Alpheus Spring Packard papers

Alpheus Spring Packard (1798-1884) received an A.B., an A.M. and a D.D. from Bowdoin College, in 1816, 1819 and 1860, respectively. After graduating, Packard taught at Gorham Academy, was principal at Hallowell Academy, and taught in Wiscasset and Bucksport before returning to the College in 1819 to tutor. Packard was to spend the rest of his life Bowdoin College. He was professor of languages and classical literature (1824-1842), professor of rhetoric and oratory (1842-1845), professor of ancient languages and classical literature (1845-1865), and Collins Professor of Natural and Revealed Religion (1864-1884). He served as librarian from 1869 to 1881. He also served as acting president of the College from 1883 to 1884, between the Chamberlain and Hyde administrations. In 1839, Packard published his edition of Memorabilia Xenophontis. He also edited the works of Jesse Appleton in two volumes. He contributed to the North American Review and to the Bibliotheca Sacra. In 1882, Nehemiah Cleaveland's History of Bowdoin College was published; Packard edited and completed the work after Cleaveland's death in 1877. Packard was a member of the Maine Historical Society and an Honorary Member of the New York and Royal (England) Historical Societies. Packard married Frances E. Appleton, the second daughter of Bowdoin president Jesse Appleton, in 1827. The couple had five children: Charles, William, Alpheus, George, and Frances. Packard's first wife died in 1839, and in 1844 he married Mrs. C. W. McLellan of Portland. The couple had one child, Robert. Alpheus Spring Packard died in 1884.