Cressman, J. Boyd (1897-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Aug 1 p. 1

Birth date: 1897

text of obituary:

Former College Instructor Killed

DR. J. BOYD CRESSMAN SERVED ON FACULTIES AT GOSHEN AND FREEMAN

Kitchener, Ontario. — Dr. J. Boyd Cressman, 60, former instructor at Goshen and Freeman colleges and a well-known Kitchener city official, met a tragic death on Friday afternoon, July 19, on his way home to Kitchener following a trip to Marion, S. D.

Due to the pressure of city business, particularly in connection with the annexation, Alderman Cressman cut his holiday short in order to be present for the next meeting of the Kitchener Council. Near Shabbona, Ill., 100 miles west of Chicago, Dr. Cressman stopped his car near a railroad crossing, got out of the car and apparently walked too close to the train. He was hit by the 17th car and almost instantly killed.

Dr. Cressman, who never married, lived with his nephew, Earl Shuh and Mrs. Shuh in Kitchener.

English Teacher, Librarian

Son of the late Menno Cressman of Kitchener, he attended Goshen College at Goshen, Ind., where he received the B. A. degree in 1921. He taught English at Goshen College in 1929-1930 and served as librarian there 1941-1949. More recently he had served on the faculty of Freeman Junior College, Freeman, S. D.

He received the Ph. D. degree from the University of Michigan in January of this year, having earlier received the master's degree and the B.A. degree in library science at the same place. He also taught English at the University.

Dr. Cressman was a member of the Stirling Ave. Mennonite Church here and was active in the Pennsylvania Folk Lore Society of Canada. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Melvin Shuh of Kitchener, six nephews and two nieces.