Eminent 19th-century scientist, educator and minister, Edward Hitchcock (1793-1864) served Amherst College for almost forty years as a member of the faculty and as president. Hitchcock came to Amherst after serving as principal of Deerfield Academy and minister for the Congregational Church in Conway. Appointed Professor of Chemistry and Natural History in 1826, Hitchcock filled that position until 1845 when he was appointed President and Professor of Natural Theology and Geology. He served as President from 1845 until 1854. During that time, Hitchcock was responsible for Amherst's recovery from extreme financial depression. In 1854 Hitchcock retired from the presidency and became Professor of Natural History and Geology, the position which he held until his death in 1864. In addition to saving the College from financial disaster, Hitchcock is credited with providing Amherst with its reputation for scientific teaching and developing its scientific resources in support of the curriculum.

Professionally, Hitchcock was a noted figure in the development of the natural sciences during the 19th century. He was appointed State Geologist of Massachusetts in 1830, Geologist of the first district of New York in 1836, and Geologist of Vermont in 1857. While Hitchcock's most significant work was in geology, in the discipline of ornithichnology (the study of fossil footmarks), he studied botany, chemistry, mineralogy, and zoology, among other natural sciences. Hitchcock published numerous monographs, scientific studies, essays, and articles. He lectured widely and undertook significant scientific expeditions.

A deeply religious man, Hitchcock regularly gave religious lectures. He advocated temperance, and was a defender of evangelical christianity. In his professional writings and activities, Hitchcock sought to reconcile religion and science.

In 1821, Edward Hitchcock married Orra White (1796-1863). They had served together as instructors at Deerfield Academy. A scholar and artist in her own right, Orra accompanied Hitchcock on many of his scientific expeditions. She sketched in the field and illustrated many of his numerous works and lectures. After coming to Amherst Orra was active in both the College and greater town community. Together they had 8 children, two of whom were graduates of Amherst. Orra died in 1863. Both Edward and Orra White Hitchcock are buried in West Cemetery in Amherst.

Sources for chronologies:

Foose, Richard M., and John Lancaster, "Edward Hitchcock: News England Geologist, Minister, and Educator," in Northeastern Geology, vol. 3, January, 1981, pp. 13-17.

Worman, Eugene C. Jr., "The Watercolors and Prints of Orra White Hitchcock," in AB Bookman's Weekly, February 13, 1989, vol. 83, no. 7, pp. 646-668.