Cattell, William C. (William Cassiday), 1827-1898

William Cassady Cattell (1842-1898) was president of Lafayette College from 1863-1883. Cattell also taught during his years as president, serving as Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. After his retirement as president of Lafayette College, Cattell took a new post as Secretary of the Board of Ministerial Relief of the Presbyterian Church in 1884. A heart condition caused him to retire in 1896. Despite his continuing health problems, Cattell accepted a position as President of the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia until his death in 1898.

Dr. William Cassiday Cattell was born in Salem, N.J. in 1827. Following graduation from the College of New Jersey in 1848, he studied theology at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1849 to 1853. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Newton. From 1855 to 1860 he was Professor of Greek and Latin at Lafayette College. He served the Pine Street Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg, Pa. as its pastor from 1860 to 1863, at which time he was elected president of Lafayette. He held that position for the next twenty years. Dr. Cattell was Secretary of the Board of Ministerial Relief of the PCUSA in 1884, and was president of the Presbyterian Historical Society from 1890 until his death in 1898.