University of Virginia Library

CHARLES HANCOCK

Hancock Residence House bears the
name of Charles Hancock, who in eighteen
years as a member of the Engineering Faculty
to a notable degree won the esteem and
affection of both students and teachers. He
was a native of Albemarle County, born at
"Edgeworth" on 2 September 1869. His
father was a physician, Dr. Charles Hancock.
The son attended the Miller Manual
Training School, located about six miles
south of Crozet, and after his graduation
remained at that School for a time as Instructor.
He then entered the University of
Virginia, from which he received the B.S.
degree in 1904, with Phi Beta Kappa standing
and membership in the Raven Society.
The next four years afforded him his only
experience outside of Albemarle, as a Professor
of Mechanical Engineering in the
Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical
College. In 1908 he came home to the University
of Virginia, for three years as Adjunct
Professor, for four years as Associate

Professor, and for eleven years as Professor
of Mechanical Engineering.

He was an engineer's engineer, practical
rather than theoretical, a beautifully skillful
worker with his hands, rarely with his
pen. He had been largely responsible for
the excellent quality of the laboratory apparatus
at the Miller School, and he designed
the University's power plant and
central heating system. When during the
first World War the University introduced
special training for military recruits, Professor
Hancock had a considerable share
in both planning and instruction. He was
a useful member of several national associations
in his field. He served on the
Governor's Board for a Mechanical Survey
for Virginia. At the University he was
chosen for several responsible committee
posts, notably on the Faculty Committee
for Student Self-Help; and his encouragement
and counsel to students gained for
him the title of "Daddy" Hancock. He had
a tranquil mind, an even temper, and was
deliberate in speech, perhaps even to an

excess. He was direct, simple, and without
guile. His colleagues feelingly termed him
"the salt of the earth" and "a saint among
men." At his death, President Alderman
fittingly stated that "to know Professor
Hancock was to love him and to honor
him."

In 1902 he married Alice Jones of North
Carolina. There were three charming
daughters in the home, a fact which in no
way detracted from the popularity of the
Hancocks. In 1926, after a severe illness
of several months, which Professor Hancock
bore with fortitude and constant
thoughtfulness for others, he died on May
eleventh. He was buried in the University
Cemetery.