James Champlin Fernald (August 18, 1838 – November 11, 1918)[1][2][3] was an American clergyman and author, who became an authority on the English language.
Born inPortland, Maine, Fernald graduated fromHarvard University in 1860, where he won theBowdoin Prize,[1] and fromNewton Theological Institution in 1863. Ill health prevented him from engaging in active military service in theAmerican Civil War, but became one of the leaders in the battle-field work of theMassachusetts Relief Association, which rendered service much like that of the Red Cross. His most notable work was at theBattle of Gettysburg.[1] In 1864 he was ordained to the Baptist ministry, and in the next 27 years held pastorates atRutland, Vermont,Waterville, Maine, and Granville, McConnellsville, Clyde, Galion, Springfield, and Garrettsville, Ohio.[3]
Going abroad to study, Fernald remained in Europe in 1866 and 1867, and from 1869 to 1872 he was in the government service. In 1889 he became a member of the staff ofFunk & Wagnalls, and from 1905 to 1909 was dean of the staff of the Intercontinental University,[3] inWashington, D.C.[2]
In the preparation ofThe Standard Dictionary, Fernald was editor of synonyms, antonyms, and prepositions, and he was editor-in-chief of theStudents' Standard Dictionary and other abridgments. He was editor also ofThe Classic Speller,Scientific Side-Lights and, for a time, ofThe Homiletic Review. He was an associate editor of theColumbian Cyclopedia, and editor of the revision of theConcise Standard Dictionary, in 1913; theComprehensive Dictionary, in 1914, and theHigh School Standard Dictionary, in 1915.[3]
His last work,Expressive English, was published weeks before his death. A review stated:
"Expressive English" is the apt title of a volume on the language by Dr. James C. Fernald. When it is said that the author is the editor of the Students' Standard Dictionary, it will be understood at once that he is an authority upon his subject. Indeed, he is one of the leading authorities on English in this country and has written many books and essays upon the subject. It might be supposed that a volume of this character would have a text-book dryness, but it can be said it the outset that it is interestingly written, and is sure to hold the attention of lovers of the language.[4]
He was also known for his support ofProhibition in the United States, and his book to this end,The Economics of Prohibition, was described as "well-known" and "virtually the text book of the anti-liquor movement".[1]
Other writings by Fernald included:[3]
In 1872, Fernald married Nettie Barker in Ohio, with whom he had four sons and two daughters who lived to adulthood.[1][3]
He died after a long illness at his home inMontclair, New Jersey, at the age of 80.[2][3]
