Return to History Section

---

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF W.T. LARIMORE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREAT
WESTERN BUSINESS AND NORMAL COLLEGE.

Professor W.T. Larimore.

A farm near Jacksonville, Illinois, is the birthplace of W.T. Larimore, and here he first saw the light of day in August, 1863. Two years subsequently, his parents removed to Fairfield, Iowa, where he assisted in the duties of the farm, and when time and circumstances permitted, attended school. At the age of thirteen years he returned to his native state and when seventeen years of age graduated from the Jacksonville high school, and later entered upon a three-years' course in Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa, where he made the most of his opportunities, and at the age of twenty entered the Illinois Normal College, at Dixon, Illinois, where he completed the normal, business and shorthand courses. Here was where he received his first inspiration to excel as a teacher, and when he entered this field it was with a determination of leading in his profession and he has not failed in this worthy ambition.

President Larimore has won laurels as an instructor, and is now on his seventeenth year of unparalleled success. In 1885 he became associated with the Western Normal College of Shenandoah, Iowa, where, through his great zeal and energy, one of the most successful shorthand schools in the west was built up. On December 2, 1891, this popular institution was totally destroyed by fire. Although everything was disorder and confusion, Professor Larimore gathered his students together, organized classes and continued the college work in a building secured for that purpose during the ensuing three months. In the meantime he contracted with Professor F.F. Roose, business manager of the Lincoln Normal University, Lincoln, Nebraska, to take charge of the Lincoln College of Shorthand. On March 1, 1892, Professor Larimore moved his school to Lincoln. The University building was completed on September 6, when he moved his students into the elegant new quarters, where he met with the best of success. In May, 1893, the university was sold to Saylor & Givens. Professor Givens having been a shorthand teacher, negotiations soon began for the purchase of that department. The deal was consummated and the college turned over to the above named firm on the 1st of June.

But Professor Larimore was not one to remain idle for a great length of time; his record was too bright a one to admit of rest, as the hundreds of pupils who have graduated under his tutorage and are holding important positions throughout the country was a record that did not admit of his being retired more than a brief period. He accepted a position as principal of the shorthand department of the Sioux City Commercial College, of Sioux City, Iowa, but resigned at the expiration of the first year. His health having become impaired, he journeyed south to recuperate his lost vitality and while there filled the position as principal in the shorthand department of the Massey Business College, located in Jacksonville, Florida. During this time the Lincoln Normal University had become financially embarrassed and at the earnest request of the manager Professor Larimore took charge of the shorthand department and succeeded in converting it into one of the best departments of the university. It was unfortunate for all when the building was totally destroyed by fire in November, 1898. Immediately after this event Professor Larimore was secured for the shorthand and typewriting departments of the Grand Island Business College, where he labored with zeal and enthusiasm, attaining brilliant success, and making an extraordinary record as an instructor. After closing a period of three and one-half years of work in that widely-known college he accepted the presidency of the Great Western Business and Normal College of Concordia. With the gratifying success that has crowned his efforts are noticeable instances of the many obstacles he has found in his way, chief of which is a building commodious enough to accommodate the growing needs of this progressive enterprise.

In conclusion it is but a fitting tribute to say of Professor Larimore, the patience and kind interest he manifests in the present and future welfare of his students draws them very closely around him in bonds of sympathy and appreciation, He is ever ready to contribute to their advancement and business interests. Under his judicious administration the college has been wonderfully advanced, and Concordia feels a just pride in this growing institution so well calculated to promote the welfare of the rising generation; it does and should receive the fostering aid of the surrounding country. Professor Larimore has demonstrated since coming to Concordia what an energetic, live man can accomplish. By extensive advertising and his unlimited capacity for "rustling" he has attracted students from all over the state and even beyond the confines of Kansas.