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memory of one with whose name he will probably be familiar.
Warren Colburn, the Arithmetician, died in 1833, at the age of forty.
Simple in manners, guileless in heart, educated by his own genius, he has left to the world a new avenue to mathematical science.
His friends, that his memory may be honored, and his example cherished for imitation, have erected this monument.
The wide circulation of the standard treatises for schools, particularly those on Algebra and Arithmetic, produced by
Mr. Colburn, renders it unnecessary to do more than allude to them.
At the same time it is but justice to mention his great zeal in behalf of education at large.
Many important improvements in machinery are also due to his ingenuity and scientific research, the fruits of which are especially visible in the manufacturing establishments of
Lowell, where he resided, an exceedingly useful and highly respected citizen, about ten years. It is doubtless true to all practical and substantial purposes, as stated in the inscription above quoted, that
Mr. Colburn was “educated by his genius.”
It may be proper to add, however, that he was graduated at Harvard College in 1820.
His private character was most exemplary.
A writer, about the time of his decease, remarked of him justly, that “his study through life seemed to be to do good.”
On Locust Avenue a handsome sarcophagus shows the familiar and ancient name of “
Cheever.”
The inscription reads thus:--
Bartholomew Cheever was born in Canterbury, County of Kent, England, in 1607; came to America 1637; died in 1693, aged 86.
