Joseph Emerson

and Eliza (Rockwell) Emerson, was born on May 28, 1821, at Norfolk, Connecticut, where his father was at the time pastor of the Congregational church.

Receiving the appointment of Professor of Ancient Languages in Beloit College, Wisconsin, he entered upon his duties in May 1848, after an eventful journey thither, which ended with a two days' ride in an open buggy across the prairie from Milwaukee.

One gift bore an inscription from Xenophon's Memorabilia of Socrates, "Having caused many to set their hearts upon attaining a noble manliness of life."

In June 1870, Professor Emerson went abroad, and spent over a year in travel and study in Europe, Palestine and Egypt.

He was greatly interested in the development of the Art Department of Beloit College, which was started in 1892 by the gift of Mrs. Emerson's collection.

On July 9, 1884, he married Helen Frances, daughter of Harvey and Hannah Thirstin (Thompson) Brace, of Evanston, Illinois, and formerly a teacher in Wellesley College.