Dr. Isaac Crook.
Among the prominent ministers of the Methodist Church, Dr. Isaac Crook, now of Ironton, Ohio, has for many years maintained a high standing, not only as a pulpit orator, but as a teacher, lecturer, and writer. Dr. Crook was born near Crossenville, in Jackson township. His early life was spent in the usual manner of country boys. He taught school in the county and subsequently graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1860 he mar- ried Miss Emma Wilson of that city. He served as pastor in many leading churches in Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Kentucky. In the capacity of teacher he has been President of the University of the Pacific, College Park, California, Chancellor of the Nebraska Wesleyan University, and in 1896 was elected President of the Ohio University, at Athens. Since 1898 he has served as Pastor in Ironton. As an author he has produced some very valuable and readable literature. His biographical sketches are especially interesting. His delineation of charac- ter shows him to be a deep thinker. Three of his sketches are particularly excellent---the ones on Bishop Edward Thompson, Judge Joshua McLean and Wil- liam Henry Harrison. Besides these he has written many valuable articles on pedagogy and has been a contributor to magazines of both a religious and a secu- lar nature. As a platform speaker, Dr. Crook holds no med- iocre position. He is a clear, logical and earnest speaker. He always has something to bring to his audiences and his lectures are well received.188