The Men of Lafayette, 1826-1893
Lafayette College, Its History, Its Men, Their Record
Selden J. Coffin 1891
Easton
Hon. Washington McCartney, LL. D., was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of August,
1812, and died July 15th, 1856. He graduated with the highest honors, at Jefferson College, in 1834, and was the next year appointed
Professor of Mathematics in Lafayette College. In 1836 he accepted the
Professorship of Mathematics and Modern Languages in Jefferson College, but soon returned
to Easton and resumed his position at Lafayette, August 15th, 1837. With some
intervals he held his position in the Faculty till 1853, (from 1849 to 1853 as Professor of
Mental and Moral Philosophy,) during which time he published his celebrated work
upon " Differential Calculus," which for many years was the text-book on that
subject used in our best colleges. He was also the author of " The Origin and Progress
of the United States," (1846). The honorary degree of LL. D., was conferred upon
him by Marshall College in 1852. He was admitted to the bar of Northampton
County, Pa., January 18th, 1838, and was elected President Judge of the Third
Judicial District in 1851, and held the Judgeship until his death. The brief inscription
upon his monument in the Easton Cemetery--" SCHOLAR, JURIST,
CHRISTIAN"- well describes this remarkable man.
