THWING, CHARLES FRANKLIN (9 Nov. 1853-29 Aug. 1937), author, educator, and clergyman, was born in New Sharon, Maine, to Joseph Perkins and Hanna Morse Hopkins Thwing, graduated from Harvard College (1876) and Andover Theological Seminary (1879), was ordained in 1879, and served as Congregationalist pastor of churches in Mass. (1879-86) and Minn. (1886-90) before becoming president of Adelbert College and Western Reserve University (See: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY), inaugurated in 1891. During Thwing's 31-year administration, the schools of Library Science (1904), Applied Social Sciences (1916), Law, Dentistry, Pharmacy (1919), Education, the Graduate School (1892), and the Dept. of Religious Education became part of WRU; over 26 new buildings were erected; and instructors increased from 37 to 415. Thwing received many honorary degrees as well as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Medal for Distinguished Public Service (1925). He was a life senator of United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa (national president 1922-28); and a trustee of CLEVELAND CLINIC, HIRAM HOUSE, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (1905-21). Thwing resigned in 1921, becoming president emeritus. He published over 400 articles and 50 books. Thwing married Carrie F. Butler in 1879 and had 3 children: Mary Butler (Mrs. Jas. M.) Shallenberger; Francis Wendell Butler-Thwing; and Apphia (Mrs. Roy K.) Hack. Carrie died in 1898. In 1906 Thwing married Mary Gardiner Dunning, who became the first president of the WOMEN'S CITY CLUB and a founder of the School of Nursing. Thwing died in Cleveland and was buried in LAKE VIEW CEMETERY.
Cramer, Clarence H. Case Western Reserve (1976).