The first teacher named to the McMillen Chair in Chemistry was Lewis Addison Youtz. He was born in Canton, OH, in 1864 and earned his Bachelor of Philosophy from Simpson College in Indianola, IA, in 1890. After further studies there, carried on while teaching science in Des Moines High School, he received the Master's degree in Philosophy in 1893. He served as an associate professor of science at Simpson College from 1893 to 1899, and then took a professorship of science at Wesley (Montana) University which he resigned in 1900. In 1902 he was awarded a Master's of Science degree from his alma mater and was also named a Doctor of Philosophy by Columbia University. Youtz arrived at Lawrence in 1902 and began a 32-year tenure. He became the McMillen professor in 1903. In 1934, he retired to become professor emeritus of the Institute of Paper Chemistry until 1939, and served as research professor there from 1939 to 1941. He died in November 1947.
The Encyclopedia of Biography published by the American Historical Company in 1950 suggests that this brief biography can't indicate "the importance of that work, especially at a time when little progress had been made by the schools of higher education in the furnishing of adequate courses in technical institutions in the sciences as they affected industry. Professor Youtz had to pioneer in his field, compelled to formulate and carry out new curricula and advanced education. He bore his responsibilities well and greatly furthered the services Lawrence College rendered to its undergraduates."
"He brought to his distinguished career exceptional preparations. His earned degrees were comprehensive; his honorary degrees including that of Doctor of Science, awarded by Lawrence College in June 1947, were a richly deserved recognition of his attainments. As a student he was named a Phi Beta Kappa, and he belonged also to the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He was the author of Laboratory Outline of General Organic Chemistry, published so long ago as 1902, and contributed many papers and articles to scientific publications and organizations. Among his own memberships were those in the American Chemical Society, the Wisconsin Academy of Science, the London Chemical Society, and the Society of Chemical Industry. He worshipped in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for forty-five years served on the official board of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Appleton. Travel was his favorite diversion and he was familiar through books and experience with the far comers of the earth."
The Encyclopedia further notes that Youtz' contributions to science and education "had been of major character, his quiet leadership in the development of an important college had ever been progressive; his association with colleagues and students had been of the finest. In the hearts and lives of the hundreds who came within the touch of his example and influence his memory will long abide as a vital presence and a potent force for good." This was not just blather. In 1911 and 1912, Youtz received a loving cup for the favorite teacher from the students majoring in Chemistry, and in 1934, the Youtz Scholarship was created from donations by former students of the veteran professor at the time of his retirement. When the announcement of the scholarship was made, Youtz was also presented with a portfolio containing letters from hundreds of his former students expressing their appreciation and best wishes.
Youtz' professional publications included two pieces in the School of Mines Quarterly, Vol. XXIV, 1903, "A Study of the Quantitative Determination of Antimony, Parts I and II" and "Purity and Volatility of Precipitated Antimony Sulphide" in The Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. XXX, June 1908.
Youtz' annual report to the Lawrence College president for 1924-25 notes
that there were two sections of General Chemistry, with 91 students first
term,
77 students second term, and 68 students third term. Qualitative Analysis
enrolled 24 students first term, 24 students second term, and 22 students
third term.
Quantitative Analysis enrolled 11 students each term, and Organic Chemistry
mustered 10 students first term, and seven students for second and third
term. Youtz remarked that "no new courses have been offered this year, as there
is not time nor laboratory space for additional courses. Miss Westerman, who
is instructor this year, has full charge of the course in Organic Chemistry,
and the laboratory work of General Chemistry. Her work has been very satisfactory,
but she is intending to take up graduate work the coming year, and will not
remain with us. I am hoping that the time may not be far distant when added
space for chemistry will be available."