In Memorium
Eugene H. Roseboom, a distinguished scholar of American presidential
elections and Ohio history, died on
September 19, 1984, near Columbus,
Ohio. He was age 92. A professor
emeritus of history at The Ohio State Uni-
versity, where he taught for 42 years,
Professor Roseboom introduced sever-
al generations of Ohio students to the
excitement and intrigue of U.S. political
campaigns and elections.
Born in 1892 in Frankfort, Ohio,
Roseboom, who was of Dutch ancestry,
attended The Ohio State University,
receiving his M.A. in 1916. During
World War I he served as a private first
class with the Army infantry in
France. He returned from Europe to
pursue doctoral studies at Harvard Uni-
versity, where he earned his history
Ph.D. in 1932.
As a scholar Professor Roseboom had many
publications, including sever-
al books with an enduring influence. He
collaborated with his long-time col-
league Francis P. Weisenburger to write
an objective A History of Ohio, first
published in 1934. For more than a half
century this volume has remained
the standard text for courses in Ohio
history. In 1956, his history colleagues
recognized Professor Roseboom's eminence
in Ohio history when they
elected him President of the Ohio
Academy of History.
Publication of his one-volume History
of Presidential Elections in 1957
brought Professor Roseboom further
distinction. This book soon became
the definitive objective survey used in
college courses. Each presidential
election year journalists and public figures
consulted it to learn the details
of past candidates, campaigns and
election results. One such reader was for-
mer President Harry Truman. In 1959 he
wrote that the Roseboom volume
should be "required reading"
for high school and college students, so that
"our youngsters would . . . find
out just exactly what makes Government
tick."
It was my privilege to work with
Professor Roseboom on the fourth edition
of his election history, published in
1979. In retirement I found him an
extraordinarily insightful observer of
national politics and a patient teacher.
He had a quiet wit and a special concern
for accuracy and balance. Like
thousands of his former students and
colleagues at Ohio State University, I
honor his attainments and mourn his
death.
Alfred E. Eckes, Commissioner
U.S. International Trade Commission
Washington, D.C.
Friends of the Society were saddened
recently by the death of Erwin C.
Zepp who served on the staff from 1933 to 1964. Mr. Zepp was
born in
Cleveland and attended The Ohio State
University, graduating in 1928 with
a degree in landscape architecture. In
national competition, he won the pres-
tigious Ryerson Prize which supported
post-graduate study in Europe. After
his return, he taught at OSU for several
years. In 1933 he joined the Ohio
Historical Society as Assistant Curator
of State Memorials, beginning a long