by his generous manners. his quiet and patient instruction, his close adherence to his business and his perfect justice and fairness in dealing with the students. It is so easy for a body of young students to become prejudiced against a teacher, to accuse him of partiality, of weakness. No such accusations were ever made against Dr. Barrow. It is so difficult to secure the real affection of a student body until every member feels a personal attachment to, and a sense of personal pride in a teacher. This affection and pride every student felt for Dr. Barrow.

In 1898, Dr. Barrow became Dean of Franklin College, a position next in rank to that of Chancellor. At the same time Dr. Walter B. Hill had been called from the ranks of the law and made the Chancellor of the University. The two men were very like, in gravity of deportment and a certain judicial temperament that forbade any errors in administration as the result of hasty judgment or ill tempered policies. The Chancellor and the Dean worked in perfect sympathy until 1906, when Dr. Hill died, mourned and missed by the State and the profession. He had been a great and gentle spirit that had blessed the University with powerful friends and had caused the origin and nurture of noble plans for the extension of the University.

Upon the death of Dr. Hill there were grave apprehensions as to who was able to carry out his plans. There was a demand on the part of the profession that an educator be raised to the high office. There was an equally insistent demand on the part of the people that he be statesmanlike, scholarly and wise. Judgment did not mature quickly nor did opinion center on one man. No man spoke of himself. There were no applicants. At length, by general consent, it was agreed that Dr. Barrow was the man for the place. Dr. Barrow shrank from the task and urged, with earnestness and conscientiousness that another, a great and wealthy friend of the University, be accepted. This friend declined to have his name considered. From that time, there was no hesitancy on the part of the trustees, and Dr. Barrow came to the Chancellorship of the University.

Let us look at the man. He was fifty-six years of age, having been born October 18, 1852. His birthplace was at Avenal, in Oglethorpe county, Ga. His parents were David Crenshaw Harrow and Sara Eliza (Pope) Barrow. His brother was Pope Barrow, thirteen years older than David, who became a leading lawyer of Savannah and afterwards a United States Senator from Georgia. His early life was spent as that of most boys, working hard and getting an education and growing up sturdy and vigorous under the influence of our Middle Georgia civilization. He had graduated from the University in 187 I.

In appearance the new Chancellor was grave of countenance, with a kind and serene expression, and a bright eye that beamed with good humor. His forehead was expansive, showing a noble head, but thinly covered with brown hair. His beard was short and but ill concealed the fine-set mouth indicative of will power and persistence. His figure was not tall, but was well set and had the pose of a student. His whole attitude breathed gentleness and good nature, but spoke of wisdom and justice as well. To the student body he was affectionately known as "Uncle Dave." To the citizens of Athens, the seat of the University, he was known as the public-spirited man, who had served for eight years on their City Council, seven of which he devoted to the chairmanship of the committee on streets. He was also known as a practical farmer, having considerable interests in agriculture. Thus he was a well rounded, capable man, beloved by the students, admired by the profession, and commended by his neighbors.

With characteristic demonstration, the students applauded the choice of the trustees. Cannon boomed, cheers rent the air, the new Chancellor made a speech calling upon "his boys" to build up a greater University, after which he was drawn through the city in a decorated carriage. The State at large was satisfied with the choice and the large body of teachers showed their approval by making him president of the Georgia Educational Association.

In his wise and conservative counsels the University is safe from professional vagary, in his integrity the students will place the utmost confidence, and in his progressive policies the University is sure to fulfill the prophecy of its founder and embosom a thousand of the youth of Georgia.

In February, 1879, Chancellor Barrow was married to Miss Fannie Ingle Childs, daughter of Asaph King and Susan Baker (Ingle) Childs. Of this marriage there are four children: Mrs. Susan Barrow Crowe, Benjamin H., Eleanor P., and David Francis Barrow.

LAWTON B. EVANS.

Men of Mark in Georgia Volume 5 1912