A RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF
SYLVIA FREEMAN WALLACE MCGRATH

WHEREAS Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath, born in Montpelier, Vermont, on February 27, 1937, and departed this life on September 1, 2006, was a distinguished historian and scholar, and a long-time member of the East Texas Historical Association; and

WHEREAS Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath, graduated valedictorian of East Lansing High School in Michigan, received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, graduating first in her class, earned her M.A. from Radcliff College, and her Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath joined the history department at Stephen F. Austin University and served there with distinction for thirty-eight years, including six years as department chair, and on the basis of her scholarship and service was named Regents Professor of History at the University;

WHEREAS, Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath earned a reputation as a scholar of the history of science and environmental history, was actively researching the life and career of plant geneticist and naturalist Frieda Cobb Blanchard, and also pursued the history of women and gender in science and the history of scientific institutions; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath, had a lengthy list of publications and scholarly presentations, including a book, Charles Kenneth Leith, Scientific Adviser, two book chapters, "Scientific Foundations, Societies, and Museums" and "Unusually Close Companions: Frieda Cobb Blanchard and Frank Nelson Blanchard," the latter of which appeared in the book Creative Couples in the Sciences, and was the author of eighteen encyclopedia and biographical essays; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath was an active member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she served on the board of elders and produced the church history, and was an active member in the American Association of University Women, and a member of the History of Science Society;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the membership of the East Texas Historical Association laments the passing of this “good and faithful servant” on September 1, 2006, extends sympathy to her family and friends; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Annual Meeting and another presented as is appropriate to the family of Sylvia Freeman Wallace McGrath, that they may know of the love and esteem in which she is yet held by all.

APPROVED THIS TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2006.

Cary Wintz, Chair, Resolutions, 2005-2006

R. G. Dean, President, 2005-2006

Archie P. McDonald, Executive Director