William Boyd Jacobs, the son of Samuel O. and Clara 

S. Jacobs, was born at Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, 

November 1, 1827.  He fitted for college at St. Paul's 

School, College Point, Long Island, of which Rev. W.A. 

Muhlenberg, D.D., was the principal.  He joined the 

class at the beginning of sophomore year.  

After taking his degree, he engaged in farming and the 

manufacture of iron at his native place.  For the benefit 

of his classmates, he states that he is "bald headed, gray 

bearded and (irreverent boys would say) pot bellied."  

In reply to the circular, he says: "Being generally considered 

a rusty, crusty old bachelor, I am tempted to consider your 

questions as to my 'wife's maiden name, number, names, 

ages of children,' as rather impertinent, and intended to 

ruffle my amiable temper--but in vain--it can't be done.  I know how envious all you unlucky Benedicts 

will be, and can, therefore, stand your gibes at my happy state with serene indifference.  However, 

seriously, I am like Canning's knife grinder--'Story sir! Bless me, I have none to tell!' I have led a very 

quiet and uneventful life since we separated in 1846, having had my share in most of the comforts of 

life; though, like every one else, I suppose, I have had my ups and downs, too.  I had hoped to attend 

the class meeting, but a rather unexpected pressure of business detained me."  

Much to his disappointment, the same thing occurred again at the 25th anniversary.  In reference to the 

invitation to bring the wives to that meeting, he says: "My wife would be happy to accept it, but, 

unfortunately, she died of a fever induced by cutting her teeth some 35 or 40 years ago."  But, 

notwithstanding this affliction, he sent the warmest greetings to his classmates.  P.O. address, 1800 

Pine Street, Philadelphia, Penn.