"This volume is a memorial tribute to the late Professor
F. Earl Swisher. Born in Lyons, Kansas, July 22, 1902, he
was a member of the pioneer generation of American scholars
to study China. His early life offered no indication that
he would become involved in Chinese studies. At an early
age he moved with his family to Palisades, Colorado, where
his father owned a farm. There he completed his public education.
He was an avid reader as a student, and by the time
of his graduation had exhaustea the libraries of his teachers
and school. He entered the University of Colorado in
1920, majoring in history. Although he received an academic
scholarship, he had to work his way through the University.
In May 1924, he was graduated with. honors. Still he
was uncertain about his career. While walking across campus
to work one day shortly before graduation, he was caught in
a typical Colorado cloudburst. He found shelter in a nearby
building being used by Canton Christian College to recruit
faculty for the forthcoming year. Waiting for the rain to
stop, Swisher expressed a mild interest in a position at the
College and left his name and address. He was somewhat
surprised several weeks later to be offered a contract. By
the end of August, he had arrived in Canton to assume his
duties."
