Edward Hitchcock’s life was a full one. He showed an early interest in science, particularly astronomy, and religion, and studied divinity at Yale College. Hithcock was headmaster of Deerfield Academy from 1815-1819,  served as pastor of a parish in Conway, Massachusetts, and then taught geology, mineralogy, and natural science at Amherst College. He served as state geologist for Massachusetts and, in 1844, became President of Amherst College. Dr. Hitchcock continued to teach theology and geology during his nine-year tenure as president.