Lincoln Memorial University: A Legacy Forged by Notable Alumni
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), nestled in Harrogate and Knoxville, Tennessee, boasts a rich history and a commitment to serving the Appalachian region. Founded in 1897 as a living memorial to President Abraham Lincoln, LMU has fostered a diverse community of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article explores some of the university's most notable alumni, highlighting their achievements and the lasting impact they have had on their communities and beyond.
A Foundation Rooted in History
The story of Lincoln Memorial University begins with a conversation between President Abraham Lincoln and Union General Oliver Otis Howard during the Civil War. Lincoln expressed his concern for the loyal, yet often overlooked, people of East Tennessee. This conversation served as the inspiration for the establishment of LMU.
In 1892, entrepreneur Alexander Arthur purchased property in Harrogate with ambitious plans to build a grand resort, including a 700-room hotel and a sanitarium. However, the project was abandoned shortly after its inception. In 1897, General Howard, Rev. Arthur A. Myers, and others chartered Lincoln Memorial University after acquiring Arthur's property.
Over the years, LMU has experienced significant milestones, including the graduation of its first student, George W. Morton, in 1906. In 1917, Grant-Lee Hall was constructed on the foundation of the former sanitarium, becoming the oldest building on campus and a symbol of post-Civil War unity.
Literary Luminaries
LMU has a distinguished literary history, producing renowned authors who have captured the essence of Appalachian life.
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James Still: Known for his novel River of Earth and The Wolfpen Poems, Still received a special award from the Academy of Arts and Letters and two Guggenheim Fellowships. His book of verse, Hound on the Mountain, received high critical acclaim.
Jesse Stuart: A prolific poet and novelist, Stuart achieved national and international recognition. His notable works include Man with a Bull-Tongue Plow, The Thread That Runs So True, and Taps for Private Tussie.
Don West: A minister, teacher, and labor organizer, West used his poetry to advocate for pride, civil rights, and Appalachia. His first book, Clods of Southern Earth, became a bestseller.
George Scarbrough: A poet, Scarbrough published verse in the Sewanee Review and other literary magazines. His books include Tellico Blue, The Course Is Upward, Summer So-Called, and New and Selected Poems.
Harry Kroll: In the late 1920s, while a professor at LMU, Harry began his career as a successful novelist, Kroll’s principal works include: Mountainy singer, Cabin in the cotton, I was a sharecropper (his autobiography), Keepers of the house, The Usurper, Rider on the bronze horse, among many others.
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Emma Bell Miles: Author and painter, served as Artist-in-Residence at the university.
Silas House: Bestselling novelist (Clay's Quilt, The Coal Tattoo) who took over the Artist-in-Residence position in 2005. He started the Mountain Heritage Literary Festival that same year.
These authors, among others, have contributed to LMU's legacy as a center for Appalachian literature.
Leaders in Education and Academia
LMU has produced numerous educators and academics who have made significant contributions to their fields.
Robert Kincaid: As a student, alumnus, and LMU President, Kincaid demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the university. He wrote over 20 books, including Wilderness Road, which remains in print today.
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Earl Hobson Smith: A playwright and educator, Smith taught at LMU for 44 years, influencing the lives of countless students. His plays include Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The Stephen Foster Story, and The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.
Joseph E. Suppiger: Served as chair of the Humanities Division of LMU and editor in chief of the Lincoln Herald.
Will A. McCall: After receiving his AA degree form Cumberland College he earned his BA at LMU. McCall went on to receive an MA, PhD, and an honorary literary degree form Columbia University. He became a member of the Columbia Teachers College faculty at 24 and remained there for 41 years.
McClelland: Served as president of LMU form 1932 until 1947. In 1940 Dr. McClelland wrote a noteworthy history of th LMU called Fifty years of service.
Sidney Rice: Was chairman of the Department of Physical Education here at LMU, as well as at Centenary College and East Tennessee State University.
Dennis Nordin: Has authored 5 books in the history discipline: Rich harvest: a history of the Grange, 1867- 1900; A Revisionist interpretation of the patrons of husbandry, 1867-1900; Historian; A preliminary list of references for the history of the Granger movement; Graduate studies in American agricultural history, Agricultural history, and Frank Burkett.
James Bellamy received an MA from the University of Tennessee and went on to become assistant principal and them principal of Farragut high school. He wrote The political career of Landon Carter Hayes.
Mrs. Johnson received her AB in English in 1934 from LMU, where she began her career in the literary field. She devoted her life to teaching English in the Wilkes County Schools System. She wrote an autobiography, My Place in the Sun, and a biography titled Dearly Beloved.
These individuals have dedicated their lives to education, shaping the minds of future generations and contributing to the intellectual landscape.
Public Servants and Community Leaders
LMU alumni have also distinguished themselves in public service and community leadership.
John Wesley Hill: A clergyman, author, and speaker, Hill actively promoted and raised funds for LMU for two decades, contributing significantly to the university's growth.
Edgar Holt: Claiborne County Historian, Holt served in the Air Force during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He authored several histories, including History of Claiborne County and Party Politics in Ohio.
John Rice Irwin: An educator, musician, historian, and writer, Irwin is the founder of the Museum of Appalachia, a renowned institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Appalachian region.
Lena Enslow: Published her book, Schoolhouse in the foothills in 1935 under the pen name of Ella Enslow. She worked out of New York for the Save the Children Federation and went on lecture tours for the National Lecture Bureau.
Bonnie Page: Graduated with an BA in history in 1940; she went on to teach in the Anderson County schools for 32 years.
These alumni have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities and preserving the rich heritage of the Appalachian region.
Accomplished Writers and Historians
LMU's alumni have made significant contributions to the world of literature and historical scholarship.
Ross Carter: Author of Those Devils in Baggy Pants, a moving account of his experiences as a paratrooper during WWII.
Nola Comer: Author of Cumberland Gap as I Remember It, which recounts her impressions and experiences growing up in the area.
Lawrence Edwards: Author of numerous books about Claiborne County, Tennessee, including Speedwell Sketches and Gravel in My Shoe.
Winnie Palmer McDonald: Co-author of Our Union County Heritage, a comprehensive history of Union County, Tennessee.
Gladys Trentham Russel: Author of Call Me Hillbilly, a book that has achieved widespread popularity.
William McHenry: The author of a widely used book, The Apprentice’s Job in painting and decorating. He also wrote a historical drama, Oh, Shenandoah, as well as a nationally syndicated column that ran in 45 newspapers.
Aurelia Cate Dawson: Wrote Tennessee Kingsmen, an entertaining and informative book about her relatives in Dumplin Valley, Tennessee.
These writers have preserved local stories, documented historical events, and enriched the literary landscape of the region.
Athletics
The Lincoln Memorial University baseball program started in 1910. There were four former Lincoln Memorial University ballplayers who made it to the majors. Scot Shields is one of the notable baseball alumni.
- Scot Shields: Retiring from MLB, Shields said "I am very thankful to have had the privilege and opportunity to play this great game at the major league level. I retire with memories and experiences I will carry with me the rest of my life and for that I am extremely grateful."
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