Dr. James Neiemith

Dr. James Naismith, who 48 years ago gave the game of basket-
ball to the world, wrote a book in 1918 that had the title of "The
Basis of Clean Living". Those five words characterized the life
of the 78-year old professor emeritus of physical education at the
University of Kansas, who retired from active teaching duty in 1937
after 40 years of “building character in the hearts of young men"
at Kelle

Drs Naismith, who at the ons of eight was left an orphan, was
born in Altmonte, Canada, on Nov. 6, 1861. After making his home
with an uncle, he went to MeGill University in Montreal, Canada, and
graduated with an A.B. degrée in 1887. This was the first of his -
three degrees. In 1890 he graduated from Presbyterian College, in
1891 he received his master of physical education degree from Y.M.C.A,
College in Springfield, Mass., ami in 1898 he earned his doctor of

medicine degree from Colorado University.

Dr. Naismith married Miss Maude E. Sherman of Springfield, Wass.,
in 1894. Three daughters and two sons, @ll of whom live in the
middlewestern area of the U. S., were born to the marriage. Mrs.
Neismith died in March, 1937.

‘Dr. Naismith, also prepared for the ministry, but never, as he
said, preached @ sermon in his life. At least, not directly. His
seenen of clean living was delivered indirectly through teaching
young men to love clean athletics. Neigher did Dr. Naismith practice
medicine, although he was a member of the Kansas Medical Association.

 

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