Thomas C. Brinsmade

1802

Born June 16th in New Hartford, Connecticut

1823

Studied medicine at Yale; licensed to practice by the Connecticut State Medical Society.

1828

Married Elizabeth Walsh of Lansingburgh September 24, 1828.

1839

Received an honorary degree in medicine from Yale.

1845

After the deaths of Stephen Van Renssealer (1839) and Amos Eaton (1842), when the Rensselaer School was in dire need of funds, Brinsmade bought the entire property and equipment of the school at a sheriff's auction. He allowed faculty and students to use it until the school could repay him.

1865

Appointed Vice President of Rensselaer.

1868

Named President of Rensselaer May 7th. June 22, 1868. Brinsmade collapsed and died while making an appeal for funds at a Board of Trustees meeting.