Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1893. p. 750. DAVID TORBET, A. M. Professor of Mathematics and English in the Albany Collegiate Institute, Albany, Oregon, was born in Shreve, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1844. His father, Robert A. Torbet, was a native of Pennsylvania, but was married in Ohio in 1843, to Keziah Scott, of Holmes county, Ohio. They began married life in a little log cabin, the one room below serving for living purposes, and the attic being used for the storage of wheat, corn and family supplies. Robert A. began teaching school when he was eighteen, and continued that occupation thirty years. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits which he has followed up to the present time, and both he and his wife are now living in Holmes county, on land that was improved by his father. Mr. and Mrs. Torbet had ten children, eight of whom survive, David being the first born. The subject of our sketch received his education at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, graduating with the degree of A. B. in 1872. His education was procured by personal effort. The first money he earned was at farm work, at $10 per month, and for his first teaching he received 75 cents per day. After a term of army service, young Torbet resumed teaching, saving his money for his higher education. When he began his studies at Berea, his father took him and his sister to that place, a distance of fifty-seven miles, the sister remaining to take care of their modest quarters, cook wash, and to pursue her studies, David paying for their tuition, fuel, books, rent, etc. The Professor still has in his possession a small wood saw, which he purchased that first year, with which he sawed forty-four cords of wood for exercise and profit, at the same time carrying his studies in Greek, Latin, Algebra and Geometry. During his course of six years he never received a grade less than 100 in mathematics. After he had been in college three months he took charge of an Algebra class, the pay for the same more than paying tuition of himself and sister. During the second year he taught both arithmetic and algebra. The third year he was principal of the public schools of Berea. All this time he was keeping op his studies and passing his examinations. Thus, by labor and study, he continued his course, assisted in the education of his brothers and sisters, and graduated with honor. As an educator, Professor Torbet ranks with the foremost of the country. After completing his collegiate course he was employed for a time as principal and Superintendent of Public Schools at West Salem, Wayne county, Ohio, after which he was principal of the Burbank Academy, Professor of Natural Science in Baldwin University, and Superintendent of Public Schools at Londonville, Ohio. He then purchased an interest in the Norwood High School, in Nelson county, Virginia, in which school he taught six years, making many friends, and learning much of Southern life. In July, 1888, Professor Torbet came by invitation to the Dalles, as assistant principal of the Wasco Independent Academy and Normal School, and in 1889 filled the office of principal. In 1890 he moved to Lebanon, where he served as principal of the Santiam Academy. In April, 1891, he accepted the call of President Condit, of the Albany Collegiate Institute to the Professorship of Mathematics and English in that institution. During his experience in teaching he has never been unemployed, the vacant chair having always been the seeker for his professional service. Professor Torbet was married in Liverpool, Medina county, Ohio, in 1871, to Miss Olive A. Warner, a graduate of Baldwin University, who has devoted many years to teaching, assisting her husband in his several appointments. They have had seven children, namely: Dora E., Phebe K., Ellen E., Joseph E., Vida 0., Robert N. and Hiram W. All. are living except Dora E. The Professor is an Ancient Odd Fellow and a very active Church worker. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.